Taqueria Los Parados

The story

Taqueria Los Parados: Michelin-Recommended Tacos in Mexico City Since 1965

A Taqueria with Roots in Roma Sur

Since 1965, Taqueria Los Parados has been a fixture in Mexico City’s Roma Sur neighborhood. The family-run taqueria, located on Avenida Monterrey, is known for its charcoal-grilled tacos—tacos al carbón—made from a recipe passed down through generations. In 2026, it earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a nod to its consistent quality and deep connection to Mexican street-food traditions.

The Tacos al Pastor and Beyond

The star is the taco al pastor, prepared with the original recipe that has defined the taqueria for over half a century. Each taco is assembled on a small corn tortilla with spit-roasted pork, a slice of pineapple, and a sprinkle of cilantro and onion. The meat is cooked over charcoal, giving it a subtle smokiness.

Beyond the pastor, the menu is a catalog of Mexican classics. The quesos fundidos—melted Oaxaca cheese served with tortillas—are a simple, satisfying staple. Huaraches, oval masa boats topped with beans, meat, and salsa, are made fresh daily. Volcanes con queso, crisp fried tortillas layered with melted cheese and your choice of toppings (try the suadero or bistec), are a local favorite. For a crunchy option, the flautas come stuffed with chicken or beef, accompanied by refried beans and homemade guacamole.

A Late-Night Institution

The taqueria’s hours tell you something about its place in the city: open from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. on weeknights, and until 5:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a spot for a quick lunch, an after-work dinner, or a late-night bite after a show. The atmosphere is no-frills and family-friendly—tables are shared, the grill is in full view, and the staff moves quickly. The name “Los Parados” (the standing ones) hints at the original walk-up style, though today there’s seating for those who want to linger over a plate of campechanos (a mixed-meat taco) and a cold agua de jamaica.

Simple, Honest Mexican Food

What makes Taqueria Los Parados stand out in a city full of taquerías is its consistency. The tortillas are warm, the salsas are punchy, and the meat is never dry. The Michelin recognition is a recent addition, but the taqueria’s reputation has been built on decades of feeding the neighborhood with unpretentious, well-made Mexican food. Whether you come for the tacos al pastor or the quesadillas de pan árabe (a hybrid of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors), the experience is the same: honest, charcoal-kissed food served without fuss.