For generations, San Ángel Inn has stood as more than a restaurant--it is a living chapter of…read moreMexico's cultural heritage. Behind its historic gates, time slows. Stories unfold just as they have for decades, offering guests not just a meal, but a journey into the heart of tradition, grace, and elegance in the vibrant landscape of Mexico City. The property itself dates back to 1616, when Hernando Aragonés became the first owner of what would eventually become this storied hacienda. On June 13, 1963, San Ángel Inn officially opened its doors as a restaurant, and over sixty years later, the allure remains timeless--refined, magnetic, and proudly Mexican. We had just exited the nearby Diego y Frida Museum when the charm of San Ángel Inn pulled us in. From the street, the driveway hums with life--cars arriving and departing, people laughing, greeting each other with warm hugs and cheek kisses. It's not just a place to eat--it's a scene of joy, reunion, and reflection. I momentarily glanced at my usual apps for reviews but quickly closed them. This place didn't need validation. It had a gravitational pull, as if it knew exactly who it was. The kind of place that doesn't chase attention--it commands it. Inside, we walked through the doors and into the main garden courtyard, a lush oasis shaded by trees and dappled sunlight. A pianist plays softly in the background, sometimes replaced by a traditional trio. Tables are alive with conversation. People watch each other without staring--curious, engaged, respectful. You're seen, but not on display. The Meal: A Taste of Generational Rituals We began with quesadillas and a Caesar salad, both beautifully executed. The real star, though, was the Chicken Mole--a dish so deeply rooted in heritage, it felt like a prayer in edible form. Sweet, savory, rich, and grounded. A mole like this doesn't happen by accident--it's the product of time, care, and ancestral memory. Every subtlety is respected. Every step in the preparation honored. The kitchen doesn't cut corners. Because here, the recipe is as sacred as the space itself. At San Ángel Inn, rituals matter. They tell us where we came from and who we are. The service, the details, the pacing--everything reminds you of a simpler, more intentional time. You feel the history around you: the famous figures who've passed through--Emiliano Zapata, Robert Kennedy, and countless unnamed souls whose presence lingers in the air like incense. And in that stillness, you're reminded to toast. Toast to those who came before. Toast to those who couldn't be with you. Toast to the ones sitting right next to you. Better yet, lean over, embrace them, and let affection show. You're in Mexico, where public displays of affection aren't just accepted--they're celebrated.

My husband and I chose San Ángel Inn for our last dinner in Mexico City on our visit to the city a…read morefew weeks ago. I've always want to go because of its history and because I'd heard it is beautiful. It is beautiful. The history: San Ángel Inn is located in a former hacienda, built in 1616. From 1806-1900, the hacienda served as a country house for various owners, and it became a hotel in 1907 - that's why it's still called San Ángel Inn to this day. The structure was declared a "Colonial Monument" by the National Institute of Anthropology and History in 1937. After a brief stint as a university-affiliated building, it became a restaurant on June 13, 1963. So when you eat at San Ángel Inn, you're eating at restaurant with a storied and incredible history. The building is absolutely beautiful. We were seated at a table in the courtyard which, in December, was incredibly special: tons of nochebuenas/poinsettias, tons of holiday decor, live piano music, a fountain, and more. It's a beautiful restaurant, perfect for a special occasion meal (we saw lots of families having dinner together). It's a wonderful setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu is incredible - broad and varied with dishes from throughout Mexico. It was hard to choose what to order. We had some wine, which we enjoyed with the starters they brought (bread rolls and butter, veggies with a creamy dip). My husband started with the poblano pepper cream soup, which was to die for. I started with the Aztec Tortilla Soup, which is poured tableside and which you can customize with certain ingredients they ask you about during the tableside pour (I said yes to everything, including chicharrones). He had a small dish of shrimp with orange mole for his entree, while I ordered a traditional Mexican holiday dish they had on the menu for the Christmas season: romeritos with shrimp, nopales, and potatoes in a mole sauce. If you're looking for a traditional, beautiful, special meal in Mexico City, I highly recommend dinner at San Ángel Inn. It's a special place and a meal here is a great excuse to spend some time in the beautiful neighborhood of San Ángel.

We found this piano bar in the Juarez neighborhood set on the 2nd floor of a cute bookstore. We had…read morereservations at a bar nearby and were looking for a spot to chill at for an hour or so and ordered a rose sangria to share. We heard that we had to order food to get a drink so we got an order of guacamole to share. The sangria was light and refreshing with slices of apple, pear and cantaloupe. The piano player was playing popular broadway and musical tunes and the atmosphere was great! Loved finding this bar on a whim.

Had an evening in Mexico City and found Bukowski's on Yelp. I got there around 6:00 and not much…read morewas happening yet. Enjoyed a couple beers, a very tasty appetizer and some friendly service. Would have liked to hear some of the live music, but was pretty jet lagged and had to punch out. I would try them again.

Pata Negra is easily one of the best bars I visited in Mexico City--both for the cocktails and the…read moreatmosphere. I was captivated by the warm, eclectic ambiance--shelves stacked with old books, cozy little crannies, and fascinating antique items tucked into every corner. It felt like stepping into a hidden gem where every detail added to the charm. I ordered the As de Corazones, a gin-based cocktail with raspberry, egg white foam, and a spritz finish. It was hands-down the best cocktail I had in CDMX--beautifully balanced, slightly tart, and perfectly smooth. I also tried the Josita, which was incredibly refreshing (and deceptively strong!), making it the perfect drink to sip on while soaking in the atmosphere. Service was friendly and attentive, with bartenders who clearly know their craft. Whether you're a cocktail lover or just looking for a great spot to unwind, Pata Negra is a must-visit. (I even went back as a goodbye to CDMX on my last night)

Cool vibes the old books give the place character. We had a few beers, some shots and mixed drinks…read more The drinks were good. They had a few TVs with some sports on which is why we chose this place. Service was friendly, and quick to take your initial order but after that it was kinda hard to order a second or third drink you really had to flag them down. We came back on a second visit and they were out of some of the beers we ordered the previous visit. On the plus side the beers were ice cold. Much colder than out of the refrigerator which made it so easy to drink.

I have only fantastic things to say about Gato Calvera. My husband and I visited almost every night…read moreon a recent trip to Mexico City. It's a cool place, the staff are really helpful and friendly (even to those who don't speak a lot of Spanish..), and all of the bands we saw were a lot of fun. The nights we were there, it was ska core, oi, and some rocksteady. The bands play upstairs and there is seating downstairs, the music that was played downstairs was really good too, mostly just good ol' punk. One last note: ladies, take toilet paper with you, as there isn't always any in the bathroom

Came here to see a local band , I didn't know ot was a music venue til I knew a band was playing…read morethere. Very rock n roll punk, metal, some post punk stuff. Cool little did venur

Total over priced tourist trap, terrible food and even worse service. Enter at your own risk!!!read more

A little pricey but drink was delicious. The atmosphere is great and they have free jazz every…read morenight at 8pm - would definitely come back and enjoy the music!

Loved the service and the music! I recommend getting there early to get a good spot. The only thing…read moreI didn't like was the artwork on the walls, kinda demonic.

Good drinks and service, gets a bit crowded, and if you want dance there are three dance floors but…read moreall packed. Band was good played some classics and more modern salsa and not all Cuban salsa.

Great space to dance and there's plenty of room to lounge around with friends when taking a break…read morefrom dancing The open space to watch the live band below is a nice touch and a great use of space. Drinks are affordable. I believe they charge to get in. Nothing too crazy. Great vibes and guaranteed good times.

Not easy to find, but a lot of fun when you do!…read more One of my favorites spots, among many, in the heart of Polanco.

Jules bar is advertised as a hidden speakeasy in Polanco that is located underneath a taqueria. The…read morebar is tourist friendly and cocktails are reasonably priced. Come early as there is usually a line before entering the bar. Atmosphere: to enter into the bar, you have to go downstairs through a refrigerator. In contrast to the bright colors of the taqueria upstairs, Jules was adorned with leathered walls, studded ceilings, and skeletons as table centerpieces. While trendy, it did come off as a little cheesy. Nonetheless, decor did reflect the vibe it was going for. There was limited seating, so if you have a large party would recommend going there early if you have a big party. Later in the night, there is a DJ who plays techno/dance music tends to draw in large crowds of people. Brings in a mixed crowd. Service: Service at the beginning of the night was good, although servers were less attentive as the night got later and more people were entering the bar. Cocktails: The bar offers a good variety of drinks and cocktails--which I can see why people would want to go back to Jules again. My group of friends and I tried about 8 different cocktails and the only one I enjoyed was the Low Key. The Low Key is comparable to a whiskey soul with mezcal garnished with tamarind candy. I did not care much for the other drinks, as some of them were overly sugary.

Came here on a Sunday afternoon with a friend and we opted for the terraza because it was a…read morebeautiful warm day. Our server was nice, but unfortunately they were out of some things including food options. I tried pulque for the first time and it was alright. It kind of made me tired (??), anyways... opted for the nachos and found them to be extremely basic and underwhelming. It was actually worse than a typical sporting event nachos. The cheese was cold and the chips they use weren't good.

Great and fun vibes. Popping on a Friday evening, but it's larger than it looks on the outside,…read morewith several floors. The top floor was super fun and partially outdoors. I realized I don't really like pulque, but the flavors were definitely great.

Here's what sets the Black Horse apart from other bars in the same price demographic in la Condesa…read more The Black Horse has live original music (not cover bands) multiple nights a week. On top of that there's never a cover charge to get in. If you've spent a number of years in Mexico, like I have, it's not easy to find good live original music without paying a 200 peso cover. A good mix of foreigners and locals makeup the clientele. There are weekly promotions worth checking into as well.

It is a British pub in condesa neighbourhood, good drinks, great deals during the week. Fish and…read morechips are great!!! Perfect for having a couple of beers and hanging out with friends. You'll find music like britpop, 80s, 90s rock and alternative music.