Your spot to relax
Experience Los Especiales
Los Especiales, nestled in Mexico City’s historic center, is a beloved taqueria famed for its authentic tacos de canasta. Despite a simple menu, their offerings burst with traditional flavors, especially the chicharrón specialty. The tacos, though uniquely soft and sometimes greasy, reflect a genuine local experience that’s both affordable and satisfying. With taco prices as low as 9 pesos and generous portions, Los Especiales attracts a bustling crowd eager for quick, flavorful bites. The complimentary guacamole, salad, and carrots enhance the eating experience, balancing richer tastes. It’s a must-visit for those seeking honest, no-frills Mexican street food.
Chef’s Selections
Savor hand-crafted dishes and drinks
Tacos De Canasta "Los Especiales"
Chicharrón En Adobo
Chicharrón En Salsa Verde
Frijoles Refritos
About
Los Especiales
Nestled in the heart of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico, Los Especiales offers an authentic taco experience that captures the vibrant essence of local street food culture. This taqueria is famous for its tacos de canasta, a traditional dish known for its distinctive greasy texture and flavorful fillings like chicharrón. While the texture might challenge first-timers—often described as “goopy” or mushy—the rich, savory flavors are undeniably compelling.
One of the true highlights here is the unbeatable value: for just around 65 pesos, you get five generous tacos paired with a drink. This makes Los Especiales an inviting spot for food lovers looking for authentic yet affordable Mexican flavors in a bustling, no-frills setting. The rapid turnover keeps the food fresh and the lines moving, reinforcing its status as a local favorite.
Complementing these signature tacos are the array of free sides such as refreshing guacamole, crisp salad, and carrots that balance the deep, hearty flavors beautifully. Vegetarians are not left out, as the menu offers options that cater thoughtfully to diverse preferences, making this place welcoming for all.
In my experience, the charm of Los Especiales lies not only in its flavors but also in its lively atmosphere—where ordering requires immersing yourself in the local system and joining the communal rush. The simple menu, centered around expertly crafted tacos with carefully curated fillings, proves Mexico’s mastery in making uncomplicated food stunningly delicious.
Overall, Los Especiales is a must-visit for anyone eager to explore genuine Mexican street fare with a culinary legacy celebrated even by the Michelin guide. It’s a place where every bite tells a story of tradition, value, and unpretentious passion for tacos.
Words from Visitors
Guestbook
“ Personally, the texture of the tacos here were hard to get past. They felt very “goopy” and mushy, but the flavor was decent. They have a 4 taco minimum per order, and there was a long line when I got there. The sauces (especially guacamole) were really good and helped neutralize the weird taco texture. Considering the extremely low price, however, I’d give them a bit more leeway on the overall experience ”
“ Very nice place, where you can get Tacos for 9 Pesos. Tacos are very tasty but I‘m not sure what the fillings are. Guacamole, Salad and Carrots are for free to take and eat with your Tacos. Amazing place. ”
“ The tacos de canasta were one of the best I’ve had! It is a fast food service when ordering and you find your own table which was hard since it’s busy. But overall food was worth it and I’d go back just for it! ”
“ Amazing tacos with limited menu items (chicharron specialty!) ”
“ This is uniquely Mexico City taco joint. Very popular with the locals, rapid turnover on food, so gringos with sensitive stomachs, you’ll have no problem here. It’s very much a local experience it’s cheap and it ranks among the best taco joints in the plaza. It really was fun. You have to learn the system in order to order, but that’s kind of fun too. Vegetarians, you have options here. They have potato tacos in and refried bean tacos. If you’re sensitive to pork lard, you may taste some. I did not but my wife did and she’s got pork radar. Worth the visit. ”