Tasting Colonia Juarez’s Finest

If you are watching Mexico City, looking for the next neighborhood to burst onto the food scene, then train your eyes on Colonia Juarez. In addition to its great location and beautiful architecture, Juarez is showing the first signs of its not-so-distant future as one of the city’s hippest (and most delicious) hoods. Here’s what we suggest for tasting some of its best. 

Related: Hello Guadalajara! Where to Eat in Mexico’s New Foodie Hotspot

A few well-known chefs have already staked their claim in Colonia Juarez. Eduardo Garcia of Maximo Bistrot fame, opened his French bistrot Havre 77 (pictured above) and its adjoining oyster bar to rave reviews. You can get escargot and foie gras or a gourmet set lunch with five or six delicious courses like carrot-ginger soup or oysters on the half shell. Garcia also designed the menu at De Mar a Mar, an clapboard seafood joint with classic seafood delicacies like ceviches and tirados, fish tacos, and chowders.  [pagebreak]

Amaya is the latest project of chef Jair Téllez, owner of the much-publicized Merotoro restaurant. Amaya has a menu that changes daily with gastronomic combinations like a grilled lamb and cheese sandwichs, rice with kimchi, cilantro and tasajo, or Madeleines with guava compote and lemon ice cream.

Elena Reygadas of Rosetta was ahead of the curve several years back when she opened a location of the Panadería Rosetta in the Juarez that has since been folded into their new Cafe Nin, with a more expansive breakfast and lunch menu and the same delicious Rosetta pastries. They’ve been the lucky witnesses of the neighborhood’s culinary explosion.

Even without big names to back them, other spots in Juarez are also finding their fans. Cicatriz, an all-day cafe/bar, will serve you beer with breakfast. Don’t be deterred by the eclecticism of their menu, the food is excellent – short rib sandwiches with ricotta cheese, fried chicken and pickles, roasted carrots with tahini yogurt. [pagebreak]

Comedor Milan has a mix of light fare with Mexican embellishments and dares you to find it tucked behind a retro record store on Milan street. Just down the way is Milan 44, the neighborhood’s modern market foodcourt where you can grab a fresh juice from Ojo de Agua and head upstairs to the second floor for Spanish-style tapas, Oaxacan tlayudas and local ice cream.

If you’re looking for comfort food try Trattoria Isabella for pizzas and house-made pasta – spaghetti with chile de arbol, cherry tomatoes, zucchini and shrimp or reginette with duck ragù. L.B. Dining on the Washington plaza offers Asian fusion, craft beer and a quirky New York vibe. The restaurant is hidden inside the Loose Blues hipster home interior store – get used to this kind of search, its an experience taking on trending proportions in this neighborhood.

We’re not going to be the one to spill the beans of exactly where the Hanky Panky spekeasy is located so just ask some who seems ridiculously hip and wealthy. Every Tuesday non-members can come by and check the place out for free (if you can find it). They have a list of classic and specialty cocktails (some designed by well-known Mexico City mixologists) that will impress any bon vivant. [pagebreak]

Parker and Lenox is a little easier to locate, but you will need to call ahead and make a reservation to slip into their backroom jazz house and sit for a spell in the plush and seedy darkness. Not exactly a speakeasy, but with the lowest of profiles is Xaman, has an earthy and esoteric decor and a dash of inevitable chilango chic. Each of the cocktails has a hashtag to help you craft your night: #ecstasy #audacity #nostalgia.

HOP: The Beer Experience was one of the first-comers as far as new bars in the neighborhood and they have a sweet selection of Mexico City beers and a cozy handful of tables where you can watch the game or the people passing by. If you are looking for a little sweet at the end of the day, try out the Amapola bakery – green tea croissants, lemon poppy muffins, lemon-mayo cucumber sandwiches – or the cafe on the bottom floor of the Museo del Chocolate where you buy gourmet chocolate from all over the country or drink a steaming hot cup on a rainy afternoon.