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Hidalgo BarbacoaRoma Norte
El Hidalguense in Mexico City is the Roma Sur weekend barbacoa pit on Campeche, the maguey-pit lamb that fills the room from Friday through Sunday morning.
OrderBarbacoa de borrego with consomé and pancita on the side.
TipOpen Friday to Sunday only, 07:00-18:00. Arrive by 09:30 Sunday or the consomé runs out before noon.
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Heirloom-corn MexicanRoma Norte
Expendio de Maiz in Mexico City is chef Jesus Salas' tiny no-reservations heirloom-corn counter in Roma Norte, the kitchen that built its name on native masa.
OrderThe daily handwritten menu; the blue-corn tlacoyo with squash blossoms.
TipTen counter seats; no reservations. Open Wed-Sun 13:00-19:00; arrive at opening with cash.
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MexicanJuarez
Casa de Tono in Mexico City is the citywide pozole and antojitos chain that opens daily and hands out free atole de arroz at the door; the Londres branch.
OrderA bowl of pozole blanco with all the garnishes; a tostada de tinga on the side.
TipOpen 24 hours at many branches; cash and card accepted. A reliable late-night pozole stop after a long Roma or Centro night.
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TaqueriaCondesa
El Pescadito in Mexico City is the Sonora-import battered-fish taqueria with multiple branches; the Condesa stand on Atlixco runs the standing-counter style.
OrderTwo tacos de pescado capeado; one taco de camaron; salsa cremosa.
TipStand-up counters; no reservations. Open 12:00-22:00 daily. Cash preferred.
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MexicanRoma Norte
Fonda Fina in Mexico City is the Roma Norte modern fonda on Medellin from chef Juan Cabrera, a daytime Mexican kitchen that updates traditional Mexico City.
OrderSopa de mariscos; whichever guisado fills the chef's plate that day; the daily mole.
TipLunch is the move; the dining room runs more festively on Saturdays. Closed Monday.
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Traditional MexicanCentro Historico
Azul Historico in Mexico City is chef Ricardo Munoz Zurita's Centro Historico courtyard kitchen at the Downtown Mexico hotel, the regional Mexican mole.
OrderMole negro from Oaxaca; cochinita pibil tacos; an agua fresca de la temporada.
TipThe open courtyard table closest to the fountain is the seat; brunch lasts till 17:00 weekends. Walk-ins land most weekdays.