This is my favorite neighborhood market in the city. Sure, it may not be the most beautiful or the biggest, but the variety of merchandise and the freshness of the food is pretty much unbeatable. Also, it's very easy to get to. Worth mentioning are Meche y Rafael, a large stall specialized in selling top quality meat. They also prepare carnitas on weekends! Cremería Lupita, almost on the opposite end is another fave and always have very fresh cheese (Oaxaca, authentic Menonita and Cotija, for instance), cream and cecina. Across the aisle is Helados Palmeiro, the best ice cream in the neighborhood. Try the caramel one... it's simply delish! The flower section is colorful and great. Alas, I have to admit that two of my favorite "marchands" have closed their stalls (or sold them, more likely). Still, there's always fresh and beautiful finds.
The guys at the El Conde de Medellin Cofee shop make some of the best coffee in the area, with single origin coffees from Mexico and Latin America being my favorite... Yet their non-poser attitude seems a far cry from all the coffee joints anywhere else in the neighborhood (a very good thing, trust me!)
Let's not forget the food!
La Morenita serves ceviches and seafood year round and may well be the best place to nurse a hangover. Tacos Los Canarios has been open since 1969 at the same spot and was recently reviewed by The New York Times! Their veggie "taco tarasco" is made with a whole ancho chile grilled with cheese. If you want something on the fresh side, across the aisle you'll find Las Delicias, a juice and smoothie place where (it may not seem to you at first glance) they keep good hygiene standards. They also make fruit salads.
In need of a haberdashery? This is the place you want to head, as well!
In all, a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Don't miss it! Perhaps you, too, will be hooked on the fact that many of the merchants have chosen to take their trades very seriously and that has given the place more depth and authenticity. read more