The signature basket taco made from hand-pressed tortillas wrapped around fluffy mashed potatoes and served with house salsa. The genius is in the simplicity—warm tortillas keep potatoes at the perfect temperature. The word 'taco' here means single tortilla, but at Los Especiales you get 2-3 tacos per order. Vegetarian and affordable.
Tips from diners
Bring cash and buy a token at the entrance—give it to the taquero to indicate which tacos you want. No verbal ordering needed.
Come before 10 am or after 5 pm to avoid the lunch rush. The line gets long enough that seating is standing-room-only by noon.
Hand-pressed tortillas wrapped around well-seasoned refried beans, steamed to keep them warm and soft. The beans are the star—cooked until smooth but not gloppy. Paired with acidic salsa verde. Another vegetarian option that diners often order alongside papa tacos to compare.
Tips from diners
The beans here are better than most restaurants because they're freshly cooked daily and wrapped while hot.
Shredded beef or pork stewed in a red chile adobo until tender, then wrapped in fresh hand-pressed tortillas. The adobo (thick chile sauce) coats each piece of meat. This is the most traditional preparation in the restaurant and what many purists order. The meat quality and adobo consistency vary daily based on what was prepared that morning.
Tips from diners
Ask which meat is being used today (beef or pork). The flavor difference is subtle but real. Some days favor one over the other.
The textural contrast is the point here—crispy fried pork skin wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla. The pork crackles slightly but doesn't shatter, maintaining its tender interior. Salsa verde provides acidity to cut the richness. This preparation showcases Mexican efficiency—using all parts of the animal.
Tips from diners
This is the taco that makes you understand why basket tacos exist—soft exterior wrapping a crispy interior is the whole concept.
The classic Los Especiales meal deal. You choose five tacos from the available varieties and pair with a soft drink or juice. Fits two people comfortably or one very hungry person. Still costs around 40 pesos total—making it the best value meal in Centro Histórico.
Tips from diners
This combo is the best meal value in Mexico City. You cannot eat better for the price anywhere else in the city.
Located just half a block off the Zócalo on Av. Francisco I. Madero, Los Especiales (Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales) is famous for basket tacos—soft, warm tortillas wrapped around fillings like potato, beans, and meat that have been transported in woven baskets to keep them steaming. Lines form in the street from early morning. Recognized by Michelin as a Bib Gourmand for consistent quality and remarkable value.
Walking distance from the Zócalo. Stop here before or after visiting the cathedral and museums. It's what locals eat for breakfast or lunch in Centro.
This is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant—recognized for serving high-quality food at low prices with no pretense.
The token system is confusing at first. Buy tokens at the entrance window, then hand them to the taquero. No need to speak—just point. Much faster than verbal ordering.
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