Where should I go for late-night tacos al pastor in Narvarte?
Around 20:00, an auto repair shop on Petén in Narvarte transforms into El Vilsito, a masterclass in tacos al pastor. This is where you come for thin, heavily seasoned pork sliced directly from the spit into a double tortilla, topped with a flick of pineapple. Order at least four gringas or tacos con todo at the sidewalk counter. It is fast, loud, and incredibly efficient, open until 03:00 most nights and 05:00 on Saturdays.
What locals actually do
While visitors crowd El Vilsito, locals know that Narvarte is the taco heartland of the city, packed with competing styles. Chilangos often skip the standing-only sidewalk scramble at El Vilsito if they want a sit-down meal, opting instead for El Faraón or Tacos Manolo nearby. But for the ultimate late-night ritual, they stand on the corner of Luz Saviñón, paper plate in hand, washing down pastor with a cold glass of horchata. Locals also know to tip the specific taquero who slices their meat directly, ensuring the next round has the perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy pork.
Order three tacos al pastor with everything and a gringa on a flour tortilla at El Vilsito around midnight, paired with a cold hibiscus water.
Practical notes
- 01The menu is divided by station; you must order your drinks, specialty gringas, and standard pastor tacos from different staff members.
- 02Expect to pay around 150 MXN to 250 MXN per person depending on your appetite, making it a very affordable midnight meal.
- 03Seating is non-existent during peak weekend hours, so prepare to eat standing up on the sidewalk alongside dozens of other patrons.
Good to know
- ✗Keep your paper slip after ordering; you need to present it to the cashier at the end to pay.
- ✗Cash is highly preferred here, so carry small bills under 200 MXN to ensure a smooth transaction.
- ✗The red salsa is deceptively hot; test a drop on your plate before pouring it over your tacos.