El Huequito (Original, Ayuntamiento)

The original 'little hole in the wall' that's been carving tacos al pastor on Ayuntamiento since 1959 — a founding shrine of the pastor style, where the meat comes off the trompo already sauced, no pineapple. The tiny standing-room original is the pilgrimage; the sit-down branches nearby are comfier but less magic. Open daily 9am-10pm.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is El Huequito better than other famous pastor spots?

It's one of the essential data points in the great pastor debate, alongside El Vilsito, El Tizoncito, and Los Cocuyos' suadero next door on Bolívar. Its sauced, pineapple-free style has die-hard loyalists and detractors. At sixty-plus years old, it's earned the argument.

How much do tacos cost at El Huequito?

Expect roughly 25-35 pesos per taco at the original stand — pricier than a random street cart, cheaper than the sit-down branches. An order of five tacos and a drink makes a filling meal for well under 200 pesos.

How do I get to El Huequito on Ayuntamiento?

It's at Ayuntamiento 21, about five minutes from Metro San Juan de Letrán (Line 8) or Salto del Agua. It pairs naturally with Mercado de San Juan, three blocks away — market browse first, tacos after.

What are El Huequito's hours?

The Ayuntamiento original runs daily from about 9am to 10pm. Unusually for a taquería, that means you can get pastor for breakfast. Evening is when the trompo is at its best.

What makes El Huequito's tacos al pastor different?

The style: the pork is shaved from the trompo, chopped, and dressed with their signature salsa before it hits the tortilla, and there's no pineapple on top. It's juicier and saucier than the crisp-edged pastor at places like El Vilsito. People argue about which style is 'right' — try both.

Which El Huequito location is the original?

The tiny stand at Ayuntamiento 21 in the Centro, running since 1959 — 'huequito' means 'little hole,' which is exactly what it was. There are bigger sit-down branches (including one on Bolívar), but the original standing-room stand is the experience.

What should I order besides tacos?

Honestly, keep it simple: tacos al pastor, maybe a volcán or the pastor-topped queso options at the sit-down branches, and a Mexican Coke or agua fresca. The pastor is the whole show. Ask for 'con todo' — with cilantro, onion, and their salsa.

Is there anywhere to sit at the original El Huequito?

Not really — the Ayuntamiento original is a stand where you eat on your feet on the sidewalk, plate in hand, like everyone has since 1959. If you need a table, the branch a few blocks away on Bolívar has proper seating and a fuller menu.

Nearby in Ask Mexico City

• BósforoBar0.1 km · 1 min walk
• Cantina El Tío PepeBar0.2 km · 3 min walk
• Café VillaríasCafé0.33 km · 4 min walk
• Mercado de San JuanMarket0.38 km · 5 min walk
• Alameda CentralPark0.39 km · 5 min walk