Escandon Neighborhood Guide, CDMX

Escandon is a lovely neighborhood of Mexico City located just south of Condesa. However, the two feel worlds away because the latter is so chic and polished, whereas Escandon still has a local charm about it.

I’m guessing Escandon is on your radar already if you’ve found this blog via Google. I’m here to explain more about what the area is like, what to do, and (most importantly) where to eat!

What is Escandon like?

This isn’t a neighbourhood with lots of must-visit attractions like the Historic Center of Mexico City. It won’t be for every type of traveller: if you want an exciting vibe with cool bars on every corner, well, it may fall short. You’re better off staying in Roma Norte or Condesa.

However, if you want a quiet and peaceful base, Escandon may fit the bill as an ideal place to stay in CDMX. I also enjoy the local culture in this barrio. You see the locals going about their daily lives in a way that you don’t in touristy Condesa.

Where is Escandon?

escandon map — Click to open in Google Maps

Find it just south of Escandon when crossing Avenue Benjamin Franklin. There are two sections: Section I to the west (close to Patriotismo metro station) and Section II to the east (below Chilpancingo metro station).

Getting there: the brown Metro Line 9 connects both Patriotismo and Chilpancingo Metro stations. Simply buy a Metro card from any ticket office and top up. Journeys cost just 5 pesos regardless of where you’re going and whether you change lines.

If you’re visiting Section II close to Avenue Insurgentes (the road that runs all from Juarez through Roma and along the edge of Condesa, all the way to San Angel in the south of the city), take the Metrobus. This runs above ground, costing 6 pesos per journey. Pay with your Metro card.

Both modes of transport have a carriage for women and children that female travellers may feel more comfortable using.

Things to do in Escandon

Honestly, there aren’t really specific attractions, but you can still find interesting places and cool corners when you wander around. Exploring on foot is the best way to get the vibe of the neighborhood. For starting points, I suggest…

Mercado Escandón

This is the barrio’s main local market where you can buy fresh food like vegetables and meat, alongside piñatas, decorations, and other bits and pieces. If you haven’t explored any of the bigger and more famous CDMX markets yet, this is where to warm up.

Surrounding the stands are local comedors (restaurants) where you can get affordable food including ‘paquettes’ often combining a meal, juice, and coffee.

If it’s fresh produce you’re after, don’t miss the Tuesday tianguis (local street markets) on Salvador Alvarado.

market in Escandon — Bustling Tuesday markets

Adamanta climbing gym

For a fun workout, Adamanta is a climbing gym that many people I know recommend.

A day pass costs 290 pesos ($15) and you can stay as long as you like. Alternatively, for 450 pesos, you can take a learn-to-climb class for beginners.

Local food in Escandon – and the best tacos!

For authentic restaurants in Mexico City, I suggest…

Cantina Pop

Cantina Pop is a neighborhood diner popular with locals and the odd tourist or two. The dishes, including soups, meat dishes and taquitos, use upscale ingredients like rib eye, crab, and octopus.

Sweet treats include delicious fig tart and, like any self-respecting Mexican restaurant, they have a wide range of mezcals on the menu (and wines and gins).

Agua Santa Tropical

On the cusp of Escanadon and San Miguel de Chapultepec, you can find one of my favourite restaurants, Agua Santa Tropical. They serve fresh Mexican food with veggie options and great cocktails. They always seem to give me freebies, and it turns into a lively atmosphere at night.

Taquería El Paisa

A classic neighborhood taqueria serving all the classics like tripa, lengua, and birria with rich consomé (soup). One thing’s for sure, a meal at El Paisa won’t break the bank!

Tacos La Chula

When you see a taqueria’s open 24 hours, you know it might not be gourmet but it’s gunna deliver with fast, meaty tacos. If you want to skip the touristy taco joints of CDMX, come to La Chula to rub shoulders with the locals and wash down your tacos al pastor with a huge cup of sugary horchata.

Although it’s technically not in Escandon, check out El Borrego Viudo just a short walk away. This famous taqueria featured on the Netflix show, Taco Chronicles.

Cafes and coffee in Escandon

As a coffee-obsessed gal who wrote a guide to the 50+ best coffee shops in Mexico City, you can count on me to bring you the good stuff. I like…

El Ilusionista

El Ilusionista is a relaxed neighborhood coffee shop that I’ve visited MANY times. The coffee is great, and the indulgent lemon pie (pictured above) is one of my favourite desserts in the city.

For a quick healthy lunch, I also love the veggie sandwich with beet hummus, avocado, spinach, and flaked almonds.

It’s a handy place for co-working and open until late in the evening for casual eats and socializing.

Amargo cafe de autor

Amargo cafe de autor serve the best specialty coffee in Escandon, in my opinion. I have tried the flat white, matcha latte, and the V60 pour-over coffee.

It’s included in the CDMX coffee passport (pictured above) that gets you rewards with stamps. At Amargo, you get 10% off your first purchase (cash only) then 2-for-1 on methods of extraction on your second visit.

Better yet, they do incredible pizzas. I love the one with blue cheese, pear, honey, nuts, and prosciutto.

Cacao Para Todos

I found this cool cafe/shop after eating at Piel Tostada next door. Cacao Para Todos, as the name suggests, is dedicated to cacao. The knowledgeable owner explained how cacao was used by ancient people both in ceremonies and as a bitter drink.

Stop for a drink at the cafe or buy chocolate products to take home in a variety of shapes and forms. These would make a great souvenir for people back home!

A couple more honourable mentions in Escandon include Conejo Rojo for quality coffee and Apanpacho for delicious baked goods.

Brunch and lunch in Escandon

A few CDMX brunch restaurants that serve more than just coffee include…

Cafe Escandon

This is SUCH a cute cafe with beautiful clothes, jewellery, and trinkets to peruse when you’re not eating and drinking. The food is great, especially the chilaquiles. Other things on the menu include sandwiches, topped toasts, quiche, and egg dishes.

I don’t think the coffee is amazing (it’s not specialty coffee) but I can’t deny there’s a great range of drinks from teas to smoothies.

Finally, Cafe Escandon is a good place to work online with plenty of space so you don’t feel like you’re overstaying your welcome.

Cafe Piel Tostada

Piel Tostada is a cute, unassuming cafe nearby Illustionisa with tables inside and outside. As the name suggests, they serve tostadas, brunch, fresh juices, agua frescas, and coffee (although this was just ok).

Opt for classic Mexican brunch dishes like chilaquiles, or dishes you won’t have tried elsewhere like molletes made from nopales (cactus leaves). Toppings include chicken tinga, garlic & mushroom, or chilaquiles cooked with chargrilled chili peppers. I got the latter, which was delicious!

Given that my food was veggie, I can vouch for this as a good place for veggies and vegans to eat in CDMX.

Chilakiler’s Loungería

As you might expect, this bright and colorful cafe serves chilaquiles: fried tortilla chips with a choice of toppings from meat, salsa, fried, egg, nopales (cactus), mole, cheese and more.

Chilakiler’s Loungería is an affordable place for a hearty meal. Packages with chilaquiles, coffee, fruit, and juice start from 150 pesos. It may not be specialty coffee but you can’t complain at these prices!

International restaurants in Escandon

Although there are more international restaurants in Roma Norte and Condesa, there are a few good options popping up here.

OPPA 오빠

Head to OPPA for Korean cuisine with fantastic reviews that are well deserved. The bibimbap was super tasty, bringing back memories from my days travelling in South Korea.

Other dishes on the menu include fried chicken, kimchi soup, and tteokbokki. There are enough plant-based options that vegans will be happy. Wash it all down with a shot of soju!

Via Sol

This tiny restaurant surely serves the best dumplings in the city. The chef blends Chinese and Mexican flavors, resulting in ridiculously tasty dishes.

There are two types of pork dumplings: Szechuan with chili oil and spicy soy, and Yunnan with peanut, red curry, and mango. I loved both. My veggie friends had the tofu dumplings and an unusual starter with a mix of jicama and nuts with chili oil.

Via Sol serve Chinese beers, homemade lemonade, and wines from around the world. The wine and dumpling pairings sound fun. It’s a tiny restaurant with just a few tables but it’s well worth grabbing one!

Kolobok Escandón

You might be surprised to learn there’s quality Russian food in Mexico City. I visited Kolobok with a friend who was craving borscht and pierogi and, although I’m not super familiar with these foods so didn’t have much to compare to, I enjoyed my meal.

Thanks for reading!

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