5 Mark McDiarmid - a year ago
This restaurant is family owned and has been in business for 121 years -- I've been going for 47 years. It is a favorite of many locals who consider their mole poblano to be one of the best in the city of it's invention.
It's survival for so many years is testament to it's excellence. It's very old school u0026 traditional. The ambiance is aged u0026 authentic -- if you want flashy or a place to see u0026 be seen, this is not your place.
If you want a somewhat changing menu (always ask about special of the day) of authentic traditional "old Mexico food" -- then this is your place.
The owners are from Oaxaca originally, and their house mezcal is another reason to come.
Excellent chalupas -- another Puebla tradition.
Any of their moles or pipians are very reliably excellent. In general stick with the stews u0026 sauces for the best of the menu.
If you are more adventurous, their sopa de sesos (brain soup) has been a house specialty for decades. Most of their soups are excellent.
If brief, not a hipster vegetarian destination, for cutting edge fusion food -- but a great places for friends, family, or business to linger over a great meal.
Often has live music, which can sometimes be distracting depending on your musical taste.
I hesitated to write this review, as I would hate to ruin the place -- but with the pandemic I feel I owe them a chance to a wider audience.
Speaking some Spanish is definitely helpful here, but the service is very professional u0026 will cater to you to their ability, and pointing to items on the menu will always work. When they are crowded -- during Dec for example when they have their unique Chiles en bogado -- service can be somewhat erratic, but never "bad" in my opinion. If you are in a rush, this is not the right place.
Highly recommended -- one of my favorite places in the world.
