Iconic CDMX taqueria for al pastor and classic Mexican plates with fast, 24-hour energy; excellent food for most, but recent inconsistency, high prices for tacos, and a serious 2026 security incident warrant caution.
El Charco de las Ranas delivers excellent tacos al pastor with house-made tortillas and fast, friendly service that make it a reliable neighborhood favorite. However, recent quality inconsistency in pozole and cheese and isolated food safety incidents prevent a higher grade. The 24-hour convenience and iconic al pastor reputation appeal to locals, but pricing sits above typical taquerias without yet achieving the consistency needed for grade A territory.
One caveat: Pricing is higher than street stands; tacos can exceed MXN 80 each