Breakfast
* Maque (pan de elote) @ Condesa
* Freims is good for lunch or breakfast. It's a great little cafe to work from or hang at.
* Ojo de Agua - I typically go here every morning for breakfast. It's an excellent place.
* Lardo
* Niddo
* Lalo!
* Churreria El Moro[a]
* Pandaria Rosetta in Roma
Lunch or Dinner
* ⭐️ Meroma[b] (<---- you must go here!)
* Contramar[c] (get Pachugos for dessert) @condesa
* Mercado Roma[d] @ colonia Roma
* ⭐️Taverna[e][f] (must go!)
* ⭐️ Lardo[g]
* ⭐️ La Bodeguita del Medio[h]
* Rokai Ramen-Ya
* Hiyoki
* Restaurante Rosetta
* Masala y Maiz[i]
* $$$$ Quintonil (reserve way in advance) @ Polanco
* $$$$ Pujol[j] (reserve way in advance) @Polanco
* Casa de Toño (great for late night eats)
Shopping
Juarez
* Casa caballeria - local designers, super hip, expensive
Roma
* Happening Roma
* 180º shop
Drinks (and food)
* ⭐️ La Clandestina - This is hands down the best spot for mezcal and cocktails. Incredible vibe, incredible cocktails, nothing fancy other than the drinks.
* Tokyo Music Club - Incredible cocktails and amazing music
* ⭐️ GinGin (Roma) - this place is the best. We're all going to go here together, no doubt.
* Jardin Chapultepec[k]
* Limantour
* Huset
* Xaman
* Bósforo - This place is a bit further away but is the ultimate hipster mezcal bar
Ice cream
* Michoacana (all the popsicles, and any fruit ice cream)
* Roxy (plátano, cajeta, mamey, or ask what's in season)
* Helado oscuro
* El Moro (churros and hot chocolate)
Sights
Chapultepec Park
This is very easy to get to from where you're staying. I'd recommend Ubering though just to keep it simple for your parents and walking with Sal. There are bridges to get over the highway and lots of steps. There is a Starbucks directly across the street from the Anthropology museum entrance and it's a great walk through the park from there. The Starbucks is actually really great as well. Sal will definitely be in chachki heaven; lot's of small toys and facepaints and all that fun stuff.
* Castillo de Chapultepec
* Museo de antropología
* ⭐️ Audiorama[l]
Zocalo
Zocalo is like the center of Mexico City where all government happens. It's super historic and hard not to find something to do here. The center itself is a giant square with the national palace and cathedral being the main attractors. You'll find busy streets for shopping one block away with tons of restaurants all around. One of my favorites is right in the center of
* Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
* Palacio Nacional
* Palacaio de Bellas Artes (15m walk from Zocalo center)
* Palacio Postal - (5m walk from Zocalo) This is a functioning post office but the interior design is absolutely not to miss. Very beautiful
Biblioteca Vasconcelos
Awesome day plans
1. Walk from Meroma to Parque Mexico. It's maybe a 30 minute walk but you're going to find so many awesome places to pop into along the way
2. 3. Only on Sunday: Rent bikes near Polanco. Take Reforma all the way to downtown. Go to the Azul Histórico (higher end, you can park your bikes inside) or la popular (very local) for breakfast.
[a]best churros!
[b]This is my favorite restaurant in mexico city. One of the owners is from Kansas City haha but he and his wife have create a super special place for mezcal, cocktails, and fabulous food. This whole area is incredible.
[c]This is super famous in the city. Around the world actually. Get a reservation with your family and get the whole fish. I would go here with you guys as well. It's a must!
[d]Easy place to explore many different types of foods. It's basically a food court with high quality selects.
[e]Whether you're going to lunch, diner, or just a drink. Absolutely go explore this place and the alleyway next door. It's a giant art installation that serves incredible food.
[f]This is very likely the most instagramable (in a non-cringy way) restaurant in Mexico City. The spot is housed inside a giant art gallery/performance space with trees growing through it and a modern renovation that shines a spotlight on the historic nature of the building. In the alleyway is PRIM – you can likely enter it through the restaurant. It is a giant gallery and event space with artwork throughout.
[g]Incredible mediterranean spot. Absolute must!
[h]This is an absolute must!!! Cuban bands walk between rooms filled with graffiti, photos and propaganda posters. Known for their mojitos and excellent food. This place is not fancy, it's just total blissful fun. You'll love it
[i]This is supposed to be the next super hot restaurant in the city. Only seats like 8 people. Fusion of indian and mexican. Natural wine selects.
[j]I'd highly recommend this spot if you want a michelin lunch or dinner. I really enjoyed my lunch here, but as you can imagine it's multiple courses and maybe not the way you'd like to spend a free day.
[k]Awesome place to grab a beer during the day. It's basically a beer garden.
[l]This place is magic. Speakers are hidden in trees and they just play ambient music and let you lay out on the grass to relax. I can't express how amazing this spot is. GOOOOO!