At Tacos El Metro, the kitchen is always buzzing with activity, especially when the cooks roast a whole pig, often displaying its face in the kitchen window for all to see. The pig will last a few days before a new one is cooked. No matter how you enjoy the roasted pork, it’s sure to be a standout experience. T
he restaurant’s signature taco, puerco el metro, features tender pulled pork topped with crispy chicharrón cubes, while the star torta showcases pressed leg meat complemented by a handful of tangy pickled vegetables. For a messy yet irresistible treat, the huesitos—fried rib tips tossed in your choice of salsa—are a must-try. With salsa verde, they’re absolutely crazy good.
This casual gem is the brainchild of two seasoned restaurateurs, Sergio Quijano and Mike García, both with backgrounds in fine dining. Quijano, a Mexico City native, and García, a Peruvian-American chef formerly with Julian Barsotti’s Italian food group, have brought their expertise to create a laid-back but flavorful spot. The walls are adorned with maps and signage from Mexico City’s metro system, reflecting Quijano’s roots, while the menu highlights several dishes inspired by his childhood.
You may recognize Sergio from Nonna where he worked for years. We recognized him from the Step Up Lounge where we saw him after a hard shift. The taqueria is actually next door from Step Up in the old Velvet Elvis space. Recently spotted him again on the patio and he was eager to tour us through the building.
The menu at Tacos El Metro is always evolving, with exciting additions like ceviche and breakfast tacos. While the roasted pig is a highlight, the restaurant truly excels in its commitment to the essentials. They use locally sourced, high-quality corn tortillas made from heirloom corn that’s freshly nixtamalized, instead of relying on mass-produced flour tortillas.
The crispy buñuelos are fried to order and with sugar, while the borracho beans, subtly infused with pork, are packed with flavor. And though the whole pig isn’t featured in this dish, the beans get a nostalgic twist with the inclusion of chopped hot dogs.
