If you haven’t seen a listing for El Moro, then it’s time to buy a new guidebook; this Mexico City institution can’t be missed by those with a sweet tooth or an appreciation for un-self-conscious retro settings.
I find that the architecture, signage, and fashion of the Centro Historico act almost like an erratic time machine, leaping decades and even centuries from block to block, or even storefront to storefront. El Moro is firmly lodged in the mid-twentieth century, with cafeteria style tables, beautiful tiled walls and columns, and smartly-uniformed waitresses.
The menu inside El Moro is simple enough: churros and four different types of chocolate (hot chocolate). Although I encourage enough visits to determine your own favorite, I enjoy the chocolate frances because it is slightly less sweet than the other choices. If by chance the mild temperatures in Mexico City should creep up to the point where hot chocolate is not applealing, El Moro also offers milkshakes served in classic, soda fountain glasses, as well as your usual bottled refrescos.
Do not expect anything complicated–there are no stuffed churros here. The churros are as they should be, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Most importantly, they are fried up moments before they are brought to your table, so each batch comes out slightly different from the last. You are welcome to watch the process as the churros are being made in a large vat of oil just to your right as you walk in.
For those without a sweet tooth, during the day there are street vendors set up in front selling tacos and tortas, which, perhaps because of their partnership with El Moro, are better than your standard street fare. You are welcome to bring your tray inside as long as you or someone in your group is also purchasing something in house.
El Moro is open 24 hours, making it an excellent place to attempt to prevent a hangover. There is nothing explicitly macha about El Moro–although I’ve always felt comfortable with lesbian P.D.A. there–it’s just a place not to miss on any trip to Mexico City. A paquete of churros and chocolate will run you just under 50 pesos.
Churrería El Moro, Eje Central Lázaro Cardenas 42, Barrio Chino, (55) 5512 0896
Love the site! As a Guatemalan churroista’ I was shocked that there was no filling! Say it’s not so. Men have taken up arms for less!!! Possibility a dipping sauce a lado porfa? Is the hot chocolate enough to compensate….inquiry’s will be made! One question though, is the hot-chocolate a traditional type or mass produced, thickness? Thanks, love the pics.