A Little Neighborhood Love: Patagonia, Condesa

I know Patagonia has some terrible reviews. I disagree.

Would I cross Mexico City to eat here? No.

But when Noah and I lived in Condesa, we went almost every week.

It's an Argentine neighborhood restaurant on Campeche with a great outdoor terrace, lively atmosphere and very simple food. Good grilled steak, chicken, arugula salad, and empanadas. Noah particularly loved the empanadas.

It's also the kind of place where you look around and realize you're eating alongside local Mexican families, rather than being surrounded by tourists and expats. I love that.

And honestly, it was often cheaper for the two of us to sit outside, have grilled steak or chicken and a salad than cook dinner at home. After working all day at home, I liked getting out, sitting among people and having someone else cook. It’s a good place to bring the crew, wish I had brought the kids when they were in town.

And then there is the free bread and three dips, which I love.

They bring out warm bread with three little dips to get you started, including chimichurri and smoky eggplant. No charge, no fuss, just something to nibble on while you decide what to order.

And did I mention, they have very nice wine at reasonable prices by the glass. They also make their own charcuterie and sausages, which you can buy to take home. Another reason I like this place.

They go all day, from breakfast through late at night. I don't love the coffee, but I do love the lovely sidewalk patio, twinkle lights and easy going atmosphere. It's a great place to settle in, have a glass of reasonably priced wine, eat some grilled meat and watch the neighborhood go by.

Patagonia Parrilla de Campo

Campeche 345, esquina Saltillo, Condesa

Daily 8am–11:30pm

Website & menu