Mercado José María Pino Suárez

The Mercado José María Pino Suárez bears the name of its colonia, which was, in its own turn, named for the Vice President under President Francisco A. Madero. The President and Vice-President were assassinated together in the early period of the Mexican Revolution in 1913. The market shares its official name with that of the Mercado Mixcoac. For obvious reasons, that one usually goes by its better-known moniker.

The neighborhood is one of the easternmost in Álvaro Obregón. But here, already, one will notice the area’s characteristic rugged terrain. The further south and west one goes, the wilder it gets. The market makes its homebase just across the street from the important Poniente Bus Station, (Terminal de Autobuses del Poniente). But in this landscape, it’s not that easy to see.

The fact is, for this part of the City, it’s one of the bigger markets. A 2017 UAM study counted some 200 vendors within the market proper. That number makes it a mid-sized market, but not one to be passed over lightly. Serving proper meals to working people is where it excels.

Amongst all those merchants, a good number are serving sit-down prepared meals. And it’s among the freshest and healthiest food on sale in Mexico City. (There’s a list of tips on eating at the market, here.)

The Mercado José María Pino Suárez is roughly a four-minute walk from the Observatorio Metro station. Exit from the south side of the station. A relatively frenetic area, you’ll want to leave extra time for getting lost and backtracking. The payoff is worth it. It’s a fantastic “alternative” market with next-to-zero tourists. As such, it’s a glimpse into the Mexico City life you’re after.

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.