Barbacoa "El Patrón"

Barbacoa "El Patrón" sits on Avenida Venustiano Carranza, the stretch of Toluca locals point to first when asked where to find good tacos, and specializes in barbacoa de hoyo, lamb steamed for hours in an earthen pit lined with maguey leaves. The stand, run by owner Javier Martínez, is known locally for its obispo tacos and panceta alongside the barbacoa itself, and for its unmistakable Toluca FC soccer-team decor covering the walls in red and white. Service is fast and informal, plates and tortillas served at simple counters and tables rather than a full sit-down setup, in keeping with its identity as a weekend taco stand rather than a restaurant. It operates only Friday through Sunday mornings into early afternoon, closing once the barbacoa sells out, which can happen well before the posted closing time on busy weekends.