5 Bygone restaurants in Mexico City / Part 1
These places now live on as nostalgic memories that evoke the flavor, style, and stories of their time.
Mexico City has witnessed the disappearance of restaurants that, beyond food, offered a unique experience and defined an era.
Rainforest Café
Famous for its recreation of a tropical jungle and mechanical animals, Rainforest Café disappeared from Mexico City in 2016.
Jungle sounds greeted you as you waited for a table: every so often, a furious tropical storm broke out, and while you nibbled on chicken tenders, you could glimpse a starry night, lush trees, and the humid forest atmosphere.
Renowned for its elegance, discretion, and astronomical prices.
For almost 50 years, Sir Winston Churchill’s was more than a restaurant—it was a silent witness to Mexican politics. It was a favorite meeting spot for politicians and businesspeople, where deals were sealed and state matters debated.
Sadly, it became one of many victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. After 48 years of tradition, it closed its doors in 2020. Its collection of furniture, paintings, and iconic objects was later auctioned by Morton.
Today, the space houses the offices of Editorial Raíces.
Were you one of the lucky ones who celebrated a birthday at Helen’s?
There were three locations: Plaza Satélite, Plaza Universidad, and Perisur.
Some say they invented the concept of fast-food restaurants inside shopping malls in Mexico—could be true.
Helen’s was eventually squeezed out by American fast-food chains. McDonald’s arrived in 1985, and Burger King in 1991.
A gathering spot for politicians, national and international artists, and a pioneer of French haute cuisine in Mexico City for over fifty years.
It began as a small bistro serving a fixed-course menu. Years later, its success led it to relocate to Reforma 316, a grander venue where diners could enjoy skate wing in brown butter—at that time, unheard of elsewhere in the city.
Today, you’ll find a Le Pain Quotidien in its place.
Burger Boy
Mexico’s first fast-food chain.
Inspired by American models, two Puerto Rican businessmen and one Cuban brought fast food to Mexico in 1968 with the famous Burger Boy. Four branches opened simultaneously, including one on Insurgentes Sur in San Ángel.
Burger Boy gained fame mainly for its brilliant marketing. Its menu featured prehistoric puns like the Brontoburgers: Unifante, Brontodoble, and Dinotriple.
