Museum Restaurants in CDMX / Cafetería Franz Mayer: Located in the City's Most Mexican Museum
Nestled in the delightful central courtyard of a 16th-century building, you'll find this tranquil and bright little café.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
Franz Mayer Traumann decided to become Mexican in the early 20th century. ("Traum," by the way, means "dream" in German). Born in Mannheim, Deutschland, in 1882, he was, essentially, an extraordinarily wealthy man (he arrived in Mexico in 1905). Besides making money, Herr Franz decided to collect objects of what are called "decorative arts" (crafts, furniture, ceramics, clocks, silverware, books, and textiles). And now for the good part: Mr. Mayer (curiously, it's my maternal grandmother's surname) left a brilliant will. He donated everything he collected in his life to his adopted family: Mexico! He died in 1975, and the museum was founded in 1986.
The Hospital de los Desamparados
The building that houses the collection of such a remarkable Mexican-German is a 16th-century edifice that was once the Hospital de los Desamparados (Hospital of the Helpless). The building features a central courtyard (as was customary) that is a marvelous oasis of peace and light. The museum boasts a collection of over 11,000 objects from the 14th to the 20th century, including works by landscape artist José María Velasco and engravings by Francisco Goya y Lucientes. Here's a fascinating note: the Rogelio Casas Alatriste library (within the Franz Mayer) holds 14,000 books, among which are over one thousand editions of Don Quijote de la Mancha in 18 languages!
A Café Decorated with Trees and Light
Well, in the comforting courtyard, they've set up the Cafetería del Museo Franz Mayer (also known as "El Café del Franz" or "Cafetería del Claustro"). Here, one can rehydrate or recharge with caffeine after traversing this extraordinary and very Mexican museum (one of the best in the city, in my judgment). There's a super conventional quote that sums it all up: "...this cafeteria offers a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by vegetation, ideal for relaxing after touring the exhibitions." (The phrase falls short, of course). There are salads, pastas, and baguettes; that is, nothing truly outstanding, though of good quality. For those who aren't concerned about calories, the most appreciable item is a sinfully rich semi-bitter chocolate cake.
- What we love and you must try: Semi-bitter chocolate cake. Duck chicharrón.
- Address: Avenida Hidalgo 45, Centro Histórico, CDMX.
- Hours and days of operation: Closed Mondays. Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: Caffeine recharge.
- Payment: Cash and cards.
- Accessibility: Yes.
- Reservations: No.
- Nearby public transport: Hidalgo or Bellas Artes Station on Line 2.
- Pet Friendly: Yes.
- Kid-Friendly: Yes.
- Vegan options: Yes.
