Museum Restaurants in CDMX / Kato Café: A Terrace with the Best View of Madero Street
Located on the fourth floor of the Museo del Estanquillo, dedicated to Carlos Monsiváis, this spot offers drinks, desserts, and snacks.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
Carlos Monsiváis (1938-2010) always made me laugh. In his lengthy speeches and books, he wielded sarcasm and dark humor like no one else. He was a brilliant critic of Mexican society, especially of what's considered "culture" and political power. For Carlos, true "culture" was popular culture. He was also an admirable scholar. I was unaware that he was among the first intellectuals to explicitly champion the rights of the LGBT+ community.
In homage to the maestro Monsiváis, the Museo del Estanquillo was inaugurated in 2006. (Carlos himself chose that name, referring to "estanquillos," those little shops that have a bit of everything). This museum also has a bit of everything: nearly 20,000 pieces representing Mexico's political, social, and cultural life. The museum exhibits works by José Guadalupe Posada, Leopoldo Méndez (1902-1969), a graphic artist; Miguel Covarrubias (1904-1957), a caricaturist, illustrator, cultural promoter, anthropologist, museographer, and painter; Lola Álvarez Bravo (1903-1993), one of Mexico's most prominent photographers; and Francisco Toledo (a distinguished Oaxacan artist, 1940-2019). The museum occupies a 19th-century building called "Edificio la Esmeralda."
An Impressive Terrace
On the terrace of the Museo del Estanquillo, you'll find Kato Café. (I don't know if it was named after the famous assistant to the Green Hornet). The view and sounds that reach this fourth floor, overlooking Madero Street, are fabulous. The typical sights and sounds of downtown CDMX ascend to the terrace, where, seated in 1960s-style chairs, you can enjoy a coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, a soft drink, a small dessert, or snacks like bagels and ciabatta to lightly curb your hunger.
You Don't Have to Pay Museum Admission
It's vital to note that you don't need to enter the museum or pay admission to access Kato Café, although it's highly recommended to do so, and then enjoy a little dessert and the sights and sounds of the very heart of the great Tenochtitlan.
- Address: Isabel la Católica 26, Centro Histórico, CDMX.
- Hours and days of operation: Wednesday to Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Ideal for: Coffee, dessert, and/or snack.
- Payment: Cash and cards.
- Accessibility: Yes.
- Phone: -
- Reservations: No.
- Nearby public transport: Metro Allende or Zócalo.
- Pet Friendly: Yes.
- Kid-Friendly: Yes.
- Vegan options: No.
