Mexico City, Mexico

Similar to Maximo - there's a LOT of good food in CDMX but Lardo specifically makes the cut, a. for the best taste-per-dollar ratio, and b. their simple but fresh, must-try, 40MXN bread.

Tons of great cocktails, but Baltra's the spot with the one drink that I remember the most. It's a small bar so you'll probably be outside, but get the Sumi.

Caveat: I'm vegetarian. But I'd say Gabriel has the best (easily accessible, reasonably priced) tacos in the city. They also have great merch and these spicy tangy chips that are incredible.

CDMX is has world class food and drink, but generally lacks on craft beer. Yeccan is the one place that challenges that. If you're ever craving a few crisp lagers and hazy IPAs, this is the spot.

There is a LOT of good food in CDMX so it's hard to pick for the shortlist. But Maximo at the time had a croissant + french onion soup that I'd kill for. Worth going just for that.

SUPER nice place to get some work done. Great views, tons of floors so you can always get a booth, well located, and very affordable. Nitro cold brew on top and a ping pong table.

Best dirty chai I've ever had. Has a really nice (but narrow) back patio. Curated vinyl selection. Small number of indoor tables to get work done, but wouldn't suggest it.

INSANE escape room, probably the highest production-value in the world (at least that I've heard of). There's a "horror escape room" at this location that is nuts.

A locals' club with great music and great energy. There's a small bar in the back corner that for some reason serves INCREDIBLY good G&Ts. They really only close when the last person leaves.

Best espresso in the city. Cool atmosphere, great location, good pastries (made fresh at their other location I think). Not sure why but there's almost always a ton of cute dogs around.