The city’s dining scene keeps humming with fresh concepts, and this month two doors swung open that already feel like fixtures on the block. Both places landed in upscale neighborhoods, promising a mix of familiar comfort and daring twists. With only a handful of weeks on the clock, they’ve already gathered more than a thousand reviews each, giving us a glimpse of what locals are saying.
Chubbies Polanco set up shop at Lago Andrómeda 17 in the Granada district, a block that once housed a quiet office building. Its hours stretch from midday into the late night on weekdays and linger even later on weekends, catering to everything from lunch breaks to post‑work cravings. The menu sits in the $100–200 range, and the review count sits at 1,196 with a 4.8 rating, suggesting a strong start. Early diners rave about the double‑cheese smash burger topped with a tangy marmalade spread—a flavor combo that feels both familiar and surprising. Reviewers also note the speedy service and the sleek bench seating that encourages quick turns. While the crowd is still sizing up the space, the buzz around the burger’s heat level and the crisp bun texture points to a spot that could become a go‑to for friends looking for a solid, no‑frills meal.
A few streets over, Vegan Ramen Mei Del Valle opened its doors at Félix Cuevas 835 in the Del Valle Sur area. The ramen shop operates from 2 PM to 9 PM every day, inviting a late‑afternoon crowd that craves something warm after work. Its price tag mirrors Chubbies, sitting in the MX$100–200 bracket, and it already boasts 1,148 reviews with a 4.7 rating. Reviewers highlight an orange‑chicken ramen that balances sweet and sour notes, a dish that stands out in a city where meat‑heavy broth dominates. A side of ginger‑ale‑infused noodles and a lemon‑berry garnish appear in several comments, painting a picture of a bowl that is bright and layered. The space feels like a modern branch office turned eatery, with minimalist décor and a few anime posters that give it a playful edge. Though the menu is still expanding, the early feedback suggests the kitchen is hitting the right notes for vegans and curious meat‑eaters alike.
Both openings share a rapid accumulation of praise, but they also carry the uncertainty that comes with any new venture. Chubbies’ high traffic and efficient service hint at a strong operational backbone, while Vegan Ramen’s inventive plant‑based broth could carve a niche among the growing vegan crowd. If I had to pick one with the most upside, the ramen spot feels poised to shape a new conversation about vegan comfort food in the city, especially as more diners seek bold, plant‑forward flavors.
For anyone watching the CDMX food scene, these two places offer a chance to taste the future before it gets crowded. Grab a burger at Chubbies while the sun is still up, then swing by Mei Del Valle for a steaming bowl of orange‑chicken ramen as the evening cools. Early visits mean you’ll see the spaces when they’re still finding their rhythm, and you’ll get to claim the first “I was there” story for friends who love to hear about fresh finds.
