Molino "El Pujol" — Restaurant in Mexico City

We arrived at the empty restaurant 50 minutes before closing and upon entering, we were quickly informed that the closing time was 6pm by an emotionless employee working on her laptop on the counter. Another emotionless person appeared at our table and directed us to scan the code for a menu. 5 minutes later, while we were fiddling with getting online and translating the menu, he reappeared to take our order. We were only ready for drinks. He quickly returned with our drinks and was ready again for our food order. Yes, we were being rushed. We quickly spit out our order to please him and then looked at each other wondering if there might have been something else we might have enjoyed. We definitely got the feeling that these folks, the staff, were tired and ready to go home. They were OVER IT. PLEASE GO AWAY! We close at 6:00! We gobbled down our ok food and quickly paid with 15 minutes to spare before closing time! What an unfortunate experience. Lesson learned, when you arrive at a restaurant, especially this one, and they greet you with “we close at 6:00” that means go away. On the walk home, we passed a much more affordable, casual restaurant, and one of the servers welcomed us in to eat with a beautiful smile and energy. And, I thought to myself, this woman knows how to be friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. These are things that the professionals at Molino “El Pujol” should be taught since it does not come naturally to them, or maybe they are miserable people? Food should be made with pride, care and love, and it should also be served in the same manner, or at least FAKE IT, it’s your job. The joy you give is the joy...

Another disappointment from Michelin. This is yet another restaurant that makes me question why Michelin would risk its reputation to grant a Bib Gourmand to a place where the dishes lack flavor. We ordered several items, but only one turned out to be decent: the Chilaquiles de Mole. We added Orden de Tasajo (thinly sliced beef on a stick) as a protein, but it arrived overcooked, chewy, and oversalted. That said, the mole itself was excellent.

The avocado taco, wrapped in a leaf, was another letdown. It consisted of just slices of avocado with a sauce so delicate it was almost tasteless. The predominant flavor was the leaf, which wasn’t particularly enjoyable. We ended up eating avocado and left the rest of it

The biggest disappointment was the Sope de Pulpo. While I understand that seafood can be tricky to cook perfectly, being on the Michelin list sets a higher standard, and this dish didn’t come close to meeting it. The octopus was overcooked to the point where it shouldn’t have been served.

We also tried the tamal, which was better than any tamal I’ve had before. However, as someone who isn’t typically a fan of tamales, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to change my mind. Unfortunately, this restaurant didn't convince me to it, but if you’re a fan of tamales, it might be worth a try.

A guy playing trumpet right behind us didn't add to the experience either

That said, this was our experience, and I can only hope yours will...

I have been coming to this place since early 2019 and I am never disappointed. The food is simple, vegetarian, and is centered on high quality ingredients. I am surprised by the many bad reviews but if you’re looking for typical chilango street tacos, this is not your place. Instead it’s focused on local ingredients and high level craft that goes into each dish. The hoja santa tortilla con aguacate is such a unique and beautiful dish, I love the licorice flavor of hoja santa (but it needs a Touch of spicy salsa), the agua de Jamaica is truly the best I’ve ever had. Unlike typical ones it has lots of spices in it and isn’t super sweet. The enmolada is also good and I don’t typically like mole. I also love the elote, tamal de cauliflower and the frijol. My critique is that the salsa isn’t as spicy as it used to be and they only give it with some dishes. I see lots of reviews about slow service (welcome to Mexico) and rude staff which surprises me. I’ve been going for years but don’t live in CDMX and one of the employees recognizes my me and fiancé every time we go (even though it is sometimes years apart). Anyway, if you like greasy, salty and meat heavy tacos this isn’t your place. But if you can appreciate a high quality tortilla then give this a try and be prepared to wait and enjoy the setting...