If you already admired the legendary goalkeeper, wait until you discover the restaurant that saw him grow up and that currently offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes. It’s Tortas Don Polo, a business owned by Memo Ochoa’s family that very few people know about.
Located in the Miguel Alemán apartment complex, across from the 20 de Noviembre Hospital in Mexico City, this place was founded in 1957 by entrepreneur Leopoldo Sánchez Preciado (the soccer player’s uncle), who started out selling juices and smoothies with an investment of just $50.
Three years later, the business became one of the most famous tortilla restaurants in our city, which continues to serve up recipes as memorable as Paco’s “atajadas.”
The breaded cutlet with cheese is one of the favorite dishes, although the menu offers other traditional options such as pork shank, Cuban-style, and even grilled beef with chilaquiles. There are also other classic dishes like club sandwiches, enchiladas, breaded beef cutlet with potatoes, and a daily special. The average check per person is $250.
According to the article “Memo Ochoa’s Tortilla Shop: Where Is It, and How Much Does It Cost to Eat at Tortas Don Polo?” published by El Financiero, the Guadalajara-born goalkeeper invented the Swiss and Cuban tortas, although this is merely an urban legend.
What is certain is that it is currently one of the capital’sfavorite spots for breakfast or lunch, capturing the essence of a traditional Mexican snack bar.
Although there are several Tortas Don Polo locations, we recommend visiting the original store where Memo Ochoa himself grew up; it’s located at Félix Cuevas 86, Tlacoquemecatl del Valle, Benito Juárez. If you want to get a closer look at the goalkeeper’s history, you’ll surely rush to try them as soon as possible.
