Sanborns Café

“Meet me at Sanborns.” This phrase, echoing through Mexican history, brings us to this iconic Sanborns Café. Sanborns isn’t just a café. It’s a Mexican institution, a blend of restaurant, department store, and a touch of nostalgia. The first Sanborns opened in 1903, founded by two Californian brothers, Walter and Frank Sanborn. They brought the American soda fountain concept to Mexico City, and it quickly blossomed into something uniquely Mexican. Today, there are nearly 200 Sanborns across the country, each a vibrant hub of activity. Sanborns is famous for its “enchiladas suizas,” Swiss enchiladas, bathed in a creamy green sauce. But beyond the food, it’s the history that truly captivates. During the Mexican Revolution, this very café, or one of its siblings, served as a meeting place for Emiliano Zapata’s troops. Imagine those revolutionary soldiers, enjoying their first restaurant meal, perhaps right where we stand now. The Sanborns logo, three owls, symbolizes Frank Sanborn and his two sons. It’s a reminder of the family legacy woven into the fabric of this place. Sanborns also holds a piece of architectural history. The House of Tiles, an 18th-century palace adorned with stunning blue and white Puebla tile, became a Sanborns location. This building, with its baroque and oriental influences, has witnessed centuries of Mexican life. It has seen private residences, businesses, and even the Zapatistas during the revolution. Sanborns’ acquisition of this historic mansion cemented its place in Mexican culture. So, as you sip your coffee or savor a plate of enchiladas, remember you’re not just in a café. You’re in a living piece of Mexican history, a place where the echoes of revolution mingle with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a place where you can truly say, “I’ve met Sanborns.”