Discover This Hidden Gem in Mexico: A Food Lover’s Paradise Beyond Oaxaca and Mexico City!

After a day exploring the cobbled streets of Querétaro, Mexico, I found peace by floating in the pool at Hotel Hércules until dusk. The hotel’s brewed pale ale, Caballo Bayo, was a refreshing treat. But soon, my stomach reminded me it was time for dinner.

I headed to the hotel’s restaurant for a plate of homemade charcuterie, local cheeses, and olives from ancient trees, all surrounding a striking marble statue of a demigod. It was a fitting scene in a vibrant city renowned for its Baroque architecture and a blossoming food scene.

Having grown up visiting Querétaro, I couldn’t wait to see how much it had changed since my last trip. This time, I flew from Seattle, landing at a newly-expanded airport that connects directly with several U.S. cities. The city welcomed me back with familiar charm, its colorful buildings shining in the sunlight.

Hotel Hércules itself is a beautiful blend of the past and present, created from an old textile factory that has stood since 1846. The twins who inherited the place transformed it layer by layer. They opened a brewery on site that now produces around 50 different beers. The hotel opened recently, boasting airy spaces carved from the factory’s structure— including a pool where cotton was once processed.

Rooms feature vintage touches designed to create a nostalgic feel, and mine overlooked a lively plaza filled with locals dancing while I settled in.

The next morning, I hopped in a taxi to the city center, passing the iconic aqueduct that has brought prosperity since the 18th century. My first stop was El Apapacho, a trendy coffee spot where I learned about the high-quality beans used and their origin. This level of detail shows how far the coffee scene in Querétaro has come.

As I strolled through Calle Venustiana Carranza, I discovered charming antique shops and a leather goods store bursting with beautiful bags. I met a local food journalist, Daniel García Padilla, for lunch at a restaurant named Techol. He shared insights about how Querétaro is becoming a culinary hotspot, shedding its former industrial image.

To delve deeper into the food transformation, I ventured to Rancho Santa Marina, an organic farm just 40 minutes away. Here, a quirky band of ducks plays a vital role by feasting on pests that could harm cattle. The farm’s restaurant, La Ordeña, served delightful farm-to-table dishes, and I savor fresh cheeses made from the farm’s produce.

Although I stayed at the nearby Hotel Tierra de Alonso, built from local materials after the pandemic hit in 2020, it provided an authentic experience. Each room welcomed me with rustic charm, offering views of vineyards that tell of the region’s agricultural richness.

I couldn’t leave without trying barbacoa, a traditional dish often prepared on weekends. I joined friends at a rustic spot called Bárbaro, where barbecued meats were skillfully prepared outdoors. The chef shared his philosophy of using pure, local ingredients to preserve the essence of the countryside.

As we gathered around a fire pit, we lifted the lid to reveal a feast bursting with flavor—a crispy slice of pork and deeply flavored black beans. Dressed in fresh accompaniments, each bite celebrated the beauty of Querétaro’s culinary revival, blending old traditions with fresh ideas.

Querétaro is not just a destination; it’s a feast for the senses, reflecting a rich history and a promising future. For those exploring Mexico, this city deserves a spot on your list.

For more detailed insights into the local food scene, check out Querétaro’s official tourism website here.

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