Irvings - Santa Cruz Aquiahuac

Jeff M's review of Irving's isn't really correct. It is not Irving's but we have coined the place "the smokey hallway". It is about 20 meat vendors who have mesquite grills attached to the stall, and then you sit down at the end of the hall, when there is seating and vendors sell condiments and tortillas to make up tortilla wraps of the meat and condiments. The meats are thinly sliced beef called tasajo, thinly sliced pork, marinated in adobo chilli sauce called cecina enchilada, and chorizo. The condiment vendors sell Pico gallo, an avocado sauce, radishes, charred green onions, etc. You buy your meat by weight or piece, you buy the toppings by tray. All in all it is about $4 or $5 per person. It is all delicious and probably my favourite place to eat in Oaxaca. It is full of atmosphere and smoke, and a ton of fun.

The Carne Asada "alley" is an unique experience. Located inside the 20 Novembre Mercado, it consists of 15 to 20 meat vendors, and fresh vegatable stalls. The basic idea is to stop by the vegetable stand, get your green onions, peppers, etc..... go to the meat stall of your choice and order beef, pork, or chorizo (by the kilo).... At the meat stall a woman will grill your meat and vegetables on a very hot charcoal fired grill... When finished go back to the vegetable stand, select salsas, salads, guacamole....buy some fresh tortillas from the lady walking by and ..... FEAST!!!