Real del Monte, Hidalgo

Real del Monte is a beautiful mining town near Pachuca in the State of Hidalgo. It's one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos. Aside from the old silver mines it's also known for it's Pastes. These are similar to empanadas and are made with different kind of fillings. They're delicious. 

The moment we pulled into town I fell in love with the narrow streets and stone pathways. We parked in one of those narrow streets in front of a Panaderia called Panaderia "El Chino". The smell of fresh bread was too much to pass up and we didn't hesitate in going inside. The Panaderos were busy working the dough, letting it rise, and putting it in the oven...The oven...it was a whole in a wall and the only way to put things in and pull them out was with a super long wood spatula. I loved being there and would've stayed a little longer but there was still so much to see! We bought "conchitas" and ate them on our way into town.

One of the first places you see as you enter the town square is El Mercado or The Market. I love going inside places like these because you never know what you'll find. Like the woman below who was selling Mexican pottery. 

I want to talk about where we like to eat. The first time we went to Real del Monte our friends the Zepeda's took us to a restaurant called Restaurante Real del Monte, pretty easy to remember right? This place is good. They serve some of the best Mexican food I've had in Mexico.  
The first thing you see when you walk through the door is a woman making fresh corn tortillas. Ever since our first visit here I've ordered the boys bean tacos from this lady, they love them. We've had Enchiladas and Chilaquiles as well. One time we showed up for breakfast and there was fresh pan dulce on our table, some of us ordered Hot Chocolate or Atole to go with the bread while we waited for the main course. The restaurant is lovely and we've felt very comfortable with our family here.

Then we usually head into the plaza where you can enjoy the ambiance, watch the kids play around the turtle water fountain and maybe even get serenaded by the mariachi. (don't forget to tip them)