Amidst the tide of new proposals, international chains and options that seem to multiply every day, Mr. Kelly's, located on Insurgentes almost at the corner of Sonora in the Condesa, has endured as a hidden treasure of Mexico City since its opening in 1972. This emblematic restaurant, with its vintage facade and style inspired by the American diners of the 1970s, has witnessed countless stories of generations who have chosen it as a place to share, enjoy and make memories. Mr. Kelly's not only offered burgers, milkshakes and fries with a special touch of nostalgia, but it was also a cozy family corner, where conversations intertwined with the music of its iconic jukebox and the unmistakable aroma of its fries.
Before the big chains like McDonald's came to town, Mr. Kelly's was already a pioneer in offering burgers, making it a must for families, couples and groups of friends who gathered under its warm lights, with music in the background, creating an atmosphere where the simple - a perfectly cooked burger, potatoes with a touch of pepper and a creamy milkshake - acquired a deep meaning.
Over the years, the Condesa and its surroundings were transformed. The neighborhood was filled with new gastronomic options, fashion and trends, but Mr. Kelly's remained faithful to its essence. Modernization failed to alter its nature, and its space became a sort of time capsule. Growing urban pressures, however, finally caught up with this nostalgic haven, leading to the decision to close its doors in November 2024.
The closing of Mr. Kelly's not only means the loss of a restaurant, but also the farewell of an endearing part of Mexico City's emotional landscape. Every person who has ever walked through its doors, shared a meal or simply enjoyed its ambiance, takes with them a piece of the history of this place. It is impossible not to feel that, with its departure, a part of the soul of the city and of our own memory also vanishes. Although it will soon cease to exist physically, Mr. Kelly's will remain alive in the memory of those who made it theirs, as a symbol of resistance to time and unstoppable modernization.