Inside the Experience
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Escandón II Secc, Progreso | Pizza & Café (Salón) stands as a charming, authentic pizza spot that captures both the essence of traditional Italian flavors and the warmth of a local café. Located at Astrónomos 20-Local B, this cozy establishment offers more than just pizza; it presents a well-rounded menu featuring a variety of fresh pastas, crisp salads, and delectably savory empanadas, like their highly recommended elote empanadas that have earned praise from regulars.
Walking into Progreso, the inviting outdoor seating immediately sets a casual yet cozy scene, perfect for intimate dinners or friendly gatherings. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, despite being near Insurgentes Avenue. This balance makes it a great spot for those seeking a laid-back meal with good company.
What truly stands out is the quality and authenticity of their pizza. The crust is perfectly baked—crispy and light, with fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients topping each pie. Customers like Michelle Marie appreciate the consistency and flavor that even seasoned pizza connoisseurs find impressive. The Margherita pizza, in particular, is a crowd favorite, showcasing the kitchen’s skill in balancing simplicity and taste.
The service at Progreso is another highlight, with reviews noting the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. Personal touches, such as those provided by employees like Armando, enhance the overall dining experience, making it not just a meal but a welcoming moment in the day. The 2x1 drinks promotion adds value and encourages guests to relax and enjoy a cold beverage alongside their meal.
While some note that the restroom facilities could use an update and the pricing is on the higher side, the quality of food, inviting environment, and attentive service make Progreso a standout in the bustling Miguel Hidalgo food scene. For those tired of franchise pizza chains, this place offers a refreshing alternative with genuine flavors and a neighborhood charm that keeps guests coming back.
“ I love coming here for a late night meal. Armando has helped me twice and he’s great! ”
“ Is a great place to have a good pizza, they also have a lot of variety in pastas, salads, etc. We also tried empanadas, and they were really good. The only con is there's a bit of noise bc of the proximity with Insurgentes. Other than that, great, I would definitely recommend it. Service is amazing. ”
“ Central de Pizzas is your neighbourhood pizza parlor. Nothing fancy, with outdoor seating, good for groups of just for one person. The quality of thier food is good but a bit pricey. If you are tired of franchise type pizza this is the place to go. The beer here is cold. Cheers! ”
“ I guess this one is pretty straightforward. In a weird way, that's great, but not so great. I think Mexicans refer to this as "más o menos," not "así así." For reference, four stars is generally "good", but there is a big drop off to "average," so keep that in mind. Everything was four stars across the board, but it didn't stand out. Let me explain. Pizza places actually have a couple of hidden categories. Not to be snobby, but my favorite, and most expensive, style of pizza is Neapolitan. If pizzerias don't have a certified oven, and they still want to keep with Italian traditions, you'll usually get what's referred to as "pizza n' pasta" style. Progreso is a "pizza n' pasta" style eatery. It's not bad, but it's simply not my favorite. Typically, at a good one of these, the styles are authentic and the wine is well above average for a pizzeria. This is no exception. Even more to my surprise, the server recommended two styles of pizza, and they made a "half n' half." Sometimes this can be a big risk, as ingredients cook at different rates, but they nailed it. If "pizza n' pasta" is your style, you might think this place is worth a five star rating, I'm just a little too much of a "pizza snob" to put it there. ”
“ Love this place! The outdoor seating is really cozy, and their pizza tastes so authentic. Plus, the staff are super friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend giving it a try! ”