Philadelphia’s food scene isn’t all about cheesesteak and soft pretzels. Whether you’re craving a hearty burrito for breakfast, a tower of tacos, some nachos to munch on, or a few shots of tequila to wash it all down, you’ll find an almost endless supply of great Mexican restaurants in try in Philadelphia. If you’re ready to savor some authentic flavors south of the border, check out these 10 must-visit places to get the best Mexican food in Philadelphia.
10. District: 3945 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Led by iron chef Jose Garces, Distrito takes a two-pronged approach to Mexican cuisine. For casual street food full of flavor, head to the taqueria at street level. Head upstairs to enjoy small plates of contemporary Mexican cuisine in the colorful and eclectic style main dining room. If tacos are your scene, stop by to take advantage of specials on tacos, super nachos and pitchers of margaritas on Taco Tuesday.
9. Mission Taqueria: 1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Messing with the classics can sometimes be a one-way ticket to disgruntled customers and a deflated reputation, but Mission Taqueria has mastered the art of an eclectic menu perfectly. strike the right balance between authenticity and creativity on dishes like grilled short rib tacos with cashew butter, kumquat and candied onion salsa, and roasted cauliflower in a walnut glaze of coconut. Delivery is available, but the restaurant’s neon wall art and open kitchen design (not to mention the giant tequila and mezcal menu) make it worth reserving a table.
8. Don Barriga Mexican Grill: 4443 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Until a few years ago, finding good Mexican food west of the Schuylkill was mission impossible. Then in 2019, Don Barriga Mexican Grill opened on Spruce Street, and suddenly the dining landscape was looking a whole lot brighter. Since then, it’s become a go-to destination for Philadelphia residents looking for authentic, flavorful Mexican food, fast, friendly service, and affordable prices. The “Breakfast of the House” (nachos cooked in a green or red sauce, topped with refried beans and served with bacon, a fried egg and calfskin) is ideal for early risers. If you come for dinner, be sure to try a slice of Pastel Tres Leches for dessert.
7. Tequilas Restaurant: 1602 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
This little gem in Rittenhouse Square promises some of the best South of the Border food you’ll find in all of Philly. The interior is stunning, with handcrafted wooden furniture, twinkling chandeliers, and authentic Mexican murals. The menu also leaves nothing to be desired, with Enchiladas Playa and Molcajete De Carne both attracting more than their share of rave reviews. Be sure to save some room for dessert – the tres leches cake is divine. Wash it all down with one of the house’s signature cocktails.
6. Buena Onda: 1901 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Named one of the best places for Mexican food in Philadelphia by Time Out, Buena Onda offers fresh, simple, and flavorful food served quickly and at a price that won’t break the bank. The fish and seafood tacos are the main reason to visit, but if you’re craving variety, the taco carnitas, tortilla soup, and nachos won’t disappoint.
5. Blue Corn: 940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Since 2014, this South Philadelphia family business has been satisfying loyal customers with its winning combination of Mexican classics, bold flavors and exceptional customer service. Salsa served on fresh blue corn tortillas is the perfect way to start your meal – from there, work your way around flavorful sopecitos, gorditas and tacos, plus entrees like Coctel de Camarón (shrimp covered in homemade tomato sauce with bruja vinegar, clam jus, garnished with onions, cilantro, avocado and olive oil) and Alambre Poblano ((pan-fried steak, onion, poblano pepper, melted mozzarella cheese, served with pico de gallo and tortillas of children’s menu for smaller diners, plus a sensational selection of tequilas and mezcals to try. .
4. Café y Chocolate: 1532 Snyder Ave Philadelphia, PA 19145
If you’re looking for a new breakfast, follow the advice of thrillist.com and stop by Café y Chocolate. With plantain and cream that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, a tower of huevos rancheros with refried beans, ham and mozzarella topped with salsa verde, poblano rajas, caramelized onions, tomatoes and queso, and peach and cream malteadas, this is heaven in a glass, this is a must visit. Don’t leave until you’ve tasted a cup of their signature hot chocolate.
3. El Rey: 2013 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s mission in creating El Rey was to combine the nostalgic glamor of an old-fashioned roadside restaurant with authentic, home-style Mexican cuisine. Complementing blue shrimp ceviches, brisket quesadillas, tortas, enchiladas and sopes is a mile-long menu of tequilas and mezcals. Stop by during happy hour Sunday-Thursday for discounted tacos and margaritas
2. Sor Ynez: 1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Last year, Phillymag.com voted Sor Ynéz the best vegetarian Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia, calling its cauliflower pastor (whole cauliflower left to soak in a marinade of guajillo pineapple overnight before being roasted on a spit, sliced and crispy on the plancha) for special attention. If you fancy something a little more meaty, the Heritage Pork Carnitas platter (pork shoulder, onion, escabeche, avocado, habanero carrot salsa, corn tortillas, pinto frijoles de oll) and the Birria de Res ( Cascabel braised beef shoulder, Oaxaca queso, guajillo corn tortilla, cilantro, onion, salsa verde, consommé, Arroz a la Mexicana, garbanzo) are highly recommended.
1. La Llorona: 1551 West Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
La Llorona may be a relative newcomer to the Philadelphia culinary scene, but despite only opening its doors two years ago, it has already established itself as a local favorite. The gigantic collection of tequilas and mezcals didn’t really hurt its reputation, but even non-drinkers will be delighted with the fresh and lively dishes, the vibrant atmosphere and an angelic prawn ceviche that’s worth it on its own. the trip.
