Best Mexican Restaurants in Philadelphia, USA
Mexican cuisine has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Philadelphia is no exception. The city boasts a diverse array of Mexican restaurants, each with its own distinct flavor and style. Whether you're looking for traditional street tacos or modern twists on classic dishes, there's something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia and what makes them stand out.
Best Mexican Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA, USA
South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa has gained national recognition for its delicious barbacoa, a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked beef, lamb, or goat. Chef Cristina Martinez and her husband, Ben Miller, founded the restaurant in 2014 after selling their barbacoa out of a food cart for several years. Today, South Philly Barbacoa has a brick-and-mortar location and a loyal following of fans who come from all over to taste their signature dish.
What sets South Philly Barbacoa apart is the attention to detail that goes into each dish. The barbacoa is cooked for hours in a pit dug into the ground, a traditional method that gives it a unique flavor and tenderness. Martinez and Miller also use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible and pay their workers a living wage, making the restaurant a socially-conscious choice as well as a delicious one.
Los Camaradas
Los Camaradas is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia. The menu features a mix of traditional and modern dishes, such as carne asada, ceviche, and chicken tinga tacos. The restaurant also has an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, making it a great spot for a night out.
One of the things that sets Los Camaradas apart is the atmosphere. The brightly-colored walls and playful decor create a fun and lively environment, and the outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a margarita on a warm day. The restaurant also hosts regular events, such as tequila tastings and live music, that make it a community hub as well as a restaurant.
Blue Corn
Blue Corn is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in regional Mexican cuisine, with a focus on the cuisine of Oaxaca. The menu features dishes such as mole negro, tlayudas, and chile rellenos, all made with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The restaurant also has a strong commitment to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local farms whenever possible.
What sets Blue Corn apart is the attention to detail in each dish. The mole negro, for example, is made with over 20 ingredients and takes three days to prepare, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and mezcal tastings, giving customers a chance to learn more about Mexican cuisine and culture.
El Rey
El Rey is a lively Mexican restaurant located in Rittenhouse Square. The menu features classic dishes such as enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and tacos al pastor, as well as modern twists like fried avocado tacos and queso fundido with chorizo. The restaurant also has an extensive list of tequilas and cocktails, making it a popular spot for happy hour.
One of the things that sets El Rey apart is the decor. The restaurant is designed to look like a traditional Mexican cantina, with colorful tiles, murals, and vintage decor. The outdoor patio is also a popular spot, with plenty of seating and a festive atmosphere.
Taqueria Feliz
Taqueria Feliz is a casual Mexican restaurant with locations in Manayunk, Ardmore, and Horsham. The menu features classic dishes such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as more unique items like pork belly al pastor and grilled octopus tacos. The restaurant also has an extensive list of margaritas and other cocktails, as well as a rotating selection of Mexican beers.
What sets Taqueria Feliz apart is the emphasis on fresh ingredients and homemade sauces. The salsas and guacamole are made in-house daily, and the meats are marinated for hours to give them a delicious flavor. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions.
Los Taquitos de Puebla
Los Taquitos de Puebla is a casual Mexican restaurant located in the Italian Market neighborhood. The menu features authentic street-style tacos, with fillings such as carne asada, al pastor, and lengua. The restaurant also serves larger dishes such as mole poblano and chiles en nogada, as well as traditional drinks like horchata and Mexican hot chocolate.
What sets Los Taquitos de Puebla apart is the simplicity of the menu. The focus is on the quality of the ingredients and the preparation, resulting in delicious and authentic flavors. The restaurant also has a no-frills atmosphere, with plastic chairs and a simple decor that lets the food speak for itself.
La Calaca Feliz
La Calaca Feliz is a modern Mexican restaurant located in the Fairmount neighborhood. The menu features dishes such as grilled octopus, pork belly tacos, and churros with caramel sauce. The restaurant also has an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, as well as creative cocktails like the "Chilango Mule" made with tequila, ginger beer, and lime.
What sets La Calaca Feliz apart is the creativity and innovation in each dish. The flavors are bold and unexpected, with a mix of traditional and modern ingredients. The restaurant also has a sleek and modern atmosphere, with colorful murals and contemporary decor.
Loco Pez
Loco Pez is a funky Mexican restaurant located in the Fishtown neighborhood. The menu features classic dishes like tacos and quesadillas, as well as more unique items like vegan chorizo and tamales with black beans and goat cheese. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals, as well as a rotating selection of local and Mexican beers.
What sets Loco Pez apart is the laid-back and eclectic atmosphere. The walls are covered in colorful murals, and the bar is made from repurposed wood. The outdoor patio is also a popular spot, with a colorful mural and plenty of seating. The restaurant has a fun and playful vibe that makes it a great spot for a night out.
Cantina Los Caballitos
Cantina Los Caballitos is a popular Mexican restaurant located in the East Passyunk neighborhood. The menu features classic dishes like tacos and enchiladas, as well as more unique items like the "Pork Belly Pastor" tacos and the "Korean BBQ" quesadilla. The restaurant also has an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, as well as creative cocktails like the "Spicy Margarita" made with jalapeno-infused tequila.
What sets Cantina Los Caballitos apart is the variety and creativity in each dish. The flavors are bold and unexpected, with a mix of traditional and fusion ingredients. The restaurant also has a colorful and lively atmosphere, with bright murals and eclectic decor.
Sancho Pistola's
Sancho Pistola's is a Mexican restaurant located in the Fishtown neighborhood. The menu features classic dishes like tacos and quesadillas, as well as more unique items like the "Drunken Mushroom" tacos and the "Gringo" burrito. The restaurant also has an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, as well as creative cocktails like the "Mango Habanero Margarita" made with fresh mango puree and habanero-infused tequila.
What sets Sancho Pistola's apart is the high-quality ingredients and attention to detail in each dish. The restaurant sources locally whenever possible, and the meats are marinated and grilled to perfection. The restaurant also has a cool and casual vibe, with exposed brick walls and a graffiti-style mural.
El Vez
El Vez is a popular Mexican restaurant located in the Midtown Village neighborhood. The menu features classic dishes like guacamole and nachos, as well as more unique items like the "Mexican Fried Chicken" and the "Lobster Tacos." The restaurant also has an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, as well as creative cocktails like the "Blood Orange Margarita" made with blood orange puree and habanero-infused tequila.
What sets El Vez apart is the fun and playful atmosphere. The restaurant has a retro-chic decor, with pink booths and a jukebox playing classic hits. The restaurant also hosts regular events like "Taco Tuesday" and "Tequila Thursdays," making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
In conclusion, Philadelphia has a thriving Mexican food scene with plenty of options for every taste and budget. From traditional street-style tacos to modern fusion dishes, these restaurants showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a casual taco spot or a more upscale dining experience, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you're in Philly, be sure to check out one of these top Mexican restaurants for a delicious and authentic meal.