Restaurantji's guide to Philadelphia's top Mexican dining experiences. Taste the finest Al Pastor, Nachos, Tacos, and more in the city.
“Cute little diner vibes, with fun music playing (like pop rave ish type music). There was only one man working when we went and he was the server and host, as the place wasn't huge. He was quick to seat us, very attentive and super friendly. I ordered the chilaquiles with salsa verde and it was ridiculously tasty, I do wish I had gotten the salsa verde on the side as the tortilla chips quickly became soggy, but still, perfect flavor in my eyes. Will try to stop back there the next time we're in Philly.“
“Food is great very creative I’d recommend the shrimp taco, new favorite place drinks are good too not watered down like other places. Service here is awesome. Leah is great our second visit she remembered my name she treats her regulars like we visit everyday. At one point I thought she was the owner bc she does such a great job running the place. This is now my favorite place to go.“
“Shared a birthday lunch with my son and was surprised when a slice of cake was delivered to our table.It was a complete surprise as the owner was never informed it was my son's birthday ?.Will definitely return for the delicious food and wonderful staff/chef!“
“It's an authentic mom & pop Mexican trattoria , which is a must visit. Esp for their Buffalo pizza, of all things.It's the best pizza I've eaten, maybe due to the fact that it was made in a wood fired ovenOur nachos were a bit too drenched in cheese , but it's a personal choice.Soup was good and warmRed snapper was crispy and baked to perfection in the wood fired ovenEnchiladas were made with corn tortillas, but delicious.I'd love to come back.The host/owner is a delight to meet.His love and care in food prep, service and customer dealing is warm and jovial.“
“Really great, inventive haute cuisine real Mexican; well executed thoughtfully prepared. Might have slipped a bit since my initial visit, but that could just be me being super impressed first go-around. Quite noisy on the weekends, be prepared to wait for your cocktails.“
“Very good. Authentic Mexican restaurant. Exceeded my expectations. It has been a long time that I dont eat cactus/nepal and it was delicious. I would like to go back and try every item in the menu. My husband had the gorditas and they were delicious.“
“We had the best service with Kate! She gave us tips on what to order and ahead of time was dead on. We started with a cocktail and had a glass of wine with dinner. We split the spicy chicken empanadas, delicious, however, we did not detect the spice. We split the green chili Caesar. Honestly, the best Caesar in town. I do t see how they get it so cold and crisp, it's amazing! We then each had a ceviche. The baby shrimp, which were much bigger than anticipated, such wonderful flavor! My daughter had the crab, the server suggested mixing it right away to get the sauce mixed in. Very good! It did need more liquid. We simply poured the extra shrimp sauce in the crab, it was superb after that. The tomato on the shrimp just gives it more moisture and such a good flavor! We can't wait to go back!“
“Went for a little birthday brunch last weekend, and will absolutely be back. The cocktails were fun, unique, and super tasty. The food was pretty awesome, loved the crab tostada and the potato side was sooo tasty. I got the birria benedict, which was on blue corn sopes. I will say the sope could use some work, it's one of my favorite Mexican dishes and this one was a bit flat/gritty compared to some I've had, but still absolutely loved the place and will be back!“
“This is some of the best food around in Philly. The waiter here made some suggestions to what we should get and it did not disappoint at all. Would definitely come back here to try something else from the menu and I'm sure it will be just as good.“
“Yup! This place is great. There isn't a lot of seating but the hospitality is great here. We ordered an al pastor taco, shrimp taco, and Campechana quesadilla. Service was quick and it was nice how fresh the al pastor was. The shrimp taco was spicy which was very nice. The al pastor was very juicy. Hands down the Campechana quesadilla was my favorite thing in the menu. It was basically al pastor with cactus. I really liked the juiciness of the cactus. It was all so good that we forgot to put on our sauces. The place offers a ton of beverage options. From beer to flavored glass soda bottles to coffee. I opted for a coffee and it was amazing! They have a cafe style machine that works very well. We also got a guava soda just like you can pick up at a Mexican convenient store. The place also has to good amount of dessert which we both opt out of. There are donuts, pastries, etc. At the end of the meal we returned our trays to the front.“
“This place has some amazing authentic Mexican vibes soon as you walk in. The food was really good and very inexpensive. Definitely recommend the burritos. The staff was friendly and very attentive, the place was very clean and the ambience was very cozy!“
“Cool vibe, friendly service, I love the logo! We arrived as happy hour was changing over and quickly ordered. We found that our happy hour tacos we considerably less enjoyable than the ones we ordered after happy hour concluded. Fun spot, certainly would go before a show at Union Transfer.“
“This is the best burrito place in NoLibs. The staff is really nice. I usually opt for no chipotle mayo but highly recommend the following!!Chicken torta Milanese (this is one of my favorite sandwiches in the city generally)Chicken burritoGreen chilaquiles“
“I'm a native Texan and I am in HEAVEN. I just moved in down the street and this place is AMAZING. El Caracol serves up authentic dishes that are incredible and oh man I'm gonna eat so much. My husband ordered the camerones a la diabla (deviled shrimp) and they are gloriously garlicy. Add the orange sauce for extra spicy. I ordered the burrito mojado (wet burrito) with carnitas (it's the most delicious braised pork) and I could not stop eating it. The green salsa on the burrito is the perfect medium spicy. I cannot say enough good things. I am so thankful El Caracol is near me. It's small but this place is a must try. If you don't like it we can't be friends.“
“Cantina “Calaca” Feliz, located in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, is a vibrant spot that brings a contemporary twist to traditional Mexican cuisine. This lively eatery is celebrated for its fresh, high-quality ingredients that transform simple produce, fish, and meat into an array of flavorful dishes. From the pork Al pastor tacos to the Smothered Burrito, each menu item is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence. The atmosphere is equally delightful, described as bustling and fun, providing the perfect setting for a casual yet memorable dining experience. With friendly service and a menu that caters to various tastes, Cantina “Calaca” Feliz stands out as a neighborhood gem where food and culture blend seamlessly.“
“The food was excellent! I ate the nachos and veggies burrito. We ate at the upstairs bar and the bartender was great with recommendations for drinks and add-ons for food. It was funny to me that the decor is more old fashioned diner than Mexican restaurant, but it worked.“
“My fiancé and I came here to eat and I must say that the aesthetics here are so cute! The staff are friendly and their food is delicious! For apps: I recommend trying the steamed pork gyoza and Italian egg roll. For tacos: I recommend the tofu taco. It’s very crispy and moist. The ramen is good as well. For drinks I recommend the jasmine lemon green tea. We definitely would come back! :)“
“I’ve eaten here twice, now. I thought there was no way that what I ordered tonight (quesadillas w/rib eye) could match the Bufalo pizza from two days ago. I was as wrong as I could be. I’m guessing that I will eat here 80 to 100 times this year. It’s THAT good.“
“Food was great!! We tried the ceviche, guacamole, quesabirria, enchiladas con mole and chalupitas. It was all great food! We were able to spend time with the chef and he's such a sweet funny person. It just added to our experience. The service was smooth quick and polite! Parking can be tough and it may get busy bc the food is great but it's definitely worth trying this place out!“
“I have been going here since they opened. I really do love the food, drinks, and the fun interior. The service however always leaves something to be desired. The people are friendly but absent. I often have to wait to even be asked if I want a drink let alone food to start. I am not sure if it is a problem with not enough staff or inexperienced staff. Overall, the staff needs to be more attentive to customers. The music choices are completely fine but please, please turn it down. I was torn between 3 or 4 stars. I went with 4 bc there really is so much potential here. Bottom line, increase attentiveness and decrease the music volume and we got a phenomenal restaurant!“
“Just discovered one of my favorite Mexican spots in the city! I ordered a vegetarian version of the enchiladas suizas and it was the best enchilada I’ve ever had! Even my meat-eater fiancé who doesn’t like enchiladas was super impressed. The atmosphere is cute and authentic Mexican and the staff were lovely. Already went back later in the week! Highly recommend.“
“I must have passed by this foodtruck 100x without trying but decided to give it a shot today on lunch break. I love burritos, tacos, churros and all more than most. This was the best steak burrito I've had in recent memory! I won't be passing by again without grabbing something. Birria tacos on my to do list! Highly recommend!“
“Lived in Philly for 15 years tried most of the Mexican restaurants here. Today was my first time dining, and I can honestly say this is one of the best Mexican places in the city. Flavorful dishes and warm friendly service! Can’t wait to come back again! Thank you for the delicious meal ?“
“I love this restaurant! We had a birthday party here for 25 people, and Karina and Angel are so kind and they did an incredible job. They made great mixers for our tequila, and the food was absolutely delicious and so plentiful! They were responsive and easy to work with while planning, and we felt so welcomed in the restaurant. They even set up balloons and a "happy birthday" banner. Highly recommend Los Cuatros Soles for dinner or for a party.“
“If I could give ten stars, I would. This is some of the best food in town. You really can’t do much better. The menu is innovative and fuses deliciousness from different cultures. It is always fresh. It’s also consistent. The chefs there (yea they are chefs, not cooks) also help reduce food waste by making their own soup stocks. Have you tried the birria Raman? That consommé is liquid gold. It’s heady and dense. The soup alone is a meal.May I also add that the people who work there are solid individuals that genuinely love to cook and create.Please eat here.Kid-friendliness: All people welcomed here. All ages too!“
“Everything here was 5 stars across the board — the food, the service, the atmosphere.As for the food, we ordered the birria tacos & ramen, along with a few of the HH street tacos. The flavor was amazing, I haven’t had birria so rich across the East Coast! The horchata was also amazing. The vibes were great inside, and Juana was so kind. It was a wonderful experience and can’t wait to go back!“
“came in on a friday afternoon for an early dinner. no wait, BYOB, reasonable prices, and truly unlimited chips/salsa (the chips are freshly fried tho!) that I could honestly get full off of with a good drink imo not as good as some of the mexican food on the other side of the river, but if you're in ucity and crave a solid burrito, this is a cute spot! ended up as $21/pp after tax and tip and we had some leftovers too!“
“Excellent all-around! I love this place. The vibe is a happy one, Today, my first time here, had the cauliflower burrito. (Burritos on Mondays only). It was AMAZINGLY delicious and so, so fresh! It was a warm day today but inside the restaurant was very comfortable and airy, windows open and just fantastic!!!“
“Becky at the bar was great, upbeat and attentive. She knew the menu well enough to make great recommendations.Food was great, drinks (La Flor) were tasty and stong! Ambiance and mysic were on point for happy hr! Totally recommend for a chill bite, solo or with friends!Im coming back for the Elote Dip!“
“Delish food - n of 3 times been so far and every time has been on point. Prices are definitely respectable (except $4 for extra pico) and the servers have always treated us nicely. Definitely recommend for Cantina food in the middle of Philly.“
“Had a chorizo torta without jalapeños. On point, definitely delicious. Was visiting Philly from GA and I gotta say the Mexican food in Philly is so much better. The flavor of my food was unique and super delish. From the chips to the fries to the actual entree. Would come back here again if I’m ever back in Philly. Price was good too for the quality of the food.“
“A gem that always delivers in south philly! Super amazing tacos and tortas and from that I’d try much more of their menu in the future. They set the standard so I imagine the rest of the food is just as superb. Service here is always really good, servers are very energetic and kind and able to speak two languages, so utmost respect. Their agua frescos are huge and very tasty. I want to try their dessert but their portions are just so generous and perfect to keep me full for hours. 10/10 everytime would bring everyone I know here.“
“Got a recommendation to come here. Safe to say I will absolutely be returning. Food was so fresh and flavorful. Best guacamole I have ever had (if you don’t like spice you might not like it) service was great and the staff was super friendly. The margaritas were also a big hit!“
“The food was to die for and very affordable! A lot of interesting entrees as well. We will definitely come back if we are in the area. They don't make things spicy at all, hence if you want it spicy you can add it in, but you cannot take it out. We left with 2 happy stomachs“
“Just moved to Philly and got take our here on our first day (we were craving good mexican after our sad 1.5 year of living in Portland) and we were NOT disappointed. It was soooooo goood. Torta Milanese, Salmon Ceviche, Tacos Arabes... all top notch. Can't wait to have it again!“
“The food was great. I can't say anything more than that 5 stars all around. Question: Is this place still active? The website is not working, and neither is any of the phone numbers, but the Google listing said it's open. As of March 2024“
“Absolutely fabulous dining experience. Decorated in a wonder of chic & Mariachi, El Vez delivers on all points: Friendly, knowledgeable staff, bar-made mixed drinks, fresh guacamole, salads, and entrees. (Except the flour tortillas & croutons) the rest of the menu is gluten free. Plant-based options are proudly available.“
“Best nachos ever! Every chip is the "best nacho chip" with cheese, salsa, jalapeños, and beans. We always get the street corn and gorditas. Their wings are very good as well. Staff is extremely kind and attentive. Its a neighborhood byob spot and its fantastic.“
“The food was excellent and just what I was in the mood for. We got the special (a carne asada burrito), chicken enchiladas, and chips and salsa.We are visiting from out of town and brought our kids with us. The waitress initially acted like she had never seen a child before ? I understand that they do a big bar business, but it was before 5pm and it was honestly comical how surprised they seemed by children. The staff recovered quickly however and we had a very nice meal. Accessibility note: it's all high tops indoors.“
“This place has a really nice vibe. The food is so, so good. All the right spices and heat - I had the shrimp empanadas and ahi tuna ceviche. Price point was great and service was nice. We were seated right away and we loved it. We will def return! Parking is slightly difficulty.“
“Authentic Mexican cuisine at its finest! The corn tortillas are made fresh daily, and each dish is made-to-order. The owner is as hospitable as can be, and demonstrates a well-deserved pride for the food. This place has become one of our favorite restaurants in Philly. A hidden gem.“
“If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant to try out give these guys a shot! We saw that this location just opened recently and had to give it a shot and we were impressed. I’m a fan of birria tacos and they are phenomenal here that’s for sure. Loved the plantains and the rice and beans were both great too. Very cool and artistic setting with great service to go along with it. We will be back in the future“
“I've been in here quite a few times and I've always had a good experience.The food is always good. Serena I think her name is, is a sweet pleasant young lady she was very kind the last time I was in there.The atmosphere is nice especially on a great weather day. Y'all should check out the deck!!!“
“Awesome brunch! Great atmosphere and music. The staff is welcoming, attentive and makes the experience five stars. The food and drinks are consistently amazing! Definitely a place you’ll come back to again and again! The GM Steve is the best and wants foodies to have the best experience and it shows!“
“I knew this spot had some tasty tacos, but the gigantic pollo cemita that I enjoyed a couple days ago blew my mind! The sandwich was stacked high on a toasted roll and included a generous portion of tender pollo milanese, a mass of snappy Oaxaca cheese strands, jack cheese, creamy avocado, ham slices, chipotle peppers, onion, and tomato. I enjoyed it with red and green salsas. I’d get it sans tomato next time. Can’t wait to return for another, and to try some other eats!“
“The portions are big my bowl was really big. We also ordered a burrito, fries and a slice of the churro cheesecake. The fries look seasoned but taste like normal fries. The cheesecake looks sugary but it tastes like normal cheesecake. Definitely would go back and try other things. Very good flavor in the bowl and burrito.“
“Delicious food in an open air environment makes this place refreshing even in a metropolis like Philadelphia. They have some of the best unique dishes that I can’t find anywhere else. The staff is so kind. The umbrellas and beautiful flowers at each table helped make this place a relaxing space. I will definitely be returning.Parking: You may have to go around the block more than once, or park further away and walk a block, but the food is worth it. I was fortunate and found a parking right in front of the restaurant.“
“I had the pleasure of dining at Sor Ynez last night, and it's safe to say that this Mexican gem in Fishtown has left an indelible mark on my taste buds. From the moment you step through the door, you are enveloped in an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Like really, who has a free parking lot in Fishtown, amazing!One of the standout features of Sor Ynez is its commitment to catering to diverse palates, including those with dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to discover a plethora of options that went beyond the typical cheese and bean combinations. The menu boasts an array of innovative and mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan choices, proving that plant-based dining can be just as indulgent and satisfying.The flavors at Sor Ynez are nothing short of spectacular. I wholeheartedly recommend Sor Ynez to anyone seeking an authentic Mexican culinary adventure.“
“Went for a quick dinner and it was just that! Seated immediately, quiet spot. It be been before and had the same experience. This time I got the quesabirrias and the cheese was perfect. We also ordered chips & guacamole and chicken enchiladas with mole. Love this local spot for tacos, especially the “
“Bought shrimp tacos, chicken tacos, esquites, chicken tacos and guacamole. The only downside is that the chicken tacos were made with dark chicken thigh meat, I wrongly assumed it would be chicken breast (my fault for not asking).Otherwise good decent food!“