Known for its rich history and landmarks Philadelphia is one of America’s greatest cities and has been around longer than the country itself has even been around for. In the 19th century the city underwent a huge industrial boom and with that it brought in many different people from many different backgrounds, giving the city a culturally diverse backdrop that it has today. With a significant Mexican population in South Philadelphia, you can bet that there are some amazing Mexican restaurants in the city. Start your culinary journey here as we have curated a list of amazing eateries that serve Mexican cuisine. So here is a list of some of the best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1. Nora's Mexican Kitchen
Pollo enrollado Chicken breast roll stuffed with panela cheese, topped with our tomato chorizo sauce. Served with yukon mashed potaoes and mix greens. #foodgasm #delicious #noras_kitchen_
Posted by Nora's Mexican kitchen on Saturday, 20 October 2018
Nora’s is a keystone in the Philadelphia community and a well-known spot for those craving some Mexican-American classics. They also do take outs and online orders, just in case you’re not feeling up to visiting the store. Nora’s has everything from appetizers to Mexican desserts and drinks and a wide array of options for dishes from classic tacos to tortas and burrito bowls.
Nora's Mexican Kitchen
Address: 248 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: Nora’s Mexican Kitchen
Opening hours: 11am - 12am
2. Distrito
Don't miss Distrito's happy hour everyday from 5pm to 7pm!! Come join us for $5 Margs, $5 Salsa, & 7 Nachos!!
Posted by Distrito - Philly on Friday, 25 January 2019
Chef Jose Garces brings the taste of Mexico to Philly with his amazing restaurants that specialize in Mexican classics with a modern flair. The restaurant is striking and modern with neon glowing and colorful lights. Specials are offered every day like Taco Tuesdays and Happy Hours are celebrated every day from 5 pm to 7 pm, so don’t miss out on those margaritas.
Distrito
Address: 3945 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Website: Distrito
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9pm
3. Jose Pistola's
Jose Pistola’s is a nice and affordable Mexican restaurant that serves up the classic Taqueria fare in a fun and exciting restaurant. Enjoy some of the homemade spicy salsa or indulge in one or two pitchers of margarita that are discounted during Happy Hour. They’re open late as well, so if you’re craving a late night taco, this is the spot to go.
Jose Pistola's
Address: 263 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Website: Jose Pistola’s
Opening hours: 11:30am - 2am
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4. Las Bugambilias
Las Bugambilias serves some amazingly authentic Mexican cuisine with everything prepared in-house using fresh ingredients. Inspired by Veracruz, Mexico you’ll find a delicious menu influenced by the beautiful gulf city. The restaurant has some vibrant and bright decor as well as some delicious margaritas.
Las Bugambilias
Address: 148 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Website: Las Bugambilias
Opening hours: 8:30am - 10pm
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my columns for the Philadelphia Daily News 2011-2016. Also a proficient musician (founded eco-conscious pop band Green Beings, 1999) and cartoonist (Philadelphia City Paper, VegNews, New York Times Syndicate). Developing french-language walking tour focusing on Anthony Benezet for March 2024.
Tours by Vance
5. La Calaca Feliz
La Calaca Feliz celebrates all occasions, whether you’re out with your friends looking to grab a couple of dinks or just looking for a simple spot to have some Mexican food. La Calaca Feliz has you covered! The bright eclectic restaurant serves the classics as well as brunch on Sundays. They also offer a catering service for events.
La Calaca Feliz
Address: 2321 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Website: La Calaca Feliz
Opening hours: 4pm - 10pm
6. Buena Onda
Buena Onda is food you can feel good about eating. Specializing in fish tacos and Mexican-style seafood, they also serve classics dishes like meat tacos and quesadillas. Buena Onda commits itself to the environment by using sustainably sourced seafood as well as using compostable and recyclable materials. They also offer a rewards program and catering services for events.
Buena Onda
Address: 1901 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Website: Buena Onda
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm
7. South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa is a notorious taco spot in Philadelphia. What started out as a humble food cart soon gained the attention of so many people it had to be closed because the crowds got too big. After that, South Philly Barbacoa opened a brick and mortar shop where the notoriety remained and Bon Appetite magazine named their tacos the third best in the country and the James Beard Foundation also gave them an award. On top of all this, the restaurant was featured in Netflix’s show “Ugly Delicious” hosted by Chef David Chang after which they had to find an even bigger location, where it currently resides.
South Philly Barbacoa
Address: 1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Website: South Philly Barbacoa
Opening hours: 5am - 5pm (closed Tue - Fri)
8. Mole Poblano
Posted by Mole Poblano Restaurant Inc on Sunday, 5 January 2014
Mole Poblano is one of the best authentic Mexican spots around the city. In the short time, it has been open it has solidified itself in the community as a nice and casual eatery where you can find some Mexican classics as well as a variety of Mexican sandwiches and seafood plates. The owners come from Puebla, which is known for its food and they bring in fresh and authentic ingredients from Mexico, for their dishes.
Mole Poblano
Address: 1144 S 9th St Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
Website: Mole Poblano
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm
9. Sancho Pistolas
Sancho Pistolas is a great Cantina-style restaurant that not only serves some classic Mexican dishes but they also have an amazing array of fusion-style tacos like the duck, pork belly and Korean-style ribs. Their menu also has a variety of sandwiches and soups available and a sizeable drinks menu on top of that. Best of all, they’re open late for those midnight taco cravings.
Sancho Pistolas
Address: 19 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA
Website: Sancho Pistolas
Opening hours: 11:30am - 2am
10. Lucha Cartel
Lucha Cartel combines the colorful and dramatic flair of Luchador cultural with the delicious flavors of a slow-cooked taco to give you Lucha Cartel. Located in old Philadelphia, these restaurants combine everything people love about Mexcian dining in a bright and vibrant atmosphere. Happy Hour specials are available as well as salsa dancing on Tuesdays.
Lucha Cartel
Address: 207 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: Lucha Cartel
Opening hours: 11am - 2am
Philly Mexican
From the legendary restaurants to the humble food counter, there is no shortage of amazing Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia, so take yourself on a taco tour and try them all.
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