Hungry in Philly? Here are The Best Spots to Enjoy Delicious Mexican Cuisines Right Now

There is no better way to enjoy Summer than feasting on savory tacos and sipping margaritas. In Philly, the Mexican scene is huge and tacos often get the most love judging from the huge number of taquerias and food trucks that rock the streets of Philly.

From high-end joints offering great cocktails to old-school spots that have recently become takeout favorites, Philly has something for everyone when it comes to Mexican cuisines. So, if you’re looking for an outdoor gem to enjoy the season, a feast to enjoy with family at home, or just a hearty brunch burrito to start your day, you’re sure to find something in these top Mexican eateries in Philadelphia.

As the holiday is quickly approaching, don’t forget to find the perfect gift for your loved one or friend. If you have a foodie among your friends, then you should consider getting them a GiftYa virtual gift card. These electronic gift cards can be used in different restaurants in Philly. So, why not surprise your friend with a gift card today and let them enjoy that taco they have been craving for months!

El Vez

121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 elvezrestaurant.com

A trendy Mexican spot serving upscale classics and specialty cocktails in a flashy setting!

Looking for a fun spot for Mexican food, then you should stop by El Vez. This Midtown village joint is one of Steven Starr’s many offerings to the Philly community. Don’t miss out on the flashy, frenetic Latin-themed décor, that features some high-backed velvet Hollywood booths as well as an eye-popping low-rider bike in the middle of the dining room – just the perfect spots to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

The unexpected culture of Mexican classics joins the traditional cooking on the extensive menu with lunch, brunch, and dinners options to enjoy. Get your hands on the delicious enchiladas, five varieties of guacamole, tuna tostadas, and a vegan-friendly tofu el pastor burrito served with pineapple-habanera salsa.

You can also order one of their tacos from steak to chicken or even make your own from scratch with flour tortillas, pico de gallo, rajas, guacamole, and queso fresco. Sneaks in one of the sides or desserts and you have a wonderful meal that you will surely remember. Don’t forget to try their tequila selections and margaritas as you enjoy your order here.

Tequilas Restaurant & Bar

1602 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 tequilasphilly.com

Feast on creative Mexican cooking and signature tequila cocktails served in an elegant setting!

Tequilas Restaurant is the new favorite Mexican spot that is worth checking out. For over 35 years, this restaurant has been serving Philly locals classic Mexican dishes and elevated cocktails inside the historic house located on Locust Street. The team here proudly displays their artistry in the lobby which contributes to a better understanding of their culture and provides unforgettable experiences for diners here.

Not sure what to get? Go ahead and order the enchiladas, soft corn tortillas rolled with chicken and melted Chihuahua cheese toppings, covered with traditional roasted tomato sauce, tangy green tomatillo sauce, or the famous mole sauce. If you still have some space, go ahead and try ceviche that includes fish and shrimp cooked perfectly in the juice of freshly squeezed lines, onion, cilantro, topped with diced radish. An order of chips and salsa is complimentary with the main course so you can be sure to have a great time here.

Don’t forget to try their specialty tequilas and cocktails as you enjoy your meal.

El Rey

2013 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 elreyrestaurant.com

Modern takes on classic Mexican dishes that are served in a funky space with retro décor!

Another one of Stephen Starr’s cantina, El Rey also dishes out classic Mexican fare inspired by home-style cuisine from Puebla to Veracruz. When you come to El Rey, you will be greeted by the roadside diner layout outside while the inside has eclectic décor that comes complete with folk art and movie posters.

This restaurant captures the essence of Mexican home cooking and brings out a unique southern border experience to the big city. Here, you will find plenty of visual stimuli for diners enjoying authentic tacos, tortas, ceviches, soups, enchiladas, and more. Happy hour here runs from Sunday through Thursday with plenty of options to enjoy including tacos, classic margaritas, specialty cocktails, mezcals, cervezas, and crafted beer.  

They also recently brought back the brunch on weekends, so you can be sure to enjoy lots of appetizers, breakfast tacos, enchiladas served with rice and beans, and savory sides and desserts.

Los Gallos

951 Wolf St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 losgallosmexicantaqueria.com

Colorful ordinary BYOB where you can find traditional tacos with a variety of fillings!

Traditional and authentic Mexican food isn’t that difficult to come by especially if you know the right places to look. Located at the corner of 10th and Wolf Streets in South Philly, Los Gallos is your neighborhood staple for a good reason. There is no shortage of notable taco options on the huge menu and other generous portions to satisfy your craving for Mexican food.

Here Luz Jimenez (the owner) has brought out the rooster which is a recurring theme in this BYOB. It’s engraved on the plates mounted on each side of the door leading to the kitchen, in the figurine form next to a little welcome sign, and on the coffee mugs.

Los Gallos is home to some of the best authentic Mexican food in town with options such as the addictive Birria tacos prepared with slow-cooked beef with a portion of consommé dipping. You can also order enchiladas, burritos, nachos, sandwiches, and plenty of seafood. Make sure you order one of the delicious licuados shakes to enjoy along with your tacos.

Lucha Cartel

207 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 luchacartel.com

Enjoy the best tacos and other Mexican dishes including specialty tequila and beers at this offbeat cantina!

Lucha Cartel is another fantastic eatery bursting with great food and a welcoming setting. The Lucha Cartel team brings out the traditional culinary flavor and styles to prepare the most authentic Mexican food in the city.

Start your meal with Nachos Lucha made with tortilla chips topped with cheese sauce, corn, salsa Roja, jalapeno, cilantro, radish, crema and Cotija cheese. Chicken empanadas are also a great starter that includes ground chicken with panela, Oaxaca and Manchego cheeses served with salsa verde. For the main course, go for the burritos served with refried beans, white rice, Monterey jack cheese and lettuce, or the soft tacos (either pork carnitas, crispy fish, wild mushroom, quesabirria, and more).

Brunch is served on weekends with plenty of options and specialty cocktails to enjoy. Come in during happy hour and enjoy classics such as house margarita, Philly taco, quesadillas, and empanadas either chicken, beef or mushroom. While at it, make sure you grab a draft beer, wine, or a soft drink as an accompaniment to your main meal.

Blue Corn Restaurant and Bar

940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 bluecornmexphilly.com

An upscale restaurant that serves traditional Mexican dishes and cocktails in a festive environment!

Established in 2014, this family-owned restaurant is known for serving Mexican authentic dishes in town. The goal at Blue Corn Restaurant was to create something beyond the normal taqueria, inspired by the Mexican cuisines – and they achieved that and much more.

Swing by this tiny spot in Philly and enjoy worthwhile Mexican dishes including burritos prepared with rice, lettuce, black beans, mix cheese, and sour cream, pancakes, French toast, coctel de camaron that includes shrimped smothered in our sauce with bruja vinegar, clam juice, cilantro, topped with onions, olive oil, and avocado. They also offer tortas, huaraches, antojitos, and delicious starters such as alambre that includes pan-seared beef or chicken with peppers, cheese, onions, and guacamole toppings.

You can also grab a side or dessert to accompany your meal. They also have a takeout menu that includes mojitos, margaritas, and Pina Coladas – just in case you don’t feel like going out.

Lolita

106 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 lolitaphilly.com

Contemporary restaurant serving Mexican plates and specialty margaritas in a rustic-chic setting!

Looking for an easygoing restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine and the best tequila you can find? Then you should head down to Lolita in Midtown village. Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran's spot is more sleek and sophisticated than many other local taco spots in the neighborhood.

This BYOT (T for tequila) is taking tacos quite seriously and they are made fresh in-house. Tijuana style short rib Birria tacos that feature adobo dipped tortillas griddled with queso mixto, habanero salsa, braised shortrib, cilantro, and onion is a great option to try. Other menu choices such as grilled octopus’ tostadas, duck-fat tamales, and carne asada are worth trying when you visit Lolita.

At the bar, feel free to try out the signature cocktail especially the cucumber jalapeno margarita or the el pelirojo margarita. Tequila, mezcal, and tamarind sour are also available to enjoy. They also have a lunch and late-night menu, and there are lots of gluten-free options for vegetarians in the house.

Mexican food especially tacos is a go-to food that many love. Philly has a vibrant Mexican cuisine scene and you can find quite a couple of amazing spots to enjoy some amazing tacos and other classics. Why don’t you try some of these top Mexican restaurants in Philly that we have listed above? And while at it, don’t forget to let us know your experience!