Philadelphia, PA
- Philly is becoming a taco town. Amongst the authentic, mom-and-pop taquerias of South Philly, tried-and-true tequila bars, roving food trucks and the newest crop of Mexican joints, there is genuinely a taco for everyone in Philly. Here is where to find great Mexican in South Philadelphia.
Best of South Philly Tacos:
Los Gallos - 951 Wolf Street.
Los Gallos – multi-colored flags line the ceiling at this South Philly restaurant, where friendly service greats guests with generously crafted tacos, readily available in combinations of grilled or roasted meats, aromatic huitlacoche together with spicy beef and chorizo campechanos.
South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa – The brainchild of chef Cristina Martiñez. This 9th street eatery boasts incredible barbacoa, pancita (tripe), fresh-pressed tortillas and soulful consommé which has helped make them “best new restaurant” honors by way of Bon Appétit as well as made Martiñez a James Beard Award finalist in 2019 for “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic.” 1140 S. 9th Street, (215) 360-5282
El Jarocho - 1138 S. 13th Street
El Jarocho – everybody has a preferred neighborhood taco joint, and for most, this might be it. A down-to-earth neighborhood storefront with the flavors of al pastor and nopales-tangled carne asada. Diners devour their unique signature sour cream-chipotle dipping sauce, which pairs excellently along with their fresh salsas and tortilla chips.
Blue Corn - 940 S. 9th Street
Blue Corn – recognized amidst its quick-serve competitors around the 9th Street Italian Market, this particular family-owned and operated eatery has warmth and hospitality, as well as a liquor license and amazing tacos crafted with a revolving lineup of niche tortillas, pressed in the building.
El Zarape - 1304 S. 9th Street
El Zarape – This place has a great burrito, as well as a sizzling fajita salad to start. Alternatively, how about some Fried fish, carne asada or chorizo tacos on the share menu serving up Tex-Mex classics.
Philly Tacos – 2011 Reed Street
Philly Tacos – has a vast selection of tacos of all textures as well as regional styles include grilled smoked pork chop, steak with Chihuahua cheese, a few types of al pastor, beef eye and tripe. The owners also vend at the famous Headhouse Square Farmers Market, held on Sundays at 2nd and Lombard Streets.
Pistolas Del Sur – 1934 Passyunk Avenue
Pistolas Del Sur – Jose Pistola’s South Philly outpost boasts a selection of more than a dozen land and sea tacos. The establishment distinguishes itself with duck mole cocas and shrimp al pastor tacos.
Prima Taqueria Mexicana – 1104 S. 9th Street
Prima Taqueria Mexicana – A no-frills shop, a lifesaver among Philly’s restaurant industry folks as well as anyone who desires pork skin tacos with late night hours opens till 3 a.m.
Tacos El Rodeo – 1000 Washington Avenue
Tacos El Rodeo – A South Philly food truck: This spot, fashionable with workers as well as bar-goers, is not messing around. Of particular note: spit-roasted pork and a variety of meat tacos served along with salsa as a side.
Taco Loco – 4th Street & Washington Avenue
Taco Loco – This Pennsport-parked food truck has it all—the red, white and green motif; Jarritos; tortas; and punchy al suadero, tripe, and choriqueso tacos, in front of Jefferson Square Park.
Veracruzana – 908 Washington Avenue
Veracruzana – This South Philly taqueria has paved the way for several other folks, with their budget-friendly soft tortilla-wrapped delicacies, such as grilled shrimp plus cheese-stuffed jalapenos.
