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A spread of traditional Mexican dinner entrées. Sor Ynéz

The Most Essential Mexican Restaurants in Philly

Traditional tacos and tamales are just the start — you can get anything from Italian-inspired chilaquiles to quesabirria ramen here

by Ernest Owens Updated
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by Ernest Owens Updated
Sor Ynéz

From traditional favorites like carne asada and tacos al pastor to new and exciting mash-ups like quesabirria ramen, Philadelphia has a wealth of phenomenal Mexican food spanning regions and flavors. A recent wave of exciting newcomers has only added to the city’s already strong selection. Here are Philly’s best Mexican restaurants, whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or grabbing dinner on a random Taco Tuesday. (Speaking of which, Philly has some amazing taco specialists, too.)

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Cantina La Martina

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Long-time El Rey chef Dionicio Jiménez opened his brightly tiled Kensington operation last year to much acclaim, including a nomination for a 2023 James Beard Award for best chef, Mid-Atlantic. Jiménez doesn’t mind playing with tradition; at Cantina La Martina, he marries flavors from other cuisines with Mexican staples for delicious outcomes such as Chilaquiles Italianos — crispy tortillas with salsa verde, Parmesan, herbs, eggs, and burrata — and Trufa y Remolacha Asada, a tilapia cured in lime juice and finished with cherry tomatoes, roasted beets, and black truffles.

2800 D St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
(267) 519-2142
(267) 519-2142

Also featured in:

Nemi

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This modern Mexican spot is in the predominantly Russian and Polish neighborhood of Port Richmond where few Latin American restaurants have gone before. Nemi offers an elegant dining experience complete with unexpected dishes like duck confit for two and bright ceviche with a mango passionfruit puree. The bar complements the refined menu with a wide selection of margaritas and cocktails made with house syrups and fresh juices.

2636 Ann St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
(267) 519-0713
(267) 519-0713

Sor Ynez

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A bright and airy space, a fresh and polished menu; nestled between Norris Square and Olde Kensington, Sor Ynez is worth the trip off the beaten path. Chef Alex Tellez spotlights sustainability, sourcing locally from Green Meadow Farm and Masa Cooperativa, a mission-driven corn co-op from South Philly Barbacoa’s Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller. The recipes feel familiar but with a contemporary bent, like tlacoyos — blue masa cakes filled with refried beans, nopales, queso fresco, and salsa verde — and bold shrimp al ajillo con mezcal. The bar also features the likes of rare Mayan liquors and bright blue butterfly pea cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 309-2582
(215) 309-2582

Also featured in:

LMNO

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LMNO is a restaurant, lounge, book store, and art gallery all rolled into one. This STARR Restaurants business in Fishtown strongly emphasizes fresh, seafood-centric dishes characteristic of coastal Baja rather than the Central Mexico-influenced fare you’ll typically find elsewhere in Philly. After dinner on a Friday or Saturday, enter the nondescript door in the back and hang out in the dark, cozy, no-phones-allowed Listening Room where guest DJs spin vinyl.

1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 770-7001
(215) 770-7001

Also featured in:

Añejo Philadelphia

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A new gem in Fishtown, Añejo shines with their tasty tacos, empanadas, and tostados. But their standout entrées, such as their Spanish rock octopus, sizzling lamb chops al carbon, and flavorful salmon a la veracruzana, are worth trying immediately.

1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 534-5746
(267) 534-5746

Don Barriga

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When this beloved West Philly spot took over the old Rx space, it satisfied a desire in a neighborhood previously devoid of Mexican flavors. Don Barriga’s unpretentious cantina feel and comprehensive menu (breakfast, soups, tacos, platters, and specialty dishes) keep locals happy and coming back for more. Standout savory dishes include the fajitas Don Barriga and California burrito but don’t overlook delicious desserts like flan, tres leches, and churros.

4443 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 292-5741
(267) 292-5741

Also featured in:

El Rey

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Puebla and Veracruz cuisine is the influence behind the south-of-the-border appeal of El Rey in Rittenhouse. Here, Mexican folk art and Spanish movie posters fill the walls as tasty carnitas tacos, Tumbada (a veracruz-style paella), hearty nachos, and boozy margaritas are served with ease.

2013 Chestnut St (at 20th St), Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-3330
(215) 563-3330

Also featured in:

Blue Corn

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The four siblings who run Blue Corn, an Italian market operation, put their family recipes on full display. Tortillas, huaraches, chips, and even cheesecake are made with special blue maize for which the restaurant is named, from their hometown of San Mateo Ozolco in Puebla. Daily specials and a full bar round out the experience at this homey and inviting restaurant.

940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-1010
(215) 925-1010

Also featured in:

El Mezcal Cantina

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This hot spot is know for their overflowing margaritas, but the food at El Mezcal is what makes diners stay. Eat the La Montada (fresh huarache, grilled ribeye, cactus, fried beans, huitaloche, Oaxacan cheese, salsa yucateca), tlacoyos (mushroom al mojo, fried beans, pico de gallo, radish), and don’t ignore their impressive aguachile bar (that includes shrimp, red snapper, soy, chiltepan, and lime).

1260 Point Breeze Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 534-5933
(267) 534-5933

Also featured in:

Casa Mexico

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James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez’s newer Mexican restaurant excels with an expansive menu that perfects classics with her signature flare. Taste their enchiladas verdes chicken (three tortillas filed with chicken, topped with green salsa, grated cheese and crema) or delicious pancita (Menudo) tripe stew that’s served with tortillas and garnishes.

1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 470-1464
(267) 470-1464

Also featured in:

South Philly Barbacoa

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By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz about James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez’s labor of love in the Italian Market. South Philly Barbacoa’s lamb tacos with consomé coupled with Martinez’s activism in the immigrant community have garnered awareness from all across the country. If, however, you find yourself outside of South Philly Barbacoa’s limited hours or you’re in the mood to skip the ever-present line, hop next door and check out Martinez’s new restaurant, Casa Mexico. It offers an expanded menu including Pueblan delicacies like chicken in peanut sauce and stuffed plantains. If you hurry, maybe you can get in before the rest of the country catches onto this place too.

1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 694-3797
(215) 694-3797

Also featured in:

Mole Poblano

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A popular neighborhood Mexican restaurant, Mole Poblano specializes in exceptional burritos that include their tasty Chihuahua cheese and signature mole poblano sauce. Try their pescado ahogado, a delicious dish that is served with tomato onions and jalapeño.

1144 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 465-1616
(215) 465-1616

Also featured in:

El Chingon

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Cemita is at the center of this beautiful all-day BYOB cafe just off Passyunk Square. It’s the name of the signature sandwich as well as the bread itself, made by chef Juan Carlos Aparicio (who developed Parc’s highly regarded baguette). Try the choriqueso featuring house-made pork chorizo or the arrachera tatemada al pastor, which includes cured beef and recado negro, a spice from the Yucatán. El Chingon also serves incredible starters like lamb meatballs and rabbit tinga tostadas. Bring a six-pack of your favorite beer and order some michelada mix-ins to round out your meal. 

1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 239-2131
(267) 239-2131

Also featured in:

Juana Tamale

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What started as chef Jennifer Zavala’s unlicensed tamale pop-up in a van grew into a permanent BYOB location and fast favorite on East Passyunk Avenue. Focused on punchy flavors and fair wages, Juana Tamale boasts long lines and some of the best birria tacos in town, not to mention piping hot bowls of birria ramen, a fantastic fusion. Although this is mainly a takeout restaurant, there are a couple of tables if you can’t wait to tuck into the tamales that started it all.

1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 273-0894
(267) 273-0894
Three birria tacos in a row alongside limes and peppers.
Birria tacos at Juana Tamale.
Juana Tamale.

Also featured in:

Café y Chocolate

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As the name suggests, you can’t beat the coffee and Oaxacan hot chocolate from this approachable all-day brunch favorite near Marconi Plaza. Café y Chocolate also does freshly squeezed juices along with Mexican comfort food standbys like huevos rancheros and crispy flautas. It’s a cozy, family-friendly spot you can count on for a great midday meal any day of the week.

1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 639-4506
(267) 639-4506

Also featured in:

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Cantina La Martina

2800 D St., Philadelphia, PA 19134

Long-time El Rey chef Dionicio Jiménez opened his brightly tiled Kensington operation last year to much acclaim, including a nomination for a 2023 James Beard Award for best chef, Mid-Atlantic. Jiménez doesn’t mind playing with tradition; at Cantina La Martina, he marries flavors from other cuisines with Mexican staples for delicious outcomes such as Chilaquiles Italianos — crispy tortillas with salsa verde, Parmesan, herbs, eggs, and burrata — and Trufa y Remolacha Asada, a tilapia cured in lime juice and finished with cherry tomatoes, roasted beets, and black truffles.

2800 D St., Philadelphia, PA 19134
(267) 519-2142
(267) 519-2142

Nemi

2636 Ann St, Philadelphia, PA 19134

This modern Mexican spot is in the predominantly Russian and Polish neighborhood of Port Richmond where few Latin American restaurants have gone before. Nemi offers an elegant dining experience complete with unexpected dishes like duck confit for two and bright ceviche with a mango passionfruit puree. The bar complements the refined menu with a wide selection of margaritas and cocktails made with house syrups and fresh juices.

2636 Ann St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
(267) 519-0713
(267) 519-0713

Sor Ynez

1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

A bright and airy space, a fresh and polished menu; nestled between Norris Square and Olde Kensington, Sor Ynez is worth the trip off the beaten path. Chef Alex Tellez spotlights sustainability, sourcing locally from Green Meadow Farm and Masa Cooperativa, a mission-driven corn co-op from South Philly Barbacoa’s Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller. The recipes feel familiar but with a contemporary bent, like tlacoyos — blue masa cakes filled with refried beans, nopales, queso fresco, and salsa verde — and bold shrimp al ajillo con mezcal. The bar also features the likes of rare Mayan liquors and bright blue butterfly pea cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 309-2582
(215) 309-2582

LMNO

1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

LMNO is a restaurant, lounge, book store, and art gallery all rolled into one. This STARR Restaurants business in Fishtown strongly emphasizes fresh, seafood-centric dishes characteristic of coastal Baja rather than the Central Mexico-influenced fare you’ll typically find elsewhere in Philly. After dinner on a Friday or Saturday, enter the nondescript door in the back and hang out in the dark, cozy, no-phones-allowed Listening Room where guest DJs spin vinyl.

1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 770-7001
(215) 770-7001

Añejo Philadelphia

1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

A new gem in Fishtown, Añejo shines with their tasty tacos, empanadas, and tostados. But their standout entrées, such as their Spanish rock octopus, sizzling lamb chops al carbon, and flavorful salmon a la veracruzana, are worth trying immediately.

1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 534-5746
(267) 534-5746

Don Barriga

4443 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

When this beloved West Philly spot took over the old Rx space, it satisfied a desire in a neighborhood previously devoid of Mexican flavors. Don Barriga’s unpretentious cantina feel and comprehensive menu (breakfast, soups, tacos, platters, and specialty dishes) keep locals happy and coming back for more. Standout savory dishes include the fajitas Don Barriga and California burrito but don’t overlook delicious desserts like flan, tres leches, and churros.

4443 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 292-5741
(267) 292-5741

El Rey

2013 Chestnut St (at 20th St), Philadelphia, PA 19103

Puebla and Veracruz cuisine is the influence behind the south-of-the-border appeal of El Rey in Rittenhouse. Here, Mexican folk art and Spanish movie posters fill the walls as tasty carnitas tacos, Tumbada (a veracruz-style paella), hearty nachos, and boozy margaritas are served with ease.

2013 Chestnut St (at 20th St), Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-3330
(215) 563-3330

Blue Corn

940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

The four siblings who run Blue Corn, an Italian market operation, put their family recipes on full display. Tortillas, huaraches, chips, and even cheesecake are made with special blue maize for which the restaurant is named, from their hometown of San Mateo Ozolco in Puebla. Daily specials and a full bar round out the experience at this homey and inviting restaurant.

940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-1010
(215) 925-1010

El Mezcal Cantina

1260 Point Breeze Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146

This hot spot is know for their overflowing margaritas, but the food at El Mezcal is what makes diners stay. Eat the La Montada (fresh huarache, grilled ribeye, cactus, fried beans, huitaloche, Oaxacan cheese, salsa yucateca), tlacoyos (mushroom al mojo, fried beans, pico de gallo, radish), and don’t ignore their impressive aguachile bar (that includes shrimp, red snapper, soy, chiltepan, and lime).

1260 Point Breeze Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 534-5933
(267) 534-5933

Casa Mexico

1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez’s newer Mexican restaurant excels with an expansive menu that perfects classics with her signature flare. Taste their enchiladas verdes chicken (three tortillas filed with chicken, topped with green salsa, grated cheese and crema) or delicious pancita (Menudo) tripe stew that’s served with tortillas and garnishes.

1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 470-1464
(267) 470-1464

South Philly Barbacoa

1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz about James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez’s labor of love in the Italian Market. South Philly Barbacoa’s lamb tacos with consomé coupled with Martinez’s activism in the immigrant community have garnered awareness from all across the country. If, however, you find yourself outside of South Philly Barbacoa’s limited hours or you’re in the mood to skip the ever-present line, hop next door and check out Martinez’s new restaurant, Casa Mexico. It offers an expanded menu including Pueblan delicacies like chicken in peanut sauce and stuffed plantains. If you hurry, maybe you can get in before the rest of the country catches onto this place too.

1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 694-3797
(215) 694-3797

Mole Poblano

1144 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

A popular neighborhood Mexican restaurant, Mole Poblano specializes in exceptional burritos that include their tasty Chihuahua cheese and signature mole poblano sauce. Try their pescado ahogado, a delicious dish that is served with tomato onions and jalapeño.

1144 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 465-1616
(215) 465-1616

El Chingon

1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Cemita is at the center of this beautiful all-day BYOB cafe just off Passyunk Square. It’s the name of the signature sandwich as well as the bread itself, made by chef Juan Carlos Aparicio (who developed Parc’s highly regarded baguette). Try the choriqueso featuring house-made pork chorizo or the arrachera tatemada al pastor, which includes cured beef and recado negro, a spice from the Yucatán. El Chingon also serves incredible starters like lamb meatballs and rabbit tinga tostadas. Bring a six-pack of your favorite beer and order some michelada mix-ins to round out your meal. 

1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 239-2131
(267) 239-2131

Juana Tamale

1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

What started as chef Jennifer Zavala’s unlicensed tamale pop-up in a van grew into a permanent BYOB location and fast favorite on East Passyunk Avenue. Focused on punchy flavors and fair wages, Juana Tamale boasts long lines and some of the best birria tacos in town, not to mention piping hot bowls of birria ramen, a fantastic fusion. Although this is mainly a takeout restaurant, there are a couple of tables if you can’t wait to tuck into the tamales that started it all.

1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 273-0894
(267) 273-0894
Three birria tacos in a row alongside limes and peppers.
Birria tacos at Juana Tamale.
Juana Tamale.

Café y Chocolate

1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145

As the name suggests, you can’t beat the coffee and Oaxacan hot chocolate from this approachable all-day brunch favorite near Marconi Plaza. Café y Chocolate also does freshly squeezed juices along with Mexican comfort food standbys like huevos rancheros and crispy flautas. It’s a cozy, family-friendly spot you can count on for a great midday meal any day of the week.

1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 639-4506
(267) 639-4506

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