Brian Nagele
Philadelphia is full of delicious food to try no matter what you’re in the mood for – including plenty of Mexican food. And of Mexican food, I would have to argue the best dish is definitely tacos.
With such a wide variety of fillings and flavors, tacos can never get boring. So, when you need a good place to get some tacos, take a look at this list I’ve put together.
Filled with top-notch Mexican restaurants, you’ll want to try every place on my list.
With some casual spots and other more upscale locations, these taco restaurants are sure to be perfect for any occasion.
There’s also a mixture of spots with BYOB policies and others with full bars.
Best Tacos in Philadelphia
Keep reading to learn a bit about each place!
South Philly Barbacoa
1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-694-3797
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You can find South Philly Barbacoa in the Passyunk Square neighborhood. This casual, laid-back Mexican eatery is a great place to treat your friends to the tastiest tacos in town.
Chef Cristina Martínez prepares her cuisine using traditional slow-cooking methods and serves them on earthenware dishes.
South Philly Barbacoa’s menu is hearty and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. Don’t miss out on their Pancita, Barbacoa, or Vegan Tacos.
The tacos’ salsa verde, onions, and cilantro enhance their zesty flavor. Consider ordering a refreshing melon Agua Fresca, horchata, or orange juice to help wash down your meal if it tastes too spicy.
Blue Corn
940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215-925-1010
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If you’re near the Little Saigon neighborhood, the top destination serving the best tacos Philadelphia offers is Blue Corn.
This small, family-operated restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes in a casual, festive setting. They offer a few outdoor tables for those who prefer open-air dining.
Blue Corn’s menu includes traditional Mexican fare like tacos, huaraches, tortas, and alambres. I love ordering their Blue Tacos with fried plantains or beans and rice.
These tacos contain marinated pork, pineapple, bell peppers, onions, Oaxaca cheese, and cilantro that enhance their peppery, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Don’t forget to stop by their bar for a piña colada or margarita.
El Purepecha
315 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 765-2369
Another great taco spot is El Purepecha. This local restaurant serves authentic Mexican food that you won’t want to miss. People love the laid-back atmosphere and efficient service at this spot.
There’s plenty of delicious plates to choose from on El Purepecha’s menu, but we suggest ordering the tacos. Specifically, try the baja tacos, shrimp tacos, al pastor tacos, or fish tacos.
Come try their tacos and grab a margarita while you’re there!
Philly Tacos
2011 Reed St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 334-1200
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This award-winning restaurant is a spot you won’t want to miss while you’re in Philly. Locally-owned and operated, Philly Tacos serves Mexican cuisine, specializing in tacos. It’s also a BYOB spot.
Philly Tacos serves more than just tacos including quesadillas, enchiladas, and sandwiches. Though the taco options are the star of the show as there are countless varieties.
We recommend the chorizo tacos, carne enchilada tacos, glor de calabaza tacos, or lengua tacos. Be sure to bring the tequila!
Taco Riendo Restaurant
1301 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (215) 235-2294
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With over 400 reviews, it’s no surprise Taco Riendo Restaurant is a popular spot to grab some tacos in town.
Serving all of your favorite Mexican dishes, this restaurant has also won an award. It’s cash only and BYOB so be sure to bring what you need.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and, dinner, Taco Riendo is perfect for any time of the day. Be sure to try the carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, lengua tacos, or Cancun torta. Don’t forget to bring a bottle or two!
Sor Ynez
1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-309-2582
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Are you looking for tasty tacos near the Norris Square and Olde Kensington neighborhoods? Consider stopping by for a relaxing bite at Sor Ynez, a laid-back Mexican restaurant offering traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Chef Alex Tellez creates flavorful dishes with sustainable local ingredients to ensure freshness.
Sor Ynez offers a wide selection of small and large plates on their dinner and brunch menus. During my last visit, I ordered their Fish Tacos.
They’re packed with vegetables like cucumber and avocado and topped with hot sauce and chipotle mayo for a spicy flavor sensation.
Their tacos taste great with a Sparkling Lavender Lemonade or Mex Tai.
Taqueria La Prima
1104 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 339-5000
Looking for a late-night taco spot? Look no further than Taqueria La Prima. This local restaurant serves tacos and other Mexican dishes late into the night. Reviewers love the food, the service, and affordable prices here.
Offering plenty of delicious dishes, you’ll have a lot to choose from here. Try out the mixed tacos, al pastor tacos, tinga del pollo tacos, or surtida tacos.
Make sure to bring some cash as it’s a cash-only establishment!
Los Gallos
951 Wolf St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 551-1245
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Bordering on 1,000 Google reviews, Los Gallos is a delicious option for tacos. Opened in 2010, this family-owned restaurant is well-known for its authentic food.
Keeping with the BYOB theme, this spot allows its customers to bring their own alcohol.
Offering a very extensive menu, you may feel a little overwhelmed reading Los Gallos’ options, but not to worry, you can’t go wrong with the tacos.
Try out the tripa tacos, carne enchilada tacos, suadero tacos, or tacos mixtos. Make sure to bring your favorite drink!
Mission Taqueria
1516 Sansom St 2nd Floor Above Oyster House, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-383-1200
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Mission Taqueria is another one of the best spots serving the best tacos Philadelphia visitors can enjoy by Rittenhouse Square and the Midtown Village neighborhood.
Its lively and casual atmosphere makes it the perfect destination to treat your friends to dinner. They host happy hour every Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Mission Taqueira’s inventive Mexican cuisine menu features tacos, empanadas, and quesadillas. I recommend ordering their Fried Mahi Mahi Tacos, Wild Shrimp Tacos, or Cauliflower al Pastor Tacos with a side of sweet plantains or rice and beans.
Don’t forget to pair your tacos with a Mango-Pineapple Margarita.
Que Chula es Puebla
1356 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-203-0404
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Located west of the Fishtown neighborhood, Que Chula es Puebla is another popular destination for enjoying the best tacos Philadelphia locals love.
Its casual, family-friendly environment is excellent for unwinding after a long day. They specialize in serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Its decorative murals pop out against the restaurant’s brick walls.
Besides tacos, Que Chula es Puebla serves quesadillas, chimichangas, grilled burritos, and tortas. Although each of this eatery’s dishes is delicious, their tacos offer a creative variety of protein options.
Their best tacos are their Shredded Chicken Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, and Chorizo Tacos, which taste great with tea or Mexican coffee.
Juana Tamale
1941 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 267-273-0894
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From its vibrant interior walls that grab your attention after entering its doors to its simple brick exterior, Juana Tamale offers one of the most immersive taco spots in the city.
You can find it in the East Passyunk Crossing neighborhood. Unlike most taquerías in Philadelphia, it’s only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends.
Juana Tamales has plenty of tasty dishes to choose from, but the main dishes that attract the hungriest crowds are their tacos.
Try their Chicken Chili Verde Tacos or Beef Quesabirria Tacos with a side of refried beans or Spanish fries if you prefer eating something hot and spicy.
El Mezcal Cantina
1260 Point Breeze Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: 215-782-0251
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Are you looking for popular restaurants serving tacos near the Point Breeze neighborhood? Stop by El Mezcal Cantina for an immersive dining experience you won’t forget during your visit to Philadelphia.
This casual, cozy restaurant has a modern, stylish aesthetic. Their culinary team prepares their rotating specialty dishes with the finest ingredients.
El Mezcal Cantina’s extensive menu offers a variety of flavors, but their best taco options are Fish Tacos, Grilled Shrimp Tacos, and Grilled Steak Tacos.
I prefer pairing them with house cocktails like their Oaxacan Old Fashioned and Mango Chamoy. Don’t forget to stop by for their daily happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM.
La Canasta
2341 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 267-639-4060
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Don’t know where to eat the best tacos Philadelphia offers in the Whitman neighborhood?
La Canasta is the perfect casual eatery to enjoy quality Mexican cuisine with bold, zesty flavors, regardless if you have time to stay or prefer taking your food to go. They only accept cash payments for their food.
La Canasta’s menu includes tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and tortas, among other specialty dishes. Don’t miss out on their BBQ Short Rib Tacos, Crispy Beef Tacos, or Vegetarian Tacos.
Consider pairing your tacos with their Agua Frescas of the day, or bring your favorite bottle of wine to enhance your meal.
El Chingon
1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 267-239-2131
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Another excellent BYOB restaurant you should consider visiting if you’re interested in flavorful tacos is El Chingon, located near the Passyunk Square neighborhood.
Chef Carlos Aparicio prepares his Mexican cuisine with traditional ingredients for guests to enjoy in a cozy, rustic setting.
El Chingon’s Puebla-inspired menu offers a wide selection of tasty delicacies, from tacos to cemitas. Their Choriqueso Tacos contain fresh house-made cheese and pork chorizo wrapped in a crisp sourdough tortilla, while their Vegan Tacos have mushrooms and fresh herbs.
They offer a daily brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM. Consider pairing your tacos with sangria or drip coffee.
La Chingonita
413 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: 215-337-3117
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After spending your afternoon at Penn Treaty Park, consider stopping by La Chingonita for the best tacos Philadelphia offers in the Fishtown neighborhood’s bustling food scene.
This small, casual Mexican restaurant is an excellent setting to enjoy a quick bite with your family at any time of the day.
If you can’t decide what to order at La Chingonita, you can’t go wrong with their traditional and specialty tacos.
Consider trying their Chicken Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, or Birria Tacos with a side of rice or pinto beans. Don’t forget to order a hibiscus or strawberry Agua Fresca to wash down their hot, flavorful tacos.
So, the next time you’re craving some delicious tacos, you won’t have to spend an hour trying to find a spot to grab some. If one thing is clear, it’s that Philly has a wide variety of amazing taco spots to try.
Looking for more than just tacos? Check out our favorite Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia for fajitas, quesadillas, margaritas, and more!
Which restaurant will you try first? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
