Best of Philly

Best Mexican Restaurant

2022 Best Place for a "Just One More Margarita" Kind Of Night

Cantina Los Caballitos

A good summer evening involves sitting on an outdoor patio and exchanging jaw-dropping gossip over chicken enchiladas and maybe a little tequila. But when we’re at Cantina Los Caballitos and someone passes by with a refreshing passion fruit (or cucumber, or guava, or whatever) margarita in a gorgeous hand-blown glass, how could we possibly say no to another one? Or three? Read More »

1651 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Website

2021 Best Vegetarian Mexican

Sor Ynéz

Whole cauliflower bathes in a guajillo pineapple marinade overnight, then is spit-roasted, sliced thin, and crisped on the plancha griddle, proving that the “alt pastor” gets just as much fussy attention here as any meaty al pastor. Read More »

1800 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA Website

2021 Best Mexican

La Llorona

A corner wedge of West Passyunk got a lot more lively when La Llorona opened last summer with tables that spill out onto the sidewalk, goblets of shrimp ceviche, and a tequila and mezcal menu as long as your arm. Read More »

1551 West Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Website

2017 Best Gringo Mexican

Sancho Pistola’s

Sancho’s chef Adán Trinidad is from Puebla, so maybe it’s not truly gringo. But the flavors here know no bounds. Korean short rib tacos, banh mi tacos, brussels sprout tacos and falafel tacos harmoniously share the menu. If only the rest of us could get along this well. Read More »

19 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 267-324-3530 | Website

2017 Best Authentic Mexican

Tacos California

This is one of the only shops in town serving tacos de canasta, a typical Mexican street food atypical to Philly’s food scene.Small corn tortillas (stuffed with taco fillings) are stacked in a basket, doused in seasoned hot oil, then steamed. The result is a plate of light, crispy, almost pierogi-like tacos. Treat ’em like fries and order a bunch for the table. Read More »

1030 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-309-3753

2016 Best Mexican Restaurant

El Primo Taqueria

This Mexican joint, tucked at the rear of a well-stocked Hispanic grocery and produce store, is where Mexicans and the few in-the-know gringos hunker down over carne asada, tacos and enchiladas that put to shame most of the Washington Avenue-area offerings. Read More »

1719 Markley Street, Norristown, PA | 610-279-2610

2015 Best Mexican Restaurant

Blue Corn

This refreshing Italian Market newcomer lives somewhere between down-and-dirty South Philly taqueria and theme-y Center City eatery, with kind waiters and great, simple $9 margaritas bookending a full and surprising menu. Try the shrimp cocktail, which is spruced up with homemade vinegar; the filet mignon that's pounded thin and smothered in melted cheese; and the light-as-air zucchini flower quesadillas. And the margaritas. Did we mention those already? Read More »

940 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-925-1010

2014 Best Chilaquiles

El Rey

Had a long night? Get this nacho-like dish: marinated skirt steak for heft, crispy tortilla chips for salt, a zingy salsa for a kick in the pants, and a fried egg, just because. Read More »

2013 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-563-3330 | Website

2012 Best Mexican Restaurant (Suburbs)

Cantina Feliz

High-end Mexican that also includes Korean BBQ tacos, crabcakes and whole-roasted suckling pigs? Just go with it-and brag to your friends that this is one of those places that make you happy you live in the suburbs. Read More »

424 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA | 215-646-1320 | Website

2010 Best Mod Mexican Restaurant

Distrito

Authentic Mexican this isn't. But order the los hongos huarache (mushroom flatbread) or the camarones and chorizo tacos, and you'll fight your friends for the last bites. But take heed: No matter how many Cabo Wabo shots you've had, control the urge to try on one of the Mexican wrestling masks. Read More »

3945 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-222-1657 | Website