La Canasta opened deep in the heart of South Philly’s Whitman neighborhood doing a classic taqueria menu with a rotating list of specials (mango-glazed chicken sandwiches! Short-rib burgers!). But the thing to order here is the namesake tacos de canasta — tortillas stuffed with pork or beans and steamed in hot chili oil and onions, only available on the weekends. Read More »
2341 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA Website
With tender homemade tortillas and poppin’ al pastor, Aurora Hernandez and Adolfo Florencio have created a five-table taco oasis in deep South Philly. Read More »
2654 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267-773-8440 | Website
Look for the colorful muraled truck surrounded by a big crowd of people, rain or shine. They’re all there for perfect al pastor (carved fresh off the rotating spit), and they’re ordering it “with everything” – which at El Rodeo means shredded lettuce, a slice of avocado, and zingy pickled carrots. Read More »
1000 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 267-997-3415 | Website
Usually, the daring reinvention of the taco — you know, filling them with all sorts of weird chef-y things — is B.S. The roast duck taco at Revolution is the exception. Wrapped in a scallion pancake, topped with plum sauce, ginger-cabbage slaw, pickled oyster mushrooms and a scattering of fried duck skin, it's Sunday-morning Chinese leftovers presented in the best possible way. Read More »
2015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267-639-5681 | Website
What was once a popular sidewalk food cart in the Italian Market is now an even more popular storefront where the slow-cooked meat tacos (which are cut to order right before your eyes at the counter) are the stuff of legend. Read More »
1703 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-694-3797 | Website
The South Philly storefront might look like your average taqueria, but Mole Poblano's game is a step above. Order the al pastor, which is stuffed with flavorful pork and tangy pineapple. Read More »
1144 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-465-1616 | Website
It's ironic to watch people waiting in line outside Cantina Los Caballitos while you're inside eating excellent authentic Mexican fare right across the street at El Zarape. Order the al pastor, with crispy pork and tasty pineapple, or don't make a decision at all and get the combo-beef and chorizo together on a single taco. Read More »
1848 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-336-1293