Where to Eat This Weekend

There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend (moms, graduations), which means a big weekend for local restaurants. If your weekend does not include wining and dining a mom or a grad, may we suggest a slightly belated Cinco de Mayo celebration? Check out our picks for Mexican dining around town.

Coyote Crossing: Conshy’s go-to Mexican spot boasts a gorgeous patio, flowing margaritas and chef-owner Carlos Melendez’s grandmother’s chili recipe. If tequila and chili isn’t enough to make your weekend, on Saturday nights, there’s also an psychic on site, performing readings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m..
Coyote Crossing, 800 Spring Mill Avenue; 610-825-3000

Distrito: The fun and frenetic Mexican spot from Jose Garces — America’s go-to chef for Cinco de Mayo expertise — offers a lively environment and fun menu of shareable Mexican fare prepared with quality ingredients. Read the November 2008 review.
Distrito, 3945 Chestnut Street; 215-222-1657

El Rey: Not to be confused with his other Mexican restaurant El Vez, Stephen Starr’s Mexican revamp of the former Midtown IV Diner features a easygoing menu of Pueblan snacks from former Xochitl chef Dionicio Jimenez. The decor is kitschy and casual, the restaurant doesn’t take reservations and, despite having a liquor license, only serves beer and tequila-based drinks. For the rest of the hard stuff, you’ll have to sneak over to the Ranstead Room, a “secret” cocktail bar in the rear of El Rey, accessible only via a mostly unmarked entrance on Ranstead Street.
El Rey, 2013 Chestnut Street; 215-563-3330

Las Bugambilias: It flies under-the-radar, but this dainty South Street Mexican spot is beloved for its pork pibil and enchiladas verdes. Its small size makes it seem like a BYOB, but it has a liquor license and a very small bar.
Las Bugambilias, 148 South Street; 215-922-3190

Xochitl: The Headhouse Square stalwart recently underwent a minor renovation and a launched a newer, lower-priced and more casual menu of tacos, tortas and snacks; entrees top out at $18. Thursday through Saturday there’s a late-night happy hour in the downstairs lounge from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., if that’s too late for you, there’s also a daily happy hour in the bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Xochitl, 408 South 2nd Street; 215-238-7280

If you try any of these spots this weekend, let us know how it went in the comments!