Let’s Taco ‘Bout Margs
Written by: Zoe Osborne & Alexandra Jerez
Image courtesy of Rosy’s Taco Bar
When it comes to Mexican food, there’s no shortage of taquerias or cantinas to try in Philadelphia. Join us as we hit the streets to dive into all things tequila and tortilla!
Cantina Los Caballitos | 1651 E Passyunk Ave
Located in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia, Cantina Los Caballitos is a hidden gem dedicated to serving up fresh margaritas and tasty Mexican cuisine. When ordering off the menu, you can’t go wrong with the pork carnitas: marbled cuts of pork braised for several hours until juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Wrapped in two corn tortillas, the combination of juicy pork, crisp cilantro, and crunchy onion make for the perfect bite.
Carnitas Tacos | $10 for 3
Carnitas, Corn Tortillas, Onion, Cilantro, Lime
Shell: 10
Meat: 9.5
Flavor: 9.5
Price: $
Margaritas | $9 each
Tequila, Triple Sec, House-Made Margarita Mix
Mix/Tequila Ratio: 50/50
Presentation: 9
Flavor: 10
Price: $
Rosy’s Taco Bar | 2220 Walnut St
On the corner of Walnut and S 23rd sits Rosy’s Taco Bar, a busy but intimate taqueria focused on quickly serving delicious food at a wallet-friendly price. Offering dishes from chicken enchiladas to spicy Valentina wings, this place has a meal for everyone. The pollo tinga tacos are a must-try. The tacos, plated in a street-sized portion, are filled with smoky, shaved chicken marinated in a classic tomato and chile chipotle sauce, topped with freshly shaved radish and tangy queso fresco making for a savory yet fresh dish.
Pollo Tinga Tacos | $10 for 3
Chicken Tinga, Shaved Radish, Crema, Queso Fresco
Shell: 5
Meat: 9.5
Flavor: 10
Price: $
Margaritas | $9 each
Tequila, Triple Sec, Agave, Lime
Mix/Tequila Ratio: 60/40
Presentation: 9
Flavor: 9.5
Price: $
Distrito | 3945 Chestnut St
Distrito, a festive taqueria that sits between Ludlow and Chestnut in the heart of University City, is the perfect date night or girls’ night out spot. From its fun and colorful decor to its lively environment, it’s a solid spot for any taco and marg combo. However, our choice is the smoky, sweet yet spicy beef birria tacos that melt in your mouth with every bite and the classic tangy and citrusy Distrito Margarita.
Beef Birria Tacos | $14 for 3
Braised Short-Rib, Queso Mixto, Poblano Rajas, Side Jus
Shell: 8
Meat: 9.5
Flavor: 10
Price: $$
Margaritas | $9 each
El Jimador Blanco, Triple Sec, Fresh Lime Juice
Mix/Tequila Ratio: 70/30
Presentation: 9
Flavor: 9.5
Price: $
El Vez | 121 S 13th St
Right in the heart of Midtown in Center City, you can find El Vez, nestled on the corner of 13th and Sansom. With its unique ambiance, decor, and even a photo booth, El Vez offers a one-of-a-kind taco and margarita experience. Steak tacos are a favorite, made with tender and flavorful steak finely chopped on a single corn tortilla, topped with roasted tomatillo-chipotle salsa and pico de gallo. The roasted-tomatillo chipotle salsa adds just the right amount of heat to these tacos. Add an order of plantains con queso to give your meal the perfect balance of spicy, salty, and sweet!
Steak Tacos | $17 for 3
Steak, Roasted Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa, Pico de Gallo
Shell: 8
Meat: 9.5
Flavor: 9.5
Price: $$
Margaritas | $11 each
Sauza Silver Tequila, Orange Nectar, Fresh Lime Juice
Mix/Tequila Ratio: 70/30
Presentation: 8
Flavor: 9.5
Price: $$
Mi Pueblitos Tacos| Front & Dickinson Sts
At the corner of Front and Dickinson just off Columbus Boulevard, you can find Philly’s worst-kept taco secret: Mi Pueblito Tacos. Family owned and operated, the Mi Pueblito Truck took the city by storm after word of its Jalisco style birria tacos got out. Open only on Saturday and Sunday, this infamous truck offers two main courses on their menu: Birria (without cheese) and Quesabirria (with cheese) tacos. Both are served with cilantro and onion, a piping hot broth, called a consome, and a fresh jalapeno on the side for an extra bit of heat. Tortillas are dipped in the broth, then over-stuffed with slow-cooked beef, followed by cheese, cilantro, and onion. With lines around the corner and hundreds of happy customers every weekend, this taco truck is a must-have stop on your taco tour of Philadelphia.
Quesabirria Tacos with Consome | $14 for 3
Beef, Cheese, Onion, Cilantro
Shell: 9
Meat: 9.5
Flavor: 10
Price: $$
Mission Taqueria| 1516 Sansom St, 2nd Floor
Mission Taqueria is the perfect spot for a date night, group dinner, or a girls’ night out with an ambiance like no other. This cozy taqueria offers 6 kinds of tacos, but the carnitas tacos stand out. Served in a cantina-style tin, the order of four tacos is just the right portion. Marinated and slow-cooked, the pork is juicy and full of flavor. Topped with chopped onions for an added crunch, along with their house-made salsa roja, these carnitas tacos are simplicity done right.
Carnitas Tacos | $16 for 4
Pork, Onion, Salsa Roja
Shell: 9
Meat: 9.5
Flavor: 10
Price: $$
Margaritas | $10 each
Tequila, Agave, Fresh Lime Juice
Mix/Tequila Ratio: 70/30
Presentation: 8
Flavor: 9
Price: $$