Don't be fooled by this quiet Bella Vista establishment's setting. It can rock the Mexican cuisine. Takeout is also available and is reported to be just as good a table service. Locals who get a hankering for basic bites such as burritos, tacos, tamales and the like know this place to be a no-disappointment type of establishment. It's BYOB and cash-only, and not a huge hunk of space, but the rewards are high when you get what you order and dig in to delicious Mexican grub. Early risers will appreciate the breakfast options available, and those who hunger up later in the day can get what they're craving for lunch or dinner.
Recommended for Mexican because: A small eatery that can do it's stated cuisine right is a hit no matter where it's located, ad this restaurant is no exception.
Sharon's expert tip: Remember, the place is BYOB and cash-only, so bring these necessities when heading here.
This terrific Mexican-fusion restaurant experience comes to you via a food truck at S. 31st and Ludlow Streets on the campus of Drexel University. According to those in the know, these folks wrote the book on food truck experiences, and put together cuisine you'll be amazed comes from a kitchen on wheels. Visiting this culinary hotspot, however, does get rather crowded due to its delicious food options and adoring fans. Don't be put off, however. Venture up and select from options such as Cap'n Crunch crusted tilapia burritos, short rib tacos, veggie burger, Chicken satay tacos, fish burrito, or chicken katsu with egg.
Recommended for Mexican because: When a food truck wows city dwellers and visitors alike, it's worth checking into for a meal or two.
Sharon's expert tip: Leave yourself a bit of time in the event lines are long, but be assured the experience is usually worth the wait.
This is a wonderful suburban Mexican restaurant serving authentic dishes complimented by a tasty tequila bar and quiet neighborhood setting. For those times when making a drive out of the city is part of the fun, Los Sarapes is a fun destination. Locals like it for the quiet fun, scrmptious authentic Mexican fare, and great drink options, including ladies night margarita specials on Wednesdays from 5-10pm. Lunch and dinner options are available and include appetizers, salads, homemade soups, a small plates menu, desserts, specials and a variety of drinks that compliment the meal choices well, or are great as stand-alone options.
Recommended for Mexican because: Sometimes a drive to the suburbs is as enjoyable as a meal there, and this place is well worth the drive for lunch or dinner.
Sharon's expert tip: Parking can be a bit tight here, so do yourself a favor and venture across the street to ditch the car.
Hungry diners to this Rittenhouse Square eatery have described Tequila's dishes as true, traditional choices that rise above the same-old Mexican fare. A standout choice since it opened in 1986, this chandelier-laden restaurant delivers all kinds of selections from all over Mexico. Patrons can select their choices from the poetic menu descriptions, and feel assured they;re getting a meal that will please the palate. Lunch features a three-course meal that will only set you back $15, and happy hour here launches quite early, at 2pm, for those people interested in settling in and celebrating a tad earlier every once in a while.
Recommended for Mexican because: This eatery is fancy without being pretentious, and offers fun decor, great tequila and drinks, as well as good authentic Mexican cuisine.
Sharon's expert tip: Even if you don't like tequila, make an effort to try a taste, as there are 100 bottles to choose from here.
City dwellers close to the tip of Northern Liberties have an excellent dining option when it comes to Mexican cuisine by hitting up Las Cazuelas. The recipes here are aimed at the authentic dishes, as the owner is from Mexico himself. Open since November of 1999, this mainstay dining venue has garnered great reviews and been featured in magazines and newspapers in both Philadelphia as well as other parts of the country. Take a seat here and dive into dishes such as Tampiquena, a marinated flank steak served with a corn tamale and cactus salad; or Tacos Dorados, crispy corn tortillas filled with chicken and topped with sour cream, salsa and cheese. Yum.
Recommended for Mexican because: Nothing pleases a crowd better than a casual Mexican restaurant with a great atmosphere where you can also bring your own tequila for margarita making.
Sharon's expert tip: Be sure to bring your own tequila to this casual dining option, as making your own margarita is half the fun.
This casual atmosphere diner pleases customers with its funky decor, delicious food, affordable prices and tasty margaritas. Join them for happy hour, which comes highly rated from regular patrons. Headed up by Stephen Starr, this venue has been impressing customers at lunch and dinner since the 1990s. Dive into delicious meal choices such as rice, refried back beans, corn on the cob, casual, chile en nogada, and chipotle bbq. Be sure to try the guacamole. Staff is also well versed on the food choices, and in addition to their dedicated gluten-free menu, can guide those needing gluten-free options to the choices that are best for them.
Recommended for Mexican because: This restaurant makes a point of trying to be a Mexican dive, yet it especially caters to those looking for a great happy hour experience.
Sharon's expert tip: Make a point of checking out their happy hour with great drink specials and tasty dishes.
This BYOT ("T" for tequila) earns high praise for its innovative Mexican fare and even higher praise for its imaginative margarita mixes. It's Mexican in Midtown, and it does't disappoint. With a terrific street-food-inspired menu, Lolita's menu choices includes options like seared cauliflower tacos, grilled octopus tostadas, duck-fat tamales, braised short rib chilaquiles and carne asada. At the bar, feel free to order a cocktail that's a step above and Mexican themed, like a cucumber jalapeño margarita or an el pelirrojo margarita. Other choices include tequila, tamarind sour, or mezcal. There's also a lunch and late-night menu, and there are plenty of gluten free options for those who need them.
Recommended for Mexican because: Recently remodeled, this restaurant delivers on both the food and drink front, and offers a pleasant experience all the way around.
Sharon's expert tip: Get a seat overlooking the kitchen for a shot at seeing the food made fresh.
Distrito is the Mexican restaurant concept by Jose Garces, the chef behind the acclaimed Philadelphia restaurants Amada, Tinto, Chifa, Village Whiskey & Garces Trading Company and others. Distrito is a high-energy restaurant inspired by the spirited culture and cuisine of Mexico City. The Distrito menu features Chef Garces' fresh interpretations of classic Mexican fare and beverages, including over 65 tequilas and margaritas made with fresh seasonal fruits. A striking decor includes a hot pink and bright green color scheme, a wall constructed from over 600 colorful, campy masks of lucha libre, or "free fight" professional wrestlers, and a booth crafted from a Volkswagen Beetle, a typical Mexico City taxi cab.
Recommended for Mexican because: Infused with personality, Disitrito offers up great Mexican cuisine with fun decor and cool seating options.
Sharon's expert tip: Call ahead to reserve the four-person table inside the refurbished VW bug parked just inside the door, or reserve the "secret" karaoke room for a party.
Fun and energetic decor and a lively environment make this a must-visit for the hip and happening. Fresh and flavorful Mexican food such as homemade salsa, lobster tacos, and sweet and tasty churros make a visit here worth its weight in pesos. If you're in the mood for Mexican cuisine that's fresh and well-made, El Vez doesn't disappoint. Step out with girlfriends or coworkers and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere complimented by south-of-the-border entrees that please one and all. Chicken quesadillas, homemade guacamole, a variety of seafood taco options, salsa, nachos, carnitas and more will keep your crowd very happy. Ole!
Recommended for Mexican because: Always voted one of the top Mexican spots in the city, this restaurant is worth chowing down at.
Sharon's expert tip: Sample the mahi mahi or the lobster tacos for something different, and be sure to make a reservation, as this place gets busy for a reason! It is also Gluten-free friendly.
