John PerryWe love a good taco run, and tacos in Philadelphia hit the sweet spot for us. They work for quick lunches and those catch-ups that turn into long chats.
The real issue is not finding a spot, but choosing where to start without wasting time. Some days we want something smoky and messy, while other days we crave a bright vegan bite or a fun chef twist.
So here is our fix. We created a simple list of places we kept returning to, each with a clear reason for our visits. Think of it as a friend’s shortlist, easy to scan and even easier to follow.
1. El Fuerte de Loreto Philly
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Website: https://www.elfuertedeloretophilly.com
Address: : 1412 S 5th St, PA 19147
Contact: +1 445-285-1214
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $$
El Fuerte de Loreto Philly serves tacos that are perfect for a busy day. Steak leads the list, with quesabirria as a bold option for extra richness. You can round out the table with queso fundido or enchiladas suizas for a simple sharing option.
If you plan a team lunch, the space can accommodate groups, and you can make arrangements by phone. Additionally, their phone numbers are listed on their pages, making it straightforward to book a table for small gatherings.
The concept of the place focuses on brunch-friendly, keeping mornings and early afternoons lively. Plus, their weekend hours stretch your taco window, which helps when schedules run long.
PRO TIP: When you call, ask about their package menu and center your taco spread around the quesabirria. It’s the perfect anchor for planning portions per person.
2. South Philly Barbacoa
– Media credit: barbacoachef
Website: https://chefcristinamartinez.com/restaurantes-y-experiencias/south-philly-barbacoa
Address: 1134 S 9th St, PA 19147
Contact: +1 215-694-3797
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
South Philly Barbacoa keeps the energy high and the tacos hotter. The Star serves slow-cooked lamb barbacoa, accompanied by handmade tortillas and rich consommé.
As the crowd grows, the menu remains focused and reliable. Barbacoa tacos lead, and veggie plates in chile sauce round out the table. Taco kits travel well after concerts, which helps when friends want one more stop.
Additionally, they offer planning services for catering and private event options. Casa Mexico, the sister spot, also serves tacos and handles event requests for groups.
PRO TIP: On the event form, request full staff with Chef Cristina Martinez. Then, set a per-person budget to secure a custom taco spread with priority service.
3. Taco Heart
– Media credit: tacoheartphilly
Website: https://www.tacoheart.com/
Address: 1001 E Passyunk Ave, 1st Fl, PA 19147
Contact: +1 445-230-0345
Hours:
- Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Pricing: $
Taco Heart feels like a place a friend would tell you about after a good morning walk. Tortillas are handmade in-house, pressed on a hot comal. The dough blends lard and butter, which gives gentle richness and keeps each taco soft yet sturdy.
From there, the menu stays thoughtful for different eaters. We once tried Nano’s vegan tortillas. The texture remained soft, and the flavor carried a light sweetness reminiscent of corn.
If you want to bring some flavor home, pick up their salsa jars at the counter. The tomatillo offers a bright tang, and the creamy jalapeño delivers a spicy kick.
PRO TIP: Place an online order the night before. Select the earliest pickup time and include a brief note requesting that warm tortillas be available at handoff for optimal texture.
4. Restaurant Taqueria El Jarocho
– Media credit: tacotarians
Website: http://eljarochophilly.com/
Address: 1138 S 13th St, PA 19147
Contact: +1 215-463-2020
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
El Jarocho makes tacos that pop on camera. Orders come as a trio with cilantro and onion, and the chorizo taco brings bright color with a spicy finish. Set them side by side, add lime wedges, then snap the shot before the steam fades.
Next, balance the feed with a cemita on a Pueblan roll. The sandwich stacks meat and cheese, making it a great pairing with a taco trio for variety. After that, round things out with burritos or enchiladas for friends who want more.
The room plays telenovelas on the TV, and prices feel friendly for everyday eats.
PRO TIP: Call a few minutes before you arrive and ask them to fire up your taco trio as you pull up. This keeps the tortillas hot and helps your photos look fresh and shine.
5. El Vez
– Media credit: elvezphilly
Website: https://elvezrestaurant.com/
Address: 121 S 13th St, PA 19107
Contact: +1 215-928-9800
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
El Vez treats tacos like a canvas for fresh ideas. Start with Tacos Al Carbon for Two, and build your own with tortillas and guacamole. You can choose a protein like adobo chicken or portobello, then stack your perfect bite.
Additionally, if you prefer a range of options on one plate, consider the taco tasting platter. It lets first-timers sample styles side by side, making it easy to choose later.
The highlight? Their room feels lively, with a strong tequila and margarita list to match. Groups can book family-style dining or reserve larger spaces for events.
PRO TIP: On weekdays, ask for the Poquito Dinero Lunch to enjoy a two-course set at a friendly price. You can always add a taco upgrade if you’re feeling a bit extra.
6. Taqueria La Prima
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Website: https://taqueria-la-prima.foodjoyy.com
Address: 1104 S 9th St, PA 19147
Contact: +1 215-339-5000
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Pricing: $
Taqueria La Prima is the spot you tell friends about when money is tight and flavor matters. Fresh tortillas hit the griddle while fillings stay classic and bold. The counter setup keeps things quick, with an easy vibe and plates that come out fast.
Portions are generously sized, so one order can cover dinner and a late snack. Double corn tortillas pair well with saucy meats, and the green and red salsas provide a steady heat. Vegetarians get real choices, which keeps the whole group happy.
After class or a shift, the late hours make the night feel worthwhile. You can grab a seat outside and linger without spending much.
PRO TIP: If you prefer extra citrus, you can request additional lime wedges at pickup.
7. El Chingon Philly
– Media credit: elchingonphilly
Website: https://www.elchingonphilly.com/
Address: 1524 S 10th St, PA 19147
Contact: +1 267-239-2131
Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Pricing: $$
El Chingon works well for family taco nights. You can meet at South Philly or Fishtown. Plates land fast, and the room feels warm and lively.
For variety, build the table with a few taco styles. Try their Arabes on sourdough flour tortillas, then add Al Pastor Tradicional and Gringas. Quesabirrias come with consommé, so sharing stays easy.
Beyond tacos, the kitchen plays with flavor. It is a BYOB establishment, and the Fishtown location hosts the Jardin de Agave pop-up on select days. They also make desserts and ice cream in-house.
PRO TIP: Go early for weekend brunch. Arriving before the noon rush gives you a much better chance of grabbing a table without waiting.
8. Hi-Lo Taco
– Media credit: hilotacoco
Website: https://www.hilotacoco.com/
Address: 1109 Walnut St, PA 19107
Contact: +1 267-996-4910
Hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $$
For those who want a trusted corner spot, Hi-Lo Taco is where we frequent. Led by owner Jeff Newman, the kitchen combines from-scratch techniques with a neighborhood feel. Tacos come big and loaded on handmade flour tortillas, with corn available on request.
They make the basics in-house, which keeps flavors fresh. Tortillas press warm, heirloom corn chips fry crisp, and meats smoke low for rich flavor. Wings and vegan tacos give the group real choices.
The spot doubles as a game day hangout with daily comfort. Happy Hour runs from 4 to 6 PM, a projector lights up for big matches, and a ranch water tap keeps drinks simple.
PRO TIP: Order directly from their site for pickup, then add a note for extra heirloom chips and warm tortillas at handoff. You skip app fees, and food stays at its best.
9. Tacoteca Mexican Grill
– Media credit: moh.eats
Website: https://tacotecamexicangrill.toast.site/
Address: 1829 John F Kennedy Blvd, PA 19103
Contact: +1 215-964-9981
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Pricing: $
Tacoteca feels like a late-night spot that turns simple dinners into something cozy. You can even build your own tacos, choosing between soft or crispy shells, and then mix and match fillings to suit your mood.
The menu is halal-friendly, and there are kid options and sweets for small bites or family visits. Even more, bowls and loaded sides help groups share without missing out on flavor.
Plus, the place stays open late into the night. It serves until 3 AM on weekends, so it’s easy to end the night with something warm. It’s quite a big win for late walks or drives home from the city.
PRO TIP: Build your order on the Toast site for direct pickup, then schedule your pickup time to arrive shortly after. You’ll skip app fees and keep your date night smooth and easy.
