Mexican Food in South Philadelphia: Tacos to Tamales

Mexican food in South Philadelphia means tacos off the griddle, tamales wrapped in corn husks, tortas stacked high, bowls of pozole and trays of pan dulce from the bakery counter. Much of it sits in and around the Italian Market and the streets near it. Start at a taco counter, ask what came off the griddle most recently and finish with pan dulce from the bakery case.

What does Mexican food in South Philadelphia include?

A wide range, from quick street-style snacks to full sit-down meals. South Philadelphia's Mexican businesses include taquerias, tortillerias, bakeries, grocery stores, taco windows and small family kitchens, many of them clustered along 9th Street and the nearby blocks. The area has grown in recent decades, and the food reflects families from several regions of Mexico, each with its own habits.

A good first visit has three goals: eat something hot, buy something to take home and try something sweet. A taco, a bag of fresh tortillas and a piece of pan dulce is a perfect trio for a Saturday morning on foot.

Where do you find tacos South Philly style?

At counters and windows with a short menu. A good taco is built on a fresh corn tortilla, a modest scoop of well-cooked meat and a spoon of salsa, with onion and cilantro on top. The standards are al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, chorizo, lengua and chicken, and vegetarian versions with beans, potatoes or cactus.

Order two or three different tacos rather than a big plate of one kind, because the comparison tells you what the kitchen does best. Ask for salsa on the side and taste it before you pour. A line of people at lunch is a good sign. Tacos are best eaten at once, so find a spot to stand or sit and enjoy them hot.

Are tamales Philadelphia's best-kept secret?

They may be one of them. Tamales are masa dough, filled and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves, and they come with pork in red sauce, chicken in green sauce, cheese and peppers, or sweet versions. They are traditional for holidays, but many shops make them year-round and sell them by the piece.

Buy a few and eat one right away, then take the rest home to reheat. To warm a tamale, steam it rather than microwave it, and unwrap it carefully. A good tamale is moist, tender and well seasoned, with a filling that tastes of the sauce rather than only the dough.

Where can you find a Mexican bakery in Philadelphia?

Look for glass cases filled with conchas, orejas, empanadas, pan de muerto in season, tres leches cake and cookies. The bakery counter is part of the Mexican food landscape here, and it is among the most welcoming. You take a tray and tongs, choose what looks good and pay at the register.

A concha with coffee is a morning treat. A box of assorted breads makes a gift for a host. If you are unsure what something is, ask, since most counter staff are happy to explain. Prices are generally low, and the quality of the bread is high.

What about Italian Market Mexican vendors?

The Italian Market is no longer only Italian. Alongside the old cheese shops and butchers, the blocks around 9th Street now hold Mexican grocers, taco stands, produce sellers and tortilla makers, and it is common to see Italian and Mexican businesses side by side. The Italian Market guide covers the older shops, and the blocks around 9th Street are where the newer ones sit.

Shop for dried chiles, masa, fresh herbs and tropical fruit, and eat at the counter or take it home. If you are cooking Mexican dishes at home, these vendors are among the best sources for ingredients in the city. Check each vendor's days and hours before you travel, because many keep their own schedule.

Some practical tips make a first visit easier. Bring cash for the smaller counters, a bag for groceries and a bit of Spanish for the sake of courtesy, though menus are often in English too. Walk the blocks around 9th Street before you decide, because stalls, windows and storefronts sit close together and a short loop shows you the options. Ask what is fresh and what sells out, since tamales and pastries often run out by early afternoon. If you want to cook, buy a pack of tortillas, a bag of dried chiles and some fresh cilantro, and try a simple taco night at home. A weekday morning is the calmest time to browse and ask questions.

How do you judge a good plate?

By the basics. Fresh tortillas, a clean-tasting salsa, well-seasoned meat and a balance of salt and acid tell you most of what you need. A short menu is a good sign, and so is a kitchen that does a few things every day.

Ask what the cook makes best, and order that. If you are comparing two places, rate each dish by the dish, not just the room. In the Mosey app you can add a tag such as Quick Service, Great Value or Good Portions, and diners look for them in the Find sheet. A tag is a note from someone who was there and never a promise.

Where next in Philadelphia?

If you want another South Philadelphia walk, the East Passyunk guide covers the next district, and the Vietnamese and Cambodian food guide covers Washington Avenue. The US food guides hold the rest of the country.

How do you keep a record of South Philadelphia tacos?

Tacos, tamales and tortas are easier to compare when you write down what you ate. Rate each dish by name, add a Tacos or Mexican tag when it fits and note which tortilla made the difference.

Build a list of your Italian Market stops with a line on what to order, then send the invite link to a friend who asks where to start. Rate five places, answer three Top 3 questions and make a list in a city, and you earn Local Champion.

On the way home, open the Mosey app, rate your tacos by the dish and share a list of your South Philadelphia stops with friends.