Top Mexican Restaurants In Philadelphia

There is just something very comforting and fun about Mexican food — it may be the cheese.  Even though it can be easy to replicate at home, it is nice to get out once and a while and let someone else prepare it for you, plus do the dishes, so you can take a siesta. There are many places in Philly that serve Mexican food, but they aren't all created equal. Many aren't on this list but are certainly worthy of a visit. Here are five of the top restaurants in Philly which present Mexican the best either for its affordability, authenticity or atmosphere. 

 
Tequilas Restaurant
1602 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
(215) 546-0181
www.tequilasphilly.com

A restaurant with the word tequila in the title seems to indicate a good time and would likely have Mexican food. Not only does Tequilas on Locust prepare delicious Mexican meals, they were a top five winner of "Places to get a Great Mexican Meal" on the Philly Hot List for 2014. People love their margaritas, almond guacamole and chicken mole. The restaurant has a more romantic setting because of the dim lighting, but is still themed with colorful Mexican decorations.

Tortilleria San Roman
951 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(267) 507-9161
www.tortilleriasanroman.com

If you are looking for some Mexican, but perhaps just for lunch or for takeaway,Tortilleria San Roman is a top choice. This is one of the very few restaurants that is rated five stars across the board by patrons on multiple review websites. Everything here is good, and you can't go wrong on what you choose. Tortilleria is over in the Italian Market area and serves a no frills small menu. Everything is authentic right down to their homemade tortillas, salsas and chips. Top choice for a low-cost and quick meal.

Amada
217 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 625-2450
www.philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com

Amada is at a great location and one of the finest for Mexican flavors in Old City. Owned by Iron Chef Jose Garces, you are sure to get a fine dish full of the right balance of flavors. One of their popular dishes is the Manchego plate, which is finely aged cheese on a baguette with apple slices served with lavender honey. If you are on a tighter budget, you can have the option to go for drinks and appetizers or small plates known as "tapas." You also have the option of booking a table online.

Related: Top Lunch Deals under $10 In Philadelphia 

Lolita
106 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215)546-7100
www.lolitaphilly.com

Lolita is a top pick for those who prefer a more trendy atmosphere and food to match. Located right in center city, you have the option to visit for lunch or dinner, which are run separately as two different meal services. Lunch is noon to 3 p.m. and dinner is 5 - 11 p.m. Some favorite dishes here to try are any of their tacos, enchiladas and the blood margarita to wash it down. Lolita was renovated in 2014 and is becoming semi-famous for their margaritas.

El Vez
121 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800
www.elvezrestaurant.com

El Vez is a very popular restaurant in its own right, whether it is Mexican you are seeking or not. It is a top pick for where to go for delicious and affordable Tapas, so it maybe your choice if you have been cautious of Mexican food. El Vez is most known for their fish tacos made from Mahi Mahi or Sea Bass. This is a great Mexican Restaurant for vegans and vegetarians because of the many options. Something else to try is their Sangria Blanca, which is mixed with white wine, orange liqueur, seasonal fruit and is sweetened with agave nectar. This is also a location which has outdoor seating for when the weather is pleasant.

Related: Top Fajitas In Philly

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.