FYI Philly: Best Tacos in Philadelphia!
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There's a taco boom in the city, and last fall our friends Philadelphia Magazine compiled a list of the best tacos in the city!
In honor of National Taco Day on October 4, here's a look back at what we found.
Arthur Etchells, Senior Editor of Philly Mag, filled us in on the winners.
"It probably comes from our roots in Philadelphia as a great sandwich city, so why not be a great taco city too?" said
He adds, "They can be traditional Mexican or they can be a chef's wildest creation."
So where can you taste the best tacos in town?
Dos Tacos
Our taco tour starts at Dos Tacos on 15th and Sansom streets in Center City, where they aren't just making great food.
"Some great taco puns. One of which is the Ta-Korea taco which is a Korean-inspired taco," said Etchells.
The Ta-Korea is made with Korean BBQ sauce, pickled cucumber and spicy Kimchi.
"The idea behind this is what you would find in the perfect Korean BBQ," said Sylva Senat, Chef/Partner of Dos Tacos.
The tacos are topped with giant pieces of flank steak.
Distrito Taqueria
At Distrito Taqueria in University City, Chef Jose Garces is serving authentic tacos inspired by Mexico City street fare.
"Nine different kinds of tacos, so everything from your traditional pork taco to a vegetable, veggie friendly tacos as well," said Etchells.
They also have locations in both the Moorestown Mall and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Bueno Onda
Bueno Onda is another Garces restaurant, located at 19th and Callowhill streets. They have one flavor rising to the top.
"Bueno Onda has really nailed the baha fish tacos," said Etchells.
South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa in East Passyunk started as a food cart. Now, the brick and mortar is serving house-made tortas with a rotating menu.
"The barbacoa is lamb. This is topped with some nopales, which is cactus. We get the cactus pad and take off all of the spins to cook it, saute it with vegetables, cilantro, onions, and this has picked red jalapenos on it," said Benjamin Miller, owner of South Philly Barbacoa.
Honest Tom's
Honest Tom's on 44th Street is known for its breakfast tacos.
"Now this is a taco you do want at seven in the morning, because he makes these great breakfast tacos," said Etchells.
"So maybe sometimes you've had a breakfast burrito. It's a big food bomb but a taco, now you're getting something in your stomach that will get you going for the day and keep you bouncing around. It's just delicious, real simple but wonderful," he adds.
Loco Pez
Loco Pez in Fishtown is bringing California street food to Philly, highlighted by their dollar taco night.
The day changes every week, so he sure to follow them on Twitter @LocoPezTacos for when they're holding dollar tacos nights.
"They're very well known for their nachos, but don't sleep on their tacos - especially when they're a dollar," said Etchells. "They have really just fresh ingredients, really solid tacos."
Tired Hands Fermenteria
Tired Hands Fermenteria in Ardmore pairs award winning beer with a menu of eight different tacos.
"This here is our carnitas taco, which is a partake on the traditional Mexican taco," said Bill Braun, Executive Chef at Tired Hands Fermenteria
There's also the vegan mushroom taco and salmon curry taco.
"It's fried rice, salted salmon, a Thai red curry sauce and pickled bok choy," said Braun.
For 13 more of the Best Tacos in Philadelphia, check out the full list at PhillyMag.com
