Best Upscale Tacos in Philadelphia | Top 1 Upscale Spots

20 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Philadelphia | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Taco Taco Mexican — Mexican · rated 5/5: Vibrant colors and the irresistible aroma of marinated al pastor and seasoned beef define this lively haunt, where every plate celebrates the bold, sun-drenched spirit of Mexican street food. Guests dive into crunchy heaps of golden nachos and zesty pico de gallo or savor hefty, hand-rolled burritos packed with savory fillings, all served in a casual atmosphere that pulses with energy and authentic flavor.
• El Vez — Mexican · rated 5/5: Bathed in neon glows and eclectic kitsch, this high-energy destination pulses with a festive spirit that transforms every meal into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. Zesty aromas of sizzling taquitos and fresh cilantro waft through the air as the kitchen turns out artfully plated classics, from creamy avocado toast to hearty breakfast burritos bursting with bold, spicy flavors. The experience is rounded out by a playful cocktail program that invites diners to linger in the electric atmosphere, where time-honored culinary traditions meet a modern, punchy flair.
• Lucky Strike — American · rated 4/5: Lucky Strike pulses with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere where the buzz of social connection meets a menu of bold, shareable indulgences. Guests gather over towering "Nacho Avalanches" and crispy, golden cauliflower bites, while the savory aroma of slow-cooked birria tacos and warm Bavarian pretzels fills the air. It is a spirited destination that transforms casual dining into a communal celebration of elevated comfort and modern flair.
• Loco Pez — Mexican · rated 4/5: Stepping into this vibrant, retro-inspired haunt feels like a trip to a sun-drenched LA taco stand, where neon flickers against wood-paneled walls and the air hums with the energy of a neighborhood celebration. Hand-pressed tortillas are piled high with bold, street-style fillings, best enjoyed alongside a salt-rimmed margarita or a crisp craft beer as the lively atmosphere carries you late into the night.
• Revolution Taco — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant urban eatery serves as a culinary crossroads where the humble taco is reimagined through a global lens, blending bold international spices with street-food soul. Guests are treated to a playful symphony of textures and tastes, from the savory crunch of duck-filled scallion pancakes to the smoky, sweet heat of honey chipotle chicken. It is a high-energy destination that celebrates culinary boundary-breaking, offering a worldly dining adventure tucked inside every warm, hand-pressed tortilla.
• Korea Taqueria — Korean · rated 4/5: This vibrant fusion destination serves as a culinary crossroads where the bold, fermented heat of Seoul meets the soulful spirit of a Mexican street stall. The air hums with the sizzle of bulgogi barbacoa and the irresistible aroma of gochujang-glazed fried chicken, inviting guests to dip crispy, spice-laden tacos into rich, savory consommé. Whether digging into a colorful rice bowl or sharing a plate of golden, honey-slicked wings, every bite offers a playful and inventive harmony of two world-class comfort food traditions.
• Roberts Block Restaurant — American · rated 4/5: Roberts Block Restaurant pulses with a welcoming, communal energy, where the aroma of bubbling French onion soup and savory short rib tacos fills a space designed for lively gatherings and shared moments. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic charm with playful innovation, offering a menu where crispy, golden-breaded cheese curds and zesty ahi tuna share the table with inventive, hand-crafted bites like buffalo chicken pretzel strombolis. Whether sharing a sprawling charcuterie board or tucking into the daily soup du jour, guests find a spirited atmosphere that celebrates the art of elevated comfort food.
• Paloma Restaurante — Mexican · rated 3/5: Paloma Restaurante invites guests into a sun-drenched space where the comforting aroma of sizzling chorizo and freshly toasted bread signals the start of a perfect morning. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic farm-to-table staples with bold Mexican flavors, serving up everything from velvety eggs Benedict and vibrant chilaquiles to hearty, seared steak and eggs. Whether you are lingering over a colorful bowl of Greek yogurt or a custom-crafted omelette, every plate captures the soulful, vibrant essence of a leisurely neighborhood brunch.
• 48th Street Grille — American · rated 3/5: 48th Street Grille hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood fiesta, where the air is thick with the savory scent of charred meats and the irresistible sizzle of cast-iron platters. Guests dive into a colorful landscape of zesty tacos, crisp tostadas, and overstuffed burritos, each plate a celebration of bold Mexican-inspired flavors and hearty, soulful comfort. It is a welcoming retreat where communal plates of loaded nachos and steaming fajitas turn every meal into a lively, shared experience.
• Señor Salsa — Mexican · rated 3/5: The air at Señor Salsa hums with festive energy, filled with the irresistible aroma of charred peppers and the rhythmic sound of avocados being mashed into creamy, table-side guacamole. Guests share bubbling crocks of queso fundido and golden Nachos Veracruz before diving into signature plates like the authentic chile relleno or sizzling steak fajitas that arrive in a cloud of savory steam. It is a vibrant celebration of Mexican flavors where every meal feels like a lively fiesta, anchored by hearty portions and a warm, welcoming spirit.
• Palmyra Taco House — Mexican · rated 3/5: This lively neighborhood gem pulses with the irresistible aroma of bubbling queso fundido and hand-pressed tamales steaming in their husks. Guests gather over vibrant spreads of golden, crispy empanadas and mountains of birria-loaded nachos, where every bite offers the satisfying crunch of fresh chips and the rich, slow-cooked depth of traditional spices. It is a celebration of communal dining, where the zing of fresh guacamole and the snap of spicy jalapeño poppers turn a casual meal into a spirited, flavor-drenched escape.
• El Mictlan — Mexican: Steeped in the rich traditions of Mexican heritage, El Mictlan invites diners into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the savory scent of slow-simmered meats and toasted chilies. Guests can dive into bowls of velvety, hand-mashed guacamole before savoring the indulgent crunch of quesabirria tacos, which arrive dripping with melted cheese and a deeply spiced, soul-warming consommé. The experience is anchored by hearty, flavor-packed burritos that offer a comforting embrace of authentic ingredients, making every meal feel like a bold celebration of street-style culinary artistry.
• Taco Heart — Mexican: Taco Heart captures the laid-back, sun-drenched spirit of Austin with the comforting aroma of griddled flour tortillas and the savory sizzle of morning fillings. Whether building a custom masterpiece at the vibrant taco bar or tucking into a hearty, egg-filled breakfast taco, diners find a soulful slice of Texas comfort in every bright, flavor-packed bite.
• Sabrina's Cafe — American: This vibrant neighborhood staple hums with energy as the aroma of griddled batter and slow-roasted pork wafts through a cozy, sun-drenched dining room. Towering stacks of Oreo-studded pancakes and decadent churro banana bread pudding offer a whimsical indulgence, while bold, savory plates like crispy tater tot hashes and spice-kissed Mexican scrambles provide a soulful start to the day. It is a place where comfort meets creativity, transforming the morning meal into a celebratory feast of generous portions and bright, eclectic flavors.
• El Taco — Mexican: El Taco pulses with a festive energy, where the rhythmic crunch of golden-fried shells and the vibrant zest of house-made salsas invite friends to gather around overflowing boxes of handheld treasures. Savory beef empanadas and hearty burritos anchor a communal feast that celebrates bold, traditional flavors, all served with an abundance meant for sharing. The experience finds its perfect finale in the cool, creamy indulgence of tres leches cake or the warm, spiced sweetness of a flaky apple empanada.
• Rouge — French: Rouge invites guests into a sultry, sophisticated atmosphere where the glow of ambient lighting sets the stage for an evening of refined indulgence. The kitchen balances coastal elegance with soulful comfort, pairing chilled oysters and silken Wagyu beef carpaccio with golden, pan-seared pierogi and bubbling crocks of artisanal mac and cheese. Whether sharing a vibrant charcuterie board or crisp tuna tartare tacos, diners find themselves immersed in a lively yet intimate space that celebrates bold flavors and effortless style.
• Condesa — Mexican: Condesa captures the vibrant energy of a modern Mexican bistro, where the air is perfumed with the smoky aroma of charred corn and the rich, savory depth of bone marrow esquites. The kitchen transforms traditional staples into artful compositions, balancing the bright, citrusy zing of beet aguachile with the indulgent warmth of duck tamales and bubbling queso fundido. It is a soulful destination where rustic heritage meets contemporary sophistication, inviting guests to linger over bold flavors that dance across the palate.
• Sancho Pistola's — Mexican: This lively neighborhood haunt buzzes with a spirited energy, inviting guests to linger over a kaleidoscope of inventive guacamoles that range from smoky bacon-infused blends to vibrant bowls topped with pomegranate and pistachio. The kitchen masterfully balances tradition and playfulness, serving up hearty breakfast burritos and zesty huevos rancheros that transform a casual meal into a bold, sun-drenched celebration of Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Cantina Dos Segundos — Mexican: This spirited neighborhood haunt pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the enticing aromas of smoky chicken mole and freshly fried yuca. Guests gather around rustic tables to share golden-crusted crab croquettes and bowls of creamy, lime-kissed esquites, finding comfort in a menu that balances earthy roasted winter vegetables with the sweet, caramelized warmth of plantanos machos. It is a soulful dining experience where the crunch of house-made chips and the zest of traditional guacamole set the stage for a festive, flavor-forward escape.
• Las Bugambilias — Mexican: Las Bugambilias captures the vibrant spirit of a traditional Mexican morning, where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of toasted chilies and freshly mashed guacamole. Guests gather over colorful plates of saucy chilaquiles and "divorced" eggs, finding a perfect balance between hearty ranch-style meats and the bright, citrusy zing of fresh mixed ceviche. This sun-drenched sanctuary transforms breakfast into a festive ritual, inviting diners to linger over every bold, authentic flavor.