Buena Onda

Great deals, the food was good and the margarita was strong. The ambience... isn't really there but overall it was good and fast.

The quality of Buena Onde's food seems to peak during the summer, but maybe fish tacos just make more sense to watch then! Overall, though, I based these 5 stars on a long duration of Buena Onde's work: 2015 to 2024. It's always been one of my favorite places to go!

Quick happy hour at Buena Onda. I'm obsessed with the order & pay first. Gets you in and out quick! I kid you not, my food came out about 1 min after I ordering, and the drinks maybe 3 mins later. I mean the spot wasn't packed, but still! I went with the pork Al pastor, the red chili short rib, and the $1 happy hour chips and salsa. Drinks-- half off margs: prickly pear and mango! It's giving very much inauthentic, but tasty nonetheless.

Stopped in here for a quick lunch after visiting the nearby Barnes Collection. Taco trio was tasty and light, everything freshly made. Bright, well-lit interior with cheerful colors everywhere. I'll admit, I found the prices a bit higher than expected, but I'm used to eating from taco trucks so sitting in a chair with a table cost more. But there's the rub: was it significantly better than a taco truck to justify the price jump?? I....don't think so. The servers were friendly, as they dropped off my order, but I doubt I'd return.

Delicious spot with amazing service! The food was fantastic with the fried fish taco and the HEFTY al pastor burrito being the stars of the show. Reasonably priced for portions and definitely recommend.

"Smoked Tuna Dip"Read it on the menu. It seemed crazy. I've never seen a smoked fish dip at a Mexican place. In fact, I've never seen a smoked fish dip at a not-bagel shop. Just in case you're wondering, this place does not have bagels. So I ordered it. I could eat this stuff all day. Every day. Hell, it would actually be great on a bagel. But is also great as a dip with tortilla chips. Going to a bbq? Going to the beach? Want to surprise your friends by bringing something that they've never had before that everyone will love? Then I have three words for you: smoked tuna dip. Oh, and chips. You might as well bring them chips too.

I started going to Buena Onda back when I lived around the block. They have a really cheap happy hour with decent margaritas and discounts on food. It's a casual spot where you order at the counter then seat yourself. The food is more California style than traditional. After moving away, I would order from Buena Onda a lot because it was so affordable. Recently though the price of almost everything on the menu increased. Some items went up by 50% including the tacos. It makes sense since food costs have increased for everyone. However, considering the quality of the food, at the new prices I would say Buena Onda is not worth it with so many great competitors in Philly (unless you're going for the hh discounts). The serving sizes are small and the flavors are decent but not great. One thing I do like though is you order each taco individually so you can mix and match. If you tend to eat plant-based, you'll find a few options here. I like the mushroom and kale tacos - they get soggy but they taste nice. They also have a fish taco style option with tofu. The nachos are also good as is the game day special quesadilla with beans and corn.

I guess I would describe this as a modern and hip taco joint with a gringo twist, maybe? But not too gringo. :). We took a lunch break while visiting the Franklin Institute and it was just a handful of blocks away. I was able to order on yelp. The tacos are about $5.50 a pop with choices from al pastor, my favorite, to fish tacos. I was a little miffed on the price, but the tacos come stuffed to the brim. So if you want to be responsible, have two, and three if you are feeling frisky. Great eats.

Food 6/10Atmosphere 6/10Service 3/10Tips: takeout is good option if it's packed. They have margarita pitcher deals weekly. They forgot to give us the chips and guac; called about it but they didnt do anything..Bowl was ok.

Food was ok. Had to ask three different times for a drink I ordered and didn't get it until we were heading out. There was only one other person eating so the place was not busy. When drink came out it didn't seem right and so I didn't drink it. Ambience was nice but probably won't eat there again.