The Tastiest Latin American in Philadelphia

La Esquina del Bronco

★★★★☆ 3.6 (5)

"Open when I needed it most. Wanted to get some rice and beans and meat in my diet and this spot gave me a good pick. The chicken and pork here are cooked in different styles, but every dish tasted well flavored, coming with a fresh mini salad (if you ask) and amazing rice. My favorite two parts, though, were sweet corn tamales and the potato ball. OMG, what? I had tamales many times in my life, but this tastes like corn bread, steamed, with fresh corn in it too. They didn't have it the second time I came it, but it seems like they swap out or run out of appetizers sometimes, so get there earlier in the day to check it out. The potato ball and alcapurrias speak for themselves- potato, deep fried, sometimes with ground beef inside. Ask for gravy if you want it extra flavorful. YUM!Some tips- First off, since it's cafeteria style, don't expect it to be piping hot at the end of the day. You may have to come home and heat it up. I came around lunch time and was able to eat everything in the park on the way home at a good temperature. Since it's a small operation, results may vary. Respect the neighborhood and this spot and try it out when you can!"

Bar Bombón

★★★★☆ 4.1 (853) • $$

"Great service and nice music! The impossible tacos were really good. Wish the tortilla was toasted. The sweet plantains were very good loved the garlic aioli sauce it came with. Interesting that they had salt gave it nice taste. Corn was okay, didn't love the loaded yuka "cheese" not my favorite. Our waitress was really nice!"

Mr. Platano Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (7)

"I wish I would've kept the picture of the Jibarito sandwich but it's gone gone goneeeee! I've only had Mr. Platano delivered to me so I can't give too much about the physical store. I originally ordered their chicken birra tacos which were good! Then, I tried Mr. Platano again for their Jibarito sandwich and baybeeeeee! It was REALLY good. Like so much so I'm salivating thinking about it right now lol. I will most definitely be back to Mr. Platano and I'll try to have something different but I can't guarantee I won't just go back for my favorites."

Tierra Colombiana Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.8 (475) • $$

"My husband brought me here for a dinner sate before a comedy show in Philadelphia. Everything was amazing. We were running late so we preordered and within 20 mins of arriving our food came. Waiters and waitresses were on point. The restaurant was large and plenty of seats. Sunday night dinner and it was packed. Loved it."

Fabio's Chicken Restaurant Takeout

★★★★☆ 3.9 (18) • $

"Was taken here today by a Colombian friend who needed to satisfy a craving for something cheap and delicious. This place reminds me of Nanzhou, a Yelp favorite, because of the heaping helpings you get for next to nothing. I got the oxtail soup (Sancocho) with extra rice and plantains to see how it would differ from the Korean-style stuff I was used to at home. Aside from a thicker, stew-like broth and beefier potatoes, it was just as delicious. My friend got a flat steak (Carne Asada) that I think he ate in just under 10 seconds. Remember Yelp, you're missing out on a lot if you don't visit NE philly once in a while, especially this place."

El Merkury at the Market

★★★★☆ 4.3 (34)

"El Merkury is such a wonderful addition to the Reading Terminal Market, serving up Central American street food that is just as delicious and satisfying as the RTM stalwarts.Sometimes, if I time things right, I can make it to RTM after work, in time to pick up an early dinner. And these days, I've been gravitating towards El Merkury. The service is friendly (with good humor!) and the food is prepared fairly quickly. I usually order and then pop over to Iovine to pick up some groceries, and when I return, my order is ready. The pupusas, which I like with either chicharron or loroco, a Central American flower, have the textural contrast of a slightly crispy exterior and soft, savory interior, and the accompanying salsa and pickled vegetables (including curtido) add that perfect sweet-sour kick. For $10 + tip, I walk away with enough food to feel totally satisfied (and even a little too full). Also, their chips are addicting - we bought some to treat ourselves for the Superbowl and we all agreed they were the best chips we've ever had.One of these days, I'll try one of those visually-intimidating churro sundaes. Personally, I'm happy to see more cuisines and cultures, from Filipino to Georgian to Central American, represented in RTM, and my taste buds are happier for it as well."

El Principe Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.6 (33)

"When you walk in, the steam table is packed with Dominican cooking, featuring stewed meats and enough pork to make me believe that Heaven gets its catering from El Principe.Speaking Spanish definitely helps when ordering. If you don't, just make sure you are really good at pointing.The ladies hacked away a portion of artery death meat, known as chicharron in Latin American cooking, and sent it my way for $5 (more pricey when compared to the pounds of other meats they serve up cheap, but luxury has its price). These are just the porkiest bites found in nature. I couldn't bring myself to eat the pure fat parts, but the skin and the fat clinging to it got the job done. This wasn't just some sexy looking skin that didn't deliver once you bit into it; the crunch was perfect, just the right amount of teeth required to tear it apart.4 measly dollars gets you a big serving of stewed chicken. One poke of your fork and the meat is off the bone.I didn't think much of the beef, but guess what- it too was awesome. It was totally moist and drenched in a savory oily juice (like the one the chicken comes in) that made me feel unhealthy just looking at it. Yum!Behind the chicharrones was even more pork, a gleaming pork leg with a few lonely strands of meat falling off it. I wanted it as the star of my platter and the ladies told to wait while they got a new leg from the back. That was a thing worth waiting for.The $8 large combos, like the roast pork platter, come with repollo (vinegar-lemon cabbage salad) and white rice or yellow "moro" rice. A platter makes a great lunch; good luck finishing it all.Of all the meat choices, it is really hard to pick my favorite. I would probably stick with the roast pork, followed by the above mentioned beef. Other choices included goat, stewed pork, roast chicken, oxtail, salt fish, and liver.If you are getting the roast pork instead of one of the meats that come with gravy, ask for some gravy on your rice. They are even nice enough to give you a container of sauce if you aren't eating right away.Smaller platters are available for $6.If you are in to mushy things, be sure to ask for mangu. You won't find it on the steam table, but they will bring you a plate from the kitchen. This was my first time having this Dominican mashed plantain dish, though I have had mofongo (the Puerto Rican, pork heavy version) quite often. It was different without the pork bits, but I found myself piling more on my plate. The mild mushy stuff tasted comforting and matches up well with any of the sauces from the other platters."

Bolo

★★★★☆ 4.3 (79)

"Finally got to try this place and I thought the food was amazing! The chef himself served me and my friend and we had a blast. He made a bunch of recommendations and they were great. The vibes of the first floor was great as well, and it really felt like a place to hang and have a good time. I'd have to try the upstairs next time!"

El Merkury

★★★★☆ 4.3 (205) • $$

"I've heard about this place a few times and finally stopped in to grab a quick lunch to-go. The vibe inside seemed very clean and casual. I got two taquitos to-go- one chicken and cheese and one chile chicken. First of all, I was thrilled that this was only $7. I didn't know lunches under $10 still existed in Philly. I was even happier that it was delicious. The chile chicken is actually spicy but in a fun way- not in the way that makes you cry. The service was super quick, too. I think I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Will definitely be back to try more from the menu."

La Parada II

★★★★☆ 3.8 (10) • $$

"When craving for Latin food, this is it! Good selection of food that is already cooked so it is quick and easy. I can cook most of this myself, but on those days I do not feel like it, this is where we go. Great sizes that can feed a family of 4 for less than $20. I usually order the roast pork with red rice and beans, and mangu, if they have any left, it goes quick. Also, very very clean, which I can be very picky about. This is a take out only, unless you eat on the tables outside, which is still take out."

Aqimero

★★★★☆ 3.8 (191) • $$$

"Came here for brunch on a Sunday and had a pleasant time!We did the endless brunch option but I personally am not a fan of champagne so I ordered cocktails a la carte while my friends did mimosas and Bellinis. I wish they would add bloodys or another breakfast beverage as an option for non champagne drinkers - it is the ritz after all, I expected more! The food presentation was on point. Very aesthetic dishes but the quality was here and there. The pastry basket was pretty average nothing memorable. The parfait however I thought would be average as well was actually delicious! The toast sampler was tasty, I wish the mushroom was more of a pate than chunks of mushrooms. We also got the burger; huevos rancheros and crab cake Benedict as the entrees. They were all tasty! But I wish the crab wasn't fried and had more lump crab. Overall, service was decent and food was good. I had a nice time but I honestly expected more of a wow factor since it's at the ritz"

La Cocina del Cafe

★★★★★ 4.7 (38)

"Reliable. Good portions. Tasty. Go to place for fast Mexican food! Neighborhood gem! We have ordered from here at least 3 times now and they've been consistent. Definitely worth supporting this business."

El Taco

★★★★☆ 4.2 (18)

"Found parking outside (illegally)Cute lil taco spot by UPenn. I wasn't impressed by the beef taco, felt like there was entirely too much meat on the taco. They have a nice lil sit down area inside. Staff was nice and patient. Drink: Horchata"

Izlas Latin Cuisine

★★★★☆ 4.2 (36)

"So it's late night. I'm starving and so I hit yelp to find anything open. Surprisingly I found this place and it has really good reviews. I wasn't expecting much but I got a lot of yumminess!!!! I ordered rice and beans with avocado and chicken wings and I'm so happy I did everything was delicious. Thank you so much! Keep up the deliciousness!"

Bodega Bar

★★★★☆ 3.6 (121) • $$

"Bodega Bar is one of my favorite HH spot in Center City. One of my friend had suggested that we should do our girls night out here at Bodega's. I love a Happy Hour menu consists of more than one cocktail drinks and plenty of food options. And you know what's better than the extensive menu? A reservation!!! I was able to make a reservation online for us. Of course Bodega's had added a cherry on top too. Two of us were able to be seated and order first before our last party arrived, hooray no more hungry tummies while waiting for friends who were late lol. We were starving, so we started without our last friend since she's late. Couldn't resist the Blood Orange Margaritas, so we order two. Besides the drinks, we also order N1 Queso and Chips and Picadillo Beef Skewers. The beef skewer is to die for, soooo freaking tender and flavors. By the time the last party arrived, we already had three orders of the Picadillo Beef Skewers lol. And yes we had order more after our friend arrived because she was also hooked lol. We decided to pig-out for the night, so we also order Creamy Veggie Empanadas, Casa Guacamole, Lollipop Chicken Sticks, Cuban Pork Skewers, Shrimp Skewers, Calamari Frita and Dos Tacos. We had agreed the stars of the night were Blood Orange Margaritas and Picadillo Beef Skewers. Everything else is pretty mediocre but Creamy Veggie Empanadas, those were quite disgusting for us. I had such a great time at Bodega's last time, I decided to go back again two weeks later. Yes, I'm totally addicted lol! I had order the exact same Happy Hour items with the Buffalino Wings. Of course, I left the veggie empanadas out. And this time, we added Salmon A La Plancha and Garlic Shrimp & Spinach. We agree that the salmon is pretty bland and not worth the near $30 price tag. But the Garlic Shrimp and Spinach were absolutely delicious. With that being said, I'm sure Bodega's Bar will see me soon:)"

Kaku Latin Food

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6)

"I've had these pictures to post this review for so long. after a long ride from new jersey, we had to get some lunch so we found this corner with a small shop selling lunch specials. we had an amazing experience with the two ladies working there. they entertained us, served us a mean plate, and even helped us with drinks. they had a variety of fresh juices ranging from passion fruit to guanabana. it was absolutely delicious and a great lunch choice. love from jersey!!"

Mixto Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.8 (1416) • $$

"Came here with a party of 20 and they sat us upstairs. Service was fast and efficient with drinks, apps, and entrees.Mixto - great way to try a lot of different things. Empanadas we're nice but not the flakey kindGuacamole - pretty standardOctopus - thinly sliced a charred. Was not expecting the potatoSeafood mofongo - flavor was nice and I liked the texture of the mofongo. Seafood was a bit over cooked though and some of my mussels were bad"

Calle Del Sabor

★★★★☆ 4.3 (78)

"The friends I was staying with a couple of weekends ago live right next to this establishment. The restaurant is a walk up window. You just go up, give your order then wait around for it to be made and handed to you. There is just one, cheap looking chair outside of the place for the patrons to sit and wait so when you come for your food just keep in mind that you most likely won't have anywhere to sit while waiting. I decided to order a three little pigs tacos (which comes with 3 tacos). And my friend ordered al pastor tacos (which also came with 3 tacos). Getting our food took around 10 minutes so the wait wasn't bad at all especially given it was a miserably hot day that day. The three little pigs tacos were filled to the brim of a large flour tortilla. It was also stuffed with meats, cheap queso, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. The flavor of the tacos was very Americanized (which is obvious from the ingredients used) and since it was such a large taco it just felt very overbearing and nothing to get too excited over. Additionally, I tried the al pastor tacos which were also not that good. There was just way too much sauce for the meat and just felt like the tacos were not satisfying. The quality that I experienced was also disappointing given all of the glowing reviews on here. All in all, this place was just ok."

Mamajuana

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (52)

"Not alot of vegetarian options so I really appreciated that they made a vegetarian dish for me (a pasta dish). This is a Very loud establishment...you've been warned. Birthday shout-outs every 20 minutes & it was a Thursday, I can't imagine Friday & Saturday. I was very pleased with the aesthetic, service, food, & drinks."

Heffe

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (264)

"They make their empanadas in an old shed right on the lot which is a little horrifying but they look quite good lol. Bring cash, wear a coat or sunglasses cos you're sitting outside and be patient, the kitchen does a fine job on their tacos and that fine job takes a while. Not cheap at $6 to 8 per taco, each a single soft corn shell. No veggie taco although there is a veggie burrito. Bring a drink from the Tiki bar next door!I tried the crispy chicken tacos, maybe because it was the first menu item and I couldn't make up my mind? Those shells were absolutely stuffed with meat and ancho mayo, topped with shredded white cheese & a little lettuce, served with a lime wedge. Excellent, $12 with tax, that seemed a little high."

Jezabel's

★★★★☆ 3.6 (146) • $

"tl;dr this quaint West Philly cafe hosts a daily assortment of empanadas and Argentinian pastriesJezabel Careaga's store-and-cafe has been widely lauded by critics and amateur foodies alike. The multi-purpose space expands across the first floors of 3 adjacent row homes, accentuating the intimate and homey feels of each room. The space is minimalistic, with unadorned white plaster walls, sleek wooden furnishings, and accent planting. Afternoon sunlight blasts through the large bay windows. Stick to the bakery display room to grab-and-go, or venture into the further rooms to sit and snack. The middle room is highlighted by an open kitchen -- designed for cooking lessons -- with a large center island surrounded by industrial ovens and tall shelves of ingredients and glassware. Wooden booths are complemented by velvet pillows, and the tables are each decked with a woven napkins basket. Further inward, the third room is sprinkled with home goods and local crafts.My partner and I arrived for late lunch on a weekday, and the air was quiet and relaxed. We browsed the pastry counter and opted for a variety of that piqued our interest, including empanadas, mafaldas (medialunas with ham and cheese), Escabeche de Berenjena (Italian pickled eggplant), and chimichurri. Of note, the 'menu' was unclear, even within the restaurant -- our strategy was to guesstimate an appropriately filling assortment of goods. All of the pastries were heated to order, recapturing a warmth and flakiness at the expense of drying out -- a risk soundly mitigated by the sides. The moderately large bowl of chunky eggplant, peppered with spice and served cold, provided a nice acidity to balance out the rich empanadas. On the other hand, the chimichurri was strongly cilantro-y and, while adding a pleasant texture and aroma to pastry-heavy bites, was otherwise forgettable.Each empanada sported a unique, intricate wrapping design. The Fugazza (leeks, sweet onions, and cheese) was the highlight of our meal, with a dynamic array of flavors and textures. In a close second was the Humita (spicy corn and cheese), accented by the pop of sweet corn complemented by rich, stringy cheese. Less memorable were the Carne (spicy ground beef) and Pollo (spicy shredded chicken and olives) varieties; while both were stuffed generously with meat, the flavors were less innovative. Finally, the mafaldas were loaded heavily (or, as generously as a small medialuna can withstand) with slices of sweet ham and cheese, then baked until melty.The service was friendly and laid-back. As a whole, our items ranged from ok to great, and our meal fell short of being truly satiating. At $28 (after tax and tip), our check totaled on the pricier side for cafe fare. While the relaxed vibes and authentic eats are well worth an occasional visit, I don't see Jezabel's entering my regular routine."

Buccann

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (59)

"Decided to give this place a try as a few friends mentioned they had a good time here. Much smaller then I anticipated but once inside the ambiance was very nice and welcoming. My daughter and I started with a few coconut mojito's and a few appetizers. We ordered the calamari it was a little fishy but good. We had yucca Fritas which was pleasantly delicious. We also had the plantain chips and guacamole, had plenty chips an ran out of guacamole. For our entrees I ordered the skirt steak with chimmichurri and salad. My daughter ordered the salmon with beans and rice with salad. The salad was refresh and came with a house made vinegarette that was delicious. It was a good time and good vibes, they also have hookah available!"

CYM Island Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (20) • $

"This is a local mom and pop shop, where you run to when you really can't get home for some good Spanish cooking, but are CRAVING some rice and beans. The price is really cheap as in most Latin restaurants and the food is seasoned really well. I had the pork (lechon/pernil) and kindly asked the lady to lather some of the onions from the yucca and she was happy to comply. We also had arroz con gandules (yellow rice with black eyed peas) and sudao de pollo (chicken stew) which were great. The hubby loves the chicken stew because of the seasoning and because he swears it's healthier than the other fried meats in the place. I wasn't particularly impressed with the rice, it was more on the bland side but not terrible. Overall, it is a great place to come grab a quick bite or something to go. They have one picnic table outside for eating, but other than that take out only. They accept credit cards and parking isn't terrible around here either."

Porky's Point Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.9 (44)

"Can you say DELICIOUS!! Whenever I am in town it's an absolute MUST that I come here. Food is ALWAYS hot and fresh. I recommend EVERYTHING. Whatever you like buy it. Whatever you wanna try, try it. You won't be disappointed."