Best tacos in Philly--hands down. All tacos come with pickles veggies and avocado. I haven't encountered this anywhere else. Moreover, everything is inexpensive and simply delicious. And they're open late (around 11:30 PM or until they run out). Can't be beat.
The comment above is from reader Jake who suggested Tacos El Rodeo as place we had to visit. A comment like that leaves little choice but to tackle a good ol' taco toss up - El Jarocho vs.Tacos El Rodeo.
El Jarocho has been our taqueria king since our first visit in 2011. It was also our only blog post to include an ode to the great footballer Chicharito, who plays for Manchester United. But I digress...
I jumped on my bike and headed to South Philly to eat three al pastor tacos (pork typically shaved off a vertical spit), my favorite type, at each joint.
Tacos El Rodeo
Tacos El Rodeo is actually a food truck and always located at 10th and Washington. You can't miss the colorful, muraled truck. An added touch I like is the collection of milk crates on the sidewalk so you can sit and enjoy your tacos.
Tacos El Rodeo's side mural
Outdoor seating
The "trompo" is Tacos El Rodeo's version of al pastor with a sweeter taste. I think the server said pineapple is included. I got it with "everything," which also includes tomato, lettuce and avocado. Three tacos are only $6 total!
Mexican soccer sensation Javier Chicharito Hernandez is the inspiration behind this look at El Jarocho, a popular taqueria not too far from the Ellsworth-Federal subway stop in South Philly.
El Jarocho was a pit stop on a recent tour of South Philly and not a minute too soon considering our last taqueria visit was over a year ago to Taqueria Veracruzana.
In my book El Jarocho was a clear winner, especially if you adhere to the how-fast-the-food-is-devoured test. You get three soft shell tacos per order and I went with chicken, pork and sausage.
All three were delicious with the sausage taken the Best Of award in close vote. My father, who joined me on the visit, would add the steak to the list of ones to try.
I also gave a tamarind soda from Jarritos a try and it wasn’t bad considering sodas are not something I usually drink. Worth the purchase if you’ve never had one.
Taquerias stand in stark contrast to high-end places taking advantage of the interest and influence of Hispanic food in Philly. But, the no frills atmosphere is just as enjoyable, is much cheaper and frankly the food is just as good - if not better.
At El Jarocho, the three soft shells cost $6 and were filled to the brim. Compare that to Guapos Tacos where you get two tacos for $6-8 and they are not stuffed (as we stated before Guapos Tacos is for the experience, not just the food).
I’m huge fan of taquerias and desire to visit more. Any favorites to suggest for the next stop??
Check out this fabulous song for Chicharito from the World Red Army featuring famous salsa artist Choco Orta.
