"Here’s the bad news: unless you order the entire menu at El Mictlan, you will leave disappointed knowing there was more you could have tried. Every dish at the South Philly Mexican restaurant—from the crispy tuna tostadas to the lamb barbacoa tacos—is really freaking delicious. The good news? You can always come back. And you're going to want to. photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi Don’t let the grimace on the cartoon Aztec king in the entryway fool you—El Mictlan is friendly and warm. It’s the sort of casual place you could pop into on a weeknight for a Mexican meal that tastes a couple of notches above casual. In addition to all of the (well-done) usual suspects, the menu has surprises like a refreshing cactus salad topped with a mound of burrata, and a halo of sashimi tuna tossed with radish, cilantro, and ponzu. Neighborhood regulars with kids in tow bring their own tequila to pair with housemade juices, and couples on dates swap bites of picaditas thick with refried beans and Oaxaca cheese. If you bring a big group, you really can order the entire menu. We'll bet you'll still want to come back for more, though. Food Rundown photo credit: Gab Bonghi Guacamole At some Mexican restaurants, guac and chips is nice to have but not a must. This guac is a must. It’s creamy, with a bit of smoke from charred serrano peppers, and bright with lime. You’re gonna scrape the bowl. photo credit: Gab Bonghi Tuna Tostadas Crunchy tostada shells topped with ahi tuna, sriracha mayo, avocado, and fried onions. They’re as delicious as they are beautiful. photo credit: Gab Bonghi Quesabirria Tacos Braised beef birria and melted mozzarella cheese is packed into housemade corn tortillas, then the whole thing gets pan-seared until it has a crisp exterior. They’re served with a rich onion consomme you’ll want to finish with or without the tacos. photo credit: Gab Bonghi Chicken Empanadas Delicate, flaky pastry on the outside. Juicy, adobo-spiced chicken on the inside. These are easily some of the best empanadas in the city, and a must-order at El Mictlan. photo credit: Gab Bonghi Elote Whole grilled corn on the cob slathered in chipotle mayo, cotija cheese, chile powder and lime. It’s spicy, creamy, and worth the post-meal floss." - Alison B. Kessler
