Condesa - Review - Rittenhouse - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of Condesa, a Mexican spot in Rittenhouse from the same team behind Kalaya and Beddia. There’s hanging chandeliers and multiple lounge areas full of people hot enough to be on Love Island. It’s also the entry point to El Techo (one of the city's top rooftops), so it’s constantly crowded with people wanting to be transported to Miami for a few hours. But after a watery margarita and $38 mediocre carne asada, you’ll realize the food here is much more forgettable than the scene. There’s some quality aspects—tamarind-glazed ribs you’ll eat down to the bone and corn imported from Mexico that they mill themselves. But the tacos, flautas, and tlayudas using the exceptional masa can’t be saved when the fillings taste just average. Although the margaritas are skippable, the other specialty cocktails—our favorite is the passionfruit-heavy Doce—are worth a stop at the long bar with friends or the gorgeous patio before heading to Mission Taqueria or anywhere else for your taco fix. photo credit: Kerry McIntyre photo credit: Kerry McIntyre Pause Unmute" - Candis R. McLean