Hi-Lo Taco Co. in Midtown Village is a vibrant spot where Tex-Mex meets delicious BBQ, serving up inventive tacos, smoky wings, and flavorful cocktails in a lively, group-friendly atmosphere.
"It's easy to underestimate Hi-Lo. The corporate-looking taco spot occupies a corner of Center City dominated by hospital staff, construction workers rebuilding half of Walnut, and people catching a Sunday matinee. But don't judge a book by its chain-y cover (FWIW, it's independently owned)—they make fantastic tacos. The space has a full bar, and plenty of seating for groups downing chewy handmade tortillas filled with Old Bay shrimp, grilled steak fajita, and tangy, chimichurri-topped mushrooms. We haven't found a dud on the menu, but the smashburger taco with pickles and special sauce stands out as one of the best handheld Philly foods of 2024. If you go for lunch, try the housemade pineapple-passion soda and limey Hi-Lo salad. Or roll up with a group after work or a show for rounds of the tequila-spiked ranch water, smoky buffalo wings, and as many tacos as you can handle." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"On late Friday and Saturday nights, Hi-Lo Taco Co. serves up a tasty spin on the classic dish with their nacho fries. Picture a stack of waffle fries drizzled with queso and topped pickled jalapeños and queso fresco. Diners can throw in some bacon, ranch, and scallions for a Tex-Mex culinary wonder." - George Banks-Weston
"Hi-Lo Taco Co. has affordable handheld foods, plenty of seating for groups, and an ice cream shop next door. If that’s not kid-friendly, we don’t know what it is. The smoky wings are great to share, there are 15+ tacos to choose from (though the juicy, cheesy smashburger version is a must) and snacky sides like chips and dips will keep the indecisive guests at the table happy. Remember this place whenever you find yourself in Center City with hungry spawn at lunch or dinner." - alison kessler
"If you’re spending your SIPS in orbit of Midtown Village's 13th Street, you definitely don’t mind a crowd. But this spot offers an incredible lineup of food and a change from that brand of chaos. The margaritas and signature ranch waters are $7, and there are lots of great small plates like jumbo smoked wings and chips and queso to share. Also, if you get too gluttonous and eat the guajillo bbq chicken too fast, the dining room will probably be filled with 20 doctors from Jefferson. " - candis mclean
"Hi Lo is a Center City taco joint that blends Mexican dishes with American flavors—and washes it all down with tequila. The modern space has a full bar and plenty of seating for groups, and it packs crispy Old Bay shrimp, grilled steak fajita, and tangy chimichurri-topped mushrooms on perfectly chewy handmade tortillas. There’s not a bad bite to be had, but the cheesy, pickle-y, special-sauce covered smashburger taco is one of the best handheld foods we’ve had all year. If you go for lunch (like the entire Jefferson staff), try the housemade pineapple-passion soda and limey Hi-Lo salad. Or roll up with a big group post work for rounds of the tequila-spiked ranch water, smoky buffalo wings, and as many tacos as you can handle. photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi photo credit: Gab Bonghi" - Alison B. Kessler
