South Philly Barbacoa
Mexican restaurant · Passyunk Square
1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66109908/SouthPhillyBarbacoa_tednghiem_Cropped.0.jpg "South Philly Barbacoa by Ted Nghiem")
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/15987797/SPB_17.jpg "South Philly Barbacoa by Angela Gervasi")
Highlights
Award-winning lamb barbacoa tacos and consommé, immigrant rights advocacy
Award-winning lamb barbacoa tacos and consommé, immigrant rights advocacy
"This beloved Italian Market taqueria only has a few items on the menu—barbacoa and pancita tacos, a lamb consomme, and specials like tamales and quesadillas. They're all very good, especially the juicy, fatty, incredibly flavorful lamb barbacoa, which is the star of the single best taco in Philly. The corn tortillas are just as memorable as the fillings—they're thick and speckled with mini air pockets, and delicious whether they're cradling pancita or simply dipped in the housemade salsas. It’s a pretty popular spot with tourists (thank you, Chef's Table), so show up before noon or later in the afternoon if you don’t want to wait in line." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"Cristina Martinez’s lamb barbacoa tacos regularly draw national attention to this casual Italian Market eatery. The lamb is marinated and cooked overnight, then the tender chunks are chopped to order, and then served on homemade tortillas. South Philly Barbacoa is open for incredibly limited hours, so prepare for a wait (and be sure to plan ahead)." - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme
"There are only a few things on the menu at this legendary Mexican spot in the Italian Market: barbacoa and pancita tacos, a lamb consomme, and specials like tamales and quesadillas. They're all very good, especially the juicy, fatty lamb barbacoa. It’s a pretty popular spot with tourists (thank you, Chef's Table). So show up before noon (they open at 5am) or later in the afternoon if you don’t want to wait in a line." - alison kessler, candis mclean
"Cristina Martínez — identified as being of this eatery — is connected to a Mexico-focused project that Michelin's international director is scheduled to visit; that project was mentioned as part of a trio of spots that have been finalists or winners of James Beard awards." - Melissa McCart
"South Philly Barbacoa is the best place in town to get tacos, including those of the vegetarian variety. There are only a few things on the taco menu—meaning the same three options—but one thing that rotates is the veggie-only option, like the sweet potato and cauliflower taco topped with lettuce. It’s a pretty popular spot with both locals and tourists, and they’re only open Friday-Monday, so show up before noon (they open at 5am) if you don’t want to wait in line." - candis mclean
