Tequilas Casa Mexicana
Mexican restaurant · Rittenhouse
1602 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Highlights
Creative regional Mexican cooking & cocktails in an elegant space
Creative regional Mexican cooking & cocktails in an elegant space
"After a fire-related closure in 2023 that resulted in a full redesign, Tequilas is back and better than ever. You’ll find classic Mexican dishes like Caesar salad (which was founded in Tijuana), cochinita, chile relleno, enchiladas suizas, and more. Stay tuned for the upcoming arrival of La Jefa, a new bar and all-day cafe in the back." - Ernest Owens
"After two years and extensive renovations following a fire, Tequilas is back. The upscale Mexican restaurant in Rittenhouse still has its Spanish-Colonial aesthetic and custom artwork (looking at you, Tree of Death). And it’s lost none of its love from the after-work crowd–they’re back in full force, guzzling the dangerously delicious margaritas (the rose petal is a standout). But the run-of-the-mill aguachile, creamy enchilada, and carne a la tampiqueña with an overcooked tamale are just okay, and don’t really warrant the price tag (mains start around 35 bucks a pop). It is worth the trip for nostalgia, however. Or to get drunk with corporate bros and their dads. Whatever floats your boat. photo credit: GAB BONGHI photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN photo credit: GAB BONGHI photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Pause Unmute" - Candis R. McLean
"After a fire on February 9, 2023, the family business didn’t anticipate it to take more than two years to reopen; by the time they realized how long the road ahead would really be, owner and family patriarch David Suro decided it was time to reimagine his pioneering restaurant in Rittenhouse Square. “Mexican food in Philly has changed so much in the last twenty years,” he tells Eater. “We need to adapt so that we can continue to be at the forefront.” The operation first opened in 1986 and moved to the current Locust Street location in 2000; service finally rebooted on Tuesday, March 18 with a fully rebuilt kitchen and an updated dining room. Regulars will recognize the front dining room (revamped after the fire with fresh paint and finishes, including a colorful tiled flooring imported from Suro’s hometown of Guadalajara), while the menu remains focused on elegant regional Mexican dishes delivered in a fresh format in a smaller room. Where seating once extended to the back with room for upwards of 150 people on a busy night, the post-fire rehab split the space—retaining a white-tablecloth tone up front and converting the rear into an ambitious morning-to-night cafe and bar. Reservations are available on Resy. “We’ve waited so long to get this open,” says Dan. “We figured, might as well wait a little longer and do it right.”" - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme
"During the summer, all of your coworkers suddenly seem to think that Thursday is the beginning of the weekend, which can make for some tough Friday mornings in the office. Fortunately, you’ll only have to spend a few hours staring blankly at your unopened emails until you can refuel with some enchiladas and maybe even some frozen margaritas. Plus, because it’s located off the main Rittenhouse stretch, it’s quiet and kind of hidden - meaning that once you’ve finished off the last bite of mole, you can head home and spend the rest of the night in bed with your dog." - sydney mcelwee
"For nearly 40 years, Mexican restaurant and bar Tequila’s in Rittenhouse was constantly buzzing with servers flying to and from the kitchen, attending to guests chatting and laughing over shared plates of enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and antojitos. Then a fire ripped through the restaurant in February 2023, affecting the community and raising questions about the future of the restaurant in the now-popular dining neighborhood." - Alisha Miranda
