PHLReview
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
El Mezcal Cantina
Included In
When El Mezcal Cantina took over the restaurant at the corner of Point Breeze and Wharton in South Philly, they inherited two things: a space large enough to host several family reunions at once, and a large, wood-fired oven. They’ve filled the dining room with rows of mezcal, colorful calaveras, and TVs blasting the Mexican Music Channel. As for the oven, it frees you from making the impossible decision between tacos and pizza.
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Inside the casual Mexican restaurant, sombreros hang from the ceiling, regulars sing along to Vicente Fernández during Happy Hour, and murals on the wall depict scenes of farmers harvesting fresh agave. They don’t take reservations, so you’ll just have to take your chances coming with a group or date for a round of nachos and carne asada. If there's a wait, you can linger at the long bar with a margarita, or grab one of the few sidewalk tables that get crowded when the weather is nice. But the dining room offers a chatty scene, great views of the aguachile bar, and seats near the flickering oven that’s responsible for tortillas, pizzas, and just about everything in between.
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
El Mezcal does traditional takes on tacos, aquachiles, fundido, and tlacoyos. But what sets them apart is their twist on staples, like tajin-coated chicken wings and pizzas that are topped with garbanzo puree, cilantro, and epazote oil. Dishes come with lots of ingredients here, but the meat or seafood continue to be the main attraction. For a bigger group, prioritize the tacos de trompo, the la paz aquachile, and the pastor pizza that’s covered in stewed pork, cilantro, and onion. Not only is it pretty to look at, but like everything here, it’s fantastic to taste.
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Even on their buzziest nights, it still feels like an easygoing hangout where we can bring a few friends, discover our favorite añejo, and never have to decide between tacos and pizza.
Food Rundown
Guacamole
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
La Paz
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Camarones a la Parilla
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Tacos De Trompo
Al Pastor Pizza
Molcajete a la Parrilla
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Margaritas
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO