Authentic Mexican flavors and tender barbacoa in the heart of South Philly.
South Philly Barbacoa is a beloved Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia, renowned for tender barbacoa tacos, blue corn tortillas, and fresh, self-serve salsas. Diners also praise pancita, a modern card-friendly ordering option, and the accommodating, friendly service led by chef/owner Cristina. The venue offers a true taste of Mexico with a welcoming, casual dining experience in South Philly.
1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
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Tender, slow-cooked barbacoa served on fresh blue corn tortillas with self-serve salsas and toppings.
Rich, savory broth made from barbacoa drippings, perfect for dipping or sipping.
Full-service catering for weddings and special events, with customizable menus and on-site setup.
Combo plates including tacos with rice and beans, available for dine-in or takeaway.
Homemade refreshing drinks like horchata, available in self-serve fridges.
Overall rating
Yesenia and Philip
South Philly Barbacoa was such a gift to have at our wedding. Not only was it so special to have our guests try the best of the best barbacoa philly has to offer, but having Chef Cristina at the event was such a cherry on top. The food was incredible and they were willing to accommodate a menu change for my dad who has a seafood allergy. We never felt pressure from them food-wise and it was super easy to make adjustments to the order up until the week of the wedding. For my side of the family especially, I know it was a nostalgic experience to order from the cart set up for tacos and it was comforting to get to chat with Cristina. She was truly the best–fixing us a plate and making sure my husband and I ate at cocktail hour and at dinner. (photos by Lilith & Eve)
Rick Diaz
I ordered the Barbacoa taco. The three tacos I had all had bones inside. I have eaten Barbacoa in Texas Detroit, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and never have I had bones in my Barbaco Tacos. The service was not good. Employees did not checked it me as a customer. No one checked on how the food was or if I needed anything.
Joe McCright
This was our first meal upon returning to the US. I missed true Mexican food so much. And South Philly Barbacoa did not disappoint. I had the steak taco with rice & beans lunch meal. Blue corn tortillas. All delicious. And super friendly service.
Felix
Really great tacos! The classic barbacoa is so tender and delicious, especially with all the salsas, pickled, and fresh veggies that are self-serve. But the pancita was a true standout- don’t be scared by the offal! I could eat those every day! And the tortillas are so fresh, soft, and delicious, They also now have a self- service kiosk where you can pay by credit card now, otherwise it’s cash/venmo if you order at the counter. Also, get the consome!
Allison Young
I found out about this place on Netflix and wanted to check it out for myself. We all went down for dinner and each had a plate of tacos and a horchata. Everything was delicious! This place is truly a treat. The chef/owner was friendly and accommodating and could not have been a better hostess. We were able to pay with card by ordering on their new computerized menu, instead of cash only - which undoubtedly makes it easier for the staff. We did miss the traditional table service as the girl in the front was busy with take-away customers and wasn’t really available to answer questions (for example, you can only get three tacos with one type of meat and you can only order the Aqua Fresca even though the fridges have four different homemade drinks). Still, the food is outstanding and once we were seated the service was excellent. This place is definitely worth a visit for an authentic taste of Mexico in South Philly.
