Chicago

We're Out Here

Discover LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in top destinations, plus tips and inspiration on where to go

We're Out Here: A New LGBTQ Travel Vertical

Photo courtesy of Pride Parade

Events

It’s the most wonderful time of year—and no, we’re not talking about the holidays, but rather, the holigays.

Parades, Rooftop Parties, and Baseball: Pride Month in Chicago Is More Fun Than Ever

Dallas

Photo by Bret Redman, courtesy of D Magazine

Drink

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

“I CAME in Sue Ellen’s” glows in pink neon lights affixed to a wall of faux shrubbery.

The Oldest Lesbian Bar in Texas Isn't Going Anywhere 

San Francisco

Meera Fox/Getty Images Entertainment

There’s nothing quite as uplifting and festive as SF Pride, and this year’s celebrations promise to be as raucous, colorful, and full of love as ever.

Dykes on Bikes, a Lit Pink Triangle, and More Only-in-SF Pride Events

Phoenix

Courtesy of Kobalt Bar

Thanks to the hard work of members of the Phoenix LGBTQ+ community and its allies—queer culture in the Phoenix area is thriving.

The Best LGBTQ+ Bars in Phoenix for Drag, Dancing, and, Yes, Darts

New York

NYC queers aren’t limited to only a few options when planning a night out—in fact, the trick is narrowing down which places to visit.

The Best Bars and Hotspots for a Queer Night Out in NYC

New Orleans

Photo by Zack Smith, courtesy of Café Lafitte in Exile

Every year, tourists swarming the Crescent City for Mardi Gras know to expect a raucous party, over-the-top costumes, and a whooole bunch of beads.

14 LGBTQ+ Bars in New Orleans That Keep the Party Going All Year Long

San Diego

Dine with a View at the Best Patios in San Diego

Los Angeles

Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images Entertainment

When the non-profit Christopher Street West put on the world’s first-ever permitted parade advocating for gay rights in June of 1970, it was just a year after the police raid of Greenwich Village gay bar the Stonewall Inn, which led to days of escalating violence, protests, riots, and the beginnings of a widespread and interconnected gay liberation movement.

Head to LA Pride to See Headliners Mariah Carey and Megan Thee Stallion

Courtesy of Stache

Lifestyle

Following the example of other nightlife venues and events, LA’s LGBTQ bars are slowly returning to life and welcoming patrons of all identities, orientations, and proclivities on their dance floors.

The Best LGBTQ+ Bars in Los Angeles

Austin

Photo courtesy of Oilcan Harry's

Pride in Austin may not be until August, technically, but it’s always a good time to show up for the LGBTQ+ community.

Drag, Dancing, Drinks: The Best LGBTQ+ Bars and Parties in Austin

Nation

Andrea Izzotti/iStock/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

In retrospect, perhaps I got a little too comfortable.

Now Is the Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands

Party Noire

Chicago has transformed into a true queer destination in recent years, no longer looked at as some little Midwestern city cast in the shadow of coastal meccas like New York and Los Angeles.

Your Guide to Queer Nightlife in Chicago All Year Long

Los Gallos Mexican Taqueria

United States

Los Gallos

These are Philly's best Mexican restaurants worth dining at with margarita pitchers, loaded nachos, guacamole, and more.

Philadelphia

Photo by Jason Varney

There is no shortage of options when it comes to Mexican food in Philadelphia. We’ve got food trucks lining the streets, laid-back taquerias, plant-based eateries with creative takes on Mexican fare, and multi-course meals with all the fixings (and all the mezcal) at some seriously <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/best-restaurants-philadelphia" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">top-notch restaurants</a>. 
 
So whether you’re looking to add a new takeout spot to your roster or want to snag a coveted table for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/best-brunch-in-philadelphia" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">brunch</a>, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our picks for the 18 best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia right now.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to Mexican food in Philadelphia. We’ve got food trucks lining the streets, laid-back taquerias, plant-based eateries with creative takes on Mexican fare, and multi-course meals with all the fixings (and all the mezcal) at some seriously <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/best-restaurants-philadelphia" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">top-notch restaurants</a>.

So whether you’re looking to add a new takeout spot to your roster or want to snag a coveted table for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/best-brunch-in-philadelphia" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">brunch</a>, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our picks for the 18 best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia right now.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to Mexican food in Philadelphia. We’ve got food trucks lining the streets, laid-back taquerias, plant-based eateries with creative takes on Mexican fare, and multi-course meals with all the fixings (and all the mezcal) at some seriously <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/best-restaurants-philadelphia" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">top-notch restaurants</a>.So whether you’re looking to add a new takeout spot to your roster or want to snag a coveted table for <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/best-brunch-in-philadelphia" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">brunch</a>, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our picks for the 18 best Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia right now.

This restaurant and tequila bar with roots in NYC has made a mark in Philly too. Thanks to Taco Tuesday deals, margarita flights, and an elevated space complete with crystal chandeliers, oak tables, and a long bar with glowing booze wall, it’s quickly become a Philly favorite. It also makes for an excellent brunch spot, featuring unlimited brunch cocktails, Morning Tacos with pork shoulder and chorizo hash, and, of course, large orders of guac for the table.

Añejo

Añejo Restaurant

This long-time favorite pop-up won the hearts and tummies of many, thanks to too-good birria tacos, tamales, and vegan wings. Now that Juana Tamale has a brick-and-mortar location of its own, classics hold down the menu, but it's often enhanced by limited-time additions covering everything from brunch to ramen. Keep your eyes peeled for specials you’d never expect, and try to snag the goods before they sell out.

Juana Tamale

From the folks behind <a href="https://www.kensingtonquarters.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Kensington Quarters</a> and <a href="https://prohibitiontaproom.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Prohibition Taproom</a> comes La Chinesca, a Mexicali dining experience housed in a former Jiffy Lube station that got a serious facelift. The menu takes inspo from Northern Mexico’s Baja region, featuring delectables including Shrimp Tostadas, Fried Peppers, and Birria Tacos alongside Chinese-American bites like Egg Rolls and Fried Wonton. The food menu gets a seasonal refresh, as does the cocktail menu with several spicy options.

La Chinesca PHL

La Chinesca

La Llorona keeps its menu laid-back and unfussy, big on snacks, tacos, mezcal, and all the other staples that keep diners coming back. Whether you’re after braised beef tacos, a round of queso and warm tortillas, or carne asada, La Llorona does it in a way that feels fun and instantly relaxed. In addition to dinner, you can enjoy sampling agave nectars at the bar or visit for weekend brunch.

La Llorona Cantina

This new-ish addition to Fishtown’s restaurant scene is a hybrid bookstore, venue, and art gallery from Stephen Starr, but luckily, all the goings-on don’t distract attention from serving good grub. A live-fire grill is the focal point of both the interior space and the menu, serving up meat, seafood, and veggie tacos, along with smaller plates like guac and ceviche to share. If you want to get fancy, for-the-table house specials include Lobster Puerto Nuevo, Adobo Lamb Shank, and more.

LMNO

All three Loco Pez locations offer an eclectic menu that puts tacos next to waffle fries, quesadillas beside fried chicken sammies, and adobo wings on the same sheet as a bacon-wrapped Street Dog loaded up with pico de gallo, jalapeños, and beans. Nachos De Kenzo are the shop’s over-the-top take on nachos that come covered in carne asada, chicken tinga, chorizo, and guacamole. Another favorite are the birria tacos, which when available, are a must-order—just be sure to make good use of the consome cup.

Loco Pez Fishtown

Loco Pez

Sor Ynéz is all about mingling traditional Mexican recipes and methods with a modern twist rooted in sustainability. As such, you’ll find stand-out dishes like Lamb Shank Barbacoa and Birria de Res alongside veggie-forward options like Eggplant Mixiote and seasonal root veggie ceviche. Mezcal and tequila cocktails are another cornerstone here, with many creations making use of leftover ingredients from the food menu, like beet-infused gin and a cocktail with charred corn. You’d be remiss not to try La Gritty, an ode to Philly that consists of a dark Modelo beer spiked with jalapeño-infused tequila.

Sor Ynez

Visit this tiny, family-owned restaurant and feast on authentic Mexican dishes, from Coctel de Camaron (shrimp cocktail smothered in a homemade tomato sauce) to simply perfect skirt steak tacos. Blue Corn also offers a variety of tacos, huaraches, tortas, and larger entrees like Alambre, a popular Mexican dish that consists of pan-seared chicken or beef topped with onions, peppers, bacon, cheese, and guacamole.

Blue Corn Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Blue Corn Restaurant

Enjoy a sweet and savory Mexican-style breakfast at Café y Chocolate, or visit for dinner for burritos, quesadillas, and other casual comforts. The spot makes for a great daytime stop for noshing on churros, molletes, and the special Huevos Motuleños, a tower of huevos rancheros covered in refried beans, ham, cheese, salsa verde, poblano rajas, caramelized onions, tomatoes, and queso. The shop is also known for fresh-squeezed juice, agua fresca, and, as the name suggests, hot chocolate, so don’t leave without grabbing a housemade drink. LINK: <a href="https://www.cafeychocolate.com/order" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">website</a>

Café y Chocolate

Aged in both American and French oak barrels and finished in port wine casks, <a href="https://drizly.com/liquor/tequila/anejo-tequila/1800-cristalino-anejo/p101821" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored">1800 Cristalino Tequila</a> is an ultra-premium, crystal-clear añejo meant to celebrate life’s special moments with taste. So, this Cinco de Mayo, elevate your experience and raise a glass with 1800 Cristalino instead—your taste buds will thank you.

Photo courtesy of 1800 Tequila 

Blind Barber

This Passyunk staple sports a big <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/philadelphia/outdoor-dining-philadelphia">outdoor patio</a> (and cozy colorful indoor dining room) perfect for crafting your ideal custom-order taco and burritos. Don’t be afraid to pile on the guac and cheese on your al pastor taco, and definitely don’t be afraid to stop by for brunch, when an early blood orange margarita is perfectly acceptable. LINK: <a href="https://cantinaloscaballitos.mobilebytes.com/menu" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">website</a>

cantinaphilly

Cantina Los Caballitos

Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s El Rey is all about modern meets homemade. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday and features discounted tacos and $5 classic margaritas, but stop by anytime for Blue Shrimp Ceviche, Brisket Quesadillas, and Veracruz-style Paella made with chicken, chorizo, shrimp, squid, and more. El Rey also offers a nice setting for a lazy brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4 pm.

El Rey

This no-frills, BYOB spot has a wide selection of taco options, including addictive Birria Tacos made with slow-cooked beef and served alongside a cup of consomme for dipping. The restaurant has been a neighborhood staple for more than a decade, and you’ll see why when sampling the menu of al pastor marinated in dried chiles and chimichangas with fried flour tortillas.

This modern Mexican restaurant opened with takeout and delivery at the very start of the pandemic, but now you can dine onsite both indoors and outdoors. The dinner menu consists of sophisticated ceviche, several taco options built on homemade tortillas, and larger format entrees like Duck Confit for Two served with corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, and tatemada salsa.

Nemi Restaurant

Nemi

You wouldn’t expect to see a pizza joint on this list, but this restaurant incorporates Mexican ingredients and dishes into nearly everything on its menu. The vast menu includes empanadas, crispy queso flautas, and a few Philly-meets-Mexico cheesesteaks, and Rosario’s has pizza toppings you won’t find anywhere else. The Pizza Al Pastor is a favorite that comes topped with Guajillo pepper sauce, marinated pork in a mild chili sauce, chunks of pineapple, chopped fresh onions, and cilantro, and a new addition turns buzzy Birria tacos into a shareable pie.

Rosario's Pizzeria

This lively corner taqueria is perhaps best known for its popular happy hour and late-night menus. With both menus offering plenty of appetizers for sharing and margarita deals, Rosy’s is a must for grabbing drinks—but the extensive entree menu with tacos, salads, enchiladas, and more will ensure you stay through dinner.

Photo courtesy of Rosy's Taco Bar

Rosy's Taco Bar

Sanch Pistola’s (along with its sister locations, <a href="https://www.pistolaslife.com/" target="_blank">Jose Pistola’s</a> and <a href="https://www.pistolaslife.com/del-sur-s-menu" target="_blank">Pistolas Del Sur</a>) offer lively bar scenes and outdoor dining options. Spend some time mulling over the expansive land and sea taco options, or opt for the burrito with Kobe beef or soy chorizo. For drinks, happy hour goes from 3 to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, when you can score discounted margarita pitchers to go with your nachos.

Sancho Pistola's

Chef Cristina Martinez started this barbacoa operation out of a Philadelphia apartment before making what would become one of the most popular pop-ups in town and, later, a permanent fixture in the neighborhood. The star of this eatery is its namesake: the slow-cooked lamb barbacoa that Martinez grew up preparing in her native Mexico. The signature dish often sells out and lines of customers queue up for tacos, consommé, tamales, and other traditional Mexican dishes as well, so get there early.

South Philly Barbacoa

This cozy hideaway on a picturesque corner of Second Street offers a premium ambiance that instantly transports you through a tavern of candles, carved woodwork, and Mexican tiles. Luckily the food and drinks live up to the setting, too, with elevated takes on ceviche, fajitas, and more for dinner, or you can stop by the bar for happy hour and dig into discounted sangria, margaritas, queso, and chilaquiles.

Xochitl

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/marielle-mondon" target="_blank">Marielle Mondon</a>&nbsp;is a writer from Philadelphia. Follow her @MarielleMondon on Twitter and Instagram.

Essential Mexican Restaurants

This Cinco de Mayo, Thrillist and 1800 Tequila are partnering to guide you to the best Mexican restaurants in your city so you can dig in on delicious nachos paired with a fresh margarita.

Essential Mexican Restaurants: Best Mexican Spots in the US

Mexican

18 Standout Mexican Restaurants in Philadelphia

Best Mexican Restaurants in Philadelphia: Places to Order in From Now

These top-notch taquerias and restaurants are serving up the city’s best tacos, spicy margaritas, and heaping piles of nachos.

17 Standout Mexican Restaurants in Philadelphia

1800_Tequila_892904_Apr22

There is no shortage of options when it comes to Mexican food in Philadelphia.

Los Gallos

Featured In

18 Standout Mexican Restaurants in Philadelphia

More From Thrillist

Parades, Rooftop Parties, and Baseball: Pride Month in Chicago Is More Fun Than Ever

Here’s how to celebrate and party this Pride Month in Chicago.

The Oldest Lesbian Bar in Texas Isn't Going Anywhere

Sue Ellen’s has endured for over three decades, making it one of the oldest lesbian bars in Texas.

Dykes on Bikes, a Lit Pink Triangle, and More Only-in-SF Pride Events

There are so many parades, parties, and more to enjoy at San Francisco Pride this year.

The Best LGBTQ+ Bars in Phoenix for Drag, Dancing, and, Yes, Darts

High-kick, strut, groove, or otherwise rejoice at these gay bars around Phoenix.

The Best Bars and Hotspots for a Queer Night Out in NYC

From Stonewall to new favorites, essential NYC gay bars in the city where Pride was born.

14 LGBTQ+ Bars in New Orleans That Keep the Party Going All Year Long

Leather bars, bumpin’ balconies, and other queer spaces in New Orleans.

Dine with a View at the Best Patios in San Diego

From oceanfront hot spots to lively rooftops and patios, these are the best restaurants for soaking up the San Diego sun.

Head to LA Pride to See Headliners Mariah Carey and Megan Thee Stallion

LA’s Pride Month festivities are packing a major punch this year.

The Best LGBTQ+ Bars in Los Angeles

From dive bars to roving dance parties to a strip mall wine bar for the sapphically inclined.

Drag, Dancing, Drinks: The Best LGBTQ+ Bars and Parties in Austin

Drag brunch, Pride parties, and diva-filled dance floors right this way...

Now Is the Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands

Hang with gigantic tortoises and blue-footed boobies in a bucket list vacation extravaganza.

Your Guide to Queer Nightlife in Chicago All Year Long

Here, queer, and ready to rage.