South Philly Barbacoa
If you're in Philadelphia and craving authentic Mexican flavors, South Philly Barbacoa should be on your radar. Situated at 1140 S 9th St, this vibrant eatery has earned a reputation for its slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth lamb dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here’s why South Philly Barbacoa should be your next stop.
The Mouth-Watering Specialties of South Philly Barbacoa
At the heart of South Philly Barbacoa is its specialty slow-cooked lamb tacos, an absolute must-try for any food lover. These tacos are prepared with lamb that has been slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the meat to absorb rich, bold flavors. Alongside the tacos, you'll find pancita and consome — a rich and flavorful broth that's perfect for dipping.
Pair your meal with a refreshing agua fresca or a cheesy, delicious quesadilla, and you have a complete meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.
Location: 1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147-4675
Phone: +1 215-360-5282
The History Behind South Philly Barbacoa
South Philly Barbacoa's story is a true testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the culinary world. The restaurant was originally established in 500 and quickly gained a following for its lamb barbacoa. Over time, the restaurant moved to El Compadre in the Italian Market—a historic area known for its vibrant food culture.
The team behind South Philly Barbacoa has always been committed to serving authentic, high-quality Mexican food with a focus on tradition. Their lamb barbacoa and tacos have become so popular that the restaurant now attracts food lovers from across the region, seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
A Casual, Welcoming Vibe for All
One of the most appealing aspects of South Philly Barbacoa is its casual atmosphere. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place for groups, families, and even your furry friends, as dogs are allowed. Whether you're enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the moderate noise level ensures a comfortable dining experience. For those in a hurry, you can grab your meal to go.
Great for:
- Families with kids
- Perfect for gatherings with friends or coworkers
- Enjoy a tasty meal in the fresh air, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts
Why Locals and Tourists Love South Philly Barbacoa
With a solid 4.5-star rating from 495 reviews, South Philly Barbacoa has firmly established itself as one of the top spots for quick bites in Philadelphia. It's ranked as #42 of 210 places for quick bites in the city, and it’s easy to see why.
The restaurant is frequently praised for its barbacoa tacos and lamb tacos, which are some of the most popular items on the menu. Many visitors also rave about the quality of the lamb barbacoa, noting its tenderness and flavor.
A Taste of Authentic Mexican Cuisine in South Philly
At South Philly Barbacoa, you get more than just a meal; you experience a piece of authentic Mexican culture. From its roots in slow-cooked lamb to its welcoming vibe, the restaurant combines Mexican, Latin, and Spanish influences, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking genuine flavors.
Whether you're enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can count on a satisfying experience every time. South Philly Barbacoa isn't just about food; it's about community and culture. Don’t forget to check out the agua frescas — the perfect drink to wash down your tacos and quesadillas!
Visit Today and Savor the Best of South Philly
Whether you're a local or just visiting Philadelphia, South Philly Barbacoa promises a dining experience like no other. Its rich history, delicious specialties, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-try for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors. Grab your friends or family, and come experience the taste of Mexico right here in South Philly!
Reviews
Absolutely delicious tacos! I tried the barbacoa and pancita. Both were great but I was surprised to discover the pancita was my favorite! I ordered and received my food quickly on a Saturday around 11. Lots of seating inside. I loved learning about this place on Chef’s Table and the passion shows in the food!
South Philly Barbacoa isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience that feeds your soul. From the first bite, it’s clear: these tacos are made with love and care. You can taste the passion in every layer—the slow-cooked barbacoa, the fresh tortillas, the vibrant salsas. It’s not just delicious. It’s meaningful. That love doesn’t stop at the food. The energy of the place is warm and welcoming. The staff makes you feel like family—no pretension, just genuine hospitality. What made it truly special for me, though, was the chance to meet and talk with Cristina Martinez herself. As a foodie, connecting with the heart behind the food elevated the experience even more. Her story, her spirit, and her commitment to community shine through in every aspect of South Philly Barbacoa. If you’re a food lover looking for more than just a meal—this is your place. Have you ever tasted food that told a story? This is it.
First we heard about it from friends, than we watched the Netflix documentary and later we decided to check it out and we were surprised by been hosted by chef Cristina!! No reservations and no waiting line when we got there on a Sunday for lunch. We had the best experience in a long time and the lamb tacos were amazing. Perfect food, ambience and great service. Price very reasonable.
Had the steak tacos and they were Good. To me, the meat lacked flavor. Wife had the steak quesadillas and she felt the same way. The lamb barbacoa was real good. It had good flavor. The amount of meat in every taco is plentiful. Next time we are in Philly, we will definitely be back.
I never ever had a chance to get to the original location of South Philly Barbacoa. I just remember they’re always being a line out the door on the weekends about a year and a half ago from what I understand they moved to the new location just up the street And this is quite a large location, taking 2 storefronts as you will see in the pictures. I took a chance, not knowing whether they had a vegan option and they actually did clearly marked the menu. The people here were very nice. Pamela was a big help. It does come with steamed root vegetables and it says green in a chili sauce, I know there was some carrot on there. There was also some cabbage, string bean, yellow bell pepper, it really unique sauce Roja that had chocolate infused into it and made for a really different taste. It was very good quite filling, they have a small condiment station or bar whatever you would like to call it on the inside that you can get diced onions, shredded cilantro, pickled jalapeños, limes there may have been a red chili sauce, I took limes, cilantro, onions, and pickled jalapeños. I paid nine dollars for two you have three for $13 very healthy portions. Four out of five stars for the food as fair. While it was different than anything I have ever had. And this is just my opinion. It’s not something that I would have on a regular basis. There were a few places which are unique including taco Ramen that has a tempura batter vegetable taco that’s incredible and I actually crave. I’m wondering if the menu changes if they will eventually incorporate, maybe a few more vegan options , With actual vegan meat, whether it be tofu or seitan, I’ve seen people do wonders with seitan, like Loco Pez does amazing things with it. I’d like to add This restaurant has a very nice atmosphere, they have a nice bar area. Area outside is really nice and well done. Everyone was very nice and accommodating two things one not related to the restaurant is parking can always be challenging down here. Sometimes you get lucky sometimes you have to drive around for a little bit, I had to today. The other thing is they take cash and Venmo and on site they have a ATM so just be prepared. That being said this place has a fantastic reputation for serving amazing tacos, quesadillas, and burritos that have meat products so i would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a authentic freshly Mexican made meal.