Banger! My Al pastor was not fatty by any means and full of flavor. The guac was fresh made to order. Service couldn't have been better read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Stumbled upon this place randomly and I'm so happy I did. Service was great and so was the food that I could watch them making! There is nothing I love more than a good street taco and they delivered. 10/10 read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Grilled Shrimp Taco with extra onion - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This is the most authentic, delicious Mexican food I have had in Philly. Everything from the guacamole, to the horchata, to the pork was so flavorful and delicious. Unfortunately they were out of street corn and I would have loved to try that. Oh well- guess I'll have to come back! read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - 9. Wet Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Lady at the counter/ waitress is amazing me and my mom loved it here are 2nd time going foods good and good pricing!!! They have Spanish music playing in the 10/10. Also beautiful tables and even there chairs have graphic art read more

Food: One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the Spring Garden/Fairmount area. The fajitas are cheap and they give very generous portions. The meat is tender and perfectly seasoned; a umami bomb in your mouth. They give warm tortillas on the side. Everything in combination creates a harmonious little bite. Some of my other favorite menu items that I would recommend is definitely the Al pastor wet burrito and Al pastor tostadas. The al pastor is marinated very well and cooked to perfection. The wet burrito is nice and warm with a choice of red or green salsa on top. It's one of the best I can find in the area. Service: Quick & friendly. No complaints at all. Ambiance: Small restaurant with some bar seating. There's nothing special to note. It's a great place for a casual meal for 2-4. read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - 2. Steak Fajita - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

OMG! Amazing!!!! Food was great and such a cool place. Would definitely go again. Affordable and everyone there was so friendly!!!! Highly, highly recommend! read more

If your looking for tacos somewhere that's not south Philly then this is DEFINITELY the place to go. Considering the prices, I think it's well worth the visit. They have everything you could possibly want and as a student it's definitely a frequent spot for me to visit! Not to mention their birria tacos are significantly cheaper than most restaurants and they're JUST AS GOOD! Make sure you try out their different hot sauces and I personally recommend eating in versus ordering take out. Corn tortillas don't hold up that well over time so eating it as soon as it's ready is a much different experience! It's kind of in a less crowded area but it's a cute little shop run by very generous people! read more

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Food was so flavorful and service was very warm. The beautiful ambiance contributes to the warm hospitality read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Steak tacos - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I called in to place my order and went over everything multiple times to make sure it was correct--yet they still got it wrong. When I got home, I realized several items were missing. I called the restaurant immediately, and they told to come in to resolve the issue. Instead of apologizing or offering a solution when I got there, they actually tried to charge me for the missing items. The woman at the register was extremely rude, brushed me off, and clearly didn't care about the mistake or the inconvenience. To make things worse, the food was terrible. I had ordered multiple dishes for my friends that afternoon, and not one of us enjoyed the meal. This experience was beyond disappointing. The food quality has clearly gone downhill--maybe they changed chefs, because it was nothing like it used to be. Terrible customer service, poor communication, and food that's just not worth it anymore. I won't be returning. read more

I went on Cinco De Mayo - May 5th, 2026 with a friend to showcase and enjoy this restaurant that I hadn't visited in 7yrs.. When I arrived they tried to hand me a dude named Michael's order. They hadn't even fixed my order after a half hour of prior waiting. So I patiently waited another half hour for my order(carne asada, beeri tacos and another entree). While waiting the men and women seemed to be whispering stuff about me being trouble and being a muslim. I'm an African American male with a beard who isn't a muslim. The beeri tacos had no beeri sauce. It was just meat, onion, shell. The carne asada tacos was supposed to come with corn tortillas but didn't. Literally all 3 orders were incomplete and horrible. I had 2 margaritas which didn't have a lick of alcohol in it. Tasted like lemonade and mop water. The lids wouldn't close on the 2 drinks at all. I received no green sauce, no hot sauce and no sour cream. I called the next day May 6th when they opened and they told me that the manager would have to call me back and he doesn't come in til 5pm. He didn't call me so I called them at 645pm and spoke with him. He said that its policy to not to issue a refund after 12hrs.. But they're the one who made me wait so long to speak to a manager. He offered to remake the order but why would I would return there knowing that they were being racist to me and messed the order up on purpose. Now I had to have a dispute issued with the merchant and still haven't been issued a refund. Stay away from here at all costs. They don't like black men with beards(we're muslims). I'm not even muslim, I'm Jewish. read more

Chinatown was packed so we wandered here. I got the Al Pastor burrito and Pescatarian friend got some fish tacos. Burrito was small but very delicious. Cute small spot. Fun decor and quiet random restaurant on the side. I haven't had good experiences with Mexican food in Philly so far but this place has great prices and I would definitely come back again! read more

I have no complaints about anything! This place needs more recognition, the servings are generous and the price isn't crazy, will definitely eat from here again. Everything was flavorful, tacos weren't dry, consomé had great flavor, chips were salted nicely, queso dip was huge, and both desserts hit the spot after all that! read more

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This restaurant was amazing! We got the Carne Asada Platter and Burrito Al pastor and it tasted just like home. You definitely get your moneys worth at this restaurant for huge platters. The meat was juicy and tender and so delicious. The burrito was packed and so much flavor in each bite. The service was so kind and lovely. The churros were a sweet treat after the savory food. The ambiance was small but made the conversations with others more heartfelt. read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Churros, Carne Asada Platter, Burrito Al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When I travel, I like to eat at places away from the tourist or even trendy spots. I prefer small, back street spots where the locals eat. This is a small hole-in-the-wall place that is exactly what I look for when traveling, except it's right here in Philly. My son and I stopped in here before a show at Union Transfer. The place is small with 3, maybe 4 tables. Most of their business seemed to be take out as there was a constant flow of people picking up. So, let's get to the food. This is real, authentic Mexican food and it was amazing. I had the Taco Al Pastor with a side of rice and beans (that's al a carte add on). Pork on taco was moist, tender, flavorful. Served on a double layer of soft tortilla with onion, cilantro, and a wedge of lime. Perfect My son had the Shrimp in spicy sauce "plate" (Camarones A La Diabla) The sauce was incredible. This came with rice and beans, guacamole and some warm flour tortillas. I got to taste a bit of the sauce and it was spicy and delicious. They have soft drinks. We brought our own beer. read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Shrimp in Spicy Sauce - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This place has amazing burritos. We got here before a show at the Union Transferred based on reviews and they did not disappoint. Like I said, the burritos are amazing. The place is clean and the server and cook were kind and courteous. read more

Great food. Great, speedy service. The ambiance was nice and quiet. I would return and recommend to others. I ordered a taco meal. Great experience all around. read more

This place is a little tucked away hidden gem. Not the biggest dining space for indoor eating, but they also have a small outdoor space. I order the carne asada Plato and it was delicious. Everything was made fresh to order and if you sit at the bar stools by the counter you can see them cook and prep the food. Service was great and the staff was really nice. I would definitely come back. My friend ordered the carnitas Plato that he also said was great but I don't have a pic of it. read more

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This is a cute little store on the corner of a pretty lowkey street. I was really excited to try this place because I'm always looking for a yummy taco place. The tacos definitely hit the spot and the marinade on the Al pastor was really delicious. The birria tacos were a bit dry but maybe that was because I took it to go. The prices are a bit higher than I expected, but the service is good and the vibes in the restaurant are really cute and cozy. It's also byob, so I will definitely come back to sit down and eat! read more

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It's a smaller place, and for many people it might be more convenient for takeout, but the food here was amazing! Well seasoned, authentic, and just simple dishes done right read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - 2. Grilled Chicken Plate - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I've been to so many of the Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia and none have even come close to the flavor of the food at el Caracol!!! It has a very homey feel to it and the service was incredibly fast. I will be making myself a regular here. Highly recommend the wet burrito and the tostadas. read more

Had a chicken quesadilla and a pork platter. The quesadilla didn't have much flavor, the pork and rice were ok, the beans were lousy. Nice people, but won't be returning. read more

Really great food, from the chicken mole, to the shrimp tacos, to the queso birria. I would prefer the beans to be less soupy and the elote less sour, but everything else is really good. And when ordering on Door Dash I left a note about leaving out part of the order last time, and they added sodas and chips with guacamole on the next order. That's how to keep customers. We will be back! read more

Sheesh! The food was amazing here! My daughter and I went there for a nice dinner and were pleasantly surprised! We will be returning! The service was friendly and fast! The ambiance was very decorative and beautiful! read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Chips! - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Every time we order food from this restaurant we are always pleasantly amazed at how great it is.As former San Diegans we are only sorry it took us so long to find this gem read more

Amazing, delicious food. Great service, warm/ friendly atmosphere. I am already planning my next visit and adventuring through more menu items. Trust me, you absolutely cannot go wrong with eating here. A fast fave! read more

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This is a small family Mexican restaurant that we stopped at before a show at Franklin Music Hall, just a few blocks away - and El Caracol didn't disappoint! Small seating area inside with tables and counter seating but very comfortable and relaxing. The service was great - we were greeted warmly when we entered and invited to take a seat at a table. The food was fantastic - ordered the chips, guac and salsa to start. Both salsa and guac were fresh and full of flavor and the chips were delicious. We ordered chicken fajitas and carnitas tacos. Fajitas were great and the tacos were amazing!! Carnitas were tender with a perfect light broiled sear on some of the edges - perfect! Came with 2 fresh salsas - a green salsa Fresca and a slightly spicier fresh red salsa and both were fantastic. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to. read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Amazing carnitas tacos - don't miss El Caracol!! - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This is the type of place that I hope enough people visit so that it stays open forever but that not too many people find out about so I can go when whenever I want. It's always been a Mexican spot to my memory (Jose's, El Purepecha), and El Caracol measures up. Speedy, delicious tacos made by lovely people. Sidral Mundet, Coke, Jarritos in the fridge and horchata on some days. When I hear folks complimenting the chef in Spanish, I am generally looking forward to a great meal. Will return again and again. read more

Phenomenal food, phenomenal service, can't ask for better! Our clinic got lunch from here and it was incredible! Much love and appreciation to El Caracol from all of us at Pain Instacare! read more

My new go to place for Mexican food. Great service and nice people too. I try to get there at least once a week.

Authentic Mexican food prepared fresh. Speedy Service and great little corner of the street restaurant. Will be coming here again. read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - 10. Bean Burrito, orchata , Street Corn Elote and an assortment of spicy sauces. - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Really tasty Mexican food. Restaurant run by small family with fresh ingredients and super reasonable prices. Checks of all my boxes! Everything was delicious with enough non meat offerings for me. Wish it was closer to home! read more

Great spot delicious authentic food, nothing like it in the area, will definitely come back for quezabirria tacos read more

El Caracol Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What a hidden gem. I usually ignore restaurants that have a low number of reviews but this place is fantastic. It's very authentic you know it's good when you are the only American in the place food is made fresh on the grill very quickly. Service is excellent. Food is tremendous. I had beef tacos that were freshly fried on the grill. They were amazing. My wife had their pulled pork play with refried beans and rice. It was so much food that she had to take half of it home. Recommend! read more