Quick little "wine down" last night after work at Jose Pistola's Good music, TVs going, fun conversation, with attentive kind service. It's one of those chill spots where you can just let go for a bit after a long day. Also... the spicy tuna guacamole was so good we had to order another bowl because the first one mysteriously disappeared Big appreciation to Casey for the high energy and good vibes. Sometimes it's not about doing something big -- just good food, laughter, and a reset. Thanks again Casey! read more

Jose Pistolas - Spicy Tuna Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Two levels Great food Good drinks The vibe is always a mix which is pleasant My go to place for tacos read more

Jose Pistolas - Taco Tuesday menu - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Great place to go to for happy hour and margs! Buttttt not the best for a full dinner - the best thing to get is the nachos but everything else falls flat esp for the price point (mexican food is supposed to be cheap!) The pistolas wings are just ok, the tacos are nothing to write home about, and their carne asada plate was alright but def too little food for the price. You'll still see me coming here for happy hour + some chips and dip though! read more

We were here to watch the World Cup game; Mexico vs. England. And although, beloved Mexico lost, this was a great place to join in on the spirit of Mexico, eat good food and console each other when the game was over. We were there a while, so lots of food and definitely lots of margaritas went down. The tacos were good and so was the guacamole! The place was packed but they did a great job of keeping drinks going and tending to the tables. This was my first time here, but I will be back even without a World Cup game. It's a good place! read more

Jose Pistolas - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Taco Tuesday on national taco day was spent at Jose Pistolas and they did not disappoint! I ordered a pitcher of passion fruit margaritas. For tacos : 3 Freedom tacos (Queso mixto , crema and pico de gallo) and two Pork Tacos (Pineapple and salsa verde). Both were excellent choices and tasty! The guac and chips were okay. The bar was full And it appeared everyone knew one another. I sat at the tables a few steps up and away from the bar. read more

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5/25/25 Ate List: Chicken Tinga Tacos - 7.7 It's very late. I need food. Chicken Tinga Tacos FTW. Delicious. Light. Messy. Wonderful. Also, this restaurant is sick. Love the vibe. read more

Jose Pistolas - Chicken Tinga Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I was excited to return here for my birthday as my first experience here was wonderful however unfortunately regreted my decision. Although the margarita's were great as I remember couldn't say the same for my food. I ordered the Cuban sandwich which came with they're thin usually crispy fries however what I received was a hot, greasy wet mess. The fries were horrifically greasy literally laying in a pool of grease. As for the Cuban sandwich, although the flavours were good, the bread was the incorrect bread to use for a Cuban. It was completely soggy! I eventually just had to get rid of the bread and just eat the pork and the ham on its own. What happened? So disappointing! read more

Great place for late night drinks and food! Found this spot in Center City after a night out and it gave us everything we needed - a tasty, filling meal, chill dive bar vibes, and one last delicious drink! We shared nachos at the table that were packed with toppings and perfect for sharing between the 4 of us. The steak burrito was top tier! It was filled to the brim with rice, beans, pico de gallo and meat. The steak was tender and flavorful. I was full after just half of the burrito and was able to get a second meal out of it! Highly recommend their burritos if you're looking to get a bang for your buck. Can't go wrong with a margarita pitcher to tie it all together. It wasn't too sweet and was the perfect portion for a group our size. As late diners, I appreciate the quick, attentive service from staff and bartenders. Definitely recommend this spot for a late night bite! read more

Jose Pistolas - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This was a laughable experience, with my brother who is in the "hospitality" field, who was quick to defend the staff but I laughed my way out the door because so PETTY. ANYWAY. it was a Saturday night around 715 pm and we caught 2 seats at the upstairs bar. Our intention was 1 drink each due to theatre tickets a few blocks away. This is what we had. And in no way would I have another because the bartender took my money and did. Not return with change. Classic bar manners, either ask if we expect change or return the change as hospitality directs. I WOULD HAVE LEFT THE CHANGE AS A TIP PLUS MORE. it was like 2 bucks. I would never purposely leave a flimsy tip like that. As if. read more

I've always loved this place. The short rib burrito is incredible. Great dive bar vibe too.

- very close to Kimmel center and miller theatre so very convenient to grab a drink and a bite before heading to the theater - has upstairs seating away from the main door so you can avoid the coldddddd - quesadilla wasn't bad in taste but felt slightly undercooked. It was toooo soft - plantains were neither salty nor sweet, and very bland - good service read more

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Absolutely garbage, rude employees. I was trying to go to Jose Pistolas on Friday night and about 7-to-10 people were leaving as we tried to enter so I held the door and waited for them to walk out. We were literally told by your employee Reese/Reece trying to show off for some females to "close the f**king door" and then he got in the face of my girlfriend and tried to bully her. He then proceeded to tell my party of four to "Get the f**k out of here." I emailed Pistolas twice and did not receive a reply. Needless to say, I will never go back there or Sancho Pistolas. I had been going to both locations since they opened. Never again. read more

Amazing place! So glad I found it. I was looking for a good food spot in Central Philly. A lot of places around here are closed on Mondays. I found Jose's. Their food and drinks looked good and it was very easy to get to. I'm so glad I stopped here. Their margaritas, chips and salsa, guacamole and chicken enchiladas were incredibly delicious! If I was back in this area again, I'd definitely come here again. We stopped here on a trivia night. It was on the second floor. But, because this place has a bar, dining room and second floor it's spacious and there was plenty of space for patrons who weren't participating in trivia. I'd definitely stop back again! read more

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Wasn't expecting much considering the reviews. Night was getting busy when i walked in but server promptly directed us to a upstairs table. Wasn't hungry so we ordered some plantains and nachos. The plantains were average and forgettable. The nachos were amazing, enough so to say it's the best I've tasted in all of Philly. It was flavorful, from the cheese that complimented the chips to spicy jalapenos and its juices that enhanced the entire plate. The tables did get crowded but was enough space for people to get around. read more

Jose Pistolas - Plantains - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Chicken Tinga Tacos were really good!! Very flavorful and soft! I also enjoyed the margarita pitcher too! It was totally enough to share! The staff is always amazing, very friendly and a very fun lively crowd, next to a lot of fun spots! Definitely recommend for a quick bite and even a nice dinner! read more

Jose Pistolas - Chicken Tacos and Margarita Pitcher - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This place really caught me by surprise. We were expecting a classic Philly Mexican restaurant but got treated with an old school dive with elevated food. Our food was absolutely delicious and the drink menu had so many options. The service was very friendly and fast. We love a classic dive so liked the vibe, but it is very dark and a bit hard to see. It's a little pricey but the food was very good! read more

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Great Time my girlfriend and I came here for a night out and it did not disappoint. We order a mango and strawberry marg and drinks were tasty but definitely alcohol. If you're having a few though just get a pitcher. Lots of guac in the bowl and chips seemed homemade. The mango guac will be on the list to get next time. Both meals were so damn good. The way they make their chicken is so good with just a little spice and kick to it. The pickled onions I think they are is something I have to make at home now. Asked for more on the side. Music choice was great on the speakers and vibes were good. Churros with the chocolate sauce was the best cherry on top. read more

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Jose Pistola's spicy tuna guac is one of my favorites in the city. The guac itself is delicious and the ahi tuna makes it even more tasty and unique. The mahi mahi tacos are average. They're a bit dry so I definitely wouldn't order them for delivery again. The Brussels sprouts quesadilla was actually delicious! I'd definitely recommend it if you're into veggie options. The chips and pico are fresh and tasty. Overall I'd give the food here 4 stars. The restaurant itself is not my favorite. I've been several times and usually sit at the upstairs bar. The margaritas are decent, but it's hard to get the bartenders attention even when it's not that busy so the service is lacking. Sometimes they straight up ignore you which I find so odd. It's also always blasting music so be ready to yell to the person next to you. If you're always cold like me, be aware that it's usually very chilly upstairs. read more

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Perfect place for sarcasm and a poor welcome to hungry patrons. Be prepared for your questions not to be answered directly, to not have menus or awareness of the kitchen is serving, and for the bartender to make everyone in the place feel awkward. I felt bad for the busboy who had to put up with the uncomfortable silent treatment offered. No chance to taste the food. Just cold and rude overall. read more

After a failed attempt at getting some seats at Rosy's Taco Bar for Cinco de Mayo,, our back up destination was Jose Pistolas. Approaching the entrance we encountered two bouncers who directed us past them and around the corner to an outside courtyard that was standing room only. We went inside through the back door and went up several flights of stairs, peeked through one door, crazy packed, went up another flight. Long story short this multi level bar was shoulder to shoulder with no inches to spare. So we were resigned to hanging outside. Weather wise it was a cool evening and not raining which was a good thing. There were three long high tops under an awning, an outside bar, a grill where you could get tacos and a deejay. Margarita's we're good and reasonably priced. I liked the fact that you could Venmo. Tacos you only had two choices but at 6.00 for three it was definitely a bargain. I went with the pork, friend had the bulgogi. Both were good and filling. Had to get a bit creative holding everything because each taco came in its own little boat. We were able to edge ourselves onto the end of one of the tables to enjoy our food but it was too loud for me to truly enjoy myself. Between the music and the young people yelling and screaming it was almost impossible to have a conversation with my friend. After two drinks we left to find a quieter spot. read more

We were shopping for memorial day deals in Philly, got thirsty and hungry, and luckily found this little unassuming gem. I ordered 3 margaritas: Diablo, Guava and Mango and all three were soooo good. The bartenders are so fun and sassy (in a good way). Unlike so many other disappointing bars, they ask if you want a sugar or salt rim on the marg which I personally think is wonderful. The pomegranate and mango guac is just as good as their spicy tuna guac - which I have previously tried at Sancho's. They have amazing guac flavors and think they should put a "guac flight" on the menu, it will be such a hit. The carnitas buns were epic too! I don't get why they have such low reviews, I think their drinks and food is absolutely delicious! read more

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Nachos are still one of my favorites in Philly... there's just something about their pickled onions. Adding the Birria-Dilla entree. It was good, just wish there was a little more of it, but this seems to be a standard size. Margs are also good. Still pretty great overall to grab a drink or a bite. read more

Excellent food and service. Great prices too. Very reasonable. I can't wait to go back! As I told my waiter we loved everything about the place except bathroom is in 3rd floor. Really nothing can resolve that it's an old building. So just know this and go!!!! read more

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I've gone here a few times for Monday night trivia. The trivia is great. The service leaves a lot to be desired. Half the time it takes for ever to get the wait staff to come over to take the order and to get additional drinks. Trivia night is supposed to have discounts on some food and drinks but almost every time my group has gone, we've have to inform the wait staff about their own restaurant's discounts and they consistently mess up the bill and don't give the discount until we have them fix it. Food is fine but not great. Everyone working there is super nice but not knowledgeable about their own menu. read more

Food was yummy, service was quick since we sat at the bar. It's good for a casual cute quick date, I love that they're open all day read more

Jose Pistolas - Bar with gin gimlet - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Opened up the bar early so we could watch a soccer game - can't beat that kind of service. Good drinks on tap, too.

A three story nearby watering hole that I pass between work and the parking garage. I've been here a few times before due to its convenience. If you have a group-their happy hour discounted pitchers are a must! No specials on individual margs tho, bummer. The food is something worth stopping for-well it was. My food was just delivered to me by a man without a mask on. Wasn't down around his chin, nope, just flat out wasn't wearing one. It's bizarre to me that they require proof of vaccination to sit and order, however staff gets to be reckless. I'm no far left swinging stickler when it comes to things, but covid is real. During the glorious era of to go cocktails in Philly this was my ssssppppoooootttttt. Every bartender that mixed my drinks had her mask on as well as most other employees. Are their staff not washing their hands either? Hairnets a thing of the past too? What other measures are they skimping on just because they are "over covid"? I get the vibe that they want everyone's business but are only friendly towards their regulars. I've lived in this city long enough to realize-it be like that sometimes. read more

Jose Pistolas - House marg and possibly contaminated guac - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We always park near Jose Pistolas on 15th St when we go to the Kimmel or Verizon Hall. But tonight was the first time going in. It won't be the last. There is a bar and low-tops a few steps up. A bigger room with bar and high-top tables is upstairs. Yes the service was just right. Even exemplary. I forgot my credit card and Gil came outside (in the cold) to find me to return the card. That is above and beyond. Most appreciated. I wanted to try 2 things on the menu that I have not tried before. The Guacamole with pomegranate and mango was delicious with their chips. The (cauliflower) rice bowl hit my spot. I'll see you there. read more

As I entered this charming three-story walk-up el restaurante, I am struck by the ghosts of five hour lunches past. Snowflakes reflecting colorful lights greet me like the prelude to some long promised flashback... I order a Seeker and a chicken tinga burrito. What the fuck is tinga? Nevertheless... The beer was icy cold and light. The burrito, warm and delicious. On my way to the restroom, my Apple Watch lets me know I've closed all three rings. I head back downstairs to reward myself. 20/10 read more

Jose Pistolas - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Nice dive for some late night wings and brews. They check your vaccination card when you walk in (which to me offers peace of mind that they make safety paramount). Wings were crispy and delicious; would return. read more

Jose Pistolas - Snowflakes - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I absolutely love the vibes here. There's a bar when you first walk in and in the back, there's a few tables and seats. The staff were friendly. Pomegrate mango guacamole was interesting. Never had fruits in guacamole. Slightly sweet, tart, and spicy. The burrito tho!!! It was so amazing. One of the best burritos I've ever had. It's a bit pricey at $16 but omg it's so worth it. I wasn't even hungry but the burrito made me want to eat it! read more

Ordered the "veggie" burrito ($13) tonight, only to find that the burrito is stuffed with rice and beans and titled "plain burrito" on the receipt. When I called to ask what the deal was-- I have ordered this burrito multiple times before, and it has indeed been stuffed with vegetables-- the restaurant staff member said that you have to specially indicate if you want veggies. In a veggie burrito. Because veggies are not included. In a veggie burrito. **insert some combination of mind blown and face palm emoji, emphasis on the latter** I asked her if this was a change, but she said that this is how it's always been. She then proceeded, with an attitude, to tell me they don't carry fresh vegetables as much anymore because it's covid and they've only done $600 in sales today. So... it is a change? In this admittedly extraordinary time, there are many local businesses that are maintaining some semblance of quality service and not trying to dupe their customers. Unfortunately, this place isn't one of them. Too bad, because it was always a reliable quick meal.. but I'm not paying to be tricked. read more

Jose Pistolas - "Veggie" burrito. I didn't know rice was that versatile. Next. - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pretty sure I've never given a place such a bad rating but it was awful. Food was terrible so bad we didn't even eat the guacamole. Never got my soup. Drink had bug in it and service was horrendous. The bartender pretty much ignored us, never brought napkins or plates and after an hour was shocked I never got soup. Was decent before Covid but went severely downhill. read more

Spectacular Tacos! Arrived at exactly 4pm and found out this is the exact time they open the upstairs bar, score! Ordered the Roasted Chicken Land Tacos which consist of aji verde sauce, onion, poblano, refritos. I was starving for food so I did not study the menus like I usually do and order the weridest thing typically off the menu. I went with the plain jane roasted chicken tacos but these were anything but plain packed with amazing flavor. I am still dreaming about these tacos the next day and thats when you know you found a real winning Mexican restaurant. I will be back here for sure and try more of the items. As always people SYOY and keep on keeping on! read more

Jose Pistolas - Roasted Chicken Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It's okay but nothing special. Atmosphere inside is pretty lively. The food quality is decent and the recipes are fine, but the portions are rather small for a casual place. (Or the prices a bit high) Drinks were good, lots of selections. Their bathroom is on the third floor and can be sketchy/messy. Overall pretty average, which is just fine. read more

I have had fond memories of coming to Jose Pistolas back in the 2008-2015 era, when the entrees contained substantially larger portions for what you paid, at least in my recollection which may be somewhat skewed. This was one of our go to places for wii games and other fun social activity. Ultimately, $12 for a soup bowl "special" or $8 for a taco "special" seems pretty ordinary, especially when you add in taxes and tips. So that business model may pay the bills for them, but we have bills too. Props to the staff who are always kind and go to great lengths to maintain a rapport with the regulars. I've never felt like an outsider here, but when I was last here I found myself starting to question if I might soon have to venture outside of this familiar old comfort zone. read more

Came here with my boyfriend for an early lunch on Sunday. Got the Brussel sprout tacos (a must), the chicken tacos (pretty good, needed a sauce), the pork special sandwich (good) and the Korean steak tacos (not good). We also got a few margs which were yummy. I would definitely come back to this place since I think the vibes were good and the food was decent. The dish that was the star were the Brussel sprout tacos. They were beyond delicious and had a fantastic sauce mixed with them. read more

The servers at Jose Pistolas are AMAZING! The food has always been super heavy and greasy to me instead of that fresh, clean, tex-mex feel. The drinks feel pretty sugar-y (although I don't like my cocktails sweet so that might be a "me" problem). Although the servers here are INCREDIBLE, so so kind and helpful and the Ahi Tuna Guac is a MUST order. read more

Jose Pistolas - Ahi Tuna Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Very much stumbled on this place while going to the Kimmel....little tight but a lot to like. Terrific Cheeseburger, Terrific salad. One of the best Tortilla soups I've ever had and a spicy hot Chicken soup that was also great. Retry sure those were hand cut fries and at first glance they looked eh, they were anything but. Great and attentive services where their politeness seemed genuine and was appreciate d Highly highly recommended read more

Stopped in for lunch the other day. I've heard excellent things about the food. The Christmas decor and service couldn't be anything less than stellar. However, the food was below average. I ordered the Tinga Tacos and there was true culinary cuisine behind them. Phenomenal seasoning and solid chicken. The entire order was warm at best and cold after my first bite. I will return because I think it was just a bad day but let's keep the food hot. read more