Taqueria La Prima

We were thoroughly impressed by the generous portions and overall fantastic meal here. It's always a good sign when a taqueria uses double corn tortillas, and this place certainly delivered on that front. Both the green and red salsas were excellent, offering a delightful slow-building heat that we really enjoyed. Our top picks from the menu were definitely the pastor and carne asada, which were outstanding. The only minor hiccup was the wait time; they quoted us 20 minutes, though it felt like it might have been slightly quicker. While the deep-fried pork was tasty, it didn't quite leave a lasting impression, but conversely, the lengua was outstandingly delicious and incredibly tender. For a drink, the horchata was solid, especially considering you get a giant takeout soup container's worth for $6 – quite a deal! We'd certainly recommend trying these dishes.

My visit here, prompted by a recommendation for excellent tacos in Philly, unfortunately left me underwhelmed. I sampled both the al pastor and birria tacos, finding them merely acceptable. The al pastor, in particular, was quite bland, tasting as if it had been pre-cooked and then reheated, resulting in a somewhat dry texture. Even the accompanying limes were disappointing, showing signs of turning yellow and nearing spoilage. While the birria offered a marginally better flavor profile, its consome was clearly microwaved and, regrettably, lacked the rich, authentic taste I associate with quality Mexican cuisine. The tamarindo agua fresca suffered from a similar lack of distinctive flavor. Perhaps the sole redeeming item was the horchata, which I found enjoyable. Ultimately, I'd categorize this establishment as merely above average, nothing more.

I can honestly say this is the most incredible Mexican cuisine I've ever experienced. While its location is a bit tucked away amidst other businesses, making it slightly challenging to discover, the reward is truly authentic, incredibly fresh, and utterly heavenly food, served by a staff who are both genuinely kind and remarkably talented. Just a heads-up, they operate on a cash-only basis, but conveniently, there's an ATM nearby with a very reasonable $2 fee. Seriously, once you've tried it, you'll find yourself never wanting or needing to seek out another spot for this kind of authentic Mexican fare.

My visit here was brief, as I ultimately didn't dine in or get takeout. I had initially planned to pick up some food, but upon arrival, I discovered a significant price difference; the menu displayed prices that were at least 40% higher than what was listed on the Google Maps menu. Furthermore, it was strictly cash only. My excitement for what I hoped would be an affordable late-night Mexican meal quickly faded, and due to these discrepancies, I chose to take my business elsewhere, so I cannot comment on the actual quality of the food.

Seriously, these tacos are a must-try; discovering this taqueria has made me incredibly happy. It's a straightforward spot, just a counter for ordering and pickup, yet it serves up some of the absolute best tacos I've encountered in the city, and believe me, I've explored countless taco joints. Portions are generous, and while I occasionally find the carnitas a touch fatty for my personal preference (a sensitivity not shared by most of my friends who also love them), their overall taste and quality easily place them among my top five tacos in Philadelphia. Specifically, their carnitas boast a perfect crispiness on the exterior while remaining wonderfully tender and flavorful within. Each order comes thoughtfully accompanied by a grilled jalapeño, a spring onion, and, naturally, fresh limes. Even their house-made sauces are remarkably fresh and delicious. A huge bonus is that they're open late! Just be sure to place your order ahead of time, as this popular spot gets quite busy, but I promise, you absolutely will not be disappointed. On a side note, you can save a dollar by bringing your own bag, which I find amusing given the city's plastic bag ban.