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Came during a later World Cup game and the atmosphere was unmatched! All the staff and patrons were clearly there for a good time! Can't say much about the food bc I only got chips and salsa and drinks. But my chips and salsa were so good I want to return! I got a mezcal cocktail which was super smoky and complex and we also shared a margarita with a beer in it! Got some tequila shots and that really kept the vibes high! Great place to see a game at night!
Visited this restaurant on cinco de Mayo 2026. The weather was beautiful we dined outside for lunch. We ordered their 3 specials menus for the day. We had the ceviche along with 3 huge oysters. Both the ceviche and oysters were fresh. Next we had the soft shell crab on blue corn tortillas. Our next meal was shrimp, beef, chicken, sausage, cactus leaves along with 4 different kinds of tortillas. The service was excellent.
As soon as you walk in, you can tell you're in for a treat. Great vibe, interesting decor, and very cozy. The server quickly greets you and takes the charger plate out of the way, then will explain any specials they have. I got one of the specials for that day, the birria beef taco. These were simply perfect, savory and tender just bursting with flavor. The consommé was also quite rich and zesty. These were phenomenal, I would suggest to try if they have them for that day. Best I have personally had. Also tried the skirt steak taco on regular menu and these were filled to the brim, also great. It is cash only, and they do have an ATM. I wanted to stop here a few times but usually don't have cash. This is definitely worth the effort to bring it. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked phenomenal, definitely will be back to try some more! Thanks
The service here was great! Really kind and attentive staff. We tried here because we saw online from multiple sources it's one of the best Mexican restaurants in Philly. It definitely did not disappoint! The food was so flavorful and the plates came with the food beautifully presented. We wished the rice was Mexican yellow rice, but overall a great spot!!!
Fantastic al pastor tacos and a great, strong marg! I got the three tacos and a skinny marg, and it was perfection. I tried one of my brothers steak tacos and definitely preferred my own. Service was quick, drinks were strong. Cash only, but they have an ATM onsite if needed!
This is the most authentic elevated Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia. They are from Puebla Mexico and offer a large variety of dishes. We started with salmon ceviche with mango and plantain chips. ( we ate it before thinking to take a picture. Next Chiles en nogada (a specialty dish with stuffed poblano pepper with mincemeat, aromatics fruits and spices and topped with a walnut based cream sauce called Nogada! Chicken flautas were perfectly crispy and generously filled with chicken topped with delicious cream and cotija cheese and salsa. We also ordered steak alabre (steak, chorizo, bacon, bell peppers, and onions, cooked together and smothered with cheese. Very delicioso, but we were stuffed and did not save space for dessert. I can't wait to bring my Mexican family there. It's like going home! Service was top notch and ambiance is fun, authentic and clean.
So my date arrives to the SRT kind of late but not really, he just seems late because I'm already too hungry to hang on the trail any longer. I was even getting too hungry to be able to make a decision. After he offers to help me by making a decision, I decide we will go to blue corn. He informs me of a large snapping turtle he saw on his way to me. We head back, she has now gathered a concerned posse,, everyone trying to figure out how involved to get. I look at my date who is already googling "how to pick up snapper turtle". I laugh and look back up to see that he has pretty much handled it, people clap for him, and we are back on our way to the italian market. We sit outside because it's the only option, and I am overwhelmed because its all babies yelling, plates clanking, cars passing, pedestrians walking. I usually don't like eating outside, but sometimes that's the music and you blink through it and you're good. So the first thing we order is the Ofrenda De Los Dioses. It comes to us quickly and smothered in a vibrant green sauce. I watch my date pick up his fork and knife, but I'm still looking through the menu for what else I want, and I am an only child so I don't want him to eat without me. This was my favorite thing we ate, but I do not have a photo of it because my date brought out the neurosis in me and everything went white. But I suggest you eat this too. I ordered a classic margarita , and it came in a glass that made me feel like I was the most interesting person on the block and it was my birthday. I ordered tinga sopecitos and our charismatic server suggested I could just get one of each. Everyone who works here is really great at talking about the food they serve, and I have a lot of admiration for this. I enjoyed listening to the staff talk to other tables about all kinds of stuff on the menu. My date ordered the Blue tacos, they come out looking beautiful, and he's clearly enjoying them when he realizes he never washed his hands after picking up his lady turtle friend. We laugh, he continues to eat his food,, I continue to hold his hand. One thing I love about blue corn is that they really let flavors breathe. Nothing is overly salty or drenched in any one flavor. Sometimes I find chorizo a bit indulgent , where I can only have it in small amounts, but the chorizo sopecito was my favorite. You can taste everything you're eating, and I think this simplicity lends itself very well to dishes that center good corn and herbs. We basically lick our plates and our server asks if we want dessert and my date says no. Red flag I know. He didn't know that I decided we were having dessert like 45 minutes ago when I watched a few cheeky sweets go to a table behind him. I order myself a flan and cafe de olla. I will not share. The cafe tastes like sitting at the kitchen table with whichever guru you love the most. The flan was adorned with strawberries and my date's spoon, and of course when I ask what his favorite thing was he says the flan he politely declined at first. Later he says something about sometimes the thing you don't want is the thing you need. So true.
Blue Corn somehow captures the entire spectrum of Mexican restaurants under one roof: it feels simultaneously homey where local families gather and lively with a bar and happy hour, and its menu has a combination of affordable classic items and more adventurous and upscale ones. I came with a couple others and tried out some of the latter kind of dishes since we were all Mexican food fans but wanted to try something off the beaten path. The three items we got were: - Tuna tostaditas: a daily special, three crispy blue tortillas topped with a deliciously refreshing tuna ceviche. One of the more "bougie" menu items but they seem to do great seafood here if the menu is any indication. - Zucchini blossom quesadillas: a set of three, stuffed not only with cheese but grilled vegetables including the blossoms which were a bit like artichoke. Came with a really good salsa verde and chipotle salsa - Ofrenda de los dioses: a specialty item the restaurant seems to have invented, sort of like a layered enchilada filled with cheese, corn, and huichacotle (corn mushroom) and smothered in a creamy green salsa. I had been looking forward to this one the most and it didn't disappoint! The huichacotle is sort of like a cross between a corn kernel and a grape in texture with a slight chew. And I scooped up every last bit of that sauce - truly worthy of the gods as the name states! Overall really good and memorable food, and I feel like Blue Corn is a great fit for any kind of Mexican meal, whether you're craving a familiar taco or eager to expand your horizons.
My absolute favorite taco spot! My faves are the lengua and the cabeza, but you can never go wrong with any of the tacos! Their ceviche is so refreshing and I believe it comes with a house-made spicy vinaigrette which is phenomenal. They're cash only but they also have an ATM too!
Second time here, another really great experience! Service was impeccable -- prompt, responsive, kind, super fine attention to detail. Outdoor seating was comfortable for 4 of us, and they have a lot of 2-person tables there too. Food was delicious & worked for a variety of diets/preferences (vegan, high spice level, low spice level, etc.). The rest of their brunch selection looked really yummy.
We had been meaning to try this place for a while and now that we have I'm glad that we did. The menu has a ton of options. We ultimately went with the blue corn tacos (which felt like an obvious choice) and the seafood stew special. The el pastor blue tacos were... pretty good. The tacos themselves were actually a bit thinner than I would expect but the filling was quite nice. The hot sauce on the side was a really nice addition. And the cooked green onions that it came with was a surprising and delicious addition. The seafood stew was the star: so much seafood (albeit you pay the price for it-almost all of the entrees are a bit on the pricier side actually). I was surprised they served bread to dip into the delicious broth given that it's a Mexican restaurant but this was a good touch. The white fish and shrimp were really nice. The clams and mussels were fine-nothing terribly special. But overall excellently seasoned. The drink menu is extensive. Cash only. Nestled into an adorable area of Little Italy. The service was extensive. We were super looked after and there were a ton of employees, many of whom served different roles and we ended up being catered to really closely. Definitely worth the try.
Excellent sit-down Mexican restaurant. Cash only. Full bar. We came for tacos, so tacos we had. We had chicken, pork, beef cheek, and oyster. Oyster tacos were a special that day, and special they were. Fried oysters were briny and delicious. I'd get those any time they are offered. The cabeza was also good. I can't wait to return and explore more of the menu, like the huaraches.
I could give five stars alone for Blue Corn being the first stop of our epic South Philly Taco Crawl UYE! But in essence, I give it because it's the perfect classic taqueria with all kinds of local neighborhood charm and a good bar on top! Blue Corn is one of those South Philly Mexican restaurants that I've known about for years now. But when you're living there you get set in your ways of going to your usual local spots. So when I saw that it was the first spot on our taco crawl I was sold on joining in. And even if it was cash only and slightly on the smaller side, Blue Corn delivered big on where it mattered with epic service and quality food! After being one of the ones to arrive fashionably late for the crawl the Blue Corn staff were quick to connect another table for four to our group and get an amazing horchata in my hands. While it was tempting to also try a Mexican coffee, I was also sold on joining some of our group in enjoying some mezcal, and it was perfectly smoky and served traditional style with a slice of orange. If it wasn't a taco crawl I would have been sold on trying their huaraches, platillos, burritos, and other tasty delicacies. But since it was an epic taco crawl I was able to order some lengua tacos and trade some for a cabeza and pollo pibil taco. Of the three my favorite was the perfectly cooked beef tongue with subtle flavor. But I also enjoyed the slight tinge of spice that the Apollo had, and the tender bits of beef cheek from the cabeza. If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant that's classy on a budget, then it doesn't get much better than Blue Corn!
This place is upscale food for a lowscale price. Every single item we ordered was amazing. We started with really good guacamole and margaritas. The guac was served with delicious blue corn chips. Next we did lobster ceviche which was a special on the menu. The presentation was beautiful and the taste was just as good. It also came with plantain chips to dip into the ceviche. Next we had a seafood soup, which had one of the best broths I have ever tasted. Every enjoyed their entrees, the flautas and sobrecitos, were a particular hit along with another special on the menu, friend oyster tacos. For dessert we ordered flan, churros and the chocolate lava cake. The churros we're perfectly crispy with a great cinnamon sugar coating and a delicious caramel dipping sauce. The lava cake was beautifully played with strawberry ice cream and perfectly cooked so it was soft in the inside. Blue corn is not your average Mexican restaurant the display of every dish was superb with a taste to match. Seriously make this place apart of your 2019 goals. read more
4 years ago
Where do I even begin? lol this place is AMAZING!!! Our waiter was extremely friendly and attentive, the bartender was on point with the drinks, and the chef...PHENOMENAL! The place was clean and welcoming; more so a place for a cute date or a small gathering of friends. Either way, I would definitely recommend and will be going back soon. The food was so fresh and seasoned perfectly. It was so good, my 1 y.o. niece cleaned her little plate. Definitely a hidden gem in Philly! Also, bring cash, they don't accept cards(which is fine for me lol) read more
8 years ago
Food is good - not out of this world - Drinks are a big fat no no - the blue margarita- dont even bother. The Al pastor - pork taco - is delicious Rice is good Beans - nope! Plantains - good read more
8 years ago
These are the best tacos I've had. We ordered the guacamole with blue corn, the sample appetizers Fundacion Olmeca and the blue corn tacos with grilled chilies and plantains for sides. Everything was excellent--I would say get the sample appetizers and the blue corn tacos if you had to pick. Load up on the fresh tomatillos salsa that comes with your tacos. This meal wrapped up our day nicely after the Barnes. Lovely service as well. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
This place is amazing, both the food, and the service. The only thing that kinda suck is being cash only!! But other than that everything was amazing. You should probably make a reservation ahead of time because I got there at around 6:30 and it was already really busy. This restaurant is also pretty small so if you end up coming at a busy time you will probably have to wait a long time. Everything here was good, we ordered so much I don't even remember what everyone got. You must try this place if you have the chance! read more
6 years ago
I stopped here for lunch. They have outdoor seating along with heaters and they practice social distancing. The food was delicious as always and it's definitely worth visiting. If I lived closer to this place I would eat here more often. read more
3 years ago
Blue Tacos were delicious. The Mahi Mahi tacos were the star of the show. Service was great. The restaurant was busy and loud, but it was fun. read more
2 years ago
Coming to this place I was very very excited bc the lack of Mexican food in the city of Philadelphia is rampant. I am constantly craving Mexican because I come from Texas. Finding this place randomly, we decided to try it out. The crowd looked like non Hispanic folks that were there more for the margaritas so I was a little skeptical. The specials were named out loud which I didn't care much for. Guacamole, the guacamole was on point. Smooth rich and had bits of corn and made well. The only thing I wished was that there was more. Next the tacos, delicious. It came with two different salsas and had a nice bite to it. I compared it to the Barbacoa place, the difference is this place is a lot cleaner and has a thousand times better food service. Finally the gorditas, I enjoyed those very much. Three of a kind. The only one I wish I switched was the cheese one which had basically queso fresco, but all in all quite good. Rice and beans on the side were solid as well. The ambiance is loud, the crowd is thirty's to forties not so diverse, and almost like a Mexican jukebox cantina feel. It is a great place to sit down and relax, it's not fancy but has a nice home feel to it. Really makes you enjoy urself. On the flip side, go ahead and enjoy this place for the food, the sanitation is good, the price is fair, the service is nice, and the staff are Hispanic. Authenticity matters to me and I approve. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Margaritas are strong. Seafood soup was on special-very very good. Nice authentic food. Queso fundido was a little odd. The "queso" didn't really grip-2-the-chip. That's all we tried. Good for a quick pop in and snack on my end :) And they were playing Christmas music on November 23rd-totally ok with this! read more
5 years ago
Best spicy margarita "Macho" in Philadelphia! Best traditional menu and super friendly service. If you love Mexican food then this place will become your favorite too! read more
I found myself traveling around to the same five nacho joints in the city. I figured it was time to try something new, so blue corn it was! The chips were fresh and held their crisp. The toppings were aplenty. The chicken was bland. But overall, not a bad nacho dish. I think I still might be going to my regular nacho spots instead. But this could be good to go to if you're in the area. read more
7 years ago
Small place with very friendly staff. Everything was delicious but the chicken pibil sopes were amazing. First time eating here and won't be my last. I also had the flan and it was so good I forgot to get a picture. The flan was served with diced mangos. Everything taste so fresh!!! read more
5 years ago
Best Al Pastor Tacos in Philly! Also great salsas to complement the flavor. We got the blue tacos and al pastor tacos, the blue taco basically al pastor but with more additions. We did pickup instead of dine in today. Only thing lacking was the number of lime slices given Everything else was great! read more
4 years ago
Tripa tacos were so so good first time. Second time, eh. Third time..no go. Don't know if I'd return. read more
4 years ago
We love Mexican food. We brought our daughter here for her 21st birthday. I can't say enough about how fabulous this place is. The food is Superb. The alcohol is superb. The staff is superb. Clearly, this is a family owned business where people put their heart and soul into what they do. Integrity means everything to. This establishment has integrity. I am extremely appreciative for the experience we had and I can't wait to go back. read more
8 years ago
I've been on the lookout for great AUTHENTIC Mexican food in Philadelphia. Who would have thought that I would discover this place near the Italian district in South Philly. I came here with Ashley L. and we ordered some guacamole as an appetizer. First, I love that you get a full bowl of guac! They don't skimp you on any avocados. It is also delicious! Great for a party of four to share as an app. I ordered some pastor tacos, amazing! I had to go with a classic for my first time. The tortilla was awesome, I'm not sure what it was made of but it wasn't your standard flour or corn tortilla. So good! Would definitely go back for the tacos. I was amazed at the list of specials they had, we were told about the different dishes that they make including steaks and fish. Everything in the restaurant looked delicious, will definitely be back to try something else! read more
4 years ago
One of my favorite spots in Philly for Mexican food. Their al pastor tacos and ceviche are a must! The nachos are also delicious and portions are huge. Keep in mind it's cash only. They have heated outdoor seating which is a plus read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Awesome place to get margaritas and authentic Mexican food! We came here on a Saturday night around 8:30pm and it was packed! The service was excellent; our water was always filled, servers checked on us regularly, and we were even given complimentary chips with two types of salsa that's refillable! A handful of servers walk around checking each table so you could stop any server and they would gladly help you with anything. Food wise, we got the Ofrenda de los Dioses (stacked tortillas with corn mushrooms, etc etc topped with a creamy poblano sauce), Blue Tacos (w/ pastor meat, pineapple, cilantro, etc), and the Seafood tacos (forgot what it was called). The Ofrenda de los Dioses was pretty good, but certainly isn't a dish that I'm used to. It has a very earthy taste to it. The blue tacos were delicious! I added the green complimentary salsa to my tacos and they went super well with it. The seafood tacos were not bad, it just has more of a fishy flavor to it. If you like that, they're not bad! Drink wise, we got the Mango Margarita and Tamarind Margarita. I asked for my mango margarita to be less strong (I'm a weak drinker hah!) and it still tasted strong, but I mean I can't complain lol! Both margaritas were delicious. We got them with the spicy salt rim, which was a very thin layer. It tasted more salty than spicy, but in overall, the drinks were delicious! read more
4 years ago
best Mexican food I've ever had in my life!! atmosphere was unique and cozy, our server was super attentive, and the food was to die for. the blue corn tacos with el pastor and pineapple were so good. prices were super reasonable as well. would recommend this to ANYONE! read more
5 years ago
You definitely need reservations! Also they are cash only. This is an amazing Mexican restaurant one of the best I've been to. My Passionfruit margarita was delicious I need to go back to try them all and the Pina coladas! Everything we had was yummy. My Blue Corn Caesar salad was so good. We had the ceviche de pulpo for an app which was good and came with plaintain chips. The guacamole was so creamy and delicious! I had the blue tacos and the pineapple with marinated pork mmm so good! I posted pics of what the other people I was with ordered and they said everything was delicious. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
Oh my goodness. If you didn't know, now you do!! Right in the Italian Market they are COVID compliant with cute outdoor seating. Sure it is tight down there, but I didn't feel up on the sidewalk with people and dogs sticking their nose in my plate. Servers are amazing. The drinks unbelievable. Def try the Margazal if you like tequila and mezcal (get it?!). I had the octopus ceviche and it was so fresh and light. You could taste the gentle flavors... as you sip the Margazal. Empty glass added below next to the . Crispy perfectly cooked and salted plantaños. Pull chicken tortillas were the truth! Forreal marinated many hours before placed on the crunch corn tortilla served open face. Finish that Margazal and have the Puerto Vallarta tacos. Stuffed with shrimp, fish and other sea delights. I'm coming back for sure. oh and watch that Septa bus roll down that tight street! Magic show too. The best I've had in a long time and I think being on 9th street helps even more with the freshness and variety. So so so many delectable and more to explore. Go now! read more
6 years ago
Great service, clean, delicious al pastor tacos, yummy hot salsa. There's limited outdoor aeating and they have heaters that Gelo with the cold. read more
Lovely little Mexican place in the heart of the Italian Market. We walked in around 6 on a Sunday with four people and had no problem getting a table. The place did fill up as the evening went on. The space is colorful and filled with artwork and a cute little bar. The red and green salsas are great, but they pack some heat if spicy isn't your jam. The ofrenda de los dioses was very nice. It's covered in a mild, creamy poblana sauce that makes for an awesome tortilla dip if the salsas are too much. We split the three types of gorditas. They were all solid. The requeson (cheese) one is a little plain imo if you're greedy like me and eat all the super tasty crema on top too fast :) . The chicken and pork are both super solid, too. I had the huarache gratin and it was too big to finish. I enjoyed the cheesy cactus and the texture of the huarache base. The steak sopecitos were great, but my favorite was the bite I stole of the al pastor tacos. The sangria is huge, tasty and generously filled with fruit. Great place! read more
This is a 5 Star Mexican Restaurant. Everything that came out of the small kitchen was a fantastic work of art. I had the Blue Corn Tacos. 3 pork tacos al Pasteur. Fresh grilled pork, onions and peppers with fresh pineapple and cilantro served in homemade blue flour tortillas. The signature item was delicious. TIP put the cucumbers from the garnish on the tacos! Wife had the assorted Gorditas. Cheese, Chicken and Chorizo. 3 separate gorditas served In fresh fried massa. The flavor was unique and different from any other Mexican food I've tried. read more
9 years ago
I came to this place for the tacos! And they did not disappoint. I had the Al Pastor tacos...The onions were beautifully, finely cut and the cilantro was proportional. The tortilla was handmade; of an orange color (i didn't ask what ingredient made it such). It was a jam packed taco with well seasoned carne and enough piña to complement. The salsas were also delicious. Especially the red salsa, it was smoky and delicately sweet. My boyfriend got the Arrachera tacos and ughh, what a delight! Tender, flavorful juicy steak with grilled onions. Such a great bite! We had to get another order to share. All in all, it was great atmosphere with prideful mexican artistry on the walls. As authentic as they can sell it. Get that money! read more
6 years ago
not only was the food here the best mexican food me & my boyfriend ever had- the service was just amazing as well!! Drinks and food came out so quick and the staff was super attentive and accommodating..My boyfriend got the pastor tacos which he says were the best tacos he ever got & i got a chicken quesadilla and a mac and cheese side which was sooooo delicious! Our server was Edwin so shout out him for being the nicest and most polite/attentive server i have ever had!! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
everything was simply delicious. the ambience, servers, and food were on point! love authentic south philly mexican restaurants. will be back soon! read more
This place is amazing! Perfect for a date night, meet up with friends, or anything really! To start, service was quick and amazing. We made a reservation but didn't need it - wasn't too crowded on a Tuesday evening. The restaurant is pretty small though so be careful on a weekend. We started with some margs which were delicious! Also got some guacamole with blue corn chips and were provided with chips and red salsa and salsa verde. DELICIOUS! The guac had the perfect amount of kick and was creamy. I went with the huarache gratin and added chicken. It's an oval shaped flat bread-like concoction that is kind of like a corn tortilla but a bit thicker. Then it's loaded with salsa verde, chicken, cheese, onion, cactus, and refried beans. It was DELICIOUS and an amazing balance of flavors. I also had enough to last me two meals. My friends both got the chicken alambres and loved it. Again, huge portions. This was a lot like fajitas. Loved the fun and unique ambiance, quick service, and delicious food - I'll be back! read more
9 years ago
I made reservations for three at this restaurant about a few hours before I wanted to come in and they were able to accommodate us with no problem. The service was amazing from start to finish; the waiter was attentive, efficient, and friendly. The ambiance was also really laid back. They had soccer games on and it wasn't loud at all. The tables are pretty close together because the restaurant is not huge. Parties of 6 may work, but anything more than that would be a tight squeeze for everyone. As for the food, we got started with complementary chips and salsa. After that we had appetizers and entrees. The food was also really good. Our table got the queso with mushroom, the seafood tacos, the blue corn tacos, and the seafood soup special. I do wish that my tacos had more spicy flavor, but that's just my personal preference. For drinks we went pretty classic, Coronas and Victorias. The only disappointing thing about the food was that there was no tres leches cake for dessert :( Hopefully they'll add it soon. read more
7 years ago
4 years ago
Our group of 6 stopped by for a late dinner and were able to get a table before the crowd showed up around 7:45. The staff was very friendly and attentive and it took maybe 15-20 mins for all of our food to come out. Most of us got the sopecitos which were delicious! Very good value! read more
More info about Blue Corn
940 S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Italian Market, Bella Vista
Directions
(215) 925-1010
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http://bluecornmexphilly.com
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Ask the Community - Blue Corn
Are they ever going to accept credit card?
I believe I remember them being cash only.
Are there any vegan options? I have folks visiting from out of town and want to bring them here, but I'm assuming even the beans likely have meat products involved.
Not sure.They do Vegetarian options. In fact their pepper dishes are really good! You would have to ask about vegan.
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