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South Philly Barbacoa

4.6 (749 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Order South Philly Barbacoa Takeout or Delivery

Services - South Philly Barbacoa

Catering

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South Philly Barbacoa Photos

SOUTH PHILLY BARBACOA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - South Philly Barbacoa

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Menu
Cathy C.

Yelp Review 2025 #256: Google has this place listed to open at the wrong time compared to what's posted outside their door. I did a Philly Cheesesteak crawl before walking to South Philly Barbacoa. I got here at 9:30am. I was full but I'm not leaving Philly without coming here! But I was worried because I got there too early but if I leave, I won't be back to this side of Philly anymore. I peeped inside and no diners were there, chairs were still on top of the tables. But I saw somebody inside so, I asked if they were open even though all signs hint at no, they're not open. If I used common sense, I would've left and live with regrets. The nice lady let me in and got a table ready for me. They prefer cash but if you absolutely don't have cash, they have an ATM by the door or you can order from a tablet. From the moment I walked in, I felt the warmth and hospitality as if I'm a guest at somebody's house. I placed my order and my food came out quickly all hot and fresh. They have a station next to the counter where you can put onions, cilantro, hot sauce, etc. on your food. 3 Barbacoa Tacos: You can get 3 tacos with one type of meat for $13 if you're getting carnitas, cochinita pibil, grilled steak, grilled chicken, root vegetables or chorizo. It's $18 for barbacoa. The lady who let me in assured me I can't go wrong with their barbacoa and I'm glad I listened to her because it's the best barbacoa I've had outside of Mexico. You know how some taquerias give you 2 tortillas on top of each other with a little bit of meat on top? Not here! Their tortilla is so well-made that they only need one and can hold a whole lot of juicy, tender and flavorful meat! Easily 5/5 I had the chance to meet and chat with Chef Christina Martinez and took pictures together. She was worried about her hair but she had nothing to worry about. I watched her story on Netflix and I admire and support people like her that work hard despite adversity. I was two tacos in and they gave me corn cookies for free! They were absolutely delightful. Like eating corn muffin tops. As full as I was, I managed to finish all 3 tacos and 1.5 cookies like a champ!

Inside
Jessica O.

Came here for New Year's Day. With a group of eight. They're known for their lamb tacos. It says set for $21. They have a vegetable and taco topping stand, which is generous and you can put as much as little as you want. We also got cups of hot water and regular water. In the vegetable station, you have pickled cactuses, jalapeño onion, carrots, and pickles. You also have the regular onion, cilantro, wine concoction so it's nice to have a bit of pickled and regular vegetables. The inside is still a little chilly for New Year's Day since it's only 20 something degrees outside but it's a festive atmosphere well Mexican music being played. They came to check on us a couple of times to see if we needed anything else. Overall a good time here! An older review said that they had good Horchata and I was looking forward to them. But they don't have them anymore!!

Vegan Tacos
Joseph S.

I had heard about South Philly Barbacoa/Casa Mexico for several years; I had also seen it featured on a food show. I thought it was time to try out this 'storied' restaurant. I had thought there were two separate restaurants, Barbacoa and Casa Mexico , but it appears they have 'merged' into one. The restaurant looks a little worn - many chairs are stained, some tables have tablecloths, others do not. We went on a Sat evening, only one other family was there during our dinner. We ordered in the front, and took seats in the back to move away from the door, as it was cold outside.....and a little too cool inside. I wasn't sure if I should takeoff my winter coat, but I did. We ordered the Guacamole, the Barbacoa, Steak, and Veggie tacos. When I ordered, I mentioned that, if possible, I like the meat(s) in my tacos to be lean, which can be challenging to find sometimes. The staff was very nice and said they would make a note of the request. The Guacamole and chips came out first. The Guacamole was fresh, creamy and as delicious as could be. It compensated for the chips, which were too hard, had no salt or flavor. The tacos came out together. The meat was as lean as I could have expected, both the steak and lamb. There is a small serving area near the front where there are some additions for the tacos - chopped onions - finally chopped dried cilantro - some sauces - cactus and other vegetables. I was hoping to see either a Pico de gallo or salsa, to add to the taco, but there were none. I added some veggies and guacamole, which improved the flavor and added depth to the taco. While the meats were lean, they were rather bland - the homemade taco shells were average, and Vegan taco was okay. While I was 'satisfied' with the meal, I had expected a better experience based on the reviews I had seen.

Barbacoa Lamb Order of Tacos Pancita Order of Tacos + consome
Makenzie O.

Cannot believe I didn't come here sooner! After watching Christina's chefs table episode we've been waiting to try SPB. Highly recommend trying both the classic Barbacoa and Pancita with the salsa/toppings they offer. + MUST TRY the consome! You can really taste the amount of love and care that goes into this food, down to the handmade tortilla! A must visit in Philly.

Barbacoa and carnitas tacos
Linda L.

This place is featured on Netflix's street food show. It is cash only & accepts venmo/zelle. There is a line, but moves pretty quick. They put meat on your taco and you add your own toppings (cilantro, onion, cacutus, jalapeno, lime) There is bar and table seating inside and outside

Carnitas Taco
Miles A.

Have been to casa Mexico a few times but just finally went to south Philly Barbacoa next door. Nice cozy family vibe as soon as you walk in. Ordering is quick and easy, and food is prepared quick and with lots of care. Esquites was quite large and was very tasty and savory. Just the right amount of sauce and cotija cheese to cover the corn. The carnitas taco meat is melt in your mouth and seasoned so well. There is a self serve bar for toppings with onion, cilantro, pepper, green/red sauces, amongst other things. Chef Cristina and team are amazing, thanks.

tacos !!
Clarissa V.

I can't come here enough. 5am start time for weekend barbacoa. We've now upped our ordering game to the $50 kilo because we have no idea why we weren't offered that after paying $46 for 6 tacos , 1 consommé, and 1 horchata. When we could literally get 1/2 kilo meat 12 tortillas and TWO consommé. And they had a $5 coupon off $50. Man We felt like idiots after that. So anyways. Now we're back one week later. lol And month after month this place always delicious. Stay for additional menu items like the tastiest guacamole and fresh chips

Shrimp taco, barbacoa, horchata, jamaica
Felicia Y.

This place has been on my bucket list for a while and I finally got to try it. Truly fantastic food. There was a short line when we arrived The menu is fairly short, but I think it is all the highlights. We got the shrimp and barbacoa tacos with horchata and jamaica to drink. The taco toppings (pickled jalapenos&carrots, cactus, onion, cilantro) and sauces brought balance in acidity and spiciness to the tacos. I liked how you can customize it. Shrimp tacos: each one had a large fried shrimp on it. The shrimp was not greasy at all. It had a nice crisp on the outside and was very fresh and tender. Barbacoa: fantastic! Again the meat was super tender and each taco had a hefty portion. There is the tiniest hint of gaminess of lamb at the end but I enjoyed it. Horchata: not my favorite. I thought this was a little artificial and chalky tasting Jamaica: I loved this. It was tart yet sweet in the best way and reminded me of a Chinese plum drink.

Barbacoa and Conchinita Pibil
Chris G.

***CASH ONLY***CASH ONLY***CAHS ONLY*** Finally tried the barbacoa tacos after hearing all the hype, and they were good. The meat was tender, the tortillas were fresh, and the flavors of the salsa mixed with the tacos, it all worked. That said, I'm not sure they completely lived up to the legend. Portions weren't bad, the place gets packed fast. Still, I'm glad I checked it off my list and can say I've had them. Solid tacos!

Sharika M.

Came back after a few years, the dining space is integrated with Casa Mexico's space. Prices naturally have gone up but the food tastes the same. My husband and I usually share 1/2 kilo lamb barbacoa and it's enough food. I love their tamales - so simple and warm. They do take Venmo, in case you don't have cash.

Michael C.

Great flavorful and fresh tacos. They make the tortillas handmade right in front of you. Very quick service and the line was not bad at 12:30 PM on a Sunday. Was in and out in less than 30 min. Highly recommend coming here!

Maggie P.

Finally got to try and find out what the hype was all about! .. and it was just.. okay. I think it's worth to try just to say you've tried but I've definitely had better places without this price tag. Spices and sauces were yummy, meat didn't taste extraordinary, kinda normal for barbacoa. We got a guac to share and 6 barbacoa tacos. I enjoyed the self service sauce bar which is not typical in Philly.

Barbacoa Lamb Order of Tacos
Yaseen A.

I saw this place on chefs table on Netflix and decided to stop by when I was in town. I thought the venue is nice and the staff was also nice. I did have higher expectations for the tacos, but they were still good.

Barbacoa taco

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South Philly Barbacoa Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - South Philly Barbacoa

Do they have Apple Pay? &/or means of payment other than cash, &/or is there a safe ATM nearby/onsite? wish they were also at/near Reading Terminal Market

They have ATMs all around the area, but they take cash only. And it would be super convenient if they were by Reading Terminal Market, but it's definitely worth the trip because the tacos are AMAZING!

Will you be open Easter weekend 16-17, 2022? We are planning a family visit to Philly

Can anyone share about their hours lately? Google says 5am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Will we be ok going at 1pm?

They're opened until they run out of meat (which goes pretty quickly)! I've tried going at 1 PM and found that they closed at 12 that day. I suggest going around 11/12 the latest as there is usually a long line by then.

Are the hours correct, closed tues-fri and open 5am-5pm?

Open on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only. Sat & Sun from 5am until they are sold out. Monday 8am until sold out.… Read more

I love the barbacoa here! Is it possible to JUST order the meat without the combo?

Yes, sort of. You can order tacos piecemeal. It will still come with the taco fixings (onions, cilantro, etc.) but will not include the consomme and it's literally one taco whereas the combos will allow you to make anywhere between 6 - 12 tacos.

What is the dessert (sweet sour spicy fruit) that they gave out for free? I searched online for hours but can't find it?

They have the best sweet tamales with pineapple.

Anyone know about eating gluten free here? A few family members & I are gluten free (not by choice, sigh...) and want to know what to stay away from (if anything!)

As far as I can tell, all the starches are either from corn or rice. I don't believe there is anything with wheat, barley, or anything else that would contain gluten. The tortillas for the tacos and quesadillas are 100% corn masa.

Are they open Tuesday to Friday, if so what are the hours?

Only open on Sat - Mon, on Sat & Sun they are open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Monday, 8 a.m. - 4p.m.

What time does this place open on Monday morning? 8am or 9am?

8am.

Is South Philly Barbacoa BYOB?

No.

So is this place closed or not? According to Yelp it's closed, but there was a review in July so I'm not sure if the closure is a new thing.

We are open. We merged 2 restaurants into one. We have the Barbacoa on weekends and during the week we sell tortas and guisados. In two weeks we are moving the barbacoa across the street, i.e. 2 locations again

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Review Highlights - South Philly Barbacoa

g. Great experience over all and I look forward to returning in the future to try out the Pancita taco

Mentioned in 43 reviews

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South Philly Barbacoa - mexican - Updated May 2026

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