Few things make me happier than finding a good taqueria. During a recent day trip to Philadelphia, I spent part of the afternoon exploring the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is absolutely beautiful and worth wandering through for hours. After touring the galleries and walking around the museum, my girlfriend and I realized we had worked up quite the appetite and had tacos on the brain. On a whim, we decided to head over to Mission Taqueria in Center City to see what it was all about. If you enjoy discovering restaurants while traveling, you can explore more of my travel food adventures here.
We happened to arrive during their weekend midday menu, which runs from 3:00–4:30 PM. The menu was smaller than usual, which actually made ordering a lot easier since everything sounded tempting. Sometimes a shorter menu makes decisions simpler, especially when you’re already hungry after a long afternoon of exploring the city.
Mission Taqueria
Cocktails
We kicked things off with a round of cocktails from the drink menu. They were refreshing and exactly what we needed after a full day walking around Philadelphia. A good cocktail can set the tone for a meal, and these definitely did the job.
Cocktails
Chips and Guac
Next up was an order of chips and guacamole, because honestly there are few better things to pair with cocktails. The chips were crispy and warm, and the guacamole was creamy and packed with flavor. It was the kind of starter that disappears quickly once it hits the table.
Chips and Guac
Empanadas
We also split an order of empanadas. There really aren’t too many places to find empanadas around Baltimore, so whenever I see them on a menu it feels like a treat. These were filled with grilled plantains, poblano peppers, and Oaxaca cheese, creating a combination that balanced sweetness and heat. They were served with a crema for dipping, and we found ourselves debating whether ordering a second round might be a good idea.
Empanadas
Tacos
The real reason we came to Mission Taqueria was for the tacos. The midday menu featured three options, so naturally we ordered one of each to try them all. Between the carnitas, the chicken in mole negro, and the fried mahi mahi taco, the fish taco ended up being my favorite. It came topped with jalapeño mayo, pickled cabbage, and a slice of avocado. Even though the fish was fried, the taco still tasted incredibly fresh and light.
Tacos have become one of the most popular street foods across the United States, with chefs constantly experimenting with fillings and toppings.
Fried Mahi Mahi Taco
Tacos
Mission Taqueria is located at 516 Sansom St, Philadelphia
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mission Taqueria Philadelphia
Where is Mission Taqueria located?
Mission Taqueria is located at 516 Sansom Street in Center City Philadelphia.
What type of food does Mission Taqueria serve?
Mission Taqueria specializes in Mexican-inspired street food including tacos, empanadas, chips and guacamole, and craft cocktails.
What tacos are popular at Mission Taqueria?
Popular taco options include carnitas, chicken with mole negro, and fried mahi mahi tacos topped with jalapeño mayo and pickled cabbage.
Is Mission Taqueria near the Philadelphia Museum of Art?
Yes. Mission Taqueria is located in Center City, making it an easy stop for tacos after visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Restaurant Reviews, Travel