I didn't believe 5 star Mexican food could exist. To me, who had gorged herself on Taco Bell throughout college, it was a myth. Like the Bermuda triangle, or unicorns. There is really nothing more amazing than witnessing a pitcher of freshly made margaritas delivered to a table by way of the (authentically) Mexican server balancing them on a tray on the top of his head. Yes, the food was divine and flavorful, and the ambiance and decor were top-notch, but come on, finding incredible ways to bring incredibly made margaritas to your table without using your hands? A+ Boyfriend and I dined here for a fancy date night, and the experience from start to finish was amazing. We had a quick wait at the (gorgeous) bar while our table was being readied, and later split a bottle of wine with our meal. We each got the stuffed grouper, which was delicious. It had green peppers in it, and I hate green peppers usually, but I couldn't find fault at all with the dish. The dessert was great, too, even though boyfriend left me stranded and I had to eat the whole plate of caramel soaked crepes by myself. Woe is me! Seriously, if you are looking to shock your taste buds out of the Qdoba rut you're in, or you're just looking for a nice night out on the town with your sweetheart, go to Tequilas.
(5)
Debbie G.
Been on the search for a fab mexican restaurant in the area for a while now. Have been to a few places that have come close, but this place def tops my list right now! Every dish was beautifully presented, very flavorful, and kept me wanting more with each bite. I second the previous reviewer's favorite dish - the 'Ostiones Cancun' - the raw oysters atopped with chipotle, tequila, lime, avocado - a refreshing start to the meal I had. The homemade guac and tortillas accompanied by 3 different spicy salsas were great for getting the palate ready for a latin spicy meal. I had the Enchaldas Playa which were stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp and creamy sauces of poblano and chipotle flavors. My fiance had the Mole Poblano which we found out is a classic latin dish with a mix of spicy and sweet. Highly recommend both with their best house pitcher of sangria. The decor was sexy/cozy with dim lighting, Spanish art, and inspired silver- and tableware of gold and blue colors. The one negatory note I have - when we first walked in to meet the hostess. It was wonderful to have no wait whatsoever for a table, but seating us right by the entrance on a cold winter night is just rude and stupid! Luckily, a thoughtful waiter came by and suggested that we move to a table deeper in the restaurant which ended up being a wonderful spot for us to comfortably enjoy our meal. This place is definitely a repeat restaurant - can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)
Cliff L.
Great atmosphere and service. Great Guac!
(4)
Kristina C.
I've been to Philadelphia twice, and I've been to Tequilas twice. This is such a great place. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun. More upscale decore, but not pretentious. I've always gone with a party of 4 so we can try different foods, and I haven't had anything I didn't like. Nice portions. And they're guacomole is amazing. I can't believe how many mexican places can mess up guacomole, but Tequilas does it right! Their margaritas are in a class of there own... the best margarita I've ever had! You can actually taste the agave. And it you are thirsty :) or go with a gruop, be sure to get their tower. It serves 8 drinks at about half the price of order single margaritas. Very good deal. If you have the chance, make sure you eat here!
(4)
Sean K.
upscale mexican food. very helpful with different types of tequila. hot lava chicken is great
(4)
Wil R.
The atmostphere of this place is great for a date. For an upscale mexican place it definitely foots the bill. Been twice, and LOVE the ceviche every time - the beef dishes are definitely a strong suit, as I would expect. Had a fish special two nights ago and it was OK, will definitely go back a third time and when I do, I'll stick to something beef related. Staff is always greta when I go, very attentive and good at helping navigate the rather detailed menu.
(4)
Christian B.
Some places have great food, a good atmosphere, and great service, well two out of three isn't the worst, but it's not enough for this suburbanite to head down into the city. Atmosphere - Tequila's hits this on the nose.You walk in to a mural painting of traditional Mexican culture, and a dimly lit greeting area.Through the blue velvet curtain you'll step into a traditional bar area with tables. Not a bar fan? There are two separate seating areas for you and your guests to dine in. Dimly lit back dining room provides a contemporary meets traditional Mexican flair. This is not your run of the mill decor, Tequila's gets it right. Waitstaff - It seemed that we had revolving waiters most of the night, not sure if this is the serving style or just they had multiple tables? Our first waiter took our drinks, followed by a second who brought us the specials and took our order, finally a third brought the food we ordered and took desserts. All were professionally dressed with clean black button downs and were understanding of all the specials. Food - To start, we ordered a pitcher of margaritas and chips. If you're going just for drinks, this would be a great spot. Chips are homemade and come with a delicious salsa and dip, as well as fresh peppers. Margaritas are made with Tequila homemade from Mexico. Both were fabulous. Then the bad parts set in. Our table ordered off of the restaurant week menu for apps, entrees, and desserts. We each ordered Ceviche, Tortilla Soup, and Empanadas. Ceviche was 'a bit chewy' according to one of my diners. The one who asked for Tortilla Soup was promised it was not spicy, but it was. I went with the empandas, which for me, was the best part of the three courses. Pescado al Mango sounded fresh, but came out breaded with little taste. I went with the enchiladas playa, and while the mix of seafood (lobster, shrimp, and crab) was good, the peppers added for filling really took away from the taste. The surf and turf was a favorite of my other diner, but he shared his plate after the bad taste from the first dish. Chocolate Flan cake was ok, and tres leches cake was also ok. Nothing special on the dessert side, felt more like a 'throw in'. Intangibles - Parking in this area can be difficult, but if you don't mind public transportation, you can get off at 15th and Locust and you're a half block away. Restaurant started out quiet, but was extremely loud by the time we left, many group parties of six or more were there (I'm guessing for RW as well). As of writing this, next day food has not agreed with one of my diners, so let that be a lesson to those who are hyper sensitive to Mexican cuisine. Overall - I wanted to like this place more, but the entree and dessert misses were a bit much. If you're going for some nice drinks at the bar, or for a quick bite, it could be a good little find. I can't really recommend dinner based off of what I had, but I'd be willing to give it another try? If you don't mind a higher level price point on your food, Tequila's may be worth a shot if you're in the mood for authentic style drinks and light apps.
(3)
Perla B.
Coming from a Mexican this should tell you everything - Tequila's has the best Mexican food outside of Mexico. Actually no, I think Tequila's can be on the top Mexican Restaurants in my list, including Mexican restaurants IN Mexico. It is the real deal, none of the "tex-mex" food, this is REAL Mexican food! I haven't been there in a long time, this was my favorite place when I lived in PA and have not since then found another mexican restaurant that can compare to Tequila's. If you are looking to try the real flavors of Mexico, you have to go to this place!
(5)
Dan C.
So rarely have I had the opportunity to sit somewhere quietly crying in my seat because I have consumed a jalepeno so spicy that I can't even ask for water. And it's embarrassing having to do so. I settled for another napkin so I could blow my nose and wipe my tears. I was pleasantly surprised by the kick I received from the food here. Outside of the spicy element, the carnitas that I got was also delicious. Nicely seasoned rice with flavor, tender beef and delicious guacamole/chicken/beans, this was a perfect way to get my fill without feeling overly full Service here is fun. I too saw the guy serving drinks off of a tray balanced on his head, but really enjoyed the talkative bartender more. Big props to the place for having great service and good food that actually tastes authentic, if a little pricey.
(4)
Lexi B.
I didn't give five stars because it really pisses me off when they won't seat you without your entire party (especially when the bar is too packed to get within 50' and you have to stand around freezing in the lobby beause 1 person was stuck in traffic on 76...) Oh, and they also really rushed us out of there- like took one of my friends' unfinished drinks (that was 3/4 full!) off the table before she was done with it...granted it was a busy Saturday night, thats really annoying. Either way, this place has great food, drinks and fun atmosphere. They have great (complimentary) chips & salsa to start. We also got the queso fundido, which was super yum. I had some kind of lobster/crab/shrimp enchiladas, which were beyond amazing. Everyone was happy with their food. We had a very charming waiter who didn't seem to mind us asking him to repeat certain things so we could enjoy his accent over and over again...ha!
(4)
Natalie B.
My absolute favorite Mexican restaurant in all of Philadelphia, maybe even New York City. Come here for brunch, lunch, or dinner - either way you'll be treated to a Mexican feast complete with some tasty, original margaritas! To boot, they have a superb tequila collection to choose from and it's definitely worth a curious shot to try some of the recommended and rare reposados and anejos. Looking more like a collection of short stories, the menu is a headache to mull over when deciding on what to order - each dish comes with its own colorful story and an ornately detailed explanation of its contents. Tedious, yes, but interesting reads nonetheless. The following are tried and true phenomenal dishes: - Carne Asada a La Tampiquena - Medallion Chipotle - Carne A La Trenza - Queso Fundido - Guacamole
(5)
Jen O.
I was excited to go back to Tequila's, having just moved in around the corner from it. I'd been there for dinner once before a couple of years ago and loved it. I couldn't wait to take my boyfriend there. When we arrived we were seated at the front of the restaurant, by the windows (nice) but jammed in by the area where the servers go to replace small plates and the fake flowers on the tables (not nice). We ordered two drinks at $11 each, and they were very good drinks, though not $11 drinks. We shared a Caesar salad, which was bland and otherwise completely unremarkable. The chips and salsa were excellent. For an expensive Mexican restaurant, though, good chips and salsa are the cost of admission. For my entree, I got the seafood enchiladas (Enchiladas Playa) for $24. They tasted fishy, and not in the way that they're supposed to be fishy. And aside from that, they were just bland. My boyfriend got the pork (Cochinita Pibil) for $21, and that was the only bright spot of the meal. The worst part was the service. It was terrible. At 9 on a Wednesday night during a recession, you're not going to find a lot of people paying $24 for enchiladas, and hence the restaurant was relatively slow. I expected our server to at least pay some attention to us. But instead all the servers were gathered around the bar talking and watching TV. We waited 10 minutes for our drinks, and 20 minutes to get the check, which we had to ask for. I may go back for a drink at the bar, but I'll never spend $60 on crappy food there again.
(2)
Keith R.
Coming from the West Coast, I was having serious Mexican food withdrawal. A friend introduced me to Tequila's and I have to say it is far and away the most authentic Veracruz style Mexican in Philly. It's right up there with El Vez as the best in my book. They have ample seating in the back for large parties, and good service. I almost felt like I was back in California while drinking the large margaritas, which the waitstaff carry on their heads. We also had some damn good sangria along with our meal of typical Mexican style fare. The seafood was particularly good here compared with other Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia.
(4)
Troy H.
Awesome as ever I've been going to this place for over ten years as of recently I moved from the city so I don't get to go as often. The service, drinks and food are still top notch my wife and I have decided to come into the city at least once a month and I am sure we will stop by each time for a drink and apetizers more often.
(5)
Suzanne S.
Great drinks however the food is not worth the price-$22 for 5 shrimp and a tablespoon of sweet potatoes-ridiculous.
(3)
Todd M.
Decent mexican food on night two for business. Starters were chips which were decent, but had some moments when you got an overcooked one. The Salsa was decent as well, but the Pico was pretty over the top. The pickled Jalapeno were ok, but not very hot. We had guac and ceviche. The Guac was decent but definitely could use some more garlic and jalapeno, maybe i just wanted more spice. There was a good portion of it for 8 dollars, but kinda paled to my experience with the guac at Cantina Laredo in Nashville last week. The ceviche was pretty terrible, probably reflecting on the vicinity of Philly to the ocean, although, once again, Cantina Laredo's ceviche last week was excellent. And I'm fairly certain Nashville is nowhere near the ocean. We all had the Carne Asade, which used a tenderloin instead of a hanger or skirt steak. While plated excellently with 5 (!) different side items, it lacked a lot of the traditional flavor of Carne Asade. The Mojito Verde was unique, with a very nice flavor from the cucumber water. We had a new waiter who also said he had a hearing issue. It was an experience.
(3)
Andrew W.
Hadn't been here for awhile. Has gone downhill a bit. Tortilla soup was good. Steak needed salt. Impossible cake was awesome, though. Rationing the quac and there were a lot of other apologies happening around the dining room. Credit card reader was broken. Food, B- but experience, C/C-
(2)
Jessica S.
Perks: Waiters carry drinks on their heads or float the glasses on three extended fingers. The bar atmosphere is cool - high space with vamp decoration. Pitfalls: The wait, the food, the price. Last Spring my bf and I waited 70 minutes for a table for 2 after being told it would be a 30 minute wait. We were starving by the time we sat - ordered a forgettable appetizer, and two main courses. My Chiles Rellenos had an oddly bitter flavor and was served in puddle of grease. My boyfriend's Carne Asada a la Tampiquena was dry and over salted. Our meal + cocktails came to over $100! We left poor and disappointed. Maybe I'd go back for drinks at the bar - the tequila selection is impressive - but I'd never sit for food here again.
(2)
Zachary D.
The price to quality ratio here is tilted a bit too far towards price for me. I like Mexican food and I like nice restaurants. I wanted to enjoy this place, but they did not hit my expectations. The steak was fine. There was nothing wrong with it, but it certainly was not noteworthy. The guacamole that came with the steak was cold and tasted like it had been in the fridge for a while. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if I found it came from Trader Joe's. The only really good part of the meal were the chips and salsa. Some of the best in Philly. But, the decor is nice and we had a really good time, even of the food was not the best we have ever had.
(3)
Shreekant P.
Had heard a lot about 'Tequilas'. It certainly lived up to its reputation. Each and every thing we ordered were tasteful and quite generous. One must try the Brazilian cane rum Cachaca. It has a distinctive flavor unlike the West Indian or (East) Indian cane rums. I prefered it straight vs. in their speciality cocktail with Cachaca. Some of their drinks were spectacular and the way they are served was quite a display in itself. Memorables were the Ostiones Cancun (oysters), flautas for starters, mole was outstanding as was the Carne a la Trenza (actually looks like a braid). The signature dish, Salsa Tequila (we took the Grouper) was as described. Finally, not enough can be said of the Churros. Simply outstanding. Crisp on the outside, soft and not too sweet on the inside. Viva Tequila! Will certainly be back.
(5)
Kiran S.
We waited a while for our table, but it was well worth it. Tequilas might be my favorite Mexican and favorite restaurant in Philly in one. It is a beautifully designed space, the service is fantastic, and the quality of food is outstanding (as is the portion size).
(5)
Leah N.
My husband and I had dinner here last night for the third time. I probably would give this place 4 stars if I had indulged in cocktails but I was the designated driver. Their drinks are very delicious, I can attest to that from my previous visits. They have a rose margarita that is especially good, complete with actual rose petals, something a Greek goddess would consume, if she was in the mood for Mexican food. My major gripe with this place is their bathrooms - the black toilets really bother me. I know this is stupid, but it creeps me out not being able to see what my rear end may or may not be coming in contact with.
(3)
William J.
A very good "upscale" Mexican restaurant. I recommend one dish only as servings are big.
(4)
Zachary S.
Very good Mexican food. Let's take it from the top: Complimentary starters: Chips - good. Salsa verde - good. Pico de gallo - great. I could eat this with a spoon. Apps: Trio of tacos (pork, shrimp, fish) - okay. None blew me away. Guacamole - good, but not great. Needed more salt and more jalapeno. However, the avocado was extremely fresh. Main: Enchiladas rojas (chicken) - great. Very flavorful, what you want when you order enchiladas Mole pablano - great. The mole sauce is the best I've had in awhile. Large, boneless chunks of white meat chicken. Somewhat lacking in garnish (only a sliver of onion). No frills, just good mole. Rice and beans (with both meals) - good. I'll be back!
(4)
Thayna M.
Worst service ever! My friends and I went there, they said you could enjoy Sips while you are at the bar area but coudn't get a table to sit down and eat at the same time.So we decided that two of us were going to get a table for 4 and we will order food while the other two enjoyed the Sips at the bar. We cound't do that either because apparently you have to have everybody on the table at the same time in order to have a table and order food. If you expect more friends they said they can't add another table to your table. So we left without ordering, they need to learn customer service.
(1)
Lydia H.
Wow, what an amazing experience we had at Tequila's last night! We met up with another couple for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. We arrived a bit early and had a drink at the bar. Being that it was 6:30 on a Friday, I suppose there were a lot of happy hour folks there after work and the bar was packed. I had a glass of wine, the hubs had a premium margarita. $20 for two cocktails, but they were delicious. When we tried to be seated while waiting for our fourth member of the party to arrive, the hostess refused to seat us without all members there. A bit frustrating, but they were packed so I can understand why. We were finally seated at a lovely table in a quiet room off to the side of the bar. Our sever was incredible! He brought our tray of drinks over to us ON HIS HEAD. And served them, FROM HIS HEAD. We have never seen anything like that before. We started with apps: the tortilla soup was amazing, and the ceviche was fresh and delicious. For the main course, I had the stuffed peppers, and my hubs had the enchiladas. The other couple had a skirt steak special, and a seafood dish served out of a stone mortar bowl. We tried the flan and crepes for dessert. Everything is delicious there, you truly can't go wrong. While very pricey, we had a lovely evening and would love to come back again.
(5)
Holly B.
Stuck in Philly for a night alone on business, with no rental car and a hungry belly. After much searching I decided to walk to Los Catrienes Tequilas ( or just Tequilas on Open Table) as they had a reservation open. I am so glad I did! To start, their namesake and I haven't been companions since an incident in the early 90's so I was unable to partake in their wide variety of tequila and their tequila enhanced dishes, but that didn't stop me. They did have a good wine selection and I settled in quickly with my Argentinian malbec and their menu. Let me start by saying, they seated me well. As someone who hates to eat alone and feels self-conscious about it, I really appreciated that they walked me past the bar area, past the more crowded areas...all the way to the back of the restaurant to a small table next to a window with no one seated near by - great touch. I had a cheesy appetizer with chorizo on top that was perfect not to light, not to heavy. Their chips and salsa for the table were great, homemade chips with a wonderful pico de gallo as well as a great medium salsa and a pepper plate. I then had the Carne Enchiladas....lets start with the plating. Ever go to a mexican type restaurant and get angry when the rice and beans take over your plate? Well I do...and I didn't have to worry about that here. A small helping of fabulous black beans (a bit more than 1/4 cup) were in one corner of the plate while a nicely packed section of rice (about 1/2 a cup) hung out in the other. Front and center were 3 carne asada enchiliadas with a wonderful red sauce gently poured over the top. Perfect, I could pull the rice in to soak up the sauce when I wanted to...just perfect. Save room for dessert...I hesitated as few people really make good churros but hold on here...they got it right. The churros weren't huge, they were a good size, they came still warm, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It gets better. They didn't serve them with super sweet dipping sauces, they served it with a caramel sauce (not too sweet), a strawberry jam, and a chocolate sauce more bitter than sweet. Loved it...now if only it hadn't taken me 30 minutes to get my check..ah well. The 10 minute walk back to my hotel past lots of other restaurants was just enough to remind me I need to get to Philly more often.
(5)
Nathan F.
Wow, what a great place. Just got back from lunch there with a friend, and I believe I have found my new favorite Mexican eatery in the Philadelphia area. Cheaper than El Vez, and definitely more authentic, Tequilas (it seems to be better known by that name) serves up some great Mexican dishes with an amazing staff that aim to please. My dining partner and I started out with their Nachos Obligatorios. They came out with big chunks of steak, lots of cheese and refried beans, and topped with sliced tomatoes. Could have been a little spicier, that's my only complaint. We also decided to try some of their famed margaritas. I decided to stick with the standard to base my judgements on. It was quite good, served in a tall glass that made you feel like you were getting plenty of drink. My dining partner got one of the rose margaritas. I, of course, could not pass up trying it. Definitely a new taste. Something I wouldn't want to drink a lot of, but it was certainly a new flavor and one that went very well with lunch. I had the Molcajetes de Carne as my main course. Wow, what a heap of food! The beef was served in a large lava rock bowl, covered with a bit of cheese, diced cilantro, onions and peppers. It was accompanied by rice, beans and guacamole, along with a bowl of corn (!) tortillas. The tortillas were tasty, and I always love it when I get corn instead of flour. The meat was very succulent. A bit tough, but nothing too bad. Again, could have been a little spicier in my opinion, but I imagine things have been toned down for the Northeastern palate. The beans were standard fare, as was the rice. The guacamole was downright delicious, though. Seemed fresh, plenty of lime juice too. My partner ordered the Enchiladas con Mole Poblano. She definitely seemed to enjoy it, so I had to try a bite. This was possibly some of the best mole I've had. Not too chocolaty-sweet, which I often complain about with mole, its sweetness perfectly balanced out the bitter and the spice of the chicken. Our two drinks, one appetizer, and two entrees came out to $57 after tax, plus tip. So, Pluses: - Authentic! - Excellent staff - Very generous portions Minuses: - Lacking in spiciness - Meat is a little tough - Dinner menu is significantly pricier than the lunch side In short, it's still the best authentic and classy Mexican in Philadelphia. I'll definitely be back soon.
(4)
Sylvia M.
Last time I was here was for dinner on my Graduation day... this time around was restaurant week. 3 dishes for $35... it's def. worth it here. options for appetizer were: ceviche, zopes and tortilla soup. i got the ceviche, pretty good and my bf had the zopes, i think the zopes were better. entree: steak and shrimp with rice, beans and guacamole; chicken with a mango sauce (i think) and the other was some shredded pork dish with plantains, rice and beans. we didnt try the chicken but the other 2 dishes were pretty good. dessert: crepes with cajeta, flan and a cake that was half flan and half vanilla cake. i dont know if we were just too full from the meal but neither one of us finished our dessert. a random note: we were there for 2.5 hours... it didnt feel like we were there for that long. the service wasnt slow, it just happened. where else can u go, spend 2.5 hours and not feel like you have been there forever. this place is always worth it! oh yea, i also had a rose margarita with petals IN the drink, so pretty and very very tasty!
(5)
Ian S.
Really a nice meal. Great bartenders and a nice happy hour that passed the time while we waited for our dinner comrades. Everyone was super friendly and awesome with recommendations. It looks tiny from the outside, but inside it is a massive place. Great cucumber mojito, good margaritas served in an original and fun manner. Food was plentiful and flavorful, chips and salsa were good, although it was pricey. It was a very good meal, though, and we would totally go back.
(4)
Rachel B.
My bf and I discovered this spot strolling around. he's a big tequila fan, so he was all about the name..Delicious. We started withe the fresh guacomole. The best I've had this far from the border. Only complaint was the homemade chips were a bit over cooked. I had the Enchiladas Playas. YUM! Everything about the meal was delicious. My BF had the Carne a la Trenza. The steak was cooked perfectly and the sauce was very good. The wine selection is very good, and my bf's margarita was strong and delicious. As for the service, it was great. Our water glasses were always full and they were very prompt about taking our orders and getting our check. next time I'm in Philly I will definitely be coming back to this place!!!
(4)
Tyler H.
Perfection. Decided to come here for New Year's Eve, and let me tell you everything was just amazing. From the seafood soup to the langoustino special. It could not have been better. Reasonably priced for NYE with a brisk crowd and great service. Drinks were top notch. I will be back.
(5)
Elyse P.
Went here for Restaurant Week with the boyfriend. We had reservations, but did wait 10 minutes for a table anyways.The service was impeccable, if a tad upscale, for what we were expecting. Ambiance was beautiful. A single candle on the table was the only light, so it was very dim. We actually had to hold our menu's near the candle to read them. (like camping, but you pay a lot of money to eat here!) As always, he ordered better than me with ceviche and the jumbo shrimp/steak surf and turf. he thought everything he ordered was excellent. Unfortunately, I can't remember what I ordered, except that it was "good." I think the fact that I don't remember what I ate says something. We would come back and recommend it to anyone, even just to see the amazing decor inside.
(4)
Moira I.
A lovely friend and I came here for dinner this past Saturday. We were seated outside by a gracious host staff. Things seemed promising. Then we meet our server, and though neither of us could recall meeting him at any other part in our lives, he had developed an active hatred of us somehow. Every second he was forced to be at our table appeared to be agony for him, I was really concerned for his well being. He rolled his eyes at our drink menu request and "yeah yeah"ed my dates question about her drink. We wanted to order three or four starters and then entrees once we had a better feel for the menu. Nope, everything at once and if we only wanted the starters, we couldn't sit at a table. "we know how to course it" Hmmm, OK, so we ordered 60+ worth of food (though you would have thought we just got chips and salsa based on our server's reaction) and he huffed away. After our guacamole came out (it was delicious) the next dish to our table was an entree, no starters in sight. Was this what our server meant by coursing? It was whisked away again and eventually our missing starters appeared. Our server never came over to check on us, I had to flag him down for water, and the only thing he said to us about our entree was "don't worry this isn't the same one" meaning to Kitchen refired the dish I suppose. At that point I was afraid to ask for clarification about anything. When we got close to the end of the meal, a super friendly server came over to clear and asked if we wanted things boxed to take home. He obliged and even joked with us a bit. I would have much preferred he had been our server all earning. As for our assigned server? He dropped the check, ran the card and left us with barely a parting nod. I swear it was as if our table was made of radioactive nightmares. The food was pretty good, not really worthy of the prices charged and especially not if I'm being openly hated the person serving me.
(2)
Kathryn S.
We have been coming to this place to years, even when they were down the street, closer to Broad on Locust. The food is always very good and you must hand it to them for the great space. The updated paintings of Mexican skull art add a great deal. Very authentic place we will continue to visit into the future.
(3)
Kathryn M.
Happy Hour Only Review: Recently, Tequilas has become the go-to happy hour spot for my office. I haven't visited Tequila's apart from the happy hour and so can't attest to the main menu. However, the dishes I have tried have all been quite good and the drinks are even better. Top that off with a happy hour that begins earlier than almost any other in the city and you've got a great spot (the website says 2pm but I hear 3pm is really when it starts)! The bartenders have also been particularly helpful and sweet in my past visits. One visit with a pregnant colleague even elicited a few special concoctions sans alcohol. If you are looking for an interesting drink that isn't on the menu this may be the way to go. The resulting mint watermelon drink was a huge hit all around. If you decide to stick with the menu, the mango margarita, the standard margarita and the sangria are all fantastic. As for the food, the tortilla soup was good although a little bland. The guacamole is really good but at times a bit heavy on the lime. The taquitos were flat out great and the sauce with it was banging. Also, the standard chips and salsa came with a green and red salsa option and were really wonderful and free-flowing. I will of course be back for after-work functions but I will also be keeping Tequila's on my list of simply great places for happy hour. I suggest you do the same!
(4)
David B.
Okay.....took a risk with Mexican food and found a winner. Alas, once again, I wail lamentations for the lack of good Mexican food in my New England home! Decor is nice; the place has a good neighborhood vibe. Bar is well stocked and they make a pretty decent margarita. Stated with the nopalitos salad strips of cooked Prickly Pear cactus pads). Tasty and interesting, but on the bland side. Alas, its been too long since my dining experience and forget the entree. It was tasty and, as I recall, vaguely Mexican. It must have made a huge impression since I can't remember the damn dish! So, Tequilas is good if you are in the 'hood for a concert or show on Avenue of the Arts. Better Mexican food can be found at El Vez, on 13th Street.
(3)
Dan B.
I wanted to try Tequilas for a while now and since I was in the city this past Saturday and my friend was in the mood for mexican we decided to go. When we walked in, it was nothing I was expecting. (I was expecting small dining area with tacky mexican novelties.) High end restarurant. Huge bar. Huge dining area. Dimmed lighting. The area they sat us in allowed for people watching, which was a huge plus! The waitress was very knowledgeable with offering a sipping tequila for me. My friend had an original margarita. She said it was good. After we placed our food order, we were offered chips, salsa, pickled peppers and carrots... that were marinated in tequila. Very good. We had to grab the pickled peppers from the waiter since he tried to remove it from our table. We wanted to eat them with our meal. My friend had Molcajetes, which was very good and plentyful. I don't remember what I ate other than steak. But the highlight of my dinner was the fried plantains. It's not on the menu so ask for a side plate. Overall, a very good place. I'll be going back again to sample more of their tequilas, since the owner makes his own.
(5)
Natalie T.
Love it here. good food and interesting drinks
(4)
Theresa A.
My coworkers took me to Tequila's to celebrate my college graduation and it couldn't have been a more appropriate venue for the occasion! There were 6 of us altogether and the accommodations and service were top notch. The guacamole is to die for. The black bean soup was so creamy and delicious I would go back there just to order it again. Everyone had variations of margaritas which were all fabulous--especially the blood orange and the raspberry ones. YUM! For my main course I had the Filete Grito, which true to the items description brought me great joy! No two people got the same dish and all were raving in the end. Although it was a bit pricey, this is definitely a restaurant I would dine at again, especially for a special occasion!
(5)
Melissa E.
I've been to Tequilas twice. The first time was almost 2 years ago, for my one-year anniversary with my then-boyfriend. It was absolutely fabulous. The waitstaff is amazing, they make great suggestions, and are more than willing to explain anything on the menu to you (which was necessary because my Spanish was a little rusty). My waiter recommended a "special" tequila drink. I can not tell you what else was in it because I have no idea, but it tasted like it was made of heaven. They also had a guacamole bar that night, and I think we got guacamole with pineapple and crab meat. Guacamole is one of my top 7 favorite foods, so if I'm saying it was awesome, it was AWESOME. For dinner I got some steak thingy and he got a mango fish dish, both fabulous. My second visit was just as great, and it was with a larger group of friends. We ended up closing the restaurant but they didn't rush us out or hover over us like some places do when it's getting late. I don't recall the food the second time but everyone loved it.
(5)
Susie T.
After getting over the fact that our 9:30 reservation was not honored immediately, I felt more inclined to like the place after a few margaritas! The food was very good and the place is incredibly cheap. A similar caliber meal in NYC would've run about double the cost!
(4)
DM D.
One of my girlfriends and I love to come here together. I like anything mexican and close to my building so it's perfect. Most recently we had dinner on a Friday night which I made a reservation at the start of the week, but we've been here before and just sat straight away no reservation. One thing I just love about this place is the decor I think it's beautiful and would make a great date night spot. The front room is very interesting...like skeletons and they are smiling but then the first room is very elegant and cushy. I've been here in flip flops with a nice top and jeans as well as dressed up, either way is fine. It gets very very loud in this building! But on weekend nights what else can you expect? They also have outdoor seating which is great for people watching. As far as food, as mentioned they have great complimentary chips and salsa very good. In the past I have had the empanadas and several times the queso fundido. My friends only problem with the menu is the limited vegetarian options, so she has only had the queso fundido without chorizo. I love meat but I prefer it without chorizo too. The empanadas I remember were alright, I'm extremely picky about empanadas though, they just are not empanadas I would say go to northern liberties for because they are that great. I'm not very good with money the bill seemed cheap to me but I usually only order like an appetizer as a meal (the queso fundido is big enough for any young lady in fact I couldn't finish my fourth tortilla.). Also I had a drink, and my friend had the same plus chocolate mouse cake (which I tried, very good she enjoyed it also!) our bill was under 50$ So my friend and I noticed our most recent waiter seemed to have a cold attitude when he realized we weren't going to be having a big check. We both work in the service industry with tips being a huge part of pay, so we tend to be over generous when tipping. But just because this one server was being a jerk every other time we've been here the service is great so I just will deduct one star. Normally it's a five star place.
(4)
Cici B.
This is classy Mexican food. I know it may seem like a paradox, but you're really in for a treat. From the food to even its decor, Tequilas is a very unique place. Although the skeleton motifs on its walls may be off-putting, I still thought the ambiance was welcoming and romantic. Portions were ridiculous even for the restaurant week menu (Yes, this is a very VERY belated review). The leftovers, in itself, was another complete meal. Service is attentive and their drinks are amazingly innovative. I had the "coming-up roses" cocktail which literally had floating rose petals in the glass. The taste certainly complemented the presentation. I would definitely come back for their mixed drinks alone.
(5)
Rebecca Z.
I have been to Tequilas twice and i loved it both times. The atmosphere is great for dinner with friends. I love the decor inside, especially the oversized candles!. I love chips and salsa and the guac is awesome!. All the food tastes fresh but im not a big fan of the refined black beans that they squeeze into a design. It has a strange texture and the exterior is hard to the touch
(5)
Vanessa G.
REALLY intense menu: "inviting the chile chipotle to participate as a witness in the lynching of the fabulous filet." "Trenza (braids) are par excellence the most fashionable style for the country woman. Nothing is more beautiful than an imposing and timid country woman, adorned with the complex knots that crown her head." Food is good, ambiance stuffy.
(3)
Hilary P.
I was definitely expecting something a little more like Cantina los Cabalitos. Imagine my surprise to see all of the candles, tablecloths and elegant furnishings. After realizing this would not be a cheap dinner, my dining companion and I continued on our quest for a delicious pre-theater meal. The cocktails were good but a little weak for the price. The guacamole was on par with El Vez. I had the Huachinango a la Veracruz and it was....OK. Not worth raving about, but not bad by any means. Our server warned me that it would be served whole with the head still on (exactly what I was expecting) but wasn't too patronizing about it. I probably wouldn't come back here unless it was on the company's dime.
(3)
Dan A.
I'm a fan of Mexican food. And Los Catrines Tequilas has some solid options even for vegetarians. And I would say the Chiles Rellenos are the great vegetarian entree option. They also have a great drink list that pairs well with the food. But when I compare Los Catrines Tequilas to other Mexican options in the city, I enjoyed meals on both sides of 13th Street more. I'm also not keen on the dark ambiance.
(3)
Lea T.
Ever since a high school Spanish trip to this restaurant (7 years ago) I've been hooked! Los Catrinas Tequilas is a wonderful upscale Mexican restaurant with specialties beyond nachos and fajitas. Ask your server about the many special drinks and food not shown on the menu. The skinny margarita and homemade guacamole (served in a lava bowl) are 2 of my favorites. Empanadas are offered with varied fillings, always including an option for vegetarians. Ceviche also varies daily. Every table is also served with homemade tortilla chips, pico de gallo, a smoky chipotle salsa, and pickled jalapeños and carrots. For your main course I would recommend the enchiladas de playas- filled with shrimp, crabmeat, and lobster, or molejacte de pollo- grilled chicken served in a smoky sauce in a heated lava bowl!! Then flan for dessert of course :)
(4)
Scott H.
Come here for the house-special cocktails, or for the delicious, authentic Mexican food - it's a win either way. Tequilas features a great cocktail menu, a deep selection of top-shelf tequilas & mezcals, and a reasonably-priced wine list (most bottles $30 - $60) that tilts toward Spanish & South American selections. The cocktail list starts with Phil Ward / Death & Co.'s Oaxaca Old Fashioned, a modern classic that blends reposado tequila and smoky mezcal. I enjoyed my OOF, and my friends sampled from the many other original house-special cocktails. As the evening progressed, one of our servers mentioned an option not listed on the menu: a sampling flight of 3 tequilas. Each comes as a tasting portion (~0.5 oz), and with his help, I selected three reposados. Tasting them side-by-side illuminated their differences, and helped me to quickly zero in on my favorite (without splurging on three full bottles!). On to the food: We started with the complimentary chips (house-made, very fresh), pico de gallo and chipotle salsa, and supplemented that with the guacamole, which was outstanding!! The guac was perfectly creamy and well-seasoned. We got the version topped with chipotle and almonds, which added even more flavor. Truly some of the best guacamole I've had in a long time. After that I moved on to the shrimp & scallop ceviche, also very good. It was very fresh and delicate, and was a fairly generous portion. For entrees, I enjoyed the molcajete with beef, which was delicious & very filling, while my friend likewise enjoyed his chicken mole poblano. That particular dish can sometimes be almost too rich, but at Tequilas they get the balance just right. Service was very good: very friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about both the food & drink options. As for ambience, we were seated in the back room, which when full is lively and festive. A fun place for a group of friends, but if you're looking for a quieter, romantic evening, you may want to request a table in the front of the house.
(4)
Roopa S.
I so wish I could give this place a 4 star purely because I think it is an understated gem (especially within the Penn student community). I do think there were a couple of negatives that I want to highlight though: -Made a reservation for 8:30 PM and told the woman on the phone that we might be a bit earlier. She said that would be totally fine and that we would easily be seated at 8:15 PM. That didn't happen. They made us wait at the restaurant until 8:30 PM and then gave us a seat. -They didn't have pitchers of margaritas on the menu, which I thought was weird. We inquired about it and they were super nice to accommodate that for us though. Just some menu confusion here again. The margaritas were tasty but nothing special. Not too strong. Lots of refills though - definitely a value! -Barely had any vegetarian dishes on the menu. There was a vegetarian and quasi-vegetarian dining with us for dinner and it was harder for them to experience variety with the menu. Luckily they did ask if we had vegetarians at the table and then subsequently mentioned that they could do a grilled vegetable enchilada dish. -That dish was not that tasty. Just a tortilla stuffed with random grilled vegetables and a sour green sauce. Hmm. -They forgot an appetizer that my friend ordered. They didn't offer it to bring it for free but they did seem sorry. -Portion sizes were SMAAAALL. And everything was fairly pricey. It's an upscale experience, but one that doesn't stick out in terms of quality of food. VERY VERY cool vibes and awesome ambiance so that kind of makes me want to give the place a 4 star but the other negatives just kind of outweigh unfortunately.
(3)
Mike W.
This place is vastly overrated by a lot of people in Philly and I cant figure out why. My fiance's parents had been told by a friend of theirs that this was an excellent restaurant. I was This was me second visit, and first in a very long time, and I dont know what the hype is for. The food was greatly underseasoned, improperly cooked and just kind of boring. The drinks werent particularly good either. I started with a cocktail bowl, one that was chipped, cracked, and pretty ugly looking. I am all for rustic things, but this didnt look rustic, it just looked old and beat up. The drink itself was ok, but nothing special. I thought it lacked a whole lot of anything. It just kind of existed. It was a concoction of tequila and fruit, not unlike a Mexican sangria. It was a weird container for it to be served in at all, especially for one person. The food started coming out, and while I was excited for it, my mood quickly changed. They brought us out their house salsa and chips to start. The chips were fantastic, but the salsa wasnt quite up to the same level. I think it was more of a chipotle salsa, but I didnt find it as appetizing as traditional tomato salsa. We had ordered guacamole with crab meat that I believe was a special of the evening. The guac itself was good, well prepared and had good flavor, but the crab just overwhelmed the entire thing and gave it an offputting. The wasnt some of the best I have had either. It was still tough, as if the citrus juice hadnt done its just in tenderizing and seasoning the seafood. I have to admit, my main course plate was very attractive to the eye. Unfortunately though the taste wasnt quite up to the same level. The steak didnt have a sear to it at all. It definitely would have benefited from some texture and a bit more seasoning on its exterior. Every single element on the plate was underseasoned. The steak, the taco, the beans, the guacamole and the tamal. The plate definitely needed some texture as well. I was mightily disappointed with everything that evening. I know my preference is for much more traditional Mexican fare, but this just wasnt very good. I would much rather go to one of the million delicious Mexican restaurants that we have in Philly for a much cheaper price tag and get some better grub.
(2)
Monique B.
Great happy hour drink specials. I came for a work dinner, but one of my colleagues had his wife and two kids in tow. They made an adjustment for our table easily and although they don't have a kids menu they do make kid-type meals (chicken or plain cheese quesadillas, grilled chicken and veggies, etc.) Service was impeccable and the food was good. I had the The Molcajete De Carne, which was massive, and should probably be shared. I had a great time, and the service was great, but there was nothing in particular that made me want to go back.
(3)
Hillary P.
It's been awhile since we have been here. Decided to stop in for a drink and appetizer. Everything was as good as I remember. Professional servers and tasty well mixed drinks.Next time it will be dinner.
(5)
James T.
This restaurant is so close to being great, but it falls short in at least two significant ways that turn it into mediocre, which is to say not worth it. The food and drink are without a doubt top notch, but the service and - to a lesser extent - the noise overwhelm what would otherwise be a prime romantic spot. I went with my girlfriend on a Saturday night when it was not particularly busy, with a reservation. They did seat us immediately, but first they put us at a table right next to the main path way. Not loving the idea of having every server and customer walking past our table all night, I asked for a table that was a bit further in. I got a response like "whatever." I would later find out how far back the actual dining room goes and see that there was at least one two-top open that would have been a lovely little spot. Is that on me for not demanding to take a tour of the restaurant to see if there was a better table? I wouldn't think so, but Tequila's definitely gave me the impression that it was. OK, so there are definitely haves and have-nots for the table locations and apparently I didn't have an in, but wherever you sit it is a beautifully built space. Gorgeous windows out into the street, mood appropriate lighting, wood-working that looks like it is out of a cathedral; however it looks like the architect forgot to put in any sort of noise dampening materials because it is loud. Not quite shouty loud, but getting close, and every background sound pierces the ambiance, like when the bartender shakes up a cocktail. The sound of the ice sounds like someone is at your table shaking one of those calculators from ye olde times. (abacus?) We wanted to have a long casual meal, but you're not allowed to do that at Tequila's as we found out. We ordered the guacamole with bacon and a couple of cocktails; when she came back we asked to put in an order of Empanadas, planning to snack lightly and then put our entrees in. All a nice little romantic plan - have drinks, eat, more drinks, more eats, maybe some coffee and dessert. We were told "No. You have to put your order at once. Company policy." Wud du f? Did the restaurant really tell me how I can eat my meal? Remember, there are open tables at the restaurant the entire time. I was tempted to settle up there and leave, but I knew my girlfriend would be disappointed if I threw a fit and truth be told, the food was so good I wanted to try the menu. And it was everything I hoped it would be. The empanadas were amazing, and my gf's chilles rellenos packed a punch of flavors. My steak with cactus leaf was nicely cooked, with great taste and texture - juicy and not too chewy. I did realize later that it was supposed to have Poblano peppers which never materialized. That one-time type of mistake doesn't bother me much, even though the restaurant should probably spend the time to train their cooks to properly make the meals on their menu. But man, we could not lose our tyrant server who hovered over us constantly. I know it's hard for younger servers in particular to understand, but there is a line between staying on top of a table and checking in with them and every few minutes approaching to interrupt and ask whether everything is ok. IT'S FINE. I PROMISE IT'S FINE. Of course I didn't shout, but I wanted to. Just go away so my girlfriend and I can have a delicious romantic meal together. Third-wheel much? We finished our meal and skipped dessert and coffee, opting to make our way over to the park and see what we could find. The check came in at a c-note, which was fine but at that price for mexican, even really tasty mexican, I would expect more from the service. I don't regret going but I won't be back any time soon.
My best friend chose Tequilas for her birthday celebration this year. My husband and I made reservations for a Saturday evening to have dinner with my friend and her boyfriend. Patrons off the street were told it was about an hour wait and we were seated with reservations in about 10 minutes. The atmosphere is very upscale and romantic. We knew going in that the menu is quite pricey but we didn't mind. We were celebrating, after all! The drink menu can be a little intimidating because of it's nod to mixology. My friend ordered the Roses margarita (with actual rose petals) and she loved it! I wasn't feeling too brave and ordered the regular margarita with a salt rim on the rocks and it was delicious. My husband was feeling extra daring and ordered a cocktail that had the froth of an egg white (for the life of me I cannot remember the name of it) which he enjoyed. We devoured the guacamole with mango and crabmeat appetizer in minutes and I'm surprised I even had time to take a picture. The enchiladas playa (stuffed with crabmeat, shrimp, and lobster topped with cheese and poblano sauce) did not disappoint and I'm glad it didn't with its $24 price tag. I let our waiter know that it was my friend's birthday and within a few short minutes a group of staff came over singing with a piece of cake (and lit candle of course), lifted her head, and poured down a shot. It was a great way to top off our evening!
(4)
Magen S.
Dined here for dinner on Good Friday, so the restaurant was not very packed. Very cool interior design with about 3 separate areas for dining. We sat in the back of the restaurant this time, which was dark and romantic. Guacamole bar is cool, can choose from the specials or make your own I assume. Drink list and tequila list is extensive. Many different kinds of margaritas! They are a tad pricey full price at $12 each, no pitcher options. Key is to get there before 6:30 and get a few on happy hour at half price. Ordered the seafood enchiladas for entree which were delicious with a cool presentation. 3 different sauces all depicting the colors of the Mexican flag. I've ordered this dish both times I've dined here. The tres leches dessert is to die for. Must order! It's soaked on baileys and kaluha and is so moist I could eat it no matter how full I am. This is definitely more upscale Mexican much pricier than what youd expect at an authentic joint but it's great quality and very nice restaurant so you pay for what you get!
(4)
Luba P.
This is your 'upscale' Mexican restaurant after you had your fill of El Vez outings. It has a great gothic Mexican feel, where it's cool and authentic but not too trendy. Great for large groups. The margaritas are strong, and definitely get the little tap for a group (sucks they only do the original flavor, not the specialty flavors in the tap). All the food was great, would recommend splitting the monster shrimps that look like lobster tails, as well as getting an order of the queso which is basically melted cheese in a dish that you scoop onto tortillas with anything else you want. Also the 'lava' dish is a large rock with hot stuff inside...and it is good! I love the chicken mole there as well. Finally, for dessert we tried almost all of them, and the favorite was definitely the tres leches cake and also the crepe...which unfortunately looks like soup because everything melts on top of it. I would recommend for them to include more than one crepe, or at least pre cut it into shareable pieces. They also have some tables on the street for those nice summer nights!
(4)
Jelissa B.
My husband made reservations online it was quick and easy. It was my birthday surprise dinner . When we arrived they walked us right to our table. The waiter came to our table introduced him self and gave us the menu. About one min another gentleman came to asked what type of water we wanted and had water 2mind later. The Waiter was very attentive and up beat. Ordered the rose margarita it was good and my husband had the lime margarita. For appetizer the fresh guacamole with pesto and prosciutto. That was a 5 star, we devoured it . My husband ordered a special cowboy steak it was perfectly cooked and the sauce was perfect. It was accompanied with rice and guacamole. I ordered a pork dish it was okay the sauce was a BBQ like sauce I'm not crazy about BBQ sauce so the dish was okay. My girl friend had caesar salad she said it was amazing. For desert we ordered the impossible yes the impossible its chocolate cake with a top of Flan and tres leche cake. They came with a shot in hand and candles sang me mariachi style mañanitas which is Spanish style Happy Birthday . That's was beautiful . The impossible was possible but would of loved for the chocolate cake to be a bit more moist, the tres leche was decent. Desert was like a 3, appetizer 5, dinner 4, price 3 (some what pricy at $12 per cocktails) Decoration 4 our waiter and staff was 4. Over rated the location a 4.
(4)
Bob F.
Food is great. Drinks are great. Service sub par. Ordering a drink at the bar while we waited for our table and remaining guests with the easy part. However, since the bartenders pay more attention to the two parties of young attractive females than actually mixing my drink and my wife's Shirley Temple it took close to 10 minutes before we were actually served. I understand the place is crowded you work for tips but flirting with a group of girls instead of doing your job is poor form. As my wife is coming back from the bathroom later in the evening she wasn't able to sit down as the waitress had completely blocked her chair in order to serve another table. She apologized and said it would be only 1 minute which would normally be fine however my wife is visibly 9 months pregnant. After she finished serving the eight guests at the table another waiter came up and placed his tray down behind her seat after he pushes my pregnant wife to the side. At this point I stood up pulled out her chair and had the ignorant waiter move his tray so that my pregnant wife could sit down. I won't even mention or go into detail about how my wife's dinner was late to the table and incorrect requiring an additional 10 minutes to prepare the correct meal. Not to worry though, they still charged us for the incorrect meal at the higher price without even offering an apology let alone a free dessert. Sadly I don't imagine we'll be back to this establishment anytime soon.
(1)
Khanh V.
I came here for happy hour with friends. I like how nice the space looked. It had a classic -artsy vibe . The actual dining space was much smaller, tight and when crowded hard to walk. Service was good and friendly. The food I was wasn't thrill about. I feel like I can get it better elsewhere and cheaper too. I must say that the presentation of the food was beautiful. As for drinks, I was really dissapointed. Overall, not a bad place, but not one I would visit on a regular.
(3)
Shaelene L.
What a fun and delicious place to eat! It is pricey, but quality was superb. Authentic Mexican cuisine. And the drinks.....so yum! I had my first sip of sangria and could've gotten teary eyed! It was perf! They make all margaritas with azul tequila and offer educational tequila classes. Portion size was normal, not too much or too little. And service was also top notch. The ambiance is classy but casual. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Shannon W.
THANK YOU for making my gurl's bday incredible! we had an obnoxiously large party to deal with that may or may not have been slightly inebriated and let me tell ya, this place took care of us and then some. they offered a set menu option that included unlimited dranks for our large fiesta. the food was ridic. my friend legit laughed when she took the first bite of her filet mignon because it was that good. she couldn't even handle it yo! gracias y besos!
(5)
Margaret S.
The most authentic Mexican food I have found in quite sometime for this region. The Margaritas were so good...in fact a little too good but I didn't worry because I was not the driver for the evening. :-)
(5)
Kristina C.
The best of everything, officially my favorite mexican spot! Amazing service, awesome ambiance, the most delicious and fresh food...there's nothing bad. The service was outstanding, they were so fast during lunch and so nice and friendly. I asked about things that were gluten free and they were so accommodating and let me know everything that I could have and if others could be changed so that I could eat it. While we were there they had a birthday and the servers actually looked happy to be there and you could tell they really loved what they are doing, we had great conversations with multiple servers...so great! The food...wow.....I got the Molcajete De Pollo which is a chicken in tomato sauce served in this awesome Lavarock Bowl and it comes out all hot and bubbling. It's served with corn tortillas and the perfect small portion of guac, rice, beans. Delicious and totally recommend this dish and it also comes in beef. Everything is so fresh and authentic and they don't load your plate with the rice and beans, they load it with the stuff you really want. The chips and salsa was amazing, 2 types of salsa, one fresh like pico and then one that is more smokey, both absolutely amazing - we had to get a refill it was so good. The ambiance of this place is outstanding, we walked into this gorgeous room in a brownstone with massive rooms, all of the amazing details of the house preserved, white table cloths (during lunch is so classy) with beautiful place settings. I wanted to walk in every room and just look at the decor. They also have a happy hour Mon-Fri from 2:30-6:30p with half priced apps and drinks and $4 margaritas. Can't wait to go back here and try more dishes!
(5)
Javier M.
I've been to a lot of Mexican Restaurants in my life (yes, I am mexican - surprise) and Tequila's is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. To start with, the chipotle, almond guacamole is hands down the best guacamole I have ever tasted (sorry, mom). It was perfect size and perfect taste. I tried looking for it on the menu but I didn't see it so I hope they didn't do away with it - if you are there ask about it! You won't regret it. For the main course, I had the molcajete de carne which was delicious and a BIG portion. I didnt share it but it might be good to share. If you plan on having your traditional mexican beers at this place forget it. They don't sell XX or any other mexican beers that you have tried in the past. They sell what they call "an authentic" mexican beer which is good. My date had a margarita that she thought was good. The restaurant has a pretty good feel to it - dim with traditional mexican decorations. I didn't really like our table as we were off to the side and it was kind of small. We were in the walkway so it was a bit uncomfortable. The waiter was knowledgeable, funny and attentive. He even taught my date a few spanish phrases which was cool. Overall great experience at tequila's a def must go if you are looking for mexican food in Philly.
(4)
Mala L.
I'd like to preface this review by mentioning that the meal I had at this authentic Mexican restaurant is in the top 5 most delicious and memorable meals I've ever had. EVER. I've been here 3 times with the boyfriend and each time I ordered the "Molcajete de Pollo" - oh my, one of the best dishes I've ever had. It's chicken in a delicious sauce in a huge lava bowl. It also came with guacamole, beans, rice, etc. For appetizers, we've ordered the guacamole with chips and the queso fundido and they were both amazing. We also got a pitcher of sangria to share, which was excellent as well. (It was a bit large for 2 people but we finished it regardless) We've never ordered dessert so I can't comment on that. Overall, the menu is a little smaller compared to other restaurants, but they really specialized in everything on it, so no complaints there. The entire experience at this restaurant was exceptional - attentive and knowledgeable wait staff (this was important because the names of the dishes are in Spanish), and the ambiance was perfect - dim lighting, Mexican decor - great for a romantic evening or a night out with family and/or friends. I live in New York, but I'll surely be back the next time I'm in Philly.
(5)
Aria S.
I've come here for drinks/happy hour and had a good experience both times. -Happy hour specials aren't fantastic or anything. The drinks were $6-9. $6 for a really strong/well made marg or sangria at least! But I'd say the norm in the area is $5 for cocktails. Katie P. got a rose marg and we legit saw him grab a fresh rose and put the petals in the drink. -I ordered 3 tacos for $10. I got 3 mushroom ones (only veg option) and they were super good--unique flavors, fresh, and flavorful. They could have made them spicier though! Speaking of veg options, there aren't many at all in the full menu, so I probably wouldn't come here for a meal. -I was surprised that when you order food, it comes with basket of fresh chips and two kinds of salsa! Free stuff like this during happy hour isn't common, so maybe that balances out with the slightly above price cocktails. -Service was attentive. All the servers/owners/whatever were really friendly. -Happy hour starts at 2pm! So if you want to/can start early, this would be the place to start.
(4)
James O.
I don't love Mexican food but this was a very nice place for date night. The staff was personable and welcoming, mainly our waiter ... he couldn't understand my drink order though. I guess I'll stick with the Jack & Coke. Our food was outstanding. Biggest shrimp I ever had and most delicious. Certainly recommend this place.
(4)
Noops K.
Food was okay. Drinks were great. I went for restaurant week and the place was packed!
(3)
Mauricio C.
Good: The house is nice, and looks like old time Mexico. Beautiful architecture. Bad: a) moody hostess , we had a reservation for two and were only seated 45 min later but other people (3 people groups) without reservation were given priority b) waiters took forever to see us. we waited 15 minutes to get our check c) tequila was awesome. guacamole was awesome. The rest of the food was not even good. d) expensive , very expensive for the food you get. If you want real flavor, and a experience flavors go elsewere. I was so excited aboutt this place .. now I would not go back.
(1)
Michael N.
Tequilas is a bit hit or miss. The decor is interesting for an upscale Mexican spot to say the least, and you will either like it or hate it. I didn't enjoy getting seated in the weirdly lit bar area with people bumping into our chairs from time to time. The chandelier has to go. As for the service, I found it a bit odd that the waiter wouldn't take an appetizer order and insisted that he takes the meal and appetizers orders together. That's the first time I've ever heard such a thing. As for the food, it was decent overall... but pricey. My friend had the grouper and the wife had the cochinita pibil and those were the highlight dishes in my mind. The bacon guac was excellent too. I ordered bacon wrapped shrimp with rice for my meal. The shrimp just came out way too salty for my liking. As for the drinks, they were pretty strong and tasty. I would say this is an area where they shine. I'd probably stick with El Vez if I happen to be in that area, but this isn't a bad alternative.
(3)
Claudia W.
My boyfriend and I had a theory that "high-end" Mexican food would never be worth the premium you'd pay for it. I've had delicious Mexican food at some of the most renowned places in the country (NYC, San Diego, Arizona...), and generally the cheaper it was the better it tasted. I'm happy to report that Tequilas in Philly has bucked the trend. Their cocktails are incredible, served with flair and a smile, and will get you crunk faster than you can say "Ole!" The food is exquisite. Guac is delicious, the queso fundido is actually cheese (not some sort of cheese-like dip) with chorizo and jalapenos, and the entrees are AMAZING. The seafood enchiladas are delightful. They had a special fish on the menu that my friend ordered that was even better--I think it was trout (don't quote me on that), breaded, and lightly fried and layered with guacamole. It was served with a sweet potato mash that was delicious--reminiscent of, but not quite exactly like, whipped sweet potatoes that my mom makes. They have a very long tequila list too, so if you're a connoisseur, you'll probably find something you like. Seriously, if you have $30 to spare ($50 if you want a few cocktails) make the trip. It's worth it.
(5)
P H.
We went to Tequilas based on ratings from Yelp and we were not disappointed. The food was wonderful and the service was great. The Roses Margarita and Mojito Verde were delicious. The entrees were unusual and very flavorful. Portion sizes were perfect. We could not have asked for better food! Jeremy, our waiter, provided us with excellent service. If I were to ever return to Philadelphia, I would definitely come back!
(5)
Chihee K.
Sangrias were yummy - not too sweet with lots of fruit. Yum. I ordered the enchilada playa (seafood with crabs, lobster, shrimp) which was delicious, but on the expensive side ($23 for two enchiladas). The dish was really rich with cream and cheese thus was really good. Ordered the queso fundido appetizer - a MUST try. Great service - very friendly and funny staff.
(4)
Adam L.
So a friend and I decided to go here for lunch during restaurant week the other day. I have lived in the neighborhood and always wanted to go here but just never got around to it, and wow, am I glad I did. The food was great for the most part. My only real complaint was that the red sauce on the enchiladas was a bit on the salty side. The server was excellent as well. I would definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Karen V.
We had the best time. The service was excellent, the food was delicious. The chips and salsas are fresh and tasty. I had the bacon wrapped shrimp with rice and veggies. my boyfriend had the flat iron steak with aguacate sauce. I also had the rose margarita and my boyfriend had the "shut up and drink" signature drinks. Fresh rose petals--fresh everything! Well done Catrines!
(5)
Rick F.
Don't use open table here, they take reservations but don't honor them. Showed up after making an online rez, was told it would take at least an hour to seat us. No apologies. No offer to buy a round of drinks, or apps, or whatever else it is you do when you're in the service industry and screw up. Yeah, we didn't stick around.
(1)
Courtney J.
This review is mostly based on the drinks. I went here for happy hour with a few friends. A friend whom I went with recommended this place because of her previous positive experience here. Tequila is one of my favorite spirits so I was all about it. Upon entering the main dining area I was in awe of the building. This place must have been a bank or something. I don't know, but the wood trim, high ceiling, and chandelier make it an elegant dining space. It's a lovely setting to have a drink in. The place was dead at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, but the staff was friendly and welcomed us as we all took a seat at the bar. Tequilas has a happy hour menu, but the cocktails are not nearly as interesting as their regular menu. My friend recommended my order of the regular menu, and I'm glad she did. There were so many interesting cocktails featuring tequila that I had a hard time choosing. The happy hour menu had $6 margaritas and sangria and $3 beers. The regular cocktail menu had drinks over $10. With my friend's recommendation, I ordered a mojito that had guess what....tequila in it instead of rum...go figure at a tequila bar. It also had cucumber in it. It was tasty, but I really think I prefer rum in my mojitos because the tequila overpowers the mint, and the cucumber taste was there, but very subtle. Still, it was an enjoyable cocktail. The star of the show was the rose petal margarita on the rocks with salt. It was bright flamingo pink and very floral with the right balance of sweet and tart. It was unlike any cocktail I'd had before and reminded me of some floral teas I'd had in China. I would most definitely order it again. I had the opportunity to sample a little of the food because my friends ordered chips, salsa, and guacamole. However, I can't eat corn products, so I only ate the toppings. The pico was fresh and limey, and the guacamole was thick and appeared to be freshly made. The bartenders were awesome! They never let our water glasses be empty, even after we'd paid the check and were still kind of hanging around trying to decide where to go next. They were super friendly and were good sports when my friend asked them to help settle our toilet paper debate about which way the roll of toilet paper is supposed to be put in the holder. The restaurant really started to pick up after six and soon all the tables were almost full. Servers brought trays of drinks to the tables while balancing them on their head and managing not to spill anything. It's very impressive for someone who's as klutzy as I am. The icing on the cake was that the bill wasn't as bad as I'd expected. Since we were there during happy hour, the drinks were discounted even though we ordered from the regular bar menu. Of course more than $6 a piece, but that's still cheaper than the regular price and under $10 each for good quality, well mixed drinks. It was a very happy hour indeed! I want to check out this place for dinner as well! *NOTE* To get the happy hour specials it seems that you have to sit at the bar.
(4)
Jemma C.
I kinda get why this place is always jam packed as in I see the people who it markets itself to loving it but it's just not for me. Quite an old crowd, service is a little too novel for me (waiters carrying drinks on their heads would've been impressive age 8), prices are too high for what's on offer, drinks are ok, ceviche was not ceviche, dining rooms were a little schizophrenic, constant dropping of plates and glasses... I felt like I was in Fawlty Towers. The word that's sums this place up for me is odd!
(1)
Callan W.
Granted, my experience was during a Center City Sips Happy Hour, but they certainly did not have their stuff together. I was stopped at the door by some waiter as he chatted up a customer. I kept trying to enter, but he kept blocking me. Eventually he asked for my ID, and then let me in. I wish he just would have said that is why he was not letting me in in the first place. Once inside, it was a total mess. People piled on top of people - I squeezed my way in, making my way to the back where there was a pocket of oxygen and my friends. Getting to the bar was even worse. We ordered sangria for the sake of ease - it was ok. The biggest mistake they made was allowing diners to be seated in this room where everyone had no choice but to ignore personal space. If you are going to put your name on the Center City Sips list to get patrons, then you better know what to do with them. If I was trying to have an after dinner bite, I would have been livid from all the people bumping into me and not being able to enjoy myself. We polished off our drinks and bounced. Upon exiting, there was a huge line of young lovelies waiting to get in. I know Center City Sips can get packed, but Los Catrines Tequilas was packed in a bad way.
(2)
Juliana K.
Made a reservation for 9 and tequilas told me they were wheelchair accessible. When I arrived, they did have a wheelchair stairway chair lift, but what about the step to get into the front door?! You would think they would have a ramp or something to get past the first step and get into the door first. My friend had a very heavy, motorized wheelchair--not one that you can carry up any stairs. I don't think you can say you are wheelchair accessible and forget to mention that there is still a step to get through. They offered to carry my friend's wheelchair in. Nice gesture, but first off, the powered wheelchair is far too heavy and most importantly, how embarrassing! I was about to throw my hands up and leave until they said they were going to set up a table outside for us. Luckily, it was not scorching out. Queso Fundido- VERY cheesy. I love cheese, but they basically melted a block of cheese, put some chirizo on it, and gave you little tortillas. While I love cheese, this wasn't a very complex dish. Guacamole is pretty good. You can tell it is fresh made, but I wish there was more tomatoes, onions, and etc in it. There is a red medium salsa that came with the chips that was awesome! The tortilla chips are delicious, thick, and crunchy. Molcajete De Pollo- Huge lava rock bowl. Big portion of meat. Came with rice, beans, and and guac. It was delicious! I'm not in love with their refried beans that was squirted out from a pastry bag or something. This same entree comes in beef which was big and delicious as well. Carne Asada a la Tampiquena- Steak was thin, lean, and amazingly tender. Cochinita Pibil- Pork was very juicy and resembled pull pork. Plantains were sweet and well cooked. The tilapia special was well cooked and seasoned. Portion was not monstrous like most dishes which was nice. Margaritas were freshing. I'd have to say that the waiters were excellent. They were attentive and had a sense of humor. They changed out our margarita glasses a few times so we would have fresh ice and salt (we had a pitcher). Overall, food was pretty good and service was great (except for the beginning with the wheelchair issue). I wish I got to sit inside...maybe next time.
(4)
Matthew B.
Decided to give them a try on the final night of restaurant week. Arrived "on the dot" at 7:30 and our group of four was seated promptly. The promoted menu had changed but we improvised and were happy with the result. It seems the reviews are all over the board here, but I have to say our experience was nothing but good. Service was prompt, and the first round of drinks were creative, strong, and delicious. Nachos were good, but the sauces left some room for improvement. Love the roasted peppers served wit. We believe in the shared approach so managed to taste everything. The ceviche was tasty and fresh, if a tad light on the seafood. The Sopas de Ranchos came 3 to a plate; tasty, filling, and went well with the cucumber-tequila-habanero martini's we were drinking. We had 2 each of the Pescaderos al Mango and the surf /turf (shrimp and fillet). The fish was grouper, served with a light, almost imperceptible breading stuffed with guacamole. Very generous portions, rice and a black re fried bean side. Overall a lot of food, well prepared with good flavor. Too full for deserts, we took some chocolate flan home and all tasted the tre-leche cake which was tasty and moist. A little of the owners-own sipping tequila was an after dinner drink. All in all, we agreed that Tequila's RW menu was well executed, good value, with a fun high energy ambiance. The real standout for the evening were the cocktails... I'll be back at the bar to partake of those again real soon.
(4)
Nataly N.
They have a pretty charming main dining room. We had a reservation, but were seated in the dark hallway-like area between the main dining room and the back room where they held a private event. Shortly after we sat down, a party of 30 to 50 filed past us into the private dining room. Through the darkness, I could discern my boyfriend's parents' lips moving, but their words were lost in the ocean of loud voices around us. I felt bad because we were celebrating my boyfriend's birthday. So... lesson 1: request to sit in the main dining room, where it might be a little bit more quiet. Outside seating might be nice, too. Service was pretty good. The server arrived promptly as we sat and lit the centerpiece lantern. If you looked really hard, you could detect little rays of light coming out of the tiny holes on its sides. Our table was just as dark as it was before. At the server's suggestion, I picked the Mole Poblano. The menu described the sauce as "truly rich and complex" with flavor, complementing "[a] succulent boiled chicken breast exalted from the past." However, when my dish came out, the chicken was dry and flavorless. All of its juices and flavors "from the past" had been drained out. The sauce was also unbelievably dry and flavorless. The food description was not even close! My boyfriend's Cochinita Pibil was also dry and overcooked. His ceviche special was delicious, though. And his parents' fish dish was also tasty. We didn't stay for dessert. Lesson 2: avoid the mole poblano. On the plus side, our drinks were brought to our table, on a tray balanced on the server's head. Very Cool, but perhaps they should focus on adding flavor to the food. My friends highly recommended this place. I would come here again to try another dish. Hopefully it's better than the last.
(2)
Prasanna R.
Went here for a friend's birthday party. Really wonderful restaurant and great food, which lived up to the expectation. Tequilas with cactus salt (not Morton's). I ordered a veggie enchilada platter, which is a bit citrusy, but yummy. The cocktails go great with food. It is bit loud in the restaurant, because it is a weekend. And obviously the restaurant is full. Highly recommend to anyone, who loves authentic Mexican food and Tequilas.
(4)
Devendra S.
Hidden jewel of a place! The service is impeccable. At the bar and for sit in. The place is pleasantly rustic. Perfect place for a date. And then there is the food. I had the pescado al mango and it was phenomenal. My wife had the chicken with mole which was very good too. In both dishes the meat was cooked to perfection. It just melts in your mouth. The ceviche was so fresh that my wife who stays away from fish, even cooked ones, was loving the raw shrimp and fish in it. Considering the food and the service you get here the price you pay is a bargain.
(5)
Cait C.
The guac was very good, the pico/salsa is nothing to write home about, kind of bland. The server recommended a margarita for me even though I just wanted a regular margarita, which i didnt really like being told what to get. But thats ok I am always happy to try something new. That margarita (the rose one) was very good, i had a plain margarita the second time and it tasted like margarita mix with coconut rum in it, which was awful. I was going to complain but it took so long for a server to come back over that we just got the check. If my margarita had been good I probably would have given it 4 stars.
(3)
Erica M.
Really fantastic food, drinks, prices, and service! Happy hour was great and we really enjoyed the guac and nachos. Guac needed a bit more lime juice and we also added some of the spicy peppers they put on the table. Chips and salsa were super tasty, too (pico de gallo was OK, but the smoky chipotle salsa was really good). The margaritas were delicious. I didn't love my rose margarita, but the regular margaritas were quite good! Our server was awesome. We couldn't sit outside because they were going to wash the windows, but we definitely will next time. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Kristin W.
We came by for Restaurant Week. Despite having made reservations, we had to wait for our 20 minutes for our table and then were offered one by the door in the crowded bar. We opted to keep waiting (with Sangria in hand, it didn't seem so bad) until another table was available. We started with a round of Chips with Salsa and Guacamole - the Salsa was particularly delicious. I was disappointed to find that they couldn't make the Ceviche shellfish-free, so I ended up ordering the Carne Aguacate with good flavor and tasty avocado-based sauce. Overall, the food was good, but extremely salty.
(3)
Chadd B.
I rarely ever rate restaurant 5 stars. But this place deserves every last star. If you want an authentic Mexican dining experience and have a great experience at the same time this is the place for you! My gf and I went for a nice dinner out, and this is exactly what it was, a very nice dinner out. I have always found it difficult to pair the feelings of wanting a nice dinner and craving Mexican at the same time. Unfortunately one of these has to suffer for the other to prevail. Not here. At Tequilas you are provided with a very romantic atmosphere while enjoying some great authentic Mexican dishes. We started off with the Oysters and Guacamole. Now these are two separate appetizers, not a combination. The oysters were covered in multiple different styles. One with a mix of bacon and the others with mix of garlic. They were all done on the half shell and each were exceptionally fresh. The guacamole was equally to die for. They do not have guacamole on the menu, which we found odd (as we are huge fans) but that night they were running specials. They were preparing it fresh at its own station. We ordered the crab guacamole and it was as fresh as all of the ingredients looked. The margaritas were absolutely amazing as well. We ordered the regular and they didn't require any sort of flavoring. I myself am not a tequila fan, and never have been. And oddly enough the margaritas tasted like tequila but they were made in such a way that the tequila wasn't even a concern. If anything it enhanced the taste. Unfortunately I am not a mixologist so I cant be any more descriptive other than to say whatever they did was amazing. As for entrees I ordered the carne asada and she ordered the shrimp, crab and lobster enchilada. My carne asade was amazing. The beef was cooked just right and it came with a chicken taco on the side which melted with each bite as well as a side of refried beans, guacamole and rice. They also brought out tortilla shells that were amazing. Her meal was exactly as described. An enchilada with crab, lobster and shrimp. I had a few bites myself and for as delicious as my meal was, I was extremely jealous of her meal. The fish in her meal felt like we were eating on a wharf somewhere in New England. It was so fresh and so delicious. To top it all off our server was amazing at his job. His name was Juan, and if you are the lucky one to be sitting at his table you should be equally as happy. He was extremely accommodating in every possible way. Made recommendations, constantly checked on us, and treated us like his family and not just two passer by's. Overall if you enjoy Mexican you must try this place. It is not your typical tex-mex location (as I am accustomed to). It is authentic Mexican dishes that will blow you away. Both my date and I walked out of there not being able to eat another bite.
(5)
Britt G.
This place is amazing. That's really all there is to it. I went here for a night out with momma and it was a great time! We started off with a tasty picture of margaritas and some chips with guac. The guacamole here is homemade every single day and you can definitely tell! On the weekends, they offer special toppings with it, like crabmeat, etc. I love the enchiladas here! The sauce is really the best I've ever had. But, if you're just passing through, I'd get some fish! SO FRESH. This place is definitely on the pricey side, but it is well worth it. The waiters are friendly and very informative. Great atmosphere, no matter what the occasion!
(5)
Donna A.
As Daddy Yankee says:Me gusta la margarita...Da me mas margaritas. Ok well he doesn't quite say that but he should make that a remix. I gave up a life of boozin' for 12 days. (It felt like an eternity). It was supposed to be 2 weeks but I gave it up to try one of Tequila's tasty specialty drinks. We had a party of about 15 people and they were so accommodating. I had the Mexopolitan that was really tasty but small so I decided to switch it up with the roses margarita which was really good too ( I mean it had roses in it, how can it not be good?) Most of our party opted for the 3 for $30 which was such a great deal. Make sure you try the crab guacamole. It's so good I'm going to try to replicate it at home. The ceviche tropical was awesome, refreshing, and filling. For my main entree I had the Carne Aguacate which was fine, though I wish it had more avocado flavoring and the tres leches cake was sinful. The service was friendly, fun, and all around a good, delicious, filling time.
(4)
Toland F.
Bar area review: We had just finished dinner at another restaurant and saw this charming place. It was so intriguing from the outside that we decided to venture in. The bar area was so tempting that we decided to have a drink. My friend a minty/cucumber drink and a sangria. Neither of us ate, but the beauty of this restaurant made me wish I was hungry. The staff was friendly, the other patrons were sophisticated and classy. This would be a great place to meet on a first date, date night, or to end the evening with someone special over cocktails. Neither of us ate, so I will have to return to review the food. Can't wait:)
(5)
Jackie F.
Great cocktails @ the bar with the BEST GUACAMOLE and chips. We then continued to dinner with exceptional service and food. Very dark so I always have to use my phone to read menu.
Don't judge this restaurant by it's website. The food, the drink, and the service was amazing. I came here with my partner for my birthday dinner this passed weekend and I had a great experience. ROSE MAGARITA ! ! ! Thank you Tequilas !
(5)
Shawn D.
Best margaritas!
(5)
Christy B.
OMG my dinner was so good! Every time I'm hungry now and trying to figure out what I'm in the mood for, my tongue's memory instantly remembers the flavor bonanza that was Tequilas, and makes me crave mexican. (Please note -- after eating here, Chipotle doesn't satisfy quite as well...) The place was packed so it was good people watching, and the drink menu was so vast it was almost overwhelming! Of course, despite it's breadth, I wanted the one thing not listed, but the kindly bartender whipped me up a fresh bloody mary anyway. (Please note -- yum!) The freshly made chips (still glistening with hot oil), appetizers, drinks, entrees AND dessert were all delicious, and the ONLY reason I'm docking them a star is because we asked for our plentiful left-overs to be boxed up, and when we got home and went to open up the boxes for a Tequila's snack, we saw that our waitress had only boxed up one of the meals. (Note -- #$%*&!?) Still, I'm hungry now, and dying to go back. For the future, I'll have to remember to either eat everything on my place so there are no left-overs -- or -- be extra vigilant about the boxing-up process.
(4)
Abby W.
After doing countless happy hours with my BFF I finally came here for lunch again yesterday with my coworkers. The table ordered nachos and empanadas to start and while both were tasty the nachos were definitely the winner. Way better than Cantina, the meat was so tender and flavorful, the fillings and cheese nicely layered throughout the chips, it was just pure nacho heaven. I tried avoiding the cheese as much as I could but it was really good queso; I couldn't help sneaking a few bites. Empanadas were tasty but I prefer beef empanadas Cuban-style with picadillo. While we waited for the apps we munched on their amazing housemade chips and salsas. For entrees I went with the same choice as last time, the pollo maya which is a chicken breast marinated in achiote served with refried beans and rice. It was really tasty although I realized I can definitely make this at home. Achiote is on my shopping list for the Mexican grocery as we speak. The chicken was super moist and tender, pretty fantastic as far as a chicken breast goes. I also ordered a side of tamale, which I saw listed with another dish, and it was delicious. My companions got the enchiladas playa, stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp, and the sizzling chicken lava bowl item. Everyone ate till they were positively sweaty with fullness. Service was a touch slow because there was an enormous holiday luncheon in the other room but the staff here is always pleasant and the owner's son paid us plenty of attention to make sure we were satisfied. Overall a great authentic Mexican place with an upscale yet earthy indigenous vibe that avoids being overwrought. Oh and the menu is HILARIOUS- a poet must have written it. Some entree descriptions are an entire treatise on Mexican culture or history and use incredible phrases such as "his majesty the garlic". I might be going back again tonight...
(5)
Aundrea R.
I wrote Tequilas a great review over a year ago, but after going there for restaurant week things have changed. I got extremely sick a day after eating there and I too had salmonella. Salm-fuckin-ella. After four days of being sick and almost ruining the one vacation I had planned for the year, I don't think I could go back. It's ashame, because I always really enjoyed Tequilas.
(1)
Kristen B.
Amazing atmosphere and delicious food, even though way overpriced for what you get. I had the arugula salad and added shrimp for $4- it came with three shrimp. Also, my entire table enjoyed the cocktails, but we were never offered a second drink. Odd.
(2)
Kemi A.
I dined here on a whim last week. Read the reviews and I was starving and luckily a gf asked me to meetup for dinner/drinks so I used the chance to try this place out. We both enjoyed the drinks here. Definitely got my buzz on with my 2 drink limit. The drink with the rose petals definitely put me over the edge. Next time I come, I'll plan to stay in the city so i can drive more (versus having to drive home). Apps- We shared the Queso De Mariscos. It was very cheesy so I had to pull out my lactaid pills. My friend thought it was more cheesy than seafood. We also both got the surf and turf. I wouldn't get that next time though it was tasty it was sorta generic. Nothing really stood out. Our 3rd party got the duck plabano which he enjoyed. If I come back next time, I'll prob just get drinks and apps but I do plan to return! YAA!
(4)
Susanne F.
Tequila's is always good. The service is impeccable!!! It feels like you are in NYC where people really know how to run a restaurant. Food is always good and you can count on that. And the prices are reasonable for what they are giving you. This place is a tried and true tradition for Philadelphia at this point in our history. Go there, you will be happy you did.
(5)
Bret K.
Los Catrines Tequilas, or just Tequilas, is a great Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is both romantic and fun. The service is top notch. I have seen some of the waiters bring out drinks on their heads, and I have even seen one pour drinks from a jug on his head to the amazement of the patrons seated at the table. The food is unique and authentic. You go here to get really tasty meats and delicious side dishes, not burritos and quesadillas. The langustinas and the carne asada are my two favorite dishes. The drinks are also top notch, especially the tequila selection, the mixed drinks, and the flavored margaritas. Tequilas is a place to go to on a first date, but also a place to bring a large group of friends for a fun night out. I have many great memories from this restaurant.
(5)
Lauren S.
I had a really delicious dinner here while in town for business. The food was fresh and delicious. The drink menu was long and it was hard to choose. I had a champagne margarita at the recommendation of the waitress and it was wonderful. Kind of tart and I had enchiladas with shrimp, lobster and crab. The portion was big and filling. The sides on the plate were just okay but that's not not why I ordered the dish. One of my fellow diners got the molcajete de pollo and it was so so good. The chicken was so tender and sauce had so much flavor. It was huge too! Definitely easy to share especially since they bring you chips and salsa to start and those drinks could go down easy. We opted to not have dessert although their choices sounded very good. Besides an over eager staff (clearing dishes when we weren't quite finished) it was a great choice.
(4)
Rachel S.
A friend and I walked in here after a long day walking around Philly and I was definitely pleasantly surprised! Unfortunately, I can only review based upon drinks and some guacamole but I plan on coming back =) The restaurant is very large as other reviewers have said. We sat at the bar which was roomy, friendly, and felt like the kind of place nobody minded you wandering if off the street from. The bartender was great and helped us when we didn't exactly want to order off the drink menu. Their drinks are mainly tequila based drinks (hence the name) and my friend and I both had twists on the Premium Margarita and we were not left hanging. There was enough alcohol in the $11 price tag for me to feel like I was not just sipping some juice and salt which let's be honest, is important. We ordered some guacamole with homemade chips which was smooth and delicious. I wouldn't say it was the best guacamole I ever had but it hit the spot and came out quickly. The portion was perfect to split between two people. While looking around I noticed families, dates, friends, etc. It felt like the kind of place you could come with anyone and not feel out of place. I plant to come back and try the full menu soon!
(4)
Andrew N.
I took my co-workers for dinner here during restaurant week. We had no idea it was restaurant week, but luckily I made a reservation! Dinner was fantastic as always and everyone loved their meals. The service is awesome, they know the ins and outs of all of the meals. The drinks are the best part - they make some killer margaritas!
(4)
Tyler L.
Just wanted to re-iterate my overweight rating. Went back with the 'rents (that means parents for those of you wondering) on Saturday night and loved it again. Sat is the way back and it was still great in there. I'm happy this is going to be an option even when the great outdoor seating isn't feasible. Great atmosphere, good food, and a good margarita. Yay! I'm still a fan.
(4)
Leonie R.
This is a great bar and restaurant. The opening hours on Yelp are not accurate because is says it isn't open till 5pm on Sunday - but it was open before that for drinks. The atmosphere was fantastic - granted it was Cinco De Mayo - but nevertheless, the margaritas were delish. The mojito - with basil and tequila instead of mint and rum - was devine. A fabulous venue after a day of traipsing around Philly!!!
(4)
Steven C.
This is the fanciest, most sophisticated Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten in... in fact, it's a little too fancy for me. Don't get me wrong, it's a fabulous place, dimly lit, has several different dining rooms and staff that play with you by speaking Spanish and walk around with cocktails balanced on top of their heads, but it's not my impression of Mexican food. For my Restaurant Week appetizer, I had ceviche and I LOVED IT! It came in a large portion and had LOTS of seafood! My entre was shredded pork and It wasn't so great. I thought it was a little dry and lacked a lot of flavor (although the refried beans on my plate were very good... and my 3 slivers of plantains weren't that great). For dessert, I had a vanilla cake and it wasn't bad at all. The cake itself and the frosting were fluffy, not too filling and had flavor, but it didn't feel/taste Mexican.
(4)
Rob T.
Very good food, great staff, and the tequila flows like wine.
(4)
Rita C.
The boyfriend and I decided that checking out one restaurant for CCD restaurant week just wasn't enough, so we decided to go check out Tequilas. Some of the spots in Tequilas is a little dark, but each table has a tall candle, which makes it pretty romantic. The overall decor here, is so cool - from the lobby area with the dios de los muertos paintings to the neat chandeliers to the super tall candles here and there - awesome! It was a Tuesday night, so the restaurant wasn't overly crowded, so we found it a little odd when they stuck us in a smaller room with a very loud party of 10. For drinks, we got one of the premium margaritas and the margarita diabolo. Both were top notch and definitely worth the $10-$11 price tag. I also ready several tips that the alma blanca was delicious, so we got that too - definitely a good choice (don't let the "hints of corn" description of the drink turn you off). I really enjoyed the chips and salsa that came out with the drinks. When we were ready to order our meals, we noticed that we were never given restaurant week menus. We asked out waiter, who quickly ran off the list for restaurant week and disappeared. Very weird. Is Tequilas trying to trick us r something? Needless to say, we decided NOT to go this route. For an appetizer, we ordered the queso fundido. This was a giant hunk of half melted chihuahua cheese with some onions and peppers and topped with chorizo. I wasn't impressed by the presentation, but it was actually pretty tasty. It also came with tortillas to make little wraps, but only came with three of them...again, weird, but not really a big deal. (They probably would have brought more out if we asked...instead, we just used the chips that came with the salsa.) For entrees, he got the chiles rellenos (one beef and one cheese) and I got the enchiladas playa. the chiles rellenos were really good - the seasoning was spot on. I would definitely get this on my next trip to Tequilas. The enchiladas playa were also good, but I was already turned off by the attitude I got when I asked for no chipotle pepper sauce. (The waiter seemed almost offended. Hey, I just don't like the taste of them!) Whatever! The enchiladas were good and the first was really fresh. The dish came with a really random assortment of veggies, that I didn't necessarily care for. By the time dinner was over, we were both so stuffed that dessert just wasn't happening. Tequilas is a cool joint with good drinks, but the food is just okay. This wouldn't be my first option to go to in the future, since there are so many other good places in the area, but I wouldn't totally write it off.
(3)
Ryan C.
moljacete de pollo! huge - you could share this - it's a lava bowl filled with chicken chunks in a really tasty sauce with tortillas on the side. Chips and salsa and queso fundido are a great way to start the meal - washed down with one of their finely crafted cocktails of course. Service always makes you feel like they are really happy you came in. Tequilas is not cheap, but it's high quality food with a friendly vibe.
(4)
Karen F.
We went to tequila's last night for Tres de Mayo (instead of dealing with the Cinco de Mayo crowds). Margaritas were not nearly as heavenly as in the past. Too sweet and "lemonadey" this time. Oh well. Meanwhile, the food was good - but not 5 star. My dish (at least to me) was the best - a special of Langostino, split and grilled and sauced with a yummy tequila, garlic and pepper sauce. Flavorful - but not too hot & spicey. Tequila's makes one of the BEST Caesar salads EVER, It can run heavy on the dressing, so i always ask for it lightly dressed and last night's was up to par and delicious. Our female server (her name escapes me) was lovely and attentive. The BEST 5 star part of the meal was the Tres Leche cake (which the 3 of us split - we were stuffed). The worst - which made me downgrade from 5 to 4 stars - was the queso fundito. Just tooo heavy and greasy. A big crock of melted cheese. (I didn't order it - I never would have in a million years.) Bring back the FRESH lime margaritas and I'll quickly re-up you to 5 stars. Tequila's is a great restaurant. I recommend it to out of town guests often. Oh - and please start taking reservations. (Right now they'll only reserve for parties of 6 or more.)
(4)
Kathy C.
Tequilas is my # 1 restaurant. Excelente authentic Mexican food, nice drinks, and professional waitress .
(5)
Lynda R.
Overall great experience. Seating right away on a Saturday night an hour before our reservation even though the place was hoping (about 8:30pm) Nice ambiance. Our waiter was very talented serving drinks off the top of his head. Gaucamole was super yummy but the rest of our meal was just okay. Appetizer was $14 and contained three tiny bite sized tacos. No salt on the tables either. Would go again, but not as a first choice
(4)
Jill C.
Made me want to go back to Mexico. After deciding to try Tequilas for a Restaurant Week lunch, my husband and I decided to (gulp) drive onto center city and (gulp) find street parking. I was reminded why I generally use septa ( thanks PPA for having part of the city still using meters and the other part using the new-fangled ticket machines. I figured by now the entire city would be updated - silly me. Thank goodness for the change collected in the bottom of my purse) But the agitation at PPA was worth it. As soon as I walked into Tequilas I recalled that the space was once occupied by the Magnolia Cafe (which was a pretty cool place). Anyway, we were sat right away and greeted by the server. We both ordered a margarita , which I was a bit wary of as it was made with house-made tequlia BUT wow was it dangerously good. I would have gone for a second but the first made me a bit tipsy and since I was driving I resisted the urge. Lunch consisted of appetizers, a entree and dessert. My queso appetizer was fantastic. Let me say that the portions were so big we took enough home for dinner that night. Each dish was a nice blend of flavors; nothing was overpowering and we enjoyed each bite. Oh, u also get chips and salsas to munch on during the meal. The salsas were a fresh pico de gallo and a roasted salsa. I couldn't decide which I liked better. Try a bit of each on the chip and I guarantee your mouth will thank me. There were a bunch of birthdays being celebrated at tables near us. The birthday gals got a shot (I am assuming on the house). The server would slam it on the table and pour it into their mouth. Gents, I don't know If you get the same treatment. Definitely want to go back - maybe on my birthday????
(4)
Julianna K.
I was excited to eat here for the first time, but as soon as I walked in the bar area I recognized that I had been there before, many years ago on a date. Well the date was pretty uneventful so I guess I had just forgotten all about it. The service was excellent. Our waiter, though a little slow, was so friendly you just couldn't be mad at him for making you wait 20 minutes to order. The drinks were awesome. I recommend the pear sangria if you like really sweet stuff. The food was pretty damn good too. I had the seasoned shredded pork with plantains. Really yummy. Of course by the time it came I was too full on chips and appetizers so I ate it straight off the plate instead of putting it in the tortillas I was given. My date had the surf and turf: a fillet with tequila shrimp. His fillet was good but the shrimp were so freaking tasty I wish I had gotten them instead. My only qualm was how ridiculously dimly lit the place was, but overall an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Krystal A.
Good drinks, good food, a bit pricey. Guacamole is very fresh and there are three different kinds daily. Huge variety of drinks available. Bathroom and back dining-room were rather dark.
(4)
Christina P.
You can take two approaches to this place: You can do the fancy sit down dinner, hopefully with someone else who has a decent income and can pick up the check, or you can do the fun and relaxed happy hour. I have done both, and my vote hands down is happy hour. Don't get me wrong, going there for dinner was amazing. All the food tasted really fresh and authentic. However, it is definitely one of the more pricey mexican restaurants in the city. Happy hour, on the other hand, was quite the deal. I got there at 6, and we were immediately greeted by the bartender with chips and two kinds of salsa. Two of us got margaritas (try the pomegranate) and one got their house tequila straight up. The margaritas were good, not too sweet, and only $5. We then ordered queso fundido ($6) and guacamole ($4). Both of which were amazing, even though it's hard to go wrong with melted cheese. They even gave me a free tequila popper at the end since it was my birthday! So, the bottom line is that happy hour offers quality food and drinks for great prices in an awesome atmosphere. The inside of the restaurant is very ornately decorated but it gorgeous. The service was great, and the bartender and servers were nice. So nice in fact, that it was almost creepy. Almost.
(4)
Tracey P.
LOVE this place...it's definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. Friendly service (waiters are so cheerful and always doing little balancing acts with the trays, drinks etc.), cool ambience, and most importantly, great food. The meal always starts out with chips and three different salsas/dips. One is more of a pico de gallo, and another is made from green peppers. I wish I could describe these better, but, in short, the salsas are all really delicious. Honestly, I could just eat chips and salsa and be satisfied. The last time I went, I ordered the Molcajete de Pollo, which was served in what they call a "lava bowl." The portion was huge (I had leftovers), and very satisfying. From past experiences, I also recommend the Pescado al Mango--simply heavenly.
(4)
Ryan E.
I have walked by this place for years and thought, "what a cute little place, I need to try this at some point." Well, I finally did. Let me first start by saying the food was not hit or miss. It was plain and simple miss. I tried two appetizers and had an entree. All were very bland and didn't remotely taste like Mexican. The menu is very, very descriptive. I wasn't quite sure if I was reading a trashy romance novel or a food menu. Each food item had a paragraph long description talking about the orgasmic (literally) qualities of each menu item. Quotes such as "...will seduce even the most demanding palate" and "this dish brings out a cry for joy when tasted..." were abundant. I didn't cry out for joy but I did cry out for more flavor because everything was so bland. The building is quite amazing but the lighting from the chandelier in the front room is a little weird which makes everything really shadowy. Not warm and comforting at all. I will say, one redeeming factor was the drink menu which had very strange names such as Wild Passion and Future Traditions but were excellent. All this to say, maybe I was there on an off night. I am willing to give this another shot at some point but I wasn't overly impressed with the dinner menu but plan on being back for drinks.
(2)
Richard S.
Food is amazing, but space is limited on Fri/Sat night, so make sure to have a reservation. Also, Their Guac is exceptional!
(4)
M M.
Other review were spot on, atmosphere, tequila menu and food were all exceptional. Service was good. Why 3 stars, price and Mexican beer selection. It's pretty expensive and they have one Mexican beer, Pacifico. They serve draft out of Dos XX pint glasses but they neither have Dos XX Amber on draft or in bottle. Unless their fridge is so small they can't make room for it, get some Mexican beer. It's like a Irish Pub with no Guinness.
(3)
Reem C.
I went to Tequilas today for lunch with a few of my coworkers. It was probably my third time dining there. Each time I've dined at Tequilas, I've had three different dishes and I've never been disappointed. All of my dishes have something in common; they're enchiladas. The first time, I had enchiladas con mole poblanos. I love mole sauce. The second time, I had enchiladas rojas, which is enchiladas with red sauce. Today, I had enchiladas playa. It was one of the specials of the day. Enchiladas playa consisted of lobster and shrimp wrapped in two tortillas and covered in a green and orange sauce. I was caught off guard by the spiciness, but I'm fine with spicy food so it wasn't an issue. Many of us ordered limeade with our meals. It was different to say the least. Limeade has nothing on lemonade (classic). The wait staff are very friendly. They have great personalities and do more than just bring you your food and drinks. They joke around with you and make you feel very comfortable. Overall, this place never disappoints. It definitely remains on my "must dine" list.
(5)
C G.
Amazing! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here recently. Great atmosphere, great drinks, and the food is phenomenal! For drinks, I recommend the Rosa Margarita, it's delicious. For food, try the Queso De Mariscos and the Molcajete de Pollo. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Brent K.
Just popped in for a drink or three and ordered a dirty martini. Yes, I realize that this is a Spanish restaurant but that's what I was in the mood for. It was outstanding! Arguably one of the best dirtys I've had in some time. Another notable drink was an Alma Blanca (white silk). We noticed the bartender, Genardo, muddling some corn, habenero, lime, and some other ingredients which arroused our curiosity. We HAD to have one of these mysterious drinks. Genardo served the drink which was cloudy in appearance almost milky looking. Given the habenero incorporation, I thought this was going to have quite a kick. To my disappointment it was not spicy; however, it was quite the amazing drink and worth having again. The last drink was made by a bartender who was quite the character. His name was Vinny who first claimed to be Mexican but shortly after that he revealed that he was actually Italian. He subsequently asked my name but first took a few guesses: Biff, Chad, [insert stereotypical cocky blond-haired guy's name]. Of course, I never took offense to this as it was all in fun and gave us all a good laugh. As a kind reward for his brief roasting, Vinny offered to make us a special "off the menu" drink on the house. It was called: Hot Pickel. Now this drink was HOT!!! The drink consisted of basil, lime, tequila, cucumber, and jalepeno. It was spicy yet refreshing and I WILL make it back there very soon for another. Overall, this was a great experience for a quick stop for drinks. The staff were very fun to be around and the service was outstanding.
(5)
Erika B.
I love the space and I would definitely return to the bar but I found the food to be underwhelming. The pomegranate guacamole was bland and the meat dish that I had was tender but more buttery than flavorful.
(3)
Varalumni G.
I feel like I didn't get the full experience when I was here. The food was good, ceviche was impeccable, and dessert was delicious. Next time I'd definitely get some drinks! PS - Loved the decor!
(4)
Edward S.
Authentic and delicious food, beautiful space, good drinks, good service- pretty much sums it up. Margaritas are straightforward with a focus on the tequila rather than the mix. Guacamole is sooo good and tortilla chips are home made, thick and crispy crunchy good. Can't wait to go back, this place is well underrated I think and it's been there forever.
(4)
Olesya P.
Perfect place, I do not think it can be improved. Food is amazing, service is good, and place is very romantic.
(5)
Ashley S.
I really wanted to like this place. I came here with 2 friends for sips, and it was packed. We ordered margaritas, and they were great. Our drinks came quite a while before the appetizers, so I was definitely feeling it by the time they finally came. One thing that happened that started knocking down stars is that when the waitress served us water, my friend noticed that her glass was cloudy and looked kind of dirty. She asked the waitress if she could bring a new glass in a very nice way. The waitress explained that because the glasses were handmade, they just look cloudy in general. That's fine, but she should have just brought my friend a new glass instead of shrugging it off! I was really excited when our appetizers came because they looked delicious. I eat mostly vegetarian, so the only things I could order off the sips menu were the guac and the chips and salsa, then I planned to order something else after that. Well, I tasted the salsas -- they brought out 2, one pico-looking one with fresh tomatoes and the other dark-looking one--and I found them sub-par. The pico was fine but didn't have that much flavor, the other salsa tasted really burnt and smoky (gross!), and the guacamole was also lacking. There wasn't enough garlic or lime juice or something in the guac, so it just tasted really bland. Needless to say, I decided not to continue ordering appetizers. I figured that a Mexican restaurant that can't get the chips, salsa, and guac right is probably lacking in the rest of their menu, too. My friends thought their chicken tacos and beef empenadas were ok, but they found some weird burnt chicken meat in one of the tacos that they had to pick out. So -- the margaritas were awesome, and we all ended up getting a few, but the food that we got just didn't cut it. Hopefully they work on their menu, but until then, I'll only be coming here for drinks.
(2)
Michael B.
Service was sooooo unhelpful that we left without ordering. Not a good way to conduct business. Go to Las Bugambilias instead.
(1)
Nishidh N.
Great place, I loved their margaritas. Their portions are large, so make sure you bring your appetite, the atmosphere is more classy and romantic. Would highly recommend.
(4)
Jenn V.
This place is amazing. I have now been on 2 separate occasions for dinner, once during restaurant week and once for dinner with a group - and neither times was I disappointed. The restaurant week menu was amazing for the $35 cost- ceviche, steak with shrimp and a dessert- I was able to bring home leftovers, which is not always the case during this special. The margaritas are fresh and not overly sweetened by using pre mixed sweet n sour mix. As for non restuarant week, I found the service to be exceptional and the food to be amazing. Very fresh ingredients, cooked to order. Highly recommend!
(4)
Brad P.
Let's start with the chips and salsa. The salsa verde that comes with the chips is the best I've had in Philadelphia. It is very serious. I'm talking like "the ending of Dancer in the Dark" serious. I'm talking like "mom and dad finally admit they are proud of you" serious. This would probably be a 5 star review based on this stuff alone. The tomato salsa and jalapeno/carrot mix they give along with the salsa verde are decent but they are unable to steal the show from the new king of Philly salsa verde. I couldn't stop eating this stuff. If you don't like their salsa verde then God help you. Alright moving on to other things. The space is gorgeous. Alright moving on to something else. The service is ridiculously friendly and speedy. Alright moving on to something else - the food. Technically I already started with this but now I'm going back to it. The ceviche is very good. It isn't the best in the city but it is pretty freaking good. The chicken mole is also pretty darn good. It is a very delicate mole sauce with a lot of flavor. However, it wasn't as good as the Enchiladas playa, flour tortillas stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp served with poblano and chipotle peppers. This entree kicked ass. The cheese served over the top of these tortillas is serious. I'm talking like "Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven'" serious. so in conclusion, I really liked this place...a lot. Oh, and from now until labor day they are doing a 30 dollar per person, 3 course meal involving an app, entree, and dessert from the regular menu. This is a goddamned steal and I didn't find out about it until AFTER dinner because the forces that control the universe definitely hate my happiness. on the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, this establishment is The Dark Knight at the drive-in on a stormy night with a date who you know you are totally sleeping with when you get home.
(5)
Nicole H.
While I've never eaten dinner at Tequilas, I've been to the bar once for happy hour and once for Sips. Both times I was very impressed with the margaritas - they tasted great and aren't too fake-sugary (I don't mean fake sugar as in splenda, but fake sugar as in super over-sweetened and clearly made from a mix). I also tried a friend's sangria and thought it was delicious. And the bartenders are pretty liberal with the tequila, which I am definitely not complaining about (especially during sips, at $4 a pop!). I've also had the chips with salsa & guac, and was VERY impressed. The guacamole is delicious and the chips are great, the perfect level of crunchiness to go along with the super fresh accouterments. I definitely suggest trying out Tequilas. I'm sure the full dinner menu is as good as what I've had at the bar (if the other reviews are a good indicator, which I know they are!). It's definitely more expensive than your typical Mexican restaurant, but well worth the price (especially if, like me, you're going during times with drink specials).
(4)
Jordan K.
The tequila-based drinks alone are worth the price of admission, the guacamole will keep you coming back, and the entrees are enough for this joint to warrant 5 stars. Seriously, those drinks and guac are so freakin' good that anything else consumed after them is almost bound to disappoint. Make a reservation, try not to get seated next to the bar (where it is crowded and noisy), enjoy the "dia de los muertos" decor, and dig in to that booz and guac. You'll be thrilled you did.
(5)
Steph W.
So first off, let me say: if I were rating Tequilas on their food alone, I definitely would have given it 4 stars. I really enjoyed the Carne Asada and both my friends at dinner enjoyed their entrees as well. We also really enjoyed the chips and the interesting variety of salsas. Unfortunately the service came nowhere close to matching the quality of the food. Our waitress, Clarissa T, was flat out rude. She literally hovered over our table for the entire meal. At first, this seemed like she was just being a great waitress (if a little overbearing) but as the night progressed, it became clear that she was trying to not at all subtly, push us out the door so she could get another table in her area. When we finished dinner, we sat for a little while and talked. Meanwhile Clarissa T stood not 5 feet from our table the ENTIRE TIME, looking at us, pointing at us, and expressing her discontent with our table to another waiter. We'd been talking probably 10 minutes when she removed my friend's water glass that she was actively drinking out of. When I asked if my friend could get another glass of water, instead of being apologetic, she acted irritated, like we were a huge inconvenience. She also removed the paid bill from the table and checked what we'd tipped. 20% Clarissa, don't worry. Not that you deserved it. All in all, these may seem like trivial things, but when added together they turned a great girl's night out that we'd been looking forward to into a really uncomfortable experience. I thought about talking to management that night about how awful she'd been, but hopefully they'll just read this here.
(2)
Kevin W.
This place has a fantastic selection of tequila and mezcal. If there's another restaurant in Philly that carries all the Del Maguey mezcal's, I don't know what it is. The restaurant's name might make it seem like it's only a place to drink, but don't be fooled. The food is straight-forward, simple and well executed. It's a fine place to enjoy a moderately priced meal.
(4)
Eric T.
I hit up tequilas on a happening Saturday night. The bar was crowded, the tables were full, and the wait time was close to an hour. Given the great reviews, my friend and I decided to wait it out. This would turn out to be a great decision. At the bar, there is a great cocktail and tequila selection. I sipped on some tequila straight and had a few beers. The tequila was smooth and palatable. On to the food. Highlights: the seafood Ceviche was great. it was tangy but not overpowering. beautiful fresh flavor and awesome seafood bring the stuffed steak with avocado cream was delcious as well. my steak was cooked a perfect medium rare and the pico de gallo/grilled veggie stuffing was a perfect citrusy complement to the meaty steak the cancun oysters were a delight. fresh oysters plus salsa and avocado chunks are a suitable combination definitely worth a visit whether on a date or looking to have some good food in an upscale yet casual setting
(4)
Virginia D.
had (many) tequila drinks here. AMAZING CONCOCTIONS. all the bartenders are awesome, but Vinnie is my favorite. he is truly The Tequila Whisperer-- tell him what ingredients you typically like & he will make the perfect (off menu) drink for you. the guac was super delish, but also I was extremely tipsy so perhaps not the best judge. the ambiance is really nice. zero vegan options for dinner, but worth a stop for drinks.
(5)
Lane G.
One of our favorites. Try the Rosas Margarita. It sounds sweet, but it is not overly sugary. The Jalapeño Margarita is also great. Unfortunately they no longer serve the crab guacamole, it was outstanding. As far as entrees go, I had the fish of the day (grouper) and it was great. My husband ordered a dish (its name fails me) that had jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon. It was aaaaamazing. We have also had lobster that was prepared perfectly. Don't miss out on the molcajete, but it is best shared between two people. Beautiful restaurant, overall great service. Our only complaint is that we came for a birthday dinner and let them know ahead of time that it was a special occasion. After they delivered our check they hovered over our table for an hour until we left. The place was still open. I would have preferred that our waiter ask for us to sit at the bar instead of the odd way they hung around our table.
(4)
Christine B.
I have been here twice for lunch. Both times it was pretty empty, but that's to be expected because it's a little bit off the square and it's more of a dinner place. I had enchiladas with mole sauce the first time and it was delicious. The second time I had a seafood enchilada special. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be. There were a lot of red and green peppers which really overpowered everything else. The rice was excellent. I also really liked the chips and salsa. I definitely want to go back for dinner so I can try a margarita.
(3)
Louis D.
Ughg I really want to give this place 4 stars, and I'm pretty sure if I went again, for any reason, I would do so. Just of couple of details that I can't quite overlook from this past time around. We went for sips, so we only sampled their featured cocktail margarita, and some apps. The food was fantastic. I LOVE mexican food and really want to try it for dinner. The empanadas were very well done, and the guac was nearly perfect (plus, it was served with plenty of chips, which seems to be a rarity in this city). The margarita was kind of a mixed bag, a couple of us (myself included) liked its sour, non-sugaryness. I thought it was a nice change of pace from the typical sugar overload of many margaritas. It felt like a much classier drink. Some others didn't like it however; one friend went so far as to say the sourness hurt her teeth and stomach. The major flaw from this visit was the waiter. He either didn't care at all or isn't particularly suited for this line of work. He got confused by our orders even though everything we ordered was completely right there on the menu, the food was placed in front of the wrong people, and worst of all, he took away my margarita before it was finished! There was a solid ounce or two left that I had full intentions of finishing up, and he went ahead and swooped it away. NOT OK. Like i said, I really want to go back, and when I do I fully expect to give this place at least 4 starts. Hopefully I just don't get the same waiter.
I have only been to tequilas 3 times and only during happy hour. and its SO good. My friends and I will literally get there at 2:30 and stay at the bar until 6:00. We will get multiple rounds of Rose Margaritas, and last time I had this one that was made with jalapeno infused tequila and cucumber juice! So Good! The food is absolutely fantastic. The Sopa D'Invierno definitely one of my favorites. I can't speak to having dinner there, but happy hour is super long, great prices, and the bartenders are also great. Its a nice quiet place to have a friday afternoon catchup with your friends after a long long week. Love Tequilas and will definitely be back in the very near future for more.
(5)
Jennifer Y.
This was our first time at Tequila's, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! The restaurant is housed in a historic building, so there's seating near the bar area which is a bit more crowded and noisy, but the other room is dimly lit, and very cozy. The guacamole was to die for; try the chipotle and almond! Homemade chips with salsa, and marinated jalapenos! The white sangria was great, and the entrees were amazing. We were too full for dessert...next time!
(5)
Sabrina R.
I thought this was a terrific place to have dinner. They had a great August special where you could get an app, entree and dessert for $35 - and this was anything off of the menu too, which is very rare! The food was absolutely amazing and the margaritas live up to the hype. The rose margarita was so delicious. I ordered a shredded pork entree which was so succulent and even heated up well the next day (too much food to eat it all!). I took off one star only because this is one of those venues that won't seat you until your entire party is present. When you have a table of 10, that's really difficult to accommodate. We waited for 15 minutes for everyone to arrive (mainly because I lied to my guests and told them the reservation was a half hour earlier to build in time for the late ones). When everyone arrived, we had to wait an additional 15 minutes to be seated because the host/hostess seemed rather confused. There were quite a few people waiting to be seated and we all just kind of stood there not sure what to do. I just kept thinking, imagine if I didn't lie about the reservation time - I would have had to wait over an hour just to be seated.
(4)
Stef S.
Pricey (so I won't be frequenting the place) but WORTH IT. Spent about $35 for a meat entree + dessert split with a friend. The chicken mole is delicious. That's mole done right! Better than all the places I've been to before in California. The chicken meat is perfectly cooked and the rice and beans are to die for. Big portions. The enchiladas playa are also great, but I thought the mole was better. The enchiladas were $21 while the chicken mole was $23. The impossible cake ($8)-- flan + chocolate cake combined-- is AMAZING. The flan doesn't overpower the cake, and the chocolate cake melts in your mouth. Needless to say, the decor is fabulous. The restaurant is beautiful and would make for a great date place. The service is wonderful! I don't give out too many five stars, but this place deserves it.
(5)
Kelsey W.
I usually hate the taste of tequila in any form, but the specialty margarita that I figured I should try was great, and I have a feeling the others on the menu are as well. I will be back to try more! After ordering a drink at the bar and being seated, out came the chips, salsas, peppers, and guacamole. These were delicious too-the chips had the perfect crunch and I can't say I've had better. Everyone at my table then had the tortilla soup as an appetizer, which was again authentic and tasty. The steaming broth was poured into the fresh bowl of ingredients at the table as well. I think after that, there isn't too much to offer. My seafood enchiladas were just decent and the others at my table agreed that the entrees were nothing special. Then there was the rude waitress-I was in disbelief by the way she treated and spoke to us. Not sure if the other waitresses are the same, but they seemed to have hired her for her 'cool' (more like bitchy?) look and attitude and not for her work ethic or general helpfulness. Overall, definitely go for drinks and appetizers but have your main course somewhere else!
(4)
Frank G.
Margaritas Fantastico! I always start in the bar, and if the margaritas are not good, I don't go any further. Any self-respecting Mexican restaurant would not consider serving a watered down, icky sweet margarita - so says mi amiga. The ceviche was wonderful - fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Chili Relleno was also a winner, and my date really enjoyed her Enchiladas. The table next to us was swooning over their dish, which was fish with a mango salsa. Terrific margaritas, great food, and very professional and friendly service.
(4)
Caroline L.
Delicioso! From the decor and service to the food and drinks, I loved this place. Definitely go outside your comfort zone and try one of their unique cocktails. I had one with jalapeno-infused tequila which was tasty and unique- definitely not something you'll get anywhere else. The chips and salsa are so good, I could have made them my entire dinner. Super, super fresh. Our seafood tacos were very flavorful. I was disappointed, however, with the tres leches cake. That's one of my favorite deserts and it just didn't compare to cakes I've had in the past. Oh well, can't win 'em all. Despite the hefty price tag, the service, quality, and atmosphere won't leave you feeling drained. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Meghan C.
This is a very good, authentic Mexican restaurant. We had a holiday party here and we had the private room - lovely! The service is extremely attentive, but it is HOT in there. Also, the drinks are quite expensive and quite small. Also part deux, I like gooey, saucy Americanized Mexican food so I really didn't enjoy my dish as much as a good old $11 dish of Chilaquiles at a plastic boothed hole in the wall. That's just a style thing though - you will love this place if you are looking for high brow Mexican.
(4)
Kai C.
I'm happy to come back to this restaurant after many many years. I first ate at Tequila's when I was in college in West Philly but it was at their old, smaller location. I'm usually not a fan of Mexican food, but I was surprising impressed by their food then. After I graduated from college, I heard they changed location and went there for dinner recently. The new place is 3-4 times larger than their old location and business is still booming. I went with a friend and we shared the ceviche, queso fundido and molcajetes with beef. Everything was good but I wasn't too big of a fan of the ceviche because of the shrimp in it. I prefer to have my ceviche with fish and scallops, but the ceviche that Tequila's serves is fish and shrimp. I noticed that the waiters there would sometimes serve beverages in eccentric manners - like my friend's glass of margarita was served resting on three of the waiter's finger tips and the same waiter brought a bottle of wine to a larger table on his head. As long as the eccentric service does not detract from overall service and quality of food, it doesn't bother me.
(4)
Joseph G.
The food here is amazing, the hostess was absolutely rude. Besides the rude hostess, the service was great! I was impressed by the array of tequilas they had in house. I did not know where to start with there, so I went with the restaurant week menu. Their ceviche was one of the better ceviches I have had in a while. The Mar y Tierra (surf and turf) was great! Definately give this a try. The tequila sauce was gentle on the pallate and worked well with the peppers that seasoned the meat. You could definately taste tamarind and teh flavors were married very well together. The Tres Leche cake nearly made me lose my breath!!! Oh God, I am not a sweets guy, but I will always go back and try this! South of the Rio and Coming Up Roses should be drinks you have to try!
(4)
C. T.
What happened to my Tequilas? We've been going there since they were in their former location down Locust Street over 12 years ago. I had not been to the restaurant since the spring of this year, and my husband and I went there this past weekend. The service was ok, but the menu has changed significantly, the drinks were really watered down and the usual guacamole that we typically inhale was just barely mediocre. It was filled with onions and tomatoes and the avocado was so chunky, we had to use a fork to get it on the chip. In the past, it was perfectly mixed, a little chunky and had a great airiness to it. Not so anymore. It had zero flavor beyond the tomato and onion. I'm so sad that this restaurant that we've LOVED for several years has gone so downhill. The usual meat entree I order was gone from the menu so I ordered the chicken with the beans and cheese except I asked for the tomatillo sauce on the side. The waitress told me the kitchen could not make any changes to the menu items. They can't even put the sauce on the side? No, she replied. So I ordered the seafood crepes, which were served lukewarm and there was more sauce and tortilla than seafood. Even the chips, which used to be fresh, light and airy seemed stale. Oh - we ordered the tortilla soup with chicken, and it was like Campbells tomato soup with a very small amount of chicken in it. It used to be my favorite with hunks of avocado and a great flavor. Now it was tomato soup with tortilla strips. Yuck. We were so surprised at our dining experience that we asked the waitress if there had been a management change. Nope. Is there a new chef? Nope. So I don't get it. I'm sorry to say that we won't be back. At $100 + tip for a dinner check of 1 guacamole appetizer, 1 soup, 2 entrees and 1 margarita and 1 glass of wine, it's just not money well spent. I've had better meals at Chipotle (and I'm not making that statement lightly) for $10. Sniff...sniff...thanks for 12 great years, Tequilas.
(1)
Dave B.
Every northeast city is obligated to have some inexplicably large, packed Mexican place. While Tequilas is not as well done as Rosa Mexicanos, it is certainly better than Lauriol Plaza. All of these places, though, share one broad quality besides the type of cuisine: while they do not serve Taco Bell, the owners are better at running excellent businesses than making sure the food is top quality. Tequilas fits this definition exactly. Some of the dishes are nice, but items such as the ceviche and most of the fish plates (although they handle scallops well) do not justify their price point or their lengthy, colorful, and likely fictional descriptions of where they fit in Mexican cuisine and history. One pork dish's literature makes it sound like grilled pig was the secret to Mexican Independence. Stephen Starr's El Rey does better at about half the price, which is saying something as Mr. Starr himself is known for style over substance. Despite this disappointment, I cannot help but feel guilty for not rating Tequilas higher. The service is almost always excellent, and Tequilas has such a range of options that they can please almost anyone. Beyond that, the waiters are also more than robotic drones repeating specials. Several times when I have been, the waiter has noticed my obvious homosexuality and disdain for carbs, and recommended the skinny margarita, a drink I have not actually found on the lengthy menu to this day. It's a nice touch and good business; I always seem to have enough drinks to have desserts that I cannot remember. So Tequilas is a great choice when you want a large, fun Mexican celebration with attentive, yet expensive, service. Most diners care the most about strong margaritas and waiters that make them feel more important than they are, which explains why Tequilas has done so well despite a lackluster kitchen.
the ladies and i decided to have a repeat experience here. the night was magical. seriously. the septa train was 15 MINUTES EARLY! i know, i almost fainted too. and it was one of the new trains that are nice and shiny and clean. what luck! we arrived to the restaurant about 20 mins early and sat at the bar to wait for a table. we didn't have to wait long; as soon as we ordered drinks the hostess came to seat us. this time we got to sit in one of the back rooms, which i liked better because it was quieter and a lot less crowded than the main dining area (where the bar is). i opted not to order from the RW week menu, and i'm so glad i made that decision. i got the oysters cancun to start. i love me some raw oysters. tequilla's version was topped with avocado, onion, chipotle, and tequilla. i would have enjoyed them more with less chipotle sauce-it overpowered the taste of the oysters a bit. but that didn't stop me from eating them all... i also had the Molcajete De Pollo, or chicken lava bowl for those of us who don't attempt to butcher the pronunciation. wow...i have been missing out. served with warm corn tortillas, beans, rice, and guacamole. this is a must-have! the chicken was so perfect. i am not ashamed to admit that i ate my leftovers for breakfast the next day. i still don't like the rice. everyone knows it's just filler anyway... i'm still in love with the roses margarita, perhaps even more so. & drinks here are STRONG. just the way mama likey. perhaps best of all, i spent the same amount of money as i would have ordering from the RW menu. i didn't have the dessert course option, but i certainly didn't need it after stuffing my face with oysters and chicken lava. i tried some of my friends and only came to the conclusion that i do not like tres leche cake. at all, not just this version. service was great, our waiter was friendly and attentive. the magic continued on our way home as we once again hopped on a new septa train that was 1 minute early! who says lightning doesn't strike twice?!
(5)
Ryan S.
I have been an avid yelp user for years now, but rarely have taken the time to write a review (I know, I'm a mooch). However, my experience tonight was so unenjoyable that I feel compelled to make sure my fellow diners do not make the same mistake. It was a beautiful night so my friend and I sat outside. Its actually a great sidewalk ambiance. However, the service was terrible. We were starving and ordered guacamole as soon as our waiter came over to take our drink order, but we wouldn't see that quac for 25 minutes. Then, my soup was missing the cheese and lukewarm. Dinner itself took over an hour. I thought they must be crowded inside, but when I went to use the restroom, the restaurant was empty. After all of this, the food just downright was not that good. Yes we felt typical full and sick to stomach post mexican, but it wasn't even that enjoyable going down - and the service only magnified that. There are much better options in Philly - do yourself a favor and check them out.
(2)
Julie H.
LOVE THIS PLACE! A large group of me and my friends went to Tequila's to celebrate my roommate's 21st birthday. The service from start to finish was attentive and welcoming. The salsa tasting bar was a great experience and the pear salsa was amazing. I thought the food was great, although a little bit expensive. The best part of the night was the surprise song and shot of tequila for my friend. The staff created the perfect, lively evening for us and really made it a memorable night for everyone.
(5)
Kevin P.
One of my favorite places in Philly, whether for drinks (I'm not a margarita pro, but these are the best I've ever had) or for a nice dinner. It's a bit expensive, though not too steep. I've always left very satisfied...
(4)
George G.
The food was outstanding! The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Getting a couple different meals at the table allowed for everyone to try the different dishes. The bartender was on point with his mixing, and it did not take long to receive the amazing margaritas that they serve.
(5)
jaimie k.
This place is spot-on meh. The ornate decor can be nice, and maybe at night -- we went for lunch -- the ambiance can imbue the food with a little more pizzaz. But as was, not the greatest Mexican I've ever had. The chips and salsa: the chips were greasy and cold. Not even a close comparison to El Vez. The flautas were good, but run of the mill. And the tortillas were lacking in the same way Pica de Gallo's are anymore. Huevos Rancheros, you know, ok. It was so mediocre, we opted not to have dessert. That says a lot considering I learned to spell dessert as "it's the one with two 't's because you always want more of it."
(2)
Colleen J.
My husband and I ate at Tequilas this afternoon and were pretty disappointed with our meal. I ordered Chilies Rellenos since I had them last month there and they were out of this world. The pepper was hard, cold and the beef filling was very mediocre and my husband's dish was so so. We didn't say anything to each other about the food and when our son got home we asked him how the enchiladas were and he said he didn't eat them because they did not taste good. We love this restaurant and the staff are so attentive and kind. We were wondering if the chef had the day off?
(2)
Jason L.
Fabulous guacamole! I also had the mole poblano chicken which was incredibly delicious. I ate at the bar and was well taken care of. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jessica L.
This was a great place for our large group of 12! We had a lot of fun and the dishes were all so unique. Also, their set menu for groups is AWESOME - an appetizer, main dish and dessert for $30 a person. That is a STEAL considering the entrees are $21! I had the ceviche which was huge and very good. The Queso Fundido with meat was YUMMY. I had the Carne Asada a la Tampiquena - which was a steak with all kinds of yummy sides - mini tamale, taquito etc. Everyone enjoyed their dish and the desserts were GREAT too! My fav dessert is the vanilla crepes....soooooo good.
(4)
Nicholas L.
Best Margaritas ever! And the guacamole and salsas are awesome. It's been a while since I've had a full meal there, but everything I've ever had at this place has been delicious. Happy hour specials (especially sips) are amazing. I almost feel bad (like I'm stealing from them).
(5)
Tim L.
Food here is decidedly better than El Vez or Distrito in my opinion. Ambiance is good. Not quite as good as El Vez but still fun, stimulating and appropriate to the theme. Menu is a little long but the food is very good. I am a sucker for good ceviche and I was not disappointed.
(4)
Stella H.
As someone who appreciates Mexican food (geez, I even enjoy a Taco Bell now and again!), I've been dying to try this restaurant. Hubby and I visited this past weekend. We arrived earlier than our 6:00 pm reservation, and we were promply seated in the large, empty dining room. That changed quickly as the restaurant was filling up by 6:30 pm, so I would definitely recommend reservations! Tables are close together, so it's tough having any kind of an intimate conversation and it was quite noisy in the restaurant. Actually, the bar area and surrounding tables were much more quiet! Next time, I'll request a table in that general vicinity vs. the dining room. I had a glass of their pino grigio house wine (OK, nothing to rave over), and hubby had his standard Bombay Saphire + Gin. (We're not tequila lovers!). The chips + salsa that are complimentary are excellent. You actually don't need to order an appetizer, but we did. I don't recall the name of it, but it was a flour tortilla stuffed with chicken and cheese and covered in a red sauce. It wasn't that good (it wasn't terrible either), but I think next time I'll go with the quacamoles!~ I had the "Camarones Rellenus" which are large shrimp stuffed with mexican cheese and wrapped in bacon. They were done perfectly and were served piping hot with a side of rice and veggies. The dish was very good and well-prepared, my only suggestion would be to serve a sauce with the shrimp as they needed a little extra "somethin'-somethin" that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Hubby had a special, which was grilled shrimp, served with crab-stuffed calamari in some kind of sauce with the side of rice. He liked the taste of the dish, but said it wasn't served hot enough. We ended the meal with dessert - the crepes with french vanilla ice cream covered in a lucious carmel sauce. Really delicious, but it was small - too small to share. I hate a taste and sweet-tooth-hubby ate the bulk of it. The coffee was excellent, smooth and robust without the tart aftertaste a strong coffee often has. I liked this place, I didn't love it (and I so wanted to love it!), but I will definitely visit again.
(3)
Todd V.
I will definitely be returning to Tequila's at some point (although I prefer Distrito). What I love about this place is that although it is not cheap, you leave totally full. The portions were all very generous from the apps to the entrees. We started out with complimentary tortillas chips with pico de gallo, salsa verde and pickled jalapenos (I think). All of which were tasty. The ceviche was really good and was a very large bowl of it. The taquitos were also good. The enchiladas de mar were really mild, fresh and delicious. My grouper special was a little dry, but with some leftover salsa verde the problem was solved. The only major issue was the service. They could back off a bit. Our server asked us if we were ready to order 5 times within 10 minutes. On top of that, this place is one of those restaurants that tells you the whole order must go in at the same time. Don't buy into that. If you have ever worked at a restaurant, you know this is encouraged, but never required.
(4)
Jared G.
This review is specifically for a tequila tasting dinner I attended a few weeks ago, not to say they don't normally rate an excellent review- it's one of my neighborhood favorites. Four courses, and at least 12 top-shelf tequilas, each explained in detail by Oscar, the restaurant's highly knowledgeable manager. Knowing that the house has its own brand of tequila, I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking the entire evening would be one long sales pitch. We were all pleasantly surprised. Apparently a majority of the reservations cancelled at the last minute, and rather than cancel the entire event, Oscar turned it into an intimate course on everything one might ever want to know about tequila, from its history, intricacies of agave farming, distillation, highland vs lowland appelations, to barrel aging, all interspersed with samples demonstrating the contributions of each nuance. The house tequila was offered for comparison in each instance, and being a top shelf tequila fan, I was impressed. Each course was matched with a different tequila. Service was fantastic, and at the end of the presentation. Oscar offered additional pours, as well as a few tastes of mezcal for good measure. The food was top-notch as always, and the impossible cake is not to be missed. I have attended countless scotch, bourbon, winemaker dinners, etc, and this was my first formal tequila tasting. It was easily the most organized and enjoyable, yet least pretentious spirit-paired dining experience I've had. If you get a chance to go to one of these (I believe they host them monthly) I highly recommend it!
(5)
Pia J.
The fish dish I had was adequate at best. The seafood enchilladas that my companion had were very good and the margaritas are also very good.
(3)
Luigi C.
This is a really good restaurant , right in the heart of the city. The place is huge inside and very elegant. It is good for a casual dinner with friends as well as a more exclusive event. I really enjoy their food. It isn't cheap, but everything you taste is fresh and well crafted. Two thumbs up!!
(5)
Melissa R.
Came here on a Saturday night with a group of 7 for a friend's homecoming party. I had heard good stuff about it and have been wanting to try it ever since my birthday when I was jonesing a margarita. Since it was a bigger group, we did a lot of sharing and started with the crab and mango guac (totally delish!) and the Sopas del Rancho. They give you complimentary chips and salsa, so be careful not to fill up on those before the real food makes its way to the table. I'm glad I didn't get a full entree and opted for the Queso Fundido instead, because I was filled to the brim by the end of the meal. I had a bite of the Mole Poblano, which had a very interesting taste. It has chocolate in it, but it isn't sweet, and apparently the taste changes with every bite. I can't say it was the best Mexican meal I have ever had, but I think it is one of the most authentic upscale Mexican restaurants in the city. I'll definitely be back when my next margarita craving hits. I would also recommend going hungry!
(3)
Jamie S.
it gets packed for Center City Sips, but despite the crowd, the margs are tasty
(4)
Christopher R.
Based upon the success* of my first happy hour experience here, I went for a follow-up visit this past Friday and my opinion remains basically the same: I like the booze, I applaud the service and I covet the decor. I met up with some friends after work and it was slightly more crowded than my first visit. We started off with a pitcher of margaritas, on the rocks of course, and in my opinion they tasted slightly too unremarkable. I prefer the white wine sangria, which we switched over to afterward. I should note that the price is actually $30 per; I must have been the recipient of a birthday discount from our generous server. I also had the chance to sample some of the food this time around. I had been soliciting opinions from friends who have eaten here and the results ranged from enthusiastic to heavily disappointed. Well, I found the guacamole at least to be fantastically creamy. My friend must have agreed because she, a petite, professional-looking woman, attacked the plate with a fury that slightly undercut her cultivated image. I look forward to having an actual meal here at some point. * NB: In this sentence, "success" is being used as a synonym for "pleasant inebriation."
(4)
Nick J.
Great food and drink, even better service. Upscale ambiance. I had the empanadas as an app and they were awesome, especially the crema drizzled over the top. Drank a margarita diabla and was very impressed. These guys definitely know how to make a tasty--and creative--drink. Tor entree I had the enchiladas rojas, which were good, but nothing to write home about. The service, however, was fantastic. The servers are all Spanish speaking and know the menu very well. This is a great place for a date and i will definitely return for one, as i was just there for lunch with a coworker.
(4)
Adrienne C.
Definite date night spot. Romantic ambiance with dark sexy candlelight, small tables, yummy food and strong margs. It reminds me of Edith's in Cabo...this is not a Chevy's style Mex place with ginormous plates full of rice and refried beans. Everything we tried was refined and full of flavor. Def need to try HH!
(4)
Jeremy M.
Came for a catch-up dinner with my cousin, who said she's currently crazy about Mexican food. The place was jumping when we arrived, with a city-wide happy hour in full swing, but they seated us quickly and outside the zone of cheap margaritas. The chips are very good, it's true, but the rest of my meal was just ok. I had a seafood-stuffed empanada and the flavors were disappointingly bland. My companions raved about the cinnamon-flavored churros for dessert, though, so I settled at 3 stars without a burning desire to return.
(3)
Sara L.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars and decided that, for the price, the negatives would have to pull them down. They have an opportunity to recover, as I have only made two trips here and would not rule out a return. To start, the atmosphere in the restaurant is outstanding: Dia de los Muertos murals, dim lighting, candles, and artwork combine with waitstaff that can do ridiculous balancing acts with drinks and trays of food. The place seems to always be packed, which is fun and makes you feel like you must be somewhere very special. My first stop was for late evening cocktails and appetizers with a friend on a Friday night around 10:30. The restaurant was still full, but we were granted a table in the bar even though they are normally only given to people who would be having meals. I suspect it helped that we were two well-dressed, reasonably cute girls. I had margaritas made with the standard house tequila. At first I was a little disappointed b/c my somewhat pricey drink did not seem to have much tequila at all. Midway through the first one, I realized that it did pack quite a wallop; the tequila was just that smooth - nice! The flautas that I ordered were just okay, but the bite that I had of my friend's ceviche was stellar - delightful seafood, fresh citrus flavor. Based on the first experience, I wanted to give Tequila's a go for a proper meal. This was a dinner with three other people at 8:30 on a Friday night. Without a reservation, we waited about 45 minutes for a table, which was to be expected. We spent it enjoying margaritas in the very full bar. The chips and dips to begin our meal were quite good and the service was friendly. Unfortunately, the meals were just okay overall. A wise woman once told me that, in Mexican food, the sauce makes the dish. Unfortunately, sauce cannot compensate for basic cooking problems; two of the four dishes at our table were prime examples of this. The sauce on the chicken mole was delicious - complex, richly spicy and smoky; the chicken was very overcooked, and there was not enough actual meat to justify the price. A hanger steak in an exquisite Chimichurri sauce ordered "medium" came out quite rare. They were happy to take it back, but the second attempt resulted in a steak that was also rare, but this time burned on the outside. My seafood enchiladas were pretty good, and a "fish of the day" that I did not try looked passable. For the prices, this is simply not good enough. I did really like the experience of eating there, so I am hoping the kitchen was just having an off night. I will definitely go back, but may try another round of small bites at the bar before committing the time and money to a second dinner.
(3)
pracheta t.
I really liked this place! I've been here a few times and I've totally fallen in love with the decor. I could fill up on the chips and salsa bc its really fresh and tasty. There aren't too many vegetarian options so I always end up getting the same thing. I love the tequila shot they do for birthdays and the dessert...slobbberrr - sooo good. It is def pricey but worth it.
(4)
Saloni M.
I think there really should be a place for 3.5 stars.... Anyway place is good for grabbing drinks and nibbling. Loved my rose petal margarita! The empanadas were fine, not outstanding, but I rather enjoyed the Queso Fundido, and guacamole. The best appetizer was some sort of dish with some with huitlacoche which everyone loved!
(4)
Alex V.
We went to Tequila's last night, and I was not impressed. The $12 "Premium" Margaritas were ordinary, and definitely not worth the money. The menu selection looked good, but the quality was hit or miss. The taquito appetizer I had was really good. My seafood enchiladas looked great, but they were bland. Nobody in my party raved about anything, but there was not an entree that was really bad either. The decor was nice, especially some of the smaller dining rooms near the entrance, but the service was horrible. The wait staff was very inattentive. After entrees were served, our waiter disappeared. We were never offered desert, or drink refills. We had to track down a staff member to get our check. Overall, the food wasn't horrible, but the mediocre service compounded with the ordinary food will keep us from coming back.
(2)
Jessica M.
I have always loved Tequilas. To me, its a treat when I really want Mexican food but want to class it up a little bit. And when I want the real deal. My last visit didn't disappoint. My friend and I decided to take advantage of their anniversary special - any entree and any dessert for $25.00. This is a deal that cannot be beat, especially considering most entrees are over $25.00. If you are heading there and want to enjoy the food without spending a ton of money, go with this deal. It's only around until the end of September. As other reviewers have mentioned, the chicken mole is perfection. The sauce is smooth and delicious and the chicken is tender and melts in your mouth. A lot of times I skip chicken when I go out to eat because I can and do make it at home more than anything else. But this dish is not to be missed. Along with the chicken - amazing re-fried beans and rice - good to the last bite (and the portion is BIG). My friend had the enchiladas playa - stuffed with shrimp and crab meat. While I didn't get to try them, I was assured they were delicious and convinced when her plate was just as clean as mine at the end of the meal! At Tequila's I always opt for tres leches cake for dessert. There is nothing better than this sweet treat - cake soaked in, you guessed it, three kinds of milk. It is to-die-for good. My friend had the crepes with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. They looked good too but I was too busy savoring my cake to try. Even though I only mentioned what I had on my last visit, I have never been disappointed by the food here and I have tried many of the entrees on the menu. The service is also great - friendly and knowledgeable staff who carry drinks on their head. Can you ask for anything more? Head to Tequilas when you want classic, authentic Mexican food in a beautiful atmosphere.
(4)
Lily W.
Ambience - 4 Food - 5 Service - 3 The ambience here is very nice. It is a very large space with several rooms. The bar has huge mirrors and lots of detailing, a middle room with long tables that looked like it would be good for a party and a back dining room. I am detracting one star because the tables are very close together and as we were paying a party of TWENTY FIVE was being seated next to us. I was so happy we were leaving when they were coming. Food was really good. I think it's way better than El Vez or Rosa Mex. Much more upscale. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meal. We started with empanadas which were very light. I got a surf and turf special which was really good but a TON of food. Four huge shrimp, black beans, rice, guacamole and about a half pound of beef. But...I ate almost everything (just didn't finish the beans) and had a churro for dessert. Also really good. The service wasn't bad...just a little off. We had two waiters throughout the night which was weird. I never got the second margarita I ordered, but was charged for it. One of the waiters setting up the 25 person table next to us knocked over my mom's (luckily empty) wine glass. After I ordered dessert the waiter walked away before anyone could order anything. Just little things that could easily be improved if they take the time to train their staff.
(4)
Barney B.
I am slightly weirded out by a mexican joint that has a cocktail menu that doesn't include margaritas - but instead a list of concoctions with aloe, jasmine, essence of chinchilla - just odd odd stuff. and if the ingredients aren't strange enough, the waiter is bringing you your choice balanced on his head, propped on three fingers, or dangling from his dangly.... but seriously, the server was friendly - the food, decent. the bussers were a bit too efficient and really really REALLY didn't like idle hands and calm utensils, so swiped half eaten apps and entrees away - but honestly they were half eaten part because we had had our fill. it's a huge place and a generous menu - and while pricey, you get good food for the price.
(3)
David C.
Very good Mexican place. Food was very good, and the wait staff provides some novel amusement be balancing a drink on three fingers as they pass through the dining room. The guacamole is outstanding, however I had a steak when my fiance came here which, although ordered medium rare, was served on the cooler side. The fact that they add in touches like having drinks on the menu for local Philadelphia celebrities like some of the Eagles is a great touch. Go here if you want a great start to a great night out.
(4)
Caroline S.
Came to Tequila's on a RAINY Saturday night. Loved to atmosphere, and energy. We started with their traditional Margs, and guac...both were near perfect. The salsa verde and pico de gallo that came with the chips was a nice touch. I got The Pescado al Mango; which was a grilled fish of the day, butterflied, with guacamole on the inside and a ginger mango sauce over the top. It also came with a sweet potato puree and arroz verde. Beautiful presentation, and everything was AMAZING. My new favorite mexican restaurant in Philly.
(4)
Jessica C.
I hate mexican food. I have horrible acid reflux so when I heard I was going here I was nervous about my esophagus and my weak mouth when it comes to spicy things. That being said. I LOVED Tequilas. The margaritas were delicious, on the rocks with some salt. The waiter was very informative about the menu and when he asked if I liked guacamole I told him I'm wasn't sure because I've never really had it, so he took me over to the "guacamole making station" where there were samples of each kind there and I got to try it. WOW it was delicious. The one me and my date picked had bacon in it, and it was not spicy at all. I loved it, so we got our own for our table. Then our waiter listed off some specials and they all sounded better then what was on the menu. I heard shrimp in a tequila kinda sauce and I was sold so I ordered that. It came as what looked like three baby lobsters on my plate (but it was actually shrimp). The waiter said to cut it at the bottom and peel the shrimp up off the shell, which was good advice. It was so fresh and delicious, I've never had shrimp like that before. I asked the waiter about the skeleton paintings when you walk in the door and he said it had to do with the day of the dead, celebrated in Mexico. The place was twisty and turn-y with a lot of different rooms but I think I had the best table in the place, a room off to the right side where there were a lot of tables for two, and you aren't interrupted by the people surrounding the bar in the other room next door. This isn't your average mexican restaurant. I suggest giving it a try even if you don't like tacos and things.. because it's definitely not that kind of place.
(5)
Heather C.
Nice bar, but can be unbearably packed on the weekends. Their house margaritas really are nothing special (although the jug they come in holds some novelty). Belly up to the bar and try some of their specialty cocktails/tequila instead. For dinner, be prepared for what can be super slow service. Some entrees are amazing, others are ho-hum. And when you're paying $20 for an entree, you should get better than ho-hum... I prefer the food at Lolita's. The langostinos (a frequent special) are a unique experience.
(3)
Molly R.
Tequilas, I love you. One warmer January night brought everyone out, and finding a table to sit down and eat in less than 2 hours seemed impossible. And, then I called Tequilas (based solely on the ratings here on Yelp). We were told their wait was 45 minutes to an hour, so we made a mad dash to Tequilas. When we arrived, we were told others were late for reservations, so they seated us immediately (Seriously, kids, the reason you make a reservation is to have a set dining time, so don't be a hater for a restaurant that gives your table away if you're more than 20 minutes late). I had no idea what a treat we were in for, but the strong drinks to start our meal were certainly a nice indicator. Creative special guacamoles of the night - we ate the crab and pomegranate and loved it in spite of how weird it seemed. I ordered the chiles rellenos which I found to be interesting and flavorful. I had a little food envy at my boyfriend's dish which was the cochinita pibil. It was a HUGE portion of pork on that banana leaf. He ate it all because he just couldn't stop. Our friends had beef dishes and both devoured their food all the same. The most difficult part of our visit was that we had no room left for after dinner beers. A food baby had taken up residence in my belly, thanks to Tequilas. One last kudos goes to the service. The restaurant has a fun vibe, and the service is very attentive and pleasant. Tequilas is definitely one of my best service experiences in Philly. Strong drinks, fun atmosphere, copious amounts of food that is flat out amazing to the taste buds - I really couldn't ask for more!
(5)
Bob K.
To think that this was the site of La Panetiere... We ate at Los Catrines Tequilas this weekend. The space was very crowded and noisy, and when we arrived (just before our friends) the hostess told us that they could not seat us until the entire party was present. Not very friendly about it. We ended up sitting near the bar. The drinks were great, and they have a wonderful selection of tequilas. However, the food was hit or miss. The traditional guacamole was bland. The sopa de tortillas was bland. The carne agacate was an interesting concept, but the dish was bland and uninteresting. However, my companions did enjoy their dishes, so maybe I just had bad luck in ordering. I would rate this far behind El Vez or El Rey. I'd go back (and have more of their unusual tequillas) but I'm not looking forward to it.
(3)
Louay B.
I'm not sure if I liked this place. The staff was wonderful and the tequila selection is excellent. When it came to the food, I thought is was a little bland and over priced. I had the steak in molcaheta and it seemed a little dry and over cooked. Would I give this place a second chance? yes.
(3)
Hilary K.
I'll start off by saying that my husband and I had our first date here, so I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for this restaurant. Despite the obvious potential for bias, I must say that Tequila's is a restaurant that has always satisfied us. We've brought friends and family to dine here and even the most picky, meat-and-potatoes eaters have enjoyed the food. Do yourself a favor and order drinks. Perhaps they'll be delivered by a waiter who balances a tray of drinks delicately on his head. I recommend the mango margarita. Reading the menu is a lesson in history, culture, and appetite-whetting. I've never encountered a menu that so passionately describes each dish! The food itself is outstanding: incredibly tender cuts of beef, perfectly cooked chicken and seafood, and tasty accompaniments. While pricey, the portion sizes are generous and in fact you can expect to take home leftovers which will be the envy of your friends and coworkers. It's always a special treat for us to dine here and we plan on keeping it in our restaurant repertoire!
(5)
Stacey S.
MUY BUENO! Had the premium margarita that knocked me on my tuchis....in a good way. The chips, salsa, peppers and pico de gallo were phenomenal. Dinner was amazing.....huge portions but save room for the Tres Leches and Churros for dessert. Staff was very attentive and pleasant. Will go back for sure.
(5)
David G.
I'm from Los Angeles, so I basically used to eat mexican food three times a week, however, I have NEVER been to a fancy mexican restaurant in my life. I don't even know if they have such a place in LA. Obviously it's still a difficult concept for me to grasp, but this place is amazing. They have an extensive drink menu made by talented mixologists who walk around like sommeliers. If you talk to them they will jam-pack your head with so much knowledge about alcohol, it'll make you wish you never engaged them in conversation. The waiters and bartenders are super-friendly and banter with you. The food is top notch. My girlfriend doesn't even like mexican food (it's possible, I guess) but she loves this place. Just wish the best mexican food in Philly wasn't so damn expensive.
(5)
Stephanie P.
#167 For Restaurant Week, TOTALLY worth the prices. If not, I'd be paying way too much just walking by the place. The interior decor is awesome and our waiter that night was incredibly helpful and friendly. At $30 a person, we got the Enchiladas Playa, Frito Tequilas, Pastel Imposibl, and Churros. The portions were amazing and everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. We were so full and satisfied by the end of the night that we actually had to box up our desserts.
(4)
Shelly N.
Visited this restaurant when it happened to be Restaurant Week and decided to order off their special menu. I ordered the fish and my friends got the "surf and turf". We shared appetizers--ceviche and sopas. My friend ordered chapulines, which he purposefully lied and told me it was beef...I guess they were good but I was tainted by what it was I actually ate. All of our entrees were superb and we indulged in Dulce De Leche for dessert. The service was fantastic and although they were busier than a normal mid-week night, they were very attentive and fun to talk with. We ended up coming back later in Restaurant Week so we could try other entrees and I had the "surf and turf"...the beef was perfectly prepared and so tender. For dessert, they had a chocolate Dulce De Leche that my friend ate and I had "The Impossible Cake," a flan and chocolate cake with caramel sauce. Both desserts were delicious, although I think that I preferred the normal Dulce De Leche from the previous visit. All around, excellent restaurant with genuine service--they even remembered us from earlier in the week. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly and highly recommend Tequilas!
(5)
Rodney H.
Superb Mexican food, great sidwalk dining, good wine list & excellent professional service.Ceviche is well worth ordering, Mole Poblano is sublime & weird as it may sound the Rose Petal Margherita is really really good!
(5)
Stephanie P.
Just went there for dinner with a group of 6 and we LOVED it!! Very fun atmosphere. Delicious and unique drinks (verde mojitos and rose margaritas). We got crab and pineapple guacamole which was amazing. Our entrees were perfect portions, yummy, and reasonably priced. The best dishes were the prawns w filet minon and a bubbling lava pot of spicy chicken. Our waiter was entertaining, attentive without being overly involved and also very skilled (he balanced our drinks on his head). Highly recommended and will definitely be returning.
I've been to Tequilas twice already, and the second time just wasn't as great as the first. The company and service was AMAZING, but the food just didn't hit the spot like before. We did a big portion of our items family style, so I really got to taste the menu. For appetizers we started off with: Ceviche - I'm not a big fan of ceviche, but this place did it well. It has a nice flavor and cooked through from the citrus. I don't really like raw food, so it was nice seeing ceviche actually being cooked. Only downfall is the size. It was so small. A big portion of the platter was the HUGE lettuce. Fish tacos (specials of the night)- we ordered 2 bc each order only had 3. We had 6 in our party. It was good, but again pretty small. It was also a little wet from the sauce and my taco fell apart. Molcajete de Carne - this was a great dish, but the tortillas served with it just didn't cut it. The tortillas were very floury and quite dry. I ate one with the tortilla and then just ate the rest with either chips or by itself The meals consisted of: Surf n Turf Special and one regular special of shrimp - 1 large shrimp in the surf n turf?? That's it? What happened to the 2nd? When the server told us, they would only replace one shrimp with the steak, not 2. The regular non surf n turf had 3 large shrimps. The shrimp wasn't as flavorful as I remember the first time. It was more on the bland side. Camarones Rellenos - Bacon was quite SALTY. It was rather hard to eat, but the shrimp tails were amazing and crispy. My wife gave me all the tails. Carne Asada a la Tampiqueña - My steak was so overcooked. I asked for it Med, and it was well done. It was still edible, but I do with it was cooked to the correct temperature. For my drink, I ordered the "Let it go." It was good. Yes, it was a pink drink, but I DON"T CARE! It was yummy! When I ordered it, it reminded me of Frozen. "Let it go, let it gooooo! Dessert was a cake (half flan, half chocolate) - flan was very light and the cake was moist. Not a big cake person so I didn't eat much of it. Overall: It's a great place to grab drinks (they have tons and tons of infused tequila), but the food is just average. Service was amazing though!
(3)
Valli V.
# of people - 5 Appetizers - Chips and Salsa - 5/5 --The salsa was THE BEST! we used it as a garnish for everything we ate! 1. Oysters (1) - 4/5 - tasted awesome but had some sand left in it.....[:(] 2. Empanadas (2) - 5/5 - BEST thing ever! it was made with squash flower and tasted so gooDDDDD!!! Main Courses - 1. Chicken with Cheese and Rice - (3/5) 2. Chicken with Gravy - (3/5) 3. Vegetarian Platter - (5/5) The food overall was really good....but the the 1rst course was pretty bland! had a tough time eating as it was tasteless....perfect for someone who likes just chicken. The gravy from the 2nd dish was used to eat with the chicken with cheese... My husband and I shared the vegetarian platter and we loved it! the platter came with enchiladas and the chilli relleno (sp?), was spicy rather than being bland. Dessert - 1. Impossible Cake - (2.5/5) Everybody that were at the table seemed to enjoy this cake....but i wasn't really impressed. it was basically a chocolate cake...with flan on the top...without the icing....but with a caramel drizzle... Drinks 1. Margarita Pitcher - (5/5) Taquila. Salt. yUMMY
(3)
Syvan T.
We came here for a girls night. Let me start of by saying we all adored out waiter. He was so nice and accommodating, he brought drinks on his head, he gave us plenty of time to decide, made suggestions and was just all around great. The drinks were excellent. I have been here once before and got the Mojito Verde and it was delicious. This time I got a CocoLoca which tasted like a pina colada made love to a margarita and had a baby. There were five of us so we ordered one regular guacamole for the table. We were all very hungry and ate it right up and ordered a second, this time with crab meat and melon which was interesting. I ordered one of the specials; salmon in butternut squash sauce with *broosel sprouts* (we loved the way he said it) topped with a scallop. I usually try to stay away from salmon because I feel it's one of the fishier tasting fishes but this piece wasn't fishy at all and the scallop wasn't either. It was delicious and I had to stop myself from licking the butternut squash sauce off the plate. I've had the carne asada a la tampiqueña before which is also highly recommended. We ordered dessert. I LOVE churros so naturally I ordered them. They were a bit too soft to my liking but still very good. It came out to a reasonable price per person and we all went home full and happy.
(4)
Andrew B.
Ima say 3.5 because nothing blew me away. It was nice to go to for sips. Very dark. Good margaritas, sangria. The apps were good too, but nothing had the wow factor. Nice people working there too.
(3)
Joe H.
Great deal during restaurant week for 35$ had beef empanadas to start, followed by the enchiladas playa and for desert a chocolate mousse cake. The empanadas were delicious and I'd recommend them. The enchiladas were good but it didn't blow me out of the water. And I'm not really a dessert person but being included I ate it but I have to say it tastes great. The staff is excellent and very knowledgeable, ordered a flight of tequila and the server who specializes in tequila was able to choose 3 excellent choices which match my drink preference. They have a great tequila selection. If your looking for good Mexican, check this place out.
(5)
Let V.
I went this restaurant on 5 de Mayo for dinner and drinks. I found it here on Yelp and was looking for "Los Catrines Tequilas" and only found "Tequilas" at this address. They should consider changing the name to just TEQUILAS so people are not looking for the LOS CATRINES. It could be confusing. I sat outside since it was a beautiful day! The Signal for WIFI is really week. I think they need a new router bc the symbol on the phone showed all of the bars but it was SOOOO slow. I waited a while before my waiter Ray to acknowledged me, or took my order. He wasn't the best at his job, he had little sense of urgency and had very little follow up too. They have great tasting and really unique cocktail menu which is a HUGE plus! I tried the Rose Margarita which is made with rose infused tequila and garnished with real rose petals it was delicious. I also tried the Short Rib Margarita and it was amazing as well! The cocktails are a little pricey but well worth it! It only takes 1 to feel the affects of the tequila and two leaves you really happy! I ordered the fish with veggies and the presentation was beautiful!!!! I will add a picture of my plate. My rice was garnished with cilantro sprouts, there was chayote in my veggies and the there was a little bunch of steamed veggie sticks tied together with a little corn husk leaf. This meal is not served with tortilla so I had to ask for those. The torillas are home made :D are brought in a little basket without a lid or wrapping so they got cold quick; I had one hot tortilla and by the time I got the secondit was cold :( They should wrap them. Also they should consider making an additional Salsa, the one served with the over toasted chips is too mild and the other is a habanero sauce that is TOO hot. Ray took my drink menu so I guess he figured I wouldn't be ordering any more cocktails. There were more I would have loved to try but felt good anyway so no big deal. I asked him for the bill. I waited a while and he came back and asked the table next to me if they would like their bill (I was still waiting for mine) he brought their bill, (where's mine?) he walked away came back -they paid (where's mine?), they left and as I sat there growing annoyed because I could have left before them or had another margarita he finally brought my bill! Later he returned for my card and cashed me out.... I was there longer than I needed to be for sure! If you get Ray as your waiter you may want to request another one... I would have given a 5 had the serve been better.
(3)
Christopher M.
They have the most excellent range and variety of margaritas. Delicious food. Friendly bar staff.
(4)
Siv M.
Came here for dinner after seeing a show in Philly with my hubby and in-laws. Ambience and decor were great. Service was excellent as well. Their margaritas were fantastic! I had two and the rest of the dinner was a bit of a blur, but definitely a fun time. I had the carne asada a la tampiquena, which was super yummy and a very generous portion size. I was a bit too stuffed by the end of dinner. In terms of price, my husband and I didn't foot the bill, but I remember the prices being reasonable for the quality and quantity of food we had. Would definitely come back!
(4)
Shakira O.
I have been here on several dates with my husband, and a few friend dates throughout the years. I must say, I am NEVER disappointed. The service is always on point, as the employees are very attentive (and I am super judgey because I was a server in 4 and 5 star restaurants for years). I can never get enough of the guacamole and chips, both homemade, and so addictively AMAZING! During my last visit a week ago, I ordered a steak and shrimp entree, my steak was perfectly medium, and my large plump shrimp didn't stand a chance against my fork. On top of all the amazing food, the Tequila bar is truly something special. This place is an overall winner, and will forever be one of my favorite Philly staples.
Went here to tonight with a group of girls for Center City SIPS and we were all BEYOND disappointed. I am also flabbergasted by the numerous high ratings here. First off, upon entering the restaurant and waiting for a table, we already got bad vibes about the place. A young girl who was presumably the hostess was standing by the door but not letting anyone in or out. When we gave our name and the number in our party we were told that she could not help us but it would just be a second. A group came in shortly after use and she told them the same. Soon a guy, looking like a manager or owner came over and the girl reported to him how many people were in each group. He asked for our IDs and then left again. The girl again said it would just be a second. Then the man returned with our IDs and told the girl to seat us. It was just bizarre, I don't know how to explain it. In any case, we were seated outside and it was a nice evening. A waiter quickly came over and took our drink orders. 4 of us got a margarita and 1 got a sangria. The drinks come in especially small glasses and are extremely watered down. There was very little salt and no lime. After bringing the drinks he said "What are you having from the kitchen?" I asked for menus, which none of us had yet and this was the first time at the restaurant for all of us. He responded "SIPS specials are chicken taquitos, beef empanadas, or guacamole." When I mentioned perhaps wanting something off of the normal menu he became noticeably irritated and said he would return with menus for us. He came back about 5 minutes later asking if we were ready to order food yet and I pointed out that we still had no menus. He then came back another 5 minutes later with 2 menus for the 5 of us to share. Once we ordered food, it did come out promptly. We had: ---Chicken Taquitos - $5, literally one taquito cut into 4 pieces, fairly flavorless ---Beef Empanada - $5, also very small and bland ---Guacamole and chips - the one positive of the evening. Also $5 and in an extremely small dish with ONE small plate of chips for 5 people to share. However, the guac tasted incredibly fresh with large pieces of tomato, cilantro, and chunks of avocado. It was very good but once the chips were gone and there was still guacamole left, we had to hunt down a waiter to ask for more chips since our waiter was nowhere to be seen. The waiter brought them 15 minutes later and seemed angry about it. Side note: chips were delicious and notably homemade - super crispy and served still warm with just the right amount of salt. This appetizer also comes with 2 salsas. The pico de gallo type salsa was chopped tomatoes and onions - fresh but bland. I enjoyed the other salsa which was supposedly "hot." It was not hot at all but more had a smoky chipotle flavor. It was yummy. ---Sopa de tortilla with chicken - $8, came out in a very tiny "Cup size" portion which you would see at other restaurants. Was just two small slices of chicken breast and perhaps a quarter of a chopped avocado in a bowl alone. Also served with a plate of chopped white onion and cilantro. The waiter then poured the "broth" over the chicken and avocado and dumped the cilantro and onions in it. The broth was incredibly greasy with little flavor. The oil and fat immediately separated from the broth and came to the top of the bowl. So appetizing! The waiter never came to check on us to see how our food was, to ask if we wanted a second margarita or even to refill our tiny water glasses. Finally, to make matters worse, after paying the overpriced $70 bill and leaving a (very undeserved 20% tip), we sat to chat and finish up our margaritas. No more than 5 minutes after collecting the check, the waiter came over and removed all of our silverware and (still somewhat full) water and margarita glasses. A few seconds later he returned and asked if everything was ok because "he had lots of people waiting and would like to serve other tables." I have never been treated so rude by a server in my life. Certainly will not return. Wish I could give it no stars...
(1)
Patrick M.
Moljacete de polo at this place was absolutely incredible. I've since tried this dish and can't say that the dishes since have been anywhere close to as good. Cocktails are also fantastic.
(5)
Eunni C.
Got guacamole and enchilada and steak dish. Food was ok, ambiance was ok too. But price was way higher than what should be.. Not impressed at all.
(2)
Fan L.
Really everything about this place except the price should be 5 stars. The atmosphere is exactly upscale Mexican and perfect for a nice-ish dinner outing. Our service was spectacular in terms of efficiency, friendliness, and entertainment. I can't speak to the drinks as I only had a few drafts, but everyone else seemed to enjoy them enough. The food wasn't the best part, but it was good enough to not detract from a wonderful time. chipotle quac - yep, about as good as it sounds Enchiladas Playa - solid, great stuffing, but wife said the tortilla flour was a bit on the thick side for her Molcajete de Carne - 5/5, comes in this enormous...vessel? I don't even know how to describe it but it's awesome. and definitely enough to share All in all, a great place to go for an outing, but do expect to spend quite a bit more than your usual Mexican fare.
(5)
Christine U.
We came here for restaurant week last year and loved it, so we came back for my friend's birthday this time. It was just as amazing as I remembered. Although eating at regular price made me realize how sweet of a deal Restaurant Week is, it was worth every penny. The ceviche is amazing, and I had this special that came with Halibut and Scallops- perfectly cooked! Other people in my party got the Pesco al Mango, Molcajete De Pollo, and the Carne Aguacate. All were fantastic, and I was particularly fond of the flavors in the chicken dish. The service is also fantastic here. The waiters are very knowledgeable and friendly, and food comes out quickly. It was Mexican independence weekend when we went so it was a great atmosphere! You should go here, seriously.
(5)
P P.
Food: nothing to brag about. Especially, given the price range. The two types of salsa are mild (pico de gallo) and hot. Decent. The chips are fresh, but on the greasy side. I ordered the Chile Rellenos (beef & cheese). Again, decent. But, of all the Chile Rellenos I have had in my lifetime, this was one of the least memorable and most pricey. My friend ordered the Sope de Tortilla and it was not good. The broth had a peculiarly unsavory smell and taste. Drink: The bar was missing key ingredients for the first drink I ordered. So, I went with the "Premium Margarita" and it was a 8 out of 10. My friends were also happy with their drinks. Service: our server was friendly and attentive. Ambiance: chic, with dim lighting and tasteful decor. Also, loud and crowded. To be fair it was a Friday night. Overall, you are paying for ambiance and location, which are great. The food is not worth the price.
(2)
Christopher K.
Top notch place. Kim took me here for restaurant week on a co-worker's recommendation, and my second time a Tequilas was excellent. The service was top notch, and they've perfected some "party tricks", such as handing you a glass on their three middle fingers, or walking around with trays on their heads! The food was good too. Authentic chips come out right away, giving you something to munch over until dinner arrives. And who doesn't like up-scale Mexican? A solid value for the food and the experience. Enjoy!
(5)
Ramona S.
Great ambiance and decor, but overall, the food was not as flavorful as I would've hoped and was greatly overpriced. The one thing I would return for; the Tres Leches cake, which was was melt in your mouth delicious!
(3)
Thuy H.
Ooolyy moooly!! Place is amazing! Everything from the decor to the service to the food was perfect. Our servers were awesome. He kept us entertained and was on top of everything! Kept up on our drink orders, recommended things (all of which was great), refilled chips, knew the menu extremely well, etc etc etc. I can keep going on about the amazing service but u all probably would be bored. Moving onto food and drinks... Crab guacamole... good. Nice sweet flavor to it. Prosciutto guacamole... amazing! Had a nice kick to it with the saltiness of the prosciutto. Brazilian punch... mmm. Not too strong and not too sweet. Short rib drink... spicy!! Def gotta get this if u come. Branzino special... omg!!!! I want more. The sauce was perfect and the fish was so soft and flaky. Surf n turf special... steak was melt in your mouth cooked perfectly. The large shrimp was also to die for! Taste just like lobster. Yum! Pork chops... so good and moist. The sweet potatoes it comes with was also quite delicious Enchilada playa... we made fun of my bro in law for it bc it looked like a kids meal compared to all of ours but it had a great flavor! Didn't feel heavy either Shrimp wrapped w/bacon... also delicious! Caramel crepes... so good! Not too sweet and I loved the nuts on it. Chocolate jalapeno icecream... crud, that is spicy but so good! The spice comes near the end when u swallow, so def be prepared for it. A must try! Chorizo.. eh nothing special about it. Pretty simple. We had so many more items (I went in a large group). Can't wait to go back again.
(5)
David L.
I don't usually eat Mexican food, but when I do, I would come back here again. I had the big @ss Guac and the sea-bass ceviche which were both pretty bombtastic. I ordered the T-bone steak which with rice and beans as sides which was pretty tasty. I would say don't expect the steak to be a "steakhouse" grade cut, but it's pretty solid. I would get the regular Mexican platters off the menu for a more authentic flavor.
(4)
Abbie R.
This review is just for the bar. We went in on a Monday night because the Eagles were playing MNF and we thought Los Catrines Tequilas might be a refuge from the craziness. It really was. Dark and intimate, the atmosphere was just what we were looking for. We kept admiring the intricate woodwork and imagining who must have lived in this converted house a hundred years ago. The bartender was friendly and knowledgable about the extensive tequila list (it goes on for pages). I chose one of the tequila cocktails called "Tequila Mockingbird." Couldn't resist because I'm a literary nerd and thought it was a creative name. Glad I followed my appreciation for cute play-on-words because the drink was pretty terrific, and I ended up ordering another one. My drinking companion that evening is very knowledgable about liquors and was impressed with the list. He tried three different tequilas and enjoyed all three (maybe he enjoyed the last one a lot based on his BAC) but we had a terrific evening. Will be back!
(4)
Prem G.
I have been to this restaurant once I will not go again. I went with school friends and we sat down to order. the only vegetarian appetizer was tortilla chips. When I went to order I found exactly two items that would meet the criteria for what I could eat. I ended up ordering chilaquiles without chicken. my friends received their meals about 20 minutes after we ordered. This would be considered a normal wait time for a busy restaurant. After about 20 more minutes I finally got my lunch. It was NOTHING. like I expected. My "tortilla casserole" was a pile of soggy tortilla chips drenched in sweet and sour lemon juice. I strongly recommend going to Taco Bell® for some good Spanish/Mexican food.
(1)
Frank S.
Pricey, yes, but it is an experience you won't soon forget. Everything, and I mean everything is top-notch. Food, service and setting make it the perfect date night for that new person you're trying to impress or the long-time love who still melts your heart. My wife and I make it a point to visit at least bi-monthly.
(5)
Greg L.
Wow...great food, great drinks, and great service! This is one of our favorite Mexican places in the city and we have been here a half dozen times over the years. The quality of the food and service is very consistent. Even when we brought our young children, we had an excellent time as the wait staff is great with the kids, even doing little magic tricks to entertain them. I love the Day of the Dead decor going on here. If you are looking for TexMex food, this isn't your place. Yes, it's on the expensive side, but for us, it's worth every penny. If you can, try and ask for a table not in the bar area, as it can get sort of loud in there if the place is packed. On our most recent visit, my wife enjoyed a couple of the mojitos while I enjoyed the strawberry daiquiri. It wasn't the typical frozen daiquiri, but delicious nonetheless. For an appetizer, we went with the chips and guacamole and you can tell they make their own chips here. Sometimes they have specials with their guac where they add things like crabmeat, but this time, it was just their basic guac, which is still yummy. For dinner, my wife had one of the surf-n-turf specials while I went with the Sabana Invierno de Pollo. Both were absolutely excellent. For dessert, I went with these crepes, but they were just OK and I probably wouldn't get them again as I didn't think they had much flavor. If you are looking for some excellent upscale Mexican food, definitely give Tequilas a try. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(4)
Lisa S.
While I'm sure there are many great things on the menu here, let me save you the trouble and get straight to the things that will knock your socks off. Order the Molcajete bowl. Served with chicken or beef, this steaming lava bowl with vegetables, garlic, onions, topped with rice, cheese, guac, and beans. You create your own miniature tortillas and this is more than enough food to split, especially if you indulge in some chips and salsa beforehand. Next, while their margaritas and tequila selection are divine, get the champagne margarita and thank me later.
(4)
Orlando A.
Overrated. Unimaginative. And unnecessarily expensive. Come to this place if you like the idea of a pricey Mexican restaurant with a nice ambience. However, the food leaves much to be desired if you've ever been to other better Mexican restaurants in the area (there are many). My girlfriend and I both got the margaritas which were warm (even though they were "on the rocks") and barely had any tequila in it. And they were $12 each. We also got the chipotle guacamole with queso fresco. The cheese was in large blocks which made it tough to scoop with the nachos. The guac was okay. My gf got the empanada appetizer as an entree and those were pretty good, no complaints there. They were either baked or very lightly fried so the crust was nice and flaky. I ordered the seafood enchiladas. They were nice and cheesy. It had crab meat and shrimp. I didn't like it much but seafood isn't really my thing. I love enchiladas though so I thought I'd give it a try but was not so lucky. This was not the restaurants fault. What was their fault and what I found really strange was that the waiter forced us to order at least one entree. My gf and I only wanted a few drinks and appetizers (we wanted to get three appetizers). When our waiter told us that we'd need to order an entree to sit in the dining area we were both appalled. Mind you, we were already $24 into the meal with their horrible margaritas and almost left the damn place right then and there. We also thought it was silly because we easily would've spent the same amount of money by ordering just appetizers. This left a bad taste in our mouths before eating any food at all. Regardless of our seemingly bad experience, our waiter was professional and mildly helpful most of the time. The rest of the wait staff was also great and attentive to your needs. The building is nicely decorated and much bigger than it looks from the outside. And for what it's worth, the food tasted fresh even if that didn't necessarily make it a good meal. Therefore, only come here if someone else is treating you and you're somehow tired of the other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Laura K.
I would give 3.5 if I could. Pros: The ambiance is fantastic, it's just beautiful. We sat by candlelight and some pretty flowers. The building itself is worth a stop in. The hostess and waiter were very friendly and although it took longer than usual because it was close to insanity due to it being cinco de mayo- they barely even showed the stress of it. Top notch. The drinks- definitely hands down the BEST margaritas I've had in Philly (yes far better than El Vez but I do have yet to try Lolitas) and wow are they strong on top of being delicious ($12) . The salsa was extremely good. Cons: My boyfriend and I ordered the enchiladas playa (seafood) ($25) and while they were good- the price point is too high for little to no wow factor. (The side rice and vegetables were very good). Solid but not worth the price especially considering the very strong competition in this city. Food is really the main event for me when I spend that type of money so that is really the only reason for the 1.5 star deduction. I would be back but next time just for drinks and appetizers. Do yourself a favor and definitely stop in for a few drinks.
(4)
Alexis J.
Oh HELL yes!. I'm sorry, I just get excited about great margaritas and Mexican food lol! BEST margs I've ever had at a restaurant in Philly. Hands down. I went here for Restaurant Week back in September '13 and I was not disappointed. The ambiance of the restaurant seems most authentic and quite romantic even.The food was delicious and the service was great! We came to celebrate a friend's birthday and their "birthday routine" was so cool. They came out and slammed down a shooter full of Kahlua onto the table and then poured the shot in her mouth and sang. It was exciting! I love Mexican food and could probably eat it everyday, so I can't wait to get back here! Great experience!
(4)
Brett W.
I was recommended Los Catrines Tequilas by many friends. Inevitably, places that come with such amazing personal reviews do not live up to the hype. But, WOW! This place is great! Our hostess snaked us through the crowded bar, the front room of tables, back back back (the place is surprisingly large) to a two top right at the back window. Great vibe. Darkly painted room with low lighting, party groups intermixed with double dates and couples. Busy and loud enough to make it feel like the place to be, while spaced enough to have your own party. I hate when great restaurants try to pack in too many seats! The menu is authentic. We started with the Queso Fundido baked cheese appetizer (after a mound of chips and salsa). It was fatty and delicious. Then we shared the Molcajete de Pollo and the Cochinita Pibil. One word - FLAVOR! The tastes were bold and developed. It was the kind of food that you could tell had been cooked long and slow with a balance of spices to bring the very best out of the dish. Aside from one bite of the molcajete de pollo whose spice caught us by surprise - these dishes were amazing. Service was great too. Our server came over right when we sat down and introduced himself in spanish. It sounds tackier when I am writing it but his presentation was genuine and I felt his interactions were the professional work of top level server. The food came out a little slower than average but the flavors really made up for any delay. Dishes were large - no room for dessert. We ended up taking a full plate home with us. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Call ahead. ~$30 per person without drinks.
(5)
Debbie A.
Their food is amazing, and if you go during Happy Hour, the prices aren't bad too! It loses a star from me because without Happy Hour, it is a bit expensive. I can't vouch if it's authentic or not, as I don't have that much experience with Mexican food, but I can tell you that the food I tried - Chicken Enchiladas and Taquitos were amazing. The red sauce on top was fantastic and I want to cover everything in that sauce. We sat at the bar and the service was pretty good, although the bartender didn't know which beers were on tap when I asked.
(4)
Kelly P.
Delicious food but truly hurts the wallet. Our server was wonderful, helped me make the decision to get the pork and told us a little story about pico de gallo. My date and I decided against cocktails but they did look good as they moved past on our server's head.
(4)
Elisa B.
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I had a good experience here. First, let me just just say that you should not come here for Happy Hour or Center City Sips (which is only for a limited time). I came here for the latter with 2 friends. When we arrived, our server told us about the appetizers for the CC Sips menu. She said there was the taquitos, empanadas, and guacamole and chips. We told her we'd take all three. She smiled and walked away. No problem. Several minutes later, one of the male servers brought out a tray of the guacamole, chips, salsa, and a spicy dipping sauce. Without a doubt in our minds thinking we're so hungry and just want to eat, we start munching on them. Later we get the rest of our apps. The Taquitos and Empanadas were both disgusting. Tasteless, dry, and nothing special. Here's the good part... When we got our check, she had charged us separately for the guac, the chips, and the salsa! If you totaled them up it came to $8.75!!! Shut the front door. Are you kidding me? Nobody pays $9 for chips, guac, and salsa even on a regular menu. We were baffled and annoyed by this, so I called our server over to complain about how we didn't know we were being charged for the extras when we DIDN'T ORDER THEM. They brought them out to our table! So she went back and took off the extras and only charged us for the guac. Unbelievable. The way they handled our food and charged us was pretty shady and unethical. I didn't like that one bit. It only takes ONE BAD EXPERIENCE to ruin it. Therefore, I gave it one star, and will not come back again.
(1)
Steven P.
Food and service were outstanding. The Margaritas were delicious too. We ate on the sidewalk, but I went in to use the restroom and the dining and bar areas were beautiful.
(5)
Maz M.
Pretty amazing food. The service is top notch! The guacamole is to die for and the margaritas are amazing... Definitely try the guac and listen to the specials as there was some very good options when we went. They were able to accommodate a big group of us (12) on short notice on a Saturday night. Would certainly go again!
(4)
Christina G.
Service was really great last night. We had a reservation for 8 and there was no wait. The staff overheard it was my friend's birthday so they brought out her dessert with a candle and also brought her a delicious looking colorful shot. A number of employees sang to her in Spanish and it was a lot of fun. My friend could not stop smiling. The place is very large inside, especially for a center city restaurant so it is a good choice for a big group. The lighting is dim which sets the mood and it is more of an upscale Mexican restaurant but not stuffy and you can still dress somewhat casual. The food was also good. The price is more expensive than your typical Mexican restaurants but is totally worth it for the service and ambiance of this restaurant if you are looking for an overall nice dining experience. I was very happy with the food. They brought out complimentary chips with salsa and peppers. I ordered the Enchiladas Playa which is tortillas stuffed with crabmeat, shrimp, creamy pablano sauce and chipotle peppers with some rice and veggies on the side. It is not a spicy meal and the restaurant cannot alter the spicy/hotness factor of their dishes but has some authentic hot sauce that they can provide on the side. The hot sauce was awesome and had my nose running which is how spicy I like my Mexican food. I also tried my friend's Molcajete De Pollo which is a lava rock bowl with chicken, salsa, and many flavors and served with tortillas to make tacos. Both dishes that I tried were delicious. Portions were big. Without an appetizer, I find the entrees are plenty to leave you stuffed. But the appetizers looked really good and I never mind eating leftovers. They also have skinny margaritas! Thank you Nina S for picking this restaurant for your bday.
(4)
Steve M.
We went on a Saturday night and had a great dinner. Service was fast and attentive and everything was delicious. We had two servers who checked in with us just often enough. Empty dishes and plates disappeared in seconds. My wife had a shrimp dish - three shrimp that were about the size of small lobsters, and she loved it! I got a steak over cactus with Serrano peppers. The steak was delicious and perfectly prepared. I was warned that the peppers were there just to flavor the steak and cactus; I mistook one for a small piece of steak and ate it. My eyes were watering and nose was running for about five minutes! : D My wife had margaritas; she said they were the best she's had. I had Philly Pale Ale - they had an IPA from Conshohocken Brewery but had just run out, to my disappointment. Still, I like Philly just fine. I got the Habanero chocolate ice cream for dessert - I highly recommend it if you like hot foods and have a sense of adventure. My wife had, I think, some kind of cheesecake, which she loved. It's not cheap but it's basically the same kind of pricing as any center city Philly restaurant.
(5)
Matt D.
I'm ambivalent about this place. They have great margaritas. The guacamole is delicious. However, overall the food is good--not great, but good. I've had the pork tacos, and they are extremely sweet--beware. I've had the steak that comes with a sampling of other dishes--a tamale, a chicken taco, etc., and that was good--just not particularly memorable. It's a relatively upscale-feeling restaurant with relatively high prices for what you get, and admittedly--it's just not my style. Mexican food can be so delicious...and the food here just isn't as good as it can be.
(3)
Gautam T.
I really have a soft place in my heart for Tequilas even though the prices are quite high. No need to delve into my love affair with Tequilas. Lets focus on the tangibles, this is a disclaimer I am only rating on the tangibles, I would give this place a 5/5 based on sentimentality. Food is very good but nothing really stands out, its typical mexican food (enchiladas, ceviche, guac etc) but priced way higher than mexican food should be priced at. Mexican food is awesome but I don't think it should be super expensive. For example I paid 20.00 for enchiladas at Tequilas, the same enchiladas (way more authentic) at one of those south philly mexican restaurants costs $12.00. I really believe the atmosphere is what drives the cost and the additional $8.00 you pay for enchiladas you get a classy atmosphere with really friendly service. I'm ok with that on a Friday-Saturday night. You get the point right? Good food over-priced. Great dining atmosphere, great service, a little too expensive though.
(3)
Christine D.
We decided to come in on a whim for restaurant week. I judge restaurant week menus on their creativity and tequila's was definitely par for the course. We started off with the chips and two different types of salsa, both fresh and delicious. I had the tilapia/shrimp ceviche, the surf and turf, and flan for dessert. My boyfriend had the empanadas, seafood enchilada, and chocolate mousse cake. I was amazed at the flavor profile of each dish. Not too heavy or bursting with sodium. This was probably the best mexican food I've ever had. Their margarita choices were also creative and delicious! Would return outside of restaurant week.
(5)
Joe W.
So far, not so good. Had a party if for we were meeting. Place was half empty so not like they were crunched for space. Even with that, the owner made us wait in they lobby for several minutes till the last member of our party arrived. Very rude for a supposedly nice restaurant. Let's hope food and service are better. Food ok, but service slow. Wrong drink orders delivered. Best quote of the evening... instead of asking if everything was great the waiter asked if there were any complaints.
(1)
Gabie L.
Wonderful atmosphere, great food, and service was just awesome! I love Mexican food and have been in Mexican restaurant in many states including New York, Florida, and Texas but food here is really unique. Of course they serve many kinds of Mexican food but those are very creative and delicious (usually it doesn't come creativeness with being delicious). Little bit pricey but I want to visit here again.
(5)
JB Y.
Cheese stuffed in shrimp wrapped in bacon and deep fried. Are you f*cking kidding me? Best food ever made by man. Service was awesome, drinks are probably best in the city, food was impeccable. Will go back a million more times or my life is a failure.
(5)
Tim T.
We had dinner and drinks at Tequila's on Friday night with no expectations because most places that serve so-called fine-dining Mexican cuisine in the northeast are usually a bit lackluster and over-priced. We still gave it try since it was cinco de mayo weekend and because it got decent reviews. I hope my review is helpful. After we walked through the bar area which had a tangible excitement about it, the server brought us into the main dining area which was low-lit, but seemed to have a full room with the staff busily moving about between tables. The server was helpful and pleasant, but the service was a bit slow. There was a bit of a mix-up to start (probably because it was starting to get loud in the place and they couldn't hear what we ordered). The timing of the dishes was a bit off as it seemed that dinner took them a little while to bring out, but it was expected since it's probably the busiest time of year for Mexican restaurants. The variety of cocktails was delightful - and they do have some real top shelf tequilas and mescals. The fresh guacamole and chips were a plus (our party added the crab and mango - which I recommend, but they do have other options). The pickled peepers, salsa, and rojo sauce that were served with the chips could've been left in the kitchen. They lacked flavor and actually, there wasn't anything special about those items at all. The main entrees were good and were presented nicely. Even the rice and re-fried beans had good flavor and texture to them. Usually, I find that the side items are overlooked, over-cooked, and unpleasant. I had shredded-roasted pork with fresh tortillas and fried plantains which was tasty for the most part (with the exception to the plantains, which were over-cooked). Some of the other dishes looked pretty good too. The dessert got the highest marks. We had a delicious chocolate-flan layer cake. The tres leches cake looked delicious. I recommend the coffee as well (you'll need it after the drinks). If you're looking for a casual night with good drinks and appetizers or if plan on having a fun dessert and coffee, try this place. The main entrees are just ok and not that impressive. Also, forget decent dinner conversation in the main dining room unless you plan to yell all night. This place is good for casual dinner conversation for sure. If you want some intimacy, try taking a table outside.
(3)
Arielle H.
I was just there for Valentine's Day. Our seats sucked (by the door and the curtain really didn't help with the cold) but the service was very friendly and never left us waiting. I got the empanadas (forget the name but it had cheese inside) which were decent but I wouldn't get them again. My beef entree (it doesn't seem to be a part of the regular menu) was seasoned well and perfectly cooked. I asked for medium and got medium rare (yay!) so if you like your meat more done (why?) be sure to be specific. The desserts were all right (a weird cheesecakey ice cream, churros, and tres leches cake). I would recommend getting a regular margarita with dinner, theirs are fantastic.
(4)
Alyssa R.
I had heard such great things about this place. I was so excited to go, however I was sadly disappointing. The drinks are good and the waiters carrying them like on their head or in interesting ways. The sangria is really good. But the food leaves something to be desired. I even went back a second time to give it another try but it is just so/so. With places like el vez in the area, and this being expensive, I would always chose to go there first. I forget what I had but once time a fish and a second time a chicken dish.
(2)
Anand R.
I love food... love Mexican food... and love Tequila's particular brand of Mexican food the best... We used to live in the Philly area and used to frequent Tequilas back then. They have since changed locations, but have preserved all that was great about their menu, the ambience and especially the super friendly and professional staff. The habanero salsa - our staple diet from back when we had less dietary restrictions - is still as exquisitely spicy as ever. Glad we sampled it, but had to cut ourselves off after just a few dips. The Chile Rellenos - arguably the best on the planet.. and enough for two as our waiter pointed out. The enchiladas - our traditional favorites, as splendid as we remembered it to be. The only downside - adding it just so it is an objective review - we were seated in a corner to the side off the bar where there was too much traffic, and with a strong draft of the cold outside air... and we noticed that there were better seating options... Overall, it still rates in our top 5 dining experiences of all time. 5 stars only - because yelp does not have a 6 star option...
(5)
Shawn S.
Tequilas has been one of my favorite restaurants in Philly for awhile. I will admit, I prefer the old menu to the new one, but the meal I had was delicious as always.
(4)
Samantha C.
Wow how unimpressive. The food was ok but the waitstaff was incredibly rude and dismissive. They could do with a little lesson in customer service.
(1)
Kathy S.
The noise level in this place was migraine inducing on a Saturday evening at 6:30. There were several large rowdy parties seated in the same room shouting and banging on the tables and a shouting waiter trying to be heard above the din. Really, they should not seat these folks with smaller parties who may actually want to talk to each other. The lighting is also horrible. If your vision is less than 20/20 it's pretty much impossible to read the menu. Bring a flashlight. The women's room is illuminated like a 60's bad acid trip. Now the pluses: The menu is mostly classic Mexican dishes with an emphasis on seafood. Good, but not overly creative or inventive. Unfortunately, I the noise gave me a splitting headache and I had to get out of the place before finishing my meal. It was that bad. The service (except for the very slow arrival of drinks) was more than adequate. My only complaint in that regard would be the restaurant's annoying policy of not seating you until the entire party has arrived. The bar was completely filled, you're basically left milling around the hostess station until everyone arrives. This isn't Chili's or Taco Bell, it's expensive and I think there's an expectation of better service.
(2)
Michelle W.
Great drinks, excellent food, tremendous service! Hands down the best Mexican I've had in years! During restaurant week, we dined for just $35 each on an appetizer, entree and desert. The most delicious ceviche, empanadas, seafood enchiladas, grouper and the succulent desserts of chocolate mousse and impossible flan cake. As a new visitor to Philly, I would highly recommend this as a "must stop" restaurant!
(5)
Food. R.
Not great. The space is very impressive, and worth going for a drink and if not just to enjoy the crownmolding and cheerful staff...the food was very meh. My Chiles Rellenos was served with rice, and what I swear was just stewed tomatoes from a can. My friend ordered the fish which was served with a sweet potato mash that made it's way to the plate by way of a piping bag. It reminded me a of banquet hall wedding meal, mass produced and out of style. The food is not modern, interesting or inventive at all. Lots of melted cheese, which is always a great diversion from mediocre food when traveling with anyone from middle America. Excellent Mexican for the person who does not like Mexican!
(2)
Joel S.
Just went on a Sunday, easy to get a seat and a fairly lively environment still. The decor and building are great, very cool atmosphere. Everyone was friendly and happy to help to the point of 3 different waiters asking about drink orders so we didnt even know who our actual waiter was for the first 15 minutes or so. Onto the food. We got the traditional guacamole for apps. It was fantastic and came with lots chips, guac, plus 3 other side dips/veggies. For dinner, I got the enchiladas playa which were very good. My gf liked them even more than me. She got the chicken lava bowl dish. It was awesome, definitely my favorite thing. Lots of great flavors and a ton of food. Both plates had healthy portions. I will get that next time and probably all times. Overall, great atmosphere, excellent food and portions, and a reasonably priced date spot (didnt get alcohol though). Will def go back again.
(5)
Tom K.
The service was great, food even better, and the margaritas to die for. A little on the pricey side but worth the money spent.
(5)
Cathy H.
My friend and I went here for restaurant week last week. The service was fast and great. For appetizers, we tried their cream soup, which I was a bit disappointed by. However, the salsa that came with their chips were delicious! For entrees, I tried their beef empanadas which were very tasty. For dessert, my friend got the flan while I got the tres leches. The tres leches is way better by far. Each portion was decent sized so I left feeling very full and satisfied.
(3)
Rich W.
Been here a few times and it's time for a review. Service: Awesome, remember to order the cafe diablo....you'll thank me later Food: killer, everything was jammed packed full of deliciousness. I felt like I was on a high speed train to flavor town population me. Drinks: smooth and different. Love the fact that the owner makes his own tequila and they have a variety of others on the shelf. You'll want to wet your whistle with a variety of margaritas. Atmosphere: not your typical Mexican place (in a good way). Everything is authentic old Mexican style. Think day of the dead type of decor sans the creepiness. The environment was light fun and happy #ThankYouTequila LOL
(5)
Dave H.
My new favorite Mexican restaurant in Center City. The service is fast and efficient, and the food was excellent. Try the cerviche and Surf & Turf.
(5)
Jennifer P.
Interior dining area is a fantastic cozy space with wonderful Dios de la Muerte paintings done up from floor to ceiling. Service was also great. Came for restaurant week and ordered the surf and turf and was a bit underwhelmed by the "turf" portion. They definitely cooked my medium rare properly -- it was wonderfully red in the middle -- and the spices were great but the flavor of the meat itself was off. However, the tortilla chips are phenomenal. They are clearly fried on site. Would I go for a repeat? Yes. I just won't order anything featuring steak.
(4)
Christy R.
LOVED! I have been on the fence about going to Tequilas because I'm a very picky vegetarian. The menu was huge and several options could be made vegetarian. The margaritas were to die for. Try to Rose margarita and you won't be disappointed. The staff was very friendly and accommodating (we had a lot of questions and our waitress was so sweet)
Whoa! My roommate and I went here for lunch for my birthday. She asked me to pick a spot and I made reservations here for lunch. As we walked it, it was BEAUTIFUL! There weren't many people there - just two other tables. But the decor blew my breath away. It was like I was dining in some aristocrat's house in the 18th century. Whoa! Then came the roses margarita, which was DIVINE. It was strong, btw. My roommate wanted it diluted, but I was happy to drink something strong for my birthday. Ha! (Totally not an alcoholic.... ehehe?) And the food was DELICIOUS. I left stuffed and happy. And the bill wasn't too bad either. Around $40 per person. Definitely worth giving this place a go. Different from the norm.
(5)
Tiffany L.
This place was so good! I don't eat a lot of Mexican food, so I've really only had "Mexican" like Qdoba, Chipotle, MadMex, Don Pablos (aka crap Mexican food). Tequilas seemed pretty darn authentic and upscale! I came in for dinner and I got the Martguerita Roja, it was pretty good! The waiters carry the drink on their HEADS! I will be honest, I was so scared he would spill the drinks. But amazingly, he was able to balance multiple drinks on a tray...on his head AND twist his head so that the drinks swiveled to the front -- AH! The FRESH guac was really good, it's a bit pricey at $8, but it's really fresh, a little Mexican lady was making it to order at the guac bar/island. Their salsa and pico were also really good. Their chips were awesome. The service is great, the food is super yummy and the best Mexican food I've had so far, so I'd definitely come back again!
(4)
Liz P.
Ended up here on date night when the restaurant my boyfriend and I planned on going to said they had a 45 minute wait, and we decided that our need for Mexican food and margaritas was a really desperate, immediate need. We got seated right away (on a Friday night!) and even though it was significantly fancier than we'd intended to do, it was tooootttallyyy worth it. We got the queso fundido with chorizo which was delicious. And magaritas, obviously. AWESOME margaritas. For dinner, he got camarones rellenos (shrimp stuffed with cheese wrapped in BACON) and they were amazing. I got the enchiladas playas, which were even better than the camarones rellenos so my boyfriend was having serious food jealousy. The waiter recommended them and it was a great choice. We were stuffed afterward and it was just a beautifully presented, delicious meal.
(5)
Abhishek Y.
One of my most fantastic Restaurant Week experiences in Philadelphia happened courtesy of Los Catrines Tequilas, better known as just Tequilas, in Center City. I have to admit, the veggie options are sparse, but at the same time, they taste phenomenal. For the special, they started me off with a wonderful cheese, spinach and corn empanada, which was perfectly fried and had the perfect amount of filling to dough. Spot on. Paired with the sweet lime habanero chutney, it was divine. Moving on, the main course was one of my all time favorites, a chile relleno. Massive in size, the pepper was stuffed with different cheeses, spinach, and onions, then batter dipped and fried to a perfect crisp. It was absolutely sublime - never had a better relleno in my life! They finished it off with a fantastic choice of desserts, including my all time favorite, flan. Made here with orange rind and a served with a bit of toffeed caramel on the side, you couldn't ask for anything better. All in all, it was a great evening, the service was fantastic as well, and we'll definitely be back! During Restaurant week, it's a real steal! TLDR: Great food, good ambiance, go!
(5)
Patricia S.
I had an event for about 13 people at Tequilas in July. The management were super accommodating and organized leading up to the event, even when I was indecisive about booking a set menu or going a la carte. We decided to split the group up a bit and go a la carte. We had two servers for our area of the restaurant and they were very efficient, although the food and drinks did come out quite slowly sometimes, but I don't think that's entirely their fault. The ambiance is quite dark and cavernous, and it lends itself well to the atmosphere they're trying to create. The reason for the 3 stars is the lack of depth of flavor of most of the dishes. I was pretty disappointed by everything except the guacamole. While everything tasted fresh, most dishes were either a bit tasteless or too salty. Also, for the price, the portions are tiny. I don't think I will be returning.
(3)
Di P.
4/50 things on this menu is vegetarian. Yah. You're welcome, veggie lovers for the inside tip. I feel like vegetarians think Italian places and Mexican places are usually a safe call, but this place is NOT so great with that. Wish they would step that up because you can make a lot of nice and flavorful mexican dishes that are vegetarian. Lucky for my non-existent diet, I'm not a vegetarian (today). So I left the fancy Tequilas stuffed from the BEST enchiladas EVER. Enchiladas Playas. Crabmeat and shrimp in enchiladas?! Genius. Biggest EW was the veggie fundido. It was literally a block of barely melted cheese and half a jalapeño cut up in it. If you're gonna say that an app can be made into a vegetarian option then add some mushrooms or somethin' to give it some actual substance. Sad. It was soooo hard to eat and not tasty. It's never a good sign when you say "Chile's does this better." Quick Tip I didn't get to do on my phone: If you enjoy cocktails that are sweet with a little bite (spice) try the Short Rib. It's on point people.
(4)
Brian C.
I wanted to love Tequilas so much. The drinks I'll have to say are pretty decent. I love the pitchers of sangria that come with the spout. I think the alcohol in the sangria was pretty light though. The food was good, nothing was a real home run but nothing was terrible either. The guacamole (and different variations of) were pretty good. Our waiter was also very attentive and the ambience gets high marks.
(3)
Ambi C.
After reading the mixed reviews of Los Tequilas, my husband and I were skeptical about coming here--so our expectations were really low. Let me tell you we were so surprised by both of our meals. I ordered the chicken dish which didn't look too appetizing but was extremely delicious and full of flavor. My husband ordered the vegetarian enchiladas which were equally delicious. For starters, we had chips and guacamole. The guacamole was mediocre but the salsas were amazing. They brought out three different types! I also loved the chips--they were the same as El Vez! I would have to say El Vez is our spot but if it's booked, we are definitely coming here!
(4)
Ray L.
The food was okay. I wasn't wowed by anything but can't say that I was disappointed either. And when you go to a pricey establishment you do kind of expect the food to rise to the occasion. That didn't necessarily happen here. In addition to the food, our party of 8 also ordered sangria. It was sweet and delicious but lacked a certain kick (also known as alcohol). So, depending on what you like, the sangria may be your choice of drink. Although the food was just okay, I thought the service was terrific. They are very attentive here.
(3)
Kasia J.
I have been here a couple of times and always with a larger group (10-15). The place is quite large so can accommodate larger parties. The food is good but a little pricey - would recommend getting the guacamole and mocajete de pollo. The Roses Margarita was also quite delicious!
(4)
AC C.
I have been to Tequilas twice now for dinner and both times the food and the service were excellent. Fish tacos were a delicious appetizer along with the fresh made guacamole. Both times (once with my mother, once with my husband) we had one entree from the menu and one of the specials. The flavors were great, well seasoned but not too much. Everything was fresh, succulent, and devoured quickly! The ambiance was also great, a little on the dark side, but I enjoy that for dinner. I have nothing negative to say about Tequilas. From the decor, to the service, to the food, everything was top notch. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Vicky L.
Tequila's has a great ambiance. It would be a great place to get a drink and chill before going out. The food wasn't bad, but I just think that you can get better Mexican food and for a lot cheaper elsewhere. Maybe not elsewhere in Philly, but definitely else where in California. That being said, I had a great time here. I tried the seafood enchiladas, the crab and pineapple guacamole, the corn and chipotle guacamole, and we also shared a pitcher of sangria. The waiter was very entertaining and service was really good.
(3)
Abby W.
Phenomenal in every way! We came in with a large party and had a prix fixe menu. All of the food was really delicious and they didn't skimp on the servings just because our prices were pre-determined. They accomodated some guests who wanted extras of certain items and were overall extremely helpful. I can't say enough good things about the staff. Unlike some other reviewers I found the food and drinks to all be really delicous. Mexican is the cuisine du jour in my hometown and so I have what I like to think is authentic food fairly frequently. I thought the ceviche, taquitos, and chips were awesome. The empanadas left a little to be desired but were not "terrible or bland" by any means as other reviewers felt. The main dish I had was the shrimp and it was delish!! The desserts were excellent as well. I drank margaritas all night and felt they were strong, not watered down, but not too sweet as they can get. I would recommend this to ANYONE for a large group or otherwise.
(5)
Paula D.
Good it's amazing. Ambience ifs great. Service was top notch. I had the special which was a white fish from the Mediterranean grilled mayan style with some wonderful stiff that who care s what it was it tasted so good.
(5)
Kelly H.
Had a reservation for 6 people and one person was stuck in traffic. Rude hostess would not seat the rest of the party and proceeded to give our table away so that when all 6 of us were there we had to WAIT an additional half hour. Our group was not the only disgruntled one in the restaurant either. It's a shame the service in front ruined this restaurant for us because otherwise the food is solid and wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable.
(1)
John K.
For the past two years, whenever the GF and I have had the itch for Mexican, we went to Stephen Starr's El Vez, in the corridor of what I like to call Restaurant Row (13th Street, Center City). However, the atmosphere there is loud and in charge. They've got a freakin' motorcycle spinning on top of the center bar - 'nuff said. On this particular night, I was taking the GF to see George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Pennsylvania Ballet. So, while we still had a hankering for Mexican, I wanted to dine at a place with a more cozy and quiet atmosphere. Hence Tequilas ... If you look past the generic name of the restaurant, you will realize Tequilas belies its true essence. Authentic cuisine going beyond tacos and enchiladas, served in an environment that can be described as 'upscale Mexican food.' For those of you who may think this is an oxymoronic phrase - you are not in the know and are just used to the casual Mexican eateries which churn out burritos and nachos non-stop. Not that there's anything wrong with the latter, but a more intimate, upscale atmosphere can be had when it comes with Mexican cuisine. Having said that, don't let the paintings on the wall scare you when you first enter! Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday focused on gatherings where friends and family members who have died are remembered and prayed for. La Catrinas (dapper skeletons) are typically the pictographic embodiment of this holiday and are not meant to frighten you out the door at all! Mojito Verde ($10) Siembre azul blanco, cucumber juice, basil leaves, St. Germain, agave nectar, & lime juice I love a good mojito. Tequilas' iteration of this typically rum-soaked drink comes with ... you guessed it - tequila! I thought that would be interesting - so I went with it. The Mojito Verde was certainly distinct with earthy notes, that were followed by citrus on the finish. However, it wasn't as refreshing as I find regular mojitos to be ... perhaps I just prefer it with rum. Deseo ($12) Siembre azul blanco, basil, granny smith apple juice, and Moet & Chandon champagne The GF went with the Deseo as she likes a little bubbly in her drink. There was a tempered effervescence from the Moet y Chandon, one of our favorite champagnes (can't get enough of Nectar Imperial). The granny smith apple juice brought out a nice tang to the drink, with the basil accentuating some herbaciousness to the drink. Tortilla Chips with Pico de Gallo, Salsa, Pickled Jalapenos, Onions, and Carrots Our meal started off with some chips and salsa (gratis). The salsa was thick and delicious, a nice tempered spicy kick. The pickled jalapenos and carrots were spicy (I cut out the seeds before devouring them). Regardless, the GF claimed, "they really kick you in the a**." Weak sauce. The pico de gallo was filled with fresh tomatoes and offered a cooling element to the trio. Crema Conde ($7.95) A classic cream of black beans served with bacon, queso fresco, onion, and croutons. The GF had a black bean soup to start. It was pureed for the most part, but not watery in the least. The beautiful coffee shop decoration was appreciated. However, the highlight was the smooth, hearty taste of the soup. It was robust and had a depth of flavor. There was also bacon, cotija, and a buttery crostini supplied on a separate plate. Empanadas del dia ($8.95) Handmade corn tortillas filled with the freshest ingredients. I went with the empanadas of the day. I didn't bother to ask what type they were serving that night as I figured I would just be surprised. These particular ones were filled with beef. I typically associate empanadas with a crispy texture. Unfortunately, these were a bit limp. However, the innards were seasoned well and the accompanying verde sauce was nicely tart. Carne Aguacate ($23.95) Finest cut of meat stuffed with mushrooms, tomato, and epazote. For my main, I had the specialty of the house, the aguacate. I asked for a medium, rare temp on the steak, which resulted in a perfectly tender cut of beef. It was stuffed with mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and epazote. It was topped with a creamy avocado and cilantro-based sauce. On the side was buttery rice and potato medallions, which were delicate, but without much seasoning. Corn tortillas were served as well. Definitely a dish I would order again. Camaron Tequila ($23.95) The GF ordered grilled shrimp, which had a nice snap and were perfectly buttered. Deliciously plump and fresh. The underlying swiss chard was not seasoned but was served more as an accoutrement, I suppose. Overall, Tequilas delivered on its promise of authentic Mexican cuisine fit for a relaxed, intimate dinner before the ballet. Service was exceptional, though at times was a bit too involved. The fact that we ultimately found out our server lived in Jersey might have been a tad overboard, however finding out that his daughter also went to see the Nutcracker was quite coincidental.
(4)
Candice B.
Best margarita in town, hands down. And they don't skimp on the (house made) tequila. One does the job for this lightweight. I grew up going to chain Tex-Mex places in the 'burbs, so I had no idea I liked Mexican food until I had some actual Mexican food not coming out of a box and heated up in a microwave. Tequila's does not disappoint. The meats are all melt-in-your-mouth good. The mole is heaven on a plate. The seafood is always fresh. Sure, it's a bit more expensive than some other spots in the city, but you really do get what you pay for. I can't say enough good things about the service here. The servers are warm, welcoming, and funny. And the atmosphere is so relaxing it feels like you're dining in someone's house. Even just writing this review, I'm thinking about when I am going to make my next visit.
(5)
Will Z.
--4.5 stars-- Food Quality: 4.5 stars Food Quantity: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Price: 3.5 stars Came here for Restaurant Week. LOTS of food (come hungry..). We got Alma Blanca and Margarita de Champagne for drinks, Empanadas and Ceviche for appetizers, Sur
(5)
Jennifer M.
Needed a Mexican restaurant to celebrate my birthday that could handle the following: 1) 10 girls that love to eat and usually come hungry 2) Guacamole that comes in an extra large pot (because who eats guacamole from a small bowl?) 3) Margaritas. Lots and lots of margaritas. Not too sweet or sour, either. 4) A fun-loving atmosphere 5) A place that doesn't make you rob a bank Welcome to Tequilas, friends! This place met all the above criteria and was better than I expected. For one, I did not realize how big this restaurant was! Previously, I've only been here for drinks at the bar. We were seated in the back room with the other bigger parties. I assume this is where they put all the loud and lively groups because that is what we experienced! Along with the chips and salsa, we ordered margaritas (and sangria!), two types of guacamole, and a plethora of entrees. For me, I ordered the molcajetes (Beef tenderloin covered in salsa served in a lava rock bowl with tortillas to make your own tacos!). The food was delicious, the drinks flowing, and smiles all around. Service was on point and made sure that our glasses (water and the drinks!) were full, which I appreciated. My experience here was pretty solid, and Tequilas deserves to be recognized as one of my highly recommended restaurants in the area.
(4)
BykeRyde R.
We met up with old friends for dinner here, and I was very excited to try it as I had heard good things. It was a less-than-pleasant experience. The hostesses at the podium were extremely snotty and rude. I mean, I understand it's Rittenhouse Square but c'mon. The drinks were nothing to sing about. And what really tipped the scales was the lackluster cuisine. I ordered the sopa de tortilla, and my friend ordered the chile rellenos. A second after my soup arrived, I started smelling something resemblant to a NYC subway station. I was thinking/hoping it wasn't my soup that smelled like urine but unfortunately it was :( It was off-putting, and its taste didn't help matters any. My friend's chile rellenos were okay but nothing to delegate the prices on the menu nor the attitudes of the hostesses. What prompted me to give this place two stars instead of one was 1) our server was decent and on top of things, and 2) the ambience was pretty. You'd be better off going to Las Bugambilias. Amazing food, potent drinks, and a really nice staff.
(2)
Ashley L.
Dinner and a show? Wouldn't expect it but the waiters are quite the entertainers! I had previously only been here for happy hour, which offers $6 margs 4:30-6:30pm. This past weekend I dined in with a large party. We were seated a few minutes before our reservation at a long table in the back (the restaurant is much larger than it appears!). Their regular drinks are on the pricer side, but good. I started with the Mexipolitan but switched to the house marg because it was a little too sweet. We ended up ordering a pitcher for the table, which is served in a fancy table tap. Not sure on the price but it poured over 6 drinks so it is probably worth getting. Now for the entertainment... they deliver the drinks on their head! Our waiter even delivered the table tap with 6 glasses and no hands...very impressive! They brought out homemade chips and salsa to start and kept them coming! It was dangerous. I obviously started with the queso fundido (can't go wrong there!). Also ordered guac for the chips, which was strangely not listed on their menu. Speaking of the menu, if you want a Mexican history lesson then be sure to hold on to it! Some of the menu item descriptions go into detail about the heritage of the dish. For dinner I enjoyed the Enchiladas Playa, full of a medley of fresh seafoods. The entrees are on the pricer side but I suppose you are paying for the atmosphere. For the grand finale, all of the waiters marched out singing a Mexican birthday song to my friend, armed with cake and tequila! Great place to celebrate a birthday.
(4)
Ben H.
We've been twice. The first time it was mindblowingly good, but very crowded and loud. The second time (exactly one year later) it was TERRIBLE. All the food was greasy and gross, and the bar was out of ingredients for the first FOUR drinks we tried to order. (Why not just tell me what you can actually serve instead if making me guess?). When we finally did manage to order drinks, they were really gross and I had to force mine and my wife's down so I wouldn't be wasting $25. I'm not sure what happened in that year, maybe they lost a chef or had a crazy night, but I'm not gonna risk going a third time after that experience.
(2)
Scott J.
Had a really great dinner with my wife before the Nutcracker. Jeremy our server was very attentive. If you make a reservation, be sure to request a table near the window as those looked the most attractive. Inside is really gorgeous and during our entire dinner we discussed what it must have been like to live in a brownstone that enormous 100 years ago. Ok, on to the food. The guacamole was awesome. We got the chipotle guac with cheese on top and it was a great starter. I ordered the ceviche which was good but to my disappointment the fish was cooked which may have been mentioned on the menu but I had just assumed that ceviche would have been raw with the obvious lime juice. No big deal because our entrees were absolutely delicious. I had the carne asada special which came out in a huge lava bowl along with warm tortillas and I was in heaven. It even included cactus which was a lot like artichokes in consistency so it was cool to try something new. My wife got the seafood enchiladas and she raved about them. Chocolate Mouse dessert was a terrific ending to our meal and not heavy as most desserts can be on a full stomach. Perfect margaritas got me in the right mindset to sit through 2 hours of ballet so I would return.
(4)
Stacey B.
The food was fantastic. we enjoyed the different offerings and the wait staff is wonderful! Will definitely go again.
(5)
Evelyne K.
Two words to describe this experience: SO disappointing. I've been scoping this place out for forever. Tried to go (sans reservations) a couple times, but was chased off by the exceptionally long wait- even on off hours. I FINALLY got my act together and made reservation, and boy was that a waste. We had a 9:30pm reservation, and didnt get seated til close to 10. The place was PACKED and my date and I ended up squeezed into a table in between a particularly loud dinner party and an annoying/awkward date gone wrong situation. It was so loud we could barely carry on a conversation across the table, and would have had to preform some sort of contortionist tricks to sit side by side. Food was total meh. I spent $20+ on an entree I'd value at closer to $8. Nothing irks me more than a restaurant messing up the most universally delicious food (Mexican. Come on.. you know it's true) by trying to make it fancy-shmancy without actually keeping it tasty. I got the Cochinita Pibil. It was a small heap of totally unspectacular pork sitting in a pool of grease, sitting on top of a greasy banana leaf that very well could have been a strip of green plastic. The rice and beans that came with it were mostly for decorative value I assume since they was about 2 bites of each. The one place they didnt skimp was the big ol stack of seemingly store-bought corn tortillas... yum.. My date and I both got the Roses Margarita.. definitely the only decent aspect of dinner.. So if you find yourself unlucky enough to be dinning here, I'd suggest getting plenty of drinks then afterwards, swinging by El Rey, El Vez, or any of the many authentic Mexican spots around the Italian Market to eat
(2)
Deb M.
Great drinks and excellent food! Outside seating was beautiful for dinner. Service was outstanding!
(4)
Danielle D.
If you REALLY like Mexican, this is for you. If you want tacos. If you just want good tacos and queso (as I did), go elsewhere. Waitstaff was extremely helpful, especially when selecting beer for the evening. The daily specials are the absolute best. Loses stars because the main appetizer, queso, was not what I expected- it was served congealed (not creamy) and I had to serve with a fork and knife and who eats queso in a tortilla and not on a chip? And the prices were a bit high for a Mexican restaurant.
(3)
Paul C.
Stopped here after attending the concert at the Curtis Institute of Music...we sat at the bar...staffs were friendly...but, they were bit slow...anyways this was what we ordered.... Tortillas Soup - it was good...but would've been better if it was less saltier... Ceviche - very tasty... Surf and Turf - came with Filet and the whole lobster....guacamole...., and mexican rice...excellent choice... Margaritas - VERY STRONG...after just two...I was getting BUZZED!!! I need to try other items next time...such as their tacos...I think it will be a great place for next happy hour...
(4)
Armando Z.
How... How does this place... Only have 7 reviews?!! It was packed... I cook regional gourmet Mexican cuisine nightly ..I kid you not... I am a Mexican American as well. The food here is five star. Really amazing, the drinks, tequila, beer is delicious.!! I hope the locals appreciate thus place because its a jewel. Please no " margaritas and burrito types, this isn't that kind of place. It's where the true power, breadth and depth of Mexican cuisine is revealed. Viva mexico !! Viva la Bandera Aquila !
(5)
S R.
The food is very different from the usual Mexican restaurants. Great taste & good service. Lighting could be a little better though.
(5)
Heidi C.
We have been coming to Tequila's for several years now, and even though we are no longer living in the city, it's always on our list of top Philly restaurants to hit up when we have a date night. My husband and I are creatures of habit when it comes to the menu, I always select the Carne Aguacate and he gets the Molcajete de Pollo, but honestly they are so good that I never want to stray. Also, even with just the chips and salsa, plus you're entree, you'll go home very full -- plenty of food!
(4)
Sarah F.
I really, really wanted to love this place. Being from the Southwest, I am almost always on a quest for some quality Mexican food, and this spot was the next target. However & unfortunately, I was not so impressed. I ordered the chicken tortilla soup to start. The soup had all of the right components: tortilla strips, moist chicken, avocado, cheese, and bits of dried chili (chipotle maybe). The problem with the soup was the broth. It tasted almost equivalent to Campbell's tomato soup. No spice whatsoever. It was too tomatoey and not enough chicken broth. For my entree I got the Enchiladas Playa. I sort of had the same problem with these in that they were fairly bland without any spice. The crab & shrimp interior was good but the sauce needs a little bit more. To be fair the chips and salsa, as well as the queso fundido, were all very good. Perhaps next time I will come for a drink and some nibbles rather than a whole meal.
(2)
Steve W.
Walked by this place 100 times+ over the last year. Always thought about giving it a try but it's been my experience that nothing good happens after visiting any place with the name tequila on it. However; a few days ago I finally stopped in. 3 star food, 4 star happy hour specials and prices, and 5 stars for the chips. They're thick and well done, excellent. The chicken mole was ok. The temperature was just warm, gave the impression it was warmed up. Overall it was a good dinner and worth another visit.
(3)
Anannya T.
This is my favorite classy Mexican joint in the City of Brotherly Love. The food is out of this world and the waitstaff is prompt and experienced. It's also versatile - perfect for an intimate evening or a night out with friends.
(5)
Niti S.
This is the old Tequilas that we used to go to years ago. If you want some authentic Mexican in a vibrant setting with Spanish speaking servers - this is the place. Good change after going to modern places like El Vez and Distrito. enough vegetarian options, awesome drinks & desserts.
(4)
Chris W.
A solid upscale Mexican option in the heart of center city. I walk by this place on almost a daily basis but finally sat down to sample their cuisine. To my surprise, it was easy to get a last minute primetime Saturday night reservation through opentable (summer in the city I guess). +1 for all the outdoor seating although this makes it a catch 22 where the servers visits are few and far between. It took a while just to order and receive a couple drinks which were not something I would come back solely for. My first drink was unmemorable and my margarita was average but the cuisine was authentic, flavorful and plentiful. I started with the ceviche which was simple yet so refreshing. The chunks of seafood were rotund and perfectly balanced with the acids, a great start. As for an entree I went the beef lava bowl which came out sizzling. A lot going on but it all works together and there is definitely some heat. The accompanying guacamole was also fresh and the refried beans were an unsung hero with their unique consistency. Had no room for dessert on this night (bring your appetite) but maybe next restaurant week, which I hear is a great value, will give me a chance to dabble.
(3)
D G.
I'm not a fan of this place. If you have a large group, they won't seat you unless every single person is there (even if you have 11 of the 12 people and say you'll order for that 12th person, so as not to hold anything up). Owner is rude and unhelpful. while the food is fine, there are tons of great, authentic, Mexican restaurants in Philly, with better service.
(1)
Ron B.
I love it. We eat here every time we visit, which is often. Great for lunch, great for dinner, great for drinks. This place is great. The margaritas are done very well, even with the house tequila. The waiters bring them out on their heads, which is nice. They are helpful and very attentive as well, which is nicer. I get a kick out of the menu. They'll go through and explain the history of the dish or the relevance of the name and there's a paragraph about the dish before they even tell you what it is. It's like a social studies class when I'm ordering. It'll say stuff like, "Women in Mexico were key to its liberation, forging ties between culture and government. The spirit of the country lives on in their passion for life and love. Beef tenderloin with onions in mole sauce." I usually get the Carne Aguacate or the Carne Asada which are so flavorful. I'm drooling a little right now. Awesome. The prawns are delicious (not on the menu but are somehow a "special" every single day). My sister got the tacos once and they were nothing special. I stay stick with the steak. They have a billion tequila's on hand but I'm far from a connoisseur so I stick with the house and it more than does the job. It's a little pricey but trust me, it's worth it.
(5)
Carrie E.
Well, it's beautiful in there, that's for sure. And I could speak to the waiter in Spanish, so my memory apparently isn't as crappy and useless as I once thought. That said, though, the crowd wasn't really my thing and I just didn't get the whole showy thing of the dudes putting the margaritas on their heads and then walking them through the restaurant. Ha ha - that is so cool - we get it. The food was yummy (what I ate of it, anyway) but the real winner was the drinks. Yeah tequila. Yeah salt and rocks. Yeah getting a buzz before you go out dancing. Viva la margarita!
(3)
Ryan S.
Vendors in general: take your clients here, we like that a lot. Vendors in the IT profession that will take me here: Hello, how do you do? Care to come on site and give a demo? Dinner helps us make decisions... Friends that need to celebrate things: we, the unionized taste buds of Ryan's mouth local 703, formally request that you celebrate your things here. Uh. The big shrimp are cool looking and good. Get a pitcher of margaritas because you'll be sorry if you don't. Have the sopas and note that they do mole very well.
(5)
Faye B.
I have a love for most things Latino (EDGAR RAMIREZ IS SO FINE!) and I've been addicted to margaritas since that first fateful sip back at Chili's in college so Tequilas is a natural fit. Everything I've eaten here has been delicious time and time and time again. If I'm in Philly, I'm going for sure. I even have my picky friend and my veggie friend hooked on it. I'd call it upscale but unstuffy Mexican. The first few times I was so full from appetizers and drinks that I never made it to the actual meal. Pitiful but tasty and satisfying. My favorite appetizers are the Sopes del Rancho and Queso Fundido. The sopes were the tastiest with chorizo though the chicken and the beef (so I was told) were good too. The sopes come with a veggie option but I haven't had those yet . The fundido was good with and without the chorizo. The ceviche and empanadas were well-received as well. I also really like the Tortilla Soup which is just as good with chicken as it is without. The Chipotle Salad also got a good report from the boo. Okay so the only entree I've had was the Salsa Tequila's with jumbo shrimp and it was fantastic! So much so I cleaned my plate and I rarely ever do that. As for the margaritas, they are very tasty. Just tart enough, just sweet enough with a nice kick from that house tequila (Siembra Azul) that they use. I hope they bring back raspberry for the summertime but if they don't the blue is fine with me.
(5)
Elizabeth A.
Maybe it's not fair for me to write a review of a place from which, apart from the margaritas, I've only ever ordered one item. That would be the guacamole. But, since it's the best, and freshest, guacamole I've ever had, and I've eaten a lot of guacamole, I've decided to go ahead. I spent the spring semester in Philadelphia, and discovered the lovely Los Catrines Tequilas shortly after settling in. I was quickly enchanted by the cozy and authentic-feeling restaurant a few short blocks from my apartment, and I returned for drinks and take out time and again. The service was fantastic (the bartenders were simply charming!), and the guacamole (which comes with house made chips and a variety of salsas) was to die for. As other reviewers have noted, the selection of tequilas was most impressive. While I'm not a connoisseur of margaritas, I definitely indulged, more than once, and I was not disappointed.
(5)
Jenn W.
I went here with my girlfriend & her sisters, they knew about it..I was thoroughly impressed, had outdoor seating in warm months, the inside, was breathtaking!! But guess you pay for that ,too. The food here was excellent. I would go back again..service was good too!! Guacamole in authentic clay pot, their chips were light & crisp!! My girls loved their Margaritas!!!
(4)
lena k.
This was my favorite place when I lived in Philly briefly. Try their great margarita! Great selection of wine and I love love love everything they have on their menu. Living on the east coast, you don't get to eat good Mexican anywhere. But I think this was probably the best Mexican restaurant in Philly (I haven't found an equally good Mexican in NYC yet either).
(5)
Tracey L.
I love this place. It's comfort food at its finest. They serve two salsas in the beginning and the one is made with roasted tomatoes and it is very unique. I've never had a flavor like it before. I enjoy chips & salsa as much as the next person but like to change it up. If they served a cabbage salsa like I'm used to then it'd be a double-salsa win! I enjoy starting with the ceviche. It's wonderfully done with beautiful seafood. I could probably just eat this on its own and skip everything else! The queso fundido with huitlacoche is also a treat. It's rare to find a place that serves the huitlacoche - in fact I've only had it once before at Millennium in San Fransisco (another great place to eat!). My go-to meal is easily the Sabana Invierno de Pollo. It's simple fine at its finest. Chicken covered with beans and cheese. Yum. It reheats well too which is always a plus. The timbale of rice is a nice touch because you get a little bit without it overwhelming the plate. Molcajete De Pollo or Beef is also fantastic and served in the great lava pig bowl. Who can resist? Everything I've had here has been wonderful and it's on my list of "places I can be bribed with". Unrelated to the food, I do like the decor. It's fun and creative and yet very classy as well. The staff has always been incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I've never had poor service there.
(5)
Frank R.
High quality Mexican food. The service is great, and as many have mentioned, the waiters carry platters on their heads and drinks on their fingertips. Great food...and entertaining. There's outdoor seating, too. Which, on Locust Street, is a little quieter than some outdoor seating in the city. Get the molcajetes, which is served in a lava bowl along with some corn tortillas, guacamole, etc. And their limeade is really refreshing (unless you're in the mood for a cerveza).
(4)
Kirby P.
The food was excellent, service was excellent and fast. The guacamole appetizer with peanuts was unique and tasty. I had a special of the day - grilled shrimp with crab meat, It was excellent. I ended the meal with impossible cake - flan over chocolate cake - superb!
(5)
waltzing m.
Quite frankly, the best mexican restaurant in philly hands down and may I add a super well stocked tequila bar
(4)
Lynne B.
I love this restaurant. Delicious! The atmosphere is very classy but not pretentious. The prices for dinner are steep so go for lunch instead. Warning: the bathrooms are really, really dark so be careful while your eyes are adjusting.
(4)
Sarena S.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia - the food is outstanding, the ambiance makes you feel as if you're in Mexico, and it's fun! (the waiters carry drinks out on their heads). You can't really go wrong with the menu, even if you are picky because they are willing to work around your requests. Try the Molcajetes de Pollo (hot chicken in a lava bowl for make-your-own tortillas). Their steak dishes are also phenomenal. Aside from the food, the place is great for both special occasions or a drink at the bar... you'll feel as if you were transported from Philly to an exotic Mexican locale.
(5)
Cindy C.
A great place to go to switch things up once in a while when you start feeling that all your staple 'food type' options (fancy french, bar burgers&fries, italian byo, fusion bistro) are getting routine. The atmosphere is distinctive and classy...the decor is distinguished and effortlessly charming...stylish without being trendy or too "fashionable"...overall the space (the restaurant is much larger/deeper than it appears from its Locust st. facade) has an inviting grandeur. Service is impeccable yet waitstaff add some fun by bringing out some orders balanced on their head. Their specials truly are, for they included a dish with fried grasshoppers. After I swallowed my trepidation and a mouthful of them ('just keep thinking they're like shrimp that live on land'), I have to say they really taste more like garlicky & buttery crispy chips than anything else. Their mojitos were top-notch, steak was tasty, and ceviche okay/decent. Some items on the menu seemed a little overpriced for standard-ish mexican fare but the experience as a whole is worth it.
(4)
Kate C.
I have eaten at Tequila's about 30-40 times, starting ten years ago when they were located at a smaller spot down the block. I was fresh to the city and went there for a friend's birthday. We had a cold stone pitcher of margaritas and ever since, this spot has been a favorite. THIS might be one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. It is a big place and the bar area is always full and reservations are usually necessary, but when we walk in without a reservation, we always get a table due to being regulars. Very accommodating. Although I love this restaurant, it is a major destination for work, bridal, baby, and birthday parties, so it is not always good for a quiet dinner unless you arrive before 7pm. Nonetheless, the food is what keeps us coming back. Recommended menu items: the pitcher of margaritas, organic cabernet by the glass, oysters on the half shell with hot sauce, cerviche, chicken mole poblano, the Roasted Duck breast served in a white mole sauce,Filete Grito
(5)
Sandhya R.
For starters, I would like to say this place is mediocre at best. If any of you out there are looking for great Mexican with a plethora of drink varieties, I would personally choose Distrito or El Vez (both located in Philadelphia) over Los Catrines Tequilas. I say this primarily for 3 reasons. 1) The former two are far more affordable. 2) The former two have much better Mexican cuisine (taste wise). 3) The former two have a much more upbeat environment. If you're looking to class up dinner, then Tequilas is a better option and also if you're willing to delve further into your pockets. The service was okay, but I was a bit astonished when the waiter didn't warn my husband and I about the size and proportions of the food we ordered. That being said, we have enough food left over to feed a small town in Mexico itself. But you be the judge! Happy taco hunting. :)
(2)
Stuti S.
Good sized portions and good flavors - not outstanding in taste. BUT great ambiance and excellent service. The lady serving us was enthusiastic about recommending vegetarian dishes - including ones not on the menu and, some excellent tequila mixers. Overall we had a wonderful evening and that what the stars are for! Roomy restaurant, with large tables even for 2 and not too close together. We visited on a Friday evening and it was packed and noisy. But it didnt take away from the experience for us. Beware that the vegetarian options are limited. But the ones they have are good. We ordered a veggie platter with a mix of rice, guacamole, beans and stuffed peppers and a delicious soup. Definitely amongst the good Mexican restaurants we have frequented.
(4)
Carol E.
I used to dine at this restaurant regularly with friend. We haven't been there in over a year due to illness. We went this past Wednesday evening. We had a reservation. I asked if my friend arrived. There was a young kid at the hostess desk. He told me she had not arrived and i could have a seat at the bar. i said I do not want to sit at the bar can i be seated at our table? He said no he couldn't do that. So i was waiting for a good 10 minutes. The hostess came back and asked who I was waiting for. My friend had been there seated at a table the entire time. How rude! They were complete idiots in my opinion. I was furious. They would not seat me but had already seated her. Then the service was awful. The waiter never came back to check. No one came to refill our water. We can not drink alcohol due to medical conditions. Then after we finished our dinner he took forever to come back and ask us about dessert. I will never go there again. The whole experience was dreadful. Very ignorant staff. The food was very good I must say, but not worth the aggravation of dealing with a rude staff. I will dine elsewhere.
(1)
Tina M.
Looking for great Mexican? Just head east 2,700 miles and turn left on Locust Street. Living in Los Angeles, I realize this will read as blasphemous but America's best Mexican restaurant lies in the heart of Philadelphia. Yep....Pennsylvania. Tequilas must be a vital part of a visit to the City of Brotherly Love along with taking a peek at the Liberty Bell. David Suro is a native of Guadalajara and grew up in Jalisco. He was working as a waiter in Cancun when he met his wife and then followed her back to Philly. Suro says that the city's only idea of Mexican food was Tex-Mex but did he ever expand those boundaries. It starts off with simple tortilla chips that are thick and crunchy with a salsa that gets your appetite started. An appetizer of the empanadas or taquitos de pollo is a great way to progress to the next step. If I had to rank them, the empanadas get filled with whatever is fresh and new in the kitchen so they get the edge. For your main course, their best foot forward is the carne asada a la tampiquena. Thin slices of grilled and seasoned lean steak that comes with a tamale, rice, refried beans and a taquito. It's a perfect showcase of the best things on the menu. If you're planning to hang out a while and talk about old times, well, it ain't called Tequilas for nothing! Over 100 kinds of aguas caliente so tell your server your mood and your tastes and they'll match you up to the right bottle.
(5)
Alicia O.
who knew mexican food could cost $50 a person!? went during restaurant week so i am not sure where the specials were. the service was good. the back where we sat was small and very very cozy. so if you dont like being arms length away from the next table, ask for a different seat up front. our server spoke fluent spanish which was refreshing. she was loud though. i needed her to bring it down a notch. our food was very good authentic mexican cuisine. the right level of spicy-ness and flavor. i had soup and it was very good. my friend had the ceviche and her's was delicious. we both had guacamole stuffed halibut. it was good, not superb but good. could have used a little salt. and dessert was sweet and yummy! so i would go back if i got a bonus from work. other than that it may be a bit overpriced. so i'll just stick to qdoba. hahaa
(3)
D K.
Went for a combination Restaurant Week/18th birthday celebration and was overall pleased. Our appetizers were wonderful: tangy tortilla soup and heaping bowl of wonderful, fresh ceviche. For the entrees, I had the Mar y Tiera (surf and turf); while the turf was a tad chewy and the surf a bit unwieldy, the flavors were to die for. The sauce on the filet was scrumptous - sweet, tangy, a little spicy. Yum! The "belated birthday girl" had the grouper stuffed with guacamole, topped with a mango-ginger sauce, with which she was quite pleased. She commented on how the guacamole was exactly the right consistency and flavor for the fish. Our desserts were a perfect ending to a lovely meal - a really subtly-sweet flan and Pastel Imposible, which was an airy, moist chocolate cake topped with flan. A really nice evening...kind of makes me wish Restaurant Week came around more than twice a year!
(4)
Won S.
So, positives and negatives: Positives: Decor is nice, very well appointed and nicely done It is quiet as you get into the inner sanctum of the restaurant It is upscale but not stuffy The Margaritas were good, especially as I am not a Margarita fan. I must say it was refreshing, and did the job of getting me slightly intoxicated while not having an overwhelming taste of tequilla The Ceviche was good The guacamole was good The bad: The main entrees were bland and did not have much snap or flavor. the shrimp were overcooked, the meat was flavorless, like it was frozen and thawed in water, the rice was red but tasted nothing like it had tomatoes or any chile in it, even though it smelled of tomatoes and peppers. The entrees were warm. That's just a pet peeve of mine. We were one of maybe 20 people in the restaurant at the time, as my wife and I went for dinner after work. It was not crowded. I do not know why the food was warm. Warm food to me, means it was prepared too far in advance of us being ready. The Nicolatas in the salad tasted like it came from a can. It had no texture, was awefully briney, and had no flavor, versus some mild flavor. and it was slimy. Like thick korean Seaweed used in soup, but the seaweed has flavor and some texture. I remember Cactus as being subtle, but this was just bad. The Filet Mignon was not a Filet, it was a poor cut of tenderloin masquerading as a Filet Mignon. It lacked the flavor or tenderness of a Filet Mignon. The low star count is due to the quality of food versus price of food ratio being off. I don't like spending 30 a plate for mediocre mexican food, that is not as good as the lunch truck I can go to and spend 6.00. The entree was just that unappealing, and we go out to restaurants for the food, not the atmosphere. There are other places I like to go for that, but I don't expect to find good food at those places. I do expect good entrees at a formal sitdown resturant. Would I go back, yes. I would go for a drink and appetizers after work with some friends. I would not see myself going there for a main course sit down type dinner again. The interior is nice, well done, and a pleasant place I could sit, drink, and have some side dishes. If it was a Tapas type place with no main course/entrees, I would give it 3 stars. Again, even with the entrees, the quality to price ratio is off, but I guess the ambience helps to off set that. They should either change and be a Tapas bar or make better quality main courses.
(2)
Meeta A.
The langostinos are *always* worth it.
(5)
Blair E.
Beset mexican food in philadelphia, albeit not the cheapest. Go for the daily fish special prepared with a mango ginger sauce and guac. It is amazing.
(5)
melissa h.
this place seems quite overrated to me. the food was okay. i may have chosen "the wrong dish for me" but it was just okay. my fiance really liked his dish however. so that opinion is mixed. my mojito was just okay as well. i was definitely expecting better. the atmosphere..... we were sat in the bar area. i faced a wall and Carl faced a mans beer gut all night. it was loud and the waitress was not very nice. the hostess was rude. on the way out we decided to use the bathroom. being first time guests of the restaurant, we walked the wrong way. the hostess asked if we were looking for the restrooms. when we said yes, she sighed heavily and obviously annoyed, responded with "ughhh... why does everyone think the bathroom is this way?". Carl then responded... "because we have never been here before". anyway, it was pricey and unimpressive in my opinion. i would not go again nor recommend it. i think the ambiance would have been better had we been seated in the back dining area. so, if you do decide to check it out be certain not to be stuck in the bar area near the hostess. and for future reference... the bathroom is toward the back.
(3)
Shana G.
I have been going to Tequila's for years. It is hands down the best Mexican in the city!!! I have never had a bad meal...ever. The wait staff is friendly, same w/ the bartenders. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful inside. The margarita's are superb. The tortilla soup is out of this world. It has come to a point where I can't try other mexican restaurants in Philly, if it ain't broke, why fix it.
(5)
Kami C.
One of my favorite places to eat in the city. I have been coming back since I was first introduced to the old small location in '96. And I have never had a bad meal. It is the one place everyone I know agrees on, whether it be for a romantic meal, a family celebration, business lunch or happy hour!
(5)
Mehul P.
I really can't count how many times I have been here, but the food is great. I've had many of the Pollo and Carnes dishes and almost all of them are juicy and texture and feel of the dishes are great. The last time I went I had the Carne Asada a la Tampiquena and the quality of the meat, rice and beans was perfect. They all go really well together. Another really good dish is the Pescado al Mango, which is stuffed with Mango, Ginger and Guacamole. The flavors hit your tongue from all sides. They have a full bar so definitely liven it up with some beer, wine or cocktail. The ambiance and decor also add to the overall feel of the restaurant.
(4)
Aaron H.
This place has the longest list of specials I've ever encountered at an eating establishment. Every time you go, the server has a list that keeps going on, and on, and on, until you become hypnotized into ordering one of them. But more importantly, the food is, at best, mediocre. Some of the seafood dishes are decent, but the prices are simply too high for the quality and creativity of what you get -- particularly for the non-seafood entrees. Granted, Philly is seriously lacking in good Mexican, and if there were a good taqueria for me to recommend I would do so, but I never found it. Food aside, the atmosphere is pretty lively, and this place can be a good time with a big group ready to tear into a few pitchers of margaritas. My two cents: go to Lolita instead.
(3)
Ti L.
It was my first (and definitely not last) visit to Tequila's and I felt like family. The pitcher of Margarita's brought to the table on the waiter's head seemed never-ending and definitely made me a tequila convert. Each night there is freshly-made guac... we had crab-mango... it was BANGIN (and I promise I don't use that word often). My favorite part of the meal though were the bacon-wrapped shrimp... my friends swear I was moaning as I was eating them. The waitstaff actually seemed happy and were joking around with guests... and my friend pointed out that the owner was working the floor just like a waiter... he was very friendly and attentive. I hear that they have a Prix Fixe for large groups... so I may definitely consider having my birthday here this summer. The decor is beautiful and I think the place is perfect for date night, dinner with friends, or a family gathering.
(4)
Stephen H.
Start off by saying i just went here for drinks...so i can't speak on the food, but i just wanted to say that the drinks were excellent. i had a a mango drink with ginger liquor, and my fiance had a rum drink with a hint of rose water....both drinks were top rate, and i could have had a bunch more if we weren't meeting friends. The decor was great, what a super sharp place...and the bartender was attentive and super nice without being bothersome....I would suggest Tequilas for happy hour, or as I did a nice place to meet someone before heading out for the evening...drinks are on the pricey side but soo good you won't mind.
(3)
Parisa S.
Sub-par. Service is horrible, chips are stale, food lacks spice. The space is nice, if you're going for ambiance. But don't expect much beyond. FYI - drinks are weak...stick to sangria/wine/etc.
(2)
Brian L.
This place is pretty awesome. Came here recently to celebrate a friend's birthday. The restaurant has a nice, cozy feel to it. The 2 waiters we had were very funny, helpful, and friendly. They had a 3 course meal option for $30 where we can order an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I started out with the empandas of the day (beef tenderloin). My entree was the Filete Grito which was a filet mignon with rice, guacamole, and beans on the side. The filet was cooked to perfection and the sauce topping it was nice and spicy. The dessert I chose was a crepe with walnuts, ice cream, and caramel drizzled over. I would definitely come back. The waiters are great and the food is satisfying.
(4)
troy d.
I think this place does the best job with Mexican food in center city. The mole, molcajetes (stews served in a stone grinder (molcajete)), enchiladas, and queso fundido are all tasty. Also, I completely disagree that there is a lack of spice...this a Mexican restaurant by Mexicans (but for gringos) and they use a variety of chile peppers in the mole and other chiles such as guajillo, chile de arbol, etc. The food isn't overly spicy but I would never say it "lacks spice". Additionally, if one wants more spiciness, one can request a "hotter" salsa that is made with habanero chiles...be careful with this though! The service is another issue but is usually pretty good and can include balancing tricks as some of the other reviewers noted. Some of the bad reviews about the food can be explained by a few things: #1: Good Mexican food doesn't have to be pricey and the food isn't cheap here...but remember where the restaurant is located and the ambiance. #2: The tortilla chips are homemade which is why they are thicker and some chips can be crispier than others...the way their tortilla chips appear and taste is comparable to how tortilla chips are in Mexico. If you want Doritos, go to WaWa. #3: Cajeta is caramel made from goat milk which is probably why the taste seemed a little off to one reviewer. One can buy it in a plastic or glass jar and it is pretty damn good (and fresh goat milk is hard to find). I doubt one could find any Mexican restaurant in the US that makes its own cajeta. #4: Straying too far away from standard fare, such as with ceviche and coconut milk, could be disappointing. #5 Their margaritas are deceptively potent... I would also challenge you to have more than two of their margaritas on a work night and be able skip out of bed the next morning.
(4)
Lindsay H.
Great atmosphere (although the seating is a bit crowded), service was fantastic (waiter carrying drinks on his head was pretty cool). I didn't think it was really that authentic, but maybe that's because I'm more used to Tex-Mex. My mojito wasn't as good as the one I had a Cuba Libre, but still pretty good. The fish stuffed with guacamole in mango sauce was GREAT! My friends also loved their steaks. We got taquitos with grasshoppers inside - interesting, very crunchy, not a lot of taste in the grasshoppers but there was a lot of garlicky guacamole to add some taste to the dish. Overall a place worth visiting, especially if you can sit outside on a nice day.
(4)
Ben H.
This is a nice spot with a unique decor although I was a bit disappointed with the blandness of the food. Everything that I ordered needed more salt and I can't say that any item in particular was remarkable, just average. I might eat here again if I'm starving to death and everything else in the vicinity is booked solid.
(3)
Russ C.
This is a fantastic Mexican restaurant, where authenticity is not taken lightly. When you go, get there about a half hour to forty five minutes before you actually want to eat. This will allow you to enjoy a pitcher of their great margaritas before your table is ready. Once you sit, order another pitcher of margaritas and be amazed as your server runs down steps while balancing the heavy clay container on his head. Maybe it was the margaritas, but I vaguely remember what I ordered, I do however, remember that it was awesome. If you want craziness, El Vez is the place, if you want amazing food, check out Tequila's. --The one issue I had with Tequila's was the seating. Where we sat was very cramped as you basically share one long bench with other patrons.
(4)
Bill U.
Known mainly as "Tequila's", this is a place you will never forget, and not soon be forgotten. Originally a very small establishment, Tequila's has moved in recent years to a more sizable place near 16th Street. It may well be the best Mexican restaurant in America. This is high cuisine, with lavish descriptors of each entree that exude the passion and commitment of the owners. Mole Poblano may be defined by the dish baring its name here. Do get a Margarita, but make it a top shelf item; when you are here you are dining at a whole new level. If you are bold, beg, insist even that they make a pot of real mexican coffee for you (this is not a typical Kahlua mixture, and in fact has no alcohol), rather you will find an intense sweetness to the coffee that will cap off a magical night out. N.B. Very difficult to get in on weekends. Waits can be over an hour during prime dining hours. No reservations taken, but they do have a wait list.
(5)
Steph M.
The sultry decor and attentive service provide the perfect backdrop to some of the best Mexican food in town. The mole sauce is to die for, and the margaritas are damn good, too. I always waver between getting them by the glass so I can watch the waiter balance it on his head or getting them by the crock (a cute little pottery thing with its own tap) because I know I'll drink plenty. Tequila's is a bit pricey, especially if you're a fan of its namesake libation, but it's worth it.
(5)
RB B.
One word....fresh. From the guacamole to the fish....everything tasted so incredibly fresh. And the flavors of the sauces were amazing. They offer several kinds of guacamole. We ordered the plain, and when the waitress saw my disappoint that my boyfriend insisted we order the plain over the guacamole topped with green apple and crab, she told me to go over to where they were making it to get a sample. My boyfriend had a mixed plate with carne asada, a mini tamale and a couple of other little bites. It was a nice sampling. I had the fish in a buttery mango sauce which was to die for. I savored every bite. The service was decent, and prices fair. I highly recommend for a special night out.
(5)
Sam G.
Amazing food, amazing mixology, attentive (but not too attentive) waitstaff, and a beautiful restaurant. If you want to try some updated versions of classic regional mexican cuisine, then Tequila's is for you. Go on the weekends, when they always have 2 or 3 interesting guacamoles which are made fresh to order.
(5)
Anthony V.
"Phenominal Meal". I went to Tequila on a suggestion by a friend during restaurant week. Everyone in my party loved their appetizers and entrees. My favorite appetizer was the ceviche. My favorite entree was a Grouper filet with a mango salsa. The meals were substantial and we all left the restaurant stuffed. Drinks are expensive and totaled half of our bill but the margaritas were made with fresh ingredients...delicious. The only disappointment was dessert. All the desserts ordered were unimpressive and they don't serve espresso or cappucino, but who really cares about dessert. I will take a fabulous meal over a good dessert any day. I will definitley return to Los Catrines Tequilas.
(5)
Cynthia K.
FINALLY! Oh thank goodness for this place... a Mexican restaurant that knows what they are doing. From Azul Tequila to the mouth-watering and generous dishes, I can't say enough about the quality of food here and authenticity of flavor. This is what I've been craving since leaving San Diego. Forget the others, this is THE Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia.
(5)
Dina B.
Went again today for Restaurant Week lunch. Still outstanding!
(5)
kathy t.
Highly entertaining service- trayfuls of drinks are balanced on fingertips and the bartenders make a mean mojito (no capirinhas, people). Portion size is above average- I tend to be full after appetizers, and would still have leftovers without apps. Guacamole ($14) is fresh and fabulous, and the mildly spicy tortilla soup is comforting on a cold night. Steak done rare will be RARE. Yum. Potentially boisterous ambience inside with some really interesting architecture and woodwork, relatively quiet outside seating although passersby like myself will eye your food and judge your table (drinks, plate cleaning, fashion) as we walk by. Usually no reservations on weekends, be prepared to wait. Bathrooms/indoor seating are not handicapped accessible.
(4)
Yen T.
probably the best mexican in town. It's authentic. i use to go there when it was at the smaller venue. The food I remember was fantastic much better than El Vez. By the way, Jewel came to town and reported to the media that Mexican food was her favorite and the best was at Tequila's in philly.
(4)
Pug P.
Excellent food, interesting and fun place. Worth the price.
(4)
Josh G.
The food is good . . . not great, but not far off. It's the decor and the service that makes it a great place to go.
(4)
Scott H.
Okay, so I went back to this place since I had dinner with a friend and she wanted to try it. We had no problems getting in (see earlier post), though she had a sleeveless dress on. So, take note: no sleeves female is okay, and no sleeves male is not okay. Anyway, enough whining. In terms of decor, it's like being in the Addams Family living room, if they lived in Spain or perhaps Mexico. I mean this as a compliment. Only bad thing was the lighting. Then we ordered drinks. 20 minutes later the drinks came. I got sangria - good sangria. Me like. Then 20 more minutes later (actual time, no hyperbole here to make a point), I finally flagged down our waiter (who kept strolling by creepily smiling at us) to order food. I didn't get it - he kept walking by, not busy, but just wouldn't stop until I asked him to stop. Odd. Then he just stopped and stared at us. So we started talking. Seriously, that's how it went. Anyway, I had the duck with mole sauce, and it was pretty darn good. So bottom line, decent food, good sangria, uptight and irrational dress code (see earlier), creepy lighting and creepy waiter.
(2)
garbanzo b.
tequila's was a place we encountered randomly while roaming the streets of philadelphia.. coming from socal, we're pretty harsh critics of mexican food and drinks..but this place was fantastic.. its a bit pricey, and the wait can be long...but our stomach was happy to rise to the occasion... better than el vez which is also in the city.
(4)
Anthony B.
Great food and drinks. Best Mexican in the city.
(4)
Amanda E.
I was in town for work and decided to try one of the many Mexican places I'd heard about. I can't speak to any of the others, but Tequilas is legit. Since I was alone I sat at the bar, but the whole place seems very cozy, though it is quite large. The rose petal infused siembre azul margarita I had was truly original and inspired. The staff was amazing, offering up suggestions and friendly conversation. I loved the thick house made tortilla chips, and the salsa was fresh and spicy, 2 things I require at any good mexican restaurant. I ordered the carne asada and the meat was perfect. The plate came with a small sampling of other menu items including a tamal, a taquito, black beans, rice and a super generous serving of the guacamole. The beans and tamal were both a little dry, which is why I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. Otherwise, my meal was really an excellent representation of very good and authentic mexican food. If you skip this plate, be sure to try the guac another way because its really the best I've had on the east coast. My only other complaint was the price. Its pretty expensive for Mexican food (I'm used to California's abundance of cheap, awesome mexican restaurants.) Overall, a huge thumbs up and high marks all around.
(4)
Reena H.
Came here once w/ a group of friends and would not come again for the food. Minus the bar area- enjoyed the atmosphere, bartenders are friendly, great drinks, pretty good chips/salsa, but now the Food----I did not care for this at all. The guac just did not taste right. I had the enchiladas and well I was highly disappointed. The rest of people I came with also did not enjoy the food. It's overpriced for the quality you get. Don't recommend coming here if you want Mexican food.
(2)
Jessica C.
Very impressed! I just went here for restaurant week and every bite was AMAZING! I did not get the restaurant week menu but my brother did and it was a great deal. We both had nothing to complain about. The atmosphere is fantastic- very unique yet elegant as it must have been an old brownstone. The wait staff were excellent and of course the food was great. Tortilla chips were served (for free!) and were very authentic and homemade along with delicious variety of salsas. I did not realize what I had ordered and would not order it again only because it is huge for one person and I am not much of a chicken/meat person. I felt that the chicken within the sauce was a bit fatty at times (my only complaint). That would be easily solved by ordering something else. However, the beans and rice on the side were even delicious. The guacamole was fresh- everything tasted very fresh and authentic. I am always apprehensive about "fancy Mexican" food but Los Catrines Tequilas proved that it can be done with success! I highly recommend it and only wish I had not waited so long to try it. It is also very reasonably priced for the quality of food.
(5)
Pamela S.
The restaurant was nice, but no blended margaritas! Are you kidding?! We are from SF Bay Area and took my daughter there for a graduation (University of Penn) celebration on May 15th. Had reservations and still had to wait 35 minutes! What's up with that! The sangria was good, but I was expecting GOOD Mexican food. The food was just okay. Menu was limited. Maybe they need to come out to the Bay and have some real Mexican food. There's plenty on Mission in SF. Will pass on next trip to Philly.
(2)
Nora S.
Tequila's is a beautiful place, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I wanted to give three stars because one of my friends really did like her meal, and overall I had a really lovely evening - but when it comes down to my experience with the food, it really scored a 2 star rating by me. My tortilla soup had a strange taste, and the grouper I had was way too sweet as it was drenched in mango sauce. Their chocolate cake was super dry and their flan was oddly soggy. Our server, on the other hand, was great. I loved that he kept calling me and my friends "Senoritas" (until he broke, once, at the end, and called us "Ladies," ah well) though at first I thought it was a little too cheesy. He was very attentive, but sometimes in a way that made us feel too rushed. We were given very little time between courses, even though there were plenty of empty tables. Why the rush, fellas? And still with the speed of our meal, our plates seemed cold which was a huge disappointment. Worst of all, I feel tremendously full from a meal I neither finished nor thoroughly enjoyed. While I'm unlikely to return here for food, the ambiance was so lovely that I'd give the place another try for the fancy looking drinks I didn't get to try on this visit.
(2)
Lisa D.
Ambiance, good. Food good, but little plates.
(3)
Josh K.
I moved to NorCal recently in search of better Mexican Food (well a Job) yet I have basically failed in my search of Mexican Food. David Suro's experiment in Center City Philadelphia is the pinnacle of Mexican food in the East Coast, and perhaps the US. There is no match in Boston, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, or elsewhere. Molcajetes (Authentic Fajitas) from Tequila's is quite amazing, and Margaritas from David Suro's own Siembra Azul is better than any Margarita I have ever had. And yes, the location is very beautiful(an amazing old city residence in Philly), even more beautiful than the location I remember 12 years ago which was quite nice. If I were living in Philly this would be my favorite local restaurant. Also strongly consider the Queso Fundido and Ensalada Cesar. I haven't found a restaurant in Northern CA that has matched the quality of Tequila's. Regarding Tequila, Suro's Siembra Azul is incredible. Yes there's a long wait, and some waiters are not always as attentive as others, and the guacamole is not as delicious as other places I've been to , (although they did offer guacamole tableside as a special which was delicious). Langostinos are also incredible. I wasn't as big of a fan of some of the fish dishes, but I always liked Filete Grito, Molcajetes (beef or chicken are incredibly filling), Caesar Salad ( the original Baja recipe), the Margaritas ( delivered on three fingers or on the waiter's head), Queso Fundido, the chips and fresh salsa, etc. The only complaint I might have is that the chips and salsa are delivered only after ordering the meal (which makes sense but still keeps me hungry) and there are no exceptions to this except a visit to the well-stocked bar. In short, I'd take Tequila's over any Mexican restaurant I've been to in CA.
(5)
Lori F.
I ate here with my husband during Restaurant Week, before seeing Wicked. We liked what we could see of the atmosphere, but it was so dim I had trouble reading the menu! The server was polite without being obsequious, and our margaritas were delicious! He had a standard one while I tried the pomegranate one... I'm dreaming of that drink! We both would've ordered more drinks had the server offered them, but the back waiter kept water glasses full, so we survived. The food was so delicious, it makes me want to swear right here on Yelp! The sopes for an app were AMAZING!!! He got a filet/ langostino combination, in which the steak was tender and incredibly flavorful. I got the roasted and shredded pork with soft tortillas, accompanied by sauteed plantains. This was one of the best dinners we can recall! To my shame, I couldn't bear to leave the table without finishing my churros for dessert, served with chocolate, caramel, and strawberry sauces to dip in. The dough was tender and fresh and hot, and as full as I was, I forged ahead until I just about burst! We'll be back the next time we can stash the kids with a relative and revel in the authentic and delicious offerings here! And we'll be more forceful about drink re-orders!
(4)
Jacquelin K.
Tequila's is certainly pricey, and the bar area was very crowded on the night that I went. But I was only there for a couple minutes; we were there to eat. I was very satisfied with my birthday dinner there. Fairly generous portions and really delicious food. I'd come back if I had a good amount of cash to blow on someone's special occassion. We sat in the rear dining room, which was beautifully decorated, but on the way back we passed some seating areas on the sides of the middle that looked more interesting.
(4)
Sharon G.
Great margarita, but the food is just ok.
(3)
Caroline H.
great upscale mexican food. not your average tacos and nachoes fare. margaritas are great!
(5)
Katrina C.
hands down, my favorite mexican restaurant EVER. this is not your average mexamerican fare. it is an experience. as you can imagine from the name, their selection of tequilas is daunting, and their margaritas are delicious. the food is incredible, authentic, and plentiful. but i think my favorite part is the waitstaff. something about watching your margaritas come towards you balanced on your waiters head just adds to the evening. only drawback is that they don't accept reservations - at least they didn't when i was living in philly. but every time i'm back in philly we try to get there.
(5)
dc h.
This is a high end Mexican place. Very good quality food. Definitely not a cheap taco joint. Not your usual Mexican place. The peppers and carrots that they have on the tables is awesome, we actually make it at the house because we love it so much. Nice staff too.
(4)
Priya N.
First, a caveat. The best part of the meal was my company (beloved brother-in-law, hereafter referred to as BIL, of Canadian decent). But, despite the fabulous company, the food was very good, the ambiance very pretty, and the service quite friendly. We went for restaurant week and ordered the prix-fix. I got the tortilla soup for appetizer (great presentation - they bring you a bowl with little tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cheese, then the wait staff pours hot tortilla broth over top). A little thin, but that's because I ordered it without chicken. For main, I got a fabulous mango-ginger tilapia with perfectly complemented zucchini and summer squash. Yummm. By far, the two best parts of the meal were (1) the chips and salsa they bring you when they seat you, and (2) the dessert - chocolate cake with flan on top (brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!). The cake was moist but solid, the flan perfectly soft. I just wish it came right out of the fridge instead of room temperature. Sangria was ok, nothing to scream about. My BIL ordered a margarita, which also seemed so-so. However, his surf 'n turf seemed to fit the bill (largest prawn I have ever seen, and I'm a scuba diver!), as did his quesadilla appetizer (very authentic). If it's restaurant week again, I'll probably go. But the normal prices seem a bit out of my league. Yay for center city restaurant week!
(4)
Jen M.
Delicious Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. We started our meal with a blanca sangria which was refreshing on a humid night, but a bit uneventful and a margarita which was delicious. We ordered the chipotle guacamole which was quite spicy. Wish we would have tried the guacamole with melon. Next time. For entrees we had the Carne Aguate which was delicious . Loved the creamy avocado and cilantro sauce. And the Mole Poblano- the sauce was especially tasty. I would definitely return to Los Tequilas.
(4)
Shelby D.
Came here with a group of 20 and although the food was good and the atmosphere was cool, I felt it was very over priced. I mean, $25 for enchiladas? Come on. We had a great time and our waiter kept up with our group but I don't know that I would return. Also, I had 3 margaritas while I was there and everyone tasted differently. The last one was way too sour and normally I wouldn't complain but for a $10 drink, I did and they made it sweeter.
(3)
Dan C.
Great lunch at a great price. Not crowded and fast service.
(4)
Alison D.
Food was good and the waitstaff was very friendly, had a great time!!
(4)
Aaron L.
My buddy and I visited tequilas the other night for a good ol' fashioned bro-date while respective lady friends had girls night. We walked in the front door, were quickly whisked to the back for a table. As we entered the back room, a ~5 year old kid stood up and promptly puked on the floor. As hilarious/awkward as this was, it let us spend some time at the bar with probably the sexiest bartender that has ever lived (she greeted us with "hi boyyyyys." I think we gave her a $10 tip, but I'm not sure). Had a pretty tasty tequila old fashioned, and went to our now pukeless table. Once it was food time, we had a few different items. Cesar salad done the old fashioned way with a nice fishy brine-y dressing. If you love Newmans Own or whatever generic bottle Caesar dressing you probably won't like this, but I loved it. Guac with crab and pineapple, served with homemade tortilla chips, phenomenal. Ceviche was... ceviche. Unremarkable, but fresh and tasty. I had the fish of the day w/ tequila sauce (ocean perch in my case). HUGE piece of fish with tasty buttery vegetables and a weird little rice pyramid pile thing. It was well cooked, but definitely on the salty side. My pal got the lava bowl (who could resist the lava bowl!?!?) or Molcajete de Pollo. Really well seasoned, good spice and a ton of food. After dinner we wanted a bit of a pick-me-up annnd no espresso! Seriously?!?! Got the coffee instead, which was rocket fuel. Pros: Great decor - really elegant old world wood everything Food overall was tasty. You won't find authentic Mexican many places. Servers were great, very attentive but not annoying. Cesar salad. That bartender. Oh man, that bartender. Cons: No espresso Food was on the salty side Would definitely go back - nice place that's appropriately priced.
(4)
Davis K.
My sister (Brit K.) and I took my Dad to Tequilas as a birthday dinner. I have to say that I really enjoyed the authenticity of the dishes, the interesting/entertaining staff that did amazing "culinary-acrobatics", and the beautiful interior of the place itself. They need to get a better sign, as I went out to get my wallet and when I walked back I went right by it and walked for about a 1/4 of a block! Their low key advertising and my Columbus-like navigational skills aside, there were a few low points to the meal. First, the dining area we were sat in was very loud and squished right against the bar. I didn't realize it until later, but there was a giant and beautiful(ly quiet) back room that would have been perfect for a family of four out for dinner. Some might enjoy a more lively ambiance, but it's not really my thing when I'm just eating dinner. I don't really drink too much, so I can't comment on the tequila selection. On the other hand, the guys sitting across from us seemed to be enjoying their bottle(s!) too much. The whole meal they stared at the female members of our party until my Dad and I switched seats with them and stared back at them until they quit. I didn't like that frat-boy vibe... but I don't know if it's common there or we just got unlucky. Overall, I would say to check Tequilas out! Make sure you ask to sit in the back if you want a quieter dinner and allow the knowledgeable (they seem like they really care about what they are doing and want you to enjoy yourself) though sometimes hard to understand waiters to help you select something. Best bet: Carne Asada a la Tampiquena. "Our chef selects a thin slice from lean steak. This in turn is seasoned and grilled. Includes a tamal, guacamole, rice, refried beans and chicken tquito." - From their site.
(4)
Michael M.
I've eaten here twice now, once at a table outside and once inside at the bar. Friendly staff, a great menu, and an excellent selection of liquors are all factors, but the great food brings me back time and again. My favorites? The spicy oysters. The creamy oyster offset against that deep red chipotle pepper sauce is incredible, and has my mouth watering at the thought of it. A spicy blend of ground chipotle, olive oil, and lime, its simple ingredients add a surprising amount of flavor. I get the sauce on the side in case I want extra on my salsa ;) The civeche is also top notch, perfectly 'cooked' in its lime base, with the great addition of avocado and some diced tomato (reminds me of Tortilla Press' 'Dressed' civeche), hearty chucks of fresh fish and quarter sized whole shrimp make it some of the best around. My friends had the sopas and said they were top notch, and I'll be back to review (and enjoy!) more of the menu again soon!
(4)
mohit n.
We got two tequila based cocktails. They were both too sugary. My wife couldn't finish hers because of the sweetness, I had to add a shot of lime juice to mine to make it palatable. Very disappointing. Maybe the endless list of cocktails should have been warned us off. Most places just list their best or unique or most popular cocktails. They should change their name to sugary or something.
(1)
Hannah G.
I was completely surprised by my experience at Tequilas. I thought it was a small place, but the inside is expansive. I came in around 7pm on a Tuesday with two girlfriends and we were seated right away. I had heard about their margaritas, but wasn't expecting such excellent food. I was initially taken aback by the high-ish prices, but the quality of ingredients was well worth it. I was excited that they started us off with housemade chips, pico de gallo, another salsa with more of a smokey flavor, and hot peppers. The roses margarita was perfect -- a nice balance of sweet and tart. I had the chiles rellenos for my entree. I almost always order chiles rellenos when I see them on a menu, and I think these were the best I've had. There were two chiles -- one was filled with cheese and the other with beef. The service was also great. Very attentive and kind. I will definitely come back.
(5)
B. P.
I'm pretty surprised that this place gets such good reviews. It's okay Mexican food and reasonable service. The prices are quite high for what you get and the food isn't as unique as the descriptions in the menu suggest. The ambiance isn't particularly special - it's quite dark in there.
(3)
Andrea A.
My now-husband and I have been coming to Tequila's for a few years now, since we were just dating, and it has never failed to please. We love the dim, homey atmosphere, which is brightened entirely by the staffs' personalities. Moving on to the food and drinks, you will find that the menu appears to be smaller than it was in the past, when in reality, it's all of the same items, just condensed on less paper. Our most recent venture included one of the specials, a crab and pineapple guacamole. If this is ever on special again, GET IT. Giant lumps of crab meat paired with chunks of pineapple in a delicious and creamy guacamole... mmm, I'm hungry all over again. From there we went with a few of our favorites: The enchiladas playa for hubby, which are seafood enchiladas, and the Sabana Invierno de Pollo for me, which is a grilled chicken breast with a layer of refried beans smeared over top with melted chihuahua cheese as the finishing layer. All the while we sipped on old favorite cocktails: Roses Margarita for me, which is a rose infused margarita with rose petals floating inside (it's yum, trust me), and the Short Rib for the man (jalapeno-infused tequila!). If you really want good Mexican food and well-crafted tequila drinks, please, I beg you, try Tequila's. I've also been here for happy hours in the past, and again, they do not disappoint. You can guarantee that we will be going back to our old stomping grounds to get dinner here again.. and again.. and again...!
(5)
Elaine H.
I was walking around Rittenhouse Square with a friend visiting from Maryland looking for inspiration on where to eat. After looking at a variety of menus, we decided that Tequila's was the most interesting. Neither of us are huge fans of Mexican food, so the fact that we decided on Tequila's was significant in itself. It was relatively early on a Saturday for dinner, so even though we didn't have reservations, we were promptly seated. Service was great. I liked the ambience. Lively but not too loud. And the meal I had was the best one I've had in months! Drinks are large and strong. How cool that they make their own tequila! My friend and I decided to share everything, since the portions were substantial. We ordered guacamole with crab and mango. Might sound strange, but it was wonderful. Arugula salad, with a great dressing. Not at all soggy. And red snapper served over a well seasoned rice. We were too full for dessert. Maybe next time. There will definitely be a next time! This is an outstanding value. Very fresh and authentic.
(5)
Michele R.
I give 3 stars and not 4 (or 2) because I didn't eat here. Having walked by this ornate building several times on the way to Rittenhouse, we finally decided to stop in. The hand-carved wood catches your eye & holds it...until you sit at the bar & hone in on the massive metal shelving unit they drilled into this historic wood with no regard to its value or how this poor choice clashes with the opulence of the room. Failures in details like this astound me....just like the flat screen they plopped in front of the grand mirror above the bar. Oh well, so much for restoration & integrity! This is a tequila bar, so we ordered or drinks. I asked for the first cocktail on the list...something with muddled corn & habanero. The bartender promptly talked me or of it, presumably because they didn't have that tequila or he didn't feel like muddling corn. He assured me his suggestion was better. I don't know if he was right but i know that drink was DAMN good. Sweet, cut with spicy jalapeno. I could die with that drink in my hands. My husband, similarly, requested a sipping anejo tequila....they were out. He brought a comparable pour. It was phenomenal. Like candied apple in a tequila shot. We didn't eat, but eyed other diners' plates. The Ceviche looked ginormous. I plan to return for it. Overall, like many authentic Mexican joints...refinement isn't always their bag, even if they're shooting hard for it. But quality is. If you want a good tequila, and don't have your heart set on something specific (because they're probably out) go here. If you want service & ambiance, go to Distrito.
(3)
David F.
I''ve been meaning to eat here for ages and finally did after a recital at Curtis. The food was pretty good. Not amazing, but good. The service was really excellent. It's a shame that we had to sit next to two frat boy douchebags that dropped f-bombs every other word. I've deducted a couple of stars because my leftovers, although presented to me in a handy bag with handles, was put in a styrofoam container. I find that rather irresponsible in this day and age. I'm sure this place doesn't get a high volume of to-go orders and sending leftovers home with people probably doesn't happen so often that they can't be environmentally responsible enough to use compostable or recyclable containers. Also, having the basketball game on in that beautiful front room was kind of a turn off. They should show old Mexican movies. That would be cute and not trashy like a sports game. (They should also hire a designer to work on that back room a little bit.)
(3)
Joe S.
Awesome. Food was excellent. Very authentic and tasy with good size poritons. BYOT mixer was awesome. Wait staff was great. GO HERE!
(5)
Michael W.
Good food, but a bit pricey.. Lots of interesting tequila drinks
(4)
Isabella L.
I had been to tequila's a few times a couple of years ago, and while I remember liking the place very much, I'm not sure why it took me so long to come back. I met up a friend for cocktails and a light dinner. We sat at one of the tables in the bar area, which I actually like more than the formal dining area. It's a little more lively, but not loud at all for a bar area. It's also fun to see the servers walk by with drinks of their heads...really entertaining. our waiter was so friendly. actually everyone was very cheery and cool. I got a mango mojito that tasted so fresh and delic. I had to throw back a couple. I had the trio of sopes, which were also so good and just the right amount of food for a 'light' dinner (aka more drink than food). guacamole is chunky and fresh too. good job tequilas - I'm no longer going to make fun of sophisticated Mexican restaurants.
(5)
Dana F.
Wow. I can sum up my experience at Tequlia's with that one word. I was visiting Philly this weekend with a group of teachers in town for a conference and we found ourselves in the ever trendy and beautiful Rittenhouse area. We ran across Tequilas and were drawn in by the friendly waiters and the streetside dining. We decided to eat outside, but the inside of this restaurant is gorgeous. There are these really cool "Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead)" murals in the entrance. The lighting is low and the decor is fabulous. Our waiter, Jeremy, was super friendly and efficient. We asked him what his favorite thing on the menu was and he promptly replied - "Carne Aguacate," which translates to Steak with Avocado. YUM. I ordered it and let me tell you people... one of the BEST meals I've ever had. I am not being dramatic here. It was a thinly-sliced filet mignon drizzled with a avocado sauce and stuffed with mushrooms and other veggies. It was served with rice and some more vegetables. The meat was so tender it nearly melted in my mouth. I was blown away by this place and would not hesitate to visit again. While the price was a little steep for me (my meal was 21.95), it's definitely a place that I'd go for a special occasion!
(5)
Janine L.
Every Restaurant Week I go to the city with my husband to meet up with two of my girlfriends and sample a restaurant that we would never go to if it wasn't Restaurant Week. This time we visited Tequilas. We arrived before 7:00 PM. I was surprised on how elegant the atmosphere was. The bar was quite nice - not over crowded, not too loud, and seemed pretty hip. Unfortunately after 7pm the noise increased and the bar became overcrowded. This was a little irking for us because we were seated at a table close to the bar where two of our party of four was inconvenienced by people creeping into personal space and waiters and other patrons bumping into them as we tried to dine. Overall the experience was good. Food was amazing, as was the bar options - I really liked that fact that my fancy smancy Margarita had rose petals in it.
(3)
Rahul P.
I had a wonderful experience at Los Catrines Tequilas. The restaurant has an intimate feel and some very cool traditional Mexican-indigenous decor which already sets the ambience as more upscale than your average Mexican restaurant. The food: - The queso de mariscos: a fantastic blend of chopped up seafood in a Chihuahua cheese which was just perfectly browned and bubbly. So sinful, yet oh so delicious! - Mole Poblano: I'm a lover of a good mole sauce, and I think this one did justice to the recipe in achieving the depth that the recipe aims for and the bold and rich flavor, but I've had better (They probably could do to cook the meat a little bit less and infuse it with the sauce towards the end) - Carne Aguacate: I was in heaven. A well-done cut of beef stuffed with tender cooked tomato and mushroom covered lightly with an avocado-cilantro cream sauce (Although the avocado overpowered the cilantro). It all blended well together so incredibly well, and I loved the marinated sliced vegetable medley on the side. And on a final note, loved loved loved our waitress. She was very pleasant and patient and gave us a legitimately helpful run-down of the menu items (The way its written is poetic, maybe not so practical) and even a few cultural tidbits on the food. The dishes came out in very good time. Did not get a chance to try the beverages, but was quite happy with the food. I look forward to visiting again and trying a few of the other unique dishes on the menu.
(4)
Food For T.
Their reservation policy sucks...I've been to this restaurant twice for a birthday dinner...we made our reservations for 9 and we didn't get seated til 10 and their food especially the grouper with mango salsa-failed!
(2)
Kaitlin L.
I owe this place an apology. I am sorry that I wrote you off food-wise completely based on you having the word "tequilas" in your title. Shame on me. My punishment? Not experiencing a meal here until just a few weeks ago. I actually want to start with the service. My goodness they are seamless. But not in a stuffy, I-feel-like-I'm-in-a-nice-restaurant sort of way. The staff is also so darn nice you want to hang out there all day. The drinks are really tasty (no surprise there coming from a place with a liquor in the title). I think they might have one of the best margaritas in the city. Also, they have Negra Modelo on tap. Win! Finally, the food. I promise to never again judge a restaurant by its title. The food was fantastic. The salsa that comes with the chips and salsa is so so good. I had a seafood enchilada, and seriously considered licking the plate. (Luckily for my dining companions, I was able to keep it together). This is definitely on my list of go-to places for Mexican in Center City.
(4)
Steve W.
Excellent ambiance, food is very good, not the best Mexican I've had in Phila, May not be worth it for the price, but I enjoyed it.
(3)
Kevin S.
We had a taste for latin food and read the great reviews for this restaurant on yelp so we called to see if we could get in - we called at 7 pm on Saturday night. The woman said if we come over now we could get in before the reservations they had. Since we live down the street we were there in 5 minutes. When we arrived she told us it would be a half hour wait. Apparently things changed in 5 minutes?!? We mentioned the call and she made up some story of how it all of a sudden got packed and a lot of reservations were coming in. She said we can have a drink at the bar - we don't drink so we stood in the front and waited, slightly annoyed with her. This man, who seemed to be her boss, came in and greeted us and talked to her quietly. She then seated quickly; seemed like her authority was quickly taken away. Once we were seated we were treated like kings. It's a lively place with an artsy Mexican decor, cute masks on the wall, beautiful sconces throughout, dimly lit - very attractive space that made it a comfortable place to have a meal in. We had two waiters who obviously know how to take care of their customers. I was introduced to Manuel - he was awesome! I'll always remember how he carried a bear bottle and wine bottle on his head to his tables - the balance he has is truly amazing. He made us feel like we were having a meal in his family's kitchen and it was a pleasure to serve us, what a nice change, hardly ever seen in the restaurant world anymore! The food was spectacular! We had guacamole and queso fondio con chorizo served with the best homemade chips and corn tortillas - very tasty starters! For our meal I had a chicken dish with refried beans and cheese and a green tomato sauce, superb - can't wait to have it again! My companion had the special - shorts ribs in a red sauce, twice baked potato and veggies. We split a tres leches with chocolate dessert that melted in my mouth. GREAT FOOD! This restaurant hit a home run on the staples of Mexican cooking, so glad it's down the street so we can go as often as we want!
(4)
R C.
Granted I haven't been here since 2006, but of maybe ten visits over the years, I don't recall eating anything particularly tasty. Vegetarian options were slim and the sangria wasn't very good. The Nachos Obligatorios were hilarious. I hope that's still on the menu.
(2)
Brit K.
The most delicious authentic Mexican food I've ever had. The service was amazing and my margarita (they have a selection of over 100 Tequilas) was a rose infused and petal muddled heavenly delight. Absolutely one of the best meals I've ever have. I had the mushroom and sauce stuffed steak with delicious avocado aoli, even the habenaro salsa (which you must request) was stellar! The atmosphere was very romantic and the old world mansion was impressive. It was a MUST GO!
(5)
Rocio U.
Installation is nice, fancy, happy and attractive. Drinks are good. Food is good and plentiful. Waiters are friendly and helpful. We were a large party and ordered an array of dishes, all were excellent. Portions are large, you might like to consider sharing. I definitely recommend it.
(5)
Beca M.
As delicious as it looks. The decor is spectacular: candles that are individually lit and places in hanging votives, Dia de los Muertos skeleton family on the walls, hand made water glasses... and I could keep going with the detail that transported me to Mexico. But this is really about the food, so I'll get to it. We began the meal with some traditional margaritas (5/5 stars) yumm... they're tasty and classy. And washed those down with some chips and guacamole (6/5 stars)- the guacamole was buttery and had generous chunks of avocado, it melted in your mouth and sent you to hass heaven... I ordered the Molcajete de pollo (5/5 stars) and shared with my mom since the plate is -huge- (we couldn't finish it between both of us). It comes in a large lava pot with some tortillas on the side, so it's like a genuine fajita (you can get it with chicken or beef). The service was extremely attentive and as usual, it never hurts to speak Spanish ;) it always makes it a lot more home-y for me to be able to speak and joke with the servers in my family's mother tongue. You'll have a great time, I'm sure you will- it's an ideal location for large parties or an intimate dinner.
(5)
Brian J.
Came here on a Sunday when it was nice and quiet. Service was great and the food was really good. Everything from the spicy peppers and carrots they leave on your table to the flan and churros for dessert were perfect. Premium margarita was delicious. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Lisa P.
Everything except for the entrees was amazing. The drinks were delicious and creative. The staff was friendly and warm. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I thought, this place is authentic. Instead of the usual Mexican kitsch that looks like Mexico threw up (Distrito, El Vez, El Rey) the dining room was elegant and understated. It looked like any nice restaurant in Guadalajara, not a "Mexican" restaurant in the US. The staff was jovial. When the staff can tease you for being second-generation immigrant and not a first, I feel like a place is legitimately authentic. However, when our food arrived, it was just ok. Both dishes (Molcajete de Pollo and carne asada with avocado salsa) were bland and unremarkable and lacked any heat. The waiter explained that most of their patrons couldn't handle real Mexican spiciness. I still want to go back to try other dishes but I will be disappointed if all dishes are subdued for a gringo palette.
(4)
David T.
My wife and I went to Tequila's last Saturday in our search for the best Mexican restaurant in Philly. I think we may have found it. The dinner did not start off on a promising note - we had reservations for 8 and did not get seated until about 8:35. This slight was quickly remedied however, when without any prodding on our part, the maître d' offered us a round of drinks on the house. It might not seem like much but what can I say, we are not hard to please. And speaking of those drinks, I had the best margarita I've ever tasted. Foodwise, we started with the Taquitos de pollo and both had the Enchiladas playa for our main course. While we waited for our food, we were treated to some fantastic chips & guacamole made with mangoes and crab meat. All in all, the meal was top notch from start to finish.
(5)
David C.
On a current business trip I ate at Tequilas twice. The food is good.... as good as it gets... maybe for Philly, but I do not live here so I can not make that judgment. However, the food is good... the best I've ever had... no. The staff is very friendly and helpful.... the food fresh and tasty. The chips and salsa served were very good... that kicks the meal off on a good note. The warm corn tortillas served with the meal, were very good as well. On my last trip I had carne asade. It was just ok. The steak was done medium well when I asked for medium rare. I would pass on the carne asada. The beans were very tasty. On my first trip I had a wonderful soup.. it was a mushroom soup... soup of the day. The group I was with ordered a ton of appetizers.... the ceviche was amazing! Do order it if you like ceviche. I like this place and will go back next time I am in Philly.
(4)
Cecily R.
gave us a table for center city sips, which was really nice! not sure how i feel about the mango margarita--but i think it is made with real mango juice, which i don't like. guac was greaaat--big hunks of avocado and chips were definitely made in house! need to go back for a real meal!
(4)
Joe D.
I've been to Tequila's four or five times and each time it's been just as good as the last. The guacamole is outstanding, the chips are good, and they have a very interesting cocktail list. I've eaten the surf and turf a few times and the carne asada as well ----- both dishes are served with a nice portion of rice, beans, and guacamole. It's a little on the pricier side but you get what you pay for at this restaurant.
(5)
Paige R.
I demand to know where else you can go to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos every night of the week (re: decor). The food here is out of this world good, the service is excellent, and I've had conversations with others who say they make the trek to Philly just for the experience.
(5)
Sushil N.
One of my favorite places in Philly for authentic food from regions all over Mexico! Reminds me of a restaurant in the Yucatan I went to a few years back. Vegetarians, check the menu before you go, there are only 2 veggie entrees, so large groups of veggies, beware!
(5)
Bruce R.
The good parts. Amazing margaritas! Appetizers and guacamole were excellent. Main course (carne asada) was also tasty. The bad - service!! I was with a group of four and our young attractive server almost seemed like it was her first day. I asked to order a cocktail... said she be back in a minute to take that order. I asked her for guacamole for the table... she said she be happy to take that order when we ordered our main courses. What? I was looking right at her. The timing all night was terrible. The food - delicious. One of us was a vegetarian, and even though our server said she was also, she had very few suggestions. The setting is also very nice and has an old world feel to it. Bottom line. For expensive Mexican food, I think you'll enjoy the setting and love the food. Hope you have a better server.
(4)
Payal P.
easily the best mexican restaurant i have been to in a while! i sampled a bunch of little things and everything was so good! to drink i ordered one of the specials but they were out of some part of it so the waiter (who was the nicest, funniest man, ever, and forced us a to use our horrible spanish speaking skills) suggested a pomegranate margarita, yum! we got guacamole with some type red sauce and cheese in it which was delish and the avocados were so fresh creamy in my mouth! the chips were fresh and warm. the queso fundido was perfectly warm and "cut-able" without a million tiny strings going on forever with fluffy warm tortillas on the side. i split my entree and had the guacamole stuffed mango fish (i forget the proper name), it was crispy fish with the cool, creamy guac with a mango sauce on top served with rice and sweet potato puree...at this point i couldn't eat much though as i ate several of the pickled carrots and jalapenos they provided but the last one defeated me, it was spicier than most habanero's i've had in the past and therefore killed my palate and ability to breathe for the next 20 or so mins. and still it was a great meal, i can't wait to go back!
(5)
Barbara W.
I do not know why you would want to eat Mexican anywhere else in Philly! I fell in love with this place almost 10 years ago. The decor is amazing! The dark wood bar and the Day of the Dead murals stand out. The service has been excellent - whether you are sitting at the bar or a table. I must admit I usually order the Enchiladas Con Mole Poblano. It's no longer on the dinner menu, but if you request it, they will serve it. The food is outstanding!!!
(5)
Michael K.
The first thing one notices at Tequila's is servers walking around with trays of margaritas on top of their heads. It's truely amazing the balance they have. As for the food, the grouper filet is prepared superbly. The chicken mole would be the must get dish here, if it weren't for the chicken. The mole has an excellent flavor, the chicken is dry and lacking any flavor of its own. Shredded pork is also a winner. Stick with the original margaritas, as the flavored once tend to be VERY sweet.
(4)
H G.
the decor is excellent, nice atmosphere, pleasant and friendly wait staff. too expensive for ground chuck and liquid smoke-drenched steak. expensive, mediocre, small margaritas, and the "cactus salt" tastes like salty dirt. useless, incoherent descriptions of the food on the menu; I swear one description says something about "lynching" the beef.. all in all, not authentic Mexican, which would be fine if it were any good.
(2)
Kristy L.
Delicious rose petal margaritas. Great service and ambiance.
(5)
Bob R.
Though veteran patrons of this establishment, my wife and I brought some out-of-town friends here for restaurant week. What a great time! Probably one of our best restaurant week experiences to date. Between the four of us we sampled everything that Chef Claudio was serving and it was all remarkable. I highly recommend the ceviche for an appetizer, the langostine and fillet combo for your entree, and the tres leche for dessert. Also, be sure to order the LARGE pitcher of margaritas. Once again we tip our hats to this great place.
(5)
Penelope P.
First let me start by saying that I have eaten here about 30 times. The food is absolutely delicious and the chips and salsa that they give you while you wait for your order to arrive are to die for. Up until recently, I have been a very loyal, frequent customer. If it weren't for the food, this place would deserve 0 stars. However, in the past year or so I have noticed a severe decline in customer service. The first time I really noticed was my birthday. We had a party of about 7 and we ordered a lot of expensive food and drinks. It wasn't even that late in the evening but our waiter started rushing us, hovering around the table, and clearing away plates and half-empty glasses of margarita before we were even finished. It was a really annoying experience to have on my birthday. Just yesterday I made the mistake of choosing to make a reservation here for my boyfriend's birthday. It was a party of 9 and we requested to be seated in a particular room that is quieter than the rest of the restaurant. They said that they would make a note of that in our reservation. When we arrived for our dinner, they said that they would not be able to seat us in that room because there was no note of our request. IT THEN TOOK THEM 45 MINUTES TO SEAT US. They finally ended up seating us in the room we'd requested since I made a fuss to the manager about what a crappy experience we were having. One last small thing...The waitstaff was definitely aware that it was my boyfriend's birthday as it was mentioned several times. They typically give a special complimentary tequila shot to someone celebrating their birthday there and I saw this being done for someone else while we were eating, however they skipped that for us. In conclusion, don't even think about about taking a large party here since they clearly don't like it. In general you may want to consider a different restaurant if good service is important to you.
(3)
Sarah K.
The food is absolutely amazing, the wait-staff is always fun and interactive, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxing. The margaritas are definitely worth trying :)
(4)
Angel R.
4th time dining here and they've always been very good but this time hit a bit of a snag with our meals. We ordered the molcajete and it was a bit to liquid this time. Normally the stew's thickness is just right but I guess the chef was off that night. We will revisit but it's sad to see that even this place has its standards slip. For the prices paid the food should be spot on every time.
(3)
Read T.
The thing about this restaurant is that the food is great. We (2 of us) shared a poblano/cheese guac, empanadas, and both had the seafood specials. I had the langostinos, which were out of this world! That being said, we were in and out of there IN AN HOUR!! While the waiter was really nice and kept an eye on the table, the kitchen is just eerily fast with appetizers and entrees, making the whole dinner feel rushed! It was so disappointing to look at our watches when we were finished and realize that the whole meal had only been one hour long. Definitely don't think we'll be back because of the service. Unless we need a quick meal in an hour, this place isn't worth it. Sorry!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Erin W.
I didn't believe 5 star Mexican food could exist. To me, who had gorged herself on Taco Bell throughout college, it was a myth. Like the Bermuda triangle, or unicorns. There is really nothing more amazing than witnessing a pitcher of freshly made margaritas delivered to a table by way of the (authentically) Mexican server balancing them on a tray on the top of his head. Yes, the food was divine and flavorful, and the ambiance and decor were top-notch, but come on, finding incredible ways to bring incredibly made margaritas to your table without using your hands? A+ Boyfriend and I dined here for a fancy date night, and the experience from start to finish was amazing. We had a quick wait at the (gorgeous) bar while our table was being readied, and later split a bottle of wine with our meal. We each got the stuffed grouper, which was delicious. It had green peppers in it, and I hate green peppers usually, but I couldn't find fault at all with the dish. The dessert was great, too, even though boyfriend left me stranded and I had to eat the whole plate of caramel soaked crepes by myself. Woe is me! Seriously, if you are looking to shock your taste buds out of the Qdoba rut you're in, or you're just looking for a nice night out on the town with your sweetheart, go to Tequilas.
(5)Debbie G.
Been on the search for a fab mexican restaurant in the area for a while now. Have been to a few places that have come close, but this place def tops my list right now! Every dish was beautifully presented, very flavorful, and kept me wanting more with each bite. I second the previous reviewer's favorite dish - the 'Ostiones Cancun' - the raw oysters atopped with chipotle, tequila, lime, avocado - a refreshing start to the meal I had. The homemade guac and tortillas accompanied by 3 different spicy salsas were great for getting the palate ready for a latin spicy meal. I had the Enchaldas Playa which were stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp and creamy sauces of poblano and chipotle flavors. My fiance had the Mole Poblano which we found out is a classic latin dish with a mix of spicy and sweet. Highly recommend both with their best house pitcher of sangria. The decor was sexy/cozy with dim lighting, Spanish art, and inspired silver- and tableware of gold and blue colors. The one negatory note I have - when we first walked in to meet the hostess. It was wonderful to have no wait whatsoever for a table, but seating us right by the entrance on a cold winter night is just rude and stupid! Luckily, a thoughtful waiter came by and suggested that we move to a table deeper in the restaurant which ended up being a wonderful spot for us to comfortably enjoy our meal. This place is definitely a repeat restaurant - can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Cliff L.
Great atmosphere and service. Great Guac!
(4)Kristina C.
I've been to Philadelphia twice, and I've been to Tequilas twice. This is such a great place. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun. More upscale decore, but not pretentious. I've always gone with a party of 4 so we can try different foods, and I haven't had anything I didn't like. Nice portions. And they're guacomole is amazing. I can't believe how many mexican places can mess up guacomole, but Tequilas does it right! Their margaritas are in a class of there own... the best margarita I've ever had! You can actually taste the agave. And it you are thirsty :) or go with a gruop, be sure to get their tower. It serves 8 drinks at about half the price of order single margaritas. Very good deal. If you have the chance, make sure you eat here!
(4)Sean K.
upscale mexican food. very helpful with different types of tequila. hot lava chicken is great
(4)Wil R.
The atmostphere of this place is great for a date. For an upscale mexican place it definitely foots the bill. Been twice, and LOVE the ceviche every time - the beef dishes are definitely a strong suit, as I would expect. Had a fish special two nights ago and it was OK, will definitely go back a third time and when I do, I'll stick to something beef related. Staff is always greta when I go, very attentive and good at helping navigate the rather detailed menu.
(4)Christian B.
Some places have great food, a good atmosphere, and great service, well two out of three isn't the worst, but it's not enough for this suburbanite to head down into the city. Atmosphere - Tequila's hits this on the nose.You walk in to a mural painting of traditional Mexican culture, and a dimly lit greeting area.Through the blue velvet curtain you'll step into a traditional bar area with tables. Not a bar fan? There are two separate seating areas for you and your guests to dine in. Dimly lit back dining room provides a contemporary meets traditional Mexican flair. This is not your run of the mill decor, Tequila's gets it right. Waitstaff - It seemed that we had revolving waiters most of the night, not sure if this is the serving style or just they had multiple tables? Our first waiter took our drinks, followed by a second who brought us the specials and took our order, finally a third brought the food we ordered and took desserts. All were professionally dressed with clean black button downs and were understanding of all the specials. Food - To start, we ordered a pitcher of margaritas and chips. If you're going just for drinks, this would be a great spot. Chips are homemade and come with a delicious salsa and dip, as well as fresh peppers. Margaritas are made with Tequila homemade from Mexico. Both were fabulous. Then the bad parts set in. Our table ordered off of the restaurant week menu for apps, entrees, and desserts. We each ordered Ceviche, Tortilla Soup, and Empanadas. Ceviche was 'a bit chewy' according to one of my diners. The one who asked for Tortilla Soup was promised it was not spicy, but it was. I went with the empandas, which for me, was the best part of the three courses. Pescado al Mango sounded fresh, but came out breaded with little taste. I went with the enchiladas playa, and while the mix of seafood (lobster, shrimp, and crab) was good, the peppers added for filling really took away from the taste. The surf and turf was a favorite of my other diner, but he shared his plate after the bad taste from the first dish. Chocolate Flan cake was ok, and tres leches cake was also ok. Nothing special on the dessert side, felt more like a 'throw in'. Intangibles - Parking in this area can be difficult, but if you don't mind public transportation, you can get off at 15th and Locust and you're a half block away. Restaurant started out quiet, but was extremely loud by the time we left, many group parties of six or more were there (I'm guessing for RW as well). As of writing this, next day food has not agreed with one of my diners, so let that be a lesson to those who are hyper sensitive to Mexican cuisine. Overall - I wanted to like this place more, but the entree and dessert misses were a bit much. If you're going for some nice drinks at the bar, or for a quick bite, it could be a good little find. I can't really recommend dinner based off of what I had, but I'd be willing to give it another try? If you don't mind a higher level price point on your food, Tequila's may be worth a shot if you're in the mood for authentic style drinks and light apps.
(3)Perla B.
Coming from a Mexican this should tell you everything - Tequila's has the best Mexican food outside of Mexico. Actually no, I think Tequila's can be on the top Mexican Restaurants in my list, including Mexican restaurants IN Mexico. It is the real deal, none of the "tex-mex" food, this is REAL Mexican food! I haven't been there in a long time, this was my favorite place when I lived in PA and have not since then found another mexican restaurant that can compare to Tequila's. If you are looking to try the real flavors of Mexico, you have to go to this place!
(5)Dan C.
So rarely have I had the opportunity to sit somewhere quietly crying in my seat because I have consumed a jalepeno so spicy that I can't even ask for water. And it's embarrassing having to do so. I settled for another napkin so I could blow my nose and wipe my tears. I was pleasantly surprised by the kick I received from the food here. Outside of the spicy element, the carnitas that I got was also delicious. Nicely seasoned rice with flavor, tender beef and delicious guacamole/chicken/beans, this was a perfect way to get my fill without feeling overly full Service here is fun. I too saw the guy serving drinks off of a tray balanced on his head, but really enjoyed the talkative bartender more. Big props to the place for having great service and good food that actually tastes authentic, if a little pricey.
(4)Lexi B.
I didn't give five stars because it really pisses me off when they won't seat you without your entire party (especially when the bar is too packed to get within 50' and you have to stand around freezing in the lobby beause 1 person was stuck in traffic on 76...) Oh, and they also really rushed us out of there- like took one of my friends' unfinished drinks (that was 3/4 full!) off the table before she was done with it...granted it was a busy Saturday night, thats really annoying. Either way, this place has great food, drinks and fun atmosphere. They have great (complimentary) chips & salsa to start. We also got the queso fundido, which was super yum. I had some kind of lobster/crab/shrimp enchiladas, which were beyond amazing. Everyone was happy with their food. We had a very charming waiter who didn't seem to mind us asking him to repeat certain things so we could enjoy his accent over and over again...ha!
(4)Natalie B.
My absolute favorite Mexican restaurant in all of Philadelphia, maybe even New York City. Come here for brunch, lunch, or dinner - either way you'll be treated to a Mexican feast complete with some tasty, original margaritas! To boot, they have a superb tequila collection to choose from and it's definitely worth a curious shot to try some of the recommended and rare reposados and anejos. Looking more like a collection of short stories, the menu is a headache to mull over when deciding on what to order - each dish comes with its own colorful story and an ornately detailed explanation of its contents. Tedious, yes, but interesting reads nonetheless. The following are tried and true phenomenal dishes: - Carne Asada a La Tampiquena - Medallion Chipotle - Carne A La Trenza - Queso Fundido - Guacamole
(5)Jen O.
I was excited to go back to Tequila's, having just moved in around the corner from it. I'd been there for dinner once before a couple of years ago and loved it. I couldn't wait to take my boyfriend there. When we arrived we were seated at the front of the restaurant, by the windows (nice) but jammed in by the area where the servers go to replace small plates and the fake flowers on the tables (not nice). We ordered two drinks at $11 each, and they were very good drinks, though not $11 drinks. We shared a Caesar salad, which was bland and otherwise completely unremarkable. The chips and salsa were excellent. For an expensive Mexican restaurant, though, good chips and salsa are the cost of admission. For my entree, I got the seafood enchiladas (Enchiladas Playa) for $24. They tasted fishy, and not in the way that they're supposed to be fishy. And aside from that, they were just bland. My boyfriend got the pork (Cochinita Pibil) for $21, and that was the only bright spot of the meal. The worst part was the service. It was terrible. At 9 on a Wednesday night during a recession, you're not going to find a lot of people paying $24 for enchiladas, and hence the restaurant was relatively slow. I expected our server to at least pay some attention to us. But instead all the servers were gathered around the bar talking and watching TV. We waited 10 minutes for our drinks, and 20 minutes to get the check, which we had to ask for. I may go back for a drink at the bar, but I'll never spend $60 on crappy food there again.
(2)Keith R.
Coming from the West Coast, I was having serious Mexican food withdrawal. A friend introduced me to Tequila's and I have to say it is far and away the most authentic Veracruz style Mexican in Philly. It's right up there with El Vez as the best in my book. They have ample seating in the back for large parties, and good service. I almost felt like I was back in California while drinking the large margaritas, which the waitstaff carry on their heads. We also had some damn good sangria along with our meal of typical Mexican style fare. The seafood was particularly good here compared with other Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia.
(4)Troy H.
Awesome as ever I've been going to this place for over ten years as of recently I moved from the city so I don't get to go as often. The service, drinks and food are still top notch my wife and I have decided to come into the city at least once a month and I am sure we will stop by each time for a drink and apetizers more often.
(5)Suzanne S.
Great drinks however the food is not worth the price-$22 for 5 shrimp and a tablespoon of sweet potatoes-ridiculous.
(3)Todd M.
Decent mexican food on night two for business. Starters were chips which were decent, but had some moments when you got an overcooked one. The Salsa was decent as well, but the Pico was pretty over the top. The pickled Jalapeno were ok, but not very hot. We had guac and ceviche. The Guac was decent but definitely could use some more garlic and jalapeno, maybe i just wanted more spice. There was a good portion of it for 8 dollars, but kinda paled to my experience with the guac at Cantina Laredo in Nashville last week. The ceviche was pretty terrible, probably reflecting on the vicinity of Philly to the ocean, although, once again, Cantina Laredo's ceviche last week was excellent. And I'm fairly certain Nashville is nowhere near the ocean. We all had the Carne Asade, which used a tenderloin instead of a hanger or skirt steak. While plated excellently with 5 (!) different side items, it lacked a lot of the traditional flavor of Carne Asade. The Mojito Verde was unique, with a very nice flavor from the cucumber water. We had a new waiter who also said he had a hearing issue. It was an experience.
(3)Andrew W.
Hadn't been here for awhile. Has gone downhill a bit. Tortilla soup was good. Steak needed salt. Impossible cake was awesome, though. Rationing the quac and there were a lot of other apologies happening around the dining room. Credit card reader was broken. Food, B- but experience, C/C-
(2)Jessica S.
Perks: Waiters carry drinks on their heads or float the glasses on three extended fingers. The bar atmosphere is cool - high space with vamp decoration. Pitfalls: The wait, the food, the price. Last Spring my bf and I waited 70 minutes for a table for 2 after being told it would be a 30 minute wait. We were starving by the time we sat - ordered a forgettable appetizer, and two main courses. My Chiles Rellenos had an oddly bitter flavor and was served in puddle of grease. My boyfriend's Carne Asada a la Tampiquena was dry and over salted. Our meal + cocktails came to over $100! We left poor and disappointed. Maybe I'd go back for drinks at the bar - the tequila selection is impressive - but I'd never sit for food here again.
(2)Zachary D.
The price to quality ratio here is tilted a bit too far towards price for me. I like Mexican food and I like nice restaurants. I wanted to enjoy this place, but they did not hit my expectations. The steak was fine. There was nothing wrong with it, but it certainly was not noteworthy. The guacamole that came with the steak was cold and tasted like it had been in the fridge for a while. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if I found it came from Trader Joe's. The only really good part of the meal were the chips and salsa. Some of the best in Philly. But, the decor is nice and we had a really good time, even of the food was not the best we have ever had.
(3)Shreekant P.
Had heard a lot about 'Tequilas'. It certainly lived up to its reputation. Each and every thing we ordered were tasteful and quite generous. One must try the Brazilian cane rum Cachaca. It has a distinctive flavor unlike the West Indian or (East) Indian cane rums. I prefered it straight vs. in their speciality cocktail with Cachaca. Some of their drinks were spectacular and the way they are served was quite a display in itself. Memorables were the Ostiones Cancun (oysters), flautas for starters, mole was outstanding as was the Carne a la Trenza (actually looks like a braid). The signature dish, Salsa Tequila (we took the Grouper) was as described. Finally, not enough can be said of the Churros. Simply outstanding. Crisp on the outside, soft and not too sweet on the inside. Viva Tequila! Will certainly be back.
(5)Kiran S.
We waited a while for our table, but it was well worth it. Tequilas might be my favorite Mexican and favorite restaurant in Philly in one. It is a beautifully designed space, the service is fantastic, and the quality of food is outstanding (as is the portion size).
(5)Leah N.
My husband and I had dinner here last night for the third time. I probably would give this place 4 stars if I had indulged in cocktails but I was the designated driver. Their drinks are very delicious, I can attest to that from my previous visits. They have a rose margarita that is especially good, complete with actual rose petals, something a Greek goddess would consume, if she was in the mood for Mexican food. My major gripe with this place is their bathrooms - the black toilets really bother me. I know this is stupid, but it creeps me out not being able to see what my rear end may or may not be coming in contact with.
(3)William J.
A very good "upscale" Mexican restaurant. I recommend one dish only as servings are big.
(4)Zachary S.
Very good Mexican food. Let's take it from the top: Complimentary starters: Chips - good. Salsa verde - good. Pico de gallo - great. I could eat this with a spoon. Apps: Trio of tacos (pork, shrimp, fish) - okay. None blew me away. Guacamole - good, but not great. Needed more salt and more jalapeno. However, the avocado was extremely fresh. Main: Enchiladas rojas (chicken) - great. Very flavorful, what you want when you order enchiladas Mole pablano - great. The mole sauce is the best I've had in awhile. Large, boneless chunks of white meat chicken. Somewhat lacking in garnish (only a sliver of onion). No frills, just good mole. Rice and beans (with both meals) - good. I'll be back!
(4)Thayna M.
Worst service ever! My friends and I went there, they said you could enjoy Sips while you are at the bar area but coudn't get a table to sit down and eat at the same time.So we decided that two of us were going to get a table for 4 and we will order food while the other two enjoyed the Sips at the bar. We cound't do that either because apparently you have to have everybody on the table at the same time in order to have a table and order food. If you expect more friends they said they can't add another table to your table. So we left without ordering, they need to learn customer service.
(1)Lydia H.
Wow, what an amazing experience we had at Tequila's last night! We met up with another couple for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. We arrived a bit early and had a drink at the bar. Being that it was 6:30 on a Friday, I suppose there were a lot of happy hour folks there after work and the bar was packed. I had a glass of wine, the hubs had a premium margarita. $20 for two cocktails, but they were delicious. When we tried to be seated while waiting for our fourth member of the party to arrive, the hostess refused to seat us without all members there. A bit frustrating, but they were packed so I can understand why. We were finally seated at a lovely table in a quiet room off to the side of the bar. Our sever was incredible! He brought our tray of drinks over to us ON HIS HEAD. And served them, FROM HIS HEAD. We have never seen anything like that before. We started with apps: the tortilla soup was amazing, and the ceviche was fresh and delicious. For the main course, I had the stuffed peppers, and my hubs had the enchiladas. The other couple had a skirt steak special, and a seafood dish served out of a stone mortar bowl. We tried the flan and crepes for dessert. Everything is delicious there, you truly can't go wrong. While very pricey, we had a lovely evening and would love to come back again.
(5)Holly B.
Stuck in Philly for a night alone on business, with no rental car and a hungry belly. After much searching I decided to walk to Los Catrienes Tequilas ( or just Tequilas on Open Table) as they had a reservation open. I am so glad I did! To start, their namesake and I haven't been companions since an incident in the early 90's so I was unable to partake in their wide variety of tequila and their tequila enhanced dishes, but that didn't stop me. They did have a good wine selection and I settled in quickly with my Argentinian malbec and their menu. Let me start by saying, they seated me well. As someone who hates to eat alone and feels self-conscious about it, I really appreciated that they walked me past the bar area, past the more crowded areas...all the way to the back of the restaurant to a small table next to a window with no one seated near by - great touch. I had a cheesy appetizer with chorizo on top that was perfect not to light, not to heavy. Their chips and salsa for the table were great, homemade chips with a wonderful pico de gallo as well as a great medium salsa and a pepper plate. I then had the Carne Enchiladas....lets start with the plating. Ever go to a mexican type restaurant and get angry when the rice and beans take over your plate? Well I do...and I didn't have to worry about that here. A small helping of fabulous black beans (a bit more than 1/4 cup) were in one corner of the plate while a nicely packed section of rice (about 1/2 a cup) hung out in the other. Front and center were 3 carne asada enchiliadas with a wonderful red sauce gently poured over the top. Perfect, I could pull the rice in to soak up the sauce when I wanted to...just perfect. Save room for dessert...I hesitated as few people really make good churros but hold on here...they got it right. The churros weren't huge, they were a good size, they came still warm, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It gets better. They didn't serve them with super sweet dipping sauces, they served it with a caramel sauce (not too sweet), a strawberry jam, and a chocolate sauce more bitter than sweet. Loved it...now if only it hadn't taken me 30 minutes to get my check..ah well. The 10 minute walk back to my hotel past lots of other restaurants was just enough to remind me I need to get to Philly more often.
(5)Nathan F.
Wow, what a great place. Just got back from lunch there with a friend, and I believe I have found my new favorite Mexican eatery in the Philadelphia area. Cheaper than El Vez, and definitely more authentic, Tequilas (it seems to be better known by that name) serves up some great Mexican dishes with an amazing staff that aim to please. My dining partner and I started out with their Nachos Obligatorios. They came out with big chunks of steak, lots of cheese and refried beans, and topped with sliced tomatoes. Could have been a little spicier, that's my only complaint. We also decided to try some of their famed margaritas. I decided to stick with the standard to base my judgements on. It was quite good, served in a tall glass that made you feel like you were getting plenty of drink. My dining partner got one of the rose margaritas. I, of course, could not pass up trying it. Definitely a new taste. Something I wouldn't want to drink a lot of, but it was certainly a new flavor and one that went very well with lunch. I had the Molcajetes de Carne as my main course. Wow, what a heap of food! The beef was served in a large lava rock bowl, covered with a bit of cheese, diced cilantro, onions and peppers. It was accompanied by rice, beans and guacamole, along with a bowl of corn (!) tortillas. The tortillas were tasty, and I always love it when I get corn instead of flour. The meat was very succulent. A bit tough, but nothing too bad. Again, could have been a little spicier in my opinion, but I imagine things have been toned down for the Northeastern palate. The beans were standard fare, as was the rice. The guacamole was downright delicious, though. Seemed fresh, plenty of lime juice too. My partner ordered the Enchiladas con Mole Poblano. She definitely seemed to enjoy it, so I had to try a bite. This was possibly some of the best mole I've had. Not too chocolaty-sweet, which I often complain about with mole, its sweetness perfectly balanced out the bitter and the spice of the chicken. Our two drinks, one appetizer, and two entrees came out to $57 after tax, plus tip. So, Pluses: - Authentic! - Excellent staff - Very generous portions Minuses: - Lacking in spiciness - Meat is a little tough - Dinner menu is significantly pricier than the lunch side In short, it's still the best authentic and classy Mexican in Philadelphia. I'll definitely be back soon.
(4)Sylvia M.
Last time I was here was for dinner on my Graduation day... this time around was restaurant week. 3 dishes for $35... it's def. worth it here. options for appetizer were: ceviche, zopes and tortilla soup. i got the ceviche, pretty good and my bf had the zopes, i think the zopes were better. entree: steak and shrimp with rice, beans and guacamole; chicken with a mango sauce (i think) and the other was some shredded pork dish with plantains, rice and beans. we didnt try the chicken but the other 2 dishes were pretty good. dessert: crepes with cajeta, flan and a cake that was half flan and half vanilla cake. i dont know if we were just too full from the meal but neither one of us finished our dessert. a random note: we were there for 2.5 hours... it didnt feel like we were there for that long. the service wasnt slow, it just happened. where else can u go, spend 2.5 hours and not feel like you have been there forever. this place is always worth it! oh yea, i also had a rose margarita with petals IN the drink, so pretty and very very tasty!
(5)Ian S.
Really a nice meal. Great bartenders and a nice happy hour that passed the time while we waited for our dinner comrades. Everyone was super friendly and awesome with recommendations. It looks tiny from the outside, but inside it is a massive place. Great cucumber mojito, good margaritas served in an original and fun manner. Food was plentiful and flavorful, chips and salsa were good, although it was pricey. It was a very good meal, though, and we would totally go back.
(4)Rachel B.
My bf and I discovered this spot strolling around. he's a big tequila fan, so he was all about the name..Delicious. We started withe the fresh guacomole. The best I've had this far from the border. Only complaint was the homemade chips were a bit over cooked. I had the Enchiladas Playas. YUM! Everything about the meal was delicious. My BF had the Carne a la Trenza. The steak was cooked perfectly and the sauce was very good. The wine selection is very good, and my bf's margarita was strong and delicious. As for the service, it was great. Our water glasses were always full and they were very prompt about taking our orders and getting our check. next time I'm in Philly I will definitely be coming back to this place!!!
(4)Tyler H.
Perfection. Decided to come here for New Year's Eve, and let me tell you everything was just amazing. From the seafood soup to the langoustino special. It could not have been better. Reasonably priced for NYE with a brisk crowd and great service. Drinks were top notch. I will be back.
(5)Elyse P.
Went here for Restaurant Week with the boyfriend. We had reservations, but did wait 10 minutes for a table anyways.The service was impeccable, if a tad upscale, for what we were expecting. Ambiance was beautiful. A single candle on the table was the only light, so it was very dim. We actually had to hold our menu's near the candle to read them. (like camping, but you pay a lot of money to eat here!) As always, he ordered better than me with ceviche and the jumbo shrimp/steak surf and turf. he thought everything he ordered was excellent. Unfortunately, I can't remember what I ordered, except that it was "good." I think the fact that I don't remember what I ate says something. We would come back and recommend it to anyone, even just to see the amazing decor inside.
(4)Moira I.
A lovely friend and I came here for dinner this past Saturday. We were seated outside by a gracious host staff. Things seemed promising. Then we meet our server, and though neither of us could recall meeting him at any other part in our lives, he had developed an active hatred of us somehow. Every second he was forced to be at our table appeared to be agony for him, I was really concerned for his well being. He rolled his eyes at our drink menu request and "yeah yeah"ed my dates question about her drink. We wanted to order three or four starters and then entrees once we had a better feel for the menu. Nope, everything at once and if we only wanted the starters, we couldn't sit at a table. "we know how to course it" Hmmm, OK, so we ordered 60+ worth of food (though you would have thought we just got chips and salsa based on our server's reaction) and he huffed away. After our guacamole came out (it was delicious) the next dish to our table was an entree, no starters in sight. Was this what our server meant by coursing? It was whisked away again and eventually our missing starters appeared. Our server never came over to check on us, I had to flag him down for water, and the only thing he said to us about our entree was "don't worry this isn't the same one" meaning to Kitchen refired the dish I suppose. At that point I was afraid to ask for clarification about anything. When we got close to the end of the meal, a super friendly server came over to clear and asked if we wanted things boxed to take home. He obliged and even joked with us a bit. I would have much preferred he had been our server all earning. As for our assigned server? He dropped the check, ran the card and left us with barely a parting nod. I swear it was as if our table was made of radioactive nightmares. The food was pretty good, not really worthy of the prices charged and especially not if I'm being openly hated the person serving me.
(2)Kathryn S.
We have been coming to this place to years, even when they were down the street, closer to Broad on Locust. The food is always very good and you must hand it to them for the great space. The updated paintings of Mexican skull art add a great deal. Very authentic place we will continue to visit into the future.
(3)Kathryn M.
Happy Hour Only Review: Recently, Tequilas has become the go-to happy hour spot for my office. I haven't visited Tequila's apart from the happy hour and so can't attest to the main menu. However, the dishes I have tried have all been quite good and the drinks are even better. Top that off with a happy hour that begins earlier than almost any other in the city and you've got a great spot (the website says 2pm but I hear 3pm is really when it starts)! The bartenders have also been particularly helpful and sweet in my past visits. One visit with a pregnant colleague even elicited a few special concoctions sans alcohol. If you are looking for an interesting drink that isn't on the menu this may be the way to go. The resulting mint watermelon drink was a huge hit all around. If you decide to stick with the menu, the mango margarita, the standard margarita and the sangria are all fantastic. As for the food, the tortilla soup was good although a little bland. The guacamole is really good but at times a bit heavy on the lime. The taquitos were flat out great and the sauce with it was banging. Also, the standard chips and salsa came with a green and red salsa option and were really wonderful and free-flowing. I will of course be back for after-work functions but I will also be keeping Tequila's on my list of simply great places for happy hour. I suggest you do the same!
(4)David B.
Okay.....took a risk with Mexican food and found a winner. Alas, once again, I wail lamentations for the lack of good Mexican food in my New England home! Decor is nice; the place has a good neighborhood vibe. Bar is well stocked and they make a pretty decent margarita. Stated with the nopalitos salad strips of cooked Prickly Pear cactus pads). Tasty and interesting, but on the bland side. Alas, its been too long since my dining experience and forget the entree. It was tasty and, as I recall, vaguely Mexican. It must have made a huge impression since I can't remember the damn dish! So, Tequilas is good if you are in the 'hood for a concert or show on Avenue of the Arts. Better Mexican food can be found at El Vez, on 13th Street.
(3)Dan B.
I wanted to try Tequilas for a while now and since I was in the city this past Saturday and my friend was in the mood for mexican we decided to go. When we walked in, it was nothing I was expecting. (I was expecting small dining area with tacky mexican novelties.) High end restarurant. Huge bar. Huge dining area. Dimmed lighting. The area they sat us in allowed for people watching, which was a huge plus! The waitress was very knowledgeable with offering a sipping tequila for me. My friend had an original margarita. She said it was good. After we placed our food order, we were offered chips, salsa, pickled peppers and carrots... that were marinated in tequila. Very good. We had to grab the pickled peppers from the waiter since he tried to remove it from our table. We wanted to eat them with our meal. My friend had Molcajetes, which was very good and plentyful. I don't remember what I ate other than steak. But the highlight of my dinner was the fried plantains. It's not on the menu so ask for a side plate. Overall, a very good place. I'll be going back again to sample more of their tequilas, since the owner makes his own.
(5)Natalie T.
Love it here. good food and interesting drinks
(4)Theresa A.
My coworkers took me to Tequila's to celebrate my college graduation and it couldn't have been a more appropriate venue for the occasion! There were 6 of us altogether and the accommodations and service were top notch. The guacamole is to die for. The black bean soup was so creamy and delicious I would go back there just to order it again. Everyone had variations of margaritas which were all fabulous--especially the blood orange and the raspberry ones. YUM! For my main course I had the Filete Grito, which true to the items description brought me great joy! No two people got the same dish and all were raving in the end. Although it was a bit pricey, this is definitely a restaurant I would dine at again, especially for a special occasion!
(5)Melissa E.
I've been to Tequilas twice. The first time was almost 2 years ago, for my one-year anniversary with my then-boyfriend. It was absolutely fabulous. The waitstaff is amazing, they make great suggestions, and are more than willing to explain anything on the menu to you (which was necessary because my Spanish was a little rusty). My waiter recommended a "special" tequila drink. I can not tell you what else was in it because I have no idea, but it tasted like it was made of heaven. They also had a guacamole bar that night, and I think we got guacamole with pineapple and crab meat. Guacamole is one of my top 7 favorite foods, so if I'm saying it was awesome, it was AWESOME. For dinner I got some steak thingy and he got a mango fish dish, both fabulous. My second visit was just as great, and it was with a larger group of friends. We ended up closing the restaurant but they didn't rush us out or hover over us like some places do when it's getting late. I don't recall the food the second time but everyone loved it.
(5)Susie T.
After getting over the fact that our 9:30 reservation was not honored immediately, I felt more inclined to like the place after a few margaritas! The food was very good and the place is incredibly cheap. A similar caliber meal in NYC would've run about double the cost!
(4)DM D.
One of my girlfriends and I love to come here together. I like anything mexican and close to my building so it's perfect. Most recently we had dinner on a Friday night which I made a reservation at the start of the week, but we've been here before and just sat straight away no reservation. One thing I just love about this place is the decor I think it's beautiful and would make a great date night spot. The front room is very interesting...like skeletons and they are smiling but then the first room is very elegant and cushy. I've been here in flip flops with a nice top and jeans as well as dressed up, either way is fine. It gets very very loud in this building! But on weekend nights what else can you expect? They also have outdoor seating which is great for people watching. As far as food, as mentioned they have great complimentary chips and salsa very good. In the past I have had the empanadas and several times the queso fundido. My friends only problem with the menu is the limited vegetarian options, so she has only had the queso fundido without chorizo. I love meat but I prefer it without chorizo too. The empanadas I remember were alright, I'm extremely picky about empanadas though, they just are not empanadas I would say go to northern liberties for because they are that great. I'm not very good with money the bill seemed cheap to me but I usually only order like an appetizer as a meal (the queso fundido is big enough for any young lady in fact I couldn't finish my fourth tortilla.). Also I had a drink, and my friend had the same plus chocolate mouse cake (which I tried, very good she enjoyed it also!) our bill was under 50$ So my friend and I noticed our most recent waiter seemed to have a cold attitude when he realized we weren't going to be having a big check. We both work in the service industry with tips being a huge part of pay, so we tend to be over generous when tipping. But just because this one server was being a jerk every other time we've been here the service is great so I just will deduct one star. Normally it's a five star place.
(4)Cici B.
This is classy Mexican food. I know it may seem like a paradox, but you're really in for a treat. From the food to even its decor, Tequilas is a very unique place. Although the skeleton motifs on its walls may be off-putting, I still thought the ambiance was welcoming and romantic. Portions were ridiculous even for the restaurant week menu (Yes, this is a very VERY belated review). The leftovers, in itself, was another complete meal. Service is attentive and their drinks are amazingly innovative. I had the "coming-up roses" cocktail which literally had floating rose petals in the glass. The taste certainly complemented the presentation. I would definitely come back for their mixed drinks alone.
(5)Rebecca Z.
I have been to Tequilas twice and i loved it both times. The atmosphere is great for dinner with friends. I love the decor inside, especially the oversized candles!. I love chips and salsa and the guac is awesome!. All the food tastes fresh but im not a big fan of the refined black beans that they squeeze into a design. It has a strange texture and the exterior is hard to the touch
(5)Vanessa G.
REALLY intense menu: "inviting the chile chipotle to participate as a witness in the lynching of the fabulous filet." "Trenza (braids) are par excellence the most fashionable style for the country woman. Nothing is more beautiful than an imposing and timid country woman, adorned with the complex knots that crown her head." Food is good, ambiance stuffy.
(3)Hilary P.
I was definitely expecting something a little more like Cantina los Cabalitos. Imagine my surprise to see all of the candles, tablecloths and elegant furnishings. After realizing this would not be a cheap dinner, my dining companion and I continued on our quest for a delicious pre-theater meal. The cocktails were good but a little weak for the price. The guacamole was on par with El Vez. I had the Huachinango a la Veracruz and it was....OK. Not worth raving about, but not bad by any means. Our server warned me that it would be served whole with the head still on (exactly what I was expecting) but wasn't too patronizing about it. I probably wouldn't come back here unless it was on the company's dime.
(3)Dan A.
I'm a fan of Mexican food. And Los Catrines Tequilas has some solid options even for vegetarians. And I would say the Chiles Rellenos are the great vegetarian entree option. They also have a great drink list that pairs well with the food. But when I compare Los Catrines Tequilas to other Mexican options in the city, I enjoyed meals on both sides of 13th Street more. I'm also not keen on the dark ambiance.
(3)Lea T.
Ever since a high school Spanish trip to this restaurant (7 years ago) I've been hooked! Los Catrinas Tequilas is a wonderful upscale Mexican restaurant with specialties beyond nachos and fajitas. Ask your server about the many special drinks and food not shown on the menu. The skinny margarita and homemade guacamole (served in a lava bowl) are 2 of my favorites. Empanadas are offered with varied fillings, always including an option for vegetarians. Ceviche also varies daily. Every table is also served with homemade tortilla chips, pico de gallo, a smoky chipotle salsa, and pickled jalapeños and carrots. For your main course I would recommend the enchiladas de playas- filled with shrimp, crabmeat, and lobster, or molejacte de pollo- grilled chicken served in a smoky sauce in a heated lava bowl!! Then flan for dessert of course :)
(4)Scott H.
Come here for the house-special cocktails, or for the delicious, authentic Mexican food - it's a win either way. Tequilas features a great cocktail menu, a deep selection of top-shelf tequilas & mezcals, and a reasonably-priced wine list (most bottles $30 - $60) that tilts toward Spanish & South American selections. The cocktail list starts with Phil Ward / Death & Co.'s Oaxaca Old Fashioned, a modern classic that blends reposado tequila and smoky mezcal. I enjoyed my OOF, and my friends sampled from the many other original house-special cocktails. As the evening progressed, one of our servers mentioned an option not listed on the menu: a sampling flight of 3 tequilas. Each comes as a tasting portion (~0.5 oz), and with his help, I selected three reposados. Tasting them side-by-side illuminated their differences, and helped me to quickly zero in on my favorite (without splurging on three full bottles!). On to the food: We started with the complimentary chips (house-made, very fresh), pico de gallo and chipotle salsa, and supplemented that with the guacamole, which was outstanding!! The guac was perfectly creamy and well-seasoned. We got the version topped with chipotle and almonds, which added even more flavor. Truly some of the best guacamole I've had in a long time. After that I moved on to the shrimp & scallop ceviche, also very good. It was very fresh and delicate, and was a fairly generous portion. For entrees, I enjoyed the molcajete with beef, which was delicious & very filling, while my friend likewise enjoyed his chicken mole poblano. That particular dish can sometimes be almost too rich, but at Tequilas they get the balance just right. Service was very good: very friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about both the food & drink options. As for ambience, we were seated in the back room, which when full is lively and festive. A fun place for a group of friends, but if you're looking for a quieter, romantic evening, you may want to request a table in the front of the house.
(4)Roopa S.
I so wish I could give this place a 4 star purely because I think it is an understated gem (especially within the Penn student community). I do think there were a couple of negatives that I want to highlight though: -Made a reservation for 8:30 PM and told the woman on the phone that we might be a bit earlier. She said that would be totally fine and that we would easily be seated at 8:15 PM. That didn't happen. They made us wait at the restaurant until 8:30 PM and then gave us a seat. -They didn't have pitchers of margaritas on the menu, which I thought was weird. We inquired about it and they were super nice to accommodate that for us though. Just some menu confusion here again. The margaritas were tasty but nothing special. Not too strong. Lots of refills though - definitely a value! -Barely had any vegetarian dishes on the menu. There was a vegetarian and quasi-vegetarian dining with us for dinner and it was harder for them to experience variety with the menu. Luckily they did ask if we had vegetarians at the table and then subsequently mentioned that they could do a grilled vegetable enchilada dish. -That dish was not that tasty. Just a tortilla stuffed with random grilled vegetables and a sour green sauce. Hmm. -They forgot an appetizer that my friend ordered. They didn't offer it to bring it for free but they did seem sorry. -Portion sizes were SMAAAALL. And everything was fairly pricey. It's an upscale experience, but one that doesn't stick out in terms of quality of food. VERY VERY cool vibes and awesome ambiance so that kind of makes me want to give the place a 4 star but the other negatives just kind of outweigh unfortunately.
(3)Mike W.
This place is vastly overrated by a lot of people in Philly and I cant figure out why. My fiance's parents had been told by a friend of theirs that this was an excellent restaurant. I was This was me second visit, and first in a very long time, and I dont know what the hype is for. The food was greatly underseasoned, improperly cooked and just kind of boring. The drinks werent particularly good either. I started with a cocktail bowl, one that was chipped, cracked, and pretty ugly looking. I am all for rustic things, but this didnt look rustic, it just looked old and beat up. The drink itself was ok, but nothing special. I thought it lacked a whole lot of anything. It just kind of existed. It was a concoction of tequila and fruit, not unlike a Mexican sangria. It was a weird container for it to be served in at all, especially for one person. The food started coming out, and while I was excited for it, my mood quickly changed. They brought us out their house salsa and chips to start. The chips were fantastic, but the salsa wasnt quite up to the same level. I think it was more of a chipotle salsa, but I didnt find it as appetizing as traditional tomato salsa. We had ordered guacamole with crab meat that I believe was a special of the evening. The guac itself was good, well prepared and had good flavor, but the crab just overwhelmed the entire thing and gave it an offputting. The wasnt some of the best I have had either. It was still tough, as if the citrus juice hadnt done its just in tenderizing and seasoning the seafood. I have to admit, my main course plate was very attractive to the eye. Unfortunately though the taste wasnt quite up to the same level. The steak didnt have a sear to it at all. It definitely would have benefited from some texture and a bit more seasoning on its exterior. Every single element on the plate was underseasoned. The steak, the taco, the beans, the guacamole and the tamal. The plate definitely needed some texture as well. I was mightily disappointed with everything that evening. I know my preference is for much more traditional Mexican fare, but this just wasnt very good. I would much rather go to one of the million delicious Mexican restaurants that we have in Philly for a much cheaper price tag and get some better grub.
(2)Monique B.
Great happy hour drink specials. I came for a work dinner, but one of my colleagues had his wife and two kids in tow. They made an adjustment for our table easily and although they don't have a kids menu they do make kid-type meals (chicken or plain cheese quesadillas, grilled chicken and veggies, etc.) Service was impeccable and the food was good. I had the The Molcajete De Carne, which was massive, and should probably be shared. I had a great time, and the service was great, but there was nothing in particular that made me want to go back.
(3)Hillary P.
It's been awhile since we have been here. Decided to stop in for a drink and appetizer. Everything was as good as I remember. Professional servers and tasty well mixed drinks.Next time it will be dinner.
(5)James T.
This restaurant is so close to being great, but it falls short in at least two significant ways that turn it into mediocre, which is to say not worth it. The food and drink are without a doubt top notch, but the service and - to a lesser extent - the noise overwhelm what would otherwise be a prime romantic spot. I went with my girlfriend on a Saturday night when it was not particularly busy, with a reservation. They did seat us immediately, but first they put us at a table right next to the main path way. Not loving the idea of having every server and customer walking past our table all night, I asked for a table that was a bit further in. I got a response like "whatever." I would later find out how far back the actual dining room goes and see that there was at least one two-top open that would have been a lovely little spot. Is that on me for not demanding to take a tour of the restaurant to see if there was a better table? I wouldn't think so, but Tequila's definitely gave me the impression that it was. OK, so there are definitely haves and have-nots for the table locations and apparently I didn't have an in, but wherever you sit it is a beautifully built space. Gorgeous windows out into the street, mood appropriate lighting, wood-working that looks like it is out of a cathedral; however it looks like the architect forgot to put in any sort of noise dampening materials because it is loud. Not quite shouty loud, but getting close, and every background sound pierces the ambiance, like when the bartender shakes up a cocktail. The sound of the ice sounds like someone is at your table shaking one of those calculators from ye olde times. (abacus?) We wanted to have a long casual meal, but you're not allowed to do that at Tequila's as we found out. We ordered the guacamole with bacon and a couple of cocktails; when she came back we asked to put in an order of Empanadas, planning to snack lightly and then put our entrees in. All a nice little romantic plan - have drinks, eat, more drinks, more eats, maybe some coffee and dessert. We were told "No. You have to put your order at once. Company policy." Wud du f? Did the restaurant really tell me how I can eat my meal? Remember, there are open tables at the restaurant the entire time. I was tempted to settle up there and leave, but I knew my girlfriend would be disappointed if I threw a fit and truth be told, the food was so good I wanted to try the menu. And it was everything I hoped it would be. The empanadas were amazing, and my gf's chilles rellenos packed a punch of flavors. My steak with cactus leaf was nicely cooked, with great taste and texture - juicy and not too chewy. I did realize later that it was supposed to have Poblano peppers which never materialized. That one-time type of mistake doesn't bother me much, even though the restaurant should probably spend the time to train their cooks to properly make the meals on their menu. But man, we could not lose our tyrant server who hovered over us constantly. I know it's hard for younger servers in particular to understand, but there is a line between staying on top of a table and checking in with them and every few minutes approaching to interrupt and ask whether everything is ok. IT'S FINE. I PROMISE IT'S FINE. Of course I didn't shout, but I wanted to. Just go away so my girlfriend and I can have a delicious romantic meal together. Third-wheel much? We finished our meal and skipped dessert and coffee, opting to make our way over to the park and see what we could find. The check came in at a c-note, which was fine but at that price for mexican, even really tasty mexican, I would expect more from the service. I don't regret going but I won't be back any time soon.
(3)Sari A.
This eye catching New Orleans-style decor, almost fooled me into thinking I'm back in New Orleans, with its Voodoo's themed décor, and its ambiance will loosen up that tie. I first came for their happy hour, then I eagerly returned for further exploration. It's really hard to resist the 2:00pm-6:30pm happy hour on weekdays, even-though the happy hour prices doesn't seem to make everyone happy. Immediately upon arrival, a basket of crispy tortilla chips, made-in-house, and a side of delicious salsa was brought to the table. So yummy, and you won't get enough of it, so stop munching, or you will be full so fast. I ordered the ooey-gooey queso fundido, it was so cheesy; I still remember how it melted in my mouth. Also, the beef tenderloin empanadas, were so tasty. However, the shrimp & fish ceviche flavor, on the other hand, was just decent, not too acidic. The pescado mango is straight- up succulent. Simply, this plate is a celebration of creativity and deliciousness, with a Fancy finish. All what I can say is that TEQ-UILAs is killin' it. Four Yelps.
(4)Ashley T.
Went here for my friend's bday dinner and I want to comment about the service and the food. Service: the hostess at the front was so rude. She was insistant that she could only sit us when our entire party arrived. When 4 out of the 5 were there we asked to be seated and she said "just to clarify... it's only for 4 right?" We ignored her and just took our seats. Rude. When our 5th party did come our waiter was nice enough to squeeze him in on our table and made no rude comments about adding 'another person'. I thank you for that! Food: It's restaurant week so we had to order from that specific menu. Nothing crazy amazing about this place though. The beef empanadas were good, but i actually liked the presentation better. My entrée was the surf n turf (shrimp with filet). It was cooked perfectly and it was a great sized entrée. my chocolate mouse for dessert wasn't that great. My mouse was frozen and was not the right texture. Pretty pricey place and nice for a cute date, but not really worth it to me when there are plenty of other amazing Mexican restaurants in the area i like better.
(3)Amy P.
My best friend chose Tequilas for her birthday celebration this year. My husband and I made reservations for a Saturday evening to have dinner with my friend and her boyfriend. Patrons off the street were told it was about an hour wait and we were seated with reservations in about 10 minutes. The atmosphere is very upscale and romantic. We knew going in that the menu is quite pricey but we didn't mind. We were celebrating, after all! The drink menu can be a little intimidating because of it's nod to mixology. My friend ordered the Roses margarita (with actual rose petals) and she loved it! I wasn't feeling too brave and ordered the regular margarita with a salt rim on the rocks and it was delicious. My husband was feeling extra daring and ordered a cocktail that had the froth of an egg white (for the life of me I cannot remember the name of it) which he enjoyed. We devoured the guacamole with mango and crabmeat appetizer in minutes and I'm surprised I even had time to take a picture. The enchiladas playa (stuffed with crabmeat, shrimp, and lobster topped with cheese and poblano sauce) did not disappoint and I'm glad it didn't with its $24 price tag. I let our waiter know that it was my friend's birthday and within a few short minutes a group of staff came over singing with a piece of cake (and lit candle of course), lifted her head, and poured down a shot. It was a great way to top off our evening!
(4)Magen S.
Dined here for dinner on Good Friday, so the restaurant was not very packed. Very cool interior design with about 3 separate areas for dining. We sat in the back of the restaurant this time, which was dark and romantic. Guacamole bar is cool, can choose from the specials or make your own I assume. Drink list and tequila list is extensive. Many different kinds of margaritas! They are a tad pricey full price at $12 each, no pitcher options. Key is to get there before 6:30 and get a few on happy hour at half price. Ordered the seafood enchiladas for entree which were delicious with a cool presentation. 3 different sauces all depicting the colors of the Mexican flag. I've ordered this dish both times I've dined here. The tres leches dessert is to die for. Must order! It's soaked on baileys and kaluha and is so moist I could eat it no matter how full I am. This is definitely more upscale Mexican much pricier than what youd expect at an authentic joint but it's great quality and very nice restaurant so you pay for what you get!
(4)Luba P.
This is your 'upscale' Mexican restaurant after you had your fill of El Vez outings. It has a great gothic Mexican feel, where it's cool and authentic but not too trendy. Great for large groups. The margaritas are strong, and definitely get the little tap for a group (sucks they only do the original flavor, not the specialty flavors in the tap). All the food was great, would recommend splitting the monster shrimps that look like lobster tails, as well as getting an order of the queso which is basically melted cheese in a dish that you scoop onto tortillas with anything else you want. Also the 'lava' dish is a large rock with hot stuff inside...and it is good! I love the chicken mole there as well. Finally, for dessert we tried almost all of them, and the favorite was definitely the tres leches cake and also the crepe...which unfortunately looks like soup because everything melts on top of it. I would recommend for them to include more than one crepe, or at least pre cut it into shareable pieces. They also have some tables on the street for those nice summer nights!
(4)Jelissa B.
My husband made reservations online it was quick and easy. It was my birthday surprise dinner . When we arrived they walked us right to our table. The waiter came to our table introduced him self and gave us the menu. About one min another gentleman came to asked what type of water we wanted and had water 2mind later. The Waiter was very attentive and up beat. Ordered the rose margarita it was good and my husband had the lime margarita. For appetizer the fresh guacamole with pesto and prosciutto. That was a 5 star, we devoured it . My husband ordered a special cowboy steak it was perfectly cooked and the sauce was perfect. It was accompanied with rice and guacamole. I ordered a pork dish it was okay the sauce was a BBQ like sauce I'm not crazy about BBQ sauce so the dish was okay. My girl friend had caesar salad she said it was amazing. For desert we ordered the impossible yes the impossible its chocolate cake with a top of Flan and tres leche cake. They came with a shot in hand and candles sang me mariachi style mañanitas which is Spanish style Happy Birthday . That's was beautiful . The impossible was possible but would of loved for the chocolate cake to be a bit more moist, the tres leche was decent. Desert was like a 3, appetizer 5, dinner 4, price 3 (some what pricy at $12 per cocktails) Decoration 4 our waiter and staff was 4. Over rated the location a 4.
(4)Bob F.
Food is great. Drinks are great. Service sub par. Ordering a drink at the bar while we waited for our table and remaining guests with the easy part. However, since the bartenders pay more attention to the two parties of young attractive females than actually mixing my drink and my wife's Shirley Temple it took close to 10 minutes before we were actually served. I understand the place is crowded you work for tips but flirting with a group of girls instead of doing your job is poor form. As my wife is coming back from the bathroom later in the evening she wasn't able to sit down as the waitress had completely blocked her chair in order to serve another table. She apologized and said it would be only 1 minute which would normally be fine however my wife is visibly 9 months pregnant. After she finished serving the eight guests at the table another waiter came up and placed his tray down behind her seat after he pushes my pregnant wife to the side. At this point I stood up pulled out her chair and had the ignorant waiter move his tray so that my pregnant wife could sit down. I won't even mention or go into detail about how my wife's dinner was late to the table and incorrect requiring an additional 10 minutes to prepare the correct meal. Not to worry though, they still charged us for the incorrect meal at the higher price without even offering an apology let alone a free dessert. Sadly I don't imagine we'll be back to this establishment anytime soon.
(1)Khanh V.
I came here for happy hour with friends. I like how nice the space looked. It had a classic -artsy vibe . The actual dining space was much smaller, tight and when crowded hard to walk. Service was good and friendly. The food I was wasn't thrill about. I feel like I can get it better elsewhere and cheaper too. I must say that the presentation of the food was beautiful. As for drinks, I was really dissapointed. Overall, not a bad place, but not one I would visit on a regular.
(3)Shaelene L.
What a fun and delicious place to eat! It is pricey, but quality was superb. Authentic Mexican cuisine. And the drinks.....so yum! I had my first sip of sangria and could've gotten teary eyed! It was perf! They make all margaritas with azul tequila and offer educational tequila classes. Portion size was normal, not too much or too little. And service was also top notch. The ambiance is classy but casual. Would definitely recommend.
(5)Shannon W.
THANK YOU for making my gurl's bday incredible! we had an obnoxiously large party to deal with that may or may not have been slightly inebriated and let me tell ya, this place took care of us and then some. they offered a set menu option that included unlimited dranks for our large fiesta. the food was ridic. my friend legit laughed when she took the first bite of her filet mignon because it was that good. she couldn't even handle it yo! gracias y besos!
(5)Margaret S.
The most authentic Mexican food I have found in quite sometime for this region. The Margaritas were so good...in fact a little too good but I didn't worry because I was not the driver for the evening. :-)
(5)Kristina C.
The best of everything, officially my favorite mexican spot! Amazing service, awesome ambiance, the most delicious and fresh food...there's nothing bad. The service was outstanding, they were so fast during lunch and so nice and friendly. I asked about things that were gluten free and they were so accommodating and let me know everything that I could have and if others could be changed so that I could eat it. While we were there they had a birthday and the servers actually looked happy to be there and you could tell they really loved what they are doing, we had great conversations with multiple servers...so great! The food...wow.....I got the Molcajete De Pollo which is a chicken in tomato sauce served in this awesome Lavarock Bowl and it comes out all hot and bubbling. It's served with corn tortillas and the perfect small portion of guac, rice, beans. Delicious and totally recommend this dish and it also comes in beef. Everything is so fresh and authentic and they don't load your plate with the rice and beans, they load it with the stuff you really want. The chips and salsa was amazing, 2 types of salsa, one fresh like pico and then one that is more smokey, both absolutely amazing - we had to get a refill it was so good. The ambiance of this place is outstanding, we walked into this gorgeous room in a brownstone with massive rooms, all of the amazing details of the house preserved, white table cloths (during lunch is so classy) with beautiful place settings. I wanted to walk in every room and just look at the decor. They also have a happy hour Mon-Fri from 2:30-6:30p with half priced apps and drinks and $4 margaritas. Can't wait to go back here and try more dishes!
(5)Javier M.
I've been to a lot of Mexican Restaurants in my life (yes, I am mexican - surprise) and Tequila's is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. To start with, the chipotle, almond guacamole is hands down the best guacamole I have ever tasted (sorry, mom). It was perfect size and perfect taste. I tried looking for it on the menu but I didn't see it so I hope they didn't do away with it - if you are there ask about it! You won't regret it. For the main course, I had the molcajete de carne which was delicious and a BIG portion. I didnt share it but it might be good to share. If you plan on having your traditional mexican beers at this place forget it. They don't sell XX or any other mexican beers that you have tried in the past. They sell what they call "an authentic" mexican beer which is good. My date had a margarita that she thought was good. The restaurant has a pretty good feel to it - dim with traditional mexican decorations. I didn't really like our table as we were off to the side and it was kind of small. We were in the walkway so it was a bit uncomfortable. The waiter was knowledgeable, funny and attentive. He even taught my date a few spanish phrases which was cool. Overall great experience at tequila's a def must go if you are looking for mexican food in Philly.
(4)Mala L.
I'd like to preface this review by mentioning that the meal I had at this authentic Mexican restaurant is in the top 5 most delicious and memorable meals I've ever had. EVER. I've been here 3 times with the boyfriend and each time I ordered the "Molcajete de Pollo" - oh my, one of the best dishes I've ever had. It's chicken in a delicious sauce in a huge lava bowl. It also came with guacamole, beans, rice, etc. For appetizers, we've ordered the guacamole with chips and the queso fundido and they were both amazing. We also got a pitcher of sangria to share, which was excellent as well. (It was a bit large for 2 people but we finished it regardless) We've never ordered dessert so I can't comment on that. Overall, the menu is a little smaller compared to other restaurants, but they really specialized in everything on it, so no complaints there. The entire experience at this restaurant was exceptional - attentive and knowledgeable wait staff (this was important because the names of the dishes are in Spanish), and the ambiance was perfect - dim lighting, Mexican decor - great for a romantic evening or a night out with family and/or friends. I live in New York, but I'll surely be back the next time I'm in Philly.
(5)Aria S.
I've come here for drinks/happy hour and had a good experience both times. -Happy hour specials aren't fantastic or anything. The drinks were $6-9. $6 for a really strong/well made marg or sangria at least! But I'd say the norm in the area is $5 for cocktails. Katie P. got a rose marg and we legit saw him grab a fresh rose and put the petals in the drink. -I ordered 3 tacos for $10. I got 3 mushroom ones (only veg option) and they were super good--unique flavors, fresh, and flavorful. They could have made them spicier though! Speaking of veg options, there aren't many at all in the full menu, so I probably wouldn't come here for a meal. -I was surprised that when you order food, it comes with basket of fresh chips and two kinds of salsa! Free stuff like this during happy hour isn't common, so maybe that balances out with the slightly above price cocktails. -Service was attentive. All the servers/owners/whatever were really friendly. -Happy hour starts at 2pm! So if you want to/can start early, this would be the place to start.
(4)James O.
I don't love Mexican food but this was a very nice place for date night. The staff was personable and welcoming, mainly our waiter ... he couldn't understand my drink order though. I guess I'll stick with the Jack & Coke. Our food was outstanding. Biggest shrimp I ever had and most delicious. Certainly recommend this place.
(4)Noops K.
Food was okay. Drinks were great. I went for restaurant week and the place was packed!
(3)Mauricio C.
Good: The house is nice, and looks like old time Mexico. Beautiful architecture. Bad: a) moody hostess , we had a reservation for two and were only seated 45 min later but other people (3 people groups) without reservation were given priority b) waiters took forever to see us. we waited 15 minutes to get our check c) tequila was awesome. guacamole was awesome. The rest of the food was not even good. d) expensive , very expensive for the food you get. If you want real flavor, and a experience flavors go elsewere. I was so excited aboutt this place .. now I would not go back.
(1)Michael N.
Tequilas is a bit hit or miss. The decor is interesting for an upscale Mexican spot to say the least, and you will either like it or hate it. I didn't enjoy getting seated in the weirdly lit bar area with people bumping into our chairs from time to time. The chandelier has to go. As for the service, I found it a bit odd that the waiter wouldn't take an appetizer order and insisted that he takes the meal and appetizers orders together. That's the first time I've ever heard such a thing. As for the food, it was decent overall... but pricey. My friend had the grouper and the wife had the cochinita pibil and those were the highlight dishes in my mind. The bacon guac was excellent too. I ordered bacon wrapped shrimp with rice for my meal. The shrimp just came out way too salty for my liking. As for the drinks, they were pretty strong and tasty. I would say this is an area where they shine. I'd probably stick with El Vez if I happen to be in that area, but this isn't a bad alternative.
(3)Claudia W.
My boyfriend and I had a theory that "high-end" Mexican food would never be worth the premium you'd pay for it. I've had delicious Mexican food at some of the most renowned places in the country (NYC, San Diego, Arizona...), and generally the cheaper it was the better it tasted. I'm happy to report that Tequilas in Philly has bucked the trend. Their cocktails are incredible, served with flair and a smile, and will get you crunk faster than you can say "Ole!" The food is exquisite. Guac is delicious, the queso fundido is actually cheese (not some sort of cheese-like dip) with chorizo and jalapenos, and the entrees are AMAZING. The seafood enchiladas are delightful. They had a special fish on the menu that my friend ordered that was even better--I think it was trout (don't quote me on that), breaded, and lightly fried and layered with guacamole. It was served with a sweet potato mash that was delicious--reminiscent of, but not quite exactly like, whipped sweet potatoes that my mom makes. They have a very long tequila list too, so if you're a connoisseur, you'll probably find something you like. Seriously, if you have $30 to spare ($50 if you want a few cocktails) make the trip. It's worth it.
(5)P H.
We went to Tequilas based on ratings from Yelp and we were not disappointed. The food was wonderful and the service was great. The Roses Margarita and Mojito Verde were delicious. The entrees were unusual and very flavorful. Portion sizes were perfect. We could not have asked for better food! Jeremy, our waiter, provided us with excellent service. If I were to ever return to Philadelphia, I would definitely come back!
(5)Chihee K.
Sangrias were yummy - not too sweet with lots of fruit. Yum. I ordered the enchilada playa (seafood with crabs, lobster, shrimp) which was delicious, but on the expensive side ($23 for two enchiladas). The dish was really rich with cream and cheese thus was really good. Ordered the queso fundido appetizer - a MUST try. Great service - very friendly and funny staff.
(4)Adam L.
So a friend and I decided to go here for lunch during restaurant week the other day. I have lived in the neighborhood and always wanted to go here but just never got around to it, and wow, am I glad I did. The food was great for the most part. My only real complaint was that the red sauce on the enchiladas was a bit on the salty side. The server was excellent as well. I would definitely recommend this place!
(4)Karen V.
We had the best time. The service was excellent, the food was delicious. The chips and salsas are fresh and tasty. I had the bacon wrapped shrimp with rice and veggies. my boyfriend had the flat iron steak with aguacate sauce. I also had the rose margarita and my boyfriend had the "shut up and drink" signature drinks. Fresh rose petals--fresh everything! Well done Catrines!
(5)Rick F.
Don't use open table here, they take reservations but don't honor them. Showed up after making an online rez, was told it would take at least an hour to seat us. No apologies. No offer to buy a round of drinks, or apps, or whatever else it is you do when you're in the service industry and screw up. Yeah, we didn't stick around.
(1)Courtney J.
This review is mostly based on the drinks. I went here for happy hour with a few friends. A friend whom I went with recommended this place because of her previous positive experience here. Tequila is one of my favorite spirits so I was all about it. Upon entering the main dining area I was in awe of the building. This place must have been a bank or something. I don't know, but the wood trim, high ceiling, and chandelier make it an elegant dining space. It's a lovely setting to have a drink in. The place was dead at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, but the staff was friendly and welcomed us as we all took a seat at the bar. Tequilas has a happy hour menu, but the cocktails are not nearly as interesting as their regular menu. My friend recommended my order of the regular menu, and I'm glad she did. There were so many interesting cocktails featuring tequila that I had a hard time choosing. The happy hour menu had $6 margaritas and sangria and $3 beers. The regular cocktail menu had drinks over $10. With my friend's recommendation, I ordered a mojito that had guess what....tequila in it instead of rum...go figure at a tequila bar. It also had cucumber in it. It was tasty, but I really think I prefer rum in my mojitos because the tequila overpowers the mint, and the cucumber taste was there, but very subtle. Still, it was an enjoyable cocktail. The star of the show was the rose petal margarita on the rocks with salt. It was bright flamingo pink and very floral with the right balance of sweet and tart. It was unlike any cocktail I'd had before and reminded me of some floral teas I'd had in China. I would most definitely order it again. I had the opportunity to sample a little of the food because my friends ordered chips, salsa, and guacamole. However, I can't eat corn products, so I only ate the toppings. The pico was fresh and limey, and the guacamole was thick and appeared to be freshly made. The bartenders were awesome! They never let our water glasses be empty, even after we'd paid the check and were still kind of hanging around trying to decide where to go next. They were super friendly and were good sports when my friend asked them to help settle our toilet paper debate about which way the roll of toilet paper is supposed to be put in the holder. The restaurant really started to pick up after six and soon all the tables were almost full. Servers brought trays of drinks to the tables while balancing them on their head and managing not to spill anything. It's very impressive for someone who's as klutzy as I am. The icing on the cake was that the bill wasn't as bad as I'd expected. Since we were there during happy hour, the drinks were discounted even though we ordered from the regular bar menu. Of course more than $6 a piece, but that's still cheaper than the regular price and under $10 each for good quality, well mixed drinks. It was a very happy hour indeed! I want to check out this place for dinner as well! *NOTE* To get the happy hour specials it seems that you have to sit at the bar.
(4)Jemma C.
I kinda get why this place is always jam packed as in I see the people who it markets itself to loving it but it's just not for me. Quite an old crowd, service is a little too novel for me (waiters carrying drinks on their heads would've been impressive age 8), prices are too high for what's on offer, drinks are ok, ceviche was not ceviche, dining rooms were a little schizophrenic, constant dropping of plates and glasses... I felt like I was in Fawlty Towers. The word that's sums this place up for me is odd!
(1)Callan W.
Granted, my experience was during a Center City Sips Happy Hour, but they certainly did not have their stuff together. I was stopped at the door by some waiter as he chatted up a customer. I kept trying to enter, but he kept blocking me. Eventually he asked for my ID, and then let me in. I wish he just would have said that is why he was not letting me in in the first place. Once inside, it was a total mess. People piled on top of people - I squeezed my way in, making my way to the back where there was a pocket of oxygen and my friends. Getting to the bar was even worse. We ordered sangria for the sake of ease - it was ok. The biggest mistake they made was allowing diners to be seated in this room where everyone had no choice but to ignore personal space. If you are going to put your name on the Center City Sips list to get patrons, then you better know what to do with them. If I was trying to have an after dinner bite, I would have been livid from all the people bumping into me and not being able to enjoy myself. We polished off our drinks and bounced. Upon exiting, there was a huge line of young lovelies waiting to get in. I know Center City Sips can get packed, but Los Catrines Tequilas was packed in a bad way.
(2)Juliana K.
Made a reservation for 9 and tequilas told me they were wheelchair accessible. When I arrived, they did have a wheelchair stairway chair lift, but what about the step to get into the front door?! You would think they would have a ramp or something to get past the first step and get into the door first. My friend had a very heavy, motorized wheelchair--not one that you can carry up any stairs. I don't think you can say you are wheelchair accessible and forget to mention that there is still a step to get through. They offered to carry my friend's wheelchair in. Nice gesture, but first off, the powered wheelchair is far too heavy and most importantly, how embarrassing! I was about to throw my hands up and leave until they said they were going to set up a table outside for us. Luckily, it was not scorching out. Queso Fundido- VERY cheesy. I love cheese, but they basically melted a block of cheese, put some chirizo on it, and gave you little tortillas. While I love cheese, this wasn't a very complex dish. Guacamole is pretty good. You can tell it is fresh made, but I wish there was more tomatoes, onions, and etc in it. There is a red medium salsa that came with the chips that was awesome! The tortilla chips are delicious, thick, and crunchy. Molcajete De Pollo- Huge lava rock bowl. Big portion of meat. Came with rice, beans, and and guac. It was delicious! I'm not in love with their refried beans that was squirted out from a pastry bag or something. This same entree comes in beef which was big and delicious as well. Carne Asada a la Tampiquena- Steak was thin, lean, and amazingly tender. Cochinita Pibil- Pork was very juicy and resembled pull pork. Plantains were sweet and well cooked. The tilapia special was well cooked and seasoned. Portion was not monstrous like most dishes which was nice. Margaritas were freshing. I'd have to say that the waiters were excellent. They were attentive and had a sense of humor. They changed out our margarita glasses a few times so we would have fresh ice and salt (we had a pitcher). Overall, food was pretty good and service was great (except for the beginning with the wheelchair issue). I wish I got to sit inside...maybe next time.
(4)Matthew B.
Decided to give them a try on the final night of restaurant week. Arrived "on the dot" at 7:30 and our group of four was seated promptly. The promoted menu had changed but we improvised and were happy with the result. It seems the reviews are all over the board here, but I have to say our experience was nothing but good. Service was prompt, and the first round of drinks were creative, strong, and delicious. Nachos were good, but the sauces left some room for improvement. Love the roasted peppers served wit. We believe in the shared approach so managed to taste everything. The ceviche was tasty and fresh, if a tad light on the seafood. The Sopas de Ranchos came 3 to a plate; tasty, filling, and went well with the cucumber-tequila-habanero martini's we were drinking. We had 2 each of the Pescaderos al Mango and the surf /turf (shrimp and fillet). The fish was grouper, served with a light, almost imperceptible breading stuffed with guacamole. Very generous portions, rice and a black re fried bean side. Overall a lot of food, well prepared with good flavor. Too full for deserts, we took some chocolate flan home and all tasted the tre-leche cake which was tasty and moist. A little of the owners-own sipping tequila was an after dinner drink. All in all, we agreed that Tequila's RW menu was well executed, good value, with a fun high energy ambiance. The real standout for the evening were the cocktails... I'll be back at the bar to partake of those again real soon.
(4)Nataly N.
They have a pretty charming main dining room. We had a reservation, but were seated in the dark hallway-like area between the main dining room and the back room where they held a private event. Shortly after we sat down, a party of 30 to 50 filed past us into the private dining room. Through the darkness, I could discern my boyfriend's parents' lips moving, but their words were lost in the ocean of loud voices around us. I felt bad because we were celebrating my boyfriend's birthday. So... lesson 1: request to sit in the main dining room, where it might be a little bit more quiet. Outside seating might be nice, too. Service was pretty good. The server arrived promptly as we sat and lit the centerpiece lantern. If you looked really hard, you could detect little rays of light coming out of the tiny holes on its sides. Our table was just as dark as it was before. At the server's suggestion, I picked the Mole Poblano. The menu described the sauce as "truly rich and complex" with flavor, complementing "[a] succulent boiled chicken breast exalted from the past." However, when my dish came out, the chicken was dry and flavorless. All of its juices and flavors "from the past" had been drained out. The sauce was also unbelievably dry and flavorless. The food description was not even close! My boyfriend's Cochinita Pibil was also dry and overcooked. His ceviche special was delicious, though. And his parents' fish dish was also tasty. We didn't stay for dessert. Lesson 2: avoid the mole poblano. On the plus side, our drinks were brought to our table, on a tray balanced on the server's head. Very Cool, but perhaps they should focus on adding flavor to the food. My friends highly recommended this place. I would come here again to try another dish. Hopefully it's better than the last.
(2)Prasanna R.
Went here for a friend's birthday party. Really wonderful restaurant and great food, which lived up to the expectation. Tequilas with cactus salt (not Morton's). I ordered a veggie enchilada platter, which is a bit citrusy, but yummy. The cocktails go great with food. It is bit loud in the restaurant, because it is a weekend. And obviously the restaurant is full. Highly recommend to anyone, who loves authentic Mexican food and Tequilas.
(4)Devendra S.
Hidden jewel of a place! The service is impeccable. At the bar and for sit in. The place is pleasantly rustic. Perfect place for a date. And then there is the food. I had the pescado al mango and it was phenomenal. My wife had the chicken with mole which was very good too. In both dishes the meat was cooked to perfection. It just melts in your mouth. The ceviche was so fresh that my wife who stays away from fish, even cooked ones, was loving the raw shrimp and fish in it. Considering the food and the service you get here the price you pay is a bargain.
(5)Cait C.
The guac was very good, the pico/salsa is nothing to write home about, kind of bland. The server recommended a margarita for me even though I just wanted a regular margarita, which i didnt really like being told what to get. But thats ok I am always happy to try something new. That margarita (the rose one) was very good, i had a plain margarita the second time and it tasted like margarita mix with coconut rum in it, which was awful. I was going to complain but it took so long for a server to come back over that we just got the check. If my margarita had been good I probably would have given it 4 stars.
(3)Erica M.
Really fantastic food, drinks, prices, and service! Happy hour was great and we really enjoyed the guac and nachos. Guac needed a bit more lime juice and we also added some of the spicy peppers they put on the table. Chips and salsa were super tasty, too (pico de gallo was OK, but the smoky chipotle salsa was really good). The margaritas were delicious. I didn't love my rose margarita, but the regular margaritas were quite good! Our server was awesome. We couldn't sit outside because they were going to wash the windows, but we definitely will next time. Can't wait to return!
(5)Kristin W.
We came by for Restaurant Week. Despite having made reservations, we had to wait for our 20 minutes for our table and then were offered one by the door in the crowded bar. We opted to keep waiting (with Sangria in hand, it didn't seem so bad) until another table was available. We started with a round of Chips with Salsa and Guacamole - the Salsa was particularly delicious. I was disappointed to find that they couldn't make the Ceviche shellfish-free, so I ended up ordering the Carne Aguacate with good flavor and tasty avocado-based sauce. Overall, the food was good, but extremely salty.
(3)Chadd B.
I rarely ever rate restaurant 5 stars. But this place deserves every last star. If you want an authentic Mexican dining experience and have a great experience at the same time this is the place for you! My gf and I went for a nice dinner out, and this is exactly what it was, a very nice dinner out. I have always found it difficult to pair the feelings of wanting a nice dinner and craving Mexican at the same time. Unfortunately one of these has to suffer for the other to prevail. Not here. At Tequilas you are provided with a very romantic atmosphere while enjoying some great authentic Mexican dishes. We started off with the Oysters and Guacamole. Now these are two separate appetizers, not a combination. The oysters were covered in multiple different styles. One with a mix of bacon and the others with mix of garlic. They were all done on the half shell and each were exceptionally fresh. The guacamole was equally to die for. They do not have guacamole on the menu, which we found odd (as we are huge fans) but that night they were running specials. They were preparing it fresh at its own station. We ordered the crab guacamole and it was as fresh as all of the ingredients looked. The margaritas were absolutely amazing as well. We ordered the regular and they didn't require any sort of flavoring. I myself am not a tequila fan, and never have been. And oddly enough the margaritas tasted like tequila but they were made in such a way that the tequila wasn't even a concern. If anything it enhanced the taste. Unfortunately I am not a mixologist so I cant be any more descriptive other than to say whatever they did was amazing. As for entrees I ordered the carne asada and she ordered the shrimp, crab and lobster enchilada. My carne asade was amazing. The beef was cooked just right and it came with a chicken taco on the side which melted with each bite as well as a side of refried beans, guacamole and rice. They also brought out tortilla shells that were amazing. Her meal was exactly as described. An enchilada with crab, lobster and shrimp. I had a few bites myself and for as delicious as my meal was, I was extremely jealous of her meal. The fish in her meal felt like we were eating on a wharf somewhere in New England. It was so fresh and so delicious. To top it all off our server was amazing at his job. His name was Juan, and if you are the lucky one to be sitting at his table you should be equally as happy. He was extremely accommodating in every possible way. Made recommendations, constantly checked on us, and treated us like his family and not just two passer by's. Overall if you enjoy Mexican you must try this place. It is not your typical tex-mex location (as I am accustomed to). It is authentic Mexican dishes that will blow you away. Both my date and I walked out of there not being able to eat another bite.
(5)Britt G.
This place is amazing. That's really all there is to it. I went here for a night out with momma and it was a great time! We started off with a tasty picture of margaritas and some chips with guac. The guacamole here is homemade every single day and you can definitely tell! On the weekends, they offer special toppings with it, like crabmeat, etc. I love the enchiladas here! The sauce is really the best I've ever had. But, if you're just passing through, I'd get some fish! SO FRESH. This place is definitely on the pricey side, but it is well worth it. The waiters are friendly and very informative. Great atmosphere, no matter what the occasion!
(5)Donna A.
As Daddy Yankee says:Me gusta la margarita...Da me mas margaritas. Ok well he doesn't quite say that but he should make that a remix. I gave up a life of boozin' for 12 days. (It felt like an eternity). It was supposed to be 2 weeks but I gave it up to try one of Tequila's tasty specialty drinks. We had a party of about 15 people and they were so accommodating. I had the Mexopolitan that was really tasty but small so I decided to switch it up with the roses margarita which was really good too ( I mean it had roses in it, how can it not be good?) Most of our party opted for the 3 for $30 which was such a great deal. Make sure you try the crab guacamole. It's so good I'm going to try to replicate it at home. The ceviche tropical was awesome, refreshing, and filling. For my main entree I had the Carne Aguacate which was fine, though I wish it had more avocado flavoring and the tres leches cake was sinful. The service was friendly, fun, and all around a good, delicious, filling time.
(4)Toland F.
Bar area review: We had just finished dinner at another restaurant and saw this charming place. It was so intriguing from the outside that we decided to venture in. The bar area was so tempting that we decided to have a drink. My friend a minty/cucumber drink and a sangria. Neither of us ate, but the beauty of this restaurant made me wish I was hungry. The staff was friendly, the other patrons were sophisticated and classy. This would be a great place to meet on a first date, date night, or to end the evening with someone special over cocktails. Neither of us ate, so I will have to return to review the food. Can't wait:)
(5)Jackie F.
Great cocktails @ the bar with the BEST GUACAMOLE and chips. We then continued to dinner with exceptional service and food. Very dark so I always have to use my phone to read menu.
(4)E D.
This place was decent. The food was pretty good...a little salty, though. Service was good, but the food took a long time to arrive. My fiancé is Mexican, and he thought the pico was not fresh and could have used more salt and spice. He liked his entree but it wasn't as good as what we make at home. Also, we were disappointed that the specialty guac is only made on Fridays and Saturdays. Overall this was a good experience, but there are plenty of other great Mexican spots here that cost a lot less, with equally good or better food. The skinny margarita is delicious!
(3)Karina A.
Don't judge this restaurant by it's website. The food, the drink, and the service was amazing. I came here with my partner for my birthday dinner this passed weekend and I had a great experience. ROSE MAGARITA ! ! ! Thank you Tequilas !
(5)Shawn D.
Best margaritas!
(5)Christy B.
OMG my dinner was so good! Every time I'm hungry now and trying to figure out what I'm in the mood for, my tongue's memory instantly remembers the flavor bonanza that was Tequilas, and makes me crave mexican. (Please note -- after eating here, Chipotle doesn't satisfy quite as well...) The place was packed so it was good people watching, and the drink menu was so vast it was almost overwhelming! Of course, despite it's breadth, I wanted the one thing not listed, but the kindly bartender whipped me up a fresh bloody mary anyway. (Please note -- yum!) The freshly made chips (still glistening with hot oil), appetizers, drinks, entrees AND dessert were all delicious, and the ONLY reason I'm docking them a star is because we asked for our plentiful left-overs to be boxed up, and when we got home and went to open up the boxes for a Tequila's snack, we saw that our waitress had only boxed up one of the meals. (Note -- #$%*&!?) Still, I'm hungry now, and dying to go back. For the future, I'll have to remember to either eat everything on my place so there are no left-overs -- or -- be extra vigilant about the boxing-up process.
(4)Abby W.
After doing countless happy hours with my BFF I finally came here for lunch again yesterday with my coworkers. The table ordered nachos and empanadas to start and while both were tasty the nachos were definitely the winner. Way better than Cantina, the meat was so tender and flavorful, the fillings and cheese nicely layered throughout the chips, it was just pure nacho heaven. I tried avoiding the cheese as much as I could but it was really good queso; I couldn't help sneaking a few bites. Empanadas were tasty but I prefer beef empanadas Cuban-style with picadillo. While we waited for the apps we munched on their amazing housemade chips and salsas. For entrees I went with the same choice as last time, the pollo maya which is a chicken breast marinated in achiote served with refried beans and rice. It was really tasty although I realized I can definitely make this at home. Achiote is on my shopping list for the Mexican grocery as we speak. The chicken was super moist and tender, pretty fantastic as far as a chicken breast goes. I also ordered a side of tamale, which I saw listed with another dish, and it was delicious. My companions got the enchiladas playa, stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp, and the sizzling chicken lava bowl item. Everyone ate till they were positively sweaty with fullness. Service was a touch slow because there was an enormous holiday luncheon in the other room but the staff here is always pleasant and the owner's son paid us plenty of attention to make sure we were satisfied. Overall a great authentic Mexican place with an upscale yet earthy indigenous vibe that avoids being overwrought. Oh and the menu is HILARIOUS- a poet must have written it. Some entree descriptions are an entire treatise on Mexican culture or history and use incredible phrases such as "his majesty the garlic". I might be going back again tonight...
(5)Aundrea R.
I wrote Tequilas a great review over a year ago, but after going there for restaurant week things have changed. I got extremely sick a day after eating there and I too had salmonella. Salm-fuckin-ella. After four days of being sick and almost ruining the one vacation I had planned for the year, I don't think I could go back. It's ashame, because I always really enjoyed Tequilas.
(1)Kristen B.
Amazing atmosphere and delicious food, even though way overpriced for what you get. I had the arugula salad and added shrimp for $4- it came with three shrimp. Also, my entire table enjoyed the cocktails, but we were never offered a second drink. Odd.
(2)Kemi A.
I dined here on a whim last week. Read the reviews and I was starving and luckily a gf asked me to meetup for dinner/drinks so I used the chance to try this place out. We both enjoyed the drinks here. Definitely got my buzz on with my 2 drink limit. The drink with the rose petals definitely put me over the edge. Next time I come, I'll plan to stay in the city so i can drive more (versus having to drive home). Apps- We shared the Queso De Mariscos. It was very cheesy so I had to pull out my lactaid pills. My friend thought it was more cheesy than seafood. We also both got the surf and turf. I wouldn't get that next time though it was tasty it was sorta generic. Nothing really stood out. Our 3rd party got the duck plabano which he enjoyed. If I come back next time, I'll prob just get drinks and apps but I do plan to return! YAA!
(4)Susanne F.
Tequila's is always good. The service is impeccable!!! It feels like you are in NYC where people really know how to run a restaurant. Food is always good and you can count on that. And the prices are reasonable for what they are giving you. This place is a tried and true tradition for Philadelphia at this point in our history. Go there, you will be happy you did.
(5)Bret K.
Los Catrines Tequilas, or just Tequilas, is a great Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is both romantic and fun. The service is top notch. I have seen some of the waiters bring out drinks on their heads, and I have even seen one pour drinks from a jug on his head to the amazement of the patrons seated at the table. The food is unique and authentic. You go here to get really tasty meats and delicious side dishes, not burritos and quesadillas. The langustinas and the carne asada are my two favorite dishes. The drinks are also top notch, especially the tequila selection, the mixed drinks, and the flavored margaritas. Tequilas is a place to go to on a first date, but also a place to bring a large group of friends for a fun night out. I have many great memories from this restaurant.
(5)Lauren S.
I had a really delicious dinner here while in town for business. The food was fresh and delicious. The drink menu was long and it was hard to choose. I had a champagne margarita at the recommendation of the waitress and it was wonderful. Kind of tart and I had enchiladas with shrimp, lobster and crab. The portion was big and filling. The sides on the plate were just okay but that's not not why I ordered the dish. One of my fellow diners got the molcajete de pollo and it was so so good. The chicken was so tender and sauce had so much flavor. It was huge too! Definitely easy to share especially since they bring you chips and salsa to start and those drinks could go down easy. We opted to not have dessert although their choices sounded very good. Besides an over eager staff (clearing dishes when we weren't quite finished) it was a great choice.
(4)Rachel S.
A friend and I walked in here after a long day walking around Philly and I was definitely pleasantly surprised! Unfortunately, I can only review based upon drinks and some guacamole but I plan on coming back =) The restaurant is very large as other reviewers have said. We sat at the bar which was roomy, friendly, and felt like the kind of place nobody minded you wandering if off the street from. The bartender was great and helped us when we didn't exactly want to order off the drink menu. Their drinks are mainly tequila based drinks (hence the name) and my friend and I both had twists on the Premium Margarita and we were not left hanging. There was enough alcohol in the $11 price tag for me to feel like I was not just sipping some juice and salt which let's be honest, is important. We ordered some guacamole with homemade chips which was smooth and delicious. I wouldn't say it was the best guacamole I ever had but it hit the spot and came out quickly. The portion was perfect to split between two people. While looking around I noticed families, dates, friends, etc. It felt like the kind of place you could come with anyone and not feel out of place. I plant to come back and try the full menu soon!
(4)Andrew N.
I took my co-workers for dinner here during restaurant week. We had no idea it was restaurant week, but luckily I made a reservation! Dinner was fantastic as always and everyone loved their meals. The service is awesome, they know the ins and outs of all of the meals. The drinks are the best part - they make some killer margaritas!
(4)Tyler L.
Just wanted to re-iterate my overweight rating. Went back with the 'rents (that means parents for those of you wondering) on Saturday night and loved it again. Sat is the way back and it was still great in there. I'm happy this is going to be an option even when the great outdoor seating isn't feasible. Great atmosphere, good food, and a good margarita. Yay! I'm still a fan.
(4)Leonie R.
This is a great bar and restaurant. The opening hours on Yelp are not accurate because is says it isn't open till 5pm on Sunday - but it was open before that for drinks. The atmosphere was fantastic - granted it was Cinco De Mayo - but nevertheless, the margaritas were delish. The mojito - with basil and tequila instead of mint and rum - was devine. A fabulous venue after a day of traipsing around Philly!!!
(4)Steven C.
This is the fanciest, most sophisticated Mexican restaurant I've ever eaten in... in fact, it's a little too fancy for me. Don't get me wrong, it's a fabulous place, dimly lit, has several different dining rooms and staff that play with you by speaking Spanish and walk around with cocktails balanced on top of their heads, but it's not my impression of Mexican food. For my Restaurant Week appetizer, I had ceviche and I LOVED IT! It came in a large portion and had LOTS of seafood! My entre was shredded pork and It wasn't so great. I thought it was a little dry and lacked a lot of flavor (although the refried beans on my plate were very good... and my 3 slivers of plantains weren't that great). For dessert, I had a vanilla cake and it wasn't bad at all. The cake itself and the frosting were fluffy, not too filling and had flavor, but it didn't feel/taste Mexican.
(4)Rob T.
Very good food, great staff, and the tequila flows like wine.
(4)Rita C.
The boyfriend and I decided that checking out one restaurant for CCD restaurant week just wasn't enough, so we decided to go check out Tequilas. Some of the spots in Tequilas is a little dark, but each table has a tall candle, which makes it pretty romantic. The overall decor here, is so cool - from the lobby area with the dios de los muertos paintings to the neat chandeliers to the super tall candles here and there - awesome! It was a Tuesday night, so the restaurant wasn't overly crowded, so we found it a little odd when they stuck us in a smaller room with a very loud party of 10. For drinks, we got one of the premium margaritas and the margarita diabolo. Both were top notch and definitely worth the $10-$11 price tag. I also ready several tips that the alma blanca was delicious, so we got that too - definitely a good choice (don't let the "hints of corn" description of the drink turn you off). I really enjoyed the chips and salsa that came out with the drinks. When we were ready to order our meals, we noticed that we were never given restaurant week menus. We asked out waiter, who quickly ran off the list for restaurant week and disappeared. Very weird. Is Tequilas trying to trick us r something? Needless to say, we decided NOT to go this route. For an appetizer, we ordered the queso fundido. This was a giant hunk of half melted chihuahua cheese with some onions and peppers and topped with chorizo. I wasn't impressed by the presentation, but it was actually pretty tasty. It also came with tortillas to make little wraps, but only came with three of them...again, weird, but not really a big deal. (They probably would have brought more out if we asked...instead, we just used the chips that came with the salsa.) For entrees, he got the chiles rellenos (one beef and one cheese) and I got the enchiladas playa. the chiles rellenos were really good - the seasoning was spot on. I would definitely get this on my next trip to Tequilas. The enchiladas playa were also good, but I was already turned off by the attitude I got when I asked for no chipotle pepper sauce. (The waiter seemed almost offended. Hey, I just don't like the taste of them!) Whatever! The enchiladas were good and the first was really fresh. The dish came with a really random assortment of veggies, that I didn't necessarily care for. By the time dinner was over, we were both so stuffed that dessert just wasn't happening. Tequilas is a cool joint with good drinks, but the food is just okay. This wouldn't be my first option to go to in the future, since there are so many other good places in the area, but I wouldn't totally write it off.
(3)Ryan C.
moljacete de pollo! huge - you could share this - it's a lava bowl filled with chicken chunks in a really tasty sauce with tortillas on the side. Chips and salsa and queso fundido are a great way to start the meal - washed down with one of their finely crafted cocktails of course. Service always makes you feel like they are really happy you came in. Tequilas is not cheap, but it's high quality food with a friendly vibe.
(4)Karen F.
We went to tequila's last night for Tres de Mayo (instead of dealing with the Cinco de Mayo crowds). Margaritas were not nearly as heavenly as in the past. Too sweet and "lemonadey" this time. Oh well. Meanwhile, the food was good - but not 5 star. My dish (at least to me) was the best - a special of Langostino, split and grilled and sauced with a yummy tequila, garlic and pepper sauce. Flavorful - but not too hot & spicey. Tequila's makes one of the BEST Caesar salads EVER, It can run heavy on the dressing, so i always ask for it lightly dressed and last night's was up to par and delicious. Our female server (her name escapes me) was lovely and attentive. The BEST 5 star part of the meal was the Tres Leche cake (which the 3 of us split - we were stuffed). The worst - which made me downgrade from 5 to 4 stars - was the queso fundito. Just tooo heavy and greasy. A big crock of melted cheese. (I didn't order it - I never would have in a million years.) Bring back the FRESH lime margaritas and I'll quickly re-up you to 5 stars. Tequila's is a great restaurant. I recommend it to out of town guests often. Oh - and please start taking reservations. (Right now they'll only reserve for parties of 6 or more.)
(4)Kathy C.
Tequilas is my # 1 restaurant. Excelente authentic Mexican food, nice drinks, and professional waitress .
(5)Lynda R.
Overall great experience. Seating right away on a Saturday night an hour before our reservation even though the place was hoping (about 8:30pm) Nice ambiance. Our waiter was very talented serving drinks off the top of his head. Gaucamole was super yummy but the rest of our meal was just okay. Appetizer was $14 and contained three tiny bite sized tacos. No salt on the tables either. Would go again, but not as a first choice
(4)Jill C.
Made me want to go back to Mexico. After deciding to try Tequilas for a Restaurant Week lunch, my husband and I decided to (gulp) drive onto center city and (gulp) find street parking. I was reminded why I generally use septa ( thanks PPA for having part of the city still using meters and the other part using the new-fangled ticket machines. I figured by now the entire city would be updated - silly me. Thank goodness for the change collected in the bottom of my purse) But the agitation at PPA was worth it. As soon as I walked into Tequilas I recalled that the space was once occupied by the Magnolia Cafe (which was a pretty cool place). Anyway, we were sat right away and greeted by the server. We both ordered a margarita , which I was a bit wary of as it was made with house-made tequlia BUT wow was it dangerously good. I would have gone for a second but the first made me a bit tipsy and since I was driving I resisted the urge. Lunch consisted of appetizers, a entree and dessert. My queso appetizer was fantastic. Let me say that the portions were so big we took enough home for dinner that night. Each dish was a nice blend of flavors; nothing was overpowering and we enjoyed each bite. Oh, u also get chips and salsas to munch on during the meal. The salsas were a fresh pico de gallo and a roasted salsa. I couldn't decide which I liked better. Try a bit of each on the chip and I guarantee your mouth will thank me. There were a bunch of birthdays being celebrated at tables near us. The birthday gals got a shot (I am assuming on the house). The server would slam it on the table and pour it into their mouth. Gents, I don't know If you get the same treatment. Definitely want to go back - maybe on my birthday????
(4)Julianna K.
I was excited to eat here for the first time, but as soon as I walked in the bar area I recognized that I had been there before, many years ago on a date. Well the date was pretty uneventful so I guess I had just forgotten all about it. The service was excellent. Our waiter, though a little slow, was so friendly you just couldn't be mad at him for making you wait 20 minutes to order. The drinks were awesome. I recommend the pear sangria if you like really sweet stuff. The food was pretty damn good too. I had the seasoned shredded pork with plantains. Really yummy. Of course by the time it came I was too full on chips and appetizers so I ate it straight off the plate instead of putting it in the tortillas I was given. My date had the surf and turf: a fillet with tequila shrimp. His fillet was good but the shrimp were so freaking tasty I wish I had gotten them instead. My only qualm was how ridiculously dimly lit the place was, but overall an enjoyable experience.
(4)Krystal A.
Good drinks, good food, a bit pricey. Guacamole is very fresh and there are three different kinds daily. Huge variety of drinks available. Bathroom and back dining-room were rather dark.
(4)Christina P.
You can take two approaches to this place: You can do the fancy sit down dinner, hopefully with someone else who has a decent income and can pick up the check, or you can do the fun and relaxed happy hour. I have done both, and my vote hands down is happy hour. Don't get me wrong, going there for dinner was amazing. All the food tasted really fresh and authentic. However, it is definitely one of the more pricey mexican restaurants in the city. Happy hour, on the other hand, was quite the deal. I got there at 6, and we were immediately greeted by the bartender with chips and two kinds of salsa. Two of us got margaritas (try the pomegranate) and one got their house tequila straight up. The margaritas were good, not too sweet, and only $5. We then ordered queso fundido ($6) and guacamole ($4). Both of which were amazing, even though it's hard to go wrong with melted cheese. They even gave me a free tequila popper at the end since it was my birthday! So, the bottom line is that happy hour offers quality food and drinks for great prices in an awesome atmosphere. The inside of the restaurant is very ornately decorated but it gorgeous. The service was great, and the bartender and servers were nice. So nice in fact, that it was almost creepy. Almost.
(4)Tracey P.
LOVE this place...it's definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. Friendly service (waiters are so cheerful and always doing little balancing acts with the trays, drinks etc.), cool ambience, and most importantly, great food. The meal always starts out with chips and three different salsas/dips. One is more of a pico de gallo, and another is made from green peppers. I wish I could describe these better, but, in short, the salsas are all really delicious. Honestly, I could just eat chips and salsa and be satisfied. The last time I went, I ordered the Molcajete de Pollo, which was served in what they call a "lava bowl." The portion was huge (I had leftovers), and very satisfying. From past experiences, I also recommend the Pescado al Mango--simply heavenly.
(4)Ryan E.
I have walked by this place for years and thought, "what a cute little place, I need to try this at some point." Well, I finally did. Let me first start by saying the food was not hit or miss. It was plain and simple miss. I tried two appetizers and had an entree. All were very bland and didn't remotely taste like Mexican. The menu is very, very descriptive. I wasn't quite sure if I was reading a trashy romance novel or a food menu. Each food item had a paragraph long description talking about the orgasmic (literally) qualities of each menu item. Quotes such as "...will seduce even the most demanding palate" and "this dish brings out a cry for joy when tasted..." were abundant. I didn't cry out for joy but I did cry out for more flavor because everything was so bland. The building is quite amazing but the lighting from the chandelier in the front room is a little weird which makes everything really shadowy. Not warm and comforting at all. I will say, one redeeming factor was the drink menu which had very strange names such as Wild Passion and Future Traditions but were excellent. All this to say, maybe I was there on an off night. I am willing to give this another shot at some point but I wasn't overly impressed with the dinner menu but plan on being back for drinks.
(2)Richard S.
Food is amazing, but space is limited on Fri/Sat night, so make sure to have a reservation. Also, Their Guac is exceptional!
(4)M M.
Other review were spot on, atmosphere, tequila menu and food were all exceptional. Service was good. Why 3 stars, price and Mexican beer selection. It's pretty expensive and they have one Mexican beer, Pacifico. They serve draft out of Dos XX pint glasses but they neither have Dos XX Amber on draft or in bottle. Unless their fridge is so small they can't make room for it, get some Mexican beer. It's like a Irish Pub with no Guinness.
(3)Reem C.
I went to Tequilas today for lunch with a few of my coworkers. It was probably my third time dining there. Each time I've dined at Tequilas, I've had three different dishes and I've never been disappointed. All of my dishes have something in common; they're enchiladas. The first time, I had enchiladas con mole poblanos. I love mole sauce. The second time, I had enchiladas rojas, which is enchiladas with red sauce. Today, I had enchiladas playa. It was one of the specials of the day. Enchiladas playa consisted of lobster and shrimp wrapped in two tortillas and covered in a green and orange sauce. I was caught off guard by the spiciness, but I'm fine with spicy food so it wasn't an issue. Many of us ordered limeade with our meals. It was different to say the least. Limeade has nothing on lemonade (classic). The wait staff are very friendly. They have great personalities and do more than just bring you your food and drinks. They joke around with you and make you feel very comfortable. Overall, this place never disappoints. It definitely remains on my "must dine" list.
(5)C G.
Amazing! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary here recently. Great atmosphere, great drinks, and the food is phenomenal! For drinks, I recommend the Rosa Margarita, it's delicious. For food, try the Queso De Mariscos and the Molcajete de Pollo. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Brent K.
Just popped in for a drink or three and ordered a dirty martini. Yes, I realize that this is a Spanish restaurant but that's what I was in the mood for. It was outstanding! Arguably one of the best dirtys I've had in some time. Another notable drink was an Alma Blanca (white silk). We noticed the bartender, Genardo, muddling some corn, habenero, lime, and some other ingredients which arroused our curiosity. We HAD to have one of these mysterious drinks. Genardo served the drink which was cloudy in appearance almost milky looking. Given the habenero incorporation, I thought this was going to have quite a kick. To my disappointment it was not spicy; however, it was quite the amazing drink and worth having again. The last drink was made by a bartender who was quite the character. His name was Vinny who first claimed to be Mexican but shortly after that he revealed that he was actually Italian. He subsequently asked my name but first took a few guesses: Biff, Chad, [insert stereotypical cocky blond-haired guy's name]. Of course, I never took offense to this as it was all in fun and gave us all a good laugh. As a kind reward for his brief roasting, Vinny offered to make us a special "off the menu" drink on the house. It was called: Hot Pickel. Now this drink was HOT!!! The drink consisted of basil, lime, tequila, cucumber, and jalepeno. It was spicy yet refreshing and I WILL make it back there very soon for another. Overall, this was a great experience for a quick stop for drinks. The staff were very fun to be around and the service was outstanding.
(5)Erika B.
I love the space and I would definitely return to the bar but I found the food to be underwhelming. The pomegranate guacamole was bland and the meat dish that I had was tender but more buttery than flavorful.
(3)Varalumni G.
I feel like I didn't get the full experience when I was here. The food was good, ceviche was impeccable, and dessert was delicious. Next time I'd definitely get some drinks! PS - Loved the decor!
(4)Edward S.
Authentic and delicious food, beautiful space, good drinks, good service- pretty much sums it up. Margaritas are straightforward with a focus on the tequila rather than the mix. Guacamole is sooo good and tortilla chips are home made, thick and crispy crunchy good. Can't wait to go back, this place is well underrated I think and it's been there forever.
(4)Olesya P.
Perfect place, I do not think it can be improved. Food is amazing, service is good, and place is very romantic.
(5)Ashley S.
I really wanted to like this place. I came here with 2 friends for sips, and it was packed. We ordered margaritas, and they were great. Our drinks came quite a while before the appetizers, so I was definitely feeling it by the time they finally came. One thing that happened that started knocking down stars is that when the waitress served us water, my friend noticed that her glass was cloudy and looked kind of dirty. She asked the waitress if she could bring a new glass in a very nice way. The waitress explained that because the glasses were handmade, they just look cloudy in general. That's fine, but she should have just brought my friend a new glass instead of shrugging it off! I was really excited when our appetizers came because they looked delicious. I eat mostly vegetarian, so the only things I could order off the sips menu were the guac and the chips and salsa, then I planned to order something else after that. Well, I tasted the salsas -- they brought out 2, one pico-looking one with fresh tomatoes and the other dark-looking one--and I found them sub-par. The pico was fine but didn't have that much flavor, the other salsa tasted really burnt and smoky (gross!), and the guacamole was also lacking. There wasn't enough garlic or lime juice or something in the guac, so it just tasted really bland. Needless to say, I decided not to continue ordering appetizers. I figured that a Mexican restaurant that can't get the chips, salsa, and guac right is probably lacking in the rest of their menu, too. My friends thought their chicken tacos and beef empenadas were ok, but they found some weird burnt chicken meat in one of the tacos that they had to pick out. So -- the margaritas were awesome, and we all ended up getting a few, but the food that we got just didn't cut it. Hopefully they work on their menu, but until then, I'll only be coming here for drinks.
(2)Michael B.
Service was sooooo unhelpful that we left without ordering. Not a good way to conduct business. Go to Las Bugambilias instead.
(1)Nishidh N.
Great place, I loved their margaritas. Their portions are large, so make sure you bring your appetite, the atmosphere is more classy and romantic. Would highly recommend.
(4)Jenn V.
This place is amazing. I have now been on 2 separate occasions for dinner, once during restaurant week and once for dinner with a group - and neither times was I disappointed. The restaurant week menu was amazing for the $35 cost- ceviche, steak with shrimp and a dessert- I was able to bring home leftovers, which is not always the case during this special. The margaritas are fresh and not overly sweetened by using pre mixed sweet n sour mix. As for non restuarant week, I found the service to be exceptional and the food to be amazing. Very fresh ingredients, cooked to order. Highly recommend!
(4)Brad P.
Let's start with the chips and salsa. The salsa verde that comes with the chips is the best I've had in Philadelphia. It is very serious. I'm talking like "the ending of Dancer in the Dark" serious. I'm talking like "mom and dad finally admit they are proud of you" serious. This would probably be a 5 star review based on this stuff alone. The tomato salsa and jalapeno/carrot mix they give along with the salsa verde are decent but they are unable to steal the show from the new king of Philly salsa verde. I couldn't stop eating this stuff. If you don't like their salsa verde then God help you. Alright moving on to other things. The space is gorgeous. Alright moving on to something else. The service is ridiculously friendly and speedy. Alright moving on to something else - the food. Technically I already started with this but now I'm going back to it. The ceviche is very good. It isn't the best in the city but it is pretty freaking good. The chicken mole is also pretty darn good. It is a very delicate mole sauce with a lot of flavor. However, it wasn't as good as the Enchiladas playa, flour tortillas stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp served with poblano and chipotle peppers. This entree kicked ass. The cheese served over the top of these tortillas is serious. I'm talking like "Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven'" serious. so in conclusion, I really liked this place...a lot. Oh, and from now until labor day they are doing a 30 dollar per person, 3 course meal involving an app, entree, and dessert from the regular menu. This is a goddamned steal and I didn't find out about it until AFTER dinner because the forces that control the universe definitely hate my happiness. on the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, this establishment is The Dark Knight at the drive-in on a stormy night with a date who you know you are totally sleeping with when you get home.
(5)Nicole H.
While I've never eaten dinner at Tequilas, I've been to the bar once for happy hour and once for Sips. Both times I was very impressed with the margaritas - they tasted great and aren't too fake-sugary (I don't mean fake sugar as in splenda, but fake sugar as in super over-sweetened and clearly made from a mix). I also tried a friend's sangria and thought it was delicious. And the bartenders are pretty liberal with the tequila, which I am definitely not complaining about (especially during sips, at $4 a pop!). I've also had the chips with salsa & guac, and was VERY impressed. The guacamole is delicious and the chips are great, the perfect level of crunchiness to go along with the super fresh accouterments. I definitely suggest trying out Tequilas. I'm sure the full dinner menu is as good as what I've had at the bar (if the other reviews are a good indicator, which I know they are!). It's definitely more expensive than your typical Mexican restaurant, but well worth the price (especially if, like me, you're going during times with drink specials).
(4)Jordan K.
The tequila-based drinks alone are worth the price of admission, the guacamole will keep you coming back, and the entrees are enough for this joint to warrant 5 stars. Seriously, those drinks and guac are so freakin' good that anything else consumed after them is almost bound to disappoint. Make a reservation, try not to get seated next to the bar (where it is crowded and noisy), enjoy the "dia de los muertos" decor, and dig in to that booz and guac. You'll be thrilled you did.
(5)Steph W.
So first off, let me say: if I were rating Tequilas on their food alone, I definitely would have given it 4 stars. I really enjoyed the Carne Asada and both my friends at dinner enjoyed their entrees as well. We also really enjoyed the chips and the interesting variety of salsas. Unfortunately the service came nowhere close to matching the quality of the food. Our waitress, Clarissa T, was flat out rude. She literally hovered over our table for the entire meal. At first, this seemed like she was just being a great waitress (if a little overbearing) but as the night progressed, it became clear that she was trying to not at all subtly, push us out the door so she could get another table in her area. When we finished dinner, we sat for a little while and talked. Meanwhile Clarissa T stood not 5 feet from our table the ENTIRE TIME, looking at us, pointing at us, and expressing her discontent with our table to another waiter. We'd been talking probably 10 minutes when she removed my friend's water glass that she was actively drinking out of. When I asked if my friend could get another glass of water, instead of being apologetic, she acted irritated, like we were a huge inconvenience. She also removed the paid bill from the table and checked what we'd tipped. 20% Clarissa, don't worry. Not that you deserved it. All in all, these may seem like trivial things, but when added together they turned a great girl's night out that we'd been looking forward to into a really uncomfortable experience. I thought about talking to management that night about how awful she'd been, but hopefully they'll just read this here.
(2)Kevin W.
This place has a fantastic selection of tequila and mezcal. If there's another restaurant in Philly that carries all the Del Maguey mezcal's, I don't know what it is. The restaurant's name might make it seem like it's only a place to drink, but don't be fooled. The food is straight-forward, simple and well executed. It's a fine place to enjoy a moderately priced meal.
(4)Eric T.
I hit up tequilas on a happening Saturday night. The bar was crowded, the tables were full, and the wait time was close to an hour. Given the great reviews, my friend and I decided to wait it out. This would turn out to be a great decision. At the bar, there is a great cocktail and tequila selection. I sipped on some tequila straight and had a few beers. The tequila was smooth and palatable. On to the food. Highlights: the seafood Ceviche was great. it was tangy but not overpowering. beautiful fresh flavor and awesome seafood bring the stuffed steak with avocado cream was delcious as well. my steak was cooked a perfect medium rare and the pico de gallo/grilled veggie stuffing was a perfect citrusy complement to the meaty steak the cancun oysters were a delight. fresh oysters plus salsa and avocado chunks are a suitable combination definitely worth a visit whether on a date or looking to have some good food in an upscale yet casual setting
(4)Virginia D.
had (many) tequila drinks here. AMAZING CONCOCTIONS. all the bartenders are awesome, but Vinnie is my favorite. he is truly The Tequila Whisperer-- tell him what ingredients you typically like & he will make the perfect (off menu) drink for you. the guac was super delish, but also I was extremely tipsy so perhaps not the best judge. the ambiance is really nice. zero vegan options for dinner, but worth a stop for drinks.
(5)Lane G.
One of our favorites. Try the Rosas Margarita. It sounds sweet, but it is not overly sugary. The Jalapeño Margarita is also great. Unfortunately they no longer serve the crab guacamole, it was outstanding. As far as entrees go, I had the fish of the day (grouper) and it was great. My husband ordered a dish (its name fails me) that had jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon. It was aaaaamazing. We have also had lobster that was prepared perfectly. Don't miss out on the molcajete, but it is best shared between two people. Beautiful restaurant, overall great service. Our only complaint is that we came for a birthday dinner and let them know ahead of time that it was a special occasion. After they delivered our check they hovered over our table for an hour until we left. The place was still open. I would have preferred that our waiter ask for us to sit at the bar instead of the odd way they hung around our table.
(4)Christine B.
I have been here twice for lunch. Both times it was pretty empty, but that's to be expected because it's a little bit off the square and it's more of a dinner place. I had enchiladas with mole sauce the first time and it was delicious. The second time I had a seafood enchilada special. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be. There were a lot of red and green peppers which really overpowered everything else. The rice was excellent. I also really liked the chips and salsa. I definitely want to go back for dinner so I can try a margarita.
(3)Louis D.
Ughg I really want to give this place 4 stars, and I'm pretty sure if I went again, for any reason, I would do so. Just of couple of details that I can't quite overlook from this past time around. We went for sips, so we only sampled their featured cocktail margarita, and some apps. The food was fantastic. I LOVE mexican food and really want to try it for dinner. The empanadas were very well done, and the guac was nearly perfect (plus, it was served with plenty of chips, which seems to be a rarity in this city). The margarita was kind of a mixed bag, a couple of us (myself included) liked its sour, non-sugaryness. I thought it was a nice change of pace from the typical sugar overload of many margaritas. It felt like a much classier drink. Some others didn't like it however; one friend went so far as to say the sourness hurt her teeth and stomach. The major flaw from this visit was the waiter. He either didn't care at all or isn't particularly suited for this line of work. He got confused by our orders even though everything we ordered was completely right there on the menu, the food was placed in front of the wrong people, and worst of all, he took away my margarita before it was finished! There was a solid ounce or two left that I had full intentions of finishing up, and he went ahead and swooped it away. NOT OK. Like i said, I really want to go back, and when I do I fully expect to give this place at least 4 starts. Hopefully I just don't get the same waiter.
(3)Tracy W.
Really delicious and authentic Mexican. While I love tacos and fajitas, you will not find them here. I had an amazing grouper dish - Salsa Tequilas. The fish was grilled and topped with a garlicky, butter sauce. Served over a bed of sautéed spinach, and alongside veggies and cilantro rice. The entrees are a bit on the pricey side, but we all had large portions. Guacamole, chips, and salsas were delicious and the margaritas weren't too shabby either. Service was great!
(4)Alyssa L.
I have only been to tequilas 3 times and only during happy hour. and its SO good. My friends and I will literally get there at 2:30 and stay at the bar until 6:00. We will get multiple rounds of Rose Margaritas, and last time I had this one that was made with jalapeno infused tequila and cucumber juice! So Good! The food is absolutely fantastic. The Sopa D'Invierno definitely one of my favorites. I can't speak to having dinner there, but happy hour is super long, great prices, and the bartenders are also great. Its a nice quiet place to have a friday afternoon catchup with your friends after a long long week. Love Tequilas and will definitely be back in the very near future for more.
(5)Jennifer Y.
This was our first time at Tequila's, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint! The restaurant is housed in a historic building, so there's seating near the bar area which is a bit more crowded and noisy, but the other room is dimly lit, and very cozy. The guacamole was to die for; try the chipotle and almond! Homemade chips with salsa, and marinated jalapenos! The white sangria was great, and the entrees were amazing. We were too full for dessert...next time!
(5)Sabrina R.
I thought this was a terrific place to have dinner. They had a great August special where you could get an app, entree and dessert for $35 - and this was anything off of the menu too, which is very rare! The food was absolutely amazing and the margaritas live up to the hype. The rose margarita was so delicious. I ordered a shredded pork entree which was so succulent and even heated up well the next day (too much food to eat it all!). I took off one star only because this is one of those venues that won't seat you until your entire party is present. When you have a table of 10, that's really difficult to accommodate. We waited for 15 minutes for everyone to arrive (mainly because I lied to my guests and told them the reservation was a half hour earlier to build in time for the late ones). When everyone arrived, we had to wait an additional 15 minutes to be seated because the host/hostess seemed rather confused. There were quite a few people waiting to be seated and we all just kind of stood there not sure what to do. I just kept thinking, imagine if I didn't lie about the reservation time - I would have had to wait over an hour just to be seated.
(4)Stef S.
Pricey (so I won't be frequenting the place) but WORTH IT. Spent about $35 for a meat entree + dessert split with a friend. The chicken mole is delicious. That's mole done right! Better than all the places I've been to before in California. The chicken meat is perfectly cooked and the rice and beans are to die for. Big portions. The enchiladas playa are also great, but I thought the mole was better. The enchiladas were $21 while the chicken mole was $23. The impossible cake ($8)-- flan + chocolate cake combined-- is AMAZING. The flan doesn't overpower the cake, and the chocolate cake melts in your mouth. Needless to say, the decor is fabulous. The restaurant is beautiful and would make for a great date place. The service is wonderful! I don't give out too many five stars, but this place deserves it.
(5)Kelsey W.
I usually hate the taste of tequila in any form, but the specialty margarita that I figured I should try was great, and I have a feeling the others on the menu are as well. I will be back to try more! After ordering a drink at the bar and being seated, out came the chips, salsas, peppers, and guacamole. These were delicious too-the chips had the perfect crunch and I can't say I've had better. Everyone at my table then had the tortilla soup as an appetizer, which was again authentic and tasty. The steaming broth was poured into the fresh bowl of ingredients at the table as well. I think after that, there isn't too much to offer. My seafood enchiladas were just decent and the others at my table agreed that the entrees were nothing special. Then there was the rude waitress-I was in disbelief by the way she treated and spoke to us. Not sure if the other waitresses are the same, but they seemed to have hired her for her 'cool' (more like bitchy?) look and attitude and not for her work ethic or general helpfulness. Overall, definitely go for drinks and appetizers but have your main course somewhere else!
(4)Frank G.
Margaritas Fantastico! I always start in the bar, and if the margaritas are not good, I don't go any further. Any self-respecting Mexican restaurant would not consider serving a watered down, icky sweet margarita - so says mi amiga. The ceviche was wonderful - fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Chili Relleno was also a winner, and my date really enjoyed her Enchiladas. The table next to us was swooning over their dish, which was fish with a mango salsa. Terrific margaritas, great food, and very professional and friendly service.
(4)Caroline L.
Delicioso! From the decor and service to the food and drinks, I loved this place. Definitely go outside your comfort zone and try one of their unique cocktails. I had one with jalapeno-infused tequila which was tasty and unique- definitely not something you'll get anywhere else. The chips and salsa are so good, I could have made them my entire dinner. Super, super fresh. Our seafood tacos were very flavorful. I was disappointed, however, with the tres leches cake. That's one of my favorite deserts and it just didn't compare to cakes I've had in the past. Oh well, can't win 'em all. Despite the hefty price tag, the service, quality, and atmosphere won't leave you feeling drained. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Meghan C.
This is a very good, authentic Mexican restaurant. We had a holiday party here and we had the private room - lovely! The service is extremely attentive, but it is HOT in there. Also, the drinks are quite expensive and quite small. Also part deux, I like gooey, saucy Americanized Mexican food so I really didn't enjoy my dish as much as a good old $11 dish of Chilaquiles at a plastic boothed hole in the wall. That's just a style thing though - you will love this place if you are looking for high brow Mexican.
(4)Kai C.
I'm happy to come back to this restaurant after many many years. I first ate at Tequila's when I was in college in West Philly but it was at their old, smaller location. I'm usually not a fan of Mexican food, but I was surprising impressed by their food then. After I graduated from college, I heard they changed location and went there for dinner recently. The new place is 3-4 times larger than their old location and business is still booming. I went with a friend and we shared the ceviche, queso fundido and molcajetes with beef. Everything was good but I wasn't too big of a fan of the ceviche because of the shrimp in it. I prefer to have my ceviche with fish and scallops, but the ceviche that Tequila's serves is fish and shrimp. I noticed that the waiters there would sometimes serve beverages in eccentric manners - like my friend's glass of margarita was served resting on three of the waiter's finger tips and the same waiter brought a bottle of wine to a larger table on his head. As long as the eccentric service does not detract from overall service and quality of food, it doesn't bother me.
(4)Joseph G.
The food here is amazing, the hostess was absolutely rude. Besides the rude hostess, the service was great! I was impressed by the array of tequilas they had in house. I did not know where to start with there, so I went with the restaurant week menu. Their ceviche was one of the better ceviches I have had in a while. The Mar y Tierra (surf and turf) was great! Definately give this a try. The tequila sauce was gentle on the pallate and worked well with the peppers that seasoned the meat. You could definately taste tamarind and teh flavors were married very well together. The Tres Leche cake nearly made me lose my breath!!! Oh God, I am not a sweets guy, but I will always go back and try this! South of the Rio and Coming Up Roses should be drinks you have to try!
(4)C. T.
What happened to my Tequilas? We've been going there since they were in their former location down Locust Street over 12 years ago. I had not been to the restaurant since the spring of this year, and my husband and I went there this past weekend. The service was ok, but the menu has changed significantly, the drinks were really watered down and the usual guacamole that we typically inhale was just barely mediocre. It was filled with onions and tomatoes and the avocado was so chunky, we had to use a fork to get it on the chip. In the past, it was perfectly mixed, a little chunky and had a great airiness to it. Not so anymore. It had zero flavor beyond the tomato and onion. I'm so sad that this restaurant that we've LOVED for several years has gone so downhill. The usual meat entree I order was gone from the menu so I ordered the chicken with the beans and cheese except I asked for the tomatillo sauce on the side. The waitress told me the kitchen could not make any changes to the menu items. They can't even put the sauce on the side? No, she replied. So I ordered the seafood crepes, which were served lukewarm and there was more sauce and tortilla than seafood. Even the chips, which used to be fresh, light and airy seemed stale. Oh - we ordered the tortilla soup with chicken, and it was like Campbells tomato soup with a very small amount of chicken in it. It used to be my favorite with hunks of avocado and a great flavor. Now it was tomato soup with tortilla strips. Yuck. We were so surprised at our dining experience that we asked the waitress if there had been a management change. Nope. Is there a new chef? Nope. So I don't get it. I'm sorry to say that we won't be back. At $100 + tip for a dinner check of 1 guacamole appetizer, 1 soup, 2 entrees and 1 margarita and 1 glass of wine, it's just not money well spent. I've had better meals at Chipotle (and I'm not making that statement lightly) for $10. Sniff...sniff...thanks for 12 great years, Tequilas.
(1)Dave B.
Every northeast city is obligated to have some inexplicably large, packed Mexican place. While Tequilas is not as well done as Rosa Mexicanos, it is certainly better than Lauriol Plaza. All of these places, though, share one broad quality besides the type of cuisine: while they do not serve Taco Bell, the owners are better at running excellent businesses than making sure the food is top quality. Tequilas fits this definition exactly. Some of the dishes are nice, but items such as the ceviche and most of the fish plates (although they handle scallops well) do not justify their price point or their lengthy, colorful, and likely fictional descriptions of where they fit in Mexican cuisine and history. One pork dish's literature makes it sound like grilled pig was the secret to Mexican Independence. Stephen Starr's El Rey does better at about half the price, which is saying something as Mr. Starr himself is known for style over substance. Despite this disappointment, I cannot help but feel guilty for not rating Tequilas higher. The service is almost always excellent, and Tequilas has such a range of options that they can please almost anyone. Beyond that, the waiters are also more than robotic drones repeating specials. Several times when I have been, the waiter has noticed my obvious homosexuality and disdain for carbs, and recommended the skinny margarita, a drink I have not actually found on the lengthy menu to this day. It's a nice touch and good business; I always seem to have enough drinks to have desserts that I cannot remember. So Tequilas is a great choice when you want a large, fun Mexican celebration with attentive, yet expensive, service. Most diners care the most about strong margaritas and waiters that make them feel more important than they are, which explains why Tequilas has done so well despite a lackluster kitchen.
(3)Jasmine R.
My boyfriend and I dined here before seeing a show at the academy of music. Our waiter was very nice and very attentive. He offered a suggestion of a drink to my boyfriend and said it was a little spicy, it was disgusting but we give this guy an A for effort and we did not complain about it. We were told of the specials and decided to order from the specials. He got a pork dish and I had a shrimp dish with lobster and squash sauce. I did not care for mine but his pork dish was amazing! The portion sizes are not very big for what you pay. We ended up trading dishes and I was very happy with his, the pork was melt off your mouth delicious. For an appetizer we order traditional guacamole, there was an older Spanish lady making guacamole in the open which was pretty neat. The guacamole was a fairly large portion. When we first arrived it was nice and quiet but by the time we left we were squished with the people next to us. If you are claustrophobic like myself I would not recommend this place. The service makes me want to come back but the décor and how close this place has tables does not make me come back.
(3)Maura G.
the ladies and i decided to have a repeat experience here. the night was magical. seriously. the septa train was 15 MINUTES EARLY! i know, i almost fainted too. and it was one of the new trains that are nice and shiny and clean. what luck! we arrived to the restaurant about 20 mins early and sat at the bar to wait for a table. we didn't have to wait long; as soon as we ordered drinks the hostess came to seat us. this time we got to sit in one of the back rooms, which i liked better because it was quieter and a lot less crowded than the main dining area (where the bar is). i opted not to order from the RW week menu, and i'm so glad i made that decision. i got the oysters cancun to start. i love me some raw oysters. tequilla's version was topped with avocado, onion, chipotle, and tequilla. i would have enjoyed them more with less chipotle sauce-it overpowered the taste of the oysters a bit. but that didn't stop me from eating them all... i also had the Molcajete De Pollo, or chicken lava bowl for those of us who don't attempt to butcher the pronunciation. wow...i have been missing out. served with warm corn tortillas, beans, rice, and guacamole. this is a must-have! the chicken was so perfect. i am not ashamed to admit that i ate my leftovers for breakfast the next day. i still don't like the rice. everyone knows it's just filler anyway... i'm still in love with the roses margarita, perhaps even more so. & drinks here are STRONG. just the way mama likey. perhaps best of all, i spent the same amount of money as i would have ordering from the RW menu. i didn't have the dessert course option, but i certainly didn't need it after stuffing my face with oysters and chicken lava. i tried some of my friends and only came to the conclusion that i do not like tres leche cake. at all, not just this version. service was great, our waiter was friendly and attentive. the magic continued on our way home as we once again hopped on a new septa train that was 1 minute early! who says lightning doesn't strike twice?!
(5)Ryan S.
I have been an avid yelp user for years now, but rarely have taken the time to write a review (I know, I'm a mooch). However, my experience tonight was so unenjoyable that I feel compelled to make sure my fellow diners do not make the same mistake. It was a beautiful night so my friend and I sat outside. Its actually a great sidewalk ambiance. However, the service was terrible. We were starving and ordered guacamole as soon as our waiter came over to take our drink order, but we wouldn't see that quac for 25 minutes. Then, my soup was missing the cheese and lukewarm. Dinner itself took over an hour. I thought they must be crowded inside, but when I went to use the restroom, the restaurant was empty. After all of this, the food just downright was not that good. Yes we felt typical full and sick to stomach post mexican, but it wasn't even that enjoyable going down - and the service only magnified that. There are much better options in Philly - do yourself a favor and check them out.
(2)Julie H.
LOVE THIS PLACE! A large group of me and my friends went to Tequila's to celebrate my roommate's 21st birthday. The service from start to finish was attentive and welcoming. The salsa tasting bar was a great experience and the pear salsa was amazing. I thought the food was great, although a little bit expensive. The best part of the night was the surprise song and shot of tequila for my friend. The staff created the perfect, lively evening for us and really made it a memorable night for everyone.
(5)Kevin P.
One of my favorite places in Philly, whether for drinks (I'm not a margarita pro, but these are the best I've ever had) or for a nice dinner. It's a bit expensive, though not too steep. I've always left very satisfied...
(4)George G.
The food was outstanding! The wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Getting a couple different meals at the table allowed for everyone to try the different dishes. The bartender was on point with his mixing, and it did not take long to receive the amazing margaritas that they serve.
(5)jaimie k.
This place is spot-on meh. The ornate decor can be nice, and maybe at night -- we went for lunch -- the ambiance can imbue the food with a little more pizzaz. But as was, not the greatest Mexican I've ever had. The chips and salsa: the chips were greasy and cold. Not even a close comparison to El Vez. The flautas were good, but run of the mill. And the tortillas were lacking in the same way Pica de Gallo's are anymore. Huevos Rancheros, you know, ok. It was so mediocre, we opted not to have dessert. That says a lot considering I learned to spell dessert as "it's the one with two 't's because you always want more of it."
(2)Colleen J.
My husband and I ate at Tequilas this afternoon and were pretty disappointed with our meal. I ordered Chilies Rellenos since I had them last month there and they were out of this world. The pepper was hard, cold and the beef filling was very mediocre and my husband's dish was so so. We didn't say anything to each other about the food and when our son got home we asked him how the enchiladas were and he said he didn't eat them because they did not taste good. We love this restaurant and the staff are so attentive and kind. We were wondering if the chef had the day off?
(2)Jason L.
Fabulous guacamole! I also had the mole poblano chicken which was incredibly delicious. I ate at the bar and was well taken care of. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Jessica L.
This was a great place for our large group of 12! We had a lot of fun and the dishes were all so unique. Also, their set menu for groups is AWESOME - an appetizer, main dish and dessert for $30 a person. That is a STEAL considering the entrees are $21! I had the ceviche which was huge and very good. The Queso Fundido with meat was YUMMY. I had the Carne Asada a la Tampiquena - which was a steak with all kinds of yummy sides - mini tamale, taquito etc. Everyone enjoyed their dish and the desserts were GREAT too! My fav dessert is the vanilla crepes....soooooo good.
(4)Nicholas L.
Best Margaritas ever! And the guacamole and salsas are awesome. It's been a while since I've had a full meal there, but everything I've ever had at this place has been delicious. Happy hour specials (especially sips) are amazing. I almost feel bad (like I'm stealing from them).
(5)Tim L.
Food here is decidedly better than El Vez or Distrito in my opinion. Ambiance is good. Not quite as good as El Vez but still fun, stimulating and appropriate to the theme. Menu is a little long but the food is very good. I am a sucker for good ceviche and I was not disappointed.
(4)Stella H.
As someone who appreciates Mexican food (geez, I even enjoy a Taco Bell now and again!), I've been dying to try this restaurant. Hubby and I visited this past weekend. We arrived earlier than our 6:00 pm reservation, and we were promply seated in the large, empty dining room. That changed quickly as the restaurant was filling up by 6:30 pm, so I would definitely recommend reservations! Tables are close together, so it's tough having any kind of an intimate conversation and it was quite noisy in the restaurant. Actually, the bar area and surrounding tables were much more quiet! Next time, I'll request a table in that general vicinity vs. the dining room. I had a glass of their pino grigio house wine (OK, nothing to rave over), and hubby had his standard Bombay Saphire + Gin. (We're not tequila lovers!). The chips + salsa that are complimentary are excellent. You actually don't need to order an appetizer, but we did. I don't recall the name of it, but it was a flour tortilla stuffed with chicken and cheese and covered in a red sauce. It wasn't that good (it wasn't terrible either), but I think next time I'll go with the quacamoles!~ I had the "Camarones Rellenus" which are large shrimp stuffed with mexican cheese and wrapped in bacon. They were done perfectly and were served piping hot with a side of rice and veggies. The dish was very good and well-prepared, my only suggestion would be to serve a sauce with the shrimp as they needed a little extra "somethin'-somethin" that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Hubby had a special, which was grilled shrimp, served with crab-stuffed calamari in some kind of sauce with the side of rice. He liked the taste of the dish, but said it wasn't served hot enough. We ended the meal with dessert - the crepes with french vanilla ice cream covered in a lucious carmel sauce. Really delicious, but it was small - too small to share. I hate a taste and sweet-tooth-hubby ate the bulk of it. The coffee was excellent, smooth and robust without the tart aftertaste a strong coffee often has. I liked this place, I didn't love it (and I so wanted to love it!), but I will definitely visit again.
(3)Todd V.
I will definitely be returning to Tequila's at some point (although I prefer Distrito). What I love about this place is that although it is not cheap, you leave totally full. The portions were all very generous from the apps to the entrees. We started out with complimentary tortillas chips with pico de gallo, salsa verde and pickled jalapenos (I think). All of which were tasty. The ceviche was really good and was a very large bowl of it. The taquitos were also good. The enchiladas de mar were really mild, fresh and delicious. My grouper special was a little dry, but with some leftover salsa verde the problem was solved. The only major issue was the service. They could back off a bit. Our server asked us if we were ready to order 5 times within 10 minutes. On top of that, this place is one of those restaurants that tells you the whole order must go in at the same time. Don't buy into that. If you have ever worked at a restaurant, you know this is encouraged, but never required.
(4)Jared G.
This review is specifically for a tequila tasting dinner I attended a few weeks ago, not to say they don't normally rate an excellent review- it's one of my neighborhood favorites. Four courses, and at least 12 top-shelf tequilas, each explained in detail by Oscar, the restaurant's highly knowledgeable manager. Knowing that the house has its own brand of tequila, I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking the entire evening would be one long sales pitch. We were all pleasantly surprised. Apparently a majority of the reservations cancelled at the last minute, and rather than cancel the entire event, Oscar turned it into an intimate course on everything one might ever want to know about tequila, from its history, intricacies of agave farming, distillation, highland vs lowland appelations, to barrel aging, all interspersed with samples demonstrating the contributions of each nuance. The house tequila was offered for comparison in each instance, and being a top shelf tequila fan, I was impressed. Each course was matched with a different tequila. Service was fantastic, and at the end of the presentation. Oscar offered additional pours, as well as a few tastes of mezcal for good measure. The food was top-notch as always, and the impossible cake is not to be missed. I have attended countless scotch, bourbon, winemaker dinners, etc, and this was my first formal tequila tasting. It was easily the most organized and enjoyable, yet least pretentious spirit-paired dining experience I've had. If you get a chance to go to one of these (I believe they host them monthly) I highly recommend it!
(5)Pia J.
The fish dish I had was adequate at best. The seafood enchilladas that my companion had were very good and the margaritas are also very good.
(3)Luigi C.
This is a really good restaurant , right in the heart of the city. The place is huge inside and very elegant. It is good for a casual dinner with friends as well as a more exclusive event. I really enjoy their food. It isn't cheap, but everything you taste is fresh and well crafted. Two thumbs up!!
(5)Melissa R.
Came here on a Saturday night with a group of 7 for a friend's homecoming party. I had heard good stuff about it and have been wanting to try it ever since my birthday when I was jonesing a margarita. Since it was a bigger group, we did a lot of sharing and started with the crab and mango guac (totally delish!) and the Sopas del Rancho. They give you complimentary chips and salsa, so be careful not to fill up on those before the real food makes its way to the table. I'm glad I didn't get a full entree and opted for the Queso Fundido instead, because I was filled to the brim by the end of the meal. I had a bite of the Mole Poblano, which had a very interesting taste. It has chocolate in it, but it isn't sweet, and apparently the taste changes with every bite. I can't say it was the best Mexican meal I have ever had, but I think it is one of the most authentic upscale Mexican restaurants in the city. I'll definitely be back when my next margarita craving hits. I would also recommend going hungry!
(3)Jamie S.
it gets packed for Center City Sips, but despite the crowd, the margs are tasty
(4)Christopher R.
Based upon the success* of my first happy hour experience here, I went for a follow-up visit this past Friday and my opinion remains basically the same: I like the booze, I applaud the service and I covet the decor. I met up with some friends after work and it was slightly more crowded than my first visit. We started off with a pitcher of margaritas, on the rocks of course, and in my opinion they tasted slightly too unremarkable. I prefer the white wine sangria, which we switched over to afterward. I should note that the price is actually $30 per; I must have been the recipient of a birthday discount from our generous server. I also had the chance to sample some of the food this time around. I had been soliciting opinions from friends who have eaten here and the results ranged from enthusiastic to heavily disappointed. Well, I found the guacamole at least to be fantastically creamy. My friend must have agreed because she, a petite, professional-looking woman, attacked the plate with a fury that slightly undercut her cultivated image. I look forward to having an actual meal here at some point. * NB: In this sentence, "success" is being used as a synonym for "pleasant inebriation."
(4)Nick J.
Great food and drink, even better service. Upscale ambiance. I had the empanadas as an app and they were awesome, especially the crema drizzled over the top. Drank a margarita diabla and was very impressed. These guys definitely know how to make a tasty--and creative--drink. Tor entree I had the enchiladas rojas, which were good, but nothing to write home about. The service, however, was fantastic. The servers are all Spanish speaking and know the menu very well. This is a great place for a date and i will definitely return for one, as i was just there for lunch with a coworker.
(4)Adrienne C.
Definite date night spot. Romantic ambiance with dark sexy candlelight, small tables, yummy food and strong margs. It reminds me of Edith's in Cabo...this is not a Chevy's style Mex place with ginormous plates full of rice and refried beans. Everything we tried was refined and full of flavor. Def need to try HH!
(4)Jeremy M.
Came for a catch-up dinner with my cousin, who said she's currently crazy about Mexican food. The place was jumping when we arrived, with a city-wide happy hour in full swing, but they seated us quickly and outside the zone of cheap margaritas. The chips are very good, it's true, but the rest of my meal was just ok. I had a seafood-stuffed empanada and the flavors were disappointingly bland. My companions raved about the cinnamon-flavored churros for dessert, though, so I settled at 3 stars without a burning desire to return.
(3)Sara L.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars and decided that, for the price, the negatives would have to pull them down. They have an opportunity to recover, as I have only made two trips here and would not rule out a return. To start, the atmosphere in the restaurant is outstanding: Dia de los Muertos murals, dim lighting, candles, and artwork combine with waitstaff that can do ridiculous balancing acts with drinks and trays of food. The place seems to always be packed, which is fun and makes you feel like you must be somewhere very special. My first stop was for late evening cocktails and appetizers with a friend on a Friday night around 10:30. The restaurant was still full, but we were granted a table in the bar even though they are normally only given to people who would be having meals. I suspect it helped that we were two well-dressed, reasonably cute girls. I had margaritas made with the standard house tequila. At first I was a little disappointed b/c my somewhat pricey drink did not seem to have much tequila at all. Midway through the first one, I realized that it did pack quite a wallop; the tequila was just that smooth - nice! The flautas that I ordered were just okay, but the bite that I had of my friend's ceviche was stellar - delightful seafood, fresh citrus flavor. Based on the first experience, I wanted to give Tequila's a go for a proper meal. This was a dinner with three other people at 8:30 on a Friday night. Without a reservation, we waited about 45 minutes for a table, which was to be expected. We spent it enjoying margaritas in the very full bar. The chips and dips to begin our meal were quite good and the service was friendly. Unfortunately, the meals were just okay overall. A wise woman once told me that, in Mexican food, the sauce makes the dish. Unfortunately, sauce cannot compensate for basic cooking problems; two of the four dishes at our table were prime examples of this. The sauce on the chicken mole was delicious - complex, richly spicy and smoky; the chicken was very overcooked, and there was not enough actual meat to justify the price. A hanger steak in an exquisite Chimichurri sauce ordered "medium" came out quite rare. They were happy to take it back, but the second attempt resulted in a steak that was also rare, but this time burned on the outside. My seafood enchiladas were pretty good, and a "fish of the day" that I did not try looked passable. For the prices, this is simply not good enough. I did really like the experience of eating there, so I am hoping the kitchen was just having an off night. I will definitely go back, but may try another round of small bites at the bar before committing the time and money to a second dinner.
(3)pracheta t.
I really liked this place! I've been here a few times and I've totally fallen in love with the decor. I could fill up on the chips and salsa bc its really fresh and tasty. There aren't too many vegetarian options so I always end up getting the same thing. I love the tequila shot they do for birthdays and the dessert...slobbberrr - sooo good. It is def pricey but worth it.
(4)Saloni M.
I think there really should be a place for 3.5 stars.... Anyway place is good for grabbing drinks and nibbling. Loved my rose petal margarita! The empanadas were fine, not outstanding, but I rather enjoyed the Queso Fundido, and guacamole. The best appetizer was some sort of dish with some with huitlacoche which everyone loved!
(4)Alex V.
We went to Tequila's last night, and I was not impressed. The $12 "Premium" Margaritas were ordinary, and definitely not worth the money. The menu selection looked good, but the quality was hit or miss. The taquito appetizer I had was really good. My seafood enchiladas looked great, but they were bland. Nobody in my party raved about anything, but there was not an entree that was really bad either. The decor was nice, especially some of the smaller dining rooms near the entrance, but the service was horrible. The wait staff was very inattentive. After entrees were served, our waiter disappeared. We were never offered desert, or drink refills. We had to track down a staff member to get our check. Overall, the food wasn't horrible, but the mediocre service compounded with the ordinary food will keep us from coming back.
(2)Jessica M.
I have always loved Tequilas. To me, its a treat when I really want Mexican food but want to class it up a little bit. And when I want the real deal. My last visit didn't disappoint. My friend and I decided to take advantage of their anniversary special - any entree and any dessert for $25.00. This is a deal that cannot be beat, especially considering most entrees are over $25.00. If you are heading there and want to enjoy the food without spending a ton of money, go with this deal. It's only around until the end of September. As other reviewers have mentioned, the chicken mole is perfection. The sauce is smooth and delicious and the chicken is tender and melts in your mouth. A lot of times I skip chicken when I go out to eat because I can and do make it at home more than anything else. But this dish is not to be missed. Along with the chicken - amazing re-fried beans and rice - good to the last bite (and the portion is BIG). My friend had the enchiladas playa - stuffed with shrimp and crab meat. While I didn't get to try them, I was assured they were delicious and convinced when her plate was just as clean as mine at the end of the meal! At Tequila's I always opt for tres leches cake for dessert. There is nothing better than this sweet treat - cake soaked in, you guessed it, three kinds of milk. It is to-die-for good. My friend had the crepes with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. They looked good too but I was too busy savoring my cake to try. Even though I only mentioned what I had on my last visit, I have never been disappointed by the food here and I have tried many of the entrees on the menu. The service is also great - friendly and knowledgeable staff who carry drinks on their head. Can you ask for anything more? Head to Tequilas when you want classic, authentic Mexican food in a beautiful atmosphere.
(4)Lily W.
Ambience - 4 Food - 5 Service - 3 The ambience here is very nice. It is a very large space with several rooms. The bar has huge mirrors and lots of detailing, a middle room with long tables that looked like it would be good for a party and a back dining room. I am detracting one star because the tables are very close together and as we were paying a party of TWENTY FIVE was being seated next to us. I was so happy we were leaving when they were coming. Food was really good. I think it's way better than El Vez or Rosa Mex. Much more upscale. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meal. We started with empanadas which were very light. I got a surf and turf special which was really good but a TON of food. Four huge shrimp, black beans, rice, guacamole and about a half pound of beef. But...I ate almost everything (just didn't finish the beans) and had a churro for dessert. Also really good. The service wasn't bad...just a little off. We had two waiters throughout the night which was weird. I never got the second margarita I ordered, but was charged for it. One of the waiters setting up the 25 person table next to us knocked over my mom's (luckily empty) wine glass. After I ordered dessert the waiter walked away before anyone could order anything. Just little things that could easily be improved if they take the time to train their staff.
(4)Barney B.
I am slightly weirded out by a mexican joint that has a cocktail menu that doesn't include margaritas - but instead a list of concoctions with aloe, jasmine, essence of chinchilla - just odd odd stuff. and if the ingredients aren't strange enough, the waiter is bringing you your choice balanced on his head, propped on three fingers, or dangling from his dangly.... but seriously, the server was friendly - the food, decent. the bussers were a bit too efficient and really really REALLY didn't like idle hands and calm utensils, so swiped half eaten apps and entrees away - but honestly they were half eaten part because we had had our fill. it's a huge place and a generous menu - and while pricey, you get good food for the price.
(3)David C.
Very good Mexican place. Food was very good, and the wait staff provides some novel amusement be balancing a drink on three fingers as they pass through the dining room. The guacamole is outstanding, however I had a steak when my fiance came here which, although ordered medium rare, was served on the cooler side. The fact that they add in touches like having drinks on the menu for local Philadelphia celebrities like some of the Eagles is a great touch. Go here if you want a great start to a great night out.
(4)Caroline S.
Came to Tequila's on a RAINY Saturday night. Loved to atmosphere, and energy. We started with their traditional Margs, and guac...both were near perfect. The salsa verde and pico de gallo that came with the chips was a nice touch. I got The Pescado al Mango; which was a grilled fish of the day, butterflied, with guacamole on the inside and a ginger mango sauce over the top. It also came with a sweet potato puree and arroz verde. Beautiful presentation, and everything was AMAZING. My new favorite mexican restaurant in Philly.
(4)Jessica C.
I hate mexican food. I have horrible acid reflux so when I heard I was going here I was nervous about my esophagus and my weak mouth when it comes to spicy things. That being said. I LOVED Tequilas. The margaritas were delicious, on the rocks with some salt. The waiter was very informative about the menu and when he asked if I liked guacamole I told him I'm wasn't sure because I've never really had it, so he took me over to the "guacamole making station" where there were samples of each kind there and I got to try it. WOW it was delicious. The one me and my date picked had bacon in it, and it was not spicy at all. I loved it, so we got our own for our table. Then our waiter listed off some specials and they all sounded better then what was on the menu. I heard shrimp in a tequila kinda sauce and I was sold so I ordered that. It came as what looked like three baby lobsters on my plate (but it was actually shrimp). The waiter said to cut it at the bottom and peel the shrimp up off the shell, which was good advice. It was so fresh and delicious, I've never had shrimp like that before. I asked the waiter about the skeleton paintings when you walk in the door and he said it had to do with the day of the dead, celebrated in Mexico. The place was twisty and turn-y with a lot of different rooms but I think I had the best table in the place, a room off to the right side where there were a lot of tables for two, and you aren't interrupted by the people surrounding the bar in the other room next door. This isn't your average mexican restaurant. I suggest giving it a try even if you don't like tacos and things.. because it's definitely not that kind of place.
(5)Heather C.
Nice bar, but can be unbearably packed on the weekends. Their house margaritas really are nothing special (although the jug they come in holds some novelty). Belly up to the bar and try some of their specialty cocktails/tequila instead. For dinner, be prepared for what can be super slow service. Some entrees are amazing, others are ho-hum. And when you're paying $20 for an entree, you should get better than ho-hum... I prefer the food at Lolita's. The langostinos (a frequent special) are a unique experience.
(3)Molly R.
Tequilas, I love you. One warmer January night brought everyone out, and finding a table to sit down and eat in less than 2 hours seemed impossible. And, then I called Tequilas (based solely on the ratings here on Yelp). We were told their wait was 45 minutes to an hour, so we made a mad dash to Tequilas. When we arrived, we were told others were late for reservations, so they seated us immediately (Seriously, kids, the reason you make a reservation is to have a set dining time, so don't be a hater for a restaurant that gives your table away if you're more than 20 minutes late). I had no idea what a treat we were in for, but the strong drinks to start our meal were certainly a nice indicator. Creative special guacamoles of the night - we ate the crab and pomegranate and loved it in spite of how weird it seemed. I ordered the chiles rellenos which I found to be interesting and flavorful. I had a little food envy at my boyfriend's dish which was the cochinita pibil. It was a HUGE portion of pork on that banana leaf. He ate it all because he just couldn't stop. Our friends had beef dishes and both devoured their food all the same. The most difficult part of our visit was that we had no room left for after dinner beers. A food baby had taken up residence in my belly, thanks to Tequilas. One last kudos goes to the service. The restaurant has a fun vibe, and the service is very attentive and pleasant. Tequilas is definitely one of my best service experiences in Philly. Strong drinks, fun atmosphere, copious amounts of food that is flat out amazing to the taste buds - I really couldn't ask for more!
(5)Bob K.
To think that this was the site of La Panetiere... We ate at Los Catrines Tequilas this weekend. The space was very crowded and noisy, and when we arrived (just before our friends) the hostess told us that they could not seat us until the entire party was present. Not very friendly about it. We ended up sitting near the bar. The drinks were great, and they have a wonderful selection of tequilas. However, the food was hit or miss. The traditional guacamole was bland. The sopa de tortillas was bland. The carne agacate was an interesting concept, but the dish was bland and uninteresting. However, my companions did enjoy their dishes, so maybe I just had bad luck in ordering. I would rate this far behind El Vez or El Rey. I'd go back (and have more of their unusual tequillas) but I'm not looking forward to it.
(3)Louay B.
I'm not sure if I liked this place. The staff was wonderful and the tequila selection is excellent. When it came to the food, I thought is was a little bland and over priced. I had the steak in molcaheta and it seemed a little dry and over cooked. Would I give this place a second chance? yes.
(3)Hilary K.
I'll start off by saying that my husband and I had our first date here, so I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for this restaurant. Despite the obvious potential for bias, I must say that Tequila's is a restaurant that has always satisfied us. We've brought friends and family to dine here and even the most picky, meat-and-potatoes eaters have enjoyed the food. Do yourself a favor and order drinks. Perhaps they'll be delivered by a waiter who balances a tray of drinks delicately on his head. I recommend the mango margarita. Reading the menu is a lesson in history, culture, and appetite-whetting. I've never encountered a menu that so passionately describes each dish! The food itself is outstanding: incredibly tender cuts of beef, perfectly cooked chicken and seafood, and tasty accompaniments. While pricey, the portion sizes are generous and in fact you can expect to take home leftovers which will be the envy of your friends and coworkers. It's always a special treat for us to dine here and we plan on keeping it in our restaurant repertoire!
(5)Stacey S.
MUY BUENO! Had the premium margarita that knocked me on my tuchis....in a good way. The chips, salsa, peppers and pico de gallo were phenomenal. Dinner was amazing.....huge portions but save room for the Tres Leches and Churros for dessert. Staff was very attentive and pleasant. Will go back for sure.
(5)David G.
I'm from Los Angeles, so I basically used to eat mexican food three times a week, however, I have NEVER been to a fancy mexican restaurant in my life. I don't even know if they have such a place in LA. Obviously it's still a difficult concept for me to grasp, but this place is amazing. They have an extensive drink menu made by talented mixologists who walk around like sommeliers. If you talk to them they will jam-pack your head with so much knowledge about alcohol, it'll make you wish you never engaged them in conversation. The waiters and bartenders are super-friendly and banter with you. The food is top notch. My girlfriend doesn't even like mexican food (it's possible, I guess) but she loves this place. Just wish the best mexican food in Philly wasn't so damn expensive.
(5)Stephanie P.
#167 For Restaurant Week, TOTALLY worth the prices. If not, I'd be paying way too much just walking by the place. The interior decor is awesome and our waiter that night was incredibly helpful and friendly. At $30 a person, we got the Enchiladas Playa, Frito Tequilas, Pastel Imposibl, and Churros. The portions were amazing and everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. We were so full and satisfied by the end of the night that we actually had to box up our desserts.
(4)Shelly N.
Visited this restaurant when it happened to be Restaurant Week and decided to order off their special menu. I ordered the fish and my friends got the "surf and turf". We shared appetizers--ceviche and sopas. My friend ordered chapulines, which he purposefully lied and told me it was beef...I guess they were good but I was tainted by what it was I actually ate. All of our entrees were superb and we indulged in Dulce De Leche for dessert. The service was fantastic and although they were busier than a normal mid-week night, they were very attentive and fun to talk with. We ended up coming back later in Restaurant Week so we could try other entrees and I had the "surf and turf"...the beef was perfectly prepared and so tender. For dessert, they had a chocolate Dulce De Leche that my friend ate and I had "The Impossible Cake," a flan and chocolate cake with caramel sauce. Both desserts were delicious, although I think that I preferred the normal Dulce De Leche from the previous visit. All around, excellent restaurant with genuine service--they even remembered us from earlier in the week. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly and highly recommend Tequilas!
(5)Rodney H.
Superb Mexican food, great sidwalk dining, good wine list & excellent professional service.Ceviche is well worth ordering, Mole Poblano is sublime & weird as it may sound the Rose Petal Margherita is really really good!
(5)Stephanie P.
Just went there for dinner with a group of 6 and we LOVED it!! Very fun atmosphere. Delicious and unique drinks (verde mojitos and rose margaritas). We got crab and pineapple guacamole which was amazing. Our entrees were perfect portions, yummy, and reasonably priced. The best dishes were the prawns w filet minon and a bubbling lava pot of spicy chicken. Our waiter was entertaining, attentive without being overly involved and also very skilled (he balanced our drinks on his head). Highly recommended and will definitely be returning.
(5)Kimberly F.
I guess I'm impartial because I've worked for Xochitl, Osteria & Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. The decor is phenomenol. I would think it would pass more as a french restaurant. But the food & service compared to Xochitl Lacroix, Osteria & Paxia is extremely lacking. Like someone had said before, the chips seems stale. My drink was tasty, but the colors leave them to be less desirable. My date had the "Twist." As yummy as it was, it looked like muddy water. Maybe that drink should be served in an opaque glass. I had Chicken Flautas or Taquitos and they seemed kinda bland. My date had sopes. Again, better one's from Xochitl. Entree was tuna ceviche in coconut creme (insanely sweet, I had to add a bit of pico de gallo from the chips to tone it down a bit) & Cochinita for my date. I loved the platanos on his. The rice was dos-tres, the black bean purée was a presented rather nicely. Dessert was meh. The banana crêpes at Paxia are more invigorating and the tres leches cake could have a better presentation. The flavors were OK, nothing to rave about. The cajeta on the crêpes seemed like it was from a bottle or a can.
(2)Chanthorn H.
I've been to Tequilas twice already, and the second time just wasn't as great as the first. The company and service was AMAZING, but the food just didn't hit the spot like before. We did a big portion of our items family style, so I really got to taste the menu. For appetizers we started off with: Ceviche - I'm not a big fan of ceviche, but this place did it well. It has a nice flavor and cooked through from the citrus. I don't really like raw food, so it was nice seeing ceviche actually being cooked. Only downfall is the size. It was so small. A big portion of the platter was the HUGE lettuce. Fish tacos (specials of the night)- we ordered 2 bc each order only had 3. We had 6 in our party. It was good, but again pretty small. It was also a little wet from the sauce and my taco fell apart. Molcajete de Carne - this was a great dish, but the tortillas served with it just didn't cut it. The tortillas were very floury and quite dry. I ate one with the tortilla and then just ate the rest with either chips or by itself The meals consisted of: Surf n Turf Special and one regular special of shrimp - 1 large shrimp in the surf n turf?? That's it? What happened to the 2nd? When the server told us, they would only replace one shrimp with the steak, not 2. The regular non surf n turf had 3 large shrimps. The shrimp wasn't as flavorful as I remember the first time. It was more on the bland side. Camarones Rellenos - Bacon was quite SALTY. It was rather hard to eat, but the shrimp tails were amazing and crispy. My wife gave me all the tails. Carne Asada a la Tampiqueña - My steak was so overcooked. I asked for it Med, and it was well done. It was still edible, but I do with it was cooked to the correct temperature. For my drink, I ordered the "Let it go." It was good. Yes, it was a pink drink, but I DON"T CARE! It was yummy! When I ordered it, it reminded me of Frozen. "Let it go, let it gooooo! Dessert was a cake (half flan, half chocolate) - flan was very light and the cake was moist. Not a big cake person so I didn't eat much of it. Overall: It's a great place to grab drinks (they have tons and tons of infused tequila), but the food is just average. Service was amazing though!
(3)Valli V.
# of people - 5 Appetizers - Chips and Salsa - 5/5 --The salsa was THE BEST! we used it as a garnish for everything we ate! 1. Oysters (1) - 4/5 - tasted awesome but had some sand left in it.....[:(] 2. Empanadas (2) - 5/5 - BEST thing ever! it was made with squash flower and tasted so gooDDDDD!!! Main Courses - 1. Chicken with Cheese and Rice - (3/5) 2. Chicken with Gravy - (3/5) 3. Vegetarian Platter - (5/5) The food overall was really good....but the the 1rst course was pretty bland! had a tough time eating as it was tasteless....perfect for someone who likes just chicken. The gravy from the 2nd dish was used to eat with the chicken with cheese... My husband and I shared the vegetarian platter and we loved it! the platter came with enchiladas and the chilli relleno (sp?), was spicy rather than being bland. Dessert - 1. Impossible Cake - (2.5/5) Everybody that were at the table seemed to enjoy this cake....but i wasn't really impressed. it was basically a chocolate cake...with flan on the top...without the icing....but with a caramel drizzle... Drinks 1. Margarita Pitcher - (5/5) Taquila. Salt. yUMMY
(3)Syvan T.
We came here for a girls night. Let me start of by saying we all adored out waiter. He was so nice and accommodating, he brought drinks on his head, he gave us plenty of time to decide, made suggestions and was just all around great. The drinks were excellent. I have been here once before and got the Mojito Verde and it was delicious. This time I got a CocoLoca which tasted like a pina colada made love to a margarita and had a baby. There were five of us so we ordered one regular guacamole for the table. We were all very hungry and ate it right up and ordered a second, this time with crab meat and melon which was interesting. I ordered one of the specials; salmon in butternut squash sauce with *broosel sprouts* (we loved the way he said it) topped with a scallop. I usually try to stay away from salmon because I feel it's one of the fishier tasting fishes but this piece wasn't fishy at all and the scallop wasn't either. It was delicious and I had to stop myself from licking the butternut squash sauce off the plate. I've had the carne asada a la tampiqueña before which is also highly recommended. We ordered dessert. I LOVE churros so naturally I ordered them. They were a bit too soft to my liking but still very good. It came out to a reasonable price per person and we all went home full and happy.
(4)Andrew B.
Ima say 3.5 because nothing blew me away. It was nice to go to for sips. Very dark. Good margaritas, sangria. The apps were good too, but nothing had the wow factor. Nice people working there too.
(3)Joe H.
Great deal during restaurant week for 35$ had beef empanadas to start, followed by the enchiladas playa and for desert a chocolate mousse cake. The empanadas were delicious and I'd recommend them. The enchiladas were good but it didn't blow me out of the water. And I'm not really a dessert person but being included I ate it but I have to say it tastes great. The staff is excellent and very knowledgeable, ordered a flight of tequila and the server who specializes in tequila was able to choose 3 excellent choices which match my drink preference. They have a great tequila selection. If your looking for good Mexican, check this place out.
(5)Let V.
I went this restaurant on 5 de Mayo for dinner and drinks. I found it here on Yelp and was looking for "Los Catrines Tequilas" and only found "Tequilas" at this address. They should consider changing the name to just TEQUILAS so people are not looking for the LOS CATRINES. It could be confusing. I sat outside since it was a beautiful day! The Signal for WIFI is really week. I think they need a new router bc the symbol on the phone showed all of the bars but it was SOOOO slow. I waited a while before my waiter Ray to acknowledged me, or took my order. He wasn't the best at his job, he had little sense of urgency and had very little follow up too. They have great tasting and really unique cocktail menu which is a HUGE plus! I tried the Rose Margarita which is made with rose infused tequila and garnished with real rose petals it was delicious. I also tried the Short Rib Margarita and it was amazing as well! The cocktails are a little pricey but well worth it! It only takes 1 to feel the affects of the tequila and two leaves you really happy! I ordered the fish with veggies and the presentation was beautiful!!!! I will add a picture of my plate. My rice was garnished with cilantro sprouts, there was chayote in my veggies and the there was a little bunch of steamed veggie sticks tied together with a little corn husk leaf. This meal is not served with tortilla so I had to ask for those. The torillas are home made :D are brought in a little basket without a lid or wrapping so they got cold quick; I had one hot tortilla and by the time I got the secondit was cold :( They should wrap them. Also they should consider making an additional Salsa, the one served with the over toasted chips is too mild and the other is a habanero sauce that is TOO hot. Ray took my drink menu so I guess he figured I wouldn't be ordering any more cocktails. There were more I would have loved to try but felt good anyway so no big deal. I asked him for the bill. I waited a while and he came back and asked the table next to me if they would like their bill (I was still waiting for mine) he brought their bill, (where's mine?) he walked away came back -they paid (where's mine?), they left and as I sat there growing annoyed because I could have left before them or had another margarita he finally brought my bill! Later he returned for my card and cashed me out.... I was there longer than I needed to be for sure! If you get Ray as your waiter you may want to request another one... I would have given a 5 had the serve been better.
(3)Christopher M.
They have the most excellent range and variety of margaritas. Delicious food. Friendly bar staff.
(4)Siv M.
Came here for dinner after seeing a show in Philly with my hubby and in-laws. Ambience and decor were great. Service was excellent as well. Their margaritas were fantastic! I had two and the rest of the dinner was a bit of a blur, but definitely a fun time. I had the carne asada a la tampiquena, which was super yummy and a very generous portion size. I was a bit too stuffed by the end of dinner. In terms of price, my husband and I didn't foot the bill, but I remember the prices being reasonable for the quality and quantity of food we had. Would definitely come back!
(4)Shakira O.
I have been here on several dates with my husband, and a few friend dates throughout the years. I must say, I am NEVER disappointed. The service is always on point, as the employees are very attentive (and I am super judgey because I was a server in 4 and 5 star restaurants for years). I can never get enough of the guacamole and chips, both homemade, and so addictively AMAZING! During my last visit a week ago, I ordered a steak and shrimp entree, my steak was perfectly medium, and my large plump shrimp didn't stand a chance against my fork. On top of all the amazing food, the Tequila bar is truly something special. This place is an overall winner, and will forever be one of my favorite Philly staples.
(5)Charlene U.
My cousin decided to have a group of friends at Tequilas for dinner for his 31st birthday before heading out to a few Center City bars. Truthfully, I've probably walked past this place dozens of times in Rittenhouse without noticing it. We had to park a few blocks away because it is Rittenhouse afterall. When we entered there were two young women at the hostess stand who looked bored and not exactly welcoming, but we let them know that we were waiting for my cousin, and we were led inside to a decent bar area. The style is straight out of Colonial Mexico with nice accents like woodcarvings on the entryways. We were seated in the back of the restaurant. Our seats were half-booth and half-chairs. It was kind of a pain for those of us who were seated eight-across on the booth side. We ordered specialty guacamole for some of our appetizers. The bacon guacamole and a crabmeat guacamole were delicious. I thought my dinner entrée, Shrimp Wrapped Bacon Stuffed with Cheese, was too much on the salty side. I was glad that I had ordered a sweet drink called the Coco Loco (coconut infused siembra azul tequila blanco, canton ginger liquor, pineapple juice, sugar cane syrup and fresh lime juice) to balance out my salty dinner. I also got to try the Short Rib (siembra azul blanco infused with jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and pomegranate molasses). This drink is really good if you like a spicy cocktail! The servers were very friendly and attentive even with our large party. I think the best things about this place were the decor and the servers. When I come back it will be for the guacamole and the Short Rib cocktail.
(3)Casey S.
Went here to tonight with a group of girls for Center City SIPS and we were all BEYOND disappointed. I am also flabbergasted by the numerous high ratings here. First off, upon entering the restaurant and waiting for a table, we already got bad vibes about the place. A young girl who was presumably the hostess was standing by the door but not letting anyone in or out. When we gave our name and the number in our party we were told that she could not help us but it would just be a second. A group came in shortly after use and she told them the same. Soon a guy, looking like a manager or owner came over and the girl reported to him how many people were in each group. He asked for our IDs and then left again. The girl again said it would just be a second. Then the man returned with our IDs and told the girl to seat us. It was just bizarre, I don't know how to explain it. In any case, we were seated outside and it was a nice evening. A waiter quickly came over and took our drink orders. 4 of us got a margarita and 1 got a sangria. The drinks come in especially small glasses and are extremely watered down. There was very little salt and no lime. After bringing the drinks he said "What are you having from the kitchen?" I asked for menus, which none of us had yet and this was the first time at the restaurant for all of us. He responded "SIPS specials are chicken taquitos, beef empanadas, or guacamole." When I mentioned perhaps wanting something off of the normal menu he became noticeably irritated and said he would return with menus for us. He came back about 5 minutes later asking if we were ready to order food yet and I pointed out that we still had no menus. He then came back another 5 minutes later with 2 menus for the 5 of us to share. Once we ordered food, it did come out promptly. We had: ---Chicken Taquitos - $5, literally one taquito cut into 4 pieces, fairly flavorless ---Beef Empanada - $5, also very small and bland ---Guacamole and chips - the one positive of the evening. Also $5 and in an extremely small dish with ONE small plate of chips for 5 people to share. However, the guac tasted incredibly fresh with large pieces of tomato, cilantro, and chunks of avocado. It was very good but once the chips were gone and there was still guacamole left, we had to hunt down a waiter to ask for more chips since our waiter was nowhere to be seen. The waiter brought them 15 minutes later and seemed angry about it. Side note: chips were delicious and notably homemade - super crispy and served still warm with just the right amount of salt. This appetizer also comes with 2 salsas. The pico de gallo type salsa was chopped tomatoes and onions - fresh but bland. I enjoyed the other salsa which was supposedly "hot." It was not hot at all but more had a smoky chipotle flavor. It was yummy. ---Sopa de tortilla with chicken - $8, came out in a very tiny "Cup size" portion which you would see at other restaurants. Was just two small slices of chicken breast and perhaps a quarter of a chopped avocado in a bowl alone. Also served with a plate of chopped white onion and cilantro. The waiter then poured the "broth" over the chicken and avocado and dumped the cilantro and onions in it. The broth was incredibly greasy with little flavor. The oil and fat immediately separated from the broth and came to the top of the bowl. So appetizing! The waiter never came to check on us to see how our food was, to ask if we wanted a second margarita or even to refill our tiny water glasses. Finally, to make matters worse, after paying the overpriced $70 bill and leaving a (very undeserved 20% tip), we sat to chat and finish up our margaritas. No more than 5 minutes after collecting the check, the waiter came over and removed all of our silverware and (still somewhat full) water and margarita glasses. A few seconds later he returned and asked if everything was ok because "he had lots of people waiting and would like to serve other tables." I have never been treated so rude by a server in my life. Certainly will not return. Wish I could give it no stars...
(1)Patrick M.
Moljacete de polo at this place was absolutely incredible. I've since tried this dish and can't say that the dishes since have been anywhere close to as good. Cocktails are also fantastic.
(5)Eunni C.
Got guacamole and enchilada and steak dish. Food was ok, ambiance was ok too. But price was way higher than what should be.. Not impressed at all.
(2)Fan L.
Really everything about this place except the price should be 5 stars. The atmosphere is exactly upscale Mexican and perfect for a nice-ish dinner outing. Our service was spectacular in terms of efficiency, friendliness, and entertainment. I can't speak to the drinks as I only had a few drafts, but everyone else seemed to enjoy them enough. The food wasn't the best part, but it was good enough to not detract from a wonderful time. chipotle quac - yep, about as good as it sounds Enchiladas Playa - solid, great stuffing, but wife said the tortilla flour was a bit on the thick side for her Molcajete de Carne - 5/5, comes in this enormous...vessel? I don't even know how to describe it but it's awesome. and definitely enough to share All in all, a great place to go for an outing, but do expect to spend quite a bit more than your usual Mexican fare.
(5)Christine U.
We came here for restaurant week last year and loved it, so we came back for my friend's birthday this time. It was just as amazing as I remembered. Although eating at regular price made me realize how sweet of a deal Restaurant Week is, it was worth every penny. The ceviche is amazing, and I had this special that came with Halibut and Scallops- perfectly cooked! Other people in my party got the Pesco al Mango, Molcajete De Pollo, and the Carne Aguacate. All were fantastic, and I was particularly fond of the flavors in the chicken dish. The service is also fantastic here. The waiters are very knowledgeable and friendly, and food comes out quickly. It was Mexican independence weekend when we went so it was a great atmosphere! You should go here, seriously.
(5)P P.
Food: nothing to brag about. Especially, given the price range. The two types of salsa are mild (pico de gallo) and hot. Decent. The chips are fresh, but on the greasy side. I ordered the Chile Rellenos (beef & cheese). Again, decent. But, of all the Chile Rellenos I have had in my lifetime, this was one of the least memorable and most pricey. My friend ordered the Sope de Tortilla and it was not good. The broth had a peculiarly unsavory smell and taste. Drink: The bar was missing key ingredients for the first drink I ordered. So, I went with the "Premium Margarita" and it was a 8 out of 10. My friends were also happy with their drinks. Service: our server was friendly and attentive. Ambiance: chic, with dim lighting and tasteful decor. Also, loud and crowded. To be fair it was a Friday night. Overall, you are paying for ambiance and location, which are great. The food is not worth the price.
(2)Christopher K.
Top notch place. Kim took me here for restaurant week on a co-worker's recommendation, and my second time a Tequilas was excellent. The service was top notch, and they've perfected some "party tricks", such as handing you a glass on their three middle fingers, or walking around with trays on their heads! The food was good too. Authentic chips come out right away, giving you something to munch over until dinner arrives. And who doesn't like up-scale Mexican? A solid value for the food and the experience. Enjoy!
(5)Ramona S.
Great ambiance and decor, but overall, the food was not as flavorful as I would've hoped and was greatly overpriced. The one thing I would return for; the Tres Leches cake, which was was melt in your mouth delicious!
(3)Thuy H.
Ooolyy moooly!! Place is amazing! Everything from the decor to the service to the food was perfect. Our servers were awesome. He kept us entertained and was on top of everything! Kept up on our drink orders, recommended things (all of which was great), refilled chips, knew the menu extremely well, etc etc etc. I can keep going on about the amazing service but u all probably would be bored. Moving onto food and drinks... Crab guacamole... good. Nice sweet flavor to it. Prosciutto guacamole... amazing! Had a nice kick to it with the saltiness of the prosciutto. Brazilian punch... mmm. Not too strong and not too sweet. Short rib drink... spicy!! Def gotta get this if u come. Branzino special... omg!!!! I want more. The sauce was perfect and the fish was so soft and flaky. Surf n turf special... steak was melt in your mouth cooked perfectly. The large shrimp was also to die for! Taste just like lobster. Yum! Pork chops... so good and moist. The sweet potatoes it comes with was also quite delicious Enchilada playa... we made fun of my bro in law for it bc it looked like a kids meal compared to all of ours but it had a great flavor! Didn't feel heavy either Shrimp wrapped w/bacon... also delicious! Caramel crepes... so good! Not too sweet and I loved the nuts on it. Chocolate jalapeno icecream... crud, that is spicy but so good! The spice comes near the end when u swallow, so def be prepared for it. A must try! Chorizo.. eh nothing special about it. Pretty simple. We had so many more items (I went in a large group). Can't wait to go back again.
(5)David L.
I don't usually eat Mexican food, but when I do, I would come back here again. I had the big @ss Guac and the sea-bass ceviche which were both pretty bombtastic. I ordered the T-bone steak which with rice and beans as sides which was pretty tasty. I would say don't expect the steak to be a "steakhouse" grade cut, but it's pretty solid. I would get the regular Mexican platters off the menu for a more authentic flavor.
(4)Abbie R.
This review is just for the bar. We went in on a Monday night because the Eagles were playing MNF and we thought Los Catrines Tequilas might be a refuge from the craziness. It really was. Dark and intimate, the atmosphere was just what we were looking for. We kept admiring the intricate woodwork and imagining who must have lived in this converted house a hundred years ago. The bartender was friendly and knowledgable about the extensive tequila list (it goes on for pages). I chose one of the tequila cocktails called "Tequila Mockingbird." Couldn't resist because I'm a literary nerd and thought it was a creative name. Glad I followed my appreciation for cute play-on-words because the drink was pretty terrific, and I ended up ordering another one. My drinking companion that evening is very knowledgable about liquors and was impressed with the list. He tried three different tequilas and enjoyed all three (maybe he enjoyed the last one a lot based on his BAC) but we had a terrific evening. Will be back!
(4)Prem G.
I have been to this restaurant once I will not go again. I went with school friends and we sat down to order. the only vegetarian appetizer was tortilla chips. When I went to order I found exactly two items that would meet the criteria for what I could eat. I ended up ordering chilaquiles without chicken. my friends received their meals about 20 minutes after we ordered. This would be considered a normal wait time for a busy restaurant. After about 20 more minutes I finally got my lunch. It was NOTHING. like I expected. My "tortilla casserole" was a pile of soggy tortilla chips drenched in sweet and sour lemon juice. I strongly recommend going to Taco Bell® for some good Spanish/Mexican food.
(1)Frank S.
Pricey, yes, but it is an experience you won't soon forget. Everything, and I mean everything is top-notch. Food, service and setting make it the perfect date night for that new person you're trying to impress or the long-time love who still melts your heart. My wife and I make it a point to visit at least bi-monthly.
(5)Greg L.
Wow...great food, great drinks, and great service! This is one of our favorite Mexican places in the city and we have been here a half dozen times over the years. The quality of the food and service is very consistent. Even when we brought our young children, we had an excellent time as the wait staff is great with the kids, even doing little magic tricks to entertain them. I love the Day of the Dead decor going on here. If you are looking for TexMex food, this isn't your place. Yes, it's on the expensive side, but for us, it's worth every penny. If you can, try and ask for a table not in the bar area, as it can get sort of loud in there if the place is packed. On our most recent visit, my wife enjoyed a couple of the mojitos while I enjoyed the strawberry daiquiri. It wasn't the typical frozen daiquiri, but delicious nonetheless. For an appetizer, we went with the chips and guacamole and you can tell they make their own chips here. Sometimes they have specials with their guac where they add things like crabmeat, but this time, it was just their basic guac, which is still yummy. For dinner, my wife had one of the surf-n-turf specials while I went with the Sabana Invierno de Pollo. Both were absolutely excellent. For dessert, I went with these crepes, but they were just OK and I probably wouldn't get them again as I didn't think they had much flavor. If you are looking for some excellent upscale Mexican food, definitely give Tequilas a try. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(4)Lisa S.
While I'm sure there are many great things on the menu here, let me save you the trouble and get straight to the things that will knock your socks off. Order the Molcajete bowl. Served with chicken or beef, this steaming lava bowl with vegetables, garlic, onions, topped with rice, cheese, guac, and beans. You create your own miniature tortillas and this is more than enough food to split, especially if you indulge in some chips and salsa beforehand. Next, while their margaritas and tequila selection are divine, get the champagne margarita and thank me later.
(4)Orlando A.
Overrated. Unimaginative. And unnecessarily expensive. Come to this place if you like the idea of a pricey Mexican restaurant with a nice ambience. However, the food leaves much to be desired if you've ever been to other better Mexican restaurants in the area (there are many). My girlfriend and I both got the margaritas which were warm (even though they were "on the rocks") and barely had any tequila in it. And they were $12 each. We also got the chipotle guacamole with queso fresco. The cheese was in large blocks which made it tough to scoop with the nachos. The guac was okay. My gf got the empanada appetizer as an entree and those were pretty good, no complaints there. They were either baked or very lightly fried so the crust was nice and flaky. I ordered the seafood enchiladas. They were nice and cheesy. It had crab meat and shrimp. I didn't like it much but seafood isn't really my thing. I love enchiladas though so I thought I'd give it a try but was not so lucky. This was not the restaurants fault. What was their fault and what I found really strange was that the waiter forced us to order at least one entree. My gf and I only wanted a few drinks and appetizers (we wanted to get three appetizers). When our waiter told us that we'd need to order an entree to sit in the dining area we were both appalled. Mind you, we were already $24 into the meal with their horrible margaritas and almost left the damn place right then and there. We also thought it was silly because we easily would've spent the same amount of money by ordering just appetizers. This left a bad taste in our mouths before eating any food at all. Regardless of our seemingly bad experience, our waiter was professional and mildly helpful most of the time. The rest of the wait staff was also great and attentive to your needs. The building is nicely decorated and much bigger than it looks from the outside. And for what it's worth, the food tasted fresh even if that didn't necessarily make it a good meal. Therefore, only come here if someone else is treating you and you're somehow tired of the other restaurants in the area.
(2)Laura K.
I would give 3.5 if I could. Pros: The ambiance is fantastic, it's just beautiful. We sat by candlelight and some pretty flowers. The building itself is worth a stop in. The hostess and waiter were very friendly and although it took longer than usual because it was close to insanity due to it being cinco de mayo- they barely even showed the stress of it. Top notch. The drinks- definitely hands down the BEST margaritas I've had in Philly (yes far better than El Vez but I do have yet to try Lolitas) and wow are they strong on top of being delicious ($12) . The salsa was extremely good. Cons: My boyfriend and I ordered the enchiladas playa (seafood) ($25) and while they were good- the price point is too high for little to no wow factor. (The side rice and vegetables were very good). Solid but not worth the price especially considering the very strong competition in this city. Food is really the main event for me when I spend that type of money so that is really the only reason for the 1.5 star deduction. I would be back but next time just for drinks and appetizers. Do yourself a favor and definitely stop in for a few drinks.
(4)Alexis J.
Oh HELL yes!. I'm sorry, I just get excited about great margaritas and Mexican food lol! BEST margs I've ever had at a restaurant in Philly. Hands down. I went here for Restaurant Week back in September '13 and I was not disappointed. The ambiance of the restaurant seems most authentic and quite romantic even.The food was delicious and the service was great! We came to celebrate a friend's birthday and their "birthday routine" was so cool. They came out and slammed down a shooter full of Kahlua onto the table and then poured the shot in her mouth and sang. It was exciting! I love Mexican food and could probably eat it everyday, so I can't wait to get back here! Great experience!
(4)Brett W.
I was recommended Los Catrines Tequilas by many friends. Inevitably, places that come with such amazing personal reviews do not live up to the hype. But, WOW! This place is great! Our hostess snaked us through the crowded bar, the front room of tables, back back back (the place is surprisingly large) to a two top right at the back window. Great vibe. Darkly painted room with low lighting, party groups intermixed with double dates and couples. Busy and loud enough to make it feel like the place to be, while spaced enough to have your own party. I hate when great restaurants try to pack in too many seats! The menu is authentic. We started with the Queso Fundido baked cheese appetizer (after a mound of chips and salsa). It was fatty and delicious. Then we shared the Molcajete de Pollo and the Cochinita Pibil. One word - FLAVOR! The tastes were bold and developed. It was the kind of food that you could tell had been cooked long and slow with a balance of spices to bring the very best out of the dish. Aside from one bite of the molcajete de pollo whose spice caught us by surprise - these dishes were amazing. Service was great too. Our server came over right when we sat down and introduced himself in spanish. It sounds tackier when I am writing it but his presentation was genuine and I felt his interactions were the professional work of top level server. The food came out a little slower than average but the flavors really made up for any delay. Dishes were large - no room for dessert. We ended up taking a full plate home with us. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Call ahead. ~$30 per person without drinks.
(5)Debbie A.
Their food is amazing, and if you go during Happy Hour, the prices aren't bad too! It loses a star from me because without Happy Hour, it is a bit expensive. I can't vouch if it's authentic or not, as I don't have that much experience with Mexican food, but I can tell you that the food I tried - Chicken Enchiladas and Taquitos were amazing. The red sauce on top was fantastic and I want to cover everything in that sauce. We sat at the bar and the service was pretty good, although the bartender didn't know which beers were on tap when I asked.
(4)Kelly P.
Delicious food but truly hurts the wallet. Our server was wonderful, helped me make the decision to get the pork and told us a little story about pico de gallo. My date and I decided against cocktails but they did look good as they moved past on our server's head.
(4)Elisa B.
Unfortunately, I cannot say that I had a good experience here. First, let me just just say that you should not come here for Happy Hour or Center City Sips (which is only for a limited time). I came here for the latter with 2 friends. When we arrived, our server told us about the appetizers for the CC Sips menu. She said there was the taquitos, empanadas, and guacamole and chips. We told her we'd take all three. She smiled and walked away. No problem. Several minutes later, one of the male servers brought out a tray of the guacamole, chips, salsa, and a spicy dipping sauce. Without a doubt in our minds thinking we're so hungry and just want to eat, we start munching on them. Later we get the rest of our apps. The Taquitos and Empanadas were both disgusting. Tasteless, dry, and nothing special. Here's the good part... When we got our check, she had charged us separately for the guac, the chips, and the salsa! If you totaled them up it came to $8.75!!! Shut the front door. Are you kidding me? Nobody pays $9 for chips, guac, and salsa even on a regular menu. We were baffled and annoyed by this, so I called our server over to complain about how we didn't know we were being charged for the extras when we DIDN'T ORDER THEM. They brought them out to our table! So she went back and took off the extras and only charged us for the guac. Unbelievable. The way they handled our food and charged us was pretty shady and unethical. I didn't like that one bit. It only takes ONE BAD EXPERIENCE to ruin it. Therefore, I gave it one star, and will not come back again.
(1)Steven P.
Food and service were outstanding. The Margaritas were delicious too. We ate on the sidewalk, but I went in to use the restroom and the dining and bar areas were beautiful.
(5)Maz M.
Pretty amazing food. The service is top notch! The guacamole is to die for and the margaritas are amazing... Definitely try the guac and listen to the specials as there was some very good options when we went. They were able to accommodate a big group of us (12) on short notice on a Saturday night. Would certainly go again!
(4)Christina G.
Service was really great last night. We had a reservation for 8 and there was no wait. The staff overheard it was my friend's birthday so they brought out her dessert with a candle and also brought her a delicious looking colorful shot. A number of employees sang to her in Spanish and it was a lot of fun. My friend could not stop smiling. The place is very large inside, especially for a center city restaurant so it is a good choice for a big group. The lighting is dim which sets the mood and it is more of an upscale Mexican restaurant but not stuffy and you can still dress somewhat casual. The food was also good. The price is more expensive than your typical Mexican restaurants but is totally worth it for the service and ambiance of this restaurant if you are looking for an overall nice dining experience. I was very happy with the food. They brought out complimentary chips with salsa and peppers. I ordered the Enchiladas Playa which is tortillas stuffed with crabmeat, shrimp, creamy pablano sauce and chipotle peppers with some rice and veggies on the side. It is not a spicy meal and the restaurant cannot alter the spicy/hotness factor of their dishes but has some authentic hot sauce that they can provide on the side. The hot sauce was awesome and had my nose running which is how spicy I like my Mexican food. I also tried my friend's Molcajete De Pollo which is a lava rock bowl with chicken, salsa, and many flavors and served with tortillas to make tacos. Both dishes that I tried were delicious. Portions were big. Without an appetizer, I find the entrees are plenty to leave you stuffed. But the appetizers looked really good and I never mind eating leftovers. They also have skinny margaritas! Thank you Nina S for picking this restaurant for your bday.
(4)Steve M.
We went on a Saturday night and had a great dinner. Service was fast and attentive and everything was delicious. We had two servers who checked in with us just often enough. Empty dishes and plates disappeared in seconds. My wife had a shrimp dish - three shrimp that were about the size of small lobsters, and she loved it! I got a steak over cactus with Serrano peppers. The steak was delicious and perfectly prepared. I was warned that the peppers were there just to flavor the steak and cactus; I mistook one for a small piece of steak and ate it. My eyes were watering and nose was running for about five minutes! : D My wife had margaritas; she said they were the best she's had. I had Philly Pale Ale - they had an IPA from Conshohocken Brewery but had just run out, to my disappointment. Still, I like Philly just fine. I got the Habanero chocolate ice cream for dessert - I highly recommend it if you like hot foods and have a sense of adventure. My wife had, I think, some kind of cheesecake, which she loved. It's not cheap but it's basically the same kind of pricing as any center city Philly restaurant.
(5)Matt D.
I'm ambivalent about this place. They have great margaritas. The guacamole is delicious. However, overall the food is good--not great, but good. I've had the pork tacos, and they are extremely sweet--beware. I've had the steak that comes with a sampling of other dishes--a tamale, a chicken taco, etc., and that was good--just not particularly memorable. It's a relatively upscale-feeling restaurant with relatively high prices for what you get, and admittedly--it's just not my style. Mexican food can be so delicious...and the food here just isn't as good as it can be.
(3)Gautam T.
I really have a soft place in my heart for Tequilas even though the prices are quite high. No need to delve into my love affair with Tequilas. Lets focus on the tangibles, this is a disclaimer I am only rating on the tangibles, I would give this place a 5/5 based on sentimentality. Food is very good but nothing really stands out, its typical mexican food (enchiladas, ceviche, guac etc) but priced way higher than mexican food should be priced at. Mexican food is awesome but I don't think it should be super expensive. For example I paid 20.00 for enchiladas at Tequilas, the same enchiladas (way more authentic) at one of those south philly mexican restaurants costs $12.00. I really believe the atmosphere is what drives the cost and the additional $8.00 you pay for enchiladas you get a classy atmosphere with really friendly service. I'm ok with that on a Friday-Saturday night. You get the point right? Good food over-priced. Great dining atmosphere, great service, a little too expensive though.
(3)Christine D.
We decided to come in on a whim for restaurant week. I judge restaurant week menus on their creativity and tequila's was definitely par for the course. We started off with the chips and two different types of salsa, both fresh and delicious. I had the tilapia/shrimp ceviche, the surf and turf, and flan for dessert. My boyfriend had the empanadas, seafood enchilada, and chocolate mousse cake. I was amazed at the flavor profile of each dish. Not too heavy or bursting with sodium. This was probably the best mexican food I've ever had. Their margarita choices were also creative and delicious! Would return outside of restaurant week.
(5)Joe W.
So far, not so good. Had a party if for we were meeting. Place was half empty so not like they were crunched for space. Even with that, the owner made us wait in they lobby for several minutes till the last member of our party arrived. Very rude for a supposedly nice restaurant. Let's hope food and service are better. Food ok, but service slow. Wrong drink orders delivered. Best quote of the evening... instead of asking if everything was great the waiter asked if there were any complaints.
(1)Gabie L.
Wonderful atmosphere, great food, and service was just awesome! I love Mexican food and have been in Mexican restaurant in many states including New York, Florida, and Texas but food here is really unique. Of course they serve many kinds of Mexican food but those are very creative and delicious (usually it doesn't come creativeness with being delicious). Little bit pricey but I want to visit here again.
(5)JB Y.
Cheese stuffed in shrimp wrapped in bacon and deep fried. Are you f*cking kidding me? Best food ever made by man. Service was awesome, drinks are probably best in the city, food was impeccable. Will go back a million more times or my life is a failure.
(5)Tim T.
We had dinner and drinks at Tequila's on Friday night with no expectations because most places that serve so-called fine-dining Mexican cuisine in the northeast are usually a bit lackluster and over-priced. We still gave it try since it was cinco de mayo weekend and because it got decent reviews. I hope my review is helpful. After we walked through the bar area which had a tangible excitement about it, the server brought us into the main dining area which was low-lit, but seemed to have a full room with the staff busily moving about between tables. The server was helpful and pleasant, but the service was a bit slow. There was a bit of a mix-up to start (probably because it was starting to get loud in the place and they couldn't hear what we ordered). The timing of the dishes was a bit off as it seemed that dinner took them a little while to bring out, but it was expected since it's probably the busiest time of year for Mexican restaurants. The variety of cocktails was delightful - and they do have some real top shelf tequilas and mescals. The fresh guacamole and chips were a plus (our party added the crab and mango - which I recommend, but they do have other options). The pickled peepers, salsa, and rojo sauce that were served with the chips could've been left in the kitchen. They lacked flavor and actually, there wasn't anything special about those items at all. The main entrees were good and were presented nicely. Even the rice and re-fried beans had good flavor and texture to them. Usually, I find that the side items are overlooked, over-cooked, and unpleasant. I had shredded-roasted pork with fresh tortillas and fried plantains which was tasty for the most part (with the exception to the plantains, which were over-cooked). Some of the other dishes looked pretty good too. The dessert got the highest marks. We had a delicious chocolate-flan layer cake. The tres leches cake looked delicious. I recommend the coffee as well (you'll need it after the drinks). If you're looking for a casual night with good drinks and appetizers or if plan on having a fun dessert and coffee, try this place. The main entrees are just ok and not that impressive. Also, forget decent dinner conversation in the main dining room unless you plan to yell all night. This place is good for casual dinner conversation for sure. If you want some intimacy, try taking a table outside.
(3)Arielle H.
I was just there for Valentine's Day. Our seats sucked (by the door and the curtain really didn't help with the cold) but the service was very friendly and never left us waiting. I got the empanadas (forget the name but it had cheese inside) which were decent but I wouldn't get them again. My beef entree (it doesn't seem to be a part of the regular menu) was seasoned well and perfectly cooked. I asked for medium and got medium rare (yay!) so if you like your meat more done (why?) be sure to be specific. The desserts were all right (a weird cheesecakey ice cream, churros, and tres leches cake). I would recommend getting a regular margarita with dinner, theirs are fantastic.
(4)Alyssa R.
I had heard such great things about this place. I was so excited to go, however I was sadly disappointing. The drinks are good and the waiters carrying them like on their head or in interesting ways. The sangria is really good. But the food leaves something to be desired. I even went back a second time to give it another try but it is just so/so. With places like el vez in the area, and this being expensive, I would always chose to go there first. I forget what I had but once time a fish and a second time a chicken dish.
(2)Anand R.
I love food... love Mexican food... and love Tequila's particular brand of Mexican food the best... We used to live in the Philly area and used to frequent Tequilas back then. They have since changed locations, but have preserved all that was great about their menu, the ambience and especially the super friendly and professional staff. The habanero salsa - our staple diet from back when we had less dietary restrictions - is still as exquisitely spicy as ever. Glad we sampled it, but had to cut ourselves off after just a few dips. The Chile Rellenos - arguably the best on the planet.. and enough for two as our waiter pointed out. The enchiladas - our traditional favorites, as splendid as we remembered it to be. The only downside - adding it just so it is an objective review - we were seated in a corner to the side off the bar where there was too much traffic, and with a strong draft of the cold outside air... and we noticed that there were better seating options... Overall, it still rates in our top 5 dining experiences of all time. 5 stars only - because yelp does not have a 6 star option...
(5)Shawn S.
Tequilas has been one of my favorite restaurants in Philly for awhile. I will admit, I prefer the old menu to the new one, but the meal I had was delicious as always.
(4)Samantha C.
Wow how unimpressive. The food was ok but the waitstaff was incredibly rude and dismissive. They could do with a little lesson in customer service.
(1)Kathy S.
The noise level in this place was migraine inducing on a Saturday evening at 6:30. There were several large rowdy parties seated in the same room shouting and banging on the tables and a shouting waiter trying to be heard above the din. Really, they should not seat these folks with smaller parties who may actually want to talk to each other. The lighting is also horrible. If your vision is less than 20/20 it's pretty much impossible to read the menu. Bring a flashlight. The women's room is illuminated like a 60's bad acid trip. Now the pluses: The menu is mostly classic Mexican dishes with an emphasis on seafood. Good, but not overly creative or inventive. Unfortunately, I the noise gave me a splitting headache and I had to get out of the place before finishing my meal. It was that bad. The service (except for the very slow arrival of drinks) was more than adequate. My only complaint in that regard would be the restaurant's annoying policy of not seating you until the entire party has arrived. The bar was completely filled, you're basically left milling around the hostess station until everyone arrives. This isn't Chili's or Taco Bell, it's expensive and I think there's an expectation of better service.
(2)Michelle W.
Great drinks, excellent food, tremendous service! Hands down the best Mexican I've had in years! During restaurant week, we dined for just $35 each on an appetizer, entree and desert. The most delicious ceviche, empanadas, seafood enchiladas, grouper and the succulent desserts of chocolate mousse and impossible flan cake. As a new visitor to Philly, I would highly recommend this as a "must stop" restaurant!
(5)Food. R.
Not great. The space is very impressive, and worth going for a drink and if not just to enjoy the crownmolding and cheerful staff...the food was very meh. My Chiles Rellenos was served with rice, and what I swear was just stewed tomatoes from a can. My friend ordered the fish which was served with a sweet potato mash that made it's way to the plate by way of a piping bag. It reminded me a of banquet hall wedding meal, mass produced and out of style. The food is not modern, interesting or inventive at all. Lots of melted cheese, which is always a great diversion from mediocre food when traveling with anyone from middle America. Excellent Mexican for the person who does not like Mexican!
(2)Joel S.
Just went on a Sunday, easy to get a seat and a fairly lively environment still. The decor and building are great, very cool atmosphere. Everyone was friendly and happy to help to the point of 3 different waiters asking about drink orders so we didnt even know who our actual waiter was for the first 15 minutes or so. Onto the food. We got the traditional guacamole for apps. It was fantastic and came with lots chips, guac, plus 3 other side dips/veggies. For dinner, I got the enchiladas playa which were very good. My gf liked them even more than me. She got the chicken lava bowl dish. It was awesome, definitely my favorite thing. Lots of great flavors and a ton of food. Both plates had healthy portions. I will get that next time and probably all times. Overall, great atmosphere, excellent food and portions, and a reasonably priced date spot (didnt get alcohol though). Will def go back again.
(5)Tom K.
The service was great, food even better, and the margaritas to die for. A little on the pricey side but worth the money spent.
(5)Cathy H.
My friend and I went here for restaurant week last week. The service was fast and great. For appetizers, we tried their cream soup, which I was a bit disappointed by. However, the salsa that came with their chips were delicious! For entrees, I tried their beef empanadas which were very tasty. For dessert, my friend got the flan while I got the tres leches. The tres leches is way better by far. Each portion was decent sized so I left feeling very full and satisfied.
(3)Rich W.
Been here a few times and it's time for a review. Service: Awesome, remember to order the cafe diablo....you'll thank me later Food: killer, everything was jammed packed full of deliciousness. I felt like I was on a high speed train to flavor town population me. Drinks: smooth and different. Love the fact that the owner makes his own tequila and they have a variety of others on the shelf. You'll want to wet your whistle with a variety of margaritas. Atmosphere: not your typical Mexican place (in a good way). Everything is authentic old Mexican style. Think day of the dead type of decor sans the creepiness. The environment was light fun and happy #ThankYouTequila LOL
(5)Dave H.
My new favorite Mexican restaurant in Center City. The service is fast and efficient, and the food was excellent. Try the cerviche and Surf & Turf.
(5)Jennifer P.
Interior dining area is a fantastic cozy space with wonderful Dios de la Muerte paintings done up from floor to ceiling. Service was also great. Came for restaurant week and ordered the surf and turf and was a bit underwhelmed by the "turf" portion. They definitely cooked my medium rare properly -- it was wonderfully red in the middle -- and the spices were great but the flavor of the meat itself was off. However, the tortilla chips are phenomenal. They are clearly fried on site. Would I go for a repeat? Yes. I just won't order anything featuring steak.
(4)Christy R.
LOVED! I have been on the fence about going to Tequilas because I'm a very picky vegetarian. The menu was huge and several options could be made vegetarian. The margaritas were to die for. Try to Rose margarita and you won't be disappointed. The staff was very friendly and accommodating (we had a lot of questions and our waitress was so sweet)
(5)Nina S.
This is hands down my favorite upscale Mexican restaurant in Philly! I had dinner here a total of three times and I think each time is always better than the last. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting and service is always friendly and not overbearing. It is a large restaurant for the city so it's perfect for large groups. The first two times I was here was for Center City Restaurant Week and I ordered off of their pre-fixed menu for $35 for a three course meal. The third time I went was just yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised they were offering a deal for three course meal for $35 also! I don't know if that is offered every Tuesday but I was happy with it. You could order any appetizer, entrée and dessert. It was my birthday so I went for it! Drinks- We started with a round (or two) of drinks. I had the Roses margarita and enjoyed every sip. It's a bit on the sweet side though so for my second drink I had the Skinny Margarita which was just tequila mixed with lime juice and a little bit of agave so it's not as sweet. Both were served on the rocks with salt. Course 1- For the appetizer I ordered Ceviche and it was so good. The portion was really large and could have seriously been my entire meal. It was perfectly seasoned with cilantro, lime and tomatoes. Course 2- The main entrée that I ordered was something I can't pronounce in Spanish so I just referred to it as the 'Hot Lava Chicken Bowl'! It is chunks of chicken swimming in a hot sauce topped with cheese and served with tortillas and a side of refried beans, guacamole and salsa. You are supposed to make tacos with everything and I did that for the first one but then I just put the check on a plate and ate it alone because it was so flavorful. Course 3- There were so many dessert choices but I went with a classic Mexican cake- tres laches. It was creamy and moist just how it should be. The wait staff also surprised me with a 'cocaracha shot' made of tequila, Kahlua and sprit. It was tasty but I was very startled with the waiter came outo f now where and started slamming the glass on the table to make it fizz! Haha it was quite a production and I think they sung the most beautiful rendition of happy birthday/felize cumplianous I have ever heard even though I didn't understand most of it.
(5)Aggie V.
Whoa! My roommate and I went here for lunch for my birthday. She asked me to pick a spot and I made reservations here for lunch. As we walked it, it was BEAUTIFUL! There weren't many people there - just two other tables. But the decor blew my breath away. It was like I was dining in some aristocrat's house in the 18th century. Whoa! Then came the roses margarita, which was DIVINE. It was strong, btw. My roommate wanted it diluted, but I was happy to drink something strong for my birthday. Ha! (Totally not an alcoholic.... ehehe?) And the food was DELICIOUS. I left stuffed and happy. And the bill wasn't too bad either. Around $40 per person. Definitely worth giving this place a go. Different from the norm.
(5)Tiffany L.
This place was so good! I don't eat a lot of Mexican food, so I've really only had "Mexican" like Qdoba, Chipotle, MadMex, Don Pablos (aka crap Mexican food). Tequilas seemed pretty darn authentic and upscale! I came in for dinner and I got the Martguerita Roja, it was pretty good! The waiters carry the drink on their HEADS! I will be honest, I was so scared he would spill the drinks. But amazingly, he was able to balance multiple drinks on a tray...on his head AND twist his head so that the drinks swiveled to the front -- AH! The FRESH guac was really good, it's a bit pricey at $8, but it's really fresh, a little Mexican lady was making it to order at the guac bar/island. Their salsa and pico were also really good. Their chips were awesome. The service is great, the food is super yummy and the best Mexican food I've had so far, so I'd definitely come back again!
(4)Liz P.
Ended up here on date night when the restaurant my boyfriend and I planned on going to said they had a 45 minute wait, and we decided that our need for Mexican food and margaritas was a really desperate, immediate need. We got seated right away (on a Friday night!) and even though it was significantly fancier than we'd intended to do, it was tooootttallyyy worth it. We got the queso fundido with chorizo which was delicious. And magaritas, obviously. AWESOME margaritas. For dinner, he got camarones rellenos (shrimp stuffed with cheese wrapped in BACON) and they were amazing. I got the enchiladas playas, which were even better than the camarones rellenos so my boyfriend was having serious food jealousy. The waiter recommended them and it was a great choice. We were stuffed afterward and it was just a beautifully presented, delicious meal.
(5)Abhishek Y.
One of my most fantastic Restaurant Week experiences in Philadelphia happened courtesy of Los Catrines Tequilas, better known as just Tequilas, in Center City. I have to admit, the veggie options are sparse, but at the same time, they taste phenomenal. For the special, they started me off with a wonderful cheese, spinach and corn empanada, which was perfectly fried and had the perfect amount of filling to dough. Spot on. Paired with the sweet lime habanero chutney, it was divine. Moving on, the main course was one of my all time favorites, a chile relleno. Massive in size, the pepper was stuffed with different cheeses, spinach, and onions, then batter dipped and fried to a perfect crisp. It was absolutely sublime - never had a better relleno in my life! They finished it off with a fantastic choice of desserts, including my all time favorite, flan. Made here with orange rind and a served with a bit of toffeed caramel on the side, you couldn't ask for anything better. All in all, it was a great evening, the service was fantastic as well, and we'll definitely be back! During Restaurant week, it's a real steal! TLDR: Great food, good ambiance, go!
(5)Patricia S.
I had an event for about 13 people at Tequilas in July. The management were super accommodating and organized leading up to the event, even when I was indecisive about booking a set menu or going a la carte. We decided to split the group up a bit and go a la carte. We had two servers for our area of the restaurant and they were very efficient, although the food and drinks did come out quite slowly sometimes, but I don't think that's entirely their fault. The ambiance is quite dark and cavernous, and it lends itself well to the atmosphere they're trying to create. The reason for the 3 stars is the lack of depth of flavor of most of the dishes. I was pretty disappointed by everything except the guacamole. While everything tasted fresh, most dishes were either a bit tasteless or too salty. Also, for the price, the portions are tiny. I don't think I will be returning.
(3)Di P.
4/50 things on this menu is vegetarian. Yah. You're welcome, veggie lovers for the inside tip. I feel like vegetarians think Italian places and Mexican places are usually a safe call, but this place is NOT so great with that. Wish they would step that up because you can make a lot of nice and flavorful mexican dishes that are vegetarian. Lucky for my non-existent diet, I'm not a vegetarian (today). So I left the fancy Tequilas stuffed from the BEST enchiladas EVER. Enchiladas Playas. Crabmeat and shrimp in enchiladas?! Genius. Biggest EW was the veggie fundido. It was literally a block of barely melted cheese and half a jalapeño cut up in it. If you're gonna say that an app can be made into a vegetarian option then add some mushrooms or somethin' to give it some actual substance. Sad. It was soooo hard to eat and not tasty. It's never a good sign when you say "Chile's does this better." Quick Tip I didn't get to do on my phone: If you enjoy cocktails that are sweet with a little bite (spice) try the Short Rib. It's on point people.
(4)Brian C.
I wanted to love Tequilas so much. The drinks I'll have to say are pretty decent. I love the pitchers of sangria that come with the spout. I think the alcohol in the sangria was pretty light though. The food was good, nothing was a real home run but nothing was terrible either. The guacamole (and different variations of) were pretty good. Our waiter was also very attentive and the ambience gets high marks.
(3)Ambi C.
After reading the mixed reviews of Los Tequilas, my husband and I were skeptical about coming here--so our expectations were really low. Let me tell you we were so surprised by both of our meals. I ordered the chicken dish which didn't look too appetizing but was extremely delicious and full of flavor. My husband ordered the vegetarian enchiladas which were equally delicious. For starters, we had chips and guacamole. The guacamole was mediocre but the salsas were amazing. They brought out three different types! I also loved the chips--they were the same as El Vez! I would have to say El Vez is our spot but if it's booked, we are definitely coming here!
(4)Ray L.
The food was okay. I wasn't wowed by anything but can't say that I was disappointed either. And when you go to a pricey establishment you do kind of expect the food to rise to the occasion. That didn't necessarily happen here. In addition to the food, our party of 8 also ordered sangria. It was sweet and delicious but lacked a certain kick (also known as alcohol). So, depending on what you like, the sangria may be your choice of drink. Although the food was just okay, I thought the service was terrific. They are very attentive here.
(3)Kasia J.
I have been here a couple of times and always with a larger group (10-15). The place is quite large so can accommodate larger parties. The food is good but a little pricey - would recommend getting the guacamole and mocajete de pollo. The Roses Margarita was also quite delicious!
(4)AC C.
I have been to Tequilas twice now for dinner and both times the food and the service were excellent. Fish tacos were a delicious appetizer along with the fresh made guacamole. Both times (once with my mother, once with my husband) we had one entree from the menu and one of the specials. The flavors were great, well seasoned but not too much. Everything was fresh, succulent, and devoured quickly! The ambiance was also great, a little on the dark side, but I enjoy that for dinner. I have nothing negative to say about Tequilas. From the decor, to the service, to the food, everything was top notch. I highly recommend it.
(5)Vicky L.
Tequila's has a great ambiance. It would be a great place to get a drink and chill before going out. The food wasn't bad, but I just think that you can get better Mexican food and for a lot cheaper elsewhere. Maybe not elsewhere in Philly, but definitely else where in California. That being said, I had a great time here. I tried the seafood enchiladas, the crab and pineapple guacamole, the corn and chipotle guacamole, and we also shared a pitcher of sangria. The waiter was very entertaining and service was really good.
(3)Abby W.
Phenomenal in every way! We came in with a large party and had a prix fixe menu. All of the food was really delicious and they didn't skimp on the servings just because our prices were pre-determined. They accomodated some guests who wanted extras of certain items and were overall extremely helpful. I can't say enough good things about the staff. Unlike some other reviewers I found the food and drinks to all be really delicous. Mexican is the cuisine du jour in my hometown and so I have what I like to think is authentic food fairly frequently. I thought the ceviche, taquitos, and chips were awesome. The empanadas left a little to be desired but were not "terrible or bland" by any means as other reviewers felt. The main dish I had was the shrimp and it was delish!! The desserts were excellent as well. I drank margaritas all night and felt they were strong, not watered down, but not too sweet as they can get. I would recommend this to ANYONE for a large group or otherwise.
(5)Paula D.
Good it's amazing. Ambience ifs great. Service was top notch. I had the special which was a white fish from the Mediterranean grilled mayan style with some wonderful stiff that who care s what it was it tasted so good.
(5)Kelly H.
Had a reservation for 6 people and one person was stuck in traffic. Rude hostess would not seat the rest of the party and proceeded to give our table away so that when all 6 of us were there we had to WAIT an additional half hour. Our group was not the only disgruntled one in the restaurant either. It's a shame the service in front ruined this restaurant for us because otherwise the food is solid and wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable.
(1)John K.
For the past two years, whenever the GF and I have had the itch for Mexican, we went to Stephen Starr's El Vez, in the corridor of what I like to call Restaurant Row (13th Street, Center City). However, the atmosphere there is loud and in charge. They've got a freakin' motorcycle spinning on top of the center bar - 'nuff said. On this particular night, I was taking the GF to see George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Pennsylvania Ballet. So, while we still had a hankering for Mexican, I wanted to dine at a place with a more cozy and quiet atmosphere. Hence Tequilas ... If you look past the generic name of the restaurant, you will realize Tequilas belies its true essence. Authentic cuisine going beyond tacos and enchiladas, served in an environment that can be described as 'upscale Mexican food.' For those of you who may think this is an oxymoronic phrase - you are not in the know and are just used to the casual Mexican eateries which churn out burritos and nachos non-stop. Not that there's anything wrong with the latter, but a more intimate, upscale atmosphere can be had when it comes with Mexican cuisine. Having said that, don't let the paintings on the wall scare you when you first enter! Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday focused on gatherings where friends and family members who have died are remembered and prayed for. La Catrinas (dapper skeletons) are typically the pictographic embodiment of this holiday and are not meant to frighten you out the door at all! Mojito Verde ($10) Siembre azul blanco, cucumber juice, basil leaves, St. Germain, agave nectar, & lime juice I love a good mojito. Tequilas' iteration of this typically rum-soaked drink comes with ... you guessed it - tequila! I thought that would be interesting - so I went with it. The Mojito Verde was certainly distinct with earthy notes, that were followed by citrus on the finish. However, it wasn't as refreshing as I find regular mojitos to be ... perhaps I just prefer it with rum. Deseo ($12) Siembre azul blanco, basil, granny smith apple juice, and Moet & Chandon champagne The GF went with the Deseo as she likes a little bubbly in her drink. There was a tempered effervescence from the Moet y Chandon, one of our favorite champagnes (can't get enough of Nectar Imperial). The granny smith apple juice brought out a nice tang to the drink, with the basil accentuating some herbaciousness to the drink. Tortilla Chips with Pico de Gallo, Salsa, Pickled Jalapenos, Onions, and Carrots Our meal started off with some chips and salsa (gratis). The salsa was thick and delicious, a nice tempered spicy kick. The pickled jalapenos and carrots were spicy (I cut out the seeds before devouring them). Regardless, the GF claimed, "they really kick you in the a**." Weak sauce. The pico de gallo was filled with fresh tomatoes and offered a cooling element to the trio. Crema Conde ($7.95) A classic cream of black beans served with bacon, queso fresco, onion, and croutons. The GF had a black bean soup to start. It was pureed for the most part, but not watery in the least. The beautiful coffee shop decoration was appreciated. However, the highlight was the smooth, hearty taste of the soup. It was robust and had a depth of flavor. There was also bacon, cotija, and a buttery crostini supplied on a separate plate. Empanadas del dia ($8.95) Handmade corn tortillas filled with the freshest ingredients. I went with the empanadas of the day. I didn't bother to ask what type they were serving that night as I figured I would just be surprised. These particular ones were filled with beef. I typically associate empanadas with a crispy texture. Unfortunately, these were a bit limp. However, the innards were seasoned well and the accompanying verde sauce was nicely tart. Carne Aguacate ($23.95) Finest cut of meat stuffed with mushrooms, tomato, and epazote. For my main, I had the specialty of the house, the aguacate. I asked for a medium, rare temp on the steak, which resulted in a perfectly tender cut of beef. It was stuffed with mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and epazote. It was topped with a creamy avocado and cilantro-based sauce. On the side was buttery rice and potato medallions, which were delicate, but without much seasoning. Corn tortillas were served as well. Definitely a dish I would order again. Camaron Tequila ($23.95) The GF ordered grilled shrimp, which had a nice snap and were perfectly buttered. Deliciously plump and fresh. The underlying swiss chard was not seasoned but was served more as an accoutrement, I suppose. Overall, Tequilas delivered on its promise of authentic Mexican cuisine fit for a relaxed, intimate dinner before the ballet. Service was exceptional, though at times was a bit too involved. The fact that we ultimately found out our server lived in Jersey might have been a tad overboard, however finding out that his daughter also went to see the Nutcracker was quite coincidental.
(4)Candice B.
Best margarita in town, hands down. And they don't skimp on the (house made) tequila. One does the job for this lightweight. I grew up going to chain Tex-Mex places in the 'burbs, so I had no idea I liked Mexican food until I had some actual Mexican food not coming out of a box and heated up in a microwave. Tequila's does not disappoint. The meats are all melt-in-your-mouth good. The mole is heaven on a plate. The seafood is always fresh. Sure, it's a bit more expensive than some other spots in the city, but you really do get what you pay for. I can't say enough good things about the service here. The servers are warm, welcoming, and funny. And the atmosphere is so relaxing it feels like you're dining in someone's house. Even just writing this review, I'm thinking about when I am going to make my next visit.
(5)Will Z.
--4.5 stars-- Food Quality: 4.5 stars Food Quantity: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Price: 3.5 stars Came here for Restaurant Week. LOTS of food (come hungry..). We got Alma Blanca and Margarita de Champagne for drinks, Empanadas and Ceviche for appetizers, Sur
(5)Jennifer M.
Needed a Mexican restaurant to celebrate my birthday that could handle the following: 1) 10 girls that love to eat and usually come hungry 2) Guacamole that comes in an extra large pot (because who eats guacamole from a small bowl?) 3) Margaritas. Lots and lots of margaritas. Not too sweet or sour, either. 4) A fun-loving atmosphere 5) A place that doesn't make you rob a bank Welcome to Tequilas, friends! This place met all the above criteria and was better than I expected. For one, I did not realize how big this restaurant was! Previously, I've only been here for drinks at the bar. We were seated in the back room with the other bigger parties. I assume this is where they put all the loud and lively groups because that is what we experienced! Along with the chips and salsa, we ordered margaritas (and sangria!), two types of guacamole, and a plethora of entrees. For me, I ordered the molcajetes (Beef tenderloin covered in salsa served in a lava rock bowl with tortillas to make your own tacos!). The food was delicious, the drinks flowing, and smiles all around. Service was on point and made sure that our glasses (water and the drinks!) were full, which I appreciated. My experience here was pretty solid, and Tequilas deserves to be recognized as one of my highly recommended restaurants in the area.
(4)BykeRyde R.
We met up with old friends for dinner here, and I was very excited to try it as I had heard good things. It was a less-than-pleasant experience. The hostesses at the podium were extremely snotty and rude. I mean, I understand it's Rittenhouse Square but c'mon. The drinks were nothing to sing about. And what really tipped the scales was the lackluster cuisine. I ordered the sopa de tortilla, and my friend ordered the chile rellenos. A second after my soup arrived, I started smelling something resemblant to a NYC subway station. I was thinking/hoping it wasn't my soup that smelled like urine but unfortunately it was :( It was off-putting, and its taste didn't help matters any. My friend's chile rellenos were okay but nothing to delegate the prices on the menu nor the attitudes of the hostesses. What prompted me to give this place two stars instead of one was 1) our server was decent and on top of things, and 2) the ambience was pretty. You'd be better off going to Las Bugambilias. Amazing food, potent drinks, and a really nice staff.
(2)Ashley L.
Dinner and a show? Wouldn't expect it but the waiters are quite the entertainers! I had previously only been here for happy hour, which offers $6 margs 4:30-6:30pm. This past weekend I dined in with a large party. We were seated a few minutes before our reservation at a long table in the back (the restaurant is much larger than it appears!). Their regular drinks are on the pricer side, but good. I started with the Mexipolitan but switched to the house marg because it was a little too sweet. We ended up ordering a pitcher for the table, which is served in a fancy table tap. Not sure on the price but it poured over 6 drinks so it is probably worth getting. Now for the entertainment... they deliver the drinks on their head! Our waiter even delivered the table tap with 6 glasses and no hands...very impressive! They brought out homemade chips and salsa to start and kept them coming! It was dangerous. I obviously started with the queso fundido (can't go wrong there!). Also ordered guac for the chips, which was strangely not listed on their menu. Speaking of the menu, if you want a Mexican history lesson then be sure to hold on to it! Some of the menu item descriptions go into detail about the heritage of the dish. For dinner I enjoyed the Enchiladas Playa, full of a medley of fresh seafoods. The entrees are on the pricer side but I suppose you are paying for the atmosphere. For the grand finale, all of the waiters marched out singing a Mexican birthday song to my friend, armed with cake and tequila! Great place to celebrate a birthday.
(4)Ben H.
We've been twice. The first time it was mindblowingly good, but very crowded and loud. The second time (exactly one year later) it was TERRIBLE. All the food was greasy and gross, and the bar was out of ingredients for the first FOUR drinks we tried to order. (Why not just tell me what you can actually serve instead if making me guess?). When we finally did manage to order drinks, they were really gross and I had to force mine and my wife's down so I wouldn't be wasting $25. I'm not sure what happened in that year, maybe they lost a chef or had a crazy night, but I'm not gonna risk going a third time after that experience.
(2)Scott J.
Had a really great dinner with my wife before the Nutcracker. Jeremy our server was very attentive. If you make a reservation, be sure to request a table near the window as those looked the most attractive. Inside is really gorgeous and during our entire dinner we discussed what it must have been like to live in a brownstone that enormous 100 years ago. Ok, on to the food. The guacamole was awesome. We got the chipotle guac with cheese on top and it was a great starter. I ordered the ceviche which was good but to my disappointment the fish was cooked which may have been mentioned on the menu but I had just assumed that ceviche would have been raw with the obvious lime juice. No big deal because our entrees were absolutely delicious. I had the carne asada special which came out in a huge lava bowl along with warm tortillas and I was in heaven. It even included cactus which was a lot like artichokes in consistency so it was cool to try something new. My wife got the seafood enchiladas and she raved about them. Chocolate Mouse dessert was a terrific ending to our meal and not heavy as most desserts can be on a full stomach. Perfect margaritas got me in the right mindset to sit through 2 hours of ballet so I would return.
(4)Stacey B.
The food was fantastic. we enjoyed the different offerings and the wait staff is wonderful! Will definitely go again.
(5)Evelyne K.
Two words to describe this experience: SO disappointing. I've been scoping this place out for forever. Tried to go (sans reservations) a couple times, but was chased off by the exceptionally long wait- even on off hours. I FINALLY got my act together and made reservation, and boy was that a waste. We had a 9:30pm reservation, and didnt get seated til close to 10. The place was PACKED and my date and I ended up squeezed into a table in between a particularly loud dinner party and an annoying/awkward date gone wrong situation. It was so loud we could barely carry on a conversation across the table, and would have had to preform some sort of contortionist tricks to sit side by side. Food was total meh. I spent $20+ on an entree I'd value at closer to $8. Nothing irks me more than a restaurant messing up the most universally delicious food (Mexican. Come on.. you know it's true) by trying to make it fancy-shmancy without actually keeping it tasty. I got the Cochinita Pibil. It was a small heap of totally unspectacular pork sitting in a pool of grease, sitting on top of a greasy banana leaf that very well could have been a strip of green plastic. The rice and beans that came with it were mostly for decorative value I assume since they was about 2 bites of each. The one place they didnt skimp was the big ol stack of seemingly store-bought corn tortillas... yum.. My date and I both got the Roses Margarita.. definitely the only decent aspect of dinner.. So if you find yourself unlucky enough to be dinning here, I'd suggest getting plenty of drinks then afterwards, swinging by El Rey, El Vez, or any of the many authentic Mexican spots around the Italian Market to eat
(2)Deb M.
Great drinks and excellent food! Outside seating was beautiful for dinner. Service was outstanding!
(4)Danielle D.
If you REALLY like Mexican, this is for you. If you want tacos. If you just want good tacos and queso (as I did), go elsewhere. Waitstaff was extremely helpful, especially when selecting beer for the evening. The daily specials are the absolute best. Loses stars because the main appetizer, queso, was not what I expected- it was served congealed (not creamy) and I had to serve with a fork and knife and who eats queso in a tortilla and not on a chip? And the prices were a bit high for a Mexican restaurant.
(3)Paul C.
Stopped here after attending the concert at the Curtis Institute of Music...we sat at the bar...staffs were friendly...but, they were bit slow...anyways this was what we ordered.... Tortillas Soup - it was good...but would've been better if it was less saltier... Ceviche - very tasty... Surf and Turf - came with Filet and the whole lobster....guacamole...., and mexican rice...excellent choice... Margaritas - VERY STRONG...after just two...I was getting BUZZED!!! I need to try other items next time...such as their tacos...I think it will be a great place for next happy hour...
(4)Armando Z.
How... How does this place... Only have 7 reviews?!! It was packed... I cook regional gourmet Mexican cuisine nightly ..I kid you not... I am a Mexican American as well. The food here is five star. Really amazing, the drinks, tequila, beer is delicious.!! I hope the locals appreciate thus place because its a jewel. Please no " margaritas and burrito types, this isn't that kind of place. It's where the true power, breadth and depth of Mexican cuisine is revealed. Viva mexico !! Viva la Bandera Aquila !
(5)S R.
The food is very different from the usual Mexican restaurants. Great taste & good service. Lighting could be a little better though.
(5)Heidi C.
We have been coming to Tequila's for several years now, and even though we are no longer living in the city, it's always on our list of top Philly restaurants to hit up when we have a date night. My husband and I are creatures of habit when it comes to the menu, I always select the Carne Aguacate and he gets the Molcajete de Pollo, but honestly they are so good that I never want to stray. Also, even with just the chips and salsa, plus you're entree, you'll go home very full -- plenty of food!
(4)Sarah F.
I really, really wanted to love this place. Being from the Southwest, I am almost always on a quest for some quality Mexican food, and this spot was the next target. However & unfortunately, I was not so impressed. I ordered the chicken tortilla soup to start. The soup had all of the right components: tortilla strips, moist chicken, avocado, cheese, and bits of dried chili (chipotle maybe). The problem with the soup was the broth. It tasted almost equivalent to Campbell's tomato soup. No spice whatsoever. It was too tomatoey and not enough chicken broth. For my entree I got the Enchiladas Playa. I sort of had the same problem with these in that they were fairly bland without any spice. The crab & shrimp interior was good but the sauce needs a little bit more. To be fair the chips and salsa, as well as the queso fundido, were all very good. Perhaps next time I will come for a drink and some nibbles rather than a whole meal.
(2)Steve W.
Walked by this place 100 times+ over the last year. Always thought about giving it a try but it's been my experience that nothing good happens after visiting any place with the name tequila on it. However; a few days ago I finally stopped in. 3 star food, 4 star happy hour specials and prices, and 5 stars for the chips. They're thick and well done, excellent. The chicken mole was ok. The temperature was just warm, gave the impression it was warmed up. Overall it was a good dinner and worth another visit.
(3)Anannya T.
This is my favorite classy Mexican joint in the City of Brotherly Love. The food is out of this world and the waitstaff is prompt and experienced. It's also versatile - perfect for an intimate evening or a night out with friends.
(5)Niti S.
This is the old Tequilas that we used to go to years ago. If you want some authentic Mexican in a vibrant setting with Spanish speaking servers - this is the place. Good change after going to modern places like El Vez and Distrito. enough vegetarian options, awesome drinks & desserts.
(4)Chris W.
A solid upscale Mexican option in the heart of center city. I walk by this place on almost a daily basis but finally sat down to sample their cuisine. To my surprise, it was easy to get a last minute primetime Saturday night reservation through opentable (summer in the city I guess). +1 for all the outdoor seating although this makes it a catch 22 where the servers visits are few and far between. It took a while just to order and receive a couple drinks which were not something I would come back solely for. My first drink was unmemorable and my margarita was average but the cuisine was authentic, flavorful and plentiful. I started with the ceviche which was simple yet so refreshing. The chunks of seafood were rotund and perfectly balanced with the acids, a great start. As for an entree I went the beef lava bowl which came out sizzling. A lot going on but it all works together and there is definitely some heat. The accompanying guacamole was also fresh and the refried beans were an unsung hero with their unique consistency. Had no room for dessert on this night (bring your appetite) but maybe next restaurant week, which I hear is a great value, will give me a chance to dabble.
(3)D G.
I'm not a fan of this place. If you have a large group, they won't seat you unless every single person is there (even if you have 11 of the 12 people and say you'll order for that 12th person, so as not to hold anything up). Owner is rude and unhelpful. while the food is fine, there are tons of great, authentic, Mexican restaurants in Philly, with better service.
(1)Ron B.
I love it. We eat here every time we visit, which is often. Great for lunch, great for dinner, great for drinks. This place is great. The margaritas are done very well, even with the house tequila. The waiters bring them out on their heads, which is nice. They are helpful and very attentive as well, which is nicer. I get a kick out of the menu. They'll go through and explain the history of the dish or the relevance of the name and there's a paragraph about the dish before they even tell you what it is. It's like a social studies class when I'm ordering. It'll say stuff like, "Women in Mexico were key to its liberation, forging ties between culture and government. The spirit of the country lives on in their passion for life and love. Beef tenderloin with onions in mole sauce." I usually get the Carne Aguacate or the Carne Asada which are so flavorful. I'm drooling a little right now. Awesome. The prawns are delicious (not on the menu but are somehow a "special" every single day). My sister got the tacos once and they were nothing special. I stay stick with the steak. They have a billion tequila's on hand but I'm far from a connoisseur so I stick with the house and it more than does the job. It's a little pricey but trust me, it's worth it.
(5)Carrie E.
Well, it's beautiful in there, that's for sure. And I could speak to the waiter in Spanish, so my memory apparently isn't as crappy and useless as I once thought. That said, though, the crowd wasn't really my thing and I just didn't get the whole showy thing of the dudes putting the margaritas on their heads and then walking them through the restaurant. Ha ha - that is so cool - we get it. The food was yummy (what I ate of it, anyway) but the real winner was the drinks. Yeah tequila. Yeah salt and rocks. Yeah getting a buzz before you go out dancing. Viva la margarita!
(3)Ryan S.
Vendors in general: take your clients here, we like that a lot. Vendors in the IT profession that will take me here: Hello, how do you do? Care to come on site and give a demo? Dinner helps us make decisions... Friends that need to celebrate things: we, the unionized taste buds of Ryan's mouth local 703, formally request that you celebrate your things here. Uh. The big shrimp are cool looking and good. Get a pitcher of margaritas because you'll be sorry if you don't. Have the sopas and note that they do mole very well.
(5)Faye B.
I have a love for most things Latino (EDGAR RAMIREZ IS SO FINE!) and I've been addicted to margaritas since that first fateful sip back at Chili's in college so Tequilas is a natural fit. Everything I've eaten here has been delicious time and time and time again. If I'm in Philly, I'm going for sure. I even have my picky friend and my veggie friend hooked on it. I'd call it upscale but unstuffy Mexican. The first few times I was so full from appetizers and drinks that I never made it to the actual meal. Pitiful but tasty and satisfying. My favorite appetizers are the Sopes del Rancho and Queso Fundido. The sopes were the tastiest with chorizo though the chicken and the beef (so I was told) were good too. The sopes come with a veggie option but I haven't had those yet . The fundido was good with and without the chorizo. The ceviche and empanadas were well-received as well. I also really like the Tortilla Soup which is just as good with chicken as it is without. The Chipotle Salad also got a good report from the boo. Okay so the only entree I've had was the Salsa Tequila's with jumbo shrimp and it was fantastic! So much so I cleaned my plate and I rarely ever do that. As for the margaritas, they are very tasty. Just tart enough, just sweet enough with a nice kick from that house tequila (Siembra Azul) that they use. I hope they bring back raspberry for the summertime but if they don't the blue is fine with me.
(5)Elizabeth A.
Maybe it's not fair for me to write a review of a place from which, apart from the margaritas, I've only ever ordered one item. That would be the guacamole. But, since it's the best, and freshest, guacamole I've ever had, and I've eaten a lot of guacamole, I've decided to go ahead. I spent the spring semester in Philadelphia, and discovered the lovely Los Catrines Tequilas shortly after settling in. I was quickly enchanted by the cozy and authentic-feeling restaurant a few short blocks from my apartment, and I returned for drinks and take out time and again. The service was fantastic (the bartenders were simply charming!), and the guacamole (which comes with house made chips and a variety of salsas) was to die for. As other reviewers have noted, the selection of tequilas was most impressive. While I'm not a connoisseur of margaritas, I definitely indulged, more than once, and I was not disappointed.
(5)Jenn W.
I went here with my girlfriend & her sisters, they knew about it..I was thoroughly impressed, had outdoor seating in warm months, the inside, was breathtaking!! But guess you pay for that ,too. The food here was excellent. I would go back again..service was good too!! Guacamole in authentic clay pot, their chips were light & crisp!! My girls loved their Margaritas!!!
(4)lena k.
This was my favorite place when I lived in Philly briefly. Try their great margarita! Great selection of wine and I love love love everything they have on their menu. Living on the east coast, you don't get to eat good Mexican anywhere. But I think this was probably the best Mexican restaurant in Philly (I haven't found an equally good Mexican in NYC yet either).
(5)Tracey L.
I love this place. It's comfort food at its finest. They serve two salsas in the beginning and the one is made with roasted tomatoes and it is very unique. I've never had a flavor like it before. I enjoy chips & salsa as much as the next person but like to change it up. If they served a cabbage salsa like I'm used to then it'd be a double-salsa win! I enjoy starting with the ceviche. It's wonderfully done with beautiful seafood. I could probably just eat this on its own and skip everything else! The queso fundido with huitlacoche is also a treat. It's rare to find a place that serves the huitlacoche - in fact I've only had it once before at Millennium in San Fransisco (another great place to eat!). My go-to meal is easily the Sabana Invierno de Pollo. It's simple fine at its finest. Chicken covered with beans and cheese. Yum. It reheats well too which is always a plus. The timbale of rice is a nice touch because you get a little bit without it overwhelming the plate. Molcajete De Pollo or Beef is also fantastic and served in the great lava pig bowl. Who can resist? Everything I've had here has been wonderful and it's on my list of "places I can be bribed with". Unrelated to the food, I do like the decor. It's fun and creative and yet very classy as well. The staff has always been incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I've never had poor service there.
(5)Frank R.
High quality Mexican food. The service is great, and as many have mentioned, the waiters carry platters on their heads and drinks on their fingertips. Great food...and entertaining. There's outdoor seating, too. Which, on Locust Street, is a little quieter than some outdoor seating in the city. Get the molcajetes, which is served in a lava bowl along with some corn tortillas, guacamole, etc. And their limeade is really refreshing (unless you're in the mood for a cerveza).
(4)Kirby P.
The food was excellent, service was excellent and fast. The guacamole appetizer with peanuts was unique and tasty. I had a special of the day - grilled shrimp with crab meat, It was excellent. I ended the meal with impossible cake - flan over chocolate cake - superb!
(5)waltzing m.
Quite frankly, the best mexican restaurant in philly hands down and may I add a super well stocked tequila bar
(4)Lynne B.
I love this restaurant. Delicious! The atmosphere is very classy but not pretentious. The prices for dinner are steep so go for lunch instead. Warning: the bathrooms are really, really dark so be careful while your eyes are adjusting.
(4)Sarena S.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia - the food is outstanding, the ambiance makes you feel as if you're in Mexico, and it's fun! (the waiters carry drinks out on their heads). You can't really go wrong with the menu, even if you are picky because they are willing to work around your requests. Try the Molcajetes de Pollo (hot chicken in a lava bowl for make-your-own tortillas). Their steak dishes are also phenomenal. Aside from the food, the place is great for both special occasions or a drink at the bar... you'll feel as if you were transported from Philly to an exotic Mexican locale.
(5)Cindy C.
A great place to go to switch things up once in a while when you start feeling that all your staple 'food type' options (fancy french, bar burgers&fries, italian byo, fusion bistro) are getting routine. The atmosphere is distinctive and classy...the decor is distinguished and effortlessly charming...stylish without being trendy or too "fashionable"...overall the space (the restaurant is much larger/deeper than it appears from its Locust st. facade) has an inviting grandeur. Service is impeccable yet waitstaff add some fun by bringing out some orders balanced on their head. Their specials truly are, for they included a dish with fried grasshoppers. After I swallowed my trepidation and a mouthful of them ('just keep thinking they're like shrimp that live on land'), I have to say they really taste more like garlicky & buttery crispy chips than anything else. Their mojitos were top-notch, steak was tasty, and ceviche okay/decent. Some items on the menu seemed a little overpriced for standard-ish mexican fare but the experience as a whole is worth it.
(4)Kate C.
I have eaten at Tequila's about 30-40 times, starting ten years ago when they were located at a smaller spot down the block. I was fresh to the city and went there for a friend's birthday. We had a cold stone pitcher of margaritas and ever since, this spot has been a favorite. THIS might be one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. It is a big place and the bar area is always full and reservations are usually necessary, but when we walk in without a reservation, we always get a table due to being regulars. Very accommodating. Although I love this restaurant, it is a major destination for work, bridal, baby, and birthday parties, so it is not always good for a quiet dinner unless you arrive before 7pm. Nonetheless, the food is what keeps us coming back. Recommended menu items: the pitcher of margaritas, organic cabernet by the glass, oysters on the half shell with hot sauce, cerviche, chicken mole poblano, the Roasted Duck breast served in a white mole sauce,Filete Grito
(5)Sandhya R.
For starters, I would like to say this place is mediocre at best. If any of you out there are looking for great Mexican with a plethora of drink varieties, I would personally choose Distrito or El Vez (both located in Philadelphia) over Los Catrines Tequilas. I say this primarily for 3 reasons. 1) The former two are far more affordable. 2) The former two have much better Mexican cuisine (taste wise). 3) The former two have a much more upbeat environment. If you're looking to class up dinner, then Tequilas is a better option and also if you're willing to delve further into your pockets. The service was okay, but I was a bit astonished when the waiter didn't warn my husband and I about the size and proportions of the food we ordered. That being said, we have enough food left over to feed a small town in Mexico itself. But you be the judge! Happy taco hunting. :)
(2)Stuti S.
Good sized portions and good flavors - not outstanding in taste. BUT great ambiance and excellent service. The lady serving us was enthusiastic about recommending vegetarian dishes - including ones not on the menu and, some excellent tequila mixers. Overall we had a wonderful evening and that what the stars are for! Roomy restaurant, with large tables even for 2 and not too close together. We visited on a Friday evening and it was packed and noisy. But it didnt take away from the experience for us. Beware that the vegetarian options are limited. But the ones they have are good. We ordered a veggie platter with a mix of rice, guacamole, beans and stuffed peppers and a delicious soup. Definitely amongst the good Mexican restaurants we have frequented.
(4)Carol E.
I used to dine at this restaurant regularly with friend. We haven't been there in over a year due to illness. We went this past Wednesday evening. We had a reservation. I asked if my friend arrived. There was a young kid at the hostess desk. He told me she had not arrived and i could have a seat at the bar. i said I do not want to sit at the bar can i be seated at our table? He said no he couldn't do that. So i was waiting for a good 10 minutes. The hostess came back and asked who I was waiting for. My friend had been there seated at a table the entire time. How rude! They were complete idiots in my opinion. I was furious. They would not seat me but had already seated her. Then the service was awful. The waiter never came back to check. No one came to refill our water. We can not drink alcohol due to medical conditions. Then after we finished our dinner he took forever to come back and ask us about dessert. I will never go there again. The whole experience was dreadful. Very ignorant staff. The food was very good I must say, but not worth the aggravation of dealing with a rude staff. I will dine elsewhere.
(1)Tina M.
Looking for great Mexican? Just head east 2,700 miles and turn left on Locust Street. Living in Los Angeles, I realize this will read as blasphemous but America's best Mexican restaurant lies in the heart of Philadelphia. Yep....Pennsylvania. Tequilas must be a vital part of a visit to the City of Brotherly Love along with taking a peek at the Liberty Bell. David Suro is a native of Guadalajara and grew up in Jalisco. He was working as a waiter in Cancun when he met his wife and then followed her back to Philly. Suro says that the city's only idea of Mexican food was Tex-Mex but did he ever expand those boundaries. It starts off with simple tortilla chips that are thick and crunchy with a salsa that gets your appetite started. An appetizer of the empanadas or taquitos de pollo is a great way to progress to the next step. If I had to rank them, the empanadas get filled with whatever is fresh and new in the kitchen so they get the edge. For your main course, their best foot forward is the carne asada a la tampiquena. Thin slices of grilled and seasoned lean steak that comes with a tamale, rice, refried beans and a taquito. It's a perfect showcase of the best things on the menu. If you're planning to hang out a while and talk about old times, well, it ain't called Tequilas for nothing! Over 100 kinds of aguas caliente so tell your server your mood and your tastes and they'll match you up to the right bottle.
(5)Alicia O.
who knew mexican food could cost $50 a person!? went during restaurant week so i am not sure where the specials were. the service was good. the back where we sat was small and very very cozy. so if you dont like being arms length away from the next table, ask for a different seat up front. our server spoke fluent spanish which was refreshing. she was loud though. i needed her to bring it down a notch. our food was very good authentic mexican cuisine. the right level of spicy-ness and flavor. i had soup and it was very good. my friend had the ceviche and her's was delicious. we both had guacamole stuffed halibut. it was good, not superb but good. could have used a little salt. and dessert was sweet and yummy! so i would go back if i got a bonus from work. other than that it may be a bit overpriced. so i'll just stick to qdoba. hahaa
(3)D K.
Went for a combination Restaurant Week/18th birthday celebration and was overall pleased. Our appetizers were wonderful: tangy tortilla soup and heaping bowl of wonderful, fresh ceviche. For the entrees, I had the Mar y Tiera (surf and turf); while the turf was a tad chewy and the surf a bit unwieldy, the flavors were to die for. The sauce on the filet was scrumptous - sweet, tangy, a little spicy. Yum! The "belated birthday girl" had the grouper stuffed with guacamole, topped with a mango-ginger sauce, with which she was quite pleased. She commented on how the guacamole was exactly the right consistency and flavor for the fish. Our desserts were a perfect ending to a lovely meal - a really subtly-sweet flan and Pastel Imposible, which was an airy, moist chocolate cake topped with flan. A really nice evening...kind of makes me wish Restaurant Week came around more than twice a year!
(4)Won S.
So, positives and negatives: Positives: Decor is nice, very well appointed and nicely done It is quiet as you get into the inner sanctum of the restaurant It is upscale but not stuffy The Margaritas were good, especially as I am not a Margarita fan. I must say it was refreshing, and did the job of getting me slightly intoxicated while not having an overwhelming taste of tequilla The Ceviche was good The guacamole was good The bad: The main entrees were bland and did not have much snap or flavor. the shrimp were overcooked, the meat was flavorless, like it was frozen and thawed in water, the rice was red but tasted nothing like it had tomatoes or any chile in it, even though it smelled of tomatoes and peppers. The entrees were warm. That's just a pet peeve of mine. We were one of maybe 20 people in the restaurant at the time, as my wife and I went for dinner after work. It was not crowded. I do not know why the food was warm. Warm food to me, means it was prepared too far in advance of us being ready. The Nicolatas in the salad tasted like it came from a can. It had no texture, was awefully briney, and had no flavor, versus some mild flavor. and it was slimy. Like thick korean Seaweed used in soup, but the seaweed has flavor and some texture. I remember Cactus as being subtle, but this was just bad. The Filet Mignon was not a Filet, it was a poor cut of tenderloin masquerading as a Filet Mignon. It lacked the flavor or tenderness of a Filet Mignon. The low star count is due to the quality of food versus price of food ratio being off. I don't like spending 30 a plate for mediocre mexican food, that is not as good as the lunch truck I can go to and spend 6.00. The entree was just that unappealing, and we go out to restaurants for the food, not the atmosphere. There are other places I like to go for that, but I don't expect to find good food at those places. I do expect good entrees at a formal sitdown resturant. Would I go back, yes. I would go for a drink and appetizers after work with some friends. I would not see myself going there for a main course sit down type dinner again. The interior is nice, well done, and a pleasant place I could sit, drink, and have some side dishes. If it was a Tapas type place with no main course/entrees, I would give it 3 stars. Again, even with the entrees, the quality to price ratio is off, but I guess the ambience helps to off set that. They should either change and be a Tapas bar or make better quality main courses.
(2)Meeta A.
The langostinos are *always* worth it.
(5)Blair E.
Beset mexican food in philadelphia, albeit not the cheapest. Go for the daily fish special prepared with a mango ginger sauce and guac. It is amazing.
(5)melissa h.
this place seems quite overrated to me. the food was okay. i may have chosen "the wrong dish for me" but it was just okay. my fiance really liked his dish however. so that opinion is mixed. my mojito was just okay as well. i was definitely expecting better. the atmosphere..... we were sat in the bar area. i faced a wall and Carl faced a mans beer gut all night. it was loud and the waitress was not very nice. the hostess was rude. on the way out we decided to use the bathroom. being first time guests of the restaurant, we walked the wrong way. the hostess asked if we were looking for the restrooms. when we said yes, she sighed heavily and obviously annoyed, responded with "ughhh... why does everyone think the bathroom is this way?". Carl then responded... "because we have never been here before". anyway, it was pricey and unimpressive in my opinion. i would not go again nor recommend it. i think the ambiance would have been better had we been seated in the back dining area. so, if you do decide to check it out be certain not to be stuck in the bar area near the hostess. and for future reference... the bathroom is toward the back.
(3)Shana G.
I have been going to Tequila's for years. It is hands down the best Mexican in the city!!! I have never had a bad meal...ever. The wait staff is friendly, same w/ the bartenders. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful inside. The margarita's are superb. The tortilla soup is out of this world. It has come to a point where I can't try other mexican restaurants in Philly, if it ain't broke, why fix it.
(5)Kami C.
One of my favorite places to eat in the city. I have been coming back since I was first introduced to the old small location in '96. And I have never had a bad meal. It is the one place everyone I know agrees on, whether it be for a romantic meal, a family celebration, business lunch or happy hour!
(5)Mehul P.
I really can't count how many times I have been here, but the food is great. I've had many of the Pollo and Carnes dishes and almost all of them are juicy and texture and feel of the dishes are great. The last time I went I had the Carne Asada a la Tampiquena and the quality of the meat, rice and beans was perfect. They all go really well together. Another really good dish is the Pescado al Mango, which is stuffed with Mango, Ginger and Guacamole. The flavors hit your tongue from all sides. They have a full bar so definitely liven it up with some beer, wine or cocktail. The ambiance and decor also add to the overall feel of the restaurant.
(4)Aaron H.
This place has the longest list of specials I've ever encountered at an eating establishment. Every time you go, the server has a list that keeps going on, and on, and on, until you become hypnotized into ordering one of them. But more importantly, the food is, at best, mediocre. Some of the seafood dishes are decent, but the prices are simply too high for the quality and creativity of what you get -- particularly for the non-seafood entrees. Granted, Philly is seriously lacking in good Mexican, and if there were a good taqueria for me to recommend I would do so, but I never found it. Food aside, the atmosphere is pretty lively, and this place can be a good time with a big group ready to tear into a few pitchers of margaritas. My two cents: go to Lolita instead.
(3)Ti L.
It was my first (and definitely not last) visit to Tequila's and I felt like family. The pitcher of Margarita's brought to the table on the waiter's head seemed never-ending and definitely made me a tequila convert. Each night there is freshly-made guac... we had crab-mango... it was BANGIN (and I promise I don't use that word often). My favorite part of the meal though were the bacon-wrapped shrimp... my friends swear I was moaning as I was eating them. The waitstaff actually seemed happy and were joking around with guests... and my friend pointed out that the owner was working the floor just like a waiter... he was very friendly and attentive. I hear that they have a Prix Fixe for large groups... so I may definitely consider having my birthday here this summer. The decor is beautiful and I think the place is perfect for date night, dinner with friends, or a family gathering.
(4)Stephen H.
Start off by saying i just went here for drinks...so i can't speak on the food, but i just wanted to say that the drinks were excellent. i had a a mango drink with ginger liquor, and my fiance had a rum drink with a hint of rose water....both drinks were top rate, and i could have had a bunch more if we weren't meeting friends. The decor was great, what a super sharp place...and the bartender was attentive and super nice without being bothersome....I would suggest Tequilas for happy hour, or as I did a nice place to meet someone before heading out for the evening...drinks are on the pricey side but soo good you won't mind.
(3)Parisa S.
Sub-par. Service is horrible, chips are stale, food lacks spice. The space is nice, if you're going for ambiance. But don't expect much beyond. FYI - drinks are weak...stick to sangria/wine/etc.
(2)Brian L.
This place is pretty awesome. Came here recently to celebrate a friend's birthday. The restaurant has a nice, cozy feel to it. The 2 waiters we had were very funny, helpful, and friendly. They had a 3 course meal option for $30 where we can order an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I started out with the empandas of the day (beef tenderloin). My entree was the Filete Grito which was a filet mignon with rice, guacamole, and beans on the side. The filet was cooked to perfection and the sauce topping it was nice and spicy. The dessert I chose was a crepe with walnuts, ice cream, and caramel drizzled over. I would definitely come back. The waiters are great and the food is satisfying.
(4)troy d.
I think this place does the best job with Mexican food in center city. The mole, molcajetes (stews served in a stone grinder (molcajete)), enchiladas, and queso fundido are all tasty. Also, I completely disagree that there is a lack of spice...this a Mexican restaurant by Mexicans (but for gringos) and they use a variety of chile peppers in the mole and other chiles such as guajillo, chile de arbol, etc. The food isn't overly spicy but I would never say it "lacks spice". Additionally, if one wants more spiciness, one can request a "hotter" salsa that is made with habanero chiles...be careful with this though! The service is another issue but is usually pretty good and can include balancing tricks as some of the other reviewers noted. Some of the bad reviews about the food can be explained by a few things: #1: Good Mexican food doesn't have to be pricey and the food isn't cheap here...but remember where the restaurant is located and the ambiance. #2: The tortilla chips are homemade which is why they are thicker and some chips can be crispier than others...the way their tortilla chips appear and taste is comparable to how tortilla chips are in Mexico. If you want Doritos, go to WaWa. #3: Cajeta is caramel made from goat milk which is probably why the taste seemed a little off to one reviewer. One can buy it in a plastic or glass jar and it is pretty damn good (and fresh goat milk is hard to find). I doubt one could find any Mexican restaurant in the US that makes its own cajeta. #4: Straying too far away from standard fare, such as with ceviche and coconut milk, could be disappointing. #5 Their margaritas are deceptively potent... I would also challenge you to have more than two of their margaritas on a work night and be able skip out of bed the next morning.
(4)Lindsay H.
Great atmosphere (although the seating is a bit crowded), service was fantastic (waiter carrying drinks on his head was pretty cool). I didn't think it was really that authentic, but maybe that's because I'm more used to Tex-Mex. My mojito wasn't as good as the one I had a Cuba Libre, but still pretty good. The fish stuffed with guacamole in mango sauce was GREAT! My friends also loved their steaks. We got taquitos with grasshoppers inside - interesting, very crunchy, not a lot of taste in the grasshoppers but there was a lot of garlicky guacamole to add some taste to the dish. Overall a place worth visiting, especially if you can sit outside on a nice day.
(4)Ben H.
This is a nice spot with a unique decor although I was a bit disappointed with the blandness of the food. Everything that I ordered needed more salt and I can't say that any item in particular was remarkable, just average. I might eat here again if I'm starving to death and everything else in the vicinity is booked solid.
(3)Russ C.
This is a fantastic Mexican restaurant, where authenticity is not taken lightly. When you go, get there about a half hour to forty five minutes before you actually want to eat. This will allow you to enjoy a pitcher of their great margaritas before your table is ready. Once you sit, order another pitcher of margaritas and be amazed as your server runs down steps while balancing the heavy clay container on his head. Maybe it was the margaritas, but I vaguely remember what I ordered, I do however, remember that it was awesome. If you want craziness, El Vez is the place, if you want amazing food, check out Tequila's. --The one issue I had with Tequila's was the seating. Where we sat was very cramped as you basically share one long bench with other patrons.
(4)Bill U.
Known mainly as "Tequila's", this is a place you will never forget, and not soon be forgotten. Originally a very small establishment, Tequila's has moved in recent years to a more sizable place near 16th Street. It may well be the best Mexican restaurant in America. This is high cuisine, with lavish descriptors of each entree that exude the passion and commitment of the owners. Mole Poblano may be defined by the dish baring its name here. Do get a Margarita, but make it a top shelf item; when you are here you are dining at a whole new level. If you are bold, beg, insist even that they make a pot of real mexican coffee for you (this is not a typical Kahlua mixture, and in fact has no alcohol), rather you will find an intense sweetness to the coffee that will cap off a magical night out. N.B. Very difficult to get in on weekends. Waits can be over an hour during prime dining hours. No reservations taken, but they do have a wait list.
(5)Steph M.
The sultry decor and attentive service provide the perfect backdrop to some of the best Mexican food in town. The mole sauce is to die for, and the margaritas are damn good, too. I always waver between getting them by the glass so I can watch the waiter balance it on his head or getting them by the crock (a cute little pottery thing with its own tap) because I know I'll drink plenty. Tequila's is a bit pricey, especially if you're a fan of its namesake libation, but it's worth it.
(5)RB B.
One word....fresh. From the guacamole to the fish....everything tasted so incredibly fresh. And the flavors of the sauces were amazing. They offer several kinds of guacamole. We ordered the plain, and when the waitress saw my disappoint that my boyfriend insisted we order the plain over the guacamole topped with green apple and crab, she told me to go over to where they were making it to get a sample. My boyfriend had a mixed plate with carne asada, a mini tamale and a couple of other little bites. It was a nice sampling. I had the fish in a buttery mango sauce which was to die for. I savored every bite. The service was decent, and prices fair. I highly recommend for a special night out.
(5)Sam G.
Amazing food, amazing mixology, attentive (but not too attentive) waitstaff, and a beautiful restaurant. If you want to try some updated versions of classic regional mexican cuisine, then Tequila's is for you. Go on the weekends, when they always have 2 or 3 interesting guacamoles which are made fresh to order.
(5)Anthony V.
"Phenominal Meal". I went to Tequila on a suggestion by a friend during restaurant week. Everyone in my party loved their appetizers and entrees. My favorite appetizer was the ceviche. My favorite entree was a Grouper filet with a mango salsa. The meals were substantial and we all left the restaurant stuffed. Drinks are expensive and totaled half of our bill but the margaritas were made with fresh ingredients...delicious. The only disappointment was dessert. All the desserts ordered were unimpressive and they don't serve espresso or cappucino, but who really cares about dessert. I will take a fabulous meal over a good dessert any day. I will definitley return to Los Catrines Tequilas.
(5)Cynthia K.
FINALLY! Oh thank goodness for this place... a Mexican restaurant that knows what they are doing. From Azul Tequila to the mouth-watering and generous dishes, I can't say enough about the quality of food here and authenticity of flavor. This is what I've been craving since leaving San Diego. Forget the others, this is THE Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia.
(5)Dina B.
Went again today for Restaurant Week lunch. Still outstanding!
(5)kathy t.
Highly entertaining service- trayfuls of drinks are balanced on fingertips and the bartenders make a mean mojito (no capirinhas, people). Portion size is above average- I tend to be full after appetizers, and would still have leftovers without apps. Guacamole ($14) is fresh and fabulous, and the mildly spicy tortilla soup is comforting on a cold night. Steak done rare will be RARE. Yum. Potentially boisterous ambience inside with some really interesting architecture and woodwork, relatively quiet outside seating although passersby like myself will eye your food and judge your table (drinks, plate cleaning, fashion) as we walk by. Usually no reservations on weekends, be prepared to wait. Bathrooms/indoor seating are not handicapped accessible.
(4)Yen T.
probably the best mexican in town. It's authentic. i use to go there when it was at the smaller venue. The food I remember was fantastic much better than El Vez. By the way, Jewel came to town and reported to the media that Mexican food was her favorite and the best was at Tequila's in philly.
(4)Pug P.
Excellent food, interesting and fun place. Worth the price.
(4)Josh G.
The food is good . . . not great, but not far off. It's the decor and the service that makes it a great place to go.
(4)Scott H.
Okay, so I went back to this place since I had dinner with a friend and she wanted to try it. We had no problems getting in (see earlier post), though she had a sleeveless dress on. So, take note: no sleeves female is okay, and no sleeves male is not okay. Anyway, enough whining. In terms of decor, it's like being in the Addams Family living room, if they lived in Spain or perhaps Mexico. I mean this as a compliment. Only bad thing was the lighting. Then we ordered drinks. 20 minutes later the drinks came. I got sangria - good sangria. Me like. Then 20 more minutes later (actual time, no hyperbole here to make a point), I finally flagged down our waiter (who kept strolling by creepily smiling at us) to order food. I didn't get it - he kept walking by, not busy, but just wouldn't stop until I asked him to stop. Odd. Then he just stopped and stared at us. So we started talking. Seriously, that's how it went. Anyway, I had the duck with mole sauce, and it was pretty darn good. So bottom line, decent food, good sangria, uptight and irrational dress code (see earlier), creepy lighting and creepy waiter.
(2)garbanzo b.
tequila's was a place we encountered randomly while roaming the streets of philadelphia.. coming from socal, we're pretty harsh critics of mexican food and drinks..but this place was fantastic.. its a bit pricey, and the wait can be long...but our stomach was happy to rise to the occasion... better than el vez which is also in the city.
(4)Anthony B.
Great food and drinks. Best Mexican in the city.
(4)Amanda E.
I was in town for work and decided to try one of the many Mexican places I'd heard about. I can't speak to any of the others, but Tequilas is legit. Since I was alone I sat at the bar, but the whole place seems very cozy, though it is quite large. The rose petal infused siembre azul margarita I had was truly original and inspired. The staff was amazing, offering up suggestions and friendly conversation. I loved the thick house made tortilla chips, and the salsa was fresh and spicy, 2 things I require at any good mexican restaurant. I ordered the carne asada and the meat was perfect. The plate came with a small sampling of other menu items including a tamal, a taquito, black beans, rice and a super generous serving of the guacamole. The beans and tamal were both a little dry, which is why I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. Otherwise, my meal was really an excellent representation of very good and authentic mexican food. If you skip this plate, be sure to try the guac another way because its really the best I've had on the east coast. My only other complaint was the price. Its pretty expensive for Mexican food (I'm used to California's abundance of cheap, awesome mexican restaurants.) Overall, a huge thumbs up and high marks all around.
(4)Reena H.
Came here once w/ a group of friends and would not come again for the food. Minus the bar area- enjoyed the atmosphere, bartenders are friendly, great drinks, pretty good chips/salsa, but now the Food----I did not care for this at all. The guac just did not taste right. I had the enchiladas and well I was highly disappointed. The rest of people I came with also did not enjoy the food. It's overpriced for the quality you get. Don't recommend coming here if you want Mexican food.
(2)Jessica C.
Very impressed! I just went here for restaurant week and every bite was AMAZING! I did not get the restaurant week menu but my brother did and it was a great deal. We both had nothing to complain about. The atmosphere is fantastic- very unique yet elegant as it must have been an old brownstone. The wait staff were excellent and of course the food was great. Tortilla chips were served (for free!) and were very authentic and homemade along with delicious variety of salsas. I did not realize what I had ordered and would not order it again only because it is huge for one person and I am not much of a chicken/meat person. I felt that the chicken within the sauce was a bit fatty at times (my only complaint). That would be easily solved by ordering something else. However, the beans and rice on the side were even delicious. The guacamole was fresh- everything tasted very fresh and authentic. I am always apprehensive about "fancy Mexican" food but Los Catrines Tequilas proved that it can be done with success! I highly recommend it and only wish I had not waited so long to try it. It is also very reasonably priced for the quality of food.
(5)Pamela S.
The restaurant was nice, but no blended margaritas! Are you kidding?! We are from SF Bay Area and took my daughter there for a graduation (University of Penn) celebration on May 15th. Had reservations and still had to wait 35 minutes! What's up with that! The sangria was good, but I was expecting GOOD Mexican food. The food was just okay. Menu was limited. Maybe they need to come out to the Bay and have some real Mexican food. There's plenty on Mission in SF. Will pass on next trip to Philly.
(2)Nora S.
Tequila's is a beautiful place, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I wanted to give three stars because one of my friends really did like her meal, and overall I had a really lovely evening - but when it comes down to my experience with the food, it really scored a 2 star rating by me. My tortilla soup had a strange taste, and the grouper I had was way too sweet as it was drenched in mango sauce. Their chocolate cake was super dry and their flan was oddly soggy. Our server, on the other hand, was great. I loved that he kept calling me and my friends "Senoritas" (until he broke, once, at the end, and called us "Ladies," ah well) though at first I thought it was a little too cheesy. He was very attentive, but sometimes in a way that made us feel too rushed. We were given very little time between courses, even though there were plenty of empty tables. Why the rush, fellas? And still with the speed of our meal, our plates seemed cold which was a huge disappointment. Worst of all, I feel tremendously full from a meal I neither finished nor thoroughly enjoyed. While I'm unlikely to return here for food, the ambiance was so lovely that I'd give the place another try for the fancy looking drinks I didn't get to try on this visit.
(2)Lisa D.
Ambiance, good. Food good, but little plates.
(3)Josh K.
I moved to NorCal recently in search of better Mexican Food (well a Job) yet I have basically failed in my search of Mexican Food. David Suro's experiment in Center City Philadelphia is the pinnacle of Mexican food in the East Coast, and perhaps the US. There is no match in Boston, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, or elsewhere. Molcajetes (Authentic Fajitas) from Tequila's is quite amazing, and Margaritas from David Suro's own Siembra Azul is better than any Margarita I have ever had. And yes, the location is very beautiful(an amazing old city residence in Philly), even more beautiful than the location I remember 12 years ago which was quite nice. If I were living in Philly this would be my favorite local restaurant. Also strongly consider the Queso Fundido and Ensalada Cesar. I haven't found a restaurant in Northern CA that has matched the quality of Tequila's. Regarding Tequila, Suro's Siembra Azul is incredible. Yes there's a long wait, and some waiters are not always as attentive as others, and the guacamole is not as delicious as other places I've been to , (although they did offer guacamole tableside as a special which was delicious). Langostinos are also incredible. I wasn't as big of a fan of some of the fish dishes, but I always liked Filete Grito, Molcajetes (beef or chicken are incredibly filling), Caesar Salad ( the original Baja recipe), the Margaritas ( delivered on three fingers or on the waiter's head), Queso Fundido, the chips and fresh salsa, etc. The only complaint I might have is that the chips and salsa are delivered only after ordering the meal (which makes sense but still keeps me hungry) and there are no exceptions to this except a visit to the well-stocked bar. In short, I'd take Tequila's over any Mexican restaurant I've been to in CA.
(5)Lori F.
I ate here with my husband during Restaurant Week, before seeing Wicked. We liked what we could see of the atmosphere, but it was so dim I had trouble reading the menu! The server was polite without being obsequious, and our margaritas were delicious! He had a standard one while I tried the pomegranate one... I'm dreaming of that drink! We both would've ordered more drinks had the server offered them, but the back waiter kept water glasses full, so we survived. The food was so delicious, it makes me want to swear right here on Yelp! The sopes for an app were AMAZING!!! He got a filet/ langostino combination, in which the steak was tender and incredibly flavorful. I got the roasted and shredded pork with soft tortillas, accompanied by sauteed plantains. This was one of the best dinners we can recall! To my shame, I couldn't bear to leave the table without finishing my churros for dessert, served with chocolate, caramel, and strawberry sauces to dip in. The dough was tender and fresh and hot, and as full as I was, I forged ahead until I just about burst! We'll be back the next time we can stash the kids with a relative and revel in the authentic and delicious offerings here! And we'll be more forceful about drink re-orders!
(4)Jacquelin K.
Tequila's is certainly pricey, and the bar area was very crowded on the night that I went. But I was only there for a couple minutes; we were there to eat. I was very satisfied with my birthday dinner there. Fairly generous portions and really delicious food. I'd come back if I had a good amount of cash to blow on someone's special occassion. We sat in the rear dining room, which was beautifully decorated, but on the way back we passed some seating areas on the sides of the middle that looked more interesting.
(4)Sharon G.
Great margarita, but the food is just ok.
(3)Caroline H.
great upscale mexican food. not your average tacos and nachoes fare. margaritas are great!
(5)Katrina C.
hands down, my favorite mexican restaurant EVER. this is not your average mexamerican fare. it is an experience. as you can imagine from the name, their selection of tequilas is daunting, and their margaritas are delicious. the food is incredible, authentic, and plentiful. but i think my favorite part is the waitstaff. something about watching your margaritas come towards you balanced on your waiters head just adds to the evening. only drawback is that they don't accept reservations - at least they didn't when i was living in philly. but every time i'm back in philly we try to get there.
(5)dc h.
This is a high end Mexican place. Very good quality food. Definitely not a cheap taco joint. Not your usual Mexican place. The peppers and carrots that they have on the tables is awesome, we actually make it at the house because we love it so much. Nice staff too.
(4)Priya N.
First, a caveat. The best part of the meal was my company (beloved brother-in-law, hereafter referred to as BIL, of Canadian decent). But, despite the fabulous company, the food was very good, the ambiance very pretty, and the service quite friendly. We went for restaurant week and ordered the prix-fix. I got the tortilla soup for appetizer (great presentation - they bring you a bowl with little tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cheese, then the wait staff pours hot tortilla broth over top). A little thin, but that's because I ordered it without chicken. For main, I got a fabulous mango-ginger tilapia with perfectly complemented zucchini and summer squash. Yummm. By far, the two best parts of the meal were (1) the chips and salsa they bring you when they seat you, and (2) the dessert - chocolate cake with flan on top (brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!). The cake was moist but solid, the flan perfectly soft. I just wish it came right out of the fridge instead of room temperature. Sangria was ok, nothing to scream about. My BIL ordered a margarita, which also seemed so-so. However, his surf 'n turf seemed to fit the bill (largest prawn I have ever seen, and I'm a scuba diver!), as did his quesadilla appetizer (very authentic). If it's restaurant week again, I'll probably go. But the normal prices seem a bit out of my league. Yay for center city restaurant week!
(4)Jen M.
Delicious Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. We started our meal with a blanca sangria which was refreshing on a humid night, but a bit uneventful and a margarita which was delicious. We ordered the chipotle guacamole which was quite spicy. Wish we would have tried the guacamole with melon. Next time. For entrees we had the Carne Aguate which was delicious . Loved the creamy avocado and cilantro sauce. And the Mole Poblano- the sauce was especially tasty. I would definitely return to Los Tequilas.
(4)Shelby D.
Came here with a group of 20 and although the food was good and the atmosphere was cool, I felt it was very over priced. I mean, $25 for enchiladas? Come on. We had a great time and our waiter kept up with our group but I don't know that I would return. Also, I had 3 margaritas while I was there and everyone tasted differently. The last one was way too sour and normally I wouldn't complain but for a $10 drink, I did and they made it sweeter.
(3)Dan C.
Great lunch at a great price. Not crowded and fast service.
(4)Alison D.
Food was good and the waitstaff was very friendly, had a great time!!
(4)Aaron L.
My buddy and I visited tequilas the other night for a good ol' fashioned bro-date while respective lady friends had girls night. We walked in the front door, were quickly whisked to the back for a table. As we entered the back room, a ~5 year old kid stood up and promptly puked on the floor. As hilarious/awkward as this was, it let us spend some time at the bar with probably the sexiest bartender that has ever lived (she greeted us with "hi boyyyyys." I think we gave her a $10 tip, but I'm not sure). Had a pretty tasty tequila old fashioned, and went to our now pukeless table. Once it was food time, we had a few different items. Cesar salad done the old fashioned way with a nice fishy brine-y dressing. If you love Newmans Own or whatever generic bottle Caesar dressing you probably won't like this, but I loved it. Guac with crab and pineapple, served with homemade tortilla chips, phenomenal. Ceviche was... ceviche. Unremarkable, but fresh and tasty. I had the fish of the day w/ tequila sauce (ocean perch in my case). HUGE piece of fish with tasty buttery vegetables and a weird little rice pyramid pile thing. It was well cooked, but definitely on the salty side. My pal got the lava bowl (who could resist the lava bowl!?!?) or Molcajete de Pollo. Really well seasoned, good spice and a ton of food. After dinner we wanted a bit of a pick-me-up annnd no espresso! Seriously?!?! Got the coffee instead, which was rocket fuel. Pros: Great decor - really elegant old world wood everything Food overall was tasty. You won't find authentic Mexican many places. Servers were great, very attentive but not annoying. Cesar salad. That bartender. Oh man, that bartender. Cons: No espresso Food was on the salty side Would definitely go back - nice place that's appropriately priced.
(4)Davis K.
My sister (Brit K.) and I took my Dad to Tequilas as a birthday dinner. I have to say that I really enjoyed the authenticity of the dishes, the interesting/entertaining staff that did amazing "culinary-acrobatics", and the beautiful interior of the place itself. They need to get a better sign, as I went out to get my wallet and when I walked back I went right by it and walked for about a 1/4 of a block! Their low key advertising and my Columbus-like navigational skills aside, there were a few low points to the meal. First, the dining area we were sat in was very loud and squished right against the bar. I didn't realize it until later, but there was a giant and beautiful(ly quiet) back room that would have been perfect for a family of four out for dinner. Some might enjoy a more lively ambiance, but it's not really my thing when I'm just eating dinner. I don't really drink too much, so I can't comment on the tequila selection. On the other hand, the guys sitting across from us seemed to be enjoying their bottle(s!) too much. The whole meal they stared at the female members of our party until my Dad and I switched seats with them and stared back at them until they quit. I didn't like that frat-boy vibe... but I don't know if it's common there or we just got unlucky. Overall, I would say to check Tequilas out! Make sure you ask to sit in the back if you want a quieter dinner and allow the knowledgeable (they seem like they really care about what they are doing and want you to enjoy yourself) though sometimes hard to understand waiters to help you select something. Best bet: Carne Asada a la Tampiquena. "Our chef selects a thin slice from lean steak. This in turn is seasoned and grilled. Includes a tamal, guacamole, rice, refried beans and chicken tquito." - From their site.
(4)Michael M.
I've eaten here twice now, once at a table outside and once inside at the bar. Friendly staff, a great menu, and an excellent selection of liquors are all factors, but the great food brings me back time and again. My favorites? The spicy oysters. The creamy oyster offset against that deep red chipotle pepper sauce is incredible, and has my mouth watering at the thought of it. A spicy blend of ground chipotle, olive oil, and lime, its simple ingredients add a surprising amount of flavor. I get the sauce on the side in case I want extra on my salsa ;) The civeche is also top notch, perfectly 'cooked' in its lime base, with the great addition of avocado and some diced tomato (reminds me of Tortilla Press' 'Dressed' civeche), hearty chucks of fresh fish and quarter sized whole shrimp make it some of the best around. My friends had the sopas and said they were top notch, and I'll be back to review (and enjoy!) more of the menu again soon!
(4)mohit n.
We got two tequila based cocktails. They were both too sugary. My wife couldn't finish hers because of the sweetness, I had to add a shot of lime juice to mine to make it palatable. Very disappointing. Maybe the endless list of cocktails should have been warned us off. Most places just list their best or unique or most popular cocktails. They should change their name to sugary or something.
(1)Hannah G.
I was completely surprised by my experience at Tequilas. I thought it was a small place, but the inside is expansive. I came in around 7pm on a Tuesday with two girlfriends and we were seated right away. I had heard about their margaritas, but wasn't expecting such excellent food. I was initially taken aback by the high-ish prices, but the quality of ingredients was well worth it. I was excited that they started us off with housemade chips, pico de gallo, another salsa with more of a smokey flavor, and hot peppers. The roses margarita was perfect -- a nice balance of sweet and tart. I had the chiles rellenos for my entree. I almost always order chiles rellenos when I see them on a menu, and I think these were the best I've had. There were two chiles -- one was filled with cheese and the other with beef. The service was also great. Very attentive and kind. I will definitely come back.
(5)B. P.
I'm pretty surprised that this place gets such good reviews. It's okay Mexican food and reasonable service. The prices are quite high for what you get and the food isn't as unique as the descriptions in the menu suggest. The ambiance isn't particularly special - it's quite dark in there.
(3)Andrea A.
My now-husband and I have been coming to Tequila's for a few years now, since we were just dating, and it has never failed to please. We love the dim, homey atmosphere, which is brightened entirely by the staffs' personalities. Moving on to the food and drinks, you will find that the menu appears to be smaller than it was in the past, when in reality, it's all of the same items, just condensed on less paper. Our most recent venture included one of the specials, a crab and pineapple guacamole. If this is ever on special again, GET IT. Giant lumps of crab meat paired with chunks of pineapple in a delicious and creamy guacamole... mmm, I'm hungry all over again. From there we went with a few of our favorites: The enchiladas playa for hubby, which are seafood enchiladas, and the Sabana Invierno de Pollo for me, which is a grilled chicken breast with a layer of refried beans smeared over top with melted chihuahua cheese as the finishing layer. All the while we sipped on old favorite cocktails: Roses Margarita for me, which is a rose infused margarita with rose petals floating inside (it's yum, trust me), and the Short Rib for the man (jalapeno-infused tequila!). If you really want good Mexican food and well-crafted tequila drinks, please, I beg you, try Tequila's. I've also been here for happy hours in the past, and again, they do not disappoint. You can guarantee that we will be going back to our old stomping grounds to get dinner here again.. and again.. and again...!
(5)Elaine H.
I was walking around Rittenhouse Square with a friend visiting from Maryland looking for inspiration on where to eat. After looking at a variety of menus, we decided that Tequila's was the most interesting. Neither of us are huge fans of Mexican food, so the fact that we decided on Tequila's was significant in itself. It was relatively early on a Saturday for dinner, so even though we didn't have reservations, we were promptly seated. Service was great. I liked the ambience. Lively but not too loud. And the meal I had was the best one I've had in months! Drinks are large and strong. How cool that they make their own tequila! My friend and I decided to share everything, since the portions were substantial. We ordered guacamole with crab and mango. Might sound strange, but it was wonderful. Arugula salad, with a great dressing. Not at all soggy. And red snapper served over a well seasoned rice. We were too full for dessert. Maybe next time. There will definitely be a next time! This is an outstanding value. Very fresh and authentic.
(5)Michele R.
I give 3 stars and not 4 (or 2) because I didn't eat here. Having walked by this ornate building several times on the way to Rittenhouse, we finally decided to stop in. The hand-carved wood catches your eye & holds it...until you sit at the bar & hone in on the massive metal shelving unit they drilled into this historic wood with no regard to its value or how this poor choice clashes with the opulence of the room. Failures in details like this astound me....just like the flat screen they plopped in front of the grand mirror above the bar. Oh well, so much for restoration & integrity! This is a tequila bar, so we ordered or drinks. I asked for the first cocktail on the list...something with muddled corn & habanero. The bartender promptly talked me or of it, presumably because they didn't have that tequila or he didn't feel like muddling corn. He assured me his suggestion was better. I don't know if he was right but i know that drink was DAMN good. Sweet, cut with spicy jalapeno. I could die with that drink in my hands. My husband, similarly, requested a sipping anejo tequila....they were out. He brought a comparable pour. It was phenomenal. Like candied apple in a tequila shot. We didn't eat, but eyed other diners' plates. The Ceviche looked ginormous. I plan to return for it. Overall, like many authentic Mexican joints...refinement isn't always their bag, even if they're shooting hard for it. But quality is. If you want a good tequila, and don't have your heart set on something specific (because they're probably out) go here. If you want service & ambiance, go to Distrito.
(3)David F.
I''ve been meaning to eat here for ages and finally did after a recital at Curtis. The food was pretty good. Not amazing, but good. The service was really excellent. It's a shame that we had to sit next to two frat boy douchebags that dropped f-bombs every other word. I've deducted a couple of stars because my leftovers, although presented to me in a handy bag with handles, was put in a styrofoam container. I find that rather irresponsible in this day and age. I'm sure this place doesn't get a high volume of to-go orders and sending leftovers home with people probably doesn't happen so often that they can't be environmentally responsible enough to use compostable or recyclable containers. Also, having the basketball game on in that beautiful front room was kind of a turn off. They should show old Mexican movies. That would be cute and not trashy like a sports game. (They should also hire a designer to work on that back room a little bit.)
(3)Joe S.
Awesome. Food was excellent. Very authentic and tasy with good size poritons. BYOT mixer was awesome. Wait staff was great. GO HERE!
(5)Michael W.
Good food, but a bit pricey.. Lots of interesting tequila drinks
(4)Isabella L.
I had been to tequila's a few times a couple of years ago, and while I remember liking the place very much, I'm not sure why it took me so long to come back. I met up a friend for cocktails and a light dinner. We sat at one of the tables in the bar area, which I actually like more than the formal dining area. It's a little more lively, but not loud at all for a bar area. It's also fun to see the servers walk by with drinks of their heads...really entertaining. our waiter was so friendly. actually everyone was very cheery and cool. I got a mango mojito that tasted so fresh and delic. I had to throw back a couple. I had the trio of sopes, which were also so good and just the right amount of food for a 'light' dinner (aka more drink than food). guacamole is chunky and fresh too. good job tequilas - I'm no longer going to make fun of sophisticated Mexican restaurants.
(5)Dana F.
Wow. I can sum up my experience at Tequlia's with that one word. I was visiting Philly this weekend with a group of teachers in town for a conference and we found ourselves in the ever trendy and beautiful Rittenhouse area. We ran across Tequilas and were drawn in by the friendly waiters and the streetside dining. We decided to eat outside, but the inside of this restaurant is gorgeous. There are these really cool "Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead)" murals in the entrance. The lighting is low and the decor is fabulous. Our waiter, Jeremy, was super friendly and efficient. We asked him what his favorite thing on the menu was and he promptly replied - "Carne Aguacate," which translates to Steak with Avocado. YUM. I ordered it and let me tell you people... one of the BEST meals I've ever had. I am not being dramatic here. It was a thinly-sliced filet mignon drizzled with a avocado sauce and stuffed with mushrooms and other veggies. It was served with rice and some more vegetables. The meat was so tender it nearly melted in my mouth. I was blown away by this place and would not hesitate to visit again. While the price was a little steep for me (my meal was 21.95), it's definitely a place that I'd go for a special occasion!
(5)Janine L.
Every Restaurant Week I go to the city with my husband to meet up with two of my girlfriends and sample a restaurant that we would never go to if it wasn't Restaurant Week. This time we visited Tequilas. We arrived before 7:00 PM. I was surprised on how elegant the atmosphere was. The bar was quite nice - not over crowded, not too loud, and seemed pretty hip. Unfortunately after 7pm the noise increased and the bar became overcrowded. This was a little irking for us because we were seated at a table close to the bar where two of our party of four was inconvenienced by people creeping into personal space and waiters and other patrons bumping into them as we tried to dine. Overall the experience was good. Food was amazing, as was the bar options - I really liked that fact that my fancy smancy Margarita had rose petals in it.
(3)Rahul P.
I had a wonderful experience at Los Catrines Tequilas. The restaurant has an intimate feel and some very cool traditional Mexican-indigenous decor which already sets the ambience as more upscale than your average Mexican restaurant. The food: - The queso de mariscos: a fantastic blend of chopped up seafood in a Chihuahua cheese which was just perfectly browned and bubbly. So sinful, yet oh so delicious! - Mole Poblano: I'm a lover of a good mole sauce, and I think this one did justice to the recipe in achieving the depth that the recipe aims for and the bold and rich flavor, but I've had better (They probably could do to cook the meat a little bit less and infuse it with the sauce towards the end) - Carne Aguacate: I was in heaven. A well-done cut of beef stuffed with tender cooked tomato and mushroom covered lightly with an avocado-cilantro cream sauce (Although the avocado overpowered the cilantro). It all blended well together so incredibly well, and I loved the marinated sliced vegetable medley on the side. And on a final note, loved loved loved our waitress. She was very pleasant and patient and gave us a legitimately helpful run-down of the menu items (The way its written is poetic, maybe not so practical) and even a few cultural tidbits on the food. The dishes came out in very good time. Did not get a chance to try the beverages, but was quite happy with the food. I look forward to visiting again and trying a few of the other unique dishes on the menu.
(4)Food For T.
Their reservation policy sucks...I've been to this restaurant twice for a birthday dinner...we made our reservations for 9 and we didn't get seated til 10 and their food especially the grouper with mango salsa-failed!
(2)Kaitlin L.
I owe this place an apology. I am sorry that I wrote you off food-wise completely based on you having the word "tequilas" in your title. Shame on me. My punishment? Not experiencing a meal here until just a few weeks ago. I actually want to start with the service. My goodness they are seamless. But not in a stuffy, I-feel-like-I'm-in-a-nice-restaurant sort of way. The staff is also so darn nice you want to hang out there all day. The drinks are really tasty (no surprise there coming from a place with a liquor in the title). I think they might have one of the best margaritas in the city. Also, they have Negra Modelo on tap. Win! Finally, the food. I promise to never again judge a restaurant by its title. The food was fantastic. The salsa that comes with the chips and salsa is so so good. I had a seafood enchilada, and seriously considered licking the plate. (Luckily for my dining companions, I was able to keep it together). This is definitely on my list of go-to places for Mexican in Center City.
(4)Steve W.
Excellent ambiance, food is very good, not the best Mexican I've had in Phila, May not be worth it for the price, but I enjoyed it.
(3)Kevin S.
We had a taste for latin food and read the great reviews for this restaurant on yelp so we called to see if we could get in - we called at 7 pm on Saturday night. The woman said if we come over now we could get in before the reservations they had. Since we live down the street we were there in 5 minutes. When we arrived she told us it would be a half hour wait. Apparently things changed in 5 minutes?!? We mentioned the call and she made up some story of how it all of a sudden got packed and a lot of reservations were coming in. She said we can have a drink at the bar - we don't drink so we stood in the front and waited, slightly annoyed with her. This man, who seemed to be her boss, came in and greeted us and talked to her quietly. She then seated quickly; seemed like her authority was quickly taken away. Once we were seated we were treated like kings. It's a lively place with an artsy Mexican decor, cute masks on the wall, beautiful sconces throughout, dimly lit - very attractive space that made it a comfortable place to have a meal in. We had two waiters who obviously know how to take care of their customers. I was introduced to Manuel - he was awesome! I'll always remember how he carried a bear bottle and wine bottle on his head to his tables - the balance he has is truly amazing. He made us feel like we were having a meal in his family's kitchen and it was a pleasure to serve us, what a nice change, hardly ever seen in the restaurant world anymore! The food was spectacular! We had guacamole and queso fondio con chorizo served with the best homemade chips and corn tortillas - very tasty starters! For our meal I had a chicken dish with refried beans and cheese and a green tomato sauce, superb - can't wait to have it again! My companion had the special - shorts ribs in a red sauce, twice baked potato and veggies. We split a tres leches with chocolate dessert that melted in my mouth. GREAT FOOD! This restaurant hit a home run on the staples of Mexican cooking, so glad it's down the street so we can go as often as we want!
(4)R C.
Granted I haven't been here since 2006, but of maybe ten visits over the years, I don't recall eating anything particularly tasty. Vegetarian options were slim and the sangria wasn't very good. The Nachos Obligatorios were hilarious. I hope that's still on the menu.
(2)Brit K.
The most delicious authentic Mexican food I've ever had. The service was amazing and my margarita (they have a selection of over 100 Tequilas) was a rose infused and petal muddled heavenly delight. Absolutely one of the best meals I've ever have. I had the mushroom and sauce stuffed steak with delicious avocado aoli, even the habenaro salsa (which you must request) was stellar! The atmosphere was very romantic and the old world mansion was impressive. It was a MUST GO!
(5)Rocio U.
Installation is nice, fancy, happy and attractive. Drinks are good. Food is good and plentiful. Waiters are friendly and helpful. We were a large party and ordered an array of dishes, all were excellent. Portions are large, you might like to consider sharing. I definitely recommend it.
(5)Beca M.
As delicious as it looks. The decor is spectacular: candles that are individually lit and places in hanging votives, Dia de los Muertos skeleton family on the walls, hand made water glasses... and I could keep going with the detail that transported me to Mexico. But this is really about the food, so I'll get to it. We began the meal with some traditional margaritas (5/5 stars) yumm... they're tasty and classy. And washed those down with some chips and guacamole (6/5 stars)- the guacamole was buttery and had generous chunks of avocado, it melted in your mouth and sent you to hass heaven... I ordered the Molcajete de pollo (5/5 stars) and shared with my mom since the plate is -huge- (we couldn't finish it between both of us). It comes in a large lava pot with some tortillas on the side, so it's like a genuine fajita (you can get it with chicken or beef). The service was extremely attentive and as usual, it never hurts to speak Spanish ;) it always makes it a lot more home-y for me to be able to speak and joke with the servers in my family's mother tongue. You'll have a great time, I'm sure you will- it's an ideal location for large parties or an intimate dinner.
(5)Brian J.
Came here on a Sunday when it was nice and quiet. Service was great and the food was really good. Everything from the spicy peppers and carrots they leave on your table to the flan and churros for dessert were perfect. Premium margarita was delicious. Will definitely go back.
(4)Lisa P.
Everything except for the entrees was amazing. The drinks were delicious and creative. The staff was friendly and warm. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I thought, this place is authentic. Instead of the usual Mexican kitsch that looks like Mexico threw up (Distrito, El Vez, El Rey) the dining room was elegant and understated. It looked like any nice restaurant in Guadalajara, not a "Mexican" restaurant in the US. The staff was jovial. When the staff can tease you for being second-generation immigrant and not a first, I feel like a place is legitimately authentic. However, when our food arrived, it was just ok. Both dishes (Molcajete de Pollo and carne asada with avocado salsa) were bland and unremarkable and lacked any heat. The waiter explained that most of their patrons couldn't handle real Mexican spiciness. I still want to go back to try other dishes but I will be disappointed if all dishes are subdued for a gringo palette.
(4)David T.
My wife and I went to Tequila's last Saturday in our search for the best Mexican restaurant in Philly. I think we may have found it. The dinner did not start off on a promising note - we had reservations for 8 and did not get seated until about 8:35. This slight was quickly remedied however, when without any prodding on our part, the maître d' offered us a round of drinks on the house. It might not seem like much but what can I say, we are not hard to please. And speaking of those drinks, I had the best margarita I've ever tasted. Foodwise, we started with the Taquitos de pollo and both had the Enchiladas playa for our main course. While we waited for our food, we were treated to some fantastic chips & guacamole made with mangoes and crab meat. All in all, the meal was top notch from start to finish.
(5)David C.
On a current business trip I ate at Tequilas twice. The food is good.... as good as it gets... maybe for Philly, but I do not live here so I can not make that judgment. However, the food is good... the best I've ever had... no. The staff is very friendly and helpful.... the food fresh and tasty. The chips and salsa served were very good... that kicks the meal off on a good note. The warm corn tortillas served with the meal, were very good as well. On my last trip I had carne asade. It was just ok. The steak was done medium well when I asked for medium rare. I would pass on the carne asada. The beans were very tasty. On my first trip I had a wonderful soup.. it was a mushroom soup... soup of the day. The group I was with ordered a ton of appetizers.... the ceviche was amazing! Do order it if you like ceviche. I like this place and will go back next time I am in Philly.
(4)Cecily R.
gave us a table for center city sips, which was really nice! not sure how i feel about the mango margarita--but i think it is made with real mango juice, which i don't like. guac was greaaat--big hunks of avocado and chips were definitely made in house! need to go back for a real meal!
(4)Joe D.
I've been to Tequila's four or five times and each time it's been just as good as the last. The guacamole is outstanding, the chips are good, and they have a very interesting cocktail list. I've eaten the surf and turf a few times and the carne asada as well ----- both dishes are served with a nice portion of rice, beans, and guacamole. It's a little on the pricier side but you get what you pay for at this restaurant.
(5)Paige R.
I demand to know where else you can go to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos every night of the week (re: decor). The food here is out of this world good, the service is excellent, and I've had conversations with others who say they make the trek to Philly just for the experience.
(5)Sushil N.
One of my favorite places in Philly for authentic food from regions all over Mexico! Reminds me of a restaurant in the Yucatan I went to a few years back. Vegetarians, check the menu before you go, there are only 2 veggie entrees, so large groups of veggies, beware!
(5)Bruce R.
The good parts. Amazing margaritas! Appetizers and guacamole were excellent. Main course (carne asada) was also tasty. The bad - service!! I was with a group of four and our young attractive server almost seemed like it was her first day. I asked to order a cocktail... said she be back in a minute to take that order. I asked her for guacamole for the table... she said she be happy to take that order when we ordered our main courses. What? I was looking right at her. The timing all night was terrible. The food - delicious. One of us was a vegetarian, and even though our server said she was also, she had very few suggestions. The setting is also very nice and has an old world feel to it. Bottom line. For expensive Mexican food, I think you'll enjoy the setting and love the food. Hope you have a better server.
(4)Payal P.
easily the best mexican restaurant i have been to in a while! i sampled a bunch of little things and everything was so good! to drink i ordered one of the specials but they were out of some part of it so the waiter (who was the nicest, funniest man, ever, and forced us a to use our horrible spanish speaking skills) suggested a pomegranate margarita, yum! we got guacamole with some type red sauce and cheese in it which was delish and the avocados were so fresh creamy in my mouth! the chips were fresh and warm. the queso fundido was perfectly warm and "cut-able" without a million tiny strings going on forever with fluffy warm tortillas on the side. i split my entree and had the guacamole stuffed mango fish (i forget the proper name), it was crispy fish with the cool, creamy guac with a mango sauce on top served with rice and sweet potato puree...at this point i couldn't eat much though as i ate several of the pickled carrots and jalapenos they provided but the last one defeated me, it was spicier than most habanero's i've had in the past and therefore killed my palate and ability to breathe for the next 20 or so mins. and still it was a great meal, i can't wait to go back!
(5)Barbara W.
I do not know why you would want to eat Mexican anywhere else in Philly! I fell in love with this place almost 10 years ago. The decor is amazing! The dark wood bar and the Day of the Dead murals stand out. The service has been excellent - whether you are sitting at the bar or a table. I must admit I usually order the Enchiladas Con Mole Poblano. It's no longer on the dinner menu, but if you request it, they will serve it. The food is outstanding!!!
(5)Michael K.
The first thing one notices at Tequila's is servers walking around with trays of margaritas on top of their heads. It's truely amazing the balance they have. As for the food, the grouper filet is prepared superbly. The chicken mole would be the must get dish here, if it weren't for the chicken. The mole has an excellent flavor, the chicken is dry and lacking any flavor of its own. Shredded pork is also a winner. Stick with the original margaritas, as the flavored once tend to be VERY sweet.
(4)H G.
the decor is excellent, nice atmosphere, pleasant and friendly wait staff. too expensive for ground chuck and liquid smoke-drenched steak. expensive, mediocre, small margaritas, and the "cactus salt" tastes like salty dirt. useless, incoherent descriptions of the food on the menu; I swear one description says something about "lynching" the beef.. all in all, not authentic Mexican, which would be fine if it were any good.
(2)Kristy L.
Delicious rose petal margaritas. Great service and ambiance.
(5)Bob R.
Though veteran patrons of this establishment, my wife and I brought some out-of-town friends here for restaurant week. What a great time! Probably one of our best restaurant week experiences to date. Between the four of us we sampled everything that Chef Claudio was serving and it was all remarkable. I highly recommend the ceviche for an appetizer, the langostine and fillet combo for your entree, and the tres leche for dessert. Also, be sure to order the LARGE pitcher of margaritas. Once again we tip our hats to this great place.
(5)Penelope P.
First let me start by saying that I have eaten here about 30 times. The food is absolutely delicious and the chips and salsa that they give you while you wait for your order to arrive are to die for. Up until recently, I have been a very loyal, frequent customer. If it weren't for the food, this place would deserve 0 stars. However, in the past year or so I have noticed a severe decline in customer service. The first time I really noticed was my birthday. We had a party of about 7 and we ordered a lot of expensive food and drinks. It wasn't even that late in the evening but our waiter started rushing us, hovering around the table, and clearing away plates and half-empty glasses of margarita before we were even finished. It was a really annoying experience to have on my birthday. Just yesterday I made the mistake of choosing to make a reservation here for my boyfriend's birthday. It was a party of 9 and we requested to be seated in a particular room that is quieter than the rest of the restaurant. They said that they would make a note of that in our reservation. When we arrived for our dinner, they said that they would not be able to seat us in that room because there was no note of our request. IT THEN TOOK THEM 45 MINUTES TO SEAT US. They finally ended up seating us in the room we'd requested since I made a fuss to the manager about what a crappy experience we were having. One last small thing...The waitstaff was definitely aware that it was my boyfriend's birthday as it was mentioned several times. They typically give a special complimentary tequila shot to someone celebrating their birthday there and I saw this being done for someone else while we were eating, however they skipped that for us. In conclusion, don't even think about about taking a large party here since they clearly don't like it. In general you may want to consider a different restaurant if good service is important to you.
(3)Sarah K.
The food is absolutely amazing, the wait-staff is always fun and interactive, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxing. The margaritas are definitely worth trying :)
(4)Angel R.
4th time dining here and they've always been very good but this time hit a bit of a snag with our meals. We ordered the molcajete and it was a bit to liquid this time. Normally the stew's thickness is just right but I guess the chef was off that night. We will revisit but it's sad to see that even this place has its standards slip. For the prices paid the food should be spot on every time.
(3)Read T.
The thing about this restaurant is that the food is great. We (2 of us) shared a poblano/cheese guac, empanadas, and both had the seafood specials. I had the langostinos, which were out of this world! That being said, we were in and out of there IN AN HOUR!! While the waiter was really nice and kept an eye on the table, the kitchen is just eerily fast with appetizers and entrees, making the whole dinner feel rushed! It was so disappointing to look at our watches when we were finished and realize that the whole meal had only been one hour long. Definitely don't think we'll be back because of the service. Unless we need a quick meal in an hour, this place isn't worth it. Sorry!
(3)