The Best Hole-In-The-Wall Mexican Restaurants In Pennsylvania

With towns named Peru, Amsterdam, Geneva, and Berlin, you can feel like a world traveler without ever leaving the state of Pennsylvania. However, there's another magical land that provides Pennsylvania with some of its most delicious cuisine: Mexico.

Sure, Pennsylvania is famous for the home-style German comfort food you can get in Amish diners, as well as the signature Polish pierogis you can find in Pittsburgh. If you dig deeper, though, you'll find a vibrant culture of Mexican cooking, often hiding in plain sight. From small neighborhood corner shops to tiny eateries operating out of the back of a Mexican food market, these little slices of south-of-the-border flavor provide the people of Pennsylvania with the kind of extra spice you won't find in even the very best Philly cheesesteak recipe.

With that in mind, we've scoured the small towns, back roads, and bustling boroughs of the Keystone State to find the best Mexican hole-in-the-wall restaurants around. As it turns out, when it comes to flavorful and authentic Mexican dining, you don't have to travel the world –- you just have to go to Pennsylvania.

Head up to the Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and right across the street from La Estrella Mexican Store you'll find a tiny little slice of Old Mexico: Tacos Mi Tierra. It might not look like much from the outside -– or from the inside –- but once you've had a taste of its amazing tacos, you'll have a sudden case of decor blindness as your eyes are opened to a vision of flavor heaven.

Owner Jose Sandoval is the man behind the menu, serving up just about every style of taco you can think of — carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, steak, chicken, lengua (that's beef tongue), you name it, Jose has it. Despite the name, you can get more than just tacos, as quesadillas, burritos, tortas, posole, and more are also on the menu. With most of the tacos coming in at just two bucks, your wallet will thank you as much as your stomach.

"Want to experience authentic Mexican cuisine without traveling to Mexico? This is the place," wrote one Yelp reviewer. "Great street style tacos on corn tortillas." Another wrote, "It doesn't look like an eatery from the outside, but that's sort of why I had a hunch it would be really good." Now that was an excellent hunch!

Tacos Mi Tierra (Facebook)

(717) 233-3940

1416 Derry St Harrisburg, PA 17104

Northwest of Philadelphia, just a stone's throw from the Schuylkill River in the city of Norristown, is a local institution: Taqueria La Michoacana. If you drove past on the street you wouldn't look twice at its humble exterior, but don't let that fool you. Inside is some of the best Mexican food in Pennsylvania.

Just ask the Philadelphia Inquirer, which named Taqueria La Michoacana one of the most vital restaurants in the greater Philly area. PhillyBite Magazine, meanwhile, named it one of the five best restaurants of any kind in Norristown, full stop — and that's saying something, because Norristown is known among locals for its excellent Mexican food.

Whatever kind of Mexican fare you're looking for, Taqueria La Michoacana has it. In addition to all the classic, authentic staples you might expect, it also has a robust breakfast menu, including Chilaquiles Tapatios and Desayuno Ranchero. Plus, it offers up a number of enticing vegetarian options, such as Enfrijoladas, to accommodate your dietary needs.

"They're not hung up on super-fancy ambiance," one Yelp reviewer wrote, "Or making extraordinary plate presentations — but for the last thirty years we've kept coming back for the food."

Taqueria La Michoacana (Facebook)

(610) 292-1971

301 E Main St Norristown, PA 19401

Back in 2002, a group of college students returned from a backpacking trip to Tulum, Mexico, with new inspiration. The result was Tulum, a Mexican-inspired restaurant on the outskirts of Lehigh University in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The word "inspired" is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here, as you won't find traditional, classic Mexican food here. Instead, Tulum serves unique fusion dishes designed to appeal to its student clientele, such as the Wingarito, a burrito smothered in blue cheese and wing sauce. The restaurant calls its American-Mexican hybrid style of food "Beth-Mex."

That might sound weird to Mexican food purists, but open-minded diners have embraced Tulum's unique menu offerings, which haven't changed in the two-plus decades it's been open. Although there's nothing fancy about the small restaurant or its food, everything is carefully made from scratch with fresh ingredients to ensure devotees of this singular experience always leave happy.

"This place is an absolute hidden gem," wrote one fan on Yelp. "Hands down a 10 out of 10. From the wings to tacos this place is incredible."

tulumbethmex.com

(610) 691-8300

17 W Morton St Bethlehem, PA 18015

In Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, you'll find La Casita De Familia, a name that translates to "the little house of the family." It's a true family affair; the restaurant's current owner is Educ Zamudio Jr., but La Casita De Familia was originally opened by his grandparents back in 2005. Now, it's Zamudio Jr.'s turn to uphold the family tradition of making some of the best Mexican food you'll find anywhere.

The sign outside La Casita De Familia promises "Authentic Mexican Food." It delivers on that promise in spades. Zamudio Jr. told The Progress newspaper that he uses a vaporera -– a steamer -– to slow cook the restaurant's meat for up to eight hours in order to imbue it with tons of rich flavor. Its menu offers a wide array of classic Mexican dishes, from taquitos and tamales to tortas and pambazo.

"Best food in town! Authentic and great price," one diner wrote on Yelp. "I know Mexican food and this is what your grandma will cook you at home." If you don't have an abuela at home and aren't in Shenandoah, don't worry: Zamudio Jr and family also operate a La Casita De Familia pop-up stand that can be found at fairs and festivals across the region, so a delicious meal is never too far away.

La Casita De Familia (Facebook)

(570) 462-1994

8 E Centre St Shenandoah, PA 17976

La Perla Tapatia in Easton, Pennsylvania, is the culmination of a dream. After working for two decades in the restaurant industry, Alejandro Ramirez and his wife Mariana opened La Perla Tapatia in 2012. The restaurant is a true family affair, as the couple's three daughters also pitched in to make La Perla Tapatia a reality.

The results speak for themselves, as this tiny roadside eatery has become a community favorite. The restaurant is especially proud of the welcoming atmosphere Mariana creates as hostess, but once you sit down, the food becomes the star. If flavorful meat makes your mouth water, wear a drool guard, because La Perla Tapatia offers up a huge array of traditional Mexican preparations, including barbacoa, chorizo, al pastor, adobada, carnitas, and more. You can also get shrimp and fish if that's more to your taste, and there are vegetarian options as well.

"Delicious and friendly. Probably the best empanadas we've had EVER," one Yelp reviewer enthused. "Small simple restaurant with authentic food. We'll definitely be back!"

laperlatapatia1126.weebly.com

(610) 438-3796

308 Old Mill Rd Easton, PA 18040

Ascencion and Ricardo Sandoval are co-owners of El Feurte de Loreto in the Dickinson Narrows neighborhood of South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are also father and son. Ricardo, who is the restaurant's head chef, told WPVI that their very personal bond is the glue that holds El Feurte de Loreto together. "We try to do everything family so we can work together."

El Feurte de Loreto specializes in breakfast and brunch, offering up an array of traditional Mexican dishes. But Ricardo also puts his own unique spin on things, resulting in some interesting fusion options that blend Mexican flavors with American and Italian influences. If you want huevos rancheros or chilaquiles, no problem, but adventurous eaters can also try options like dulce de leche French toast or churro pancakes. For dinner? Try one of its Mexican flat breads, or the quesabirria consome.

"Holy wow this place is GOOD," wrote one Yelp reviewer. "I wish I could bathe in the chimichurri sauce that was on the steak." But just be aware that if you eat at El Feurte de Loreto, it may spoil other Mexican food for you, including your own. "The food was killer," one impressed fan wrote on Yelp. "We usually cook fish tacos at home once a week, but I don't think I'll be able to stomach what I cook after trying theirs this evening." We're pretty sure it's worth it.

elfuertedeloretophilly.com

(445) 285-1214

1412 S 5th St Philadelphia, PA 19147

Many people go to grocery stores to buy food, but there are only a few where you also eat that food right then and there (No, we're not talking about eating at Costco's food court, as delicious as that is). We're talking about one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Pennsylvania, Tres Hermanos Mexican Restaurant & Grocery Store in Harrisburg.

Originally opened in 2004 by Ricardo and Anabel Ortiz as a grocery store specializing in Mexican culinary essentials, Tres Hermanos added the restaurant side of things two years later. After moving to Harrisburg from its original Steelton location, Tres Hermanos quickly became a local institution. This was thanks in part to its delicious flavors, which you can enjoy in the dining area before completing your shopping trip. It serves up all the classics, from sopas and huaraches to empanadas and chimichangas.

With a second location in Mount Joy, there's no excuse not to try it out. "The best Mexican restaurant we've ever eaten at," wrote one shocked patron on Yelp. "It is absolutely amazing."

Multiple locations

For centuries, the highway now known as U.S. 1 provided a safe passage for travelers from Maine to Florida. But of all the wayside eateries along its route that have drawn in the hungry and tired over the years, few have been as flavorful as La Pena Mexicana in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Located just a few blocks south of U.S. 1 in the heart of Kennett Square, La Pena Mexicana is located in a humble and unassuming building that stands out for the fun murals painted on the front. An even bigger standout, though, is its cuisine, with customers particularly praising its delectable fish tacos. The wonderfully authentic chicken enchiladas have also been singled out by diners as an excellent menu option.

"Amazing – don't let the facade fool you. In an area known for good Mexican food, this place stands out," one reviewer wrote on Yelp. "The shrimp cocktail will change your life." And another simply wrote, "Some of the best food I have ever tasted."

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075888068722

(610) 925-2651

609 W Cypress St Kennett Square, PA 19348

Looking for the absolute best street tacos in the U.S.? Well, for such a tiny restaurant, Aqui Es: A Taste of Mexico is no stranger to huge accolades. Back in 2017, Aqui Es was named the third best taco joint in the entire United States. The only thing that has changed since then is the number of satisfied diners who have discovered what a true taste of Mexico is.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is known for having an exceptional Mexican food scene, and Aqui Es is at the center of it. Located just north of the Lehigh river in downtown Bethlehem, Aqui Es only has a few seats, but whether you dine in or take your tacos to go, you can count on this iconic local landmark to deliver. As one Yelp reviewer put it, "The taco spot to rule all taco spots."

However, it's not just tacos. "Wow. Hands down the best burrito I have ever had," one impressed visitor wrote on Yelp. "Yes ever! I have been to many places in this country and this little hole in the wall managed to blow my mind."

https://aquiestasteofmexico.com/

(610) 419-4901

821 Linden St Bethlehem, PA 18018

Don't be fooled by the name: El Primo Produce is a lot more than just a good place to buy some fresh vegetables. Hidden away in the back of El Primo Produce is one of Norristown, Pennsylvania's best kept culinary secrets, a delicious Mexican restaurant, taqueria, bakery, and more.

Philadelphia magazine named it the best Mexican restaurant in the greater Philadelphia area back in 2016, and since then, its reputation has only grown. In 2025, for instance, the Philadelphia Inquirer shouted it out as one of its favorite spots.

So what's all the hype about? Simple: it's the authentic food, not to mention the special house beverages. "The greatest food you have ever eaten," one Yelp reviewer wrote. "This is the best. Hands down." And while a recent move to a larger location may have gussied up the digs a bit, don't worry, the food is still the simple, great street level cooking you love. Plus, it even haves live mariachi music on occasion. Try finding that at your regular produce market!

El Primo Produce (Facebook)

(484) 322-5323

1700 Markley St Norristown, PA 19401

For visitors to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this can get a bit confusing, so listen up: there are two different Mexican restaurants in Philly called Tamalex. Both feature excellent reviews and word-of-mouth, and they are located less than a mile apart as the crow flies. Tamalex Bar & Grill is an upscale eatery in the swanky Society Hill neighborhood, but while you can't go wrong there, we'd like to draw your attention to a hidden gem in the Italian Market area: Tamalex Restaurant.

This little hole in the wall is a local hotspot for lovers of both Mexican and Honduran flavors, as Tamalex Restaurant offers a mouth-watering fusion of the two cuisines. Cited by Philadelphia magazine as a go-to option for denizens seeking an authentic dining experience, Tamalex Restaurant is praised by diners for, well, just about everything.

"The Camarones a La Diabla here are the best I have ever had by far," wrote one Yelp reviewer, while another added, "The pambrazo! What an incredible sandwich wow. Like the mother of all tortas." An impressed diner wrote, "I have so far tried chilaquiles sencillos, tacos al pastor, and tamales ... EVERYTHING was absolutely delicious." Give Tamalex a try, but make sure you're at the right one.

tamalexphilly.com

(215) 465-1665

1163 S 7th St Philadelphia, PA 19147

While compiling this list, we took a number of factors into consideration in order to determine which are the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants in Pennsylvania. Our first criteria was to determine the best, with food quality being the top priority. With this in mind, we looked at awards, positive reviews from professional food critics, and online reviews and social media praise from regular diners. 

Then, we looked at what it means to be a "hole-in-the-wall" — with an emphasis placed on small and out-of-the-way eateries — and places that prioritize cuisine over ambiance. Naturally, of course, the restaurants had to have Mexican food as their primary focus and they had to be located in Pennsylvania. With these criteria in mind, these restaurants were chosen as the best in category. Enjoy!