Mission Taqueria — Restaurant in Philadelphia

~ I chose to accept the mission of this specialized taco restaurant. To take on & neutralize the formidable Oaxacan Express; which included Soup or Ceviche + Choice of Taco(3) + Agua Fresca for 15$.

First Impressions: Tucked away in center city is truly the stairway to Mexican cuisine heaven. Upon entrance, the Mission Tequeria teleported me back to an enclosed rooftop restaurant in Cancun. With the light pastel colors, open floor plan, & lively botanical additions it seemed to produce such an authentic positive energy.

Now on to the mission. I thought it was impossible to extradite a full meal in under 10 minutes, but this establishment made it quite possible with time to spare. The lovely waitress brought out the fresh Ceviche & Hibiscus Agua Fresca first (pictured). One fork full of the ceviche trafficked a delightful burn throughout my mouth. It was almost too much to handle by itself; so I asked for one of the bowls of nachos, & the waitress kindly accommodated me. The Hibiscus fresca was like drinking sweet nectar of the gods. It was the perfect hero to match the welcomed "villainess" ceviche.

I still had my eye on the prize, saving enough room for the 3 fried Mahi Mahi tacos. They were accompanied by perfectly portioned jalapeno mayo, pickled cabbage, avocado, 2 radish slices, & side dish of orange slices sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon (pictured). The disc shaped taco held together the ingredients incredibly as they self destructed in my mouth with a massive explosion of Mexican flavor. The message was loud & clear....Mission Taqueria blows all other previously attended Mexican restaurants(in the U.S.) out of the water.

Recommendations: A menu item to select different types of tacos to taste (customers will pay extra for a variety) ; although I can understand the aspect of "keep them coming back for more." Slightly bigger chairs, I felt like an oversized child back in elementary school sitting in one of them.

The Don approves of this establishment &...

I went here because El Vez was too crowded and the wait time was 1.5 hrs. We came in around 5pm and was immediately taken to a table. Our waiter was really nice and brought water right away.

We ordered chips & guac and the ceviche sampler to start off. The chips & guac was solid. Nothing too crazy or to write home about, but definitely fresh. However, the ceviche sampler was to die for! We ordered the Red Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna and the classic Mixto Ceviche (includes shrimp, calamari, mussels). That was absolutely amazing! Perfect amount of sauce and tanginess! We loved it!

For my main entree I ordered the Chicken & Chiles Tacos Dorados which was killer! I loved the green veggies on top as a garnish and the tacos were well cooked and crispy! Presentation was on point! My friend ordered the Shrimp & Mango Tacos Dorados. It's not pictured here, but goddamn those shrimps were grilled perfectly! Both dishes pay tribute to the natural flavor of the chicken and shrimp, while adding a burst of flavor in your mouth! Not too salty either! Amazing!

To wrap it up, I ordered the Mango-Chile-Lime! It's a little strong for my taste, but I enjoyed the sweet yet spicy and saltiness along the rim of the cup. Also the mango was well mixed! Tastes like a smoothie should taste! This was my first time trying this type of drink and now I know why Mexicans add spices/salt to their fruits haha! Genius idea!

Overall 4/5 stars! Amazing food for a great price and friendly waiters with a chill environment! Is it the best Mexican food I've ever had? No, but it's certainly become one of my favorites! Try this...

Mission Taqueria stands out as one of the top spots for tacos that I've experienced in quite some time. The atmosphere is particularly vibrant in the evenings, as it's exclusively for those aged 21 and up, creating an energetic vibe that's perfect for a lively night out. The place is filled with an eclectic mix of music that enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable destination for friends looking to enjoy a fun night.

One of the most appealing aspects of Mission Taqueria is the affordability of their menu. The house pitcher of drinks is designed to serve up to seven people, which turns out to be a fantastic value if you're planning to share with friends. Not only does this enhance the social experience, but it also allows you to try a variety of flavors without breaking the bank.

Perhaps what I appreciate most about this taqueria is its commitment to being entirely gluten-free. This thoughtful approach makes it an inclusive place for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious food without worry.

When it comes to the tacos, I cannot recommend their pulled pork enough—it’s incredibly tender and packed with flavor. For those who prefer plant-based options, the vegan tacos are equally delightful and offer a satisfying taste. Additionally, the classics like fish and carnitas are executed beautifully, each bite bursting with deliciousness.

In summary, my experience at Mission Taqueria was nothing short of exceptional. With a vibrant atmosphere, fair prices, and a menu that caters to various dietary needs, I would rate this place an unequivocal...