South Philly Barbacoa

"South Philly Barbacoa is the best place in town to get tacos, including those of the vegetarian variety. There are only a few things on the taco menu—meaning the same three options—but one thing that rotates is the veggie-only option, like the sweet potato and cauliflower taco topped with lettuce. It’s a pretty popular spot with both locals and tourists, and they’re only open Friday-Monday, so show up before noon (they open at 5am) if you don’t want to wait in line." - candis mclean

"There are only a few things on the menu at this legendary Mexican spot in the Italian Market: barbacoa and pancita tacos, a lamb consomme, and specials like tamales and quesadillas. They're all very good, especially the juicy, fatty lamb barbacoa. It’s a pretty popular spot with tourists (thank you, Chef's Table). So show up before noon (they open at 5am) or later in the afternoon if you don’t want to wait in a line." - alison kessler, candis mclean

"This beloved Italian Market taqueria only has a few items on the menu—barbacoa and pancita tacos, a lamb consomme, and specials like tamales and quesadillas. They're all very good, especially the juicy, fatty, incredibly flavorful lamb barbacoa, which is the star of the single best taco in Philly. The corn tortillas are just as memorable as the fillings—they're thick and speckled with mini air pockets, and delicious whether they're cradling pancita or simply dipped in the housemade salsas. It’s a pretty popular spot with tourists (thank you, Chef's Table), so show up before noon or later in the afternoon if you don’t want to wait in line." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"James Beard-winning chef Cristina Martinez helms this city icon featured on Season 5 of Chef’s Table. The lamb barbacoa tacos is the thing to get, for which meat is marinated then cooked overnight before it’s chopped to order and served on homemade tortillas. South Philly Barbacoa is open only for limited hours from Friday through Monday, so check ahead, prepare for a wait, and know it’s cash only. Or, if you still want to get a taste of Martinez’s cooking elsewhere during the week, check out next-door sibling restaurant Casa México which is open daily." - Eater Staff, Ernest Owens

"Cristina Martinez’s lamb barbacoa tacos regularly draw national attention to this casual Italian Market eatery. The lamb is marinated and cooked overnight before tender chunks, chopped to order, are served on homemade tortillas. South Philly Barbacoa is open incredibly limited hours, so prepare for a wait (and be sure to plan ahead)." - Ernest Owens, Eater Staff