Don’t Let Jose’s Mexican Food’s Facade Scare You Away From Their Fish Tacos

Jose’s Mexican Food is a  Mexican taco joint that is a perfect example of “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” with its bleak, dirty brick facade and a sign on either side to indicate you are in the right place. As we crossed the street, I had to swear to my timid friend that she was going to love it. Inside the small restaurant are a few tables to sit at and a busy grill top area behind the counter where some of the magic goes on. Jose’s seems to be big on take out, but either way you are better off calling in your order ahead of time. And even if you don’t call, it is still worth the wait.

The shrimp ceviche tostada ($8) is technically an entree, but it really makes the perfect appetizer to share. While not as acidic as a typical ceviche, the bits of shrimp, avocado, tomato, and onion on crispy corn tortilla rounds were

Tacos come with 3 to an order for $6 or $7 depending on what you get. I needed to make things difficult and request a trio of tacos with carnitas, carne asada, and fish. The taco preparations are pretty bare bones- your topping of choice, plus onions and cilantro. But each of the taco fillings were so well executed they didn’t need any cover up. If I had to, I would pick the carnitas over the steak, because it were a little juicier, but the fish was the real surprise.

That fish taco really blew me away. This may be the best non fried fish taco I’ve had in Philly. There was no gross fishy flavor and I have no clue how they accomplished the crispy bits. I could eat this all the time and I wouldn’t have to feel guilty since it’s cheap and healthy. If only Jose’s were a little closer to me, I would be the fish taco queen.  I didn’t even offer to share any, if thats any indication as to how I felt about my taco (or maybe it just tells you that I am kind of a mean girl).

And if you were wondering if my nervous nellie of a friend enjoyed her meal, she did and she wants to go back.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

  • Perfect steak, pork, and fish in cheap taco form
  • Food this quality can win even picky eaters over

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

  • I like to eat on tablecloths
  • Bit of  wait

Jose’s Mexican Food, 469 N 10th St (@ Buttonwood St), 215 765-2369

ADVERTISEMENT

3 Comments

Leave a Reply

You must log in or register to post a comment.