Las Bugambilias

What a Stellar find!
My friends and I navigated over to this part of town after a day enjoying Spruce Street Harbor. We solely wanted good margs and chips/​guac, and this spot happened to be the only one near by. What started as a matter of convenience ended up being the best idea!
Hands down the best drinks I’ve ever enjoyed at a Mexican restaurant. Both in terms of quality and price.
The chips were home made, and still fresh from the fryer. We ordered the house guac, ceviche and salsa to pair with everything.
I intend to make my way back for a full course dinner very soon! Be sure to reserve on open table, as it got busy quick.

I went to Las Bugambilias not because I had ever heard of it, but because I was in the area with some visitors and we really wanted some tacos. So I searched for tacos near me on Unilocal and this was one of the options that it showed. It seemed to be rated highly, so we decided to give it a shot. We were not disappointed.
We did not realize how small of a place it was until we wandered in and saw that the place was packed on a Sunday night. We definitely should have made a reservation — however, one of the highlights about this place for me was the fact that they really worked to accommodate us despite the fact that we were the ones who didn’t know the drill! We only had to wait a couple of minutes and they had pushed together the only two free tables in the place (which people had JUST vacated). It was tight, but we didn’t care and really appreciated the effort to seat us. The service continued to be great throughout the night– courteous, not overbearing but quite attentive.
The food and drinks were excellent. The margaritas were delicious (though everyone in my group stuck with the classic margarita, they do have many types). The free chips and salsa were also quite good — particularly the salsas, which both tasted homemade. I found the spicy one to be very spicy (the spice lovers in my group were happy), but the flavor was so good for both. They didn’t bring out many chips at first but we asked for more and got more with no problem. The menu was very interesting, with many options that aren’t always found at American Mexican restaurants — and everything we had (fish tacos, tacos pastor, chicken mole, enchiladas) were all great. Everyone was happy, and I would certainly go back — with a reservation, especially for a larger party.

The margaritas were delicious, the food was OK. Nothing terrible, but nothing to write home about. The guacamole and the mole sauce were the highlights of the meal. Generous portions.
Caution: the menu has four soups that are starred as «vegetarian,» but apparently three of them have chicken stock.

Waited over an hour for a reserved table. No apologies. Cool.
We were offered agree round but ehh

After moving here 3 years ago from south Texas I have finally found a place with genuine Mexican food! Not only was their food great but they give you free chips and salsa which weirdly (and stupidly) never happens in center city.
My friend and I went for happy hour and both got house margs which were good but I felt like I needed more tequila in mine.2 minutes later the bartender brought me over a shot of tequila to put in. I wouldn’t of minded paying for the extra tequila but when I got the bill at the end of the visit I realized I was not charged for it. Not only was the bartender great, but our server was delightful. When my friend stated she wanted the nopales salad but had never had cactus before the waitress said she would bring out a sample. To eat we got the chicken mole enchiladas and tacos pastor-​both delicious.
My only complaint would be the price point is a little high for what it is but with the extra tequila and the fact they give you chips and salsa it made up for it. I will definitely be returning to this establishment that made a Texas girl very happy!

Yes. To everything. Came here with a few friends to end a Sunday Funday at Yards. It’s a very small place, so you may feel crowded. The food more than makes up for it. I got veggie quesadillas-​bomb! Salsa was perfectly spicy and chips not too salty. Our waitress was very nice and accommodating and knowledgable to vegetarians.

It’s a small place that is every easy to simply pass by when walking on South St, especially with so many other bars/​pubs/​eateries about, but this place is definitely worth it! The food was DELICIOUS. We got the house margaritas for happy hour ($ 6 each) and were disappointed that there was not enough tequila in them. We asked for an extra shot of tequila to add to the margaritas and they kindly obliged free of charge! I can say with certainty that our service was friendly and attentive. It was also accommodating of them to serve us chips and fresh salsa. Their spicy salsa is actually pretty spicy and they aren’t kidding about that, but it still has a refreshing taste.
I ordered the tacos el pastor. I saw so many Unilocal reviews and pictures of that dish that I figured I had to try it. I’ve had tacos from El Vez, Lolita, El Rey etc, but these were probably the most flavorful of the bunch. Served on three soft corn tortillas, the filling consisted of marinated pork and pineapple. You should definitely try this dish. The savory pork and the slightly charred sweet pineapple created a flavor that quite frankly, tasted riveting.
This restaurant gives you a feel for «traditional» Mexican food and my friend who is from Texas and rather critical of Mexican food, actually loved this place and felt like the food had that taste she had been craving since she left San Antonio.
I will most certainly be back here. Their brunch menu looks fantastic and the tres leches cake is definitely calling my name.

When was the last time I’ve had Mexican food? It
has been many years since, and I had to come all the way to Philly to have a great Mexican meal. This restaurant wasn’t on my list, but this impromptu choice turned out perfect.
The service was exceptional. The pleasant young lady who turns out to be a college student was hostess, barkeep and waitress and she managed to take care of the entire restaurant all by herself. A job well done.
The Crepes Poblano filled with mushrooms, huitalcoche topped with crema poblano & queso, offered a unique texture and bright flavors, I would definitely have it again. The Torta de Puerco with boneless grilled pork, black bean spread, tomatoes, grilled onions and Mexican cheese; was also unique in texture and flavors.
Service, food, ambiance and price all sum up to five stars.

Cinco de Mayo celebration! We went here with 3 people for dinner and drinks on Cinco de Mayo. We got there around 6pm and there was a 30 – 40 minute wait. We got margaritas while waiting and got a table around 640pm. The restaurant is very small, but quaint. It is eclectically decorated and has a very casual vibe.
Drinks: Between the three of us, we tried the house margarita, the mango margarita, the spicy chipotle margarita, and the wildberry margarita (cinco de mayo special). They were all delicious!
Food: We started out with the fresh guacamole and chips. They also provide you with chips, pico de gallo, and a spicy salsa free of of charge. For our entrees, we got enchiladas with mole sauce, chicken molcajete, and mole tradicional. For dessert, we got the powdered sugar cookies with Mexican coffee, a chocolate pudding dish, and a cinnamon churro ice cream dish.
We will definitely be back!

Excellent. Definitely the best Mexican food in Philly.
I’m sure some weirdos on here will complain about a random server not smiling at them or that their left foot was cold during dinner or that their mother-​in-​law ordered «fay-​jeetas» and was disappointed they didnt have them– but fuck all that. This place is amazing and if you don’t like the food maybe Mexican isn’t your thing.

If you’re in the mood for a great Mexican spot. This is the place! The food here is AMAZING! My boyfriend and I ordered the Ensalada de Mango Omelet Tampico and we finished it completely. I will definitely recommend this place!

My friends and I went to Las Bugambilias for brunch yesterday (a Sunday). This is a traditional veracruzana style restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised to find that they offered a $ 15 brunch buffet, as well as still offering a-​la-​carte. After consideration of what the buffet offered, half of our group did a-​la-​carte, and the other half did the buffet. I had the buffet, which was phenomenal. Everything was super fresh and replaced very often. They offered these delicious potatoes, salsa verde chilaquiles, huevos a la Mexicana, a bean dish, some Mexican hot cakes, some Mexican pastries, waffles (freshly made right in front of you), fruit, baked goods, coffee, this special Mexican coffee, juice, etc.
The chilaquiles were phenomenal! They were so fresh, and perfectly made in my opinion. However, they were not my favorite option of the buffet. The potatoes they made were some of the best breakfast potatoes I have ever indulged in. Topped with some of their pico de gallo and spicy salsa (on the side), I could literally not stop eating them. As well, the Mexican coffee (the name is slipping my mind) was fantastic — I must have had at least 4 cups.
The rest of the group who had ordered a-​la-​carte ordered the traditional mole chicken and the chicken quesadillas. Both people had great things to say, and both of the dishes looked extremely appetizing. The wait staff was also super friendly, and even the owner came out to make sure everything was up to par!
In terms of mexican cuisine in Philadelphia, this was my favorite that I have come across at this point. Very authentic and a lovely experience. We will definitely be heading back here for brunch again!

I eat Mexican food… As often as humanly possible! I’ve eaten it everywhere. NJ, Texas, Mexico, England, Bulgaria, South Korea, Germany, you name it! This is a pretty awesome spot for the entire tri-​state area. One of my new favorites! I’m only upset I didn’t find it sooner!
First and foremost, the margaritas are spot on! Chips come free :) with a tasty salsa! I always ask if they have a spicy one, since usually the traditional salsa at places don’t have enough kick for me… but BOTH were delicious!
We ordered the chicken quesadillas to start for some reason (I rarely order quesadillas). WOW! Might be my favorite EVER! Delicious!
For my entrée, I ordered the enchiladas verde and I couldn’t have chosen better! Slightly spicy, but not too much for those who are a little sensitive.
My boyfriend ordered the enchiladas de mole, which he LOVED!
Rice and beans came with both dishes and were similar to most good restaurants. Yum!
Word for the wise, make a reservation. It is fairly «tight» inside and fills up FAST! It’s a perfect place for a causal dinner or a date night out! Can’t wait to go back!

So, so delicious! The margaritas are by far the best in the city! Fresh refreshing delightful. Cozy atmosphere warm and friendly. Won’t break the bank, and I always have left overs. Come in and enjoy!

Amazing, fresh and authentic food. I’ve yet to try something that isn’t delicious here. Service is prompt and friendly and the drinks are strong. Highly recommended

Really really enjoy this place! Their guacamole, their pork tacos, the ceviche are all worthy of eating over and over again. Super small spot but worth it.

My absolute favorite Mexican restaurant in philadelphia. I have tried many Mexican places in the city since its my favorite cuisine. This place is amazing in every single way. Their food is to die for (the green salsa they serve with their chips is addicting), their service is always friendly, and lastly their margaritas are super strong and not diluted whatsoever. I recommend everyone to try out this place I can guarantee it wont be a bad time.

Absolutely love this little Mexican place. My sister and I had so much fun here. The food is just delicious! Definitely recommend the taco pastor!

Great Mexican food! Love their chilequiles and have yet to find another place that makes it as well. They have great guacamole and fantastic home-​made chips. I recommend their Mexican hot chocolate (has added spices so not your typical hot chocolate) in the winter and their lemonade in the summer. The venue is small so if you are going with a large group, then I’d recommend making a reservation.

This place is so cute — It’s small, quaint and I love the décor.
Service was good — she was sweet, friendly but only somewhat helpful with helping us choose the tequila for our margarita (thus the 4 vs 5 star rating). The $ 9 classic margarita is described as «with the tequila of your choice». I asked for Don Julio which they didn’t have — so I asked for her suggestion which she was mumbling along. and then asked if we wanted Patron silver, totally fine. But lack of service comes here — she did not let us know it would be $ 13 a piece instead of $ 9 as described in the menu. This place would have gotten a lower rating on this alone, except the food was pretty phenomenal.
They start you off with homemade chips, mild salsa (pico de gallo) and a rojo spicy salsa. Pice de gallo was simple, chopped up tomatoes, cilanto, a bit of salt and onions. The spicy one was a bit more flavorful and to my favor
We got the vegetarian tamale — which was delicious and perfect. Highly recommended for vegetarians and non-​vegetarians alike
I got the Enchiladas del Mar — smothered in a red creamy almond sauce, filled with lobster, crab and shrimp. This dish was overall a 5 star. Fresh seafood, good flavor to the sauce, a small side of rice as well as salad to help cut down the richness of the enchilada.
My partner got the fish tacos which were done really well — good guac, and lightly battered fish which is a must.
Great little Mexican spot on south street, tasted truly authentic. But keep in mind, this meal was $ 75 pre-​tip so be ready for that!