El Mictlan’s seasonal menu sings with herbs, spices, and traditional ingredients at peak deliciousness.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited El Mictlan, which I will admit is the city’s best Mexican restaurant. This colorful BYOB spot, tucked away on a quiet corner at 2053 S Beechwood St., is the home of the best tacos and guacamole in Philly. Chef Chelo Manzanarez has developed a new, limited-time Fall Menu, which hooked me, and I’m already thinking about my next visit.
Chef Chelo has managed to tie in classic autumn flavors with Mexican traditions, introducing items like pumpkin churros—something I never knew I needed until now. He’s taken seasonal favorites like squash and corn and fused them with his Mexican roots, creating fresh and familiar dishes. Tops on my list are the bistec tacos featuring thinly cut steak strips and sauteed onion on top of crispy melted cheese, but there are plenty more standouts. The Fall Menu highlights Chef Chelo’s creativity and attention to detail.
You’ll find savory and sweet kabocha croquettes, butternut squash tacos that taste like Thanksgiving on a tortilla (complete with pomegranate seeds and corn), and a warm fall soup perfect for cooler weather. Other favorites of mine include the lamb barbacoa tacos, complete with a hot lamb broth for dipping, the fried sweet plantains with crema and queso, and the parillada mexicana, a take on surf and turf that includes a hearty NY strip and grilled octopus on top of potatoes and asparagus.
If you’re like me and let your camera always eat first, I will also say it’s the most beautiful dish on the menu (which is saying something, as all every dish arrives attractively plated).
The restaurant’s name, El Mictlan, is drawn from Aztec mythology — it’s the place where souls rest after a long journey. To arrive at the kingdom of El Mictlan, one has to pass through nine levels of the underworld and many daunting tests. Chef Chelo’s vision for the restaurant reflects that feeling of finally finding a space to unwind after a busy day of work and life. He puts it beautifully: “In my kingdom, called El Mictlan, I welcome all hungry souls.”
The Southwest Philly neighborhood where El Mictlan is located wasn’t an obvious choice, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on Chef Chelo. Being tucked away from the city’s bustling streets and high foot traffic left him anxious about whether diners would make the effort to find his restaurant.
But to his relief, they have. Word of mouth and local support have brought a steady stream of patrons, and now, as he watches tables fill, Chef Chelo feels a deep sense of validation, knowing he made the right choice after all.
He’s dedicated to bringing more dining options to the neighborhood and showing off a different side of Mexico with each dish. “Philly has given me so many opportunities, and this is my way of thanking Philadelphians for their hospitality and support…The love and support I’ve received tells me I’m in the right place.”
Like many chefs, Chef Chelo’s love of cooking derives from his family. Growing up, he was surrounded by strong women whose kitchen skills left a lasting impression on him. As the eldest child, he wasn’t just a spectator—he jumped in to help while his mother worked, quickly learning the ropes of the kitchen. Now, in a full-circle moment, his mother is right there with him, working in the same kitchen to create El Mictlan’s memorable dishes.
The combination of personal touches—both in the food, the decor, and the overall vibes of the restaurant — makes El Mictlan stand out. It’s not just about the food (though it’s incredible); it’s about the entire experience. This fall menu shows not just the love of Mexican folklore but the love of the changing seasons as well.
For a taste of Philadelphia’s top Mexican cuisine this fall, visit El Mictlan. Act fast — their limited-time fall menu won’t last much longer! Soon, Chef Chelo will shift gears and unveil his holiday menu, bringing even more exciting and unexpected flavors to the table.
A TASTE OF THE PACIFIC: MEXICAN WEST COAST CUISINE
El Mictlan embraces Mexican West Coast cuisine, which draws from the rich culinary traditions of coastal states like Baja California, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean heavily influences this style of cooking, making fresh seafood the centerpiece of many dishes. Staples such as ceviche, fish tacos, aguachile, and grilled fish (“zarandeado“-style) are brightened with fresh citrus, herbs, and local chiles, creating a refreshing flavor profile that sets it apart from the richer, spicier dishes found in central and southern Mexico.
Baja California, in particular, has brought a unique influence to this cuisine with the rise of “Baja Med,” a fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors. This innovative style has introduced dishes like grilled octopus and seafood tostadas, where bold new flavors meet traditional Mexican techniques. Grilling is also a hallmark of West Coast cuisine, where seafood, meats, and vegetables are cooked over open flames, adding a smoky depth to the region’s lighter, citrus-forward flavors. This fusion of fresh ingredients and creative preparation makes Mexican West Coast cuisine both dynamic and versatile, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the region’s food culture.
el Mictlan BYOB Restaurant
2053 S. Beechwood St (South Philly)
267-876-7012
elmictlanrestaurantpa.com
@el.mictlan.mx on IG
🗣 COMMENTS WELCOME! 🙌
What do you think? Have you been to el Mictlan? Do you have a favorite menu item? Or a tip for another good Mexican spot or hidden gem in South Philly? Please leave your comments below, and catch up with me on Instagram @gingersliketoeat. If you enjoyed this feature, please check out last month’s column on the elevated comfort foods at Töska Restaurant and Brewery in Mt Airy.
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