Cantina 'Calaca' Feliz

We had an amazing visit at Cantina ‘Calaca’ Feliz. Best shrimp tacos in have ever had. We stumbled in hungry with a crying baby. Chef Zeus (Jesus) and Alex opened their doors for us. We arrived strangers from MN. We left family with full stomachs and hearts. We enjoyed the “Esquites” Guacamole and the Nacho de la Casa with Brisket were to die for. So much hospitality. I loved the architecture of this unique building. Thank you again for making our day a Grand Adventure. We will never forget your kindness. - Christine, Angelina and Baby Vera

I highly recommend Calaca Feliz! It feels more authentic than most of the other Mexican restaurants in this part of the city. Casual atmosphere. The guacamole was perfect, and you can get yellowfin ceviche on it for a couple bucks extra!? Really good salsa, with the right amount of kick. The tropical marg was delicious. You could taste the tequila but it wasn’t strong. The shrimp tacos were great. My partner had the vegetable enchiladas and liked them but said he’ll go for the tacos next time. Prices are reasonable. Service was friendly. This place is a new Philly favorite for us!

If you are craving for good Mexican food, this can be your pick. This place has a nice ambiance, excellent food and good service. If you are visiting on weekends, do make a reservation prior to your visit as this place can have a wait time of up to 30 minutes. I have been to this place twice and it was packed. Tried their Nachos for starters along with three chilli margarita. Their Nachos are really good, I preferred them over guacamole and wasn’t disappointed. I also had Baja fish tacos, I recommend it if you are looking for options in taco at this place. Don’t miss out on Chocolate Budino in dessert, if you like sweet and salty dessert. It was like pudding with smooth consistency topped with cracker crust. Ambiance was good, street parking was available at night however that could be a problem depending on time of the day. Accessibility can be an issue as the restaurant and seating place had elevation. Recommendation: Nachos, Three Chilli Margarita and Chocolate Budino.

One of must visit Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia the food is cheap and tastes amazing !! The guacamole was so yummy I.e avocado toast and so the veggie taco!! The service is also good they also have an outdoor seating options with heaters so that you can enjoy the weather too!! And the best part of a Mexican restaurant is with the Mexican coke !! Loved the food here …great value for money!!

Service was lovely, food was delicious, margaritas were tasty, and the atmosphere was lively, fun, and joyful. You can sit inside or outside in their cute little courtyard, and the interior of the restaurant is mostly wood / homey / inviting. Highly recommend visiting!

I've ordered food for pickup before but this day (Eagles parade) was my first time eating in the restaurant. Luckily, they were able to seat us pretty quickly even though it was packed because of the parade. Staff and waitress we're attentive, personable and provided good service. The food was good also. We loved the nachos! They were soooo good. I had the chicken tinga tacos & my friend go the carnitas tacos; both were good. Overall, good food and atmosphere. And since it's not far from my apartment, I would definitely like to go back on a normal day for drinks & to try over things off the menu. Update for July 2023: still great! Got to experience the outdoor patio/seating area, which is a vibe. Still great food, drinks are made so well and wonderful service.

Such a cute place! Had Sunday Brunch, brought home so many leftovers because we couldn’t narrow down our choices. Staff was so friendly and attentive!

Tried this place out after a flyers game. We loved that there was a parking lot within walking distance. All of the staff were so friendly. We had a sampling of everything. The guacamole was great with crunchy chips to go with. We also had their salmon tacos and a burrito both very good. They were very accommodating to vegetarians as I asked for the meat on the side with no problem. We had their yucca fries which were more like home fries instead of a traditional French fry shape. The margaritas were fantastic! I had a skinny margarita and honestly it was the best margarita I’ve had at a restaurant. When we are in the area we will be sure to stop back. Also to note, the decor is wonderful!!

The service was quick for 2 people. We got nachos, chicken enchiladas, and tacos Al pastor, which were really flavorful. The nachos are a great portion and the tacos Al pastor had these really tender tortillas that they make in house. Good place for Mexican food I recommend it. The total came to around $30/person which isn’t too bad.

This is an easy review because everything was good. Our server was friendly, our sparkling margaritas were light and refreshing, and the food was very flavorful. My sister's tortilla soup was chock-full of the listed ingredients. And my breakfast burrito, accompanied by potatoes, filled my plate. The only thing we wish we'd tried was the guac. Guess we'll have to go back!

We went for happy hour and sat at the bar. The nachos are out of this world! Try the spicy margarita, it was delicious. We got a pitcher of regular margaritas and they were only ok, but staff was nice, the food was good and the atmosphere was great.

This is a great tex-mex restaurant. We had a great dinner and experience. I really like how attentive the server and chef were in making sure my order did not have any of my food allergies, and made a few changes. I def recommend the enchiladas, the yuca fries for app, and the churros w/ dulce de leche was delish. A nice place for a date or night with friends.

First time coming here and it was a good experience. Food tasted fresh. I got the Esquites guacamole and the tuna tacoritas. The only disappointing thing was that the french toast was not available. Our server Shawn was great answering our questions. Will definitely recommend 👌🏾

Food was absolutely amazing. Im from Los Angeles and my reception was absolutely wonderful even wearing my Dodgers cap. Being from LA, I know mexican food and I am so happy I found this spot. The ambiance is great with indoor and outdoor seating. Staff and Management are a joy to be around. Highly recommend and if I ever return to Philly; Cantina “Calaca” Feliz will be a go to spot for me!

Really enjoyed every aspect of this visit. The location was very well decorated/ designed. Staff was friendly, courteous, and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious 😋

Great food! Everything on the menu looked great. The atmosphere and decor where on point and the outdoor seating area looked lovely at night. Prices and portions were perfect. Service was quick and attentive which was surprising considering how busy it was when we were there. Our server Donzel was friendly and very helpful. One of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to.

NEW FAVORITE?? not only is this place gorgeous, but the people working here are so friendly and the food was rockin. i got chicken tacos and my sibling got the gorditas. also i was driving and was able to get a small glass of lychee juice to mix into my coke instead of an alcoholic drink!!

Plenty of options! Great service, amazing food (especially the desserts), romantic and semi-casual atmosphere, family friendly! Great restaurant to go to after visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary. We’re only In Philadelphia for a night and this restaurant is something I would recommend!

The tables in the middle are tight, but the booths are great! I like that there’s a variety of seating options, and I return for the drinks and the tacos, time after time.

Great lively atmosphere! Food is very flavorful and drinks are delicious too! We ordered the spiced tres leches cake and it was the perfect portion size for two!

Food here was soo good. The nachos are basically a whole plate themselves. Fish tacos were delicious, really liked the Chipotle and avocado aoili that came on the side. Service was also excellent. Will need to come here again when I visit.

This place was soooooooo good!!! I'm from Texas so i’m very picky with Spanish food but this place was amazing!!! Definitely the best Spanish spot I've found in Philly and their margaritas are great too! You can even get a pitcher which equals to a little over 4 drinks!

The food was great, had the shrimp tacos. Guacamole was excellent as well. Cute restaurant and the staff was super friendly. I’ll recommend for sure.

I recently hosted a birthday party at Cantina Feliz and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We had about 35 guests seated comfortably at two long tables inside, and everything—from the atmosphere to the service—was flawless. The vibe of the evening was exactly what I envisioned: moody, chill, and mature, with a warm and welcoming feel that made the space come alive. I brought in a personal décor details and gave the staff minimal direction, but they absolutely nailed it. The setup was perfect—just how I pictured it. The food was incredible. My personal favorite was the carne asada with potatoes and asparagus—cooked beautifully and full of flavor. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the event, and my husband was impressed by how smoothly everything flowed. The waiting staff were quick, attentive, and kept the food and drinks coming all night long. The fact that the restaurant offered dietary accommodations and even created a custom menu for us made everything feel even more special. A huge shout-out to Natalie, the general manager, who handled every detail with calm professionalism, even when I threw a few last-minute requests her way. She and her team made sure the entire evening went off without a hitch. Another shout out to Shawn, the waiter who was friendly and extra attentive. Many guests raved over his excellent service. Other larger restaurants may offer similar large group options, but Cantina Feliz made it feel personal. If you’re looking for a place to host a celebration—or just enjoy an amazing dinner in a stylish atmosphere—look no further than Cantina Feliz.

My personal favorite Mexican in the city. Service is great especially the manager Natalie. It can get a bit busy so a reservation is recommended but not usually required. EAT HERE!

We were seated outside, which was lovely. The service was outstanding, very friendly and efficient. The food was so delicious. They make every effort to accommodate allergies. We look forward to our next visit.

The food is excellent. The prices are excellent. The manager needs to manage. The staff needs to think about his they work - never walk without something in your hands. Pick up empty bottles or plates as you walk back to the service area. Help others drop food off. It takes a team. The outside area is nice but can use some embellishments. Street parking is usually easy and there is a pay lot just a block away.

I revisited Cantina Feliz in Summer 2025 after a lukewarm to-go experience back in 2024—and I’m glad I gave it another shot. This time, dining in made all the difference. The tacos packed solid flavor (not the most authentic, but fitting for Fairmount), and the pitchers of margaritas were surprisingly well-balanced—no sugar bomb, no weak pour. The space is cozy but functional: bar seating, small dining area, and a friendly, attentive staff who kept the energy upbeat. Happy Hour adds extra incentive if you time it right. Parking can be hit or miss depending on the hour, so plan ahead if you’re driving. Overall— Not “your” or your friend’s abuela’s kitchen, but a nice, decent spot that earns its place in the neighborhood rotation.

The esquites guacamole was incredible! Highly recommend. We also got the shrimp tacos and baja fish tacos. The fish tacos were a little forgettable, I’d go for the shrimp instead. Our server, Brian, was awesome. Really attentive. The dining room area was loud so be aware, voices really echo in there.

The fish tacos were good. As were the tacocitas. Service was fast. Potentially it would take 30 minutes for food to be ready, I was warned. But it took only about 15.

Very cute Mexican restaurant. The Esquites Guacamole was outstanding! The salsa that came with the chips was missing something but still good. The service was good. I think his name was Jacob. He knew the menu and was very accommodating. We dinned around 5 so it wasn’t very busy yet. As we were leaving at 6:30 it was getting busier for a Monday night. For entrees my kids had the chicken taco and chicken quesadilla and they both enjoyed them. We also had the Birria and it just wasn’t the best we ever had.. still good. I had the chimichurri steak fajitas. The chipotle chimichurri was a little over powering. It has a nice kick to it so if you like spice it’s enjoyable. I didn’t eat it as fajitas and just ate all the steak and some of the peppers. I would go back if I am ever in the area again.

Good take on roasted mexican flavor. House made habanero was excellence on a bowl. Brussels tasted perfect, just a little heavy on the oil and my pants paid the price. Crowded during mid-afternoon. Beware the limited menu items when they change from brunch to dinner.

The soft shell crab taco was a very different taste for me but was very filling. I enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the location. Our server wasn’t the greatest as we had to ask a few times for water refills but no big harm. Prices were decent for Philly. Enjoy a margarita while you’re here too!

Service - 5 Vibe - 5 Food - 2* Maybe we just ordered all the wrong things, but all the dishes we ordered were mid. The chicken enchilada was covered in sauce but somehow the chicken itself was dry and tough. The chimichurri steak was also dry and overcooked. The sauce was also sour. The food presentation though looked nice. Because of the price vs food taste, I say food was a 1-2. The service was nice. The staff came over many times after we ordered but before our food came to ask if we needed anything/wanted to order more. The food did take a while to come out ~40 minutes after ordering. We also did not have a wait time because we made a reservation. On a Friday night, it was packed! The interior dining space is also gorgeous. There’s three options for tables: bar (at the very front), outdoor in their back patio (or on the street side) and the indoor dining room (!!). We sat indoors and the dining room was gorgeous! I would recommend coming here for a vibe-y date night to grab drinks (only!). The happy hour menu looked good so I’ll give it another try then.

We’ve been a few times. The food is okay. I do like that they have a nice happy hour menu. The place is decorative and has indoor and outdoor seating. Staff is always doing the best they can. Never had any real issues.

A beautiful setting in back after you walk through the bar-bottleneck area. Outdoor seats and a two-storey light filled dining area. Attentive service (who took away my plate as I was still eating-I stopped them) and a Sunday Brunch menu covering the basics. Not a lot here for the vegan/vegetarian but we came up with mushroom tacos, a menu item, minus the cheese and cream. Excellent guacamole and good chips: a dark salsa which looked amazing but didn’t even have the flavor of tomato, or the heat of a stick of gum. And that’s my complaint, including with the tacos: zero flavor, no nuance of taste, scents of cooking oils only, simply void of flavor in any dish we had. The watermelon gazpacho tasted stale, and of rind, not juicy melon. Forget hot, or spicy, or seasoned. Neither the enchilada or the tacos had any. Priced reasonably if you are not picky about taste- nothing has any “bite” besides salt, I cannot recommend a visit.

The food, like the ambiance, is mid-grade and feels extremely inauthentic. The food lacks profile and flavor, the menu lacks several key dishes one would expect, and the setting seems overtly modern. Chips and salsa are NOT included, which is highly unusual. Additionally, heads up, while many other reviewers mention the guacamole, it’s worth noting that this will set you back at least $12, and in this reviewer’s opinion, absolutely no guacamole anywhere should cost that much, unless it’s served in a large vat (it’s not). I’m sure it’s really good guacamole, but the price is the major deterrent. Reasonable Happy Hour drinks and prices (good margaritas) make up for the expensive food. So, if you’re splitting the tab for happy hour and appetizers, I’d give this place a go. But overall, the loud and bright atmosphere, relatively unspectacular flavor, and lack of authenticity make me hesitant to join the others in raving.

I had a lovely time. The air conditioner was broken. Bad thing for 90 degree weather. We decided to sit outside which was lovely save for the plastic lawn furniture chairs they have out there. The inside of the place is breathtakingly gorgeous. The food had the potential to be good. Maybe the person who seasons the food was out sick today. Everything was terribly under salted. The watermelon gazpacho was nice and refreshing albeit not watermelony enough. The mushroom huarache had unseasoned mushrooms on a cheese blanket. Not good. The cauliflower tacos were completely flavorless. Both salsas were fantastic and so were the chips. We had the guacamole sampler. Nice flavors but again underseasoned. It's a real shame.

This place is nice and upbeat. Only 3 stars because the food was just okay. The staff is very friendly and helpful; they went out of their way to render wonderful service but I was not impressed by the dish I selected from their menu. I tried their Baja Fish Taco, Black Bean Soup, and Enchilada con Reveultos.

Second review, I went back to try the food again, this time I was an entire meal short and the shrimp bowl was corrected but instead of it being a bowl it looks like a plate. It seems as though the food was prepared on the lid side of the bowl?? It’s unfortunate because the food is great but my takeout experience these past 2 times has been sub par. First review, Food was good, had to wait an extra 40 min. I didn’t order cauliflower bowl, it was suppose to be a shrimp bowl.