Las Cazuelas

I've just been here twice with my BF. We had Groupons, and at the time it was valid for lunch (not anymore), so it was a true bargain. The parking was easy, neighborhood seemed quite safe, at least in the afternoon, the only time we were there. The place was smallish, but nicely decorated, comfy. And the service was friendly, efficient, accomodating (my BF can't do spicy), top notch. \r \r Both times, we each ordered specialty entrees and that was it. Pollo a la Cazuelas and Pollo Pibil were excellent!! As was Camarones (shrimp) al Ajillo. All the food was fresh, authentic, portions generous (not HUGE, but we are not huge eaters, so with the rice and refried beans, we took home leftovers enough for another meal. \r \r The only issue I had was 1) the tortilla chips were very oily/greasy both visits. I'm sure some don't mind this. Still, they were very fresh, but I'm calorie conscious, and wouldn't eat more than a few. Salsa also fresh and good. 2) Mole Enchiladas - I used the word 'authentic' before. I've been to Mexico (albeit just Cancun and Cozumel) 5 or 6x, also a VERY close friend for 30 years from Mexico City who used to go home often, and bring back fresh mole her mom (may she RIP) made from 22 ingredients, and the flavors were very complex and delicious. So I DO know mole, and what I tried here was the worst I've ever had. Others may like it, but it was just very bland, lacking in flavor. Don't ask me how they claim it is 'award winning'. Maybe I caught them on a bad day. For mole officianados, I'd ask to taste a spoonful before ordering. MAYBE I caught them on a bad day, or a new chef or whatever. If I go back, I will ask for a taste before ordering. \r \r But you can't give a bad review for 1 bad dish. And it was still fresh and tasted good. Others may love it. But I was just disappointed cuz I KNOW what good mole is. I would STILL give this place 4 - 4.5 out of 5 stars. more

I've been here several times and each time was a happy dining adventure. The food is not strictly what I would call basic Mexican. It seems more upscale with wonderful sauces and a kind of international flair. more

Este restaurante esta fanastico. Tiene comida buenisima. Necessitas ir ahora. Los precios no son altos. El restaurante necessita aumentar el escenario. Pros: Comida Cons: El espacio more

I wanted to go here for Mother's Day. I appreciate quaint neighborhood restaurants. This place was one to visit again. The service was great. The food was good as well. I liked the cactus salad (my first time having it) . It was very different. The cerviche de cameron was a bit off (my husband didn't like it, said it tasted like soap) I like it mixed with my salad....My son's ordered enchaladas de Mole and HaTed it, but they were very willing and accommodating to take it off the check and let them order the flank steak. IT WAS LIKE BUTTER! heaven on a plate. the tilapia was divine as well. I hate to stop short of licking the plate (trust me, it was THAT good) the fish had to be marinated in some sort of onion, lime, cilantro marinate. it took the flavor of the pico with such ease, it was like they were made for each other. the flan was good as well. I can see me bringing the 'girls' hear for a great meal really soon. Next time, I'm getting the steak OMG it was off the chain!!!! more

Las Cazuelas came highly recommended from a friend who said it was both authentic and delicious. I'm not an expert on authentic Mexican food, but it was definitely delicious. The restaurant was somewhat small but warm and inviting, and our hostess/server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered two appetizers - the sopes (black beans, crumbly cheese and salsa on soft puffy corn tortillas) and the tomato soup appetizer (with melted cheese, crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado slices). After that we split the chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. I had been hesitant to order mole sauce because I was a bit off put by the cocoa, but this was rich and smoky and not at all what I expected. The enchiladas were somewhat overly sauced, but otherwise the entire meal was delicious and filling! I would definitely return to Las Cazuelas. Pros: Delicious food, Friendly service, Easy parking Cons: Restaurant is a bit small more

free margherita mix with dinner, B.Y.O.T. need i say more? oh yeah the food is pretty good too. more

This place may be a little off the beaten path, but it's well worth the trip. It's a BYOB with traditional mexican dishes...on the weekends be sure to make a reservation, especially for groups. It's a favorite place in my group for friends' birthdays. Sometimes they have a mariachi performer...but regardless the servers are always friendly and efficient Pros: Exquisite Mexican cuisine Cons: Off the beaten path more

The food is as authentic Mexican as I have ever tasted. The moles are great!! The server will allow you to sample the sauces to make sure you will like them. Beware the spice if you are not accustomed. My jalapeno relleno appetizer must have had some membrane because the spice nearly blew steam out of my ears. Overall, the flavors are excellent, the price is right, service is excellent. Brunch last Sunday was very quiet which means we were served quickly. This is a great neighborhood spot with great value Pros: flavors, service, brunch is quiet Cons: might be too much spice for some - ask server first. place is small so make a reservation just in case more

I went here before and after a Mural Arts Tour. Coffee was great! Food was yummy. The cactus salad sounded a little weird when mentioned, however it was wonderful! The service was great considering it was a tight space with a lot of people. Don't sweat the location, the food is well worth it!!!! Pros: Food and Decor` Cons: I had to leave more

Although the location isn't the greatest, the food is definitely worth the trip. The tortilla soup is good, as is the cactus salad. The chicken enchilada de mole is outstanding. This is authentic Mexican food, and the festive decor of this small restaurant is absolutely charming. more

Excellent food, great service, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely one of my favorite places to eat in Philly! Pros: Great value, Fantastic service more

What more could one want? Great gourmet mexican food (far better than the standard tex-mex fare), a one-man mariache guitarist, and they provide the shot glasses! Portions are generous. Bring your friends, beer, and tequila, order every special they have and take a cab home. more

Without a doubt my favorite Mexican restaurant in Philly. Cozy but not crowded with a menu that's a joy just to read while working on a large bowl of fresh tortilla chips and a perfectly piquant salsa. The shrimp ceviche seems expensive compared to the other appetizers, but is well worth if for the large (very shareable) portion. Next, proceed directly to the mole dishes. Return requently. PS: Brunch is great, too! more

it won't be a byo much longer but it will always remain my favorite place! food is fantastic, the owners/staff are the nicest people in the world, and vincente and his guitar on fri/sat nights make it unbeatable! The tres leches is worth the trip in itself! Pros: cheap, great food, atmosphere Cons: bad area, crowdes on weekends more

I found this to be the best, most authentic Mexican food in the area. Fresh ingredients made the meal fabulous, and the presentation was beautiful. Don't miss this tiny little BYOB place just outside of Northern Liberties. more

Food is consistent, but it's difficult to find vegetarian items on the menu. In addition to being in a bad neighborhood, the seating is really crowded and uncomfortable. more

One of the few places in Philly where you can get a solid Mexican meal. The mole sauce has just the right amount of sweetness. more