Kennett Square has always been known for its deep-rooted history, stunning views and mushroom-mania. The people of this lively borough (and frankly the entire southern Chester County area) have consistently led the way with charm, innovation, determination and heart. Main drag State Street and its fingerling streets and alleys are full of funked-up art galleries, earthy coffee and tea shops, a cool backstreet brewery, apple-pie bakeries, award-winning restaurants and a hipster music venue or two.
But Kennett Square is also the starting point to the county’s “taco trail”—a trail that offers up mouth-watering and tongue-tingling authentic Mexican grub. No typical Tuesday-night tacos here (unless you insist).
Bring along a growler or a bottle of your favorite vino (check with the individual restaurant for BYOB rules first) and your best munching game—your palate is about to experience some of the most magnificent Mexican cuisine in the state:
Taqueria Moroleon
Open 7 days a week, this taqueria offers up a $2.49 taco stuffed with steak, shredded chicken, grilled tilapia, Mexican sausage, roasted pork, shredded pork, lengua or tripa. This local fave also throws down some sizzling fajitas or fresh-fish tacos if the mood strikes. Check out the full menu here. 9173 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, (610) 268-3066
El Ranchero
Looking for the perfect way to introduce yourself to authentic Mexican tacos while not straying too far from the Americanized version? Dive into this mile-long taco list offering up polo, chorizo, lengua and barbacoa, to name a few. Tacos come with lettuce, tomato and cheese unless you request the traditional-style. Don’t miss the to-go salsa and chips. 305 W. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 925-0122
Taqueria Guadalajara Express
This is the real deal if you’re looking to eat what and where the locals eat. Also a carniceria (butcher shop), the menu here is grill-style and the taco meat fillings include cabeza (head), lengua (tongue), tripas (intestines) and more. Even when staying with the basic chicken, beef and pork be sure to squeeze a little bit of lime over the top. 520 S. Union St., Kennett Square, (484) 348-4014
La Pena Mexicana
Half a block from Victory Magnolia sits this inexpensive, quick and oh-so-spicy spot whose sign reads “The Best Taco and More!” A Main Line Today Critics Choice winner in 2014, this yellow-striped, can’t-miss-from-the-street, order-from-the-counter place is one to get to know—that is, if you like like to sweat a bit (the stuff is that hot). There is a definite Mexican rite-of-passage on the menu with the steak and pork tacos. 609 W. Cypress St., Kennett Square, (610) 925-2651
El Campamento Mexicano
Eat in or take out in this local hangout where breakfast is served daily and the menu is simple and to the point. Bring the kids to check out the menu de niños, too. Weekend specials include carnitas, barbacoa and pancita de res. 739 W. Cypress St., Kennett Square, (610) 925-1999
Michoacana Grill
A petite sister eatery to the famed La Michoacana Ice Cream a few blocks away, Michoacana Grill opened in the fall of 2011. A spin on Mexican takeout, this corner location is a great place to go for quick on-the-go Mexican food. The menu offers made-to-order tacos that can be prepared American-style or traditional-style (be sure to note if you have a preference) and are reasonably priced. Outside seating is available during nice weather. Rumor has it that the fish tacos are muy bueno. 201 S. Union St., Kennett Square, (610) 444-8979
A Taste of Puebla
Since opening in 2013, this hotspot has been wowing the local Mexican food scene with signature albondigas en chipotle, mole poblano and a la carte goodies as well. You can’t go wrong here with tacos loaded with uber-succulent meat marinated and slow-roasted before it is shredded. Authentic Mexican desserts pastel tres leches or bunuelo ice cream are not to be missed. Look at the full menu here. 201 Birch St., Kennett Square, (610) 444-5085
Mi Cocina Mexicana
Tucked within the Shoppes at Jenner’s Village and open every day, this colorfully decorated Mexican oasis is manned by brothers-in-law Jose Sabastro and Mayolo Martinez with a ton of solid restaurant and business experience between them. The menu lists burritos, quesadillas and true-to-form enchiladas to start. Complimentary chips and house-made salsa are served every time. Dine in or take out. 55 Jenner’s Village Ctr., West Grove, (610) 450-6125
Carniceria Camargo
You may need a translator at this authentic bodega so you can request one of the best huaraches chorizos in Kennett. Fresh meat straight to the grill for beef enchiladas makes you feel like you’re in Mexico. 207 Magnolia St., Kennett Square, (484) 574-9722
Red Sombrero
Did someone say salsa bar? Dig in at this casual restaurant in the Shoppes at Longwood and explore a diverse menu with tons of meat and a couple of fresh fish taco dishes including the popular two-taco-combo meal. Order the “Gringo Taco” if you’re not up for adventure. The restaurant is family-owned and offers catering and takeout. 879 E. Baltimore Pike, West Chester, (610) 455-0900
For two more authentic Taco Trail spots you just can’t miss, be sure to stop into Panaderia y Taqueria Modelo (835 W. Cypress St. in Kennett Square, 610-444-0306) and Tienda Mexicana La Pequeña (202 S. Maryland Ave., Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-3014). Buen provecho!
- Photos: BigStock
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