Tacos you can order at Taqueria Feliz in Philadelphia
At Taqueria Feliz in Philadelphia, you can order several traditional al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, barbecued beef and chicken tacos, carnitas tacos, and a salsa mix of serrano, habanero, and mild options. The menu focuses on Mexican-style street tacos served on small corn tortillas, made with marinated meats, fresh onions, cilantro, and lime. In practice, the offerings emphasize quick, casual service and bold, smoky flavors rather than experimental fusion items. Below is a practical breakdown of the core taco choices and what to expect from each one.
Signature and marinated tacos
Al pastor
Al pastor is a standout at Taqueria Feliz, featuring pork stacked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thin as it crisps. The meat is layered with chiles, spices, and often pineapple, then served on small corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime. This preparation is among the most popular tacos for its sweet and savory edges and bright char. Expect a moderately fatty texture from the marbled pork and a bold, slightly smoky backbone from the marinade.
Carne asada
Carne asada tacos at Taqueria Feliz use grilled, marinated flank or skirt steak cut into slices or small strips. The beef is typically seasoned with citrus, garlic, and spices, then seared to develop a charred exterior while staying tender. These tacos suit diners who prefer a drier, more defined beef flavor compared to the braised richness of carnitas. Order with a squeeze of lime and extra salsa for more freshness and heat.
Braised and slow-cooked options
Carnitas
Carnitas tacos offer a richer, more unctuous experience, with pork braised until tender and finished so portions can crisp on the edges. The meat is usually salty and satisfying, pairing well with onion, cilantro, and lime. Because carnitas are fattier, they can feel more filling than al pastor or carne asada. Consider balancing them with a milder salsa or a lime-heavy salsa to cut through the richness.
Barbecued beef and chicken
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Taqueria Feliz also offers barbecued beef and barbecued chicken tacos, where meat is slow-cooked with smoky-sweet sauce before being grilled again for texture. These versions lean more toward a saucy, pulled texture compared to the quicker-seared al pastor and carne asada. If you enjoy sticky, deeply seasoned meat, these tacos can be a hearty choice, especially when paired with grilled onions and extra chile salsa.
Simple vegetable taco
The vegetarian option typically features grilled or roasted vegetables, such as mushrooms, squash, or peppers, seasoned with salt, lime, and sometimes a light chile seasoning. It is generally less prominent on the menu than the meat tacos, so availability can vary by shift. If you request it, staff will usually prepare a basic vegetable taco with the same toppings as meat varieties, though the protein will be entirely plant-based.
Sides, tortillas, and customization
Tacos are served as street-style portions on small corn tortillas, and you can customize them with choices of salsa and proteins. Many diners combine tacos—such as one al pastor and one carnitas—to sample multiple textures and sauces. The tortillas are made fresh or sourced from a regional supplier, and the thin format helps highlight the smoky, char-driven flavors. If you prefer a little more bite, adding pickled onions or extra habanero salsa is common practice.
Quick comparison of core taco types
| Taco type | Main protein | Texture and flavor notes | Best when you want |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al pastor | Pork (vertically roasted) | Savory-sweet, lightly smoky, moderately fatty | Complex marinated flavor with char |
| Carne asada | Beef (flank or skirt) | Grilled, firm, citrus-forward | Bright, lean beef with char |
| Carnitas | Pork (braised, crisped) | Rich, tender, salty, slightly crispy | Deep, unctuous, satisfying bite |
| Barbecued beef/chicken | Beef or chicken | Smoky-sweet, saucy, pulled texture | Bold, slow-cooked flavor with sauce |
| Vegetarian | Grilled/roasted vegetables | Earthy, simple, customizable | A plant-based option with similar toppings |
What to order based on your taste preference
If you enjoy bright citrus and grilled notes, carne asada is a safe bet for a clean, meat-focused taco. For a more aromatic and slightly sweet profile, al pastor delivers layered chile and pineapple flavors. Carnitas suit diners who want richness and a tender, almost shredded texture, while barbecued beef or chicken offers a saucier, smoky-sweet experience. Vegetarians can request a grilled vegetable taco and receive the same fresh toppings in a plant-based format.
Wrap-up notes
Taqueria Feliz in Philadelphia focuses on classic street-style tacos built around well-executed, traditional proteins and simple toppings. The menu is concise, making it easy to choose based on whether you lean toward marinated, braised, or grilled profiles. By pairing your taco with the right salsa and lime, you can tailor each bite to your preferred level of heat and acidity.