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Casa México
One of the most prominent figures in Philadelphia’s food scene, Cristina Martínez is both an outstanding chef and an outspoken activist.
Martínez has racked up numerous national accolades over the years, including a James Beard Award win for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2022.
South Philly Barbacoa — Martínez’s much-buzzed-about and well-known hotspot — now resides inside Casa México as a pop-up food cart (available on select days).
At Casa México —located in South Philly’s Italian Market — chef Martínez’s legendary cooking takes the spotlight, just as it has on Chef’s Table, Bon Appetit and more.
The festive and colorful restaurant features a fully stocked bar and a cozy raised dining space where customers can feast on tacos, quesadillas, tostadas and more.
At Casa México, hungry diners can choose from countless flavorful dishes representing Martínez’s cultural heritage. Menu items include enmoladas chicken, mole with pork, pozole soup and tacos — made with plump shrimp, juicy steak or marinated pibil pork — wrapped in fresh handmade tortillas.
Stop by on select days throughout the week for a special menu of barbacoa tacos and more from Martínez’s South Philly Barbacoa pop-up food cart.
— Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
Martínez launched her career with a food truck she operated with her husband, Benjamin Miller, building a loyal fan base for her stellar barbacoa.
Later, that transitioned into South Philly Barbacoa, a taco joint that brought her mouthwatering meat and consommé to a wider audience, including national media acclaim.
Today — just a few doors down from where South Philly Barbacoa once stood — Casa México captures the same flavors that made Martínez a hit, but now as a full-service restaurant with even more authentic recipes and dishes.
— Photo courtesy Casa México
Friendly and upbeat, Martínez has contributed more to Philadelphia than just her cooking. She has singlehandedly defended authentic traditions, championed immigrants’ rights and, as an undocumented immigrant, helped open important conversation about the reality of the restaurant industry.
Casa México shares the soulful food of her native culture, serving up hospitality and deliciousness in equal measure.
— Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia
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