Having grown up on the West Coast, it’s a daily struggle for me to survive without authentic Mexican food. When I walked into Taquería El Jarocho and saw Mexican people, not only eating the food but also preparing it, I knew I had found something rare. The straightforward name, Jarocho (a person or style originating from Veracruz, Mexico) reflects the authenticity of the restaurant.
The storefront and interior decor are modest but cozy and inviting without obnoxious corporate logos. I was seated, offered a menu and was pleased to see offerings beyond the Americanized Mexican staples of burritos and tacos, including seafood platters, soups, tortas (Mexican style sandwiches) and salads.
Before ordering, I was served a platter of warm, homemade tortilla chips and a delicious bowl of salsa. I decided to go for an order of spicy garlic shrimp off of their house specials menu. To drink, El Jarocho offers an assortment of freshly–squeezed juices and a variety of Mexican sodas including Jarritos and Coca–Cola made with actual cane sugar.
My plate came with a fresh salad, a generous portion of hearty golden rice — as opposed to the white mush served by imitators — and a stack of hot, homemade tortillas. The shrimp were grilled to golden perfection, crusted in a thin layer of garlic and hot pepper flakes. The lettuce was fresh and served with a delicious dressing. Overall the platter was very filling, and the flavors were perfectly balanced and provided a delectable eating experience.
The combination of an authentic, vibrant atmosphere and delicious food make El Jarocho a go–to place for great, moderately priced Mexican fare. While the distance from campus may deter some Penn students, for the true Mexican food aficionado, it’s worth the trip. Additionally, for those of you who know nothing beyond Qdoba and Chipotle, a trip over to El Jarocho for a real Mexican experience is a must.
TaquerÍa El Jarocho
1138 S. 13th St.
(215) 463–2020
Don’t Miss: Camarones al Ajillo
Skip This: Filling up on chips
$
