On any given night in University City, known–and–loved taqueria Distrito is populated with Penn students. Whether it’s a pack of girls drinking to a birthday over margaritas or a pair of friends simply catching up over chips and guacamole, Distrito has become a campus staple. And though it may feel that the restaurant has been part of Penn’s fabric forever, the taco spot is only celebrating its tenth anniversary this Saturday, September 8.
Distrito is the third of chef and restaurant owner Jose Garces’ restaurants to reach ten years, and the restaurant group is commemorating accordingly.
A couple of Distrito margaritas. Photo courtesy of Distrito.
On Chestnut Street between 39th and 40th Streets spanning all day on September 8 (11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.), Distrito is throwing a tented block party extravaganza complete with live music, a beer garden, food, drinks, and giveaways, with additional happenings inside. While the event promises to be family–friendly, offering activities like face paint, piñatas, and coloring, there’s no doubt that college students will be putting aside their drinks to partake in piñata whacking and face painting.
Saturday’s block party isn't the only way Distrito is acknowledging the milestone. From Saturday, September 1 through Sunday, September 9, the week leading up to the anniversary, eight participating restaurants will be offering a $5 Distrito–inspired margarita. Guests at the restaurants—Distrito, Amada, Tinto, JG Domestic, The Olde Bar, Village Whiskey, Volvér and Buena Onda—will also be surprised with gifts and giveaways throughout the week, including free dinners, wine pairings, gift certificates, Garces–signed cookbooks, and more.
Photo courtesy of Distrito
Tickets to the block party cost $20 and include admissions, two tacos, and an alcoholic or non–alcoholic beverage. Penn students receive free admission with a valid ID that covers entry, with food and drink available for purchase. Given the unanimous love for Distrito Happy Hour that permeates Penn’s campus, the anniversary is an important one to celebrate: guac–dipped chip in one hand, margarita in the other.
And if you're feeling lucky, enter Street's exclusive ticket giveaway. All you need to do is tag a friend and like Street and Distrito on Facebook.
