Photo via Condesa

With hot summer weather right around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the best spots in Philly to enjoy a huge variety of tequilas and mezcals. Whether you’re seeking a bright, refreshing blanco or dying to try something totally off the wall (mezcal distilled with lamb testicles, anyone?), you’ll find something to please your palate.

Photo via Tequilas Casa Mexicana

Tequilas Casa Mexicana
Back to business after a fire in 2023, Tequilas has reopened! The 75-seat bar and eatery boasts an impressive collection of agave spirits with a special focus on their sister company, Siembra Spirits. Owner David Suro recently won a James Beard Award for his book "Agave Spirits, The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals," so you know you’ll be in good hands at the bar.
(1602 Locust St)

Photo by Drink Philly

Condesa
Located in the Motto Hotel, the vibrant and airy vibe at Condesa is perfect for happy hour–especially if you’re a fan of mezcal. Join them for Mezcal Mondays and enjoy half price on rare mezcals, raicillas, and agave distillates. If you’re looking for fresh air and a great view, head to the 11th floor and check out Condesa’s sister taqueria with retractable roof, El Techo.
(1830 Ludlow St)

Photo via Cantina dos Segundos

Cantina dos Segundos
Cantina dos Segundos is a staple of North 2nd Street for a reason. Their bar boasts a collection of over 100 Mexican spirits ranging from classic reposados to smoky mezcals and sotols, and the vibes are immaculate any time of day. While you’re here, make sure you try their famous blood orange margarita and ask to check out their tequila list.
(931 N 2nd St)

Photo via La Llorona

La Llorona
Nestled on the corner of West Passyunk, La Llorona offers over 50 varieties of tequilas and mezcals in addition to their fantastic cocktail list. If you’re looking for a unique house special, make sure you try the Purgatorio cocktail made with their own homemade tepache (fermented pineapple) and your choice of tequila or mezcal. 
(1551 W Passyunk Ave)

Photo via Frida Cantina

Frida Cantina 
Frida Cantina is another spot with fantastic vibes no matter what time of day you go. The colorful decor and big windows welcome you to cozy up to the bar and get comfortable. While you’re there, have a look at their list of 90+ mezcals and 60+ tequilas. And keep an eye on their social media–we hear they’re working on a mezcal collaboration with some master distillers in Oaxaca in the near future. 
(1000 Wolf St)

Photo via Rosy's Taco Bar

Rosy’s Taco Bar
Stocked with over 40 tequilas and mezcals, Rosy’s is always ready for a fiesta. Pop in for their early happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm, or swing by on Taco Tuesdays for $5 margaritas, $7 Cazadores shots, and $1.33 tacos from 4 pm to 10 pm. Make sure you check out their signature cocktail menu with both seasonal and classic margaritas and other libations.
(2220 Walnut St)

Photo by Adam Barabas

Doom
When you think of a heavy metal bar, you may not think mezcal, but Doom would like to change that. If you feel like you’ve tried everything the mezcal world has to offer, may I present Pal’alma Borrego–a pechuga from Puebla, made with espadilla agave and distilled with lamb meat and testicles in a still made of clay and a hollowed out tree trunk. See? Metal.
(421 N 7th St)

Photo via El Mezcal Cantina

El Mezcal Cantina
Located a few blocks west of American Sardine Bar sits El Mezcal Cantina, and with over 40 different mezcals, they live up to the name. Have you ever wondered what a mezcal negroni or old fashioned would taste like? Make sure to check out their cocktail list–this place is known for their mixology chops and agave-forward versions of classics as well as their own original creations.
(1260 Point Breeze Ave)

Photo via Sancho Pistolas

Sancho Pistolas
You probably know Sancho Pistolas for their fish tacos and fantastic 7-day-a-week happy hour, but you may not know they have a fantastic collection of over 50 tequilas and mezcals behind the bar. Next time you’re in for happy hour, make sure you ask to check out their flights in between your $10-off marg pitchers.
(19 W Girard Ave)

Photo via El Vez

El Vez
With one of the biggest tequila collections in Philadelphia, El Vez is quintessential Steven Starr. Their list is over 100 bottles long with helpful tasting notes on the menu alongside each variety if you’d like to try something new but don’t know where to start. When the summer heat returns, cool off with an El Vez Ranch Water–your choice of 21 Seeds tequila shaken with lime juice and topped with ice cold Topo Chico.
(121 S 13th St)

Photo by Drink Philly

LMNO
Speaking of Steven Starr, he took it to a totally different level at LMNO. This combination 70s cocktail lounge and Mexican eatery has some truly unique liquors behind the bar. Their variety of mezcal is staggering and include pechugas and raicillas plus a selection of other Mexican spirits like sotol. Ask for a tour of the menu if you feel overwhelmed–it’s worth it.
(1739-1749 N Front St)