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Josh Hahn, the general manager at Cantina Los Caballitas, 1651 E. Passyunk Ave., credits his site’s success to the fact that the Mexican restaurant is a neighborhood bar. The popular destination for margaritas and homey bar vibes is part of a restaurant group, owned by Stephen Simons and Dave Frank, that includes the Queen Village-based Royal Tavern. The group’s success is all connected.
“I think at the base we’re a neighborhood bar. All of our bars are neighborhood bars — that’s what sets us aside from everyone else,” Hahn said. “Neighborhood bars are going to stand the test of time.”
With chef Mark McKinney in the kitchen, the head and executive chef for all of the bars in fact, the tacos and ribs are high on the best-sellers list. But, as a vegan, “he rotates in a lot of vegan entrees and specials. We’re very accommodating of anyone with any kind of dietary restrictions,” Hahn noted.
With 45 seats inside and 14 bar stools and a kitchen that closes at 1 a.m. every night, “we can get a lot of people in,” Hahn added, noting that they triple their seating capacity in the summer, where they use a recently revamped patio with tent shade.
The Cantina is greased by constant regular business.
“People come in and they’re in once or twice a week, during the summer people come in every single day,” Hahn said, something he attributes to great margaritas, great service and a flexible menu.
But he’s also proud of a culture that welcomes neighbors with warmth.
“One thing that really makes Cantina the Cantina is the culture. The people that work here, they love it here, it’s like a family,” he said. “The staff really makes a difference, as well. It’s rare where you find a place that’s not just a job, it’s a home. People on their day off come in and eat and drink at the bar.”
Silver honors went to Los Gallos, with the bronze going to Adobe Café.
Staff Writer Bill Chenevert at bchenevert@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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