Top 3 Places to Eat, Dance and Fall in Love in the Philadelphia Area

While I am originally form Long Island NY, I now live in Philadelphia and have for the last 13 years or so. Since I have lived in this area, I have been exposed to some of the best Mexican, Cuban, Columbian and Puerto Rican restaurants, bars, social clubs and the like. I even attend most of the Hispanic celebrations in the area. For example, the Mexican day of Independence, or "El Grito de la Independencia" (the Mexican cry of patriotism or Independence) on the 16^th of September, which is celebrated every year at Penn's Landing. Also the Hispanic Fiesta, which is also held at Penn's Landing two days every year to celebrate Puerto Rico and other diverse Latin cultures.

From these experiences, I have learned of the many wonderful establishments in the Hispanic culture, and am proud to say I live in Philadelphia and have three little Chicanas of my own, or half Mexican, half American daughters. That said, there are a few restaurants and clubs I would definitely recommend taking a first date on if you live in the Philadelphia area and are looking for a place for romantic fun.

Tierra Columbiana Restaurant & Nightclub

Located at 4535 North 5th Street in Philadelphia, La Tierra Columbiana is a two part, two-story restaurant/dance club/bar of a different sort. I definitely recommend La Tierra Columbiana Nightclub and Restaurant, if you are looking for a Latin flavor for your date or even just a great place to do the "dinner and a dance" thing that does not require you get formally dressed to make an impression, is not too expensive or too snobby. I was introduced to this establishment many years ago, and I still cannot get enough.

It is located in the middle of the Hispanic North Philadelphia area, right off of Roosevelt Blvd. The restaurant, Tierra Columbiana (ground floor), offers a flavorful mix of Cuban and Columbian food with a little bit of Mexican pride sprinkled in for added pizazz. The food is an excellent mix of cultural flavor served with or without wine or beer. And spicy, extra spicy-or not. The setting is a traditional feeling, with Latin music playing any time the live Mariachi is not available. Walk in seating or by reservation, the prices are certainly reasonable with the average entrée hovers around $15 to $20, which is not bad for one of the most expensive cities in the US.

The dance club, Tierra, is one of the largest Hispanic dance floors in the city. Playing a mix of music from the domestic styles of American Reggae/Hip-Hop/R&B, to the tropical mixed flavor of Cuban, Columbian and Mexican, both modern and traditional, the styles will catch you off guard. Most times, it is enough to bring out the grove from even the most persistent of non-dancers. On Thursdays, Salsa lessons are free and are perfect for the beginner Latin-dancing couple, although a partner is not required. Because the second floor club features a bar, be sure to bring ID to enter, as it is a 21+ establishment. The club is open only Thursdays Fridays and Saturdays, and entrance is usually free until 11 PM with a small cover after, however prices vary depending on the entertainment and schedule. Call 215-324-0678 for more information or visit their website at Tierranightclub.net.

Taqueria La Michoacana

This is no ordinary Taqueria. Located at 301 East Main Street in Norristown PA, it is only about a 20-minute drive from the heart of Philadelphia and open seven days a week. Located in the heart of Norristown, where I lived for almost 10 of my 13 years in this area, I visited this establishment almost every weekend. Ordering flautas, traditional quesadillas de carne asada and tacos del pastor just happened to be my youngest daughter's favorite. While this is a casual family establishment, it has a beautiful, light atmosphere and a traditional Mexican style.

This is another two-part establishment with a restaurant in the front and a bar/dance floor in the back. The restaurant features mostly Mexican cuisine as well as some Columbian, Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes served in a traditional style. The restaurant, on most weekends, has live entertainment or a Mariachi to play music around your table at your command. The entrees are reasonably priced from $10 to $20. Reservation are not required although highly recommended on weekends. Beer and wine are also served with Lunch and Dinner, however it is a family restaurant and ID is only required if ordering alcoholic beverages. The bar is located through the restaurant, in the back and has a separate entrance on the side. It is a classic style bar open seven days a week with no cover charge to enter unless a DJ or other live entertainment is present, usually on the weekends. Most any drink you can think of is served, and the head bartender is a master mixer. Because it is a part of the restaurant, no ID is required unless ordering drinks. For more information, contact 610) 292-1971. (No website available)

Mixto

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, at 1141 Pine street Philadelphia, Mixto is actually a separate part of La Tierra Columbiana, just in a different neighborhood. This family restaurant and 21 + night club is located just above South Street and S. Broad Street, so it is easy to find and just the perfect mix for those looking for a smoother and a bit more relaxed atmosphere than the Tierra Columbiana's electrically charged style. The food is a mixture of traditional Caribbean, Cuban and Latin American served up in its elegant and laid-back surroundings. The dining room is open most days for breakfast lunch and dinner and they have a full menu for each. The entrees are priced form $12 to $35 and drinks are served as well. I personally love the way they serve the Camarones Enchilados, with plantain chips and a sweetly spicy enchilada sauce. If you like seafood, be sure to try it. Remember the spiciness can be tweaked according to personal taste, so do not be afraid to ask for a less spicy flavor if you need it.

As for the nightclub, they offer some of the most creative mixed drink concoctions you could imagine, too, of all different colors and flavors. Be careful, though, some of their drinks do not taste like alcohol and you could wind up drinking too much and not even know it! Mixto is open seven days a week at different hours of the day, and walk ins are acceptable, however as usual, on the weekends, reservations are recommended. Be sure to call 215-592-0363 or visit their website at MixtoRestaurante.com to make sure they are open when you plan to take your date there.

Trying New Flavors and Cultures

The next time you are looking for Hispanic flavor in the Philadelphia area, be sure to check out any one of these restaurants and night clubs. The traditional styling of the dining rooms makes for a romantic dinner. In all of therestaurants, candlelight is available at your request, so be sure to take advantage of it. The culturally diverse music of the dance areas are sure to make a great impression on your date, especially seeing your knowledge of the music offered, your dance moves and of the culture itself.

Urban Spoon:

Taqueria LaMichoacana
Mixto Restaurante
La Tierra Columbiana:
Tierra Night Club