El Merkury serves Central American street food across a handful of Philadelphia locations, with pupusas, taquitos, and tostadas made from scratch anchoring the menu. The original brick-and-mortar opened near Rittenhouse Square in 2018, and the brand has since expanded to a Chestnut Street location that also runs a breakfast menu.
Churros are the standout here — looped into tall rings and packed with soft serve rather than served as the typical stick. They've developed a following of their own, distinct enough that El Merkury has built out a churro bike for events around the city alongside its catering operation.
The restaurant made StarChefs' 2024 Rising Stars list in Philadelphia. Regulars point to the atmosphere and the authenticity of the Central American cooking, though some describe portions as small for the price and note the food can be inconsistent.
Churros are the standout here — looped into tall rings and packed with soft serve rather than served as the typical stick. They've developed a following of their own, distinct enough that El Merkury has built out a churro bike for events around the city alongside its catering operation.
The restaurant made StarChefs' 2024 Rising Stars list in Philadelphia. Regulars point to the atmosphere and the authenticity of the Central American cooking, though some describe portions as small for the price and note the food can be inconsistent.