Countess? I mean Condesa.
Hey friends! Long time… no table. Teaching is hard work, and I’ve been busy, busy, busy!
Before we dive in, I want to share a little rule of mine: I only post about places where the food is delicious and the people who work there are clearly passionate about what they do. I’m not here to tell you where not to go, and you’ll never find me wasting energy writing about bad experiences. There’s already enough negativity in the world, this space is all about choosing positivity and celebrating the good stuff.
So with that said, let’s talk about a place that truly deserves the spotlight. On October 26, my girlfriend and I met up with her longtime friend at Condesa, a hidden gem tucked away on Ludlow Street in Rittenhouse. The word “Condesa” is Spanish for “countess” 👑 , and honestly, the name fits. From the moment we walked in, I could tell we were in for something special. Every detail felt intentional, from the thoughtful layout to the inviting aroma drifting from the open kitchen. The energy was warm, the space was stunning, and the staff greeted us with the kind of enthusiasm that instantly makes you feel like family.
A sneak peak at the menu
I’ll be honest, if you tend to play it safe when it comes to food, Condesa might push you a little out of your comfort zone. But trust me, it’s worth the adventure. Kat and I kicked things off with an order of guac, which (perfect timing!) arrived just as our guest walked in. Creamy, fresh, and perfectly seasoned, it set the tone for the rest of the meal.
When it came to drinks, I was pleasantly surprised to see mezcal margaritas highlighted on the menu. I highly recommend giving one a try. Smoky, smooth, and full of personality, just how I like it. In my opinion, there’s never a bad time for mezcal.
All three of us were completely blown away by the Grilled Ensalada César. Sometimes, it feels like every restaurant tries to reinvent the Caesar salad these days, and sometimes I’m just like, “enough already.” But this one? This might have been my favorite thing I tasted all night!
I also ordered the Queso Fundido, because let’s be real, there’s nothing more exciting to me than pork chorizo and long hots. And while it tasted amazing, I’ll admit it was a little… stinky. That said, do I regret eating it? Absolutely not. Totally worth it.
For dinner, I really stepped outside my comfort zone with the Cabrito tacos, made with braised goat birria. I told my friend about it the other day, and she was like, “It’s not that uncommon.” And I was like… bitch, when’s the last time you actually ate goat? Eye roll.
Anyway, despite my initial hesitation because I’m usually the most basic when it comes to tacos, I would go back just for those Cabrito tacos. Sorry, goats… you’ve officially won me over.
To wrap up the evening, I ordered chocolate meringue. Ever since I met Kat, I’ve been taking extra classes at the gym because dessert is a yes. Every. Single. Time. And let me tell you, this one whipped me off my feet, totally worth every calorie.
In these dark times, we have to appreciate every small moment. What brings me joy? Restaurants. There’s just something about them. I love any reason to get dressed up. I love the anticipation on the car ride there…what will the drink menu look like? I love the connection of gathering around a table, sharing food that’s been so thoughtfully prepared. And at the end of the night, I love making sure my server has been taken care of, because I know the struggle and the effort it takes to make an experience truly special.
Condesa reminded me exactly why I love dining out. It was an experience that hit every note. Nights like this, filled with laughter, great food, and genuine connection are the moments I hold onto. If you’re looking for a place that combines incredible cuisine with a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere, Condesa is it. I know I’ll be back… and I’ll be counting the days until I can.
