A Guide to Latino-Owned Shops & Boutiques in Greater Philadelphia

You may hear it before you even notice the murals on the storefront at Lehigh Avenue, thanks to the speakers piping Latin music. Step inside Centro Musical to explore a wide variety of instruments along with music recordings, novelties and specialties from Puerto Rico. You might even catch a performance or an impromptu jam session in this beloved community shop.

Looking for a colorful boutique? Chocolate Art and Crafts sells an impressive array of handcrafted items from Mexico, including pottery, masks, textiles and attire in every color of the rainbow. Find a statement accessory, elevate your home interior game or outfit your Día de Los Muertos altar.

Taller Puertorriqueño is a deep-rooted community art center that aims to promote Puerto Rican culture and Latino arts more generally, offering arts education programs, author events and art exhibitions in its Kensington space. Taller’s Spanish/English bookstore specializes in works by Latino authors and books about Latin America and social justice. The shop also sells art and gifts (jewelry, tote bags, candles) handcrafted by Latino artists and artisans.

This full-fledged game emporium in Queen Village sells a wide variety of puzzles and novelty board games, including some produced in Philadelphia. Part analog game haven and part community hang out, the cozy cafe also offers good vegetarian grub, plus a full bar. Linger over drinks and game the night away, or take your games “to go” for the perfect gift.

Check out “The New Hub of Conshohocken’s Biking Community” at this bicycle shop, repair center and neighborhood cafe . There’s a community vibe here and a nice selection of cycles and gear to explore, in person and online. This Black- and Latino-owned operation is located just off of the Schuylkill River Trail, making it a perfect pit stop for baked goods, coffee or a tune-up. Bonus: Bike rentals are available as well.

The popular restaurant owned by Sofia Deleon is known for its Central American street food, but it also offers an enticing selection of food stuffs, crafts and Guatemalan coffee for sale. Check out El Merkury ’s outposts on 21st Street and at the Reading Terminal Market.

Too hot? No such thing for FAIYA , founded by Radhi Fernández and his wife Mónica as a pandemic project that grew into a business. You can now find their organic hot sauces at local farmers markets and for sale in their online shop. The colorful line of sauces features mango, pineapples, a variety of peppers and even blueberries in the aptly named Purple Flame sauce. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya. Hear more from Fernandez on our very own Love + Grit podcast .

In Kensington, Nicholas Ducos and Francesca Galarus opened the city’s first independently owned urban winery with the goal of making wine more affordable and accessible. Nicholas’ sommelier skills and Francesca’s eye for arts and love of community have helped Mural City Cellars bloom into a welcoming destination for good wine and chill vibes. Hear more on Season 2, episode 18 of our Love + Grit podcast .

One of South Philly’s best small grocers for Latino food, J&J carries imported staples and hard-to-find imports from Mexico, Columbia, Puerto Rico and owner Juan Carlos Romano’s native Dominican Republic. He purveys some of his favorites, like taino cookies, and revels in the diversity of his shoppers, a clientele that reflects the neighborhood’s rich mix.

Whiskey lovers have to try the spirits from the only Latino-owned whiskey company in the Northeast and one of the smallest commercial distilleries in the country. Founder Francisco Garcia was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in New York, where he lived near Strivers’ Row in Harlem, a series of historic high-end homes that sat empty after they were built, as white residents left Harlem and developers initially refused to sell to Black buyers. The story resonated as he broke new ground as a Latino distiller. His single-malt whiskey and barrel-aged rum can be ordered online and picked up . Learn more about Garcia on our Love + Grit podcast .

If you are in the market for beautiful stationery, journals, wedding invitations and other high-end and artisanal paper goods, Casa Papel is a good place to start. Owner Cecilia G. Torres manages designs for invitations, note cards, logos and more, focused on creating beautiful communication. The web store offers holiday cards, Italian folio sets and fetching journals. Shop online or by appointment for customized service.

It’s coffee and merch with a mission. Founder Gabriel Boscana has serious coffee chops as a former roasting manager for Intelligentsia Coffee. His online shop offers coffee subscriptions for his ethically sourced coffee that is roasted locally with care, and gifts as well, including T-shirts and artist collab gear. Plus, the business’s proceeds support non-profits like Planned Parenthood, the NAACP, the Audrey Lorde Project and more recently hurricane recovery efforts for Puerto Rico.

Shopping for Gritty T-shirts, LOVE earrings, ZIP code keychains and other quirky Philly-proud merch? Check out this fun online boutique , offering laser-cut art cards, artsy bags, eco office decor, curvy leg candles and laser-cut wooden goods, including a wide array of jewelry and coasters. Chicken and waffle earrings, anyone?