El poquito in Spanish means the little one. And in this case I think this restaurant fell a little short. Let me start by saying that I am a fan of Garces. I think he makes great hispanic food with a twist. One of my favorite restaurants from him is Distrito. This restaurant had a lot of similarities with distrito after all it's still Mexican cuisine. The problem with this restaurant is that the menu doesn't reach the heights the distrito menu does, yet price wise it is very similar. To make matters more complicated a couple miles down you have Cantina Feliz who also has a similar menu from distrito and has a better menu than this one. If you want a taqueria then all you have to do is go is to El Limon in Conshy and spend 1/3 of what you spend here and get authentic Mexican tacos. To me chestnut hill deserves a more edgy menu for this price tag. Good thing about menus is they can be changed. Give us Tacos, ceviches that have more Of an edge. Is it a fail? No. The margaritas are superb, guacamole with fresh tuna is fantastic, cape cod tacos were great. The beef tacos were fresh but lacked the typical edge. The ceviches (tuna, hiramasa) were fresh but were boring. The ambience and service inside were phenomenal and I am sure the bar will be busy once real spring finally comes. I have lost faith yet that you can turn this one around.
(4)
Marla H.
I really loved this place... such a great addition to Chestnut Hill, and the service was excellent. My friend's tortilla soup was delicious, but very spicy, so be forewarned. I had the chopped salad (ample portion for a starter) and the Veracruz tacos (substituting the green olive aioli for the spicy lime aioli). So good. The churros for dessert were really tasty, but very greasy. While the prices are reasonable, I did expect a basket of tortillas with salsa for the table, but there wasn't one. You can order a variety of "table sharing" items. We ate outside in the courtyard, but the decor/atmosphere inside is equally as lovely... quite an improvement from the short-lived Chestnut 7.
(4)
Howard C.
This is the best place that has ever been at this location. Excellent food and very good brunch. One issue: if you're going to serve a great brunch, why the hell can't you also offer ACTUAL TOAST with your eggs & bacon as opposed to tiny, damp tortillas as a lame replacement? Been there twice and have been told at brunch on a Sunday that "We don't have toast." ... only tortillas. Seriously, it might seem like a small issue, but it is irritating - as if they're doing it out of a noble, purist attempt at being a fully Mexican restaurant because it's "authentic"? Well, it's stupid & absurd and it makes brunch a tad less than exciting munching away on small rubbery tortillas. I've been to Mexico 3 times and the most amazing bread (often toasted!) is served everywhere.
This was my third time at el poquito. I have found the tacos and guac to be overpriced. This time I went for their special of scallops and zucchini fritters. It was awesome. Love their spicy margs too. We were insanely bummed at the service. When asked if we wanted another drink we said no but our glassware wasn't cleared. Then we felt pushed out the door - we signed our checks and the waitress came running for them. She even took the pen out of my boyfriend's hand! Maybe they have had problems with people lingering in the outdoor section or something? Definitely won't come here again even though it has a great ambiance and good (albeit overpriced) food.
(3)
Shannon W. W.
Love the fish tacos, wonderful guacamole, excellent outdoor seating with great ambience.
(4)
Deann M.
Decent Mexican food in a spacious, casual but sophisticated atmosphere. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Prices were a little high. We ordered the guacamole and chips, fried plantains, carnitas tacos, and Baja fish tacos. Guacamole had a bit too much lime for my tastes, overpowering the creamy avocado flavor, but was still tasty. I also didn't care for the one tortilla per taco, they are small and pretty thin tortillas and could get messy. Fish tacos had a cornmeal breading, which made the fish dense but the spices were on point and the flavor was there. Carnitas had nice crispy edges and the pickled red onion gave a nice counterpoint. I still prefer Buena Onda for seafood tacos, but I'd try this place again for some of the more creative flavors offered - Korean BBQ short rib and Banh Mi pork flavors sounded interesting. Plantains were my favorite. Caramelized crispy edges of sweet plantains, sprinkled with slightly salty queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese. Just a dab of Mexican crema to make it creamy. Nice beer selection - Dogfish Head Festina Peche was the seasonal on tap, they also had Dale's Pale Ale. Bell's Two Hearted and SixPoint Sweet Action were also on the draft list. I regret not trying the Watermelon Basil margarita that was on special. Also many tequilas, including flights, mescal, and other cocktails available. We'll be back.
(4)
Cat N.
I really wanted to love El Poquito, but it fell short on a recent brunch visit. The atmosphere is great, very clean and airy. The lighting inside (and the ceiling) are really cool. And I can see how the patio will be a huge draw (a little too hot for our tastes, unfortunately). Service was fine, not much to say about it. The brunch menu is *extremely* limited, only 5 items! I know you can order off the lunch menu, too, but the choices were pretty limited for straight up brunch food. I had the Americano, which I felt kind of bad for ordering given it's a Mexican (or Tex-Mex) restaurant, but the "poblano-potato hash" and salsa verde made me think it would have some flair. Unfortunately, there wasn't a hint of salsa OR poblano on the plate! My poached eggs were almost overcooked, too. The saving grace was the bacon, which was YUMMY. The mimosa was just so-so and there was a lot of pulp at the bottom when it was finished. A friend had the burrito and seemed happy with it. She took half home (it's huge!). Another friend had the huevos rancheros, which looked good but not as fresh as some I've had. His eggs (fried) were also overcooked, solid yolks. All in all, I'd go back to sit on the patio and try some tacos, but will be skipping it as a brunch destination.
(3)
B H.
Amazing guacamole!! The carnitas tacos are phenomenal and the fish was pretty good as well. Great beer selection, although not extensive, but something for everyone. Friend loved the margaritas. Really great outdoor patio or very nice interior seating. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)
T N.
For those of you who remember Solaris, this place is its true heir. A neighborhood gem with a relaxed vibe. The decor is gorgeous, but the food is the star. Every dish has contrasting flavors and textures giving them richness and complexity. The addition of street tacos with plays on bahn mi, Korean BBQ and eggplant tempura brings variety that gives options for everyone. The chips and salsas are fantastic too--the habañero cashew is an incredible riff on a romesco. The list of tequilas and mezcals is impressive. If you're on the Hill, do yourself a favor and stop in for a bite or even just a drink. You won't regret it.
(5)
Jeff H.
El Poquito is a new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill which previously had no Mexican restaurants. It is good that they don't have nearby competition because this cantina is most definitely on the average plateau. The positives are that it looks good and that it has a large outdoor eating area. The minuses are that I found the bar service not very pleasant (and usually it is very easy to please me as you can see from all my reviews.) The tacos were okay - nothing to write home about. I had both the ground beef and the chorizo varieties being specially served at the bar that day.. Hot sauce which you have to ask for helped a bit as the food here was very, very mild. In a city with several superior Mexican dining options, I doubt if I head back to El Poquito any time soon.
(3)
Kyle T.
Absolutely loved this place. Was surprised by how big it was on the inside. They have awesome outdoor seating as well. Booths, tables, and a bar inside. The decor is vintagey and there is no shortage of exposed brick. The food is slightly pricey, and really, if it were cheaper this place would be 5 stars in my book. The server was great, gave us the entire run down since it was our first time at the restaurant. Me and my girlfriend both had great drinks. Alagash beer for me, frozen Rita/beer drink for my girlfriend. We got guacamole and chips and my girlfriend said it was damn good, but it better had been for $10! For my entree I got the Korean BBQ tacos and my girlfriend got tacos with strip steak and other goodies. Both of us enjoyed our food. Mine was spicy, which I was expecting sweet because it was Korean BBQ, but with radishes, kimchi, and cilantro in it, it definitely was on the citrusy/spicy side. I still loved it. Juicy, drippy, and delicious! We've been wanting to eat here for a while, especially outside with the cool lights. We ended up opt g for inside seating close to the bar due to the heat outside and it was still great. So glad we finally stopped in. Overall, awesome service, great food, decent drink section, and the look of the place is really cool. I just wish it was slightly cheaper. We will definitely be coming back!
(4)
Kayla A.
First time coming here. Have been to the previous establishment Chestnut Hill 7, we were sad to see it close, but this place has a very young feel to it. Seems like a great hang out place with friends. Have not tried the food yet but love the atmosphere. Giving 4 out of 5 stars because they only have one cider to drink, and it's canned. A big downer for me since I don't drink beer, and I am very selective about my cocktail drinks. Would love to see them add strongbow or Stella cidrè, two very popular and gluten free ciders. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Kim A.
I love Mexican food and the food here was great, but there were so many things that made my experience kinda suck. The portions are SMALL and the prices are HIGH. I understand it's chestnut hill, but mexican food is cheap to make and there's no need to charge upwards of $20 for 2 fajitas. The drinks were expensive too! I spent $25 on two drinks at the bar. Also, our server was extremely pushy! When we ordered a guacamole for the table, he interjected and said "So two for each side then". We had to tell him no. Also, when he dropped the check he "reminded" us that gratuity wasn't included... UGH I spent about $45 on a salad and two drinks.
(2)
Eric R.
Second time to this restaurant, first time everything was spot on, today still good, but some inconsistencies. My Carnitas Tacos were spot on, but the Grilled corn was not grilled but instead boiled or steamed, missing that nice tasty char that makes it special, easy enough to do with any kind of fire, like say, a gas burner. Not sure what happened, the description said grilled. Second, my girlfriends French Toast was described as having plantains on it, but instead had bananas, picky maybe, but a completely different flavor and texture. These little inconsistencies didn't ruin brunch, but I like to see what the menu describes actually end up on the plate, or have someone tell me about the substitution.
(3)
Celia E.
Positives: Great atmosphere, especially the outside seating. Really great margaritas and guac! I would go back, but only for outdoor happy hour. They have started a taco Tuesday special which helps with my below complaints. Negatives: unfortunately this place falls short for me, the reality is you can get really tasty way cheaper Mexican food all over the place and El Poquito is just over priced for what the food actually is. They charge for chips and salsa. The drinks are very expensive for what you get. The tacos are mediocre at best and the menu seems fairly limited. They would do well to have better specials. Disclaimer: I am totally not opposed to paying extra $$$ for great food, this just isn't it.
(2)
Shane J.
This is the new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill. I had high hopes for El Poquito, but sadly I was disappointed. Down the road was Avenida..another Mexican restaurant.. but they have closed, not sure what happened? Now, back to my experience at El Poquito, this place has high hopes because of the spacing - different dining areas and outdoor seating. The menu is absent of empanada's - how did that happen? Ok, moving on...me and friends (some had been there previously) decided to select multiple items and give them a try. We had a selection of tacos, the fajitas and our drinks were margaritas. The food was Eh...nothing to really talk about - the fajita was bland and tasteless. The best taco choice was the Baja. We had to ask for sour cream and taco sauce for God's sake - it's Mexican - why wouldn't this be included on the plate. I know it's not Taco Bell, but seriously - you needed condiments to add flavor to these dishes. The service and server were less than desirable. We were a party of 5 and of course there were ongoing needs from different individuals - why did we have to constantly ask her to come to our table - it was like she avoided us. I don't understand that kind of service. The drinks were average. I have no reason to go back unless it changes management, menu or ownership. This is not my typical review - I am not a 1-star rater (you can see from my other reviews) but this experience was one of the worst I have had in years.
(1)
Patrick R.
We only had margaritas and chips with salsa, but both were delicious. The decor inside and outside at El Poquito is really inviting. We sat outside and ordered margaritas with the blood orange juice and chips with the sweet onion salsa which was more of a creamy dip. Both were great and we were very satisfied. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Awesome selection of tequila and good variety of craft beer. We will surely be back and looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(5)
Lilli C.
The interior is really beautiful with old reclaimed wood and the service is solid. The food, however is definitely not worth the drive to Chestnut Hill. The habanero cashew salsa was really good, but the verde tasted a little grassy. The salsas also came in really small dishes which made it hard for sharing. For a party of 6 we each got a dab of salsa and they were 4 bucks each. The tuna ceviche was fantastic, but I definitely wouldn't share that as it's on the smaller side as ceviches come. Both fish tacos were really tasty- both the grilled and the fried options. The fried fish was perfectly square and resembled a frozen fish patty, but was tasty nonetheless. The carnitas however, were disappointing as they were super dry. The michelada was fantastic and was one of the best that I've had. I probably wouldn't make the trek out for the food though- it was a bit overpriced and not the best I've had.
(3)
Annie K.
Fun place to hang out and nice atmosphere. As far as food goes, we came here for happy hour (which was nothing special) and ordered the eggplant tacos, it was so bland and for the price, I could make better tacos at home. That's why I'm giving it a 3 star. Overpriced creative tacos that are tasteless.
(3)
E D.
$72?? For 4 drinks (which we waited a half hour in total for), a few baby zucchini (another half hour) and 6 tacos (tiny portions and an hour wait; no mention by our server that corn tortillas were an option)? We actually went for a full 10 minutes with nothing to drink at all, not even water. Our server completely neglected us-walking by over and over again and not checking on us. Even when the food had obviously been taking forever (an hour for 6 tacos???), she didn't bother to update us. The portions were laughable-I think I know why it's called El Poquito. I should have known better when we first walked in and the hostess didn't even make eye contact with us for 2 minutes. We made the decision today to ONLY get Mexican at the authentic places in South Philly, period. Skip this unless you are super-patient and have a lot of time to waste. The only good thing about this experience was that the drinks WERE good. The Margarita and Paloma are excellent. But they aren't enough to being us back.
(2)
Peter E.
First time here and we loved this restaurant and our waiter was so personable and efficient. Creative street tacos were deelish - fresh large guacamole portion and shrimp po boy taco was awesome. Cod taco also excellent. We'll be back!
(5)
Mike D.
Like others, I really wanted to like El Poquito. Chestnut Hill certainly needs a dedicated taco spot. I came in with high expectations, but it fell a bit short. The atmosphere was great, with tasteful decor, and cozy seating. The tequila menu was impressive, with a wise variety of options, the two of which I had were delicious. The food was fair... tasty, but overpriced and underportioned. I ordered the fish tacos, and was left looking for my other taco after I was finished. The margarita I ordered was also tasty, but underportioned. The waitstaff was friendly, but less than attentive.
(3)
Scott R.
Good food--especially the guacamole, and the pork tacos. The house margarita is terrific! Regretfully, the service is very slow and frustrating. We've been over four times and the service is getting progressively worse.
(2)
Jodi W.
Great looking Mexican concept in a great location. Can't wait to come back in the warm weather and sit outside! Loved the newly renovated interiors and attractive bar area. The chips were served warm and salted (yum) and the guacamole was chunky and delicious. Loved the flavor of the carne asada tacos and the sweet plantains. Vera cruz fish tacos were good as well. Loved the pineapple soda too! Server was attentive and interested, though it seems there are a few kinks to work out as they train new servers.
(4)
Allison B.
It seems like the Yelp reviews on El Poquito are mixed, but I rather liked it. We started off with hiramasa ceviche and liked it very much. Everything tasted fresh and I enjoyed how it tasted light and bright to start the meal. I thought it was a little on the pricey side for the portion and I could have probably eaten a whole order, but my husband an d I split it that night. My husband had an order of the tacos de baja and I had the enchiladas de costillas (which the server seemed pleased about and endorsed my choice as a great one). Everything came out hot and presented in what I would call a rustic chic manner. I didn't try my husband's baja tacos, but the short rib in my enchiladas was tender and flavorful. I probably shouldn't have eaten the whole thing (it was a substantial though not a huge portion), but it was super tasty. We had also ordered some chips and pico, so given that and the ceviche, and my meal, I had a nice little waddle going by the time we finished our meal and walked back to the car. My husband was impressed with the tequila menu and I enjoyed my margaritas. I also have to say the service we received that night was excellent even though it was very busy. I saw that another reviewer noted that the place was really loud, but I didn't think it was excessively so. If I try to recall, I would say that it was a little noisy, but the volume of the place wasn't something that stuck out to me on the night of our experience (and it's something I've definitely been bothered by at other restaurants in the past). I'd like to go back to see of our positive experience there is consistent on a second visit!!
(4)
Lu M.
Visited here on a Sunday night and sat outside. Cute place but the smell outside from neighboring trash or something was not pleasant at all.When walking to the restaurant I passed an alley or trash area between the building and the smell was horrible. Unfortunately once seated outside the smell was also noticed. Well the guacamole was very good and the portion was big. The margaritas also good but a smaller size than I thought it should be. Enchilada was hard on the outside which made it difficult to cut which meant opening it to eat the contents on the inside. Tacos were good but small. There were no condiments hot sauce or limes for garnishing.Service was good.My left overs were thrown in a box and looked like garbage when I opened it at home.Overall decent not great.I would try again but sit inside and order something else. Although the menu is very small!
(3)
Kim P.
I really have to agree with the other reviews about the chips and salsa. It feels a bit chincy to not have that automatically brought to the table. El Poquito peeps, if you're reading this, you really should bring these to the table STAT! Diners will probably order more drinks as a result so you will not lose money. But I digress... The guac was spot on. Super delish. Creamy AND chunky. The veggie quinoa tacos were also quite tasters. And the side dishes were very plentiful. I got the plantains and one of my friends got the brussels sprouts. Another friend ordered nachos, which looked extremely tempting. Good thing they had beef on them or I would have pilfered a few. All in all, I definitely did not leave hungry. The server did take an excruciatingly long time to run our credit cards through....she was kind of just standing around at the bar while we were waiting, which was kind of annoying. Still, I'd go back here again as it is right down the street from me.
(4)
Bob H.
An assault on the senses. That's all I could think of. From the insistence the dining rooms be devoid of any sound absorbing material to the metal chairs, El Poquito was just uncomfortable. First off the first thing that smacks you in the face is the noise. I've been in plenty loud rooms before but I should not be able to keep track of every single conversation in the room. This is physics 101 folks. Sound bounces. The food is served in clunky dishes that were more designed for ease of use in the kitchen than food presentation. Honestly, the food was presented in what reminded me of the metal trays used in penitentiaries. My margarita was small, and I've never had one rimmed with table salt instead of sea salt. I've also never had a margarita make me more thirsty, but El Poquito managed both.
(2)
Luke H.
Had pollos tacos and queso fundido, both awesome. Service was slow at first, but once my friend talked to the hostess everything happened super fast. Would eat again, 8/10
(4)
S L.
Wow. First off, food was 3-4 stars (if everything had been hot). Service was -3 stars. Wednesday night, 2 1/4+ hours for dinner. Nearly 25 minutes from the time we ordered dessert (2 orders churros) until they were brought. Local beer - Round Guys - $6.50 for a 12oz. pilsner glass - and a weak pour as well with 1" of foam. Luckily kids food was brought first - then 15 minutes for 3 adults and one of the sets of tacos was cold. I'm not faulting the server entirely - she was running around, bussing tables and bringing food - though the cold entree was probably on the food delivery side. I think they've been open about a month now but obviously still some major kinks to work out. We might give this one more try, but then again - with Cantina Feliz close - we might not. No WiFi and cell service is pretty poor along the avenue - didn't help with the long waits. --- UPDATE - I thought they'd been open for a month - turns out they only opened 5 or 6 days prior to our visit - updated review to 2 stars and will try again and update accordingly.
(2)
S K.
Pleasantly surprised, a restaurant that has lasting potential in location that nothing seems to make it. The patio is great! cute decor & beautiful flowers make the ambiance. Is it the best Mexican in this city? ....No but it is far from the worst. Definitely better than distrito (which is very overrated & I believe one of the owners came from) Some of our dishes & drinks shared were really good. The eggplant tacos were unique & a tasty fav. We will definitely be back. Some helpful tips: The service could improve as it was a tad disorganized. Our special 'ritas were yummy but the Sangria was horrible! Looked pretty but a bad glass of bitter undrinkable wine topped with a sprinkle of fruit nothing was marinating to give this a refreshing fruity flavor. We were thrilled it was nice out as the indoor seating is cool but stark could use some fun bright colored Mexican art (especially needing cheerful come the winter months) also the evening we went it smelled horrible of bleach.
(4)
Leslie T.
My husband and I visited El Poquito for the first time this afternoon. Several of our friends had highly recommended it. We started with the guacamole and chips they were absolutely delicious. The chips were great by themselves and the guacamole was outstanding. I ordered the brussel sprouts tacos and they were absolutely amazing. My only critique was that they were small and I wanted more lol. The service was good and our water was quickly refilled as we drank it. My husband ordered the carnitas tacos they are a favorite of his at another local Mexican restaurant, he definitely liked them but found the meat a little tough and not something he would order again, though he did say they had good flavor. We each had a drink they were ok but definitely not worth the $10 each that they were. I will definitely be returning soon, I won't be able to go too long without more brussel sprouts tacos! Yum!
(4)
Vasili B.
What a pleasant surprise as newbies to the burbs. We were looking for a taco truck and this place is a gem!
(5)
Taunto G.
After Chestnut 7 closed its doors in October 2013, this prime bar/dining & garden spot on Germantown Avenue began a slide into decay. Nearly a year later, new ownership stepped in and began renovations. By December 2014, El Poquito emerged to challenge the nearby established casual dining options - Campbell's Place, King's Garden, Iron Hill Brewery etc. Me and my wife kept putting off our trip, and finally made it on a weekday in June. To get a feel for the servings and land some leftovers for the following day, we ordered a few sides/appetizers (meatless Nachos, Platanos, El Charro Fries) and two taco platters (Pollo & Chorizo). The nacho appetizer was excellent, very flavorful and quite large with plenty to spare. Same for the fries, and while the fried plantains where fewer in quantity, they satisfied in taste and texture. The Chorizo tacos were great, while the Pollo variety did not quite hang together; the chicken had not simmered long enough and tasted like canned chunk chicken with hot sauce. That lone flaw is not significant in the scheme of things, and we're looking forward to a return visit and new choices.
(5)
Stephen A.
We dined last night with a 6:00 PM reservation on Open Table. We were seated quickly and ordered drinks and one appetizer. Service was good but we then waited 45 minutes for three taco orders. Really? The restaurant was only two thirds full. The waitress apologized for the long wait but gave no explanation. Food was O.K. but nothing special. Noise level was high even though they were not full. I would not recommend this restaurant as there are many better in the area.
(2)
Chiara T.
IF YOU HAVE CELIAC DO NOT EAT HERE!!!! Tried this place out a few times with mixed results. Sometime cold, greasy food, other times really great tacos. I got different information each time what was safe and not safe to eat. The last time I went they gave me flour tacos not corn, I sent them back, they insisted they were corn. It took a manager to come to my table and a second visit back to the kitchen to confirm the problem. Though they were very apologetic, I will not be back. Drinks are good though!
(1)
Nichole B.
Cool interior and great vibe. I had high hopes for the spot from the moment I waked in the door. Unfortunately, service was slow . I was served cold soup . I had to flag down the waiter several times to get help. Food is average but good . I wish them luck!
(2)
Kit D.
I had high hopes, especially as someone who lived in the California Bay Area for 7 years, but similar to others we left disappointed. In short - 5 star atmosphere, 1 star service, 2 star food. We made a 6:30 pm reservation on the evening of Memorial Day and we're seated immediately at a nice table outside. We were excited. Ordered shrimp ceviche, carnitas tacos, veracruz tacos for the adults and a chicken taco for our toddler. Even though we put in the order right after we got there and got the ceviche appetizer about 15 minutes later, it took an additional 45 minutes to get our entrees (7:45 PM)! The place was half full and and 2 guys sat next to us 15 minutes after we go there and had a 2 course meal and were paying their check as we were getting our entrees. Needless to say, making a toddler wait an hour for food is criminal - there's only so far crayons can get you. Our waitress barely apologized, it almost seemed as if she was avoiding us. Luckily, the manager noticed, and took our drinks and kids meal off the check and profusely apologized. It would have been all good if the food was amazing, but it wasn't. - carnitas tacos - good - but hard to mess up anywhere - veracruz tacos - terrible. would never use cod for fish tacos. Oily, bland, fishy tasting. Got to use mahi mahi or wahoo. Would have been much better if they defrosted the Trader Joe's fish veracruz and put that on some corn tortillas. And by the way, these were severed on flour tortillas which is only ok if you're going to taco bell. - salsa verde - way too much lime - ceviche - tasted kind of syrupy, and not served with chips so there's nothing to cut that taste Because of the atmosphere and location and the manager coming over and apologizing we'll consider giving it another shot, but for now it just left a sour taste in our mouths and cranky toddler to deal with who got home past her bedtime.
(2)
Marci O.
I love this place. The tacos are delicious. I have had the chorizo tacos and the chicken tacos so far. Loved both. They have a "Taco Tuesday" during happy hour on...Tuesdays... where some varieties of tacos are $4 for 3 tacos. We also split nachos, which were $10 (regular-priced). You get this heaping pile of fresh, delicious, spicy, steaming hot nachos complete with cheese, beans, jalapenos, sour cream. My boyfriend and I love spicy food, so if you don't, you might want to let your server know beforehand. I have also had "la casa" which includes a can of Tecate (beer) and a shot of tequila with a ridiculously delicious sangrita (non-alocholic accompaniment for tequila blanco) for $6 during happy hour. My boyfriend had a Dos Equis on draft for $3. I thought the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is great. The outside seating is just what I love during the summer. During non-happy hour times it can be bit pricey, but, it's Chestnut Hill and you kind of expect that. And in comparison to some other places that charge just as much, this place has really good quality food and atmosphere. Also, all the prices are clearly stated on the menu, so I'm not sure why anyone was surprised about their bill... Anyway, I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Sam H.
We have eaten in and done take out a couple of times and El Poquito does not disappoint. There are options for eaters of all kinds, however, the refried beans are made with lard, so vegetarians, you've been warned. I've had the fish and carnitas tacos, both were really good and come 3 to an order, which is a decent sized portion. My wife has had the roasted mushroom tacos al carbon with the refried beans substituted with black beans (see above) and its more than enough to share. My little guy has enjoyed the chicken quesadilla from the kids menu. We've tried starters and side of different kinds and all are good. Its a short menu but it seems like they have what they need to have on there. I haven't had any cocktails...dadlife, but they seem legit and they offer a full bar where one could imbibe. The decor is cool and laid back and the outdoor seating is nice for warmer weather. This is on our shortlist of "lets not cook" places to go to.
(4)
David T.
Really tasty. Great service. Had the enchiladas. Delicious. Not from around chestnut hill but would definitely make a trip back this way to come here.
(5)
Duncan P.
El Poquito is just what Chestnut Hill needed, a great lively Mexican restaurant! Their margaritas are authentic maybe the best in Philadelphia. There's options too, the bar scene is great or you can get a private table, high-top or sit outside on a nice day. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Stephanie G.
Went here midweek with a girlfriends for cocktails, thinking it was still CH7. So pleasantly surprised to find a sophisticated, trendy tequila bar in chestnut hill. Yes! The drink menu was clear- this IS a tequila oasis. Our server, Michael, was like the grande somolier for tequila. He knew everything and was an enthusiastic and patient coach to us. Talked about the regions and variants of tequilas. I wound up ordering on of the flights which is served with an amazing palate stimulant (forget the name). If you go, find Michael and tell him "the Stephanie's" sent you and ask him about the flights. Also, had the TO DIE FOR tortilla soup. Flavors exploded out of that bowl. I like highly seasoned, savory food. Yummmmm! I can't wait to go back and bring more friends. Also can't wait to sit al fresco on the fire pit patio which is now adorned with colorful strung lights. Fiesta!
(5)
tracey l.
My husband and I were very excited that a legit Mexican restaurant was opening near us and we weren't disappointed. Unlike some reviewers I found the portions to be perfect. I could barely finish my third Baja (fried fish) taco. Everything tasted extremely fresh and was cooked just right. The guacamole was super- I like it simple, chunky and flavorful. The Sangria was delicious and the cheese quesadillas from the kid's menu was a big hit for our 4 year old. The service was DYNAMITE. Both times we have visited we were totally impressed with the speediness and attention to detail by the servers. When I came back from the powder room my napkin was folded! FANCY.
(4)
Jpo2 O.
I live near this restaurant and was very excited to have a new place to try --and, hopefully frequent. But, I was left feeling a bit disappointed after having visited it. The food is ok. Nothing special. Prices are high, portions are small. It seems the menu has no real focus or anything really interesting going for it. You wouldn't know you were in a Mexican restaurant by sitting in this place. I understand minimalistic and understated decors, but c'mon folks--how about a little decoration of some sort! Very boring space, reminds me of the last two businesses that were here and failed. The current owners spent so long and what seems like a lot of money redoing this place to have it look 90% the same as it did before. Yes, the ceiling of repurposed Amish beams is nice, but it looks like Restoration Hardware, not a Mexican restaurant. The story of El Poquito is very interesting, but I had to read about it online and through my own research! How about including some fun facts on the menu about it, and perhaps some interesting tidbits of info on the food and its ingredients, history, origin in Mexican cuisine, the restaurant's and the chef's personal twist on its preparation, etc? It's just your usual Mexican fare here: tacos, fajitas, tortilla soup--, without any real twist or changes--for high prices. I can get better and cheaper Mexican in almost any restaurant in the area. You need to try something new, folks! It may be the location and the building, too. It seems to have bad feng shui, no business lasts long here, and I, unfortunately, predict the same fate for this new business. Oh, and the margaritas are tiny and cost $9. They were good, but in two gulps mine was gone. And, I am always a little leery of Mexican restaurants that don't plunk down a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa as soon as I sit down (this is done in 99% of Mexican restaurants in Mexico). With the price of those margaritas, you could afford a few tortilla chips to munch on while scanning this very limited and unimaginative menu. Sorry. I really wanted this place to be good. I really did. I don't think I will be returning.
(2)
Stacey W.
We ate last night at El Poquito. Although we really wanted to like it, we won't be back. PROS: Great service, cool decor. The service was excellent and quite timely. We were in the side room, and the noise level was fine, not too loud. CONS: Our main problem was the price charged for the quantity of food served. Our $11 nachos were a pretty small portion. For $14, my husband got two very small enchiladas, nothing on the side at all. My chicken tacos were luke warm, and were only so-so. I am all for small portions, but please charge accordingly! And at these high prices for quantity served, please provide free chips and salsa!!
(2)
Scott H.
Decided to give El Poquito another chance (mainly because I live just a few blocks away), and sorry to say I had an even worse experience. They still charge for chips and salsa despite my earlier review and so many others saying the same thing. Drinks are tiny and quaffed too quickly. Tried the tortilla soup and it was too thick with tomato sauce and just not good. Had the enchiladas con carne last time and they were good but too spicy (and I like spicy) so tried the enchiladas verdes and they were also too spicy--couldn't eat it (like the salsas--all are too spicy. Many simply won't enjoy eating here for this reason, because mild needs to be the norm then get spicier from there as an option. Even the guac is spicy). The only thing that was edible were the carnitas tacos but they were only okay. Service was also not great--our server was being shadowed by a new recruit and not personable. I really wanted to like this place because it's close, nicely decorated, and has outdoor seating, but I won't be going back.
(1)
Kelly S.
I went to El Poquito on opening night, Friday December 5th for drinks and guacamole and then again for dinner on Wednesday December 10th. On opening night, we sat at the bar and enjoyed their strong and tasty margaritas. They even have Mezcal which I was very happy about. The guac was fresh and flavorful. The bartenders were extremely friendly, inviting and warm. Dinner later in the week: The kitchen and servers are still working out some kinks as the other reviewers have noted, but the quality of the food is great. The flavor and creativity of the food is showing through. The staff is extremely friendly and they are working hard. We tried the Baja fish tacos and the Veracruz Fish tacos as well as the Carne Asada tacos. All were very good. Perfect portion size. We also got the rice and beans and brussel sprouts as sides and both were very tasty. ONE RECOMMENDATION: Each Salsa is $4. Offer 3 for $10 so we can try them all! I'm so happy to have this restaurant open up in the old Chestnut 7 space (hated that place!!!) An inventive, high end mexican restaurant is exactly what CHill needed. Can't wait to use their outdoor space this summer. Keep up the good work El Poquito!
(4)
Karl M.
So I am back to five. The guacamole and chicken enchiladas are just too good... The crispy Baja tacos are some of the best around...
(5)
Aria M.
My husband went here after my parents recommended it. We liked the atmosphere right off the bat, it is modern and has nice low lighting. We sat down at the bar to wait for a table to open up, I noticed they had a margarita special. I ordered the $6 margarita and the bartender said,"Would you like a blood orange one instead?" I figured that the orange margarita was on special too, after all, I ordered "the special" he did not tell me that the flavored were $2 more. I felt that was a weird "upsell". about 10 minutes later a man walked in and sat down and the same bartender explained the special, and said "for $2 more you can get a flavored one!" I was annoyed I didn't get the same explanation. Once seated, a very chipper waiter came over and said as he rushed on by, "I am just gonna bring out some guacamole and chips for the table ok?" we said, "oh, ok, sure!" I was surprised at the offer of seemingly free guacamole, so I opened the menu....$9 for some guac and chips. Again, an "upsell" leaving me with a very unpleasant feeling. I stopped the waiter and asked to change the guac to just chips and green salsa ($4 for each salsa, and it is about 2 tablespoons of the stuff). The food itself was very good, fish tacos for me and braised beef enchiladas for my husband. The portions quite small, and nothing else on the plate but the entree, it just wasn't enough to feel like it was all worth it. I like nice restaurants, I do not mind paying for good food in the least, but I didn't feel happy with the experience. I would say I will not be back, and although I thought the food was good, I would warn future visitors to be careful of the upsells.
(3)
j w.
Good food but still lousy service. They do not have enough bartenders or wait staff.
(2)
Krissy B.
Food was great, drinks were great, service was great. Loved the atmosphere. Upscale Mexican food at reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Melissa D.
Just went for a few drinks and an appetizer with my husband this evening. Overall, good experience. Nice decor, and I'm looking forward to the outside area being open. We ordered the paloma, the mezcal negroni, and a margarita. All very good, but the negroni is unnecessarily expensive. Ordered the tacos de carnitas, which we liked. The tortillas were tasty, and they were topped with pickled onions. The meat wasn't so crispy (as it says on the menu), but flavorful. Looking forward to future visit and further review updates.
(4)
M S.
Nice space but very average food and drinks. The margaritas are weak, have way too much ice and are $9. The tuna ceviche was good and the guacamole was decent but the carne tacos were very bland and the carnitas were better but still not great - they were missing something. Everything was fresh and cooked well (not overcooked or tough) but still just meh. It also irks me when Mexican restaurants don't just give you chips and salsa. And where is the hot sauce? Bill for 2 w/o tip was $86 (three drinks, two aps and two taco dishes). Way too much for what it was. Service was okay. Had to ask twice for something and had to ask for appetizer plates. Hopefully it improves as I was hoping it would be decent as I love Mexican food.
(2)
Shannon H.
Delicious food, nice decor, great service. Plantains were crispy and delicious. The enchiladas de costillas (short rib) were delicious as well. Great depth of flavor to everything. Very nice place.
(4)
NBVRLH H.
So glad to finally have excellent Mexican in Chestnut Hill. We went during the soft opening phase. I am vegan, and my husband is not. We both had a lot to choose from on the menu. The pico de gallo and guacomole are both made fresh. I had tofu tacos, which were amazing. My husband had fish tacos and thought they were perfectly spiced. I ordered a salad as well, and the combination of all of these was way too much food. Their margaritas are lovely. (I tried the sangria and was not a fan). All in all, an excellent start.
(5)
Sarah M.
My beau and I stopped in here on a late Sunday afternoon,after walking right past it earlier without realizing that it was a restaurant due to the almost unreadable sign hanging out front. Small,overpriced portions served in an annoyingly small cast iron dish instead of a plate that leaves you no where to rest your knife and fork. We each ordered quesadillas (verde and chicken $10 and $14). Each dish was 2 meager quesadillas w/o any rice,beans or even a bit of green salad. Most Mexican places throw this stuff in for free because it's cheap for them and diners like getting it. I also agree with the reviewer who mentioned no chips & salsa offered when you sit down...it just seems cheap of them. If they are trying to be upscale Mexican, that's a nut that will be hard to crack,as most of us expect to pay a moderate amount of $ for plenty of food,when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Hopefully, they'll rethink the portion sizes and get some real plates.....
(2)
Ana S.
Went to El Poquito with my husband today for brunch. The food was delicious! I had the best butternut squash soup ever and also some tacos de huevos. Perfect portions for a Shnday brunch. My husband got tacos de pollo and a perfect Margarita to go with it! The staff was very polite and the decor great. We will definitely return to try other dishes and drinks!
(5)
Ed J.
The decor is lovely and the servers very friendly, but the food takes FOREVER to come out, including NACHOs. Our order of nachos was put in before we ordered anything else and did not come out before our appetizers. The tortilla soup was not that flavorful and the taco meals are incredibly small. I love local, authentic Mexican food. Honestly, though, Uncle Julio's in the Plymouth Meeting Mall has better guacamole and much faster service.
(2)
selena r.
Loved the food which was flavorful and delicious. The decor is not my style but it didn't take away from my dining experience. But I am taking away one star because they offer nothing in the way of happy hour.
(4)
Devon W.
The food is good. I really like the new ambience and decor. They have large booths so it is easy to have a group of 6 or maybe 8 sitting there. The drink menu is large and the food is authentic. The decor is honestly great, if ambience is important El Poquito struck a home run.
(4)
Lori J.
Tried El Poquito soon after it opened and was not impressed. Just went back today and had a phenomenal bahn mi taco. Will definitely return!
(5)
Kathryn S.
As if chestnut hill isn't cute enough.. This place is soooo cute. Looks like it was just rehabbed. The guacamole was awesome, also tried the Brussel sprouts and carnitas tacos, delicious. Churros for dessert came with a chocolate sauce that I nearly licked clean
(4)
Rebecca L.
Had dinner here for the first time about a month ago. The interior was completely redone from how it looked before as Chestnut 7. The decor is nice but it was very dark and I thought they are trying too hard to create ambiance. The chairs are metal and uncomfortable. It is also really loud inside. Probably because they put a lot of tables real close together, and a lot of people's conversations bouncing off the hard wood interior. Now, on to the drinks/food. I ordered a margarita up with salt. The drink was good but didn't fill the whole glass. If it was in a smaller glass, it wouldn't bother me as much but it looked like I got ripped off. We had to wait a while for our drinks and for water refills. Which is weird considering there were 4-5 different people waiting on our table. Still not sure which one of them was our waitress. Anyway, my husband and I ordered the mushroom tacos because we are vegetarian it was one of two options. The mushrooms came out atop a bed of roasted scallions. I don't know if that was part of the presentation or part of the meal. Also, there weren't any fixings for the tacos. It was tortillas and some cream sauces that we had requested not to bring because we don't eat dairy. The mushrooms were very salty. Really salty. Then I found a fishbone in my mushrooms. It was awful. The owner came out and apologized and tried to tell me it was hay from the mushroom shipment. I eat plants day in and day out, I can guess what happens to hay when you saute it in oil and mushrooms. He took my meal off the bill thank goodness because it was pricey for what was served. Our friends got tacos and their portions were so small. Not worth the $20 or so price tag. They could've been appetizers. All I know is that I wanted to like this place because it has a great location and decent vibe, but the food is terrible and the prices too high. Maybe it'll change in the summer when the deck opens or maybe when get a new chef and new menu.
(1)
Rebert M.
Not very good. Really, even the easy stuff (guacamole, pico de gallo) was not good. I make better at home. I am a bit forgiving of new places, as there are sometimes growing pains or else it would be one star. I may try them again for lunch as I'd like them to succeed. I think they need to simplify. Just make good, simple, Mexican food. It's not that hard.
(2)
Zora C.
This food makes you do an inner happy dance. I had the taco de carne asada and a Mexican coke, perfect partners. The waiters are funny and friendly and they aren't over-bearing. There are good crowds and company to be had. Great place to bring family and friends or even go alone. If I had any complaints, it would be that the food was a little cold but otherwise good company even better food. I live in the neighborhood and think this is a great addition.
(4)
Richard R.
I have eaten dinner here 5 or 6 times since the restaurant opened a year ago. At first I was not happy with the place due to the pricing and the menu choices, but now, I am really enthusiastic about this place. This Mexican restaurant is sophisticated and top-notch. The cooking is exceptional. The flavors are amazing! Service is very good. The interior of the building is quite nice, but it is the wonderful outdoor seating area that I like the best. It's a great place to eat in warm weather because the patio seating is comfy and well laid-out. Most of all, it is the exquisite flavors of the food that excites me about the restaurant. Whether it is the 4 choices of salsa, or the corn on the cob side dish (drizzled with sauce and spices), or the chicken enchiladas in a fantastic thin red sauce, or the magnificent and crispy char-grilled asparagus spears, or the super yummy donut-like churros for dessert, I think the food is delicious and the menu is creatively-designed. For me, not knowing Spanish, the menu was difficult to comprehend at first. They don't call things by their normal names. The don't call a chicken enchilada a chicken enchilada, and they don't call corn on the cob corn on the cob. Additionally, the pricing is unusual in my experience because every little thing costs extra. Nothing is included with any platter. Each small cup of salsa costs $4. You can order enchiladas for $15 or so, I forget the exact amount, but when you add things like chips, salsa, guacamole, rice and beans and corn on the cob, your meal ends up being surprisingly expensive. When my wife and I eat here, and have cocktails, we expect to spend $100 total. If we get out of there with a $60 tab, we feel lucky and it means that we just had a light meal and a drink. But the bottom line is that the food tastes wonderful. Having a meal here, especially while sitting out on that patio, is a special and memorable experience. Highly recommended. My compliments to the chef.
(5)
Rohini B.
Excellent food , good ambience and service ! Overall more than satisfied . Will definitely visit again and recommend it to more people .
(5)
Scott M.
Ate here on Saturday night. It was the second night open. Food was delicious and flavorful. We ordered the guacamole appetizer which was fresh. Loved the sangria! Will surly return soon!
(5)
Annie S.
First impression is a beautiful, cool, funky space. My two friends and I were here for a Saturday night dinner and the place was full and candlelit. Everything was perfect until the waiter came to our table. Everything went downhill from there. First of all, the earnest, friendly waiter (who kept calling me "my dear" even though I am old enough to be his Mom), was clueless about Mexican food. Odd, huh? Couldn't pronounce the Spanish names correctly. We got drinks and about five small plates. The guacamole was tasteless and the salsa (which cost $6!) was not special and not made from fresh or tasty tomatoes. There was a small dish of smoked onion dip that was overly salty but tasty, yet there wasn't enough salt in the guacamole or salsa, so we mixed them up. My friend's margarita was good...at least the bartender was on the ball. We got three different taco meals (3 small tacos to each meal) and a ceviche, along with the three dips and chips. The fish tacos were so unspectacular they wouldn't' rival a self-respecting Philly food truck. We ordered the most expensive crevice, with yellow fin (I think it was $13). When I say it was small, I think we each had one bite each. No kidding. People at the next table asked to be moved because the funky red metal chairs were so uncomfortable. The place is trying hard to be so cool, but it better get its food act together quickly or it will be out of business in six months. The only way I'd go back would be for drinks. My share of the bill, $50, which included two Brooklyn lager drafts, left me hungry and unsatisfied.
(2)
Hilary W.
I had lunch here with my boyfriend a few weeks ago, and it was great. The server was super friendly, and we didn't really have to wait long for anything once we were seated. The margaritas are super strong, although a bit pricey for the size (kind of small). I had the chicken burrito, which was delicious, and he had the fish tacos, which were also very tasty. My only complaint is pretty much what everyone else has been saying...chips and salsa should be automatically given to you when you sit down and order. I'll definitely be going back to try some of the other stuff on the menu. It all sounded good.
(4)
Jackie W.
The fish tacos and tuna cerviche were amazing!!!! Our server was lovely and really helpful and the interior design was the nicest incarnation of that space I've seen. The only drawback- and it's an important one- the drinks were really pricey and really terrible. My husband and I ordered two different margaritas/cocktails and they were both really bad- and really expensive for their tiny size and disappointing flavor. I'd go back for the food and order beer/wine next time.
(3)
Joseph T.
Food very tasty. Good service. I give an xtra star for having Dos Equis Amber on tap. The negatives: 1st Mexican place I've been too that does not give chips and salsa as a complimentary appetizer. Small portions: prices aren't too too bad, but when I eat Mexican, I usually wobble out when done.
(4)
Lee B.
Despite being served mediocre food here twice before, we tried again with a guest from out of town who enjoys Mexican and is not much of a foodie. Big mistake. As before, service was glacial and this time amounted to a form of self-sabotaging rudeness. Imagine leaving a large crowd of people in your lobby area for at least 15 minutes without even making an appearance to greet them, ask if they have a reservation, take down names or advise them as to what kind of wait was in front of them. Imagine multiple groups of your customers having seen that there were many open tables outside, and then, while you have all already been standing by the reception desk for at least 15 minutes without anyone's even approaching you, having the receptionist actually stand inches in front of your face and take a phone reservation for 10 minutes from now for one of those same empty outside tables!!!! I say 15 minutes, but it would almost certainly have been longer. At that point, we left. Two other parties in the lobby did the same. This place is shooting itself in the foot. Luckily we were spared a third round with the mediocre fare. We will not be back.
(1)
Yenssy G.
Great potential, I'll definitely go again when they've ironed out the kinks. In all fairness it was their first night, open to the public. My husband and I walked in with no reservation but was seated promptly at the bar. The ambience was very communal, big benches/booths seating 6-8 alongside the bar and smaller tables scattered about. The lighting was great but I searched for any hint of Mexican flare and found none. Maybe they haven't fully decorated although I did like that it was minimal versus overly done stereotypical decor. We were attended by a young woman named Anna at the bar w cute tortoise shelled rimmed glasses. I point her out because she was fantastic. Kept her cool even when the kitchen made some initial mixups, was very descriptive in her fave dishes and drinks and overall very accommodating. To start the guacamole was very good (chunky, flavorful not too salty), we ordered the carne asada tacos and the chicken enchilada. We waited almost an hour for our meal and then they only brought out tacos but no enchilada. Unfortunately we couldn't wait any longer and asked Anna to cancel our order but to her and our surprise after the initial mixup the kitchen never fulfilled the enchilada order anyway so no harm no foul. My husband and I ended up sharing the tacos which were delicious and I wish we could have tried the enchilada. Not long before I was telling my husband that the manager should have come over did Anna say that owner, George was on his way and they would comp our meal. The first is a sign of great service while the latter was an over and beyond awesome gesture. We of course left a generous tip and will be back. I highly recommend, the flavors were great. Our red sangria was good and the margarita was strong! But the attentiveness and service by the staff was excellent and while we never did get to speak to George, I'm just happy they acknowledged the mishap and took care of two patrons who write entirely too long reviews! Good luck!
(4)
Stephanie C.
Just went to El Poquito, we enjoyed the atmosphere, decor and food! We had the Korean & Carnitas tacos with an order of the guacamole. Everything was very tasty! The Margarita was just ok and for $9, it should be amazing! My only other concern is why, the guacamole has to be $10 for a small bowl! Other than that it was a nice dinner!
(4)
Marc D.
I really like the ambiance and the food. appetizers are great, food is authentic. services was good and when I left my credit card they still had it the next day. Looking forward to see how their outside service will fare in the spring i withheld a start for their nickel/diming approach, chips/salsa and many other things are additional $ where as in similar restaurants they are included
(4)
L I.
Food is solid and margaritas are delicious. None food-related note: They bill themselves as a family-friendly restaurant, but there isn't a changing table in the men's room. My husband had to stand up toddler on floor to change him. Awkward. Welcome to 2015 El Poquito, men change diapers too. Please install one asap in the men's room. Thanks.
(3)
Carol A.
Pleasant outdoor seating. Tasty food, well presented. Gracious server. Delicious decadent desserts. Good for families.
(4)
Katerra D.
For Cinco De Mayo it was looking real bleak as the manager was looking to not honor the advertisement. Instead, George sent complimentary item that I was really looking forward to and it certainly made the advertisement that much more bearable. The service wasn't as attentive as I would like, but the atmosphere is lovely and the food was pretty delightful.
(4)
Taunto G.
After Chestnut 7 closed its doors in October 2013, this prime bar/dining & garden spot on Germantown Avenue began a slide into decay. Nearly a year later, new ownership stepped in and began renovations. By December 2014, El Poquito emerged to challenge the nearby established casual dining options - Campbell's Place, King's Garden, Iron Hill Brewery etc. Me and my wife kept putting off our trip, and finally made it on a weekday in June. To get a feel for the servings and land some leftovers for the following day, we ordered a few sides/appetizers (meatless Nachos, Platanos, El Charro Fries) and two taco platters (Pollo & Chorizo). The nacho appetizer was excellent, very flavorful and quite large with plenty to spare. Same for the fries, and while the fried plantains where fewer in quantity, they satisfied in taste and texture. The Chorizo tacos were great, while the Pollo variety did not quite hang together; the chicken had not simmered long enough and tasted like canned chunk chicken with hot sauce. That lone flaw is not significant in the scheme of things, and we're looking forward to a return visit and new choices.
(5)
Stephen A.
We dined last night with a 6:00 PM reservation on Open Table. We were seated quickly and ordered drinks and one appetizer. Service was good but we then waited 45 minutes for three taco orders. Really? The restaurant was only two thirds full. The waitress apologized for the long wait but gave no explanation. Food was O.K. but nothing special. Noise level was high even though they were not full. I would not recommend this restaurant as there are many better in the area.
(2)
Stephanie C.
Just went to El Poquito, we enjoyed the atmosphere, decor and food! We had the Korean & Carnitas tacos with an order of the guacamole. Everything was very tasty! The Margarita was just ok and for $9, it should be amazing! My only other concern is why, the guacamole has to be $10 for a small bowl! Other than that it was a nice dinner!
(4)
Marc D.
I really like the ambiance and the food. appetizers are great, food is authentic. services was good and when I left my credit card they still had it the next day. Looking forward to see how their outside service will fare in the spring i withheld a start for their nickel/diming approach, chips/salsa and many other things are additional $ where as in similar restaurants they are included
(4)
L I.
Food is solid and margaritas are delicious. None food-related note: They bill themselves as a family-friendly restaurant, but there isn't a changing table in the men's room. My husband had to stand up toddler on floor to change him. Awkward. Welcome to 2015 El Poquito, men change diapers too. Please install one asap in the men's room. Thanks.
(3)
Jodi W.
Great looking Mexican concept in a great location. Can't wait to come back in the warm weather and sit outside! Loved the newly renovated interiors and attractive bar area. The chips were served warm and salted (yum) and the guacamole was chunky and delicious. Loved the flavor of the carne asada tacos and the sweet plantains. Vera cruz fish tacos were good as well. Loved the pineapple soda too! Server was attentive and interested, though it seems there are a few kinks to work out as they train new servers.
(4)
Katerra D.
For Cinco De Mayo it was looking real bleak as the manager was looking to not honor the advertisement. Instead, George sent complimentary item that I was really looking forward to and it certainly made the advertisement that much more bearable. The service wasn't as attentive as I would like, but the atmosphere is lovely and the food was pretty delightful.
(4)
Carol A.
Pleasant outdoor seating. Tasty food, well presented. Gracious server. Delicious decadent desserts. Good for families.
(4)
Marla H.
I really loved this place... such a great addition to Chestnut Hill, and the service was excellent. My friend's tortilla soup was delicious, but very spicy, so be forewarned. I had the chopped salad (ample portion for a starter) and the Veracruz tacos (substituting the green olive aioli for the spicy lime aioli). So good. The churros for dessert were really tasty, but very greasy. While the prices are reasonable, I did expect a basket of tortillas with salsa for the table, but there wasn't one. You can order a variety of "table sharing" items. We ate outside in the courtyard, but the decor/atmosphere inside is equally as lovely... quite an improvement from the short-lived Chestnut 7.
(4)
Howard C.
This is the best place that has ever been at this location. Excellent food and very good brunch. One issue: if you're going to serve a great brunch, why the hell can't you also offer ACTUAL TOAST with your eggs & bacon as opposed to tiny, damp tortillas as a lame replacement? Been there twice and have been told at brunch on a Sunday that "We don't have toast." ... only tortillas. Seriously, it might seem like a small issue, but it is irritating - as if they're doing it out of a noble, purist attempt at being a fully Mexican restaurant because it's "authentic"? Well, it's stupid & absurd and it makes brunch a tad less than exciting munching away on small rubbery tortillas. I've been to Mexico 3 times and the most amazing bread (often toasted!) is served everywhere.
This was my third time at el poquito. I have found the tacos and guac to be overpriced. This time I went for their special of scallops and zucchini fritters. It was awesome. Love their spicy margs too. We were insanely bummed at the service. When asked if we wanted another drink we said no but our glassware wasn't cleared. Then we felt pushed out the door - we signed our checks and the waitress came running for them. She even took the pen out of my boyfriend's hand! Maybe they have had problems with people lingering in the outdoor section or something? Definitely won't come here again even though it has a great ambiance and good (albeit overpriced) food.
(3)
Shannon W. W.
Love the fish tacos, wonderful guacamole, excellent outdoor seating with great ambience.
(4)
Deann M.
Decent Mexican food in a spacious, casual but sophisticated atmosphere. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Prices were a little high. We ordered the guacamole and chips, fried plantains, carnitas tacos, and Baja fish tacos. Guacamole had a bit too much lime for my tastes, overpowering the creamy avocado flavor, but was still tasty. I also didn't care for the one tortilla per taco, they are small and pretty thin tortillas and could get messy. Fish tacos had a cornmeal breading, which made the fish dense but the spices were on point and the flavor was there. Carnitas had nice crispy edges and the pickled red onion gave a nice counterpoint. I still prefer Buena Onda for seafood tacos, but I'd try this place again for some of the more creative flavors offered - Korean BBQ short rib and Banh Mi pork flavors sounded interesting. Plantains were my favorite. Caramelized crispy edges of sweet plantains, sprinkled with slightly salty queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese. Just a dab of Mexican crema to make it creamy. Nice beer selection - Dogfish Head Festina Peche was the seasonal on tap, they also had Dale's Pale Ale. Bell's Two Hearted and SixPoint Sweet Action were also on the draft list. I regret not trying the Watermelon Basil margarita that was on special. Also many tequilas, including flights, mescal, and other cocktails available. We'll be back.
(4)
Cat N.
I really wanted to love El Poquito, but it fell short on a recent brunch visit. The atmosphere is great, very clean and airy. The lighting inside (and the ceiling) are really cool. And I can see how the patio will be a huge draw (a little too hot for our tastes, unfortunately). Service was fine, not much to say about it. The brunch menu is *extremely* limited, only 5 items! I know you can order off the lunch menu, too, but the choices were pretty limited for straight up brunch food. I had the Americano, which I felt kind of bad for ordering given it's a Mexican (or Tex-Mex) restaurant, but the "poblano-potato hash" and salsa verde made me think it would have some flair. Unfortunately, there wasn't a hint of salsa OR poblano on the plate! My poached eggs were almost overcooked, too. The saving grace was the bacon, which was YUMMY. The mimosa was just so-so and there was a lot of pulp at the bottom when it was finished. A friend had the burrito and seemed happy with it. She took half home (it's huge!). Another friend had the huevos rancheros, which looked good but not as fresh as some I've had. His eggs (fried) were also overcooked, solid yolks. All in all, I'd go back to sit on the patio and try some tacos, but will be skipping it as a brunch destination.
(3)
B H.
Amazing guacamole!! The carnitas tacos are phenomenal and the fish was pretty good as well. Great beer selection, although not extensive, but something for everyone. Friend loved the margaritas. Really great outdoor patio or very nice interior seating. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)
T N.
For those of you who remember Solaris, this place is its true heir. A neighborhood gem with a relaxed vibe. The decor is gorgeous, but the food is the star. Every dish has contrasting flavors and textures giving them richness and complexity. The addition of street tacos with plays on bahn mi, Korean BBQ and eggplant tempura brings variety that gives options for everyone. The chips and salsas are fantastic too--the habañero cashew is an incredible riff on a romesco. The list of tequilas and mezcals is impressive. If you're on the Hill, do yourself a favor and stop in for a bite or even just a drink. You won't regret it.
(5)
Jeff H.
El Poquito is a new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill which previously had no Mexican restaurants. It is good that they don't have nearby competition because this cantina is most definitely on the average plateau. The positives are that it looks good and that it has a large outdoor eating area. The minuses are that I found the bar service not very pleasant (and usually it is very easy to please me as you can see from all my reviews.) The tacos were okay - nothing to write home about. I had both the ground beef and the chorizo varieties being specially served at the bar that day.. Hot sauce which you have to ask for helped a bit as the food here was very, very mild. In a city with several superior Mexican dining options, I doubt if I head back to El Poquito any time soon.
(3)
Kyle T.
Absolutely loved this place. Was surprised by how big it was on the inside. They have awesome outdoor seating as well. Booths, tables, and a bar inside. The decor is vintagey and there is no shortage of exposed brick. The food is slightly pricey, and really, if it were cheaper this place would be 5 stars in my book. The server was great, gave us the entire run down since it was our first time at the restaurant. Me and my girlfriend both had great drinks. Alagash beer for me, frozen Rita/beer drink for my girlfriend. We got guacamole and chips and my girlfriend said it was damn good, but it better had been for $10! For my entree I got the Korean BBQ tacos and my girlfriend got tacos with strip steak and other goodies. Both of us enjoyed our food. Mine was spicy, which I was expecting sweet because it was Korean BBQ, but with radishes, kimchi, and cilantro in it, it definitely was on the citrusy/spicy side. I still loved it. Juicy, drippy, and delicious! We've been wanting to eat here for a while, especially outside with the cool lights. We ended up opt g for inside seating close to the bar due to the heat outside and it was still great. So glad we finally stopped in. Overall, awesome service, great food, decent drink section, and the look of the place is really cool. I just wish it was slightly cheaper. We will definitely be coming back!
(4)
Kayla A.
First time coming here. Have been to the previous establishment Chestnut Hill 7, we were sad to see it close, but this place has a very young feel to it. Seems like a great hang out place with friends. Have not tried the food yet but love the atmosphere. Giving 4 out of 5 stars because they only have one cider to drink, and it's canned. A big downer for me since I don't drink beer, and I am very selective about my cocktail drinks. Would love to see them add strongbow or Stella cidrè, two very popular and gluten free ciders. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Kim A.
I love Mexican food and the food here was great, but there were so many things that made my experience kinda suck. The portions are SMALL and the prices are HIGH. I understand it's chestnut hill, but mexican food is cheap to make and there's no need to charge upwards of $20 for 2 fajitas. The drinks were expensive too! I spent $25 on two drinks at the bar. Also, our server was extremely pushy! When we ordered a guacamole for the table, he interjected and said "So two for each side then". We had to tell him no. Also, when he dropped the check he "reminded" us that gratuity wasn't included... UGH I spent about $45 on a salad and two drinks.
(2)
Eric R.
Second time to this restaurant, first time everything was spot on, today still good, but some inconsistencies. My Carnitas Tacos were spot on, but the Grilled corn was not grilled but instead boiled or steamed, missing that nice tasty char that makes it special, easy enough to do with any kind of fire, like say, a gas burner. Not sure what happened, the description said grilled. Second, my girlfriends French Toast was described as having plantains on it, but instead had bananas, picky maybe, but a completely different flavor and texture. These little inconsistencies didn't ruin brunch, but I like to see what the menu describes actually end up on the plate, or have someone tell me about the substitution.
(3)
Celia E.
Positives: Great atmosphere, especially the outside seating. Really great margaritas and guac! I would go back, but only for outdoor happy hour. They have started a taco Tuesday special which helps with my below complaints. Negatives: unfortunately this place falls short for me, the reality is you can get really tasty way cheaper Mexican food all over the place and El Poquito is just over priced for what the food actually is. They charge for chips and salsa. The drinks are very expensive for what you get. The tacos are mediocre at best and the menu seems fairly limited. They would do well to have better specials. Disclaimer: I am totally not opposed to paying extra $$$ for great food, this just isn't it.
(2)
Shane J.
This is the new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill. I had high hopes for El Poquito, but sadly I was disappointed. Down the road was Avenida..another Mexican restaurant.. but they have closed, not sure what happened? Now, back to my experience at El Poquito, this place has high hopes because of the spacing - different dining areas and outdoor seating. The menu is absent of empanada's - how did that happen? Ok, moving on...me and friends (some had been there previously) decided to select multiple items and give them a try. We had a selection of tacos, the fajitas and our drinks were margaritas. The food was Eh...nothing to really talk about - the fajita was bland and tasteless. The best taco choice was the Baja. We had to ask for sour cream and taco sauce for God's sake - it's Mexican - why wouldn't this be included on the plate. I know it's not Taco Bell, but seriously - you needed condiments to add flavor to these dishes. The service and server were less than desirable. We were a party of 5 and of course there were ongoing needs from different individuals - why did we have to constantly ask her to come to our table - it was like she avoided us. I don't understand that kind of service. The drinks were average. I have no reason to go back unless it changes management, menu or ownership. This is not my typical review - I am not a 1-star rater (you can see from my other reviews) but this experience was one of the worst I have had in years.
(1)
Patrick R.
We only had margaritas and chips with salsa, but both were delicious. The decor inside and outside at El Poquito is really inviting. We sat outside and ordered margaritas with the blood orange juice and chips with the sweet onion salsa which was more of a creamy dip. Both were great and we were very satisfied. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Awesome selection of tequila and good variety of craft beer. We will surely be back and looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(5)
Lilli C.
The interior is really beautiful with old reclaimed wood and the service is solid. The food, however is definitely not worth the drive to Chestnut Hill. The habanero cashew salsa was really good, but the verde tasted a little grassy. The salsas also came in really small dishes which made it hard for sharing. For a party of 6 we each got a dab of salsa and they were 4 bucks each. The tuna ceviche was fantastic, but I definitely wouldn't share that as it's on the smaller side as ceviches come. Both fish tacos were really tasty- both the grilled and the fried options. The fried fish was perfectly square and resembled a frozen fish patty, but was tasty nonetheless. The carnitas however, were disappointing as they were super dry. The michelada was fantastic and was one of the best that I've had. I probably wouldn't make the trek out for the food though- it was a bit overpriced and not the best I've had.
(3)
Annie K.
Fun place to hang out and nice atmosphere. As far as food goes, we came here for happy hour (which was nothing special) and ordered the eggplant tacos, it was so bland and for the price, I could make better tacos at home. That's why I'm giving it a 3 star. Overpriced creative tacos that are tasteless.
(3)
E D.
$72?? For 4 drinks (which we waited a half hour in total for), a few baby zucchini (another half hour) and 6 tacos (tiny portions and an hour wait; no mention by our server that corn tortillas were an option)? We actually went for a full 10 minutes with nothing to drink at all, not even water. Our server completely neglected us-walking by over and over again and not checking on us. Even when the food had obviously been taking forever (an hour for 6 tacos???), she didn't bother to update us. The portions were laughable-I think I know why it's called El Poquito. I should have known better when we first walked in and the hostess didn't even make eye contact with us for 2 minutes. We made the decision today to ONLY get Mexican at the authentic places in South Philly, period. Skip this unless you are super-patient and have a lot of time to waste. The only good thing about this experience was that the drinks WERE good. The Margarita and Paloma are excellent. But they aren't enough to being us back.
(2)
Peter E.
First time here and we loved this restaurant and our waiter was so personable and efficient. Creative street tacos were deelish - fresh large guacamole portion and shrimp po boy taco was awesome. Cod taco also excellent. We'll be back!
(5)
Mike D.
Like others, I really wanted to like El Poquito. Chestnut Hill certainly needs a dedicated taco spot. I came in with high expectations, but it fell a bit short. The atmosphere was great, with tasteful decor, and cozy seating. The tequila menu was impressive, with a wise variety of options, the two of which I had were delicious. The food was fair... tasty, but overpriced and underportioned. I ordered the fish tacos, and was left looking for my other taco after I was finished. The margarita I ordered was also tasty, but underportioned. The waitstaff was friendly, but less than attentive.
(3)
Scott R.
Good food--especially the guacamole, and the pork tacos. The house margarita is terrific! Regretfully, the service is very slow and frustrating. We've been over four times and the service is getting progressively worse.
(2)
Allison B.
It seems like the Yelp reviews on El Poquito are mixed, but I rather liked it. We started off with hiramasa ceviche and liked it very much. Everything tasted fresh and I enjoyed how it tasted light and bright to start the meal. I thought it was a little on the pricey side for the portion and I could have probably eaten a whole order, but my husband an d I split it that night. My husband had an order of the tacos de baja and I had the enchiladas de costillas (which the server seemed pleased about and endorsed my choice as a great one). Everything came out hot and presented in what I would call a rustic chic manner. I didn't try my husband's baja tacos, but the short rib in my enchiladas was tender and flavorful. I probably shouldn't have eaten the whole thing (it was a substantial though not a huge portion), but it was super tasty. We had also ordered some chips and pico, so given that and the ceviche, and my meal, I had a nice little waddle going by the time we finished our meal and walked back to the car. My husband was impressed with the tequila menu and I enjoyed my margaritas. I also have to say the service we received that night was excellent even though it was very busy. I saw that another reviewer noted that the place was really loud, but I didn't think it was excessively so. If I try to recall, I would say that it was a little noisy, but the volume of the place wasn't something that stuck out to me on the night of our experience (and it's something I've definitely been bothered by at other restaurants in the past). I'd like to go back to see of our positive experience there is consistent on a second visit!!
(4)
Lu M.
Visited here on a Sunday night and sat outside. Cute place but the smell outside from neighboring trash or something was not pleasant at all.When walking to the restaurant I passed an alley or trash area between the building and the smell was horrible. Unfortunately once seated outside the smell was also noticed. Well the guacamole was very good and the portion was big. The margaritas also good but a smaller size than I thought it should be. Enchilada was hard on the outside which made it difficult to cut which meant opening it to eat the contents on the inside. Tacos were good but small. There were no condiments hot sauce or limes for garnishing.Service was good.My left overs were thrown in a box and looked like garbage when I opened it at home.Overall decent not great.I would try again but sit inside and order something else. Although the menu is very small!
(3)
Kim P.
I really have to agree with the other reviews about the chips and salsa. It feels a bit chincy to not have that automatically brought to the table. El Poquito peeps, if you're reading this, you really should bring these to the table STAT! Diners will probably order more drinks as a result so you will not lose money. But I digress... The guac was spot on. Super delish. Creamy AND chunky. The veggie quinoa tacos were also quite tasters. And the side dishes were very plentiful. I got the plantains and one of my friends got the brussels sprouts. Another friend ordered nachos, which looked extremely tempting. Good thing they had beef on them or I would have pilfered a few. All in all, I definitely did not leave hungry. The server did take an excruciatingly long time to run our credit cards through....she was kind of just standing around at the bar while we were waiting, which was kind of annoying. Still, I'd go back here again as it is right down the street from me.
(4)
Bob H.
An assault on the senses. That's all I could think of. From the insistence the dining rooms be devoid of any sound absorbing material to the metal chairs, El Poquito was just uncomfortable. First off the first thing that smacks you in the face is the noise. I've been in plenty loud rooms before but I should not be able to keep track of every single conversation in the room. This is physics 101 folks. Sound bounces. The food is served in clunky dishes that were more designed for ease of use in the kitchen than food presentation. Honestly, the food was presented in what reminded me of the metal trays used in penitentiaries. My margarita was small, and I've never had one rimmed with table salt instead of sea salt. I've also never had a margarita make me more thirsty, but El Poquito managed both.
(2)
Luke H.
Had pollos tacos and queso fundido, both awesome. Service was slow at first, but once my friend talked to the hostess everything happened super fast. Would eat again, 8/10
(4)
S L.
Wow. First off, food was 3-4 stars (if everything had been hot). Service was -3 stars. Wednesday night, 2 1/4+ hours for dinner. Nearly 25 minutes from the time we ordered dessert (2 orders churros) until they were brought. Local beer - Round Guys - $6.50 for a 12oz. pilsner glass - and a weak pour as well with 1" of foam. Luckily kids food was brought first - then 15 minutes for 3 adults and one of the sets of tacos was cold. I'm not faulting the server entirely - she was running around, bussing tables and bringing food - though the cold entree was probably on the food delivery side. I think they've been open about a month now but obviously still some major kinks to work out. We might give this one more try, but then again - with Cantina Feliz close - we might not. No WiFi and cell service is pretty poor along the avenue - didn't help with the long waits. --- UPDATE - I thought they'd been open for a month - turns out they only opened 5 or 6 days prior to our visit - updated review to 2 stars and will try again and update accordingly.
(2)
S K.
Pleasantly surprised, a restaurant that has lasting potential in location that nothing seems to make it. The patio is great! cute decor & beautiful flowers make the ambiance. Is it the best Mexican in this city? ....No but it is far from the worst. Definitely better than distrito (which is very overrated & I believe one of the owners came from) Some of our dishes & drinks shared were really good. The eggplant tacos were unique & a tasty fav. We will definitely be back. Some helpful tips: The service could improve as it was a tad disorganized. Our special 'ritas were yummy but the Sangria was horrible! Looked pretty but a bad glass of bitter undrinkable wine topped with a sprinkle of fruit nothing was marinating to give this a refreshing fruity flavor. We were thrilled it was nice out as the indoor seating is cool but stark could use some fun bright colored Mexican art (especially needing cheerful come the winter months) also the evening we went it smelled horrible of bleach.
(4)
Leslie T.
My husband and I visited El Poquito for the first time this afternoon. Several of our friends had highly recommended it. We started with the guacamole and chips they were absolutely delicious. The chips were great by themselves and the guacamole was outstanding. I ordered the brussel sprouts tacos and they were absolutely amazing. My only critique was that they were small and I wanted more lol. The service was good and our water was quickly refilled as we drank it. My husband ordered the carnitas tacos they are a favorite of his at another local Mexican restaurant, he definitely liked them but found the meat a little tough and not something he would order again, though he did say they had good flavor. We each had a drink they were ok but definitely not worth the $10 each that they were. I will definitely be returning soon, I won't be able to go too long without more brussel sprouts tacos! Yum!
(4)
Vasili B.
What a pleasant surprise as newbies to the burbs. We were looking for a taco truck and this place is a gem!
(5)
Chiara T.
IF YOU HAVE CELIAC DO NOT EAT HERE!!!! Tried this place out a few times with mixed results. Sometime cold, greasy food, other times really great tacos. I got different information each time what was safe and not safe to eat. The last time I went they gave me flour tacos not corn, I sent them back, they insisted they were corn. It took a manager to come to my table and a second visit back to the kitchen to confirm the problem. Though they were very apologetic, I will not be back. Drinks are good though!
(1)
Nichole B.
Cool interior and great vibe. I had high hopes for the spot from the moment I waked in the door. Unfortunately, service was slow . I was served cold soup . I had to flag down the waiter several times to get help. Food is average but good . I wish them luck!
(2)
Kit D.
I had high hopes, especially as someone who lived in the California Bay Area for 7 years, but similar to others we left disappointed. In short - 5 star atmosphere, 1 star service, 2 star food. We made a 6:30 pm reservation on the evening of Memorial Day and we're seated immediately at a nice table outside. We were excited. Ordered shrimp ceviche, carnitas tacos, veracruz tacos for the adults and a chicken taco for our toddler. Even though we put in the order right after we got there and got the ceviche appetizer about 15 minutes later, it took an additional 45 minutes to get our entrees (7:45 PM)! The place was half full and and 2 guys sat next to us 15 minutes after we go there and had a 2 course meal and were paying their check as we were getting our entrees. Needless to say, making a toddler wait an hour for food is criminal - there's only so far crayons can get you. Our waitress barely apologized, it almost seemed as if she was avoiding us. Luckily, the manager noticed, and took our drinks and kids meal off the check and profusely apologized. It would have been all good if the food was amazing, but it wasn't. - carnitas tacos - good - but hard to mess up anywhere - veracruz tacos - terrible. would never use cod for fish tacos. Oily, bland, fishy tasting. Got to use mahi mahi or wahoo. Would have been much better if they defrosted the Trader Joe's fish veracruz and put that on some corn tortillas. And by the way, these were severed on flour tortillas which is only ok if you're going to taco bell. - salsa verde - way too much lime - ceviche - tasted kind of syrupy, and not served with chips so there's nothing to cut that taste Because of the atmosphere and location and the manager coming over and apologizing we'll consider giving it another shot, but for now it just left a sour taste in our mouths and cranky toddler to deal with who got home past her bedtime.
(2)
Marci O.
I love this place. The tacos are delicious. I have had the chorizo tacos and the chicken tacos so far. Loved both. They have a "Taco Tuesday" during happy hour on...Tuesdays... where some varieties of tacos are $4 for 3 tacos. We also split nachos, which were $10 (regular-priced). You get this heaping pile of fresh, delicious, spicy, steaming hot nachos complete with cheese, beans, jalapenos, sour cream. My boyfriend and I love spicy food, so if you don't, you might want to let your server know beforehand. I have also had "la casa" which includes a can of Tecate (beer) and a shot of tequila with a ridiculously delicious sangrita (non-alocholic accompaniment for tequila blanco) for $6 during happy hour. My boyfriend had a Dos Equis on draft for $3. I thought the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is great. The outside seating is just what I love during the summer. During non-happy hour times it can be bit pricey, but, it's Chestnut Hill and you kind of expect that. And in comparison to some other places that charge just as much, this place has really good quality food and atmosphere. Also, all the prices are clearly stated on the menu, so I'm not sure why anyone was surprised about their bill... Anyway, I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Sam H.
We have eaten in and done take out a couple of times and El Poquito does not disappoint. There are options for eaters of all kinds, however, the refried beans are made with lard, so vegetarians, you've been warned. I've had the fish and carnitas tacos, both were really good and come 3 to an order, which is a decent sized portion. My wife has had the roasted mushroom tacos al carbon with the refried beans substituted with black beans (see above) and its more than enough to share. My little guy has enjoyed the chicken quesadilla from the kids menu. We've tried starters and side of different kinds and all are good. Its a short menu but it seems like they have what they need to have on there. I haven't had any cocktails...dadlife, but they seem legit and they offer a full bar where one could imbibe. The decor is cool and laid back and the outdoor seating is nice for warmer weather. This is on our shortlist of "lets not cook" places to go to.
(4)
David T.
Really tasty. Great service. Had the enchiladas. Delicious. Not from around chestnut hill but would definitely make a trip back this way to come here.
(5)
Duncan P.
El Poquito is just what Chestnut Hill needed, a great lively Mexican restaurant! Their margaritas are authentic maybe the best in Philadelphia. There's options too, the bar scene is great or you can get a private table, high-top or sit outside on a nice day. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Stephanie G.
Went here midweek with a girlfriends for cocktails, thinking it was still CH7. So pleasantly surprised to find a sophisticated, trendy tequila bar in chestnut hill. Yes! The drink menu was clear- this IS a tequila oasis. Our server, Michael, was like the grande somolier for tequila. He knew everything and was an enthusiastic and patient coach to us. Talked about the regions and variants of tequilas. I wound up ordering on of the flights which is served with an amazing palate stimulant (forget the name). If you go, find Michael and tell him "the Stephanie's" sent you and ask him about the flights. Also, had the TO DIE FOR tortilla soup. Flavors exploded out of that bowl. I like highly seasoned, savory food. Yummmmm! I can't wait to go back and bring more friends. Also can't wait to sit al fresco on the fire pit patio which is now adorned with colorful strung lights. Fiesta!
(5)
tracey l.
My husband and I were very excited that a legit Mexican restaurant was opening near us and we weren't disappointed. Unlike some reviewers I found the portions to be perfect. I could barely finish my third Baja (fried fish) taco. Everything tasted extremely fresh and was cooked just right. The guacamole was super- I like it simple, chunky and flavorful. The Sangria was delicious and the cheese quesadillas from the kid's menu was a big hit for our 4 year old. The service was DYNAMITE. Both times we have visited we were totally impressed with the speediness and attention to detail by the servers. When I came back from the powder room my napkin was folded! FANCY.
(4)
Guillermo O.
El poquito in Spanish means the little one. And in this case I think this restaurant fell a little short. Let me start by saying that I am a fan of Garces. I think he makes great hispanic food with a twist. One of my favorite restaurants from him is Distrito. This restaurant had a lot of similarities with distrito after all it's still Mexican cuisine. The problem with this restaurant is that the menu doesn't reach the heights the distrito menu does, yet price wise it is very similar. To make matters more complicated a couple miles down you have Cantina Feliz who also has a similar menu from distrito and has a better menu than this one. If you want a taqueria then all you have to do is go is to El Limon in Conshy and spend 1/3 of what you spend here and get authentic Mexican tacos. To me chestnut hill deserves a more edgy menu for this price tag. Good thing about menus is they can be changed. Give us Tacos, ceviches that have more Of an edge. Is it a fail? No. The margaritas are superb, guacamole with fresh tuna is fantastic, cape cod tacos were great. The beef tacos were fresh but lacked the typical edge. The ceviches (tuna, hiramasa) were fresh but were boring. The ambience and service inside were phenomenal and I am sure the bar will be busy once real spring finally comes. I have lost faith yet that you can turn this one around.
(4)
Shannon H.
Delicious food, nice decor, great service. Plantains were crispy and delicious. The enchiladas de costillas (short rib) were delicious as well. Great depth of flavor to everything. Very nice place.
(4)
Richard R.
I have eaten dinner here 5 or 6 times since the restaurant opened a year ago. At first I was not happy with the place due to the pricing and the menu choices, but now, I am really enthusiastic about this place. This Mexican restaurant is sophisticated and top-notch. The cooking is exceptional. The flavors are amazing! Service is very good. The interior of the building is quite nice, but it is the wonderful outdoor seating area that I like the best. It's a great place to eat in warm weather because the patio seating is comfy and well laid-out. Most of all, it is the exquisite flavors of the food that excites me about the restaurant. Whether it is the 4 choices of salsa, or the corn on the cob side dish (drizzled with sauce and spices), or the chicken enchiladas in a fantastic thin red sauce, or the magnificent and crispy char-grilled asparagus spears, or the super yummy donut-like churros for dessert, I think the food is delicious and the menu is creatively-designed. For me, not knowing Spanish, the menu was difficult to comprehend at first. They don't call things by their normal names. The don't call a chicken enchilada a chicken enchilada, and they don't call corn on the cob corn on the cob. Additionally, the pricing is unusual in my experience because every little thing costs extra. Nothing is included with any platter. Each small cup of salsa costs $4. You can order enchiladas for $15 or so, I forget the exact amount, but when you add things like chips, salsa, guacamole, rice and beans and corn on the cob, your meal ends up being surprisingly expensive. When my wife and I eat here, and have cocktails, we expect to spend $100 total. If we get out of there with a $60 tab, we feel lucky and it means that we just had a light meal and a drink. But the bottom line is that the food tastes wonderful. Having a meal here, especially while sitting out on that patio, is a special and memorable experience. Highly recommended. My compliments to the chef.
(5)
Rohini B.
Excellent food , good ambience and service ! Overall more than satisfied . Will definitely visit again and recommend it to more people .
(5)
Jpo2 O.
I live near this restaurant and was very excited to have a new place to try --and, hopefully frequent. But, I was left feeling a bit disappointed after having visited it. The food is ok. Nothing special. Prices are high, portions are small. It seems the menu has no real focus or anything really interesting going for it. You wouldn't know you were in a Mexican restaurant by sitting in this place. I understand minimalistic and understated decors, but c'mon folks--how about a little decoration of some sort! Very boring space, reminds me of the last two businesses that were here and failed. The current owners spent so long and what seems like a lot of money redoing this place to have it look 90% the same as it did before. Yes, the ceiling of repurposed Amish beams is nice, but it looks like Restoration Hardware, not a Mexican restaurant. The story of El Poquito is very interesting, but I had to read about it online and through my own research! How about including some fun facts on the menu about it, and perhaps some interesting tidbits of info on the food and its ingredients, history, origin in Mexican cuisine, the restaurant's and the chef's personal twist on its preparation, etc? It's just your usual Mexican fare here: tacos, fajitas, tortilla soup--, without any real twist or changes--for high prices. I can get better and cheaper Mexican in almost any restaurant in the area. You need to try something new, folks! It may be the location and the building, too. It seems to have bad feng shui, no business lasts long here, and I, unfortunately, predict the same fate for this new business. Oh, and the margaritas are tiny and cost $9. They were good, but in two gulps mine was gone. And, I am always a little leery of Mexican restaurants that don't plunk down a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa as soon as I sit down (this is done in 99% of Mexican restaurants in Mexico). With the price of those margaritas, you could afford a few tortilla chips to munch on while scanning this very limited and unimaginative menu. Sorry. I really wanted this place to be good. I really did. I don't think I will be returning.
(2)
Stacey W.
We ate last night at El Poquito. Although we really wanted to like it, we won't be back. PROS: Great service, cool decor. The service was excellent and quite timely. We were in the side room, and the noise level was fine, not too loud. CONS: Our main problem was the price charged for the quantity of food served. Our $11 nachos were a pretty small portion. For $14, my husband got two very small enchiladas, nothing on the side at all. My chicken tacos were luke warm, and were only so-so. I am all for small portions, but please charge accordingly! And at these high prices for quantity served, please provide free chips and salsa!!
(2)
Sarah M.
My beau and I stopped in here on a late Sunday afternoon,after walking right past it earlier without realizing that it was a restaurant due to the almost unreadable sign hanging out front. Small,overpriced portions served in an annoyingly small cast iron dish instead of a plate that leaves you no where to rest your knife and fork. We each ordered quesadillas (verde and chicken $10 and $14). Each dish was 2 meager quesadillas w/o any rice,beans or even a bit of green salad. Most Mexican places throw this stuff in for free because it's cheap for them and diners like getting it. I also agree with the reviewer who mentioned no chips & salsa offered when you sit down...it just seems cheap of them. If they are trying to be upscale Mexican, that's a nut that will be hard to crack,as most of us expect to pay a moderate amount of $ for plenty of food,when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Hopefully, they'll rethink the portion sizes and get some real plates.....
(2)
Ana S.
Went to El Poquito with my husband today for brunch. The food was delicious! I had the best butternut squash soup ever and also some tacos de huevos. Perfect portions for a Shnday brunch. My husband got tacos de pollo and a perfect Margarita to go with it! The staff was very polite and the decor great. We will definitely return to try other dishes and drinks!
(5)
Ed J.
The decor is lovely and the servers very friendly, but the food takes FOREVER to come out, including NACHOs. Our order of nachos was put in before we ordered anything else and did not come out before our appetizers. The tortilla soup was not that flavorful and the taco meals are incredibly small. I love local, authentic Mexican food. Honestly, though, Uncle Julio's in the Plymouth Meeting Mall has better guacamole and much faster service.
(2)
selena r.
Loved the food which was flavorful and delicious. The decor is not my style but it didn't take away from my dining experience. But I am taking away one star because they offer nothing in the way of happy hour.
(4)
Devon W.
The food is good. I really like the new ambience and decor. They have large booths so it is easy to have a group of 6 or maybe 8 sitting there. The drink menu is large and the food is authentic. The decor is honestly great, if ambience is important El Poquito struck a home run.
(4)
Lori J.
Tried El Poquito soon after it opened and was not impressed. Just went back today and had a phenomenal bahn mi taco. Will definitely return!
(5)
Kathryn S.
As if chestnut hill isn't cute enough.. This place is soooo cute. Looks like it was just rehabbed. The guacamole was awesome, also tried the Brussel sprouts and carnitas tacos, delicious. Churros for dessert came with a chocolate sauce that I nearly licked clean
(4)
Scott H.
Decided to give El Poquito another chance (mainly because I live just a few blocks away), and sorry to say I had an even worse experience. They still charge for chips and salsa despite my earlier review and so many others saying the same thing. Drinks are tiny and quaffed too quickly. Tried the tortilla soup and it was too thick with tomato sauce and just not good. Had the enchiladas con carne last time and they were good but too spicy (and I like spicy) so tried the enchiladas verdes and they were also too spicy--couldn't eat it (like the salsas--all are too spicy. Many simply won't enjoy eating here for this reason, because mild needs to be the norm then get spicier from there as an option. Even the guac is spicy). The only thing that was edible were the carnitas tacos but they were only okay. Service was also not great--our server was being shadowed by a new recruit and not personable. I really wanted to like this place because it's close, nicely decorated, and has outdoor seating, but I won't be going back.
(1)
Kelly S.
I went to El Poquito on opening night, Friday December 5th for drinks and guacamole and then again for dinner on Wednesday December 10th. On opening night, we sat at the bar and enjoyed their strong and tasty margaritas. They even have Mezcal which I was very happy about. The guac was fresh and flavorful. The bartenders were extremely friendly, inviting and warm. Dinner later in the week: The kitchen and servers are still working out some kinks as the other reviewers have noted, but the quality of the food is great. The flavor and creativity of the food is showing through. The staff is extremely friendly and they are working hard. We tried the Baja fish tacos and the Veracruz Fish tacos as well as the Carne Asada tacos. All were very good. Perfect portion size. We also got the rice and beans and brussel sprouts as sides and both were very tasty. ONE RECOMMENDATION: Each Salsa is $4. Offer 3 for $10 so we can try them all! I'm so happy to have this restaurant open up in the old Chestnut 7 space (hated that place!!!) An inventive, high end mexican restaurant is exactly what CHill needed. Can't wait to use their outdoor space this summer. Keep up the good work El Poquito!
(4)
Karl M.
So I am back to five. The guacamole and chicken enchiladas are just too good... The crispy Baja tacos are some of the best around...
(5)
Aria M.
My husband went here after my parents recommended it. We liked the atmosphere right off the bat, it is modern and has nice low lighting. We sat down at the bar to wait for a table to open up, I noticed they had a margarita special. I ordered the $6 margarita and the bartender said,"Would you like a blood orange one instead?" I figured that the orange margarita was on special too, after all, I ordered "the special" he did not tell me that the flavored were $2 more. I felt that was a weird "upsell". about 10 minutes later a man walked in and sat down and the same bartender explained the special, and said "for $2 more you can get a flavored one!" I was annoyed I didn't get the same explanation. Once seated, a very chipper waiter came over and said as he rushed on by, "I am just gonna bring out some guacamole and chips for the table ok?" we said, "oh, ok, sure!" I was surprised at the offer of seemingly free guacamole, so I opened the menu....$9 for some guac and chips. Again, an "upsell" leaving me with a very unpleasant feeling. I stopped the waiter and asked to change the guac to just chips and green salsa ($4 for each salsa, and it is about 2 tablespoons of the stuff). The food itself was very good, fish tacos for me and braised beef enchiladas for my husband. The portions quite small, and nothing else on the plate but the entree, it just wasn't enough to feel like it was all worth it. I like nice restaurants, I do not mind paying for good food in the least, but I didn't feel happy with the experience. I would say I will not be back, and although I thought the food was good, I would warn future visitors to be careful of the upsells.
(3)
j w.
Good food but still lousy service. They do not have enough bartenders or wait staff.
(2)
Krissy B.
Food was great, drinks were great, service was great. Loved the atmosphere. Upscale Mexican food at reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Melissa D.
Just went for a few drinks and an appetizer with my husband this evening. Overall, good experience. Nice decor, and I'm looking forward to the outside area being open. We ordered the paloma, the mezcal negroni, and a margarita. All very good, but the negroni is unnecessarily expensive. Ordered the tacos de carnitas, which we liked. The tortillas were tasty, and they were topped with pickled onions. The meat wasn't so crispy (as it says on the menu), but flavorful. Looking forward to future visit and further review updates.
(4)
M S.
Nice space but very average food and drinks. The margaritas are weak, have way too much ice and are $9. The tuna ceviche was good and the guacamole was decent but the carne tacos were very bland and the carnitas were better but still not great - they were missing something. Everything was fresh and cooked well (not overcooked or tough) but still just meh. It also irks me when Mexican restaurants don't just give you chips and salsa. And where is the hot sauce? Bill for 2 w/o tip was $86 (three drinks, two aps and two taco dishes). Way too much for what it was. Service was okay. Had to ask twice for something and had to ask for appetizer plates. Hopefully it improves as I was hoping it would be decent as I love Mexican food.
(2)
Rebecca L.
Had dinner here for the first time about a month ago. The interior was completely redone from how it looked before as Chestnut 7. The decor is nice but it was very dark and I thought they are trying too hard to create ambiance. The chairs are metal and uncomfortable. It is also really loud inside. Probably because they put a lot of tables real close together, and a lot of people's conversations bouncing off the hard wood interior. Now, on to the drinks/food. I ordered a margarita up with salt. The drink was good but didn't fill the whole glass. If it was in a smaller glass, it wouldn't bother me as much but it looked like I got ripped off. We had to wait a while for our drinks and for water refills. Which is weird considering there were 4-5 different people waiting on our table. Still not sure which one of them was our waitress. Anyway, my husband and I ordered the mushroom tacos because we are vegetarian it was one of two options. The mushrooms came out atop a bed of roasted scallions. I don't know if that was part of the presentation or part of the meal. Also, there weren't any fixings for the tacos. It was tortillas and some cream sauces that we had requested not to bring because we don't eat dairy. The mushrooms were very salty. Really salty. Then I found a fishbone in my mushrooms. It was awful. The owner came out and apologized and tried to tell me it was hay from the mushroom shipment. I eat plants day in and day out, I can guess what happens to hay when you saute it in oil and mushrooms. He took my meal off the bill thank goodness because it was pricey for what was served. Our friends got tacos and their portions were so small. Not worth the $20 or so price tag. They could've been appetizers. All I know is that I wanted to like this place because it has a great location and decent vibe, but the food is terrible and the prices too high. Maybe it'll change in the summer when the deck opens or maybe when get a new chef and new menu.
(1)
Rebert M.
Not very good. Really, even the easy stuff (guacamole, pico de gallo) was not good. I make better at home. I am a bit forgiving of new places, as there are sometimes growing pains or else it would be one star. I may try them again for lunch as I'd like them to succeed. I think they need to simplify. Just make good, simple, Mexican food. It's not that hard.
(2)
Zora C.
This food makes you do an inner happy dance. I had the taco de carne asada and a Mexican coke, perfect partners. The waiters are funny and friendly and they aren't over-bearing. There are good crowds and company to be had. Great place to bring family and friends or even go alone. If I had any complaints, it would be that the food was a little cold but otherwise good company even better food. I live in the neighborhood and think this is a great addition.
(4)
Annie S.
First impression is a beautiful, cool, funky space. My two friends and I were here for a Saturday night dinner and the place was full and candlelit. Everything was perfect until the waiter came to our table. Everything went downhill from there. First of all, the earnest, friendly waiter (who kept calling me "my dear" even though I am old enough to be his Mom), was clueless about Mexican food. Odd, huh? Couldn't pronounce the Spanish names correctly. We got drinks and about five small plates. The guacamole was tasteless and the salsa (which cost $6!) was not special and not made from fresh or tasty tomatoes. There was a small dish of smoked onion dip that was overly salty but tasty, yet there wasn't enough salt in the guacamole or salsa, so we mixed them up. My friend's margarita was good...at least the bartender was on the ball. We got three different taco meals (3 small tacos to each meal) and a ceviche, along with the three dips and chips. The fish tacos were so unspectacular they wouldn't' rival a self-respecting Philly food truck. We ordered the most expensive crevice, with yellow fin (I think it was $13). When I say it was small, I think we each had one bite each. No kidding. People at the next table asked to be moved because the funky red metal chairs were so uncomfortable. The place is trying hard to be so cool, but it better get its food act together quickly or it will be out of business in six months. The only way I'd go back would be for drinks. My share of the bill, $50, which included two Brooklyn lager drafts, left me hungry and unsatisfied.
(2)
Hilary W.
I had lunch here with my boyfriend a few weeks ago, and it was great. The server was super friendly, and we didn't really have to wait long for anything once we were seated. The margaritas are super strong, although a bit pricey for the size (kind of small). I had the chicken burrito, which was delicious, and he had the fish tacos, which were also very tasty. My only complaint is pretty much what everyone else has been saying...chips and salsa should be automatically given to you when you sit down and order. I'll definitely be going back to try some of the other stuff on the menu. It all sounded good.
(4)
Jackie W.
The fish tacos and tuna cerviche were amazing!!!! Our server was lovely and really helpful and the interior design was the nicest incarnation of that space I've seen. The only drawback- and it's an important one- the drinks were really pricey and really terrible. My husband and I ordered two different margaritas/cocktails and they were both really bad- and really expensive for their tiny size and disappointing flavor. I'd go back for the food and order beer/wine next time.
(3)
Joseph T.
Food very tasty. Good service. I give an xtra star for having Dos Equis Amber on tap. The negatives: 1st Mexican place I've been too that does not give chips and salsa as a complimentary appetizer. Small portions: prices aren't too too bad, but when I eat Mexican, I usually wobble out when done.
(4)
Lee B.
Despite being served mediocre food here twice before, we tried again with a guest from out of town who enjoys Mexican and is not much of a foodie. Big mistake. As before, service was glacial and this time amounted to a form of self-sabotaging rudeness. Imagine leaving a large crowd of people in your lobby area for at least 15 minutes without even making an appearance to greet them, ask if they have a reservation, take down names or advise them as to what kind of wait was in front of them. Imagine multiple groups of your customers having seen that there were many open tables outside, and then, while you have all already been standing by the reception desk for at least 15 minutes without anyone's even approaching you, having the receptionist actually stand inches in front of your face and take a phone reservation for 10 minutes from now for one of those same empty outside tables!!!! I say 15 minutes, but it would almost certainly have been longer. At that point, we left. Two other parties in the lobby did the same. This place is shooting itself in the foot. Luckily we were spared a third round with the mediocre fare. We will not be back.
(1)
NBVRLH H.
So glad to finally have excellent Mexican in Chestnut Hill. We went during the soft opening phase. I am vegan, and my husband is not. We both had a lot to choose from on the menu. The pico de gallo and guacomole are both made fresh. I had tofu tacos, which were amazing. My husband had fish tacos and thought they were perfectly spiced. I ordered a salad as well, and the combination of all of these was way too much food. Their margaritas are lovely. (I tried the sangria and was not a fan). All in all, an excellent start.
(5)
Scott M.
Ate here on Saturday night. It was the second night open. Food was delicious and flavorful. We ordered the guacamole appetizer which was fresh. Loved the sangria! Will surly return soon!
(5)
Yenssy G.
Great potential, I'll definitely go again when they've ironed out the kinks. In all fairness it was their first night, open to the public. My husband and I walked in with no reservation but was seated promptly at the bar. The ambience was very communal, big benches/booths seating 6-8 alongside the bar and smaller tables scattered about. The lighting was great but I searched for any hint of Mexican flare and found none. Maybe they haven't fully decorated although I did like that it was minimal versus overly done stereotypical decor. We were attended by a young woman named Anna at the bar w cute tortoise shelled rimmed glasses. I point her out because she was fantastic. Kept her cool even when the kitchen made some initial mixups, was very descriptive in her fave dishes and drinks and overall very accommodating. To start the guacamole was very good (chunky, flavorful not too salty), we ordered the carne asada tacos and the chicken enchilada. We waited almost an hour for our meal and then they only brought out tacos but no enchilada. Unfortunately we couldn't wait any longer and asked Anna to cancel our order but to her and our surprise after the initial mixup the kitchen never fulfilled the enchilada order anyway so no harm no foul. My husband and I ended up sharing the tacos which were delicious and I wish we could have tried the enchilada. Not long before I was telling my husband that the manager should have come over did Anna say that owner, George was on his way and they would comp our meal. The first is a sign of great service while the latter was an over and beyond awesome gesture. We of course left a generous tip and will be back. I highly recommend, the flavors were great. Our red sangria was good and the margarita was strong! But the attentiveness and service by the staff was excellent and while we never did get to speak to George, I'm just happy they acknowledged the mishap and took care of two patrons who write entirely too long reviews! Good luck!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Thu Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Guillermo O.
El poquito in Spanish means the little one. And in this case I think this restaurant fell a little short. Let me start by saying that I am a fan of Garces. I think he makes great hispanic food with a twist. One of my favorite restaurants from him is Distrito. This restaurant had a lot of similarities with distrito after all it's still Mexican cuisine. The problem with this restaurant is that the menu doesn't reach the heights the distrito menu does, yet price wise it is very similar. To make matters more complicated a couple miles down you have Cantina Feliz who also has a similar menu from distrito and has a better menu than this one. If you want a taqueria then all you have to do is go is to El Limon in Conshy and spend 1/3 of what you spend here and get authentic Mexican tacos. To me chestnut hill deserves a more edgy menu for this price tag. Good thing about menus is they can be changed. Give us Tacos, ceviches that have more Of an edge. Is it a fail? No. The margaritas are superb, guacamole with fresh tuna is fantastic, cape cod tacos were great. The beef tacos were fresh but lacked the typical edge. The ceviches (tuna, hiramasa) were fresh but were boring. The ambience and service inside were phenomenal and I am sure the bar will be busy once real spring finally comes. I have lost faith yet that you can turn this one around.
(4)Marla H.
I really loved this place... such a great addition to Chestnut Hill, and the service was excellent. My friend's tortilla soup was delicious, but very spicy, so be forewarned. I had the chopped salad (ample portion for a starter) and the Veracruz tacos (substituting the green olive aioli for the spicy lime aioli). So good. The churros for dessert were really tasty, but very greasy. While the prices are reasonable, I did expect a basket of tortillas with salsa for the table, but there wasn't one. You can order a variety of "table sharing" items. We ate outside in the courtyard, but the decor/atmosphere inside is equally as lovely... quite an improvement from the short-lived Chestnut 7.
(4)Howard C.
This is the best place that has ever been at this location. Excellent food and very good brunch. One issue: if you're going to serve a great brunch, why the hell can't you also offer ACTUAL TOAST with your eggs & bacon as opposed to tiny, damp tortillas as a lame replacement? Been there twice and have been told at brunch on a Sunday that "We don't have toast." ... only tortillas. Seriously, it might seem like a small issue, but it is irritating - as if they're doing it out of a noble, purist attempt at being a fully Mexican restaurant because it's "authentic"? Well, it's stupid & absurd and it makes brunch a tad less than exciting munching away on small rubbery tortillas. I've been to Mexico 3 times and the most amazing bread (often toasted!) is served everywhere.
(3)Molly S.
Good service. Great atmosphere for outside seating. Chips are good. Salsa's are extra. We got the salsa Roja..eh. It's more like a puréed sauce than a salsa, but the flavor is ok. I probably wouldn't have judged it at all if I didn't have to pay extra for it. For an app we had the "Queso Fundido with chorizo". It's not like the usual Queso Fundido I have had before, it's very hearty---filled with onions and peppers. It was great! I had "carne Asada Taco's", needed a sauce, but very good. I added some of their Mole sauce to them. My husband had the "Short rib enchiladas with Mole sauce" they were excellent!!!! He loved them and he is so picky about Mexican food. I thought the portions were perfect and the prices were accurate! I didn't think they were pricey at all. My only suggestion is to offer salsa at no extra charge with the chips, especially when people are definitely ordering drinks, apps and entrees. Also, maybe offer a hard shell taco as an option with all of your tacos. We will definitely be returning on a regular basis.
(5)Brenna M.
This was my third time at el poquito. I have found the tacos and guac to be overpriced. This time I went for their special of scallops and zucchini fritters. It was awesome. Love their spicy margs too. We were insanely bummed at the service. When asked if we wanted another drink we said no but our glassware wasn't cleared. Then we felt pushed out the door - we signed our checks and the waitress came running for them. She even took the pen out of my boyfriend's hand! Maybe they have had problems with people lingering in the outdoor section or something? Definitely won't come here again even though it has a great ambiance and good (albeit overpriced) food.
(3)Shannon W. W.
Love the fish tacos, wonderful guacamole, excellent outdoor seating with great ambience.
(4)Deann M.
Decent Mexican food in a spacious, casual but sophisticated atmosphere. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Prices were a little high. We ordered the guacamole and chips, fried plantains, carnitas tacos, and Baja fish tacos. Guacamole had a bit too much lime for my tastes, overpowering the creamy avocado flavor, but was still tasty. I also didn't care for the one tortilla per taco, they are small and pretty thin tortillas and could get messy. Fish tacos had a cornmeal breading, which made the fish dense but the spices were on point and the flavor was there. Carnitas had nice crispy edges and the pickled red onion gave a nice counterpoint. I still prefer Buena Onda for seafood tacos, but I'd try this place again for some of the more creative flavors offered - Korean BBQ short rib and Banh Mi pork flavors sounded interesting. Plantains were my favorite. Caramelized crispy edges of sweet plantains, sprinkled with slightly salty queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese. Just a dab of Mexican crema to make it creamy. Nice beer selection - Dogfish Head Festina Peche was the seasonal on tap, they also had Dale's Pale Ale. Bell's Two Hearted and SixPoint Sweet Action were also on the draft list. I regret not trying the Watermelon Basil margarita that was on special. Also many tequilas, including flights, mescal, and other cocktails available. We'll be back.
(4)Cat N.
I really wanted to love El Poquito, but it fell short on a recent brunch visit. The atmosphere is great, very clean and airy. The lighting inside (and the ceiling) are really cool. And I can see how the patio will be a huge draw (a little too hot for our tastes, unfortunately). Service was fine, not much to say about it. The brunch menu is *extremely* limited, only 5 items! I know you can order off the lunch menu, too, but the choices were pretty limited for straight up brunch food. I had the Americano, which I felt kind of bad for ordering given it's a Mexican (or Tex-Mex) restaurant, but the "poblano-potato hash" and salsa verde made me think it would have some flair. Unfortunately, there wasn't a hint of salsa OR poblano on the plate! My poached eggs were almost overcooked, too. The saving grace was the bacon, which was YUMMY. The mimosa was just so-so and there was a lot of pulp at the bottom when it was finished. A friend had the burrito and seemed happy with it. She took half home (it's huge!). Another friend had the huevos rancheros, which looked good but not as fresh as some I've had. His eggs (fried) were also overcooked, solid yolks. All in all, I'd go back to sit on the patio and try some tacos, but will be skipping it as a brunch destination.
(3)B H.
Amazing guacamole!! The carnitas tacos are phenomenal and the fish was pretty good as well. Great beer selection, although not extensive, but something for everyone. Friend loved the margaritas. Really great outdoor patio or very nice interior seating. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)T N.
For those of you who remember Solaris, this place is its true heir. A neighborhood gem with a relaxed vibe. The decor is gorgeous, but the food is the star. Every dish has contrasting flavors and textures giving them richness and complexity. The addition of street tacos with plays on bahn mi, Korean BBQ and eggplant tempura brings variety that gives options for everyone. The chips and salsas are fantastic too--the habañero cashew is an incredible riff on a romesco. The list of tequilas and mezcals is impressive. If you're on the Hill, do yourself a favor and stop in for a bite or even just a drink. You won't regret it.
(5)Jeff H.
El Poquito is a new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill which previously had no Mexican restaurants. It is good that they don't have nearby competition because this cantina is most definitely on the average plateau. The positives are that it looks good and that it has a large outdoor eating area. The minuses are that I found the bar service not very pleasant (and usually it is very easy to please me as you can see from all my reviews.) The tacos were okay - nothing to write home about. I had both the ground beef and the chorizo varieties being specially served at the bar that day.. Hot sauce which you have to ask for helped a bit as the food here was very, very mild. In a city with several superior Mexican dining options, I doubt if I head back to El Poquito any time soon.
(3)Kyle T.
Absolutely loved this place. Was surprised by how big it was on the inside. They have awesome outdoor seating as well. Booths, tables, and a bar inside. The decor is vintagey and there is no shortage of exposed brick. The food is slightly pricey, and really, if it were cheaper this place would be 5 stars in my book. The server was great, gave us the entire run down since it was our first time at the restaurant. Me and my girlfriend both had great drinks. Alagash beer for me, frozen Rita/beer drink for my girlfriend. We got guacamole and chips and my girlfriend said it was damn good, but it better had been for $10! For my entree I got the Korean BBQ tacos and my girlfriend got tacos with strip steak and other goodies. Both of us enjoyed our food. Mine was spicy, which I was expecting sweet because it was Korean BBQ, but with radishes, kimchi, and cilantro in it, it definitely was on the citrusy/spicy side. I still loved it. Juicy, drippy, and delicious! We've been wanting to eat here for a while, especially outside with the cool lights. We ended up opt g for inside seating close to the bar due to the heat outside and it was still great. So glad we finally stopped in. Overall, awesome service, great food, decent drink section, and the look of the place is really cool. I just wish it was slightly cheaper. We will definitely be coming back!
(4)Kayla A.
First time coming here. Have been to the previous establishment Chestnut Hill 7, we were sad to see it close, but this place has a very young feel to it. Seems like a great hang out place with friends. Have not tried the food yet but love the atmosphere. Giving 4 out of 5 stars because they only have one cider to drink, and it's canned. A big downer for me since I don't drink beer, and I am very selective about my cocktail drinks. Would love to see them add strongbow or Stella cidrè, two very popular and gluten free ciders. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
(4)Kim A.
I love Mexican food and the food here was great, but there were so many things that made my experience kinda suck. The portions are SMALL and the prices are HIGH. I understand it's chestnut hill, but mexican food is cheap to make and there's no need to charge upwards of $20 for 2 fajitas. The drinks were expensive too! I spent $25 on two drinks at the bar. Also, our server was extremely pushy! When we ordered a guacamole for the table, he interjected and said "So two for each side then". We had to tell him no. Also, when he dropped the check he "reminded" us that gratuity wasn't included... UGH I spent about $45 on a salad and two drinks.
(2)Eric R.
Second time to this restaurant, first time everything was spot on, today still good, but some inconsistencies. My Carnitas Tacos were spot on, but the Grilled corn was not grilled but instead boiled or steamed, missing that nice tasty char that makes it special, easy enough to do with any kind of fire, like say, a gas burner. Not sure what happened, the description said grilled. Second, my girlfriends French Toast was described as having plantains on it, but instead had bananas, picky maybe, but a completely different flavor and texture. These little inconsistencies didn't ruin brunch, but I like to see what the menu describes actually end up on the plate, or have someone tell me about the substitution.
(3)Celia E.
Positives: Great atmosphere, especially the outside seating. Really great margaritas and guac! I would go back, but only for outdoor happy hour. They have started a taco Tuesday special which helps with my below complaints. Negatives: unfortunately this place falls short for me, the reality is you can get really tasty way cheaper Mexican food all over the place and El Poquito is just over priced for what the food actually is. They charge for chips and salsa. The drinks are very expensive for what you get. The tacos are mediocre at best and the menu seems fairly limited. They would do well to have better specials. Disclaimer: I am totally not opposed to paying extra $$$ for great food, this just isn't it.
(2)Shane J.
This is the new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill. I had high hopes for El Poquito, but sadly I was disappointed. Down the road was Avenida..another Mexican restaurant.. but they have closed, not sure what happened? Now, back to my experience at El Poquito, this place has high hopes because of the spacing - different dining areas and outdoor seating. The menu is absent of empanada's - how did that happen? Ok, moving on...me and friends (some had been there previously) decided to select multiple items and give them a try. We had a selection of tacos, the fajitas and our drinks were margaritas. The food was Eh...nothing to really talk about - the fajita was bland and tasteless. The best taco choice was the Baja. We had to ask for sour cream and taco sauce for God's sake - it's Mexican - why wouldn't this be included on the plate. I know it's not Taco Bell, but seriously - you needed condiments to add flavor to these dishes. The service and server were less than desirable. We were a party of 5 and of course there were ongoing needs from different individuals - why did we have to constantly ask her to come to our table - it was like she avoided us. I don't understand that kind of service. The drinks were average. I have no reason to go back unless it changes management, menu or ownership. This is not my typical review - I am not a 1-star rater (you can see from my other reviews) but this experience was one of the worst I have had in years.
(1)Patrick R.
We only had margaritas and chips with salsa, but both were delicious. The decor inside and outside at El Poquito is really inviting. We sat outside and ordered margaritas with the blood orange juice and chips with the sweet onion salsa which was more of a creamy dip. Both were great and we were very satisfied. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Awesome selection of tequila and good variety of craft beer. We will surely be back and looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(5)Lilli C.
The interior is really beautiful with old reclaimed wood and the service is solid. The food, however is definitely not worth the drive to Chestnut Hill. The habanero cashew salsa was really good, but the verde tasted a little grassy. The salsas also came in really small dishes which made it hard for sharing. For a party of 6 we each got a dab of salsa and they were 4 bucks each. The tuna ceviche was fantastic, but I definitely wouldn't share that as it's on the smaller side as ceviches come. Both fish tacos were really tasty- both the grilled and the fried options. The fried fish was perfectly square and resembled a frozen fish patty, but was tasty nonetheless. The carnitas however, were disappointing as they were super dry. The michelada was fantastic and was one of the best that I've had. I probably wouldn't make the trek out for the food though- it was a bit overpriced and not the best I've had.
(3)Annie K.
Fun place to hang out and nice atmosphere. As far as food goes, we came here for happy hour (which was nothing special) and ordered the eggplant tacos, it was so bland and for the price, I could make better tacos at home. That's why I'm giving it a 3 star. Overpriced creative tacos that are tasteless.
(3)E D.
$72?? For 4 drinks (which we waited a half hour in total for), a few baby zucchini (another half hour) and 6 tacos (tiny portions and an hour wait; no mention by our server that corn tortillas were an option)? We actually went for a full 10 minutes with nothing to drink at all, not even water. Our server completely neglected us-walking by over and over again and not checking on us. Even when the food had obviously been taking forever (an hour for 6 tacos???), she didn't bother to update us. The portions were laughable-I think I know why it's called El Poquito. I should have known better when we first walked in and the hostess didn't even make eye contact with us for 2 minutes. We made the decision today to ONLY get Mexican at the authentic places in South Philly, period. Skip this unless you are super-patient and have a lot of time to waste. The only good thing about this experience was that the drinks WERE good. The Margarita and Paloma are excellent. But they aren't enough to being us back.
(2)Peter E.
First time here and we loved this restaurant and our waiter was so personable and efficient. Creative street tacos were deelish - fresh large guacamole portion and shrimp po boy taco was awesome. Cod taco also excellent. We'll be back!
(5)Mike D.
Like others, I really wanted to like El Poquito. Chestnut Hill certainly needs a dedicated taco spot. I came in with high expectations, but it fell a bit short. The atmosphere was great, with tasteful decor, and cozy seating. The tequila menu was impressive, with a wise variety of options, the two of which I had were delicious. The food was fair... tasty, but overpriced and underportioned. I ordered the fish tacos, and was left looking for my other taco after I was finished. The margarita I ordered was also tasty, but underportioned. The waitstaff was friendly, but less than attentive.
(3)Scott R.
Good food--especially the guacamole, and the pork tacos. The house margarita is terrific! Regretfully, the service is very slow and frustrating. We've been over four times and the service is getting progressively worse.
(2)Jodi W.
Great looking Mexican concept in a great location. Can't wait to come back in the warm weather and sit outside! Loved the newly renovated interiors and attractive bar area. The chips were served warm and salted (yum) and the guacamole was chunky and delicious. Loved the flavor of the carne asada tacos and the sweet plantains. Vera cruz fish tacos were good as well. Loved the pineapple soda too! Server was attentive and interested, though it seems there are a few kinks to work out as they train new servers.
(4)Allison B.
It seems like the Yelp reviews on El Poquito are mixed, but I rather liked it. We started off with hiramasa ceviche and liked it very much. Everything tasted fresh and I enjoyed how it tasted light and bright to start the meal. I thought it was a little on the pricey side for the portion and I could have probably eaten a whole order, but my husband an d I split it that night. My husband had an order of the tacos de baja and I had the enchiladas de costillas (which the server seemed pleased about and endorsed my choice as a great one). Everything came out hot and presented in what I would call a rustic chic manner. I didn't try my husband's baja tacos, but the short rib in my enchiladas was tender and flavorful. I probably shouldn't have eaten the whole thing (it was a substantial though not a huge portion), but it was super tasty. We had also ordered some chips and pico, so given that and the ceviche, and my meal, I had a nice little waddle going by the time we finished our meal and walked back to the car. My husband was impressed with the tequila menu and I enjoyed my margaritas. I also have to say the service we received that night was excellent even though it was very busy. I saw that another reviewer noted that the place was really loud, but I didn't think it was excessively so. If I try to recall, I would say that it was a little noisy, but the volume of the place wasn't something that stuck out to me on the night of our experience (and it's something I've definitely been bothered by at other restaurants in the past). I'd like to go back to see of our positive experience there is consistent on a second visit!!
(4)Lu M.
Visited here on a Sunday night and sat outside. Cute place but the smell outside from neighboring trash or something was not pleasant at all.When walking to the restaurant I passed an alley or trash area between the building and the smell was horrible. Unfortunately once seated outside the smell was also noticed. Well the guacamole was very good and the portion was big. The margaritas also good but a smaller size than I thought it should be. Enchilada was hard on the outside which made it difficult to cut which meant opening it to eat the contents on the inside. Tacos were good but small. There were no condiments hot sauce or limes for garnishing.Service was good.My left overs were thrown in a box and looked like garbage when I opened it at home.Overall decent not great.I would try again but sit inside and order something else. Although the menu is very small!
(3)Kim P.
I really have to agree with the other reviews about the chips and salsa. It feels a bit chincy to not have that automatically brought to the table. El Poquito peeps, if you're reading this, you really should bring these to the table STAT! Diners will probably order more drinks as a result so you will not lose money. But I digress... The guac was spot on. Super delish. Creamy AND chunky. The veggie quinoa tacos were also quite tasters. And the side dishes were very plentiful. I got the plantains and one of my friends got the brussels sprouts. Another friend ordered nachos, which looked extremely tempting. Good thing they had beef on them or I would have pilfered a few. All in all, I definitely did not leave hungry. The server did take an excruciatingly long time to run our credit cards through....she was kind of just standing around at the bar while we were waiting, which was kind of annoying. Still, I'd go back here again as it is right down the street from me.
(4)Bob H.
An assault on the senses. That's all I could think of. From the insistence the dining rooms be devoid of any sound absorbing material to the metal chairs, El Poquito was just uncomfortable. First off the first thing that smacks you in the face is the noise. I've been in plenty loud rooms before but I should not be able to keep track of every single conversation in the room. This is physics 101 folks. Sound bounces. The food is served in clunky dishes that were more designed for ease of use in the kitchen than food presentation. Honestly, the food was presented in what reminded me of the metal trays used in penitentiaries. My margarita was small, and I've never had one rimmed with table salt instead of sea salt. I've also never had a margarita make me more thirsty, but El Poquito managed both.
(2)Luke H.
Had pollos tacos and queso fundido, both awesome. Service was slow at first, but once my friend talked to the hostess everything happened super fast. Would eat again, 8/10
(4)S L.
Wow. First off, food was 3-4 stars (if everything had been hot). Service was -3 stars. Wednesday night, 2 1/4+ hours for dinner. Nearly 25 minutes from the time we ordered dessert (2 orders churros) until they were brought. Local beer - Round Guys - $6.50 for a 12oz. pilsner glass - and a weak pour as well with 1" of foam. Luckily kids food was brought first - then 15 minutes for 3 adults and one of the sets of tacos was cold. I'm not faulting the server entirely - she was running around, bussing tables and bringing food - though the cold entree was probably on the food delivery side. I think they've been open about a month now but obviously still some major kinks to work out. We might give this one more try, but then again - with Cantina Feliz close - we might not. No WiFi and cell service is pretty poor along the avenue - didn't help with the long waits. --- UPDATE - I thought they'd been open for a month - turns out they only opened 5 or 6 days prior to our visit - updated review to 2 stars and will try again and update accordingly.
(2)S K.
Pleasantly surprised, a restaurant that has lasting potential in location that nothing seems to make it. The patio is great! cute decor & beautiful flowers make the ambiance. Is it the best Mexican in this city? ....No but it is far from the worst. Definitely better than distrito (which is very overrated & I believe one of the owners came from) Some of our dishes & drinks shared were really good. The eggplant tacos were unique & a tasty fav. We will definitely be back. Some helpful tips: The service could improve as it was a tad disorganized. Our special 'ritas were yummy but the Sangria was horrible! Looked pretty but a bad glass of bitter undrinkable wine topped with a sprinkle of fruit nothing was marinating to give this a refreshing fruity flavor. We were thrilled it was nice out as the indoor seating is cool but stark could use some fun bright colored Mexican art (especially needing cheerful come the winter months) also the evening we went it smelled horrible of bleach.
(4)Leslie T.
My husband and I visited El Poquito for the first time this afternoon. Several of our friends had highly recommended it. We started with the guacamole and chips they were absolutely delicious. The chips were great by themselves and the guacamole was outstanding. I ordered the brussel sprouts tacos and they were absolutely amazing. My only critique was that they were small and I wanted more lol. The service was good and our water was quickly refilled as we drank it. My husband ordered the carnitas tacos they are a favorite of his at another local Mexican restaurant, he definitely liked them but found the meat a little tough and not something he would order again, though he did say they had good flavor. We each had a drink they were ok but definitely not worth the $10 each that they were. I will definitely be returning soon, I won't be able to go too long without more brussel sprouts tacos! Yum!
(4)Vasili B.
What a pleasant surprise as newbies to the burbs. We were looking for a taco truck and this place is a gem!
(5)Taunto G.
After Chestnut 7 closed its doors in October 2013, this prime bar/dining & garden spot on Germantown Avenue began a slide into decay. Nearly a year later, new ownership stepped in and began renovations. By December 2014, El Poquito emerged to challenge the nearby established casual dining options - Campbell's Place, King's Garden, Iron Hill Brewery etc. Me and my wife kept putting off our trip, and finally made it on a weekday in June. To get a feel for the servings and land some leftovers for the following day, we ordered a few sides/appetizers (meatless Nachos, Platanos, El Charro Fries) and two taco platters (Pollo & Chorizo). The nacho appetizer was excellent, very flavorful and quite large with plenty to spare. Same for the fries, and while the fried plantains where fewer in quantity, they satisfied in taste and texture. The Chorizo tacos were great, while the Pollo variety did not quite hang together; the chicken had not simmered long enough and tasted like canned chunk chicken with hot sauce. That lone flaw is not significant in the scheme of things, and we're looking forward to a return visit and new choices.
(5)Stephen A.
We dined last night with a 6:00 PM reservation on Open Table. We were seated quickly and ordered drinks and one appetizer. Service was good but we then waited 45 minutes for three taco orders. Really? The restaurant was only two thirds full. The waitress apologized for the long wait but gave no explanation. Food was O.K. but nothing special. Noise level was high even though they were not full. I would not recommend this restaurant as there are many better in the area.
(2)Chiara T.
IF YOU HAVE CELIAC DO NOT EAT HERE!!!! Tried this place out a few times with mixed results. Sometime cold, greasy food, other times really great tacos. I got different information each time what was safe and not safe to eat. The last time I went they gave me flour tacos not corn, I sent them back, they insisted they were corn. It took a manager to come to my table and a second visit back to the kitchen to confirm the problem. Though they were very apologetic, I will not be back. Drinks are good though!
(1)Nichole B.
Cool interior and great vibe. I had high hopes for the spot from the moment I waked in the door. Unfortunately, service was slow . I was served cold soup . I had to flag down the waiter several times to get help. Food is average but good . I wish them luck!
(2)Kit D.
I had high hopes, especially as someone who lived in the California Bay Area for 7 years, but similar to others we left disappointed. In short - 5 star atmosphere, 1 star service, 2 star food. We made a 6:30 pm reservation on the evening of Memorial Day and we're seated immediately at a nice table outside. We were excited. Ordered shrimp ceviche, carnitas tacos, veracruz tacos for the adults and a chicken taco for our toddler. Even though we put in the order right after we got there and got the ceviche appetizer about 15 minutes later, it took an additional 45 minutes to get our entrees (7:45 PM)! The place was half full and and 2 guys sat next to us 15 minutes after we go there and had a 2 course meal and were paying their check as we were getting our entrees. Needless to say, making a toddler wait an hour for food is criminal - there's only so far crayons can get you. Our waitress barely apologized, it almost seemed as if she was avoiding us. Luckily, the manager noticed, and took our drinks and kids meal off the check and profusely apologized. It would have been all good if the food was amazing, but it wasn't. - carnitas tacos - good - but hard to mess up anywhere - veracruz tacos - terrible. would never use cod for fish tacos. Oily, bland, fishy tasting. Got to use mahi mahi or wahoo. Would have been much better if they defrosted the Trader Joe's fish veracruz and put that on some corn tortillas. And by the way, these were severed on flour tortillas which is only ok if you're going to taco bell. - salsa verde - way too much lime - ceviche - tasted kind of syrupy, and not served with chips so there's nothing to cut that taste Because of the atmosphere and location and the manager coming over and apologizing we'll consider giving it another shot, but for now it just left a sour taste in our mouths and cranky toddler to deal with who got home past her bedtime.
(2)Marci O.
I love this place. The tacos are delicious. I have had the chorizo tacos and the chicken tacos so far. Loved both. They have a "Taco Tuesday" during happy hour on...Tuesdays... where some varieties of tacos are $4 for 3 tacos. We also split nachos, which were $10 (regular-priced). You get this heaping pile of fresh, delicious, spicy, steaming hot nachos complete with cheese, beans, jalapenos, sour cream. My boyfriend and I love spicy food, so if you don't, you might want to let your server know beforehand. I have also had "la casa" which includes a can of Tecate (beer) and a shot of tequila with a ridiculously delicious sangrita (non-alocholic accompaniment for tequila blanco) for $6 during happy hour. My boyfriend had a Dos Equis on draft for $3. I thought the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is great. The outside seating is just what I love during the summer. During non-happy hour times it can be bit pricey, but, it's Chestnut Hill and you kind of expect that. And in comparison to some other places that charge just as much, this place has really good quality food and atmosphere. Also, all the prices are clearly stated on the menu, so I'm not sure why anyone was surprised about their bill... Anyway, I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Sam H.
We have eaten in and done take out a couple of times and El Poquito does not disappoint. There are options for eaters of all kinds, however, the refried beans are made with lard, so vegetarians, you've been warned. I've had the fish and carnitas tacos, both were really good and come 3 to an order, which is a decent sized portion. My wife has had the roasted mushroom tacos al carbon with the refried beans substituted with black beans (see above) and its more than enough to share. My little guy has enjoyed the chicken quesadilla from the kids menu. We've tried starters and side of different kinds and all are good. Its a short menu but it seems like they have what they need to have on there. I haven't had any cocktails...dadlife, but they seem legit and they offer a full bar where one could imbibe. The decor is cool and laid back and the outdoor seating is nice for warmer weather. This is on our shortlist of "lets not cook" places to go to.
(4)David T.
Really tasty. Great service. Had the enchiladas. Delicious. Not from around chestnut hill but would definitely make a trip back this way to come here.
(5)Duncan P.
El Poquito is just what Chestnut Hill needed, a great lively Mexican restaurant! Their margaritas are authentic maybe the best in Philadelphia. There's options too, the bar scene is great or you can get a private table, high-top or sit outside on a nice day. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)Stephanie G.
Went here midweek with a girlfriends for cocktails, thinking it was still CH7. So pleasantly surprised to find a sophisticated, trendy tequila bar in chestnut hill. Yes! The drink menu was clear- this IS a tequila oasis. Our server, Michael, was like the grande somolier for tequila. He knew everything and was an enthusiastic and patient coach to us. Talked about the regions and variants of tequilas. I wound up ordering on of the flights which is served with an amazing palate stimulant (forget the name). If you go, find Michael and tell him "the Stephanie's" sent you and ask him about the flights. Also, had the TO DIE FOR tortilla soup. Flavors exploded out of that bowl. I like highly seasoned, savory food. Yummmmm! I can't wait to go back and bring more friends. Also can't wait to sit al fresco on the fire pit patio which is now adorned with colorful strung lights. Fiesta!
(5)tracey l.
My husband and I were very excited that a legit Mexican restaurant was opening near us and we weren't disappointed. Unlike some reviewers I found the portions to be perfect. I could barely finish my third Baja (fried fish) taco. Everything tasted extremely fresh and was cooked just right. The guacamole was super- I like it simple, chunky and flavorful. The Sangria was delicious and the cheese quesadillas from the kid's menu was a big hit for our 4 year old. The service was DYNAMITE. Both times we have visited we were totally impressed with the speediness and attention to detail by the servers. When I came back from the powder room my napkin was folded! FANCY.
(4)Jpo2 O.
I live near this restaurant and was very excited to have a new place to try --and, hopefully frequent. But, I was left feeling a bit disappointed after having visited it. The food is ok. Nothing special. Prices are high, portions are small. It seems the menu has no real focus or anything really interesting going for it. You wouldn't know you were in a Mexican restaurant by sitting in this place. I understand minimalistic and understated decors, but c'mon folks--how about a little decoration of some sort! Very boring space, reminds me of the last two businesses that were here and failed. The current owners spent so long and what seems like a lot of money redoing this place to have it look 90% the same as it did before. Yes, the ceiling of repurposed Amish beams is nice, but it looks like Restoration Hardware, not a Mexican restaurant. The story of El Poquito is very interesting, but I had to read about it online and through my own research! How about including some fun facts on the menu about it, and perhaps some interesting tidbits of info on the food and its ingredients, history, origin in Mexican cuisine, the restaurant's and the chef's personal twist on its preparation, etc? It's just your usual Mexican fare here: tacos, fajitas, tortilla soup--, without any real twist or changes--for high prices. I can get better and cheaper Mexican in almost any restaurant in the area. You need to try something new, folks! It may be the location and the building, too. It seems to have bad feng shui, no business lasts long here, and I, unfortunately, predict the same fate for this new business. Oh, and the margaritas are tiny and cost $9. They were good, but in two gulps mine was gone. And, I am always a little leery of Mexican restaurants that don't plunk down a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa as soon as I sit down (this is done in 99% of Mexican restaurants in Mexico). With the price of those margaritas, you could afford a few tortilla chips to munch on while scanning this very limited and unimaginative menu. Sorry. I really wanted this place to be good. I really did. I don't think I will be returning.
(2)Stacey W.
We ate last night at El Poquito. Although we really wanted to like it, we won't be back. PROS: Great service, cool decor. The service was excellent and quite timely. We were in the side room, and the noise level was fine, not too loud. CONS: Our main problem was the price charged for the quantity of food served. Our $11 nachos were a pretty small portion. For $14, my husband got two very small enchiladas, nothing on the side at all. My chicken tacos were luke warm, and were only so-so. I am all for small portions, but please charge accordingly! And at these high prices for quantity served, please provide free chips and salsa!!
(2)Scott H.
Decided to give El Poquito another chance (mainly because I live just a few blocks away), and sorry to say I had an even worse experience. They still charge for chips and salsa despite my earlier review and so many others saying the same thing. Drinks are tiny and quaffed too quickly. Tried the tortilla soup and it was too thick with tomato sauce and just not good. Had the enchiladas con carne last time and they were good but too spicy (and I like spicy) so tried the enchiladas verdes and they were also too spicy--couldn't eat it (like the salsas--all are too spicy. Many simply won't enjoy eating here for this reason, because mild needs to be the norm then get spicier from there as an option. Even the guac is spicy). The only thing that was edible were the carnitas tacos but they were only okay. Service was also not great--our server was being shadowed by a new recruit and not personable. I really wanted to like this place because it's close, nicely decorated, and has outdoor seating, but I won't be going back.
(1)Kelly S.
I went to El Poquito on opening night, Friday December 5th for drinks and guacamole and then again for dinner on Wednesday December 10th. On opening night, we sat at the bar and enjoyed their strong and tasty margaritas. They even have Mezcal which I was very happy about. The guac was fresh and flavorful. The bartenders were extremely friendly, inviting and warm. Dinner later in the week: The kitchen and servers are still working out some kinks as the other reviewers have noted, but the quality of the food is great. The flavor and creativity of the food is showing through. The staff is extremely friendly and they are working hard. We tried the Baja fish tacos and the Veracruz Fish tacos as well as the Carne Asada tacos. All were very good. Perfect portion size. We also got the rice and beans and brussel sprouts as sides and both were very tasty. ONE RECOMMENDATION: Each Salsa is $4. Offer 3 for $10 so we can try them all! I'm so happy to have this restaurant open up in the old Chestnut 7 space (hated that place!!!) An inventive, high end mexican restaurant is exactly what CHill needed. Can't wait to use their outdoor space this summer. Keep up the good work El Poquito!
(4)Karl M.
So I am back to five. The guacamole and chicken enchiladas are just too good... The crispy Baja tacos are some of the best around...
(5)Aria M.
My husband went here after my parents recommended it. We liked the atmosphere right off the bat, it is modern and has nice low lighting. We sat down at the bar to wait for a table to open up, I noticed they had a margarita special. I ordered the $6 margarita and the bartender said,"Would you like a blood orange one instead?" I figured that the orange margarita was on special too, after all, I ordered "the special" he did not tell me that the flavored were $2 more. I felt that was a weird "upsell". about 10 minutes later a man walked in and sat down and the same bartender explained the special, and said "for $2 more you can get a flavored one!" I was annoyed I didn't get the same explanation. Once seated, a very chipper waiter came over and said as he rushed on by, "I am just gonna bring out some guacamole and chips for the table ok?" we said, "oh, ok, sure!" I was surprised at the offer of seemingly free guacamole, so I opened the menu....$9 for some guac and chips. Again, an "upsell" leaving me with a very unpleasant feeling. I stopped the waiter and asked to change the guac to just chips and green salsa ($4 for each salsa, and it is about 2 tablespoons of the stuff). The food itself was very good, fish tacos for me and braised beef enchiladas for my husband. The portions quite small, and nothing else on the plate but the entree, it just wasn't enough to feel like it was all worth it. I like nice restaurants, I do not mind paying for good food in the least, but I didn't feel happy with the experience. I would say I will not be back, and although I thought the food was good, I would warn future visitors to be careful of the upsells.
(3)j w.
Good food but still lousy service. They do not have enough bartenders or wait staff.
(2)Krissy B.
Food was great, drinks were great, service was great. Loved the atmosphere. Upscale Mexican food at reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Melissa D.
Just went for a few drinks and an appetizer with my husband this evening. Overall, good experience. Nice decor, and I'm looking forward to the outside area being open. We ordered the paloma, the mezcal negroni, and a margarita. All very good, but the negroni is unnecessarily expensive. Ordered the tacos de carnitas, which we liked. The tortillas were tasty, and they were topped with pickled onions. The meat wasn't so crispy (as it says on the menu), but flavorful. Looking forward to future visit and further review updates.
(4)M S.
Nice space but very average food and drinks. The margaritas are weak, have way too much ice and are $9. The tuna ceviche was good and the guacamole was decent but the carne tacos were very bland and the carnitas were better but still not great - they were missing something. Everything was fresh and cooked well (not overcooked or tough) but still just meh. It also irks me when Mexican restaurants don't just give you chips and salsa. And where is the hot sauce? Bill for 2 w/o tip was $86 (three drinks, two aps and two taco dishes). Way too much for what it was. Service was okay. Had to ask twice for something and had to ask for appetizer plates. Hopefully it improves as I was hoping it would be decent as I love Mexican food.
(2)Shannon H.
Delicious food, nice decor, great service. Plantains were crispy and delicious. The enchiladas de costillas (short rib) were delicious as well. Great depth of flavor to everything. Very nice place.
(4)NBVRLH H.
So glad to finally have excellent Mexican in Chestnut Hill. We went during the soft opening phase. I am vegan, and my husband is not. We both had a lot to choose from on the menu. The pico de gallo and guacomole are both made fresh. I had tofu tacos, which were amazing. My husband had fish tacos and thought they were perfectly spiced. I ordered a salad as well, and the combination of all of these was way too much food. Their margaritas are lovely. (I tried the sangria and was not a fan). All in all, an excellent start.
(5)Sarah M.
My beau and I stopped in here on a late Sunday afternoon,after walking right past it earlier without realizing that it was a restaurant due to the almost unreadable sign hanging out front. Small,overpriced portions served in an annoyingly small cast iron dish instead of a plate that leaves you no where to rest your knife and fork. We each ordered quesadillas (verde and chicken $10 and $14). Each dish was 2 meager quesadillas w/o any rice,beans or even a bit of green salad. Most Mexican places throw this stuff in for free because it's cheap for them and diners like getting it. I also agree with the reviewer who mentioned no chips & salsa offered when you sit down...it just seems cheap of them. If they are trying to be upscale Mexican, that's a nut that will be hard to crack,as most of us expect to pay a moderate amount of $ for plenty of food,when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Hopefully, they'll rethink the portion sizes and get some real plates.....
(2)Ana S.
Went to El Poquito with my husband today for brunch. The food was delicious! I had the best butternut squash soup ever and also some tacos de huevos. Perfect portions for a Shnday brunch. My husband got tacos de pollo and a perfect Margarita to go with it! The staff was very polite and the decor great. We will definitely return to try other dishes and drinks!
(5)Ed J.
The decor is lovely and the servers very friendly, but the food takes FOREVER to come out, including NACHOs. Our order of nachos was put in before we ordered anything else and did not come out before our appetizers. The tortilla soup was not that flavorful and the taco meals are incredibly small. I love local, authentic Mexican food. Honestly, though, Uncle Julio's in the Plymouth Meeting Mall has better guacamole and much faster service.
(2)selena r.
Loved the food which was flavorful and delicious. The decor is not my style but it didn't take away from my dining experience. But I am taking away one star because they offer nothing in the way of happy hour.
(4)Devon W.
The food is good. I really like the new ambience and decor. They have large booths so it is easy to have a group of 6 or maybe 8 sitting there. The drink menu is large and the food is authentic. The decor is honestly great, if ambience is important El Poquito struck a home run.
(4)Lori J.
Tried El Poquito soon after it opened and was not impressed. Just went back today and had a phenomenal bahn mi taco. Will definitely return!
(5)Kathryn S.
As if chestnut hill isn't cute enough.. This place is soooo cute. Looks like it was just rehabbed. The guacamole was awesome, also tried the Brussel sprouts and carnitas tacos, delicious. Churros for dessert came with a chocolate sauce that I nearly licked clean
(4)Rebecca L.
Had dinner here for the first time about a month ago. The interior was completely redone from how it looked before as Chestnut 7. The decor is nice but it was very dark and I thought they are trying too hard to create ambiance. The chairs are metal and uncomfortable. It is also really loud inside. Probably because they put a lot of tables real close together, and a lot of people's conversations bouncing off the hard wood interior. Now, on to the drinks/food. I ordered a margarita up with salt. The drink was good but didn't fill the whole glass. If it was in a smaller glass, it wouldn't bother me as much but it looked like I got ripped off. We had to wait a while for our drinks and for water refills. Which is weird considering there were 4-5 different people waiting on our table. Still not sure which one of them was our waitress. Anyway, my husband and I ordered the mushroom tacos because we are vegetarian it was one of two options. The mushrooms came out atop a bed of roasted scallions. I don't know if that was part of the presentation or part of the meal. Also, there weren't any fixings for the tacos. It was tortillas and some cream sauces that we had requested not to bring because we don't eat dairy. The mushrooms were very salty. Really salty. Then I found a fishbone in my mushrooms. It was awful. The owner came out and apologized and tried to tell me it was hay from the mushroom shipment. I eat plants day in and day out, I can guess what happens to hay when you saute it in oil and mushrooms. He took my meal off the bill thank goodness because it was pricey for what was served. Our friends got tacos and their portions were so small. Not worth the $20 or so price tag. They could've been appetizers. All I know is that I wanted to like this place because it has a great location and decent vibe, but the food is terrible and the prices too high. Maybe it'll change in the summer when the deck opens or maybe when get a new chef and new menu.
(1)Rebert M.
Not very good. Really, even the easy stuff (guacamole, pico de gallo) was not good. I make better at home. I am a bit forgiving of new places, as there are sometimes growing pains or else it would be one star. I may try them again for lunch as I'd like them to succeed. I think they need to simplify. Just make good, simple, Mexican food. It's not that hard.
(2)Zora C.
This food makes you do an inner happy dance. I had the taco de carne asada and a Mexican coke, perfect partners. The waiters are funny and friendly and they aren't over-bearing. There are good crowds and company to be had. Great place to bring family and friends or even go alone. If I had any complaints, it would be that the food was a little cold but otherwise good company even better food. I live in the neighborhood and think this is a great addition.
(4)Richard R.
I have eaten dinner here 5 or 6 times since the restaurant opened a year ago. At first I was not happy with the place due to the pricing and the menu choices, but now, I am really enthusiastic about this place. This Mexican restaurant is sophisticated and top-notch. The cooking is exceptional. The flavors are amazing! Service is very good. The interior of the building is quite nice, but it is the wonderful outdoor seating area that I like the best. It's a great place to eat in warm weather because the patio seating is comfy and well laid-out. Most of all, it is the exquisite flavors of the food that excites me about the restaurant. Whether it is the 4 choices of salsa, or the corn on the cob side dish (drizzled with sauce and spices), or the chicken enchiladas in a fantastic thin red sauce, or the magnificent and crispy char-grilled asparagus spears, or the super yummy donut-like churros for dessert, I think the food is delicious and the menu is creatively-designed. For me, not knowing Spanish, the menu was difficult to comprehend at first. They don't call things by their normal names. The don't call a chicken enchilada a chicken enchilada, and they don't call corn on the cob corn on the cob. Additionally, the pricing is unusual in my experience because every little thing costs extra. Nothing is included with any platter. Each small cup of salsa costs $4. You can order enchiladas for $15 or so, I forget the exact amount, but when you add things like chips, salsa, guacamole, rice and beans and corn on the cob, your meal ends up being surprisingly expensive. When my wife and I eat here, and have cocktails, we expect to spend $100 total. If we get out of there with a $60 tab, we feel lucky and it means that we just had a light meal and a drink. But the bottom line is that the food tastes wonderful. Having a meal here, especially while sitting out on that patio, is a special and memorable experience. Highly recommended. My compliments to the chef.
(5)Rohini B.
Excellent food , good ambience and service ! Overall more than satisfied . Will definitely visit again and recommend it to more people .
(5)Scott M.
Ate here on Saturday night. It was the second night open. Food was delicious and flavorful. We ordered the guacamole appetizer which was fresh. Loved the sangria! Will surly return soon!
(5)Annie S.
First impression is a beautiful, cool, funky space. My two friends and I were here for a Saturday night dinner and the place was full and candlelit. Everything was perfect until the waiter came to our table. Everything went downhill from there. First of all, the earnest, friendly waiter (who kept calling me "my dear" even though I am old enough to be his Mom), was clueless about Mexican food. Odd, huh? Couldn't pronounce the Spanish names correctly. We got drinks and about five small plates. The guacamole was tasteless and the salsa (which cost $6!) was not special and not made from fresh or tasty tomatoes. There was a small dish of smoked onion dip that was overly salty but tasty, yet there wasn't enough salt in the guacamole or salsa, so we mixed them up. My friend's margarita was good...at least the bartender was on the ball. We got three different taco meals (3 small tacos to each meal) and a ceviche, along with the three dips and chips. The fish tacos were so unspectacular they wouldn't' rival a self-respecting Philly food truck. We ordered the most expensive crevice, with yellow fin (I think it was $13). When I say it was small, I think we each had one bite each. No kidding. People at the next table asked to be moved because the funky red metal chairs were so uncomfortable. The place is trying hard to be so cool, but it better get its food act together quickly or it will be out of business in six months. The only way I'd go back would be for drinks. My share of the bill, $50, which included two Brooklyn lager drafts, left me hungry and unsatisfied.
(2)Hilary W.
I had lunch here with my boyfriend a few weeks ago, and it was great. The server was super friendly, and we didn't really have to wait long for anything once we were seated. The margaritas are super strong, although a bit pricey for the size (kind of small). I had the chicken burrito, which was delicious, and he had the fish tacos, which were also very tasty. My only complaint is pretty much what everyone else has been saying...chips and salsa should be automatically given to you when you sit down and order. I'll definitely be going back to try some of the other stuff on the menu. It all sounded good.
(4)Jackie W.
The fish tacos and tuna cerviche were amazing!!!! Our server was lovely and really helpful and the interior design was the nicest incarnation of that space I've seen. The only drawback- and it's an important one- the drinks were really pricey and really terrible. My husband and I ordered two different margaritas/cocktails and they were both really bad- and really expensive for their tiny size and disappointing flavor. I'd go back for the food and order beer/wine next time.
(3)Joseph T.
Food very tasty. Good service. I give an xtra star for having Dos Equis Amber on tap. The negatives: 1st Mexican place I've been too that does not give chips and salsa as a complimentary appetizer. Small portions: prices aren't too too bad, but when I eat Mexican, I usually wobble out when done.
(4)Lee B.
Despite being served mediocre food here twice before, we tried again with a guest from out of town who enjoys Mexican and is not much of a foodie. Big mistake. As before, service was glacial and this time amounted to a form of self-sabotaging rudeness. Imagine leaving a large crowd of people in your lobby area for at least 15 minutes without even making an appearance to greet them, ask if they have a reservation, take down names or advise them as to what kind of wait was in front of them. Imagine multiple groups of your customers having seen that there were many open tables outside, and then, while you have all already been standing by the reception desk for at least 15 minutes without anyone's even approaching you, having the receptionist actually stand inches in front of your face and take a phone reservation for 10 minutes from now for one of those same empty outside tables!!!! I say 15 minutes, but it would almost certainly have been longer. At that point, we left. Two other parties in the lobby did the same. This place is shooting itself in the foot. Luckily we were spared a third round with the mediocre fare. We will not be back.
(1)Yenssy G.
Great potential, I'll definitely go again when they've ironed out the kinks. In all fairness it was their first night, open to the public. My husband and I walked in with no reservation but was seated promptly at the bar. The ambience was very communal, big benches/booths seating 6-8 alongside the bar and smaller tables scattered about. The lighting was great but I searched for any hint of Mexican flare and found none. Maybe they haven't fully decorated although I did like that it was minimal versus overly done stereotypical decor. We were attended by a young woman named Anna at the bar w cute tortoise shelled rimmed glasses. I point her out because she was fantastic. Kept her cool even when the kitchen made some initial mixups, was very descriptive in her fave dishes and drinks and overall very accommodating. To start the guacamole was very good (chunky, flavorful not too salty), we ordered the carne asada tacos and the chicken enchilada. We waited almost an hour for our meal and then they only brought out tacos but no enchilada. Unfortunately we couldn't wait any longer and asked Anna to cancel our order but to her and our surprise after the initial mixup the kitchen never fulfilled the enchilada order anyway so no harm no foul. My husband and I ended up sharing the tacos which were delicious and I wish we could have tried the enchilada. Not long before I was telling my husband that the manager should have come over did Anna say that owner, George was on his way and they would comp our meal. The first is a sign of great service while the latter was an over and beyond awesome gesture. We of course left a generous tip and will be back. I highly recommend, the flavors were great. Our red sangria was good and the margarita was strong! But the attentiveness and service by the staff was excellent and while we never did get to speak to George, I'm just happy they acknowledged the mishap and took care of two patrons who write entirely too long reviews! Good luck!
(4)Stephanie C.
Just went to El Poquito, we enjoyed the atmosphere, decor and food! We had the Korean & Carnitas tacos with an order of the guacamole. Everything was very tasty! The Margarita was just ok and for $9, it should be amazing! My only other concern is why, the guacamole has to be $10 for a small bowl! Other than that it was a nice dinner!
(4)Marc D.
I really like the ambiance and the food. appetizers are great, food is authentic. services was good and when I left my credit card they still had it the next day. Looking forward to see how their outside service will fare in the spring i withheld a start for their nickel/diming approach, chips/salsa and many other things are additional $ where as in similar restaurants they are included
(4)L I.
Food is solid and margaritas are delicious. None food-related note: They bill themselves as a family-friendly restaurant, but there isn't a changing table in the men's room. My husband had to stand up toddler on floor to change him. Awkward. Welcome to 2015 El Poquito, men change diapers too. Please install one asap in the men's room. Thanks.
(3)Carol A.
Pleasant outdoor seating. Tasty food, well presented. Gracious server. Delicious decadent desserts. Good for families.
(4)Katerra D.
For Cinco De Mayo it was looking real bleak as the manager was looking to not honor the advertisement. Instead, George sent complimentary item that I was really looking forward to and it certainly made the advertisement that much more bearable. The service wasn't as attentive as I would like, but the atmosphere is lovely and the food was pretty delightful.
(4)Taunto G.
After Chestnut 7 closed its doors in October 2013, this prime bar/dining & garden spot on Germantown Avenue began a slide into decay. Nearly a year later, new ownership stepped in and began renovations. By December 2014, El Poquito emerged to challenge the nearby established casual dining options - Campbell's Place, King's Garden, Iron Hill Brewery etc. Me and my wife kept putting off our trip, and finally made it on a weekday in June. To get a feel for the servings and land some leftovers for the following day, we ordered a few sides/appetizers (meatless Nachos, Platanos, El Charro Fries) and two taco platters (Pollo & Chorizo). The nacho appetizer was excellent, very flavorful and quite large with plenty to spare. Same for the fries, and while the fried plantains where fewer in quantity, they satisfied in taste and texture. The Chorizo tacos were great, while the Pollo variety did not quite hang together; the chicken had not simmered long enough and tasted like canned chunk chicken with hot sauce. That lone flaw is not significant in the scheme of things, and we're looking forward to a return visit and new choices.
(5)Stephen A.
We dined last night with a 6:00 PM reservation on Open Table. We were seated quickly and ordered drinks and one appetizer. Service was good but we then waited 45 minutes for three taco orders. Really? The restaurant was only two thirds full. The waitress apologized for the long wait but gave no explanation. Food was O.K. but nothing special. Noise level was high even though they were not full. I would not recommend this restaurant as there are many better in the area.
(2)Stephanie C.
Just went to El Poquito, we enjoyed the atmosphere, decor and food! We had the Korean & Carnitas tacos with an order of the guacamole. Everything was very tasty! The Margarita was just ok and for $9, it should be amazing! My only other concern is why, the guacamole has to be $10 for a small bowl! Other than that it was a nice dinner!
(4)Marc D.
I really like the ambiance and the food. appetizers are great, food is authentic. services was good and when I left my credit card they still had it the next day. Looking forward to see how their outside service will fare in the spring i withheld a start for their nickel/diming approach, chips/salsa and many other things are additional $ where as in similar restaurants they are included
(4)L I.
Food is solid and margaritas are delicious. None food-related note: They bill themselves as a family-friendly restaurant, but there isn't a changing table in the men's room. My husband had to stand up toddler on floor to change him. Awkward. Welcome to 2015 El Poquito, men change diapers too. Please install one asap in the men's room. Thanks.
(3)Jodi W.
Great looking Mexican concept in a great location. Can't wait to come back in the warm weather and sit outside! Loved the newly renovated interiors and attractive bar area. The chips were served warm and salted (yum) and the guacamole was chunky and delicious. Loved the flavor of the carne asada tacos and the sweet plantains. Vera cruz fish tacos were good as well. Loved the pineapple soda too! Server was attentive and interested, though it seems there are a few kinks to work out as they train new servers.
(4)Katerra D.
For Cinco De Mayo it was looking real bleak as the manager was looking to not honor the advertisement. Instead, George sent complimentary item that I was really looking forward to and it certainly made the advertisement that much more bearable. The service wasn't as attentive as I would like, but the atmosphere is lovely and the food was pretty delightful.
(4)Carol A.
Pleasant outdoor seating. Tasty food, well presented. Gracious server. Delicious decadent desserts. Good for families.
(4)Marla H.
I really loved this place... such a great addition to Chestnut Hill, and the service was excellent. My friend's tortilla soup was delicious, but very spicy, so be forewarned. I had the chopped salad (ample portion for a starter) and the Veracruz tacos (substituting the green olive aioli for the spicy lime aioli). So good. The churros for dessert were really tasty, but very greasy. While the prices are reasonable, I did expect a basket of tortillas with salsa for the table, but there wasn't one. You can order a variety of "table sharing" items. We ate outside in the courtyard, but the decor/atmosphere inside is equally as lovely... quite an improvement from the short-lived Chestnut 7.
(4)Howard C.
This is the best place that has ever been at this location. Excellent food and very good brunch. One issue: if you're going to serve a great brunch, why the hell can't you also offer ACTUAL TOAST with your eggs & bacon as opposed to tiny, damp tortillas as a lame replacement? Been there twice and have been told at brunch on a Sunday that "We don't have toast." ... only tortillas. Seriously, it might seem like a small issue, but it is irritating - as if they're doing it out of a noble, purist attempt at being a fully Mexican restaurant because it's "authentic"? Well, it's stupid & absurd and it makes brunch a tad less than exciting munching away on small rubbery tortillas. I've been to Mexico 3 times and the most amazing bread (often toasted!) is served everywhere.
(3)Molly S.
Good service. Great atmosphere for outside seating. Chips are good. Salsa's are extra. We got the salsa Roja..eh. It's more like a puréed sauce than a salsa, but the flavor is ok. I probably wouldn't have judged it at all if I didn't have to pay extra for it. For an app we had the "Queso Fundido with chorizo". It's not like the usual Queso Fundido I have had before, it's very hearty---filled with onions and peppers. It was great! I had "carne Asada Taco's", needed a sauce, but very good. I added some of their Mole sauce to them. My husband had the "Short rib enchiladas with Mole sauce" they were excellent!!!! He loved them and he is so picky about Mexican food. I thought the portions were perfect and the prices were accurate! I didn't think they were pricey at all. My only suggestion is to offer salsa at no extra charge with the chips, especially when people are definitely ordering drinks, apps and entrees. Also, maybe offer a hard shell taco as an option with all of your tacos. We will definitely be returning on a regular basis.
(5)Brenna M.
This was my third time at el poquito. I have found the tacos and guac to be overpriced. This time I went for their special of scallops and zucchini fritters. It was awesome. Love their spicy margs too. We were insanely bummed at the service. When asked if we wanted another drink we said no but our glassware wasn't cleared. Then we felt pushed out the door - we signed our checks and the waitress came running for them. She even took the pen out of my boyfriend's hand! Maybe they have had problems with people lingering in the outdoor section or something? Definitely won't come here again even though it has a great ambiance and good (albeit overpriced) food.
(3)Shannon W. W.
Love the fish tacos, wonderful guacamole, excellent outdoor seating with great ambience.
(4)Deann M.
Decent Mexican food in a spacious, casual but sophisticated atmosphere. Service was fast, polite, and efficient. Prices were a little high. We ordered the guacamole and chips, fried plantains, carnitas tacos, and Baja fish tacos. Guacamole had a bit too much lime for my tastes, overpowering the creamy avocado flavor, but was still tasty. I also didn't care for the one tortilla per taco, they are small and pretty thin tortillas and could get messy. Fish tacos had a cornmeal breading, which made the fish dense but the spices were on point and the flavor was there. Carnitas had nice crispy edges and the pickled red onion gave a nice counterpoint. I still prefer Buena Onda for seafood tacos, but I'd try this place again for some of the more creative flavors offered - Korean BBQ short rib and Banh Mi pork flavors sounded interesting. Plantains were my favorite. Caramelized crispy edges of sweet plantains, sprinkled with slightly salty queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese. Just a dab of Mexican crema to make it creamy. Nice beer selection - Dogfish Head Festina Peche was the seasonal on tap, they also had Dale's Pale Ale. Bell's Two Hearted and SixPoint Sweet Action were also on the draft list. I regret not trying the Watermelon Basil margarita that was on special. Also many tequilas, including flights, mescal, and other cocktails available. We'll be back.
(4)Cat N.
I really wanted to love El Poquito, but it fell short on a recent brunch visit. The atmosphere is great, very clean and airy. The lighting inside (and the ceiling) are really cool. And I can see how the patio will be a huge draw (a little too hot for our tastes, unfortunately). Service was fine, not much to say about it. The brunch menu is *extremely* limited, only 5 items! I know you can order off the lunch menu, too, but the choices were pretty limited for straight up brunch food. I had the Americano, which I felt kind of bad for ordering given it's a Mexican (or Tex-Mex) restaurant, but the "poblano-potato hash" and salsa verde made me think it would have some flair. Unfortunately, there wasn't a hint of salsa OR poblano on the plate! My poached eggs were almost overcooked, too. The saving grace was the bacon, which was YUMMY. The mimosa was just so-so and there was a lot of pulp at the bottom when it was finished. A friend had the burrito and seemed happy with it. She took half home (it's huge!). Another friend had the huevos rancheros, which looked good but not as fresh as some I've had. His eggs (fried) were also overcooked, solid yolks. All in all, I'd go back to sit on the patio and try some tacos, but will be skipping it as a brunch destination.
(3)B H.
Amazing guacamole!! The carnitas tacos are phenomenal and the fish was pretty good as well. Great beer selection, although not extensive, but something for everyone. Friend loved the margaritas. Really great outdoor patio or very nice interior seating. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)T N.
For those of you who remember Solaris, this place is its true heir. A neighborhood gem with a relaxed vibe. The decor is gorgeous, but the food is the star. Every dish has contrasting flavors and textures giving them richness and complexity. The addition of street tacos with plays on bahn mi, Korean BBQ and eggplant tempura brings variety that gives options for everyone. The chips and salsas are fantastic too--the habañero cashew is an incredible riff on a romesco. The list of tequilas and mezcals is impressive. If you're on the Hill, do yourself a favor and stop in for a bite or even just a drink. You won't regret it.
(5)Jeff H.
El Poquito is a new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill which previously had no Mexican restaurants. It is good that they don't have nearby competition because this cantina is most definitely on the average plateau. The positives are that it looks good and that it has a large outdoor eating area. The minuses are that I found the bar service not very pleasant (and usually it is very easy to please me as you can see from all my reviews.) The tacos were okay - nothing to write home about. I had both the ground beef and the chorizo varieties being specially served at the bar that day.. Hot sauce which you have to ask for helped a bit as the food here was very, very mild. In a city with several superior Mexican dining options, I doubt if I head back to El Poquito any time soon.
(3)Kyle T.
Absolutely loved this place. Was surprised by how big it was on the inside. They have awesome outdoor seating as well. Booths, tables, and a bar inside. The decor is vintagey and there is no shortage of exposed brick. The food is slightly pricey, and really, if it were cheaper this place would be 5 stars in my book. The server was great, gave us the entire run down since it was our first time at the restaurant. Me and my girlfriend both had great drinks. Alagash beer for me, frozen Rita/beer drink for my girlfriend. We got guacamole and chips and my girlfriend said it was damn good, but it better had been for $10! For my entree I got the Korean BBQ tacos and my girlfriend got tacos with strip steak and other goodies. Both of us enjoyed our food. Mine was spicy, which I was expecting sweet because it was Korean BBQ, but with radishes, kimchi, and cilantro in it, it definitely was on the citrusy/spicy side. I still loved it. Juicy, drippy, and delicious! We've been wanting to eat here for a while, especially outside with the cool lights. We ended up opt g for inside seating close to the bar due to the heat outside and it was still great. So glad we finally stopped in. Overall, awesome service, great food, decent drink section, and the look of the place is really cool. I just wish it was slightly cheaper. We will definitely be coming back!
(4)Kayla A.
First time coming here. Have been to the previous establishment Chestnut Hill 7, we were sad to see it close, but this place has a very young feel to it. Seems like a great hang out place with friends. Have not tried the food yet but love the atmosphere. Giving 4 out of 5 stars because they only have one cider to drink, and it's canned. A big downer for me since I don't drink beer, and I am very selective about my cocktail drinks. Would love to see them add strongbow or Stella cidrè, two very popular and gluten free ciders. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.
(4)Kim A.
I love Mexican food and the food here was great, but there were so many things that made my experience kinda suck. The portions are SMALL and the prices are HIGH. I understand it's chestnut hill, but mexican food is cheap to make and there's no need to charge upwards of $20 for 2 fajitas. The drinks were expensive too! I spent $25 on two drinks at the bar. Also, our server was extremely pushy! When we ordered a guacamole for the table, he interjected and said "So two for each side then". We had to tell him no. Also, when he dropped the check he "reminded" us that gratuity wasn't included... UGH I spent about $45 on a salad and two drinks.
(2)Eric R.
Second time to this restaurant, first time everything was spot on, today still good, but some inconsistencies. My Carnitas Tacos were spot on, but the Grilled corn was not grilled but instead boiled or steamed, missing that nice tasty char that makes it special, easy enough to do with any kind of fire, like say, a gas burner. Not sure what happened, the description said grilled. Second, my girlfriends French Toast was described as having plantains on it, but instead had bananas, picky maybe, but a completely different flavor and texture. These little inconsistencies didn't ruin brunch, but I like to see what the menu describes actually end up on the plate, or have someone tell me about the substitution.
(3)Celia E.
Positives: Great atmosphere, especially the outside seating. Really great margaritas and guac! I would go back, but only for outdoor happy hour. They have started a taco Tuesday special which helps with my below complaints. Negatives: unfortunately this place falls short for me, the reality is you can get really tasty way cheaper Mexican food all over the place and El Poquito is just over priced for what the food actually is. They charge for chips and salsa. The drinks are very expensive for what you get. The tacos are mediocre at best and the menu seems fairly limited. They would do well to have better specials. Disclaimer: I am totally not opposed to paying extra $$$ for great food, this just isn't it.
(2)Shane J.
This is the new Mexican restaurant in Chestnut Hill. I had high hopes for El Poquito, but sadly I was disappointed. Down the road was Avenida..another Mexican restaurant.. but they have closed, not sure what happened? Now, back to my experience at El Poquito, this place has high hopes because of the spacing - different dining areas and outdoor seating. The menu is absent of empanada's - how did that happen? Ok, moving on...me and friends (some had been there previously) decided to select multiple items and give them a try. We had a selection of tacos, the fajitas and our drinks were margaritas. The food was Eh...nothing to really talk about - the fajita was bland and tasteless. The best taco choice was the Baja. We had to ask for sour cream and taco sauce for God's sake - it's Mexican - why wouldn't this be included on the plate. I know it's not Taco Bell, but seriously - you needed condiments to add flavor to these dishes. The service and server were less than desirable. We were a party of 5 and of course there were ongoing needs from different individuals - why did we have to constantly ask her to come to our table - it was like she avoided us. I don't understand that kind of service. The drinks were average. I have no reason to go back unless it changes management, menu or ownership. This is not my typical review - I am not a 1-star rater (you can see from my other reviews) but this experience was one of the worst I have had in years.
(1)Patrick R.
We only had margaritas and chips with salsa, but both were delicious. The decor inside and outside at El Poquito is really inviting. We sat outside and ordered margaritas with the blood orange juice and chips with the sweet onion salsa which was more of a creamy dip. Both were great and we were very satisfied. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Awesome selection of tequila and good variety of craft beer. We will surely be back and looking forward to trying more of the menu.
(5)Lilli C.
The interior is really beautiful with old reclaimed wood and the service is solid. The food, however is definitely not worth the drive to Chestnut Hill. The habanero cashew salsa was really good, but the verde tasted a little grassy. The salsas also came in really small dishes which made it hard for sharing. For a party of 6 we each got a dab of salsa and they were 4 bucks each. The tuna ceviche was fantastic, but I definitely wouldn't share that as it's on the smaller side as ceviches come. Both fish tacos were really tasty- both the grilled and the fried options. The fried fish was perfectly square and resembled a frozen fish patty, but was tasty nonetheless. The carnitas however, were disappointing as they were super dry. The michelada was fantastic and was one of the best that I've had. I probably wouldn't make the trek out for the food though- it was a bit overpriced and not the best I've had.
(3)Annie K.
Fun place to hang out and nice atmosphere. As far as food goes, we came here for happy hour (which was nothing special) and ordered the eggplant tacos, it was so bland and for the price, I could make better tacos at home. That's why I'm giving it a 3 star. Overpriced creative tacos that are tasteless.
(3)E D.
$72?? For 4 drinks (which we waited a half hour in total for), a few baby zucchini (another half hour) and 6 tacos (tiny portions and an hour wait; no mention by our server that corn tortillas were an option)? We actually went for a full 10 minutes with nothing to drink at all, not even water. Our server completely neglected us-walking by over and over again and not checking on us. Even when the food had obviously been taking forever (an hour for 6 tacos???), she didn't bother to update us. The portions were laughable-I think I know why it's called El Poquito. I should have known better when we first walked in and the hostess didn't even make eye contact with us for 2 minutes. We made the decision today to ONLY get Mexican at the authentic places in South Philly, period. Skip this unless you are super-patient and have a lot of time to waste. The only good thing about this experience was that the drinks WERE good. The Margarita and Paloma are excellent. But they aren't enough to being us back.
(2)Peter E.
First time here and we loved this restaurant and our waiter was so personable and efficient. Creative street tacos were deelish - fresh large guacamole portion and shrimp po boy taco was awesome. Cod taco also excellent. We'll be back!
(5)Mike D.
Like others, I really wanted to like El Poquito. Chestnut Hill certainly needs a dedicated taco spot. I came in with high expectations, but it fell a bit short. The atmosphere was great, with tasteful decor, and cozy seating. The tequila menu was impressive, with a wise variety of options, the two of which I had were delicious. The food was fair... tasty, but overpriced and underportioned. I ordered the fish tacos, and was left looking for my other taco after I was finished. The margarita I ordered was also tasty, but underportioned. The waitstaff was friendly, but less than attentive.
(3)Scott R.
Good food--especially the guacamole, and the pork tacos. The house margarita is terrific! Regretfully, the service is very slow and frustrating. We've been over four times and the service is getting progressively worse.
(2)Allison B.
It seems like the Yelp reviews on El Poquito are mixed, but I rather liked it. We started off with hiramasa ceviche and liked it very much. Everything tasted fresh and I enjoyed how it tasted light and bright to start the meal. I thought it was a little on the pricey side for the portion and I could have probably eaten a whole order, but my husband an d I split it that night. My husband had an order of the tacos de baja and I had the enchiladas de costillas (which the server seemed pleased about and endorsed my choice as a great one). Everything came out hot and presented in what I would call a rustic chic manner. I didn't try my husband's baja tacos, but the short rib in my enchiladas was tender and flavorful. I probably shouldn't have eaten the whole thing (it was a substantial though not a huge portion), but it was super tasty. We had also ordered some chips and pico, so given that and the ceviche, and my meal, I had a nice little waddle going by the time we finished our meal and walked back to the car. My husband was impressed with the tequila menu and I enjoyed my margaritas. I also have to say the service we received that night was excellent even though it was very busy. I saw that another reviewer noted that the place was really loud, but I didn't think it was excessively so. If I try to recall, I would say that it was a little noisy, but the volume of the place wasn't something that stuck out to me on the night of our experience (and it's something I've definitely been bothered by at other restaurants in the past). I'd like to go back to see of our positive experience there is consistent on a second visit!!
(4)Lu M.
Visited here on a Sunday night and sat outside. Cute place but the smell outside from neighboring trash or something was not pleasant at all.When walking to the restaurant I passed an alley or trash area between the building and the smell was horrible. Unfortunately once seated outside the smell was also noticed. Well the guacamole was very good and the portion was big. The margaritas also good but a smaller size than I thought it should be. Enchilada was hard on the outside which made it difficult to cut which meant opening it to eat the contents on the inside. Tacos were good but small. There were no condiments hot sauce or limes for garnishing.Service was good.My left overs were thrown in a box and looked like garbage when I opened it at home.Overall decent not great.I would try again but sit inside and order something else. Although the menu is very small!
(3)Kim P.
I really have to agree with the other reviews about the chips and salsa. It feels a bit chincy to not have that automatically brought to the table. El Poquito peeps, if you're reading this, you really should bring these to the table STAT! Diners will probably order more drinks as a result so you will not lose money. But I digress... The guac was spot on. Super delish. Creamy AND chunky. The veggie quinoa tacos were also quite tasters. And the side dishes were very plentiful. I got the plantains and one of my friends got the brussels sprouts. Another friend ordered nachos, which looked extremely tempting. Good thing they had beef on them or I would have pilfered a few. All in all, I definitely did not leave hungry. The server did take an excruciatingly long time to run our credit cards through....she was kind of just standing around at the bar while we were waiting, which was kind of annoying. Still, I'd go back here again as it is right down the street from me.
(4)Bob H.
An assault on the senses. That's all I could think of. From the insistence the dining rooms be devoid of any sound absorbing material to the metal chairs, El Poquito was just uncomfortable. First off the first thing that smacks you in the face is the noise. I've been in plenty loud rooms before but I should not be able to keep track of every single conversation in the room. This is physics 101 folks. Sound bounces. The food is served in clunky dishes that were more designed for ease of use in the kitchen than food presentation. Honestly, the food was presented in what reminded me of the metal trays used in penitentiaries. My margarita was small, and I've never had one rimmed with table salt instead of sea salt. I've also never had a margarita make me more thirsty, but El Poquito managed both.
(2)Luke H.
Had pollos tacos and queso fundido, both awesome. Service was slow at first, but once my friend talked to the hostess everything happened super fast. Would eat again, 8/10
(4)S L.
Wow. First off, food was 3-4 stars (if everything had been hot). Service was -3 stars. Wednesday night, 2 1/4+ hours for dinner. Nearly 25 minutes from the time we ordered dessert (2 orders churros) until they were brought. Local beer - Round Guys - $6.50 for a 12oz. pilsner glass - and a weak pour as well with 1" of foam. Luckily kids food was brought first - then 15 minutes for 3 adults and one of the sets of tacos was cold. I'm not faulting the server entirely - she was running around, bussing tables and bringing food - though the cold entree was probably on the food delivery side. I think they've been open about a month now but obviously still some major kinks to work out. We might give this one more try, but then again - with Cantina Feliz close - we might not. No WiFi and cell service is pretty poor along the avenue - didn't help with the long waits. --- UPDATE - I thought they'd been open for a month - turns out they only opened 5 or 6 days prior to our visit - updated review to 2 stars and will try again and update accordingly.
(2)S K.
Pleasantly surprised, a restaurant that has lasting potential in location that nothing seems to make it. The patio is great! cute decor & beautiful flowers make the ambiance. Is it the best Mexican in this city? ....No but it is far from the worst. Definitely better than distrito (which is very overrated & I believe one of the owners came from) Some of our dishes & drinks shared were really good. The eggplant tacos were unique & a tasty fav. We will definitely be back. Some helpful tips: The service could improve as it was a tad disorganized. Our special 'ritas were yummy but the Sangria was horrible! Looked pretty but a bad glass of bitter undrinkable wine topped with a sprinkle of fruit nothing was marinating to give this a refreshing fruity flavor. We were thrilled it was nice out as the indoor seating is cool but stark could use some fun bright colored Mexican art (especially needing cheerful come the winter months) also the evening we went it smelled horrible of bleach.
(4)Leslie T.
My husband and I visited El Poquito for the first time this afternoon. Several of our friends had highly recommended it. We started with the guacamole and chips they were absolutely delicious. The chips were great by themselves and the guacamole was outstanding. I ordered the brussel sprouts tacos and they were absolutely amazing. My only critique was that they were small and I wanted more lol. The service was good and our water was quickly refilled as we drank it. My husband ordered the carnitas tacos they are a favorite of his at another local Mexican restaurant, he definitely liked them but found the meat a little tough and not something he would order again, though he did say they had good flavor. We each had a drink they were ok but definitely not worth the $10 each that they were. I will definitely be returning soon, I won't be able to go too long without more brussel sprouts tacos! Yum!
(4)Vasili B.
What a pleasant surprise as newbies to the burbs. We were looking for a taco truck and this place is a gem!
(5)Chiara T.
IF YOU HAVE CELIAC DO NOT EAT HERE!!!! Tried this place out a few times with mixed results. Sometime cold, greasy food, other times really great tacos. I got different information each time what was safe and not safe to eat. The last time I went they gave me flour tacos not corn, I sent them back, they insisted they were corn. It took a manager to come to my table and a second visit back to the kitchen to confirm the problem. Though they were very apologetic, I will not be back. Drinks are good though!
(1)Nichole B.
Cool interior and great vibe. I had high hopes for the spot from the moment I waked in the door. Unfortunately, service was slow . I was served cold soup . I had to flag down the waiter several times to get help. Food is average but good . I wish them luck!
(2)Kit D.
I had high hopes, especially as someone who lived in the California Bay Area for 7 years, but similar to others we left disappointed. In short - 5 star atmosphere, 1 star service, 2 star food. We made a 6:30 pm reservation on the evening of Memorial Day and we're seated immediately at a nice table outside. We were excited. Ordered shrimp ceviche, carnitas tacos, veracruz tacos for the adults and a chicken taco for our toddler. Even though we put in the order right after we got there and got the ceviche appetizer about 15 minutes later, it took an additional 45 minutes to get our entrees (7:45 PM)! The place was half full and and 2 guys sat next to us 15 minutes after we go there and had a 2 course meal and were paying their check as we were getting our entrees. Needless to say, making a toddler wait an hour for food is criminal - there's only so far crayons can get you. Our waitress barely apologized, it almost seemed as if she was avoiding us. Luckily, the manager noticed, and took our drinks and kids meal off the check and profusely apologized. It would have been all good if the food was amazing, but it wasn't. - carnitas tacos - good - but hard to mess up anywhere - veracruz tacos - terrible. would never use cod for fish tacos. Oily, bland, fishy tasting. Got to use mahi mahi or wahoo. Would have been much better if they defrosted the Trader Joe's fish veracruz and put that on some corn tortillas. And by the way, these were severed on flour tortillas which is only ok if you're going to taco bell. - salsa verde - way too much lime - ceviche - tasted kind of syrupy, and not served with chips so there's nothing to cut that taste Because of the atmosphere and location and the manager coming over and apologizing we'll consider giving it another shot, but for now it just left a sour taste in our mouths and cranky toddler to deal with who got home past her bedtime.
(2)Marci O.
I love this place. The tacos are delicious. I have had the chorizo tacos and the chicken tacos so far. Loved both. They have a "Taco Tuesday" during happy hour on...Tuesdays... where some varieties of tacos are $4 for 3 tacos. We also split nachos, which were $10 (regular-priced). You get this heaping pile of fresh, delicious, spicy, steaming hot nachos complete with cheese, beans, jalapenos, sour cream. My boyfriend and I love spicy food, so if you don't, you might want to let your server know beforehand. I have also had "la casa" which includes a can of Tecate (beer) and a shot of tequila with a ridiculously delicious sangrita (non-alocholic accompaniment for tequila blanco) for $6 during happy hour. My boyfriend had a Dos Equis on draft for $3. I thought the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is great. The outside seating is just what I love during the summer. During non-happy hour times it can be bit pricey, but, it's Chestnut Hill and you kind of expect that. And in comparison to some other places that charge just as much, this place has really good quality food and atmosphere. Also, all the prices are clearly stated on the menu, so I'm not sure why anyone was surprised about their bill... Anyway, I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Sam H.
We have eaten in and done take out a couple of times and El Poquito does not disappoint. There are options for eaters of all kinds, however, the refried beans are made with lard, so vegetarians, you've been warned. I've had the fish and carnitas tacos, both were really good and come 3 to an order, which is a decent sized portion. My wife has had the roasted mushroom tacos al carbon with the refried beans substituted with black beans (see above) and its more than enough to share. My little guy has enjoyed the chicken quesadilla from the kids menu. We've tried starters and side of different kinds and all are good. Its a short menu but it seems like they have what they need to have on there. I haven't had any cocktails...dadlife, but they seem legit and they offer a full bar where one could imbibe. The decor is cool and laid back and the outdoor seating is nice for warmer weather. This is on our shortlist of "lets not cook" places to go to.
(4)David T.
Really tasty. Great service. Had the enchiladas. Delicious. Not from around chestnut hill but would definitely make a trip back this way to come here.
(5)Duncan P.
El Poquito is just what Chestnut Hill needed, a great lively Mexican restaurant! Their margaritas are authentic maybe the best in Philadelphia. There's options too, the bar scene is great or you can get a private table, high-top or sit outside on a nice day. Looking forward to my next visit!
(5)Stephanie G.
Went here midweek with a girlfriends for cocktails, thinking it was still CH7. So pleasantly surprised to find a sophisticated, trendy tequila bar in chestnut hill. Yes! The drink menu was clear- this IS a tequila oasis. Our server, Michael, was like the grande somolier for tequila. He knew everything and was an enthusiastic and patient coach to us. Talked about the regions and variants of tequilas. I wound up ordering on of the flights which is served with an amazing palate stimulant (forget the name). If you go, find Michael and tell him "the Stephanie's" sent you and ask him about the flights. Also, had the TO DIE FOR tortilla soup. Flavors exploded out of that bowl. I like highly seasoned, savory food. Yummmmm! I can't wait to go back and bring more friends. Also can't wait to sit al fresco on the fire pit patio which is now adorned with colorful strung lights. Fiesta!
(5)tracey l.
My husband and I were very excited that a legit Mexican restaurant was opening near us and we weren't disappointed. Unlike some reviewers I found the portions to be perfect. I could barely finish my third Baja (fried fish) taco. Everything tasted extremely fresh and was cooked just right. The guacamole was super- I like it simple, chunky and flavorful. The Sangria was delicious and the cheese quesadillas from the kid's menu was a big hit for our 4 year old. The service was DYNAMITE. Both times we have visited we were totally impressed with the speediness and attention to detail by the servers. When I came back from the powder room my napkin was folded! FANCY.
(4)Guillermo O.
El poquito in Spanish means the little one. And in this case I think this restaurant fell a little short. Let me start by saying that I am a fan of Garces. I think he makes great hispanic food with a twist. One of my favorite restaurants from him is Distrito. This restaurant had a lot of similarities with distrito after all it's still Mexican cuisine. The problem with this restaurant is that the menu doesn't reach the heights the distrito menu does, yet price wise it is very similar. To make matters more complicated a couple miles down you have Cantina Feliz who also has a similar menu from distrito and has a better menu than this one. If you want a taqueria then all you have to do is go is to El Limon in Conshy and spend 1/3 of what you spend here and get authentic Mexican tacos. To me chestnut hill deserves a more edgy menu for this price tag. Good thing about menus is they can be changed. Give us Tacos, ceviches that have more Of an edge. Is it a fail? No. The margaritas are superb, guacamole with fresh tuna is fantastic, cape cod tacos were great. The beef tacos were fresh but lacked the typical edge. The ceviches (tuna, hiramasa) were fresh but were boring. The ambience and service inside were phenomenal and I am sure the bar will be busy once real spring finally comes. I have lost faith yet that you can turn this one around.
(4)Shannon H.
Delicious food, nice decor, great service. Plantains were crispy and delicious. The enchiladas de costillas (short rib) were delicious as well. Great depth of flavor to everything. Very nice place.
(4)Richard R.
I have eaten dinner here 5 or 6 times since the restaurant opened a year ago. At first I was not happy with the place due to the pricing and the menu choices, but now, I am really enthusiastic about this place. This Mexican restaurant is sophisticated and top-notch. The cooking is exceptional. The flavors are amazing! Service is very good. The interior of the building is quite nice, but it is the wonderful outdoor seating area that I like the best. It's a great place to eat in warm weather because the patio seating is comfy and well laid-out. Most of all, it is the exquisite flavors of the food that excites me about the restaurant. Whether it is the 4 choices of salsa, or the corn on the cob side dish (drizzled with sauce and spices), or the chicken enchiladas in a fantastic thin red sauce, or the magnificent and crispy char-grilled asparagus spears, or the super yummy donut-like churros for dessert, I think the food is delicious and the menu is creatively-designed. For me, not knowing Spanish, the menu was difficult to comprehend at first. They don't call things by their normal names. The don't call a chicken enchilada a chicken enchilada, and they don't call corn on the cob corn on the cob. Additionally, the pricing is unusual in my experience because every little thing costs extra. Nothing is included with any platter. Each small cup of salsa costs $4. You can order enchiladas for $15 or so, I forget the exact amount, but when you add things like chips, salsa, guacamole, rice and beans and corn on the cob, your meal ends up being surprisingly expensive. When my wife and I eat here, and have cocktails, we expect to spend $100 total. If we get out of there with a $60 tab, we feel lucky and it means that we just had a light meal and a drink. But the bottom line is that the food tastes wonderful. Having a meal here, especially while sitting out on that patio, is a special and memorable experience. Highly recommended. My compliments to the chef.
(5)Rohini B.
Excellent food , good ambience and service ! Overall more than satisfied . Will definitely visit again and recommend it to more people .
(5)Jpo2 O.
I live near this restaurant and was very excited to have a new place to try --and, hopefully frequent. But, I was left feeling a bit disappointed after having visited it. The food is ok. Nothing special. Prices are high, portions are small. It seems the menu has no real focus or anything really interesting going for it. You wouldn't know you were in a Mexican restaurant by sitting in this place. I understand minimalistic and understated decors, but c'mon folks--how about a little decoration of some sort! Very boring space, reminds me of the last two businesses that were here and failed. The current owners spent so long and what seems like a lot of money redoing this place to have it look 90% the same as it did before. Yes, the ceiling of repurposed Amish beams is nice, but it looks like Restoration Hardware, not a Mexican restaurant. The story of El Poquito is very interesting, but I had to read about it online and through my own research! How about including some fun facts on the menu about it, and perhaps some interesting tidbits of info on the food and its ingredients, history, origin in Mexican cuisine, the restaurant's and the chef's personal twist on its preparation, etc? It's just your usual Mexican fare here: tacos, fajitas, tortilla soup--, without any real twist or changes--for high prices. I can get better and cheaper Mexican in almost any restaurant in the area. You need to try something new, folks! It may be the location and the building, too. It seems to have bad feng shui, no business lasts long here, and I, unfortunately, predict the same fate for this new business. Oh, and the margaritas are tiny and cost $9. They were good, but in two gulps mine was gone. And, I am always a little leery of Mexican restaurants that don't plunk down a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa as soon as I sit down (this is done in 99% of Mexican restaurants in Mexico). With the price of those margaritas, you could afford a few tortilla chips to munch on while scanning this very limited and unimaginative menu. Sorry. I really wanted this place to be good. I really did. I don't think I will be returning.
(2)Stacey W.
We ate last night at El Poquito. Although we really wanted to like it, we won't be back. PROS: Great service, cool decor. The service was excellent and quite timely. We were in the side room, and the noise level was fine, not too loud. CONS: Our main problem was the price charged for the quantity of food served. Our $11 nachos were a pretty small portion. For $14, my husband got two very small enchiladas, nothing on the side at all. My chicken tacos were luke warm, and were only so-so. I am all for small portions, but please charge accordingly! And at these high prices for quantity served, please provide free chips and salsa!!
(2)Sarah M.
My beau and I stopped in here on a late Sunday afternoon,after walking right past it earlier without realizing that it was a restaurant due to the almost unreadable sign hanging out front. Small,overpriced portions served in an annoyingly small cast iron dish instead of a plate that leaves you no where to rest your knife and fork. We each ordered quesadillas (verde and chicken $10 and $14). Each dish was 2 meager quesadillas w/o any rice,beans or even a bit of green salad. Most Mexican places throw this stuff in for free because it's cheap for them and diners like getting it. I also agree with the reviewer who mentioned no chips & salsa offered when you sit down...it just seems cheap of them. If they are trying to be upscale Mexican, that's a nut that will be hard to crack,as most of us expect to pay a moderate amount of $ for plenty of food,when it comes to Mexican cuisine. Hopefully, they'll rethink the portion sizes and get some real plates.....
(2)Ana S.
Went to El Poquito with my husband today for brunch. The food was delicious! I had the best butternut squash soup ever and also some tacos de huevos. Perfect portions for a Shnday brunch. My husband got tacos de pollo and a perfect Margarita to go with it! The staff was very polite and the decor great. We will definitely return to try other dishes and drinks!
(5)Ed J.
The decor is lovely and the servers very friendly, but the food takes FOREVER to come out, including NACHOs. Our order of nachos was put in before we ordered anything else and did not come out before our appetizers. The tortilla soup was not that flavorful and the taco meals are incredibly small. I love local, authentic Mexican food. Honestly, though, Uncle Julio's in the Plymouth Meeting Mall has better guacamole and much faster service.
(2)selena r.
Loved the food which was flavorful and delicious. The decor is not my style but it didn't take away from my dining experience. But I am taking away one star because they offer nothing in the way of happy hour.
(4)Devon W.
The food is good. I really like the new ambience and decor. They have large booths so it is easy to have a group of 6 or maybe 8 sitting there. The drink menu is large and the food is authentic. The decor is honestly great, if ambience is important El Poquito struck a home run.
(4)Lori J.
Tried El Poquito soon after it opened and was not impressed. Just went back today and had a phenomenal bahn mi taco. Will definitely return!
(5)Kathryn S.
As if chestnut hill isn't cute enough.. This place is soooo cute. Looks like it was just rehabbed. The guacamole was awesome, also tried the Brussel sprouts and carnitas tacos, delicious. Churros for dessert came with a chocolate sauce that I nearly licked clean
(4)Scott H.
Decided to give El Poquito another chance (mainly because I live just a few blocks away), and sorry to say I had an even worse experience. They still charge for chips and salsa despite my earlier review and so many others saying the same thing. Drinks are tiny and quaffed too quickly. Tried the tortilla soup and it was too thick with tomato sauce and just not good. Had the enchiladas con carne last time and they were good but too spicy (and I like spicy) so tried the enchiladas verdes and they were also too spicy--couldn't eat it (like the salsas--all are too spicy. Many simply won't enjoy eating here for this reason, because mild needs to be the norm then get spicier from there as an option. Even the guac is spicy). The only thing that was edible were the carnitas tacos but they were only okay. Service was also not great--our server was being shadowed by a new recruit and not personable. I really wanted to like this place because it's close, nicely decorated, and has outdoor seating, but I won't be going back.
(1)Kelly S.
I went to El Poquito on opening night, Friday December 5th for drinks and guacamole and then again for dinner on Wednesday December 10th. On opening night, we sat at the bar and enjoyed their strong and tasty margaritas. They even have Mezcal which I was very happy about. The guac was fresh and flavorful. The bartenders were extremely friendly, inviting and warm. Dinner later in the week: The kitchen and servers are still working out some kinks as the other reviewers have noted, but the quality of the food is great. The flavor and creativity of the food is showing through. The staff is extremely friendly and they are working hard. We tried the Baja fish tacos and the Veracruz Fish tacos as well as the Carne Asada tacos. All were very good. Perfect portion size. We also got the rice and beans and brussel sprouts as sides and both were very tasty. ONE RECOMMENDATION: Each Salsa is $4. Offer 3 for $10 so we can try them all! I'm so happy to have this restaurant open up in the old Chestnut 7 space (hated that place!!!) An inventive, high end mexican restaurant is exactly what CHill needed. Can't wait to use their outdoor space this summer. Keep up the good work El Poquito!
(4)Karl M.
So I am back to five. The guacamole and chicken enchiladas are just too good... The crispy Baja tacos are some of the best around...
(5)Aria M.
My husband went here after my parents recommended it. We liked the atmosphere right off the bat, it is modern and has nice low lighting. We sat down at the bar to wait for a table to open up, I noticed they had a margarita special. I ordered the $6 margarita and the bartender said,"Would you like a blood orange one instead?" I figured that the orange margarita was on special too, after all, I ordered "the special" he did not tell me that the flavored were $2 more. I felt that was a weird "upsell". about 10 minutes later a man walked in and sat down and the same bartender explained the special, and said "for $2 more you can get a flavored one!" I was annoyed I didn't get the same explanation. Once seated, a very chipper waiter came over and said as he rushed on by, "I am just gonna bring out some guacamole and chips for the table ok?" we said, "oh, ok, sure!" I was surprised at the offer of seemingly free guacamole, so I opened the menu....$9 for some guac and chips. Again, an "upsell" leaving me with a very unpleasant feeling. I stopped the waiter and asked to change the guac to just chips and green salsa ($4 for each salsa, and it is about 2 tablespoons of the stuff). The food itself was very good, fish tacos for me and braised beef enchiladas for my husband. The portions quite small, and nothing else on the plate but the entree, it just wasn't enough to feel like it was all worth it. I like nice restaurants, I do not mind paying for good food in the least, but I didn't feel happy with the experience. I would say I will not be back, and although I thought the food was good, I would warn future visitors to be careful of the upsells.
(3)j w.
Good food but still lousy service. They do not have enough bartenders or wait staff.
(2)Krissy B.
Food was great, drinks were great, service was great. Loved the atmosphere. Upscale Mexican food at reasonable prices. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Melissa D.
Just went for a few drinks and an appetizer with my husband this evening. Overall, good experience. Nice decor, and I'm looking forward to the outside area being open. We ordered the paloma, the mezcal negroni, and a margarita. All very good, but the negroni is unnecessarily expensive. Ordered the tacos de carnitas, which we liked. The tortillas were tasty, and they were topped with pickled onions. The meat wasn't so crispy (as it says on the menu), but flavorful. Looking forward to future visit and further review updates.
(4)M S.
Nice space but very average food and drinks. The margaritas are weak, have way too much ice and are $9. The tuna ceviche was good and the guacamole was decent but the carne tacos were very bland and the carnitas were better but still not great - they were missing something. Everything was fresh and cooked well (not overcooked or tough) but still just meh. It also irks me when Mexican restaurants don't just give you chips and salsa. And where is the hot sauce? Bill for 2 w/o tip was $86 (three drinks, two aps and two taco dishes). Way too much for what it was. Service was okay. Had to ask twice for something and had to ask for appetizer plates. Hopefully it improves as I was hoping it would be decent as I love Mexican food.
(2)Rebecca L.
Had dinner here for the first time about a month ago. The interior was completely redone from how it looked before as Chestnut 7. The decor is nice but it was very dark and I thought they are trying too hard to create ambiance. The chairs are metal and uncomfortable. It is also really loud inside. Probably because they put a lot of tables real close together, and a lot of people's conversations bouncing off the hard wood interior. Now, on to the drinks/food. I ordered a margarita up with salt. The drink was good but didn't fill the whole glass. If it was in a smaller glass, it wouldn't bother me as much but it looked like I got ripped off. We had to wait a while for our drinks and for water refills. Which is weird considering there were 4-5 different people waiting on our table. Still not sure which one of them was our waitress. Anyway, my husband and I ordered the mushroom tacos because we are vegetarian it was one of two options. The mushrooms came out atop a bed of roasted scallions. I don't know if that was part of the presentation or part of the meal. Also, there weren't any fixings for the tacos. It was tortillas and some cream sauces that we had requested not to bring because we don't eat dairy. The mushrooms were very salty. Really salty. Then I found a fishbone in my mushrooms. It was awful. The owner came out and apologized and tried to tell me it was hay from the mushroom shipment. I eat plants day in and day out, I can guess what happens to hay when you saute it in oil and mushrooms. He took my meal off the bill thank goodness because it was pricey for what was served. Our friends got tacos and their portions were so small. Not worth the $20 or so price tag. They could've been appetizers. All I know is that I wanted to like this place because it has a great location and decent vibe, but the food is terrible and the prices too high. Maybe it'll change in the summer when the deck opens or maybe when get a new chef and new menu.
(1)Rebert M.
Not very good. Really, even the easy stuff (guacamole, pico de gallo) was not good. I make better at home. I am a bit forgiving of new places, as there are sometimes growing pains or else it would be one star. I may try them again for lunch as I'd like them to succeed. I think they need to simplify. Just make good, simple, Mexican food. It's not that hard.
(2)Zora C.
This food makes you do an inner happy dance. I had the taco de carne asada and a Mexican coke, perfect partners. The waiters are funny and friendly and they aren't over-bearing. There are good crowds and company to be had. Great place to bring family and friends or even go alone. If I had any complaints, it would be that the food was a little cold but otherwise good company even better food. I live in the neighborhood and think this is a great addition.
(4)Annie S.
First impression is a beautiful, cool, funky space. My two friends and I were here for a Saturday night dinner and the place was full and candlelit. Everything was perfect until the waiter came to our table. Everything went downhill from there. First of all, the earnest, friendly waiter (who kept calling me "my dear" even though I am old enough to be his Mom), was clueless about Mexican food. Odd, huh? Couldn't pronounce the Spanish names correctly. We got drinks and about five small plates. The guacamole was tasteless and the salsa (which cost $6!) was not special and not made from fresh or tasty tomatoes. There was a small dish of smoked onion dip that was overly salty but tasty, yet there wasn't enough salt in the guacamole or salsa, so we mixed them up. My friend's margarita was good...at least the bartender was on the ball. We got three different taco meals (3 small tacos to each meal) and a ceviche, along with the three dips and chips. The fish tacos were so unspectacular they wouldn't' rival a self-respecting Philly food truck. We ordered the most expensive crevice, with yellow fin (I think it was $13). When I say it was small, I think we each had one bite each. No kidding. People at the next table asked to be moved because the funky red metal chairs were so uncomfortable. The place is trying hard to be so cool, but it better get its food act together quickly or it will be out of business in six months. The only way I'd go back would be for drinks. My share of the bill, $50, which included two Brooklyn lager drafts, left me hungry and unsatisfied.
(2)Hilary W.
I had lunch here with my boyfriend a few weeks ago, and it was great. The server was super friendly, and we didn't really have to wait long for anything once we were seated. The margaritas are super strong, although a bit pricey for the size (kind of small). I had the chicken burrito, which was delicious, and he had the fish tacos, which were also very tasty. My only complaint is pretty much what everyone else has been saying...chips and salsa should be automatically given to you when you sit down and order. I'll definitely be going back to try some of the other stuff on the menu. It all sounded good.
(4)Jackie W.
The fish tacos and tuna cerviche were amazing!!!! Our server was lovely and really helpful and the interior design was the nicest incarnation of that space I've seen. The only drawback- and it's an important one- the drinks were really pricey and really terrible. My husband and I ordered two different margaritas/cocktails and they were both really bad- and really expensive for their tiny size and disappointing flavor. I'd go back for the food and order beer/wine next time.
(3)Joseph T.
Food very tasty. Good service. I give an xtra star for having Dos Equis Amber on tap. The negatives: 1st Mexican place I've been too that does not give chips and salsa as a complimentary appetizer. Small portions: prices aren't too too bad, but when I eat Mexican, I usually wobble out when done.
(4)Lee B.
Despite being served mediocre food here twice before, we tried again with a guest from out of town who enjoys Mexican and is not much of a foodie. Big mistake. As before, service was glacial and this time amounted to a form of self-sabotaging rudeness. Imagine leaving a large crowd of people in your lobby area for at least 15 minutes without even making an appearance to greet them, ask if they have a reservation, take down names or advise them as to what kind of wait was in front of them. Imagine multiple groups of your customers having seen that there were many open tables outside, and then, while you have all already been standing by the reception desk for at least 15 minutes without anyone's even approaching you, having the receptionist actually stand inches in front of your face and take a phone reservation for 10 minutes from now for one of those same empty outside tables!!!! I say 15 minutes, but it would almost certainly have been longer. At that point, we left. Two other parties in the lobby did the same. This place is shooting itself in the foot. Luckily we were spared a third round with the mediocre fare. We will not be back.
(1)NBVRLH H.
So glad to finally have excellent Mexican in Chestnut Hill. We went during the soft opening phase. I am vegan, and my husband is not. We both had a lot to choose from on the menu. The pico de gallo and guacomole are both made fresh. I had tofu tacos, which were amazing. My husband had fish tacos and thought they were perfectly spiced. I ordered a salad as well, and the combination of all of these was way too much food. Their margaritas are lovely. (I tried the sangria and was not a fan). All in all, an excellent start.
(5)Scott M.
Ate here on Saturday night. It was the second night open. Food was delicious and flavorful. We ordered the guacamole appetizer which was fresh. Loved the sangria! Will surly return soon!
(5)Yenssy G.
Great potential, I'll definitely go again when they've ironed out the kinks. In all fairness it was their first night, open to the public. My husband and I walked in with no reservation but was seated promptly at the bar. The ambience was very communal, big benches/booths seating 6-8 alongside the bar and smaller tables scattered about. The lighting was great but I searched for any hint of Mexican flare and found none. Maybe they haven't fully decorated although I did like that it was minimal versus overly done stereotypical decor. We were attended by a young woman named Anna at the bar w cute tortoise shelled rimmed glasses. I point her out because she was fantastic. Kept her cool even when the kitchen made some initial mixups, was very descriptive in her fave dishes and drinks and overall very accommodating. To start the guacamole was very good (chunky, flavorful not too salty), we ordered the carne asada tacos and the chicken enchilada. We waited almost an hour for our meal and then they only brought out tacos but no enchilada. Unfortunately we couldn't wait any longer and asked Anna to cancel our order but to her and our surprise after the initial mixup the kitchen never fulfilled the enchilada order anyway so no harm no foul. My husband and I ended up sharing the tacos which were delicious and I wish we could have tried the enchilada. Not long before I was telling my husband that the manager should have come over did Anna say that owner, George was on his way and they would comp our meal. The first is a sign of great service while the latter was an over and beyond awesome gesture. We of course left a generous tip and will be back. I highly recommend, the flavors were great. Our red sangria was good and the margarita was strong! But the attentiveness and service by the staff was excellent and while we never did get to speak to George, I'm just happy they acknowledged the mishap and took care of two patrons who write entirely too long reviews! Good luck!
(4)