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Name: El Vez
Address: 121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Telephone: (215) 928-9800
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.85

El Vez

121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107

(215) 928-9800
Store is closed

El Vez Menu

Appetizers

Red Snapper Ceviche

Tuna Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche

Mexican Pizza

Queso Fundido Con Carne

Queso Fundido De Hongos

Adobo Tuna Tostadas

Open-faced Shrimp Quesadilla
Soups & Salads

Roasted Corn Soup

Tortilla Soup

Mexican Chopped Salad

Tijuanas Original Cesar
Tacos & Enchiladas

Sea Bass Tacos

Grilled Beef Tacos

Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Crispy Mahi-mahi Tacos

Pibil Pork Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Taco Tasting Platter

Black Bean Enchiladas

Classic Red Chile & Chicken Enchiladas

Shrimp Enchilada

El Vez Enchiladas Mixtas
Entrees

Carne Asada

Red Snapper A La Veracruzana

Huarache De Hongos

Pasilla Braised Pork

Mexican Fried Chicken

Camarones Al Ajillo
Tacos Al Carbon

Adobo Chicken

Char-grilled Beef

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Portobello

Combo
Guacamole

El Vez The Original

Cesar Chavez

Morales

Indian Red Lopez

De La Hoya

Bazooka Limon

Tito Santana
Nachos & Salsas

Macho Nachos

Nacho Mamma

Salsa Mexicana

Melted Manchego

Cactus & Crab Salsa
Sides

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Grilled Asparagus

Creamy Poblano Corn Rice

Sweet Plantains Con Queso

Refried Beans

Fresh Corn Tortillas

Black Beans & White Rice
Desserts

El Vez

Churros

Tres Leches Cake

Traditional Orange Flan

Mexican Banana Split For Two

Healthy Meal suggestions for El Vez

Appetizers

Red Snapper Ceviche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Ceviche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Ceviche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mexican Pizza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso Fundido Con Carne [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Queso Fundido De Hongos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Adobo Tuna Tostadas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Open-faced Shrimp Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salads

Roasted Corn Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortilla Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mexican Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tijuanas Original Cesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tacos & Enchiladas

Sea Bass Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Beef Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chipotle Chicken Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Mahi-mahi Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pibil Pork Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Shrimp Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Taco Tasting Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Bean Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Red Chile & Chicken Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Enchilada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

El Vez Enchiladas Mixtas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Carne Asada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Snapper A La Veracruzana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Huarache De Hongos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pasilla Braised Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mexican Fried Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Camarones Al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tacos Al Carbon

Adobo Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Char-grilled Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Portobello [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Combo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Guacamole

El Vez The Original [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cesar Chavez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Morales [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Indian Red Lopez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

De La Hoya [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bazooka Limon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tito Santana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nachos & Salsas

Macho Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nacho Mamma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salsa Mexicana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Melted Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cactus & Crab Salsa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Grilled Corn On The Cob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamy Poblano Corn Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Plantains Con Queso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Refried Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Corn Tortillas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Beans & White Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

El Vez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Churros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tres Leches Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Traditional Orange Flan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mexican Banana Split For Two [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Courtney And Franco C.

A great place to go for tacos and guac, the only downside is the wait if you go on a busy night as a walk-in. Don't expect a feast, however the quality of the food makes up for the smaller portions. The beer selection is above average and the margaritas are fantastic. Definitely recommended for a date night in the Gayborhood. Bonus points for being Gluten-Free Friendly! Our Favorites: Crispy Mahi-Mahi Tacos, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Carnitas Tacos and De La Hoya Guac
(4)
Carla G.

If you're looking to get full, you needn't try more than the guacamole!!! Which is good by the way. Pulled pork tacos. Delish... Margaritas powerful yet good... Shrimp enchiladas to die for! Will definitely be back
(3)
Cecily R.

love this place and I hate to admit it!! was ignored by the bartender for a solid 15mins but the pomegranate margaritas are so darn good!!! guac is yummy. food here never lets me down. if I had more $$ I'd be back more often.
(4)
Sarah C.

mahi mahi tacos FTW!!! I have been looking all over Philly for some good fish tacos and I found them here! I went to El Vez on a friday night without a reservation. We did wait about 30 mins for a table and once we were seated, we waited about 10-15 mins before anyone even came to give us water. It would get 3 stars for service but once the food came, it was so good that I had to give it 4 stars. Best fish tacos I have found in Philly so far!
(4)
Tara B.

I am not a tequila person, but the margaritas are so good, and I only need couple and I'm dizzy when I stand up (or try to walk down the steps to use the restroom) The photobooth is so much fun, and the pictures on the wall are a nice touch. The morales guacamole (with black truffles on top mmmm) is the best guacamole I've ever had, sometimes I go to sleep thinking about it, hoping that I dream about it, ahhhh
(5)
Mary S.

I love El Vez, always have, always will. The food is excellent, the atmosphere unique and the prices really are not that bad - pricey- but it won't kill you. El Vez is a great place to hang out for drinks after work, or go grab dinner or lunch with friends. It really is an enjoyable time and I recommend you try it. What with the addition of El Vez being available through DiningIn.com I really don't think I can muster up a complaint. The guacmole options are expensive- but worth every penny. Really they are!
(4)
Nina S.

I just went back and it keeps getting better! The food is great.
(5)
Kaynaz M.

I'm in love with their bazooka guac, its so unique and yummy. Their margaritas are strong, but so fresh and tasty at the same time, just how it should be! Fish tacos and manchego cheese dip are addictive! The inside is pretty and trendy and there's a photo booth for some tipsy fun! It's so hard to get a reservation, but I can see why!
(5)
Juliana K.

Yum el vez. I wish they had happy hour. Guava mojitos are so good!!! The tinto Santana guac (with mango, red pepper, habanero, and etc) was delicious and not at all spicy. Tons of crunchy chips. Wow steak tacos were very good. Great taco! Chicken enchiladas were okay, I wasn't blown away though the chicken was tender. Good service. Love the trendy, modern, wacky decor. Photo booth is a fun addition.
(4)
Isabel J.

I was walking by and noticed this place and was intrigued by the whole Miami look. Since I had dinner already I just came here for drinks. This place was really busy for a Saturday night. I got to try a margarita which was very salty for my taste, also had the guava mojito which was delicious. I really have to come back here and try the food it looked good.
(4)
Yasmin E.

Great for parties! Enough space to hold a party as large as ours (15 people) , fun ambiance/decor. Dimly lit. The food was amazing! I got full only on the appetizers :) Be sure to order the ceviche...it's out of this world!!! This might be awkward, but I'd go here again just to wash my hands in the bathroom....the architecture/design was genius :) bottom line, TRY IT!!
(4)
Kurt I.

El Vez is where you want to go when you want average "mexican" food (and I use that term loosely) but pay for atmosphere and the fanciest bathrooms in the city. I can name several other places that make the same dishes, cost less, and taste fresher. Step above MEH, not quite A-ok. So is two 1/2 stars "sure, not bad I guess"?
(3)
Kelsey G.

Margaritas were great, Guacamole and salsa were delicious, enchiladas were okay. Two enchiladas for 13$? Come on. I could get tastier, authentic Mexican a few blocks away for half the price, but I know that 'authentic' is not what this place is about. El vez is kind of el overrated. I'd rather hit El ray and save some money.
(3)
Steve R.

Ah, Steven Starr. I only wish I was here to review you as a businessman, because if I was, you'd earn 5 stars across the board. But the problem is, I am not here to review your business tactics as a person. I'm here to review the level of satisfaction your business instills in me after I pump my own money into it. The problem lies in the fact that your business tactics directly negate most satisfaction I stand to take away from any one of your establishments. Take El Vez, for example. You walk in and the decor is great. Everything is inauthentically Mexicanized to the point where it's silly, but that's the point: it's a gimmick that makes you smile from the moment you walk in. The tables are nice, the booths are HUGE, and the whole look of the place is fantastic. The food, however, leaves a lot to be desired. It is a Starr place, after all. The menu sounds really creative in a lot of places, but everything comes out of the kitchen tasting like Taco Bell. Sure, the Mexican flavors are present, but there is nothing there to make them jump off the plate. They all just blend into each other and become bland. (I must admit, the mahi-mahi tacos are exquisite, but one item just is not enough) The drinks, on the other hand, are well above average. I'm not a margarita man myself, but I hear nothing but good things about those offered at El Vez. I also try to steer clear of specialty cocktails if at all possible, but in a one-time momentary lapse in judgement, I bought El Diablo. Honestly, without a doubt, it is the best cocktail I have ever had. 4 simple ingredients (tequila, hibiscus tea, cinnamon, and muddled orange) comprise it, and if left to an untrained bartender, they could ruin each other. But something about the bar staff here gets it right, every time. Service is average. The waiters/waitresses perform their duties as they should. Not much above and beyond to be seen. If you've never eaten in a Starr joint before, give El Vez a shot. It may surprise you. But if you've seen one, you've seen them all. All I can encourage anyone to do is to idle up to the bar, order an El Diablo, and ignore any food offered. I'll be right there with you.
(3)
Ben G.

Amazing guac, breathe-taking beverages, but the actual food, is mediocre and overpriced. The Blood orange margarita was amazing. A great balance of sweet and sour. I got a glass at first and then it was impossible to not consume an entire pitcher. The El Fez gauc comes in a giant mortar. Its a classic gauc but its got something special to it. A little zing on your tongue. I think its the jalapenos that are added into the mix. It creates a little heat and encourages you to cool it down with some of that margarita. So this Taco sampler thing i got was OK. It has 5 bite sized tacos, 1 sea bass,1 mahi mahi, 1 pork, 1 chicken, 1 beef. All had different toppings which complimented the respective meats nicely. I just have a hard time paying 22 for a taco that i could get for a dollar in California. Ya know? Its weird, this is the third Stephen Starr restaurant I've been to and I haven't gotten this feeling of things being overpriced at Alma de Cuba or at the Continental. But 22$ for 5 bite size tacos seems a bit redic to me. The decor of El Vez is young, funky and colorful( typical of a Starr restaurant). Its hard not to smile when you walk out the door with your belly full of tacos and tequila. All in All this is a great spot to go for upscale Mexican food in Philly.
(4)
Dan D.

Terrible. That, honestly, is the only word I can use to describe this place. I moved here from Los Angeles and have been in search of some worthy Mexican fare. This ain't it... I've been to Barclay Prime twice now and it goes without saying that it's spectacular. I have always liked the way El Vez looked from the outside, so my wife took me there for my birthday last year to stick with the whole Steven Starr thing. We ordered guacamole just to see it made at our table only, it wasn't made at our table. It just mysteriously appeared within seconds. Damn, they're fast... No big deal... it still looked somewhat appetizing. We each took a few scoops with the steel nachos that felt like they had been sitting out for a year and had to stop there. There was so much salt in it that I almost got sick. For dinner we ordered the fajita. The people next to us had the fajita for 2 and it looked awesome. It wasn't. Again, with the salt... It was terrible and we didn't even finish it. Happy birthday to me. We skipped dessert and went home. Never again... If you want real Mexican, go to La Lupe.
(1)
Sarah C.

I've been to El Vez lots. I went there more than once the week it opened. I always wanted to like it more than I actually liked it. I like my Mexican food to be a little less mysterious and a little more healthy (read fewer unrecognizable sauces). I love the ambiance. The photo booth is festive. The service is great. The chips are yummy. Finding a main course was always a challenge. Until I discovered the Tacos Al Carbon (aka fajitas). Grilled, seasoned meat + condiments in ramekins that I can choose to apply as I want. So... maybe I'm a control freak. But now El Vez has the whole package for me. I'll be back to going back more often.
(4)
Edward P.

The Guacamole is a must have!!!!
(4)
Meg C.

The guac is probably the best thing at El Vez. We had the "Bazooka" Limon version, which inspired me to start using roasted tomatoes in my own guacamole. The goat cheese does not overwhelm the rest of the ingredients, which was my fear with this dish. Nothing here is very spicy, not that I was surprised. The fish tacos were a bit mayo-heavy, but they were okay. The enchiladas were pretty good, but no better than, say, Jose's. Even though the plating is nice, the food really isn't that great. Like all Starr restaurants, the interior is very beautiful. I think it would be better for a drink and a quick snack rather than a full meal.
(3)
Caroline H.

The guacamole is to die for but way expensive Try the pomegranate margarita I would recommend this place for drinks and light snacks
(3)
Brittany E.

My boyfriend and I went to El Vez this past weekend. The food was amazing. We had the caesar Chavez guacome as an appetizer. It was heaven as well as were the blood orange margaritas! The food was also very good and the plus part was the photo booth for $3 in the back. I will def go back here and also tell my friends to go here when they visit Philly. :)
(4)
Abby I.

Every time I think of El Vez, first thing that comes into mind is the "fun Stephen Starr restaurant". The reason being...the decor is sort of silly. There's a twirling bike at the bar, the wall behind me had skeletal figurines in their own little settings, the drinks are GREAT!! (get the Zapata-smirnoff, strawberry puree, basil, cranberry juice, and basil sugar rim), and FOOD IS DELICIOUS!! I had the Adobo Tuna Tostadas (seared tuna, corn tortillas, morita chile crema, pineapple salsa) to start off with, Sea Bass Tacos (w/ sweet potato puree, grilled scallions, fried jalapeno) for my main entree which I highly recommend, and my friend had the Borrego mole negro (rack of lamb, sweet plantains, pickled pineapple, jalapeno salsa) which she really liked. And to end the night, lemon-grass churros (w/ dark and mexican chocolate sauce) and the tres leches cake (with fruit ceviche). I liked the churros, wasn't crazy about the tres leches cake. Overall, a fun time!
(4)
G T L.

I like El Vez fine, but I don't love it. I like the food, but I can't even remember what I had, and I've been her twice now. I just remember liking it. I think it's overpriced. But I do like it, and I will go back. I want to go back and try the blood orange margarita that Serena S. wrote about. The service is very good.
(3)
Jacquelin K.

The Yelpers have got it right. Overpriced and overrated. I used to live near by, so I'd pass this place regularly. I'd laugh to myself as I swerved between the happy hour folks sprinkled over the sidewalk at 530. I can't understand the fascination with places like this that are all reputation and no substance. Plus 13th & Sansom are dirty streets. The funniest are the places on Walnut where I guess customers enjoy the bus fumes from the 9, 12, 21, and 42. Outdoor seating isn't always a good thing. I would, however, recommend El Vez for a light bite - guac and sangria. Entrees do disappoint, but Both of these items are absolutely Heavenly!
(2)
Robin C.

I had a great experience here. We were going to go to another tex-mex restaurant but since it was a night of a Phillies game, that restaurant was packed. This place had quite a few people too but they had a good bar so we had a few drinks while we waited. The food is a bit more upscale and more expensive than your normal mexican restaurant but it was very delicious. I got the crispy mahi mahi tacos with rice and beans and they were delicious and just the right amount of food with our appetizer of chips and salsa. Overall a great experience.
(4)
Brian G.

Very Cool place to grab a couple of drinks and appetizers. The Nacho Mama and Taco sampler plater were both excellent. Can't wait to return for dinner.
(4)
Nate S.

This is a fun restaurant with a great atmosphere for a Monday night. The food didn't blow me away - the best part were the mahi mahi and the sea bass tacos. The mexican pizza app was decent and so was the ceviche. Prices were about what you'd expect for the city. $22 for a 5 taco sampler. I'd pass on the food next time or just go with tacos & margaritas. The bartender really hooked up some magnificent strong top shelf margaritas. Overall a decent spot downtown that's worth checking out.
(3)
Aly G.

We ate here while visiting from out of town on a recommendation from the hotel concierge. My husband and I love Mexican food, and tend to be picky, but this place did not disappoint! The restaurant was really busy even on like a Wednesday, but we made a reservation so it wasn't a problem for us. I would definately recommend making a reservation. From first sight I loved this restaurant. The decor is so fun and energetic!For dinner we started with margaritas and guacamole. The drinks were delicious and very strong- perfection! And the guac was really good. For dinner my husband had some sort of taco sampler platter (which was AMAZING- Mahi Mahi tacos were to die for!) and I had crab tacos which were delicious! We loved it so much we went again when we met up with the friends we were visiting. When we told them we had eaten here they told us that's one of their favorite restaurants and we decided to go again. That day we went for lunch and had tacos al carbon (which everyone loved), and we also tried the Bazooka Limon guacamole... WOW. Definitely not an expected combination but it was awesome! We loved it even though we are typically guacamole purists- haha. The serivce was good, food was phenomenal and the presentation of the food is also worth mentioning. Loved, loved, loved it!
(5)
Chris N.

Never have eaten here, but they do have kick ass margs. Huge selection and made well enough to get you feelin good and also not to gross you out with every sip.
(4)
Seth A.

As soon as I entered the plush interior of El Vez, I knew we'd made a mistake. We had been followed by a man with a black tie and mustache and we had meant to elude him by stepping off the street, plus we were hungry and JT had been told this was a pretty good place to get some fresh tuna Guacamole. We were seated in the center of the room, the most dangerous place - anyone could sneak up on us. I was about to ask to be reseated when suddenly the worst thing imaginable happened. There was no fresh tuna Guacamole. It had been taken off the menu. The mustached man entered the room, and I eyed him carefully as we demanded to know what had happened to the fresh tuna Guacamole. Our waiter expressed his regrets but there was nothing he could do. Annoyed I slumped in my seat, which also gave me the best view of the man who had taken a seat behind JT. The minutes ticked by. Suddenly out of no where, I heard a figure behind me, and before I knew what was happening, our food was served. JT had the tacos. I had the nachos. The mustached man was no where to be seen. "Those tacos look good" I remarked. "Duck" she remarked. "Duck tacos?" JT raised a gun and pointed it at my face. I tilted my head out of the way, just in time. The gun went off, and the mustached man behind me had his brains exploded out the back of his head. A poisoned filled syringe fell from his lifeless grasp. "Oh yes. That duck." I said with a smirk. Chaos broke out, which gave me time to pull my gun from my ankle holster with my right hand, and with my left hand, sample the nachos. I would rate them merely okay, although the green fennel-like substance on top was a good addition. Still... 3 agents pulled out machine guns, I swung my 45 around, pulled on the trigger, and watched their bodies fall back against the trendy art deco. That's when it occurred to me. "El vez is maybe more of place you go for the environment than the food." I shouted. JT rolled across the room, and put a few chunks of lead into the stomach of the waiter, who was brandishing throwing stars for some reason. She nodded, "It's the same way with most of steven star's restaurants" I fired several more shots which narrowly missed a man with a bandana and ak47, and ricocheted off the weird painted tricycle which is the centerpiece of EL Vez. "I mean, I'm not saying it's bad." I remarked. "I'm just saying, its something to be aware of. The food isn't all that great. You're paying for the nice environment that's all." Bullets flew, patrons screamed, glass panels exploded. "Far too noisy, definitely not the place I'd go for an intimate night out" I thought to myself. Finally, the dust settled, and all our enemies had been vanquished. I ejected the magazine and placed the gun on the table. "All in all I'd rate it..." I looked over at JT, she had slumped by the table, breathing heavily. "...uhhh... Ugghhh..." I knelt by her side. She clutched her shoulder. The wound looked clean. "It's okay, you're going to be alright.." "Muhhh.." I leaned closer to hear her words, "Margaritas... aren't.. really... a mexican drink.." "Don't worry, you'll live to eat authentic mexican cuisine.." "..And... what the hell is a sexican? ...That's.. so... racist..." I nodded sadly and together we stumbled out through a broken window. We took one last look at the chaos behind us, and stepped back into the city streets, the crescendo of police sirens rising all around us... We had to keep moving. --- to be continued ---
(3)
John G.

I know so many people love El Vez..and ive only been once. Just dont understand what all the hype is all about. The place looks nice...the noise level is high and the food was ok. Maybe i was there on an off night?
(2)
Jenn S.

i came here 3 times in a week! love this place. their margaritas are amazing, and decently priced. their guac is the best i've had in town (including my previous nyc food life). Food is also decent, although i think the highlights are nachos, guac, and the drinks. ambiance is great for groups, and perfect location to bar hop after some food and drinks. love this place.
(5)
Creme F.

Can't go wrong with the margaritas and guacamole.
(4)
June P.

Came here for brunch... with low expectations because I don't usually expect a lot out of Philly Mexican food. BUT I was very happy I gave El Vez a chance! I had the steak and eggs (was craving meat.. ha) and the carne asada was tender, juicy, and cooked just perfectly. The side was flavorful and delicious! I would def come back here again. The only negative I would say is that the ladies at the door were not particularly friendly or organized.... gotta have a good maitre d!
(4)
Jessica W.

Here's the deal: I really like this place. They've seemed to master everything I love about mexican food. The tacos are great, the guacamole is great, the chips have always been warm. They have a wide selection of margaritas and other interesting mixed drinks, but also good standard beer. The decor is faboosh. The photobooth is such a great addition. The bathrooms are creepy but I'll let it slide. The real problem is, I really don't LOVE paying like 12 dollars for guacamole. Sorry. In my California mind, guacamole should be cheap, if not complimentary. Philadelphia "mexican food" restaurants haven't accepted this concept. That's okay. We don't really grow avocados in Philly, so I understand charging for it...but unless you're mixing it with liquid gold, I'd love it if the guacamole didn't cost as much as my entire entree. Thanks.
(4)
Noelle N.

We were lucky enough to snag a reservation that must have cancelled and i sure am glad they did! We made our reservation through opentable and were seated promptly. i highly suggest making reservations because as we were being escorted to our table the hostess was telling a couple that it was a 2 hour wait for a table! The quac was the best i have ever had and probably will ever. it is so fresh and delish. we also ordered a pitcher of their margarita which was amazing. for my entree i wanted the crispy mahi mahi tacos but asked if i could have the fish not breaded and fried. Unfortunately our waitress checked with the kitchen and the fish was prebreaded so i opted for substituting the mahi mahi for sea bass. it was cooked to perfection. the portions are very small but i filled up on the quacamole so it was fine for me. I would highly highly recommend el vez and be sure to order the quacamole as it was my favorite part of the meal!
(4)
Rachel S.

Lunch specials are the way to go. Wish they made the guacamole at the table though.
(4)
Deep K.

Excellent Food Great Drinks Good Service A bit pricey but that was expected We ordered the taco platter and the make your own tacos, I would go back anytime!
(5)
Andrew S.

Ordered Crispy Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos for pickup. Food was ready on time but I was extremely disappointed when I looked in the bag and a tiny box had only 2 small tacos in it. The tacos honestly tasted like go-wraps from Wendy's... yes, the fast foot joint. The fish was almost deep fried and nearly tasteless. The condiments on the taco were sparse and not at all special. I was significantly disappointed by my meal. It's possible that my experience would be different had I eaten in-house, but then again I wouldn't understand why a meal would be drastically different taken to go than served in the restaurant.
(1)
Michaela T.

I love this place - sad I don't live as close anymore, but will visit any time I can. Try the mahi mahi tacos. The decor makes me happy:)
(4)
Andrew C.

Great food, great atmosphere. Really, the atmosphere is what sets this place apart. You just have to go there to experience its funky vibe. It's awesome. About the food. . . Getting one of their guacamole offerings is mandatory. The guac is made fresh, and there are several different kinds. We got some kind with heart of palms and some other stuff in it and we were licking the bowl. The chips that come with it are fresh and thick. . . perfect for scooping up guacamole. As an entree we split the taco sampler plate. Here's the low down, the chicken and pork tacos are very forgettable. The chicken is relatively flavorless, and the pork has some major overkill on whatever is flavoring it. The mahi mahi taco is good. The beef taco is better than average. What really did it for us was the Chilean Sea Bass taco . . . SO GOOD! We savored every bite of that taco. If I were going back, I would get any of their guacamole variations together with the Chilean Sea Bass tacos.
(4)
Kellie C. M.

I've got to be the last person in Philadelphia to try El Vez, but I did a couple of Friday nights ago, with friends for happy hour and a seriously energetic winding down session. I'd forgotten that this was a Stephen Starr restaurant, so I didn't have my Stephen Starr guard up when I walked in the door. What's my Stephen Starr guard, you ask? Well here's my Stephen Starr disclaimer: Stephen Starr is brilliant! He's calculating, smart, a marketer par excellence. He can even recruit some of the greatest culinary talent around and create the perfect mood to accompany the food, but do I love his restaurants? Not always. I always say that a restaurant is only as good as the bad service and on this night, my first sojourn by High-speed Line to El Vez was not horrible, but as my Aneira put it, it was tinged with the "major 'tudage" of a bad waitress who was so clearly overly-trained in the Starr tradition of push-patron-toward-entree-not-appetizer mindset that we'd have barely had a good time if it weren't for the delicious blood orange margaritas and raw tuna guacamole we were noshing on. So next time, I'll be ready. Walking into a Starr establishment always inspires me to aloofness and concentration on my friends and our good time, not the crowd, the trendiness or the "theme." I visit Continental Midtown when I'm in the penthouse mood, Pod when I'm in the playful mood and Buddakan when I'm feeling zen. Its not that I'm against the marketing Starr is hopelessly hooked on shoving down our throats along with the seared diver scallops, its just that at the core, I just want to hang with my friends and enjoy some good food, however cleverly presented it may be!
(3)
Rachel R.

I went with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday, and we were not disappointed. We had a little bit of a wait, but it was the most enjoyable wait for a table i've had in a long time. We waited at the bar and we were starving. We ordered some chips and guac, AMAZING. Definitely try the quac with balsamic sauce on it. It has a really nice balance to it. We also had some margs by the pitcher. We tried the pink cadillac and the el vez margaritas which were both really good. But I do like my tequila. We finally sat down and the waiter was very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the ahi tuna tacos, if you're into that. The mango and jicama salsa on top was really great. My friend loved the guacamole so much from before, she ordered another one as her meal. We also tasted tequila, which was fun and interesting way to get the night rolling. The waitstaff brought out a little churro-like dessert with chocolate sauce and candles for my friend. classic. Annnnd there is a photobooth that you can hit up if you would like to commemorate the evening. It is a little pricey, but well worth it, even on a grad school budget. Check it out!
(4)
Jae R.

Interesting venue. Food isn't too spectacular. But the space and some seatings are really interesting. I took few photos at the booth. The wait may be long especially on weekends or evenings. So have a second plan if that's the case.
(4)
Afthab B.

Nice place. Love the fresh guacamole. I ordered the one with crab. It was awesome. Can get crowded in the evenings.
(4)
John F.

Great atmosphere! Our waiter John was even better! The food was great and dont hesitate to try the guacamole...best I have ever had!
(5)
Moe W.

Another over-rated place. Food was overly cilantro-ed... Open Table reservations wouldn't allow for a table reservation - we sat at the bar. There were at least 6 EMPTY TABLES for our entire visit. Ridiculous. And 88$ later...I feel cheated.
(2)
Theresa G.

This restaurant has more of a bar atmosphere. All you can hear is the music and the hum of people raising there voices to speak to the person across the table. We have queso fundido (cheese melted of chorizo) it came with 4 flour tortillas, wish we would have tried the quac. My husband had the chipolte and chicken tacos. He liked them, however, they were appetizer portion. (3 small on the trendy rectangle plate) I had the chicken enchiladas, they were good and the plate consisted of 2 enchiladas. And 1 $8 margarita (not so good). We wouldn't go back.
(2)
Rula R.

I came here for dinner and I was ready to eat a lot since I didn't have anything besides breakfast! We started with two kinds of guacamole, bazooka and Cesar Chavez! Oh man they were so good and I gotta say that bazooka was my favorite because I love goat cheese! Then i had the steak tacos, medium cooked and it was juicy and full of flavor! Then we ended the night with churros, they were hot and fresh, just the perfect way to end a very nice dinner!!!!
(5)
Danielle R.

Have you ever seen El Vez, the Mexican Elvis? That is part of what inspired me to plan a dinner here. Ok, that and the Starr Restaurant quotient. Glad I did -- great menu (the kind where I had real issues selecting!), eclectic, fusion menu that delivers on the flavors. Not to mention the tequila list was great - included all my good standby repo's and my favorite special tequila... Don Julio 1942. We had one of the flavor packed guacs, then I had the seared ahi... yum! Combo of cool flavors from the sauce, with the chile packed coating. My friends both had the taco sampler, and I wound up with the enchilada sampler, Open, soft tacos are not at all uncommon to us Californians, so we were very happy with the lovely presentation - the varying flavors were also a hit. the mahi mahi taco rocks. Of the three enchiladas, two were great, one was ok. The Black bean was great with a warm, rich sauce; the chicken mole was perfect - spicy, sweet mole with delicate chicken. The veal enchilada was not quite a hit. Fairly oily and not super flavorful. Service was friendly, though perhaps not the best at making recommendations and describing food.... the server we had really didn't seem to enjoy more interesting flavors and foods. I will be back when I am in Philly - good food in a not fussy atmosphere!
(4)
Sean C.

I went here a fair amount of times in college (when I had the cash) for drinks, and that hasn't changed since I've started making the medium-bucks after graduating. Surprisingly enough, in the 5 or 6 times I've been here, I've never gotten anything to eat, but I've always left sloshed. Nice. They do a really nice job on the margaritas. Be forewarned, they are ultra-tasty, but super dangerous. $30 a pitcher (which will fill about 6-7 glasses fruity lookin' margarita glasses) is kinda steep, but you'll be on your ass if you try to down one on your own. Decor is really really cool (but you'd expect this from a Starr joint). Its like blinged out vegas style bikes everywhere. Its super bitchy that you can't sit at tables to drink, and they have a tiny ass bar which means this place is I-can't-breathe level packed on weekends. The help is what you'd expect out of a trendy east coast establishment - they are pricks when they are busy (otherwise, they can be cool). One point to not be missed - they have one of those old time photo booths in there that takes 4 crappy blank and white pictures on old polaroid film for $5 or something. Drink a bunch of margaritas...try to fit your whole group in the booth...it won't work...but try anyways...stick out your tounge and kiss some cheeks (or combine the two and lick some cheeks if you've had waaay too many margs)...I've never had a bad pic from one of these.
(3)
RB B.

I was at Vez last weekend and I've decided to add another star. The food was so good. Hot chips and fresh salsa. The sea bass tacos were fabulous, perfectly spiced and in combination with the pumpkin puree....so good! Service was great too. Pefectly warm room to come in to from the cold.
(5)
Bill J.

I am visiting Philadelphia from Los Angeles and thought to try a bit of Mexican. The good: - The decor. Your are paying for the decor here. - The food. The food is OK. I had the carne asada. At El Vez, this means hangar steak. For hangar steak, this was pretty good, but it does not compare to good carne asada. My wife had the chopped Mexican salad. This size was about that for a side dish. I had to share the hangar steak, err carne asada, with her. The bad: - The noise--I could not have a conversation with my wife without raising my voice. We had to hurry our meal in order to get out of this place. - The food, specifically the price of the food. The food is OK. For the price, I would expect more--perhaps more upscale Mexico City. At best, this place compare with the neighborhood Mexican joint in LA at about three times the price. Honestly, Philadelphia needs more Mexican choices. I will most likely skip El Vez next trip and save the Mexican dining for California.
(2)
Tom A.

El Vez, I had stayed away from this place for so long because A) I generally don't fall for that Stephen Starr crap and B) If I want Mexican food I go to a Mexican place. But Was I wrong all along? Maybe. Sure this place has the obligatory glitz and glamour of a Starr joint and honestly that stuff only matters to me if the food is just as good. Don't distract me with offensive gold lowrider bikes unless the food wows. The food didn't WOW so much as it was Good. The lady and I started with a plate of nachos (Mama nachos I think?). And those were PERFECT. I know, I know, it is nachos you say, how could anyone f that up, well places do, believe me. They had layers of flavor, each one distinct and cilantro always gets me wet, so far so goood. In my girlfriends true fashion she always orders the most expensive thing on the menu (champagne taste with Miller Lite pockets, SMH), which was some kind of fish, Red Snapper I think. She enjoyed the mess out of it. I tasted it and thought it was so-so. I had crunchy Mahi Mahi tacos and they were delicious. Not what I expected, but they were very good. The real WOW factor however came with the bill.... For two people, an appetizer, two entrees, and a couple of beers was under 60, actually, including a decent tip was only 58 bucks. Yeah Boyee! I would go back when it isn't deadly crowded. Side notes... I really like the basement bathroom arrangements, Unisex sinks!! Our waitress disappeared for 20 minutes. Yay! I'm a fan. Indeed.
(4)
Katie B.

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! Always great food just wish there wasnt always a wait on the weekends and even some weeknights.. I guess thats a sign of great food... A little on the pricy side for mexican food but its amazing and well worth it even the mixed drinks are great!
(5)
Dalla A.

Sea bass tacos and Macho Nachos are ridiculously good. Guacamole is a little overpriced. Drinks are a crap shoot as far as the alcohol-- the margarita was pretty boozy but my mojito definitely was not. Service was prompt. I'd go back.
(3)
Allan N.

I think the food was pretty good. I went here for a birthday and our group was pretty big. The service was good. The best thing about this place is how unique it is. It's pretty interesting. One gripe is how the bathroom sinks are in the hallway. Each unisex stall has it's own door in the hallway. I'd rather the sinks be there for people after they've done their business. I'd rather not have them touch doorknobs and stuff before they wash their hands.
(4)
Paul V.

My friend and I ran into this place by accident. We were walking down the street and noticed a packed restaurant with a Mexican menu. I am not a big fan of Mexican food since in our area it is mostly a mish-mash of slop. Though this menu looked promising and it wasn't typical tex-mex style so we decided to give it try. We sat outside since it was very mild October evening. We started out with de la Hoya guacalmole which was probably the best guacamole I ever had. It was surely freshly made as promised and well-seasoned. Also, it was not laden with too much sour cream as often is the case with guacamole. We were also served freshly made nachos with a great chili salsa style dipping sauce. We had a couple very strong well-made Magaritas to wash down our food. Again, it seems they were made with fresh lime juice and not cheap mixer. For entrees my dining partner had the Carne Assada which was Adobo grilled steak, Cotija onion rings, poblano mushroom salad and guajillo steak sauce. She said it was awesome and had exotic combination of flavors. I tried a little piece and the flavor combination was amazing. I had the Yucatan Salmon with Achiote glazed with rock shrimp salsa, verde rice and saffron-chile sauce. The salmon was cooked medium well and was very fresh tasting. The accompanying salsa added a great layer of flavor. The verde rice was truly wonderful. The saffron chili sauce was served on the side and added an extra layer of richness to the dish. Overall, this is well-prepared Mexican style food. Among the best I have ever had. Though I doubt its truly authentic. I guess you can say its more like fusion style Mexican cuisine. Though it surely is better than any chain restaurant tex-mex style food. Service was friendly and attentive despite being very busy. I would recommend this to anyone who is tired of typical tex-mex style restaurants and want to try some new and fresh flavors.
(4)
Ben K.

Yes, we all love and hate Starr restaurants. Previous reviewers complain that El Vez is all about frou-frou ambiance and not the food. They are dead wrong. El Vez is not only reasonably priced, but has some of the best guacamole I've ever tasted. The spicy crab is outstanding. The enchiladas and carne asada are consistently great. I've had the short rib and wasn't very impressed, it was tough when it should have been juicy and falling apart. The margaritas and mojitos are great and its a fun place to go with a bunch of friends. Don't expect a quiet evening though, its awfully loud and always crowded (expect a 1 hour wait on a Friday or Saturday night). I usually skip dessert because you can walk across the street to Capogiro Gelateria.
(4)
Marylyle M.

This place is seriously overrated, especially for what you get for the price. I went in with high expectations and the food was merely okay. We ordered the guacamole, a house specialty, which was just alright. My husband ordered a margarita, another house specialty, and he hated it. Everything else was decent (inc. ceviche, black bean enchiladas & duck gorditas), but the tiny portions and high prices knocked off some more stars. If you want truly transcendent upscale Mexican food in Philadelphia, I would suggest Tequila's instead. Their guacamole (and salsa) actually are amazing and worth the trip alone. Distrito and Xochitl are also a better bet.
(2)
Dave R.

Eh. Ok food and drinks.
(2)
victoria g.

this place is right around the corner from my office, and after a long day what's better than a huge pitcher of margaritas?! this place makes the best margaritas, i love them! however, i will warn you: they are stroooong! i like to think i'm a girl who can hold her liquor, but man... two of these and you'll be giggling away and slurring your speech, i don't care how seasoned of a drinker you think you are! that said, hopefully you're cabbing it or walking home like i am, so it wont matter. i've been here a few times for lunch or dinner and i've gotta say i'm not a huge fan of the food. but take that with a grain of margarita salt because my idea of mexican food is usually of the taco bell variety. either way, their chips and guac are PHENOMENAL. seriously, sooo good. and they make it table-side which is i guess a big deal. woo. i barely noticed, i was too busy enjoying my drinks. one thing, there's limited space at the bar and they are weird about letting you sit at a table for just drinks. outside seating rules though, and they even have heaters. my personal recommendation: the frozen blood orange margarita or cadillac margarita on the rocks, chips and guac for the table. final verdict: awesome happy hour spot!
(3)
E.J. C.

El Vez is a great restaurant if you are looking for a good time for dinner or just for a drink after work. First off, if you want to eat dinner here, make a reservation...far ahead of time. This is probably Starr's most popular restaurant. Don't expect to get a reservation day of on a weekend. Most likely make it at least a week ahead for a weekend reservation. Next, the drinks are great. The margaritas are the star here. The el vez is their classic margarita, but I tend to go for the pineapple canella. With the acidity of the pineapple and the spice of the cinnamon, it makes for a perfect start to the meal. The food is delicious. If you have a few people, you must get one of the guacamoles. And if you are in a splurging mood, get the Morales, which has black truffle, cilantro, and huitlacoche. It is fantastic. If you just want a basket of chips and salsa, ask for a side of salsa, which will get you the salsa rojo and salsa verde. They are good and much easier on the wallet too. The mexican pizza is always a good starter. The caesar salad is great. It comes in a tostada shell, the dressing is creamy with plenty of cheese and anchovy, and the fried croutons are incredibly flavorful. The tortilla soup has plenty of spice to it. The enchiladas are good, but not as good as at Starr's El Rey. The mahi mahi tacos were very good, with the crispy fish, avocado, and the splash of lime. The Pollo Annatto is great. The chicken is cooked perfectly, and the sauce complements the chicken and the cornbread very well. I would skip the Huarache De Carnitas. This dish is heavy, and the pork isn't as good as I hoped. Looking forward to going back...when I can get a reservation that is.
(4)
Ryan A.

I'm a huge fan of this place but I hardly go as much as a should. It is more on the expensive side but it is very filling, so I'd say it's worth it. I remember getting the tacos and thinking: what? Only 3 tacos? But I was full by the end and it was pretty delicious. I love the decor, it's very open and the circular bar in the front of the restaurant is pretty neat. They have cool booth seating as well and comfortable chairs. The food is top notch and they have great marg mix.
(4)
Mary M.

Let me start by saying that our overall experience was good. A one month wait for a Saturday night reservation is a little crazy. This was our first visit, and if you decide to go here, pack your patience for a *loud* environment, difficult to even hear your server. My date and I had to scoot our seats closer together just to be able to converse properly.. We had the special guacamole, watermelon habanero guacamole. This was disappointing, we expected a sort of sweet hot guac. There wasn't even the slightest hint of habanero, in fact we were surprised when we were delivered a small bowl of chopped jalapenos several mins after the guacamole. The two of us are fairly agreeable people, we just went with it and didn't say anything, but were thankful for the addition of some spicy jalapenos. Drinks were good, fish tacos were good, if challenging to eat (they came on a linear plate), my date enjoyed his barbequed chicken, though found the accompanying cornbread disappointing. One thing I feel should be mentioned is the shared sink room that adjoins both the men's and ladies rooms. It is very dark and sketchy, and if you don't happen to go with your date, it is a little creepy.. Just saying, better lighting would help the creep factor!
(3)
Hafsa M.

I love this almost authentic Mexican place. My favorites are the original guacamole, queso fundido de hongos, the grilled beef tacos, and I've always been to full for dessert but i would definitely want to try the churros! Trust me you'll love this restaurant! Plus the bathrooms are so cool.
(5)
Rob J.

I tried to hit up every Starr restaurant when I lived in Philly but fell quite short because I was a student and couldn't afford places like Striped Bass. El Vez, though, I made it to twice, and both times were good. On my first visit I came with one friend and we had a reservation (wasn't so lucky the second time). Our waitress was quite nice; we started with the mexican pizza appetizer and I had some kind of enchiladas for my main course. Sorbet sampler for dessert. On the second visit we had to wait a really, really long time, but got one of the neat tables towards the back for larger parties. Our margaritas were good, but a bit overpriced, and I completely forget what I had for dinner. The communal washbasin is neat, too.
(4)
Jeremy B.

Loving all things food, especially Mexican, there has been no disappointment here. The guacamole is fresh and delicious. Enchiladas are saucy and cheesy, tacos are full of flavor. I have not had any of the desserts because we are usually too full to even try them. Next time. The place is cool and who knows, maybe you can sit next to Chase U. next time you go there like I did.
(3)
Kaitlin H.

Service is always good. LOVE the photo booth. The margs are not top notch, but they are good, my only compliant is that they are a little more sugary than I would like. The pitchers are very much worth it! The sea bass tacos are to die for. I honestly do not think their gauc is as good as people talk it up to be. I also LOVE the photo booth. So much fun! Always one of my go to places to get drinks and some light food with friends. The wait time can be very long, but it usually goes pretty fast. My one compliant is that sometimes the wait can be almost an hour and there are always plenty of empty tables.. I have never understood that and I work in the restaurant industry.
(4)
Kate C.

I kind of like El Vez. Yeah, it's often overcrowded, and the food is at times underwhelming, but it's a fun, festive atmosphere and the blood orange margarita and the chopped salad (pretty much the only things I ever order) are consistently good. Judging from these other reviews, I wonder if I have bad taste in chips and salsa because I really like the chips and salsa here. The guacamole is waaaay overpriced though ($12? Nah). I also really like El Vez as a place for business lunches -- the lunch special menu is a decent bargain, and it's a good alternative to some of the stuffier restaurants in center city. Bonus points for the photo booth!
(3)
Amanda F.

I went here for dinner with my parents once, because they really enjoy Stephen Starr places, even my dad, who cannot tolerate Mexican food, likes El Vez. Which should tell you a) about the broad appeal of this place, and b) how good their Mexican food is (e.g. not too good, or at least, pretty bland--okay food but terrible Mexican). It's also very, very expensive. The margaritas were okay, but the ones at Distrito are way better for a comparable price. I didn't have any complaints about it except that the food was boring and there's really no point in calling themselves a Mexican restaurant even if they do serve tacos. HOWEVER, I was dragged here last night for my boy's cousin's birthday (there is no way I would go to any place serving margaritas on Cinco de Mayo, that's just asking for disaster), and GOOD LORD, I am never setting foot in this place again. Even beyond the embarrassingly drunk douchebags gyrating all over the place and the music so loud you couldn't even hear the company, it literally took me AN HOUR to get ONE DRINK, and that was sitting right at the bar, hemmed in on all sides by a surging crowd. Every time I managed to catch a bartender's attention, they'd tell me to wait, they were serving other people first. I understand it was crowded but that was just inexcusable; people who arrived after me were served way before me, and there's nothing that annoys me more than that. Also, though it was probably their busiest night of the year, they were understaffed and all of the staff was terribly rude. I was sincerely relieved to get the hell out of there after an hour and a half of getting buffeted around by bros in sombreros trying to get some Coronas.
(2)
Lori R.

Such a good way to finish the day. Got the Zapata drink which was absolutely delicious and we all shared the guacamole sampler and nachos. I have now discovered two of my new favorite pairings. Guacamole with balsamic syrup but all guacamole's were great and loved the baked chips. Also strawberry puree with basil, I didn't like my original drink and they were nice en ought to change it up for the yummy Zapata. Good decor and good for groups.
(4)
Banafsheh P.

Love this place! Great food and margs! and friendly staff and a fun spot. This one was def. in the rotation during my long stay in Philly.
(4)
Kevin O.

Stopped in for with Carrie, my wife, before a hospital visit. Sanchez had told us to get the guac with goat chesse in it. He was right on with that one. Awesome guac. Had a couple coronas and some tacos. Carrie had the chicken ones, which she loved. I thought they were ok. I had the sea bass tacos. Very, very good. It's a little expensive, but it's got a very cool vibe. We could have sat there drinking and eating that guac for a few more hours. They also have that old school photo booth, which is a cool idea. It's funny that everyone in the place has a camera in their cell phone, but there's a line to pay 3 bucks to get some black and white photos out of theat old school photo booth. And our pictures turned out great by the way.
(3)
Carrie M.

Oh El Vez, why do you sometimes do me wrong? I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican - and El Vez is NOT the best Mexican in the city, but we all know that. (I'm not comparing it to the South Philly gems or anything.) It's what it is - a fun place to eat with awesome atmosphere. We don't exactly go here for authenticity. (If you want that, head to 9th Street...) My 3 beefs: $18 for guacamole. Really dudes? How did you think that would go down? I can get double the guac in South Philly for a third of the price. It's so over-priced it's ridiculous. Food is up and down. I've been 4 or 5 times with friends and the quality of the food fluctuates. The Mahi-Mahi tacos are always amazing, but everything else... eh? Last time we went, we were celebrating a friend's birthday. We ordered two pitchers of margaritas at over $30 a pop. Now, we weren't going out with the intention of getting trashed. But after 4 margaritas each and relatively empty stomachs we were barely tipsy. No - we weren't even buzzed. Again, we weren't at El Vez to get trashed, but the lack of alcohol in the drinks must have been substantial. I'll get buzzed off of one beer on an empty stomach! My likes: The atmosphere. For what it is, it's fun. And the photo booth? Classic. If they could reign in the guac prices, up the alcohol in the drinks, and have consistency with the food - I'd be all about this place. It's a shame really.
(2)
Karl M.

I like El Vez, mostly for the Blood Orange Margarita, their tortilla chips and guacamole. The entrees always leave a little something to be desired. I ordered a really salty Mexican Chopped Salad and almost sent it back. My friend had chicken soft tacos, which sacrificed sensibility for presentation - he couldn't pick them up, so they ended up being a big mess all over his plate. That said, I will keep going back, if only for the guac and margaritas!
(4)
Lily Z.

"$15 for guacamole? It's an appetizer, it's not even an entree!" is what I was thinking when I sat down to look at the menu. The friend who brought me there said it's the best guacamole she's ever had, and I have to agree with her. Not to mention it was HUGE. I ended up taking half of it home and that was all I ordered for the night. The ambiance was nice--I love all their tiny little wall displays.
(4)
Kristen B.

I always feel like Starr restaurants are all ambiance with little substance. It's certainly a "cool" place to go in an Epcot kind of way. The guacamole with goat cheese is pretty darn good, but everything else is just "fine" and the portion sizes are very small. The service has been slow when I have been in there for dinner, and everything is overpriced.
(2)
Caitlin C.

Arrived at about 7:30 on a Friday night with a party of two and was told there'd be a two hour wait. Kudos to me for coming with no reservation! They have a great system in place where they take down your phone number. After about an hour and a half of being elsewhere, one of the hostesses called us. Super convenient! Upon being seated, our waitress came right over with a smile, despite how crazy it was inside. My first impression of the ambience was that of amazement. Super fun, quirky, and lively. We started with the de la hoya (sorry if this spelling is off) qucamole and it was so good. We gobbled it up super quickly. I enjoyed the chips because they weren't thin like a lot of restaurants serve - I could actually scoop the quac without breaking my chip. Now for the meals. I ordered the carnitas tacos and my boyfriend ordered the bean enchilada. His was excellent, but unfortunately my tacos were a little dry and not very flavorful. They weren't terrible, but they weren't anything memorable. I would still come back to try other things though. Portion sizes were quite small, but after the quac and the meals, we were stuffed. All together, we spent $38, which isn't nearly as much as I thought I'd pay at a Starr restaurant. Bathrooms downstairs are pretty clean and the sink set up is neat. Photo booth was a highlight of my night. So fun and a great way to remember our evening at El Vez. Overall, I had a pretty nice dining experience at El Vez. I'd like to come back with reservations some day and try out a different meal. I am craving that guacamole as I type this.
(4)
Ali I.

Fabulous margaritas and amazing food! The menu is quite varied and offers a lot of options for any palette. The atmosphere and the margarita pitchers are what make this place unique. Another Stephen Starr gem!
(5)
Nina R.

El Vez is a great place for drinks w friends, but I wouldn't recommended for dinner. I came here on a tuesday night. I sat by bar, the service was lame. This isn't a place for authentic Mexican food. If you like quality food and good drinks go to Barbuzzo, which is a block away from EL Vez.
(3)
Reality B.

Third time at el vez. Usually have a solid meal, well prepared. The pricing is a little high and the menu is all over the place. too many unrelated options it seemed. The whole thing seems a little contrived...like a chain. Granted I'm partial to small chef owned joints like lolita but this is a little over the top. Will likely return but I usually only go for lunch because none of my favorite Mex spots are open.
(3)
Darla A.

We have been to El Vez several times over the past few years. Here is why it gets four stars: - Food and drinks are consistently very good. - Service is very good. - Ambiance is fun, lively, interesting. Minus one star for charging for chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant (they used to be complimentary) and for generally being a little overpriced. I also wanted to relate a very positive experience. My husband and I came here the other night to celebrate my son's 2nd birthday. We sat outside, and our server was great about bringing out the food quickly (necessary with a toddler). Completely unsolicited, she overheard us talking about our son's birthday and asked if it would be ok to fire up a dessert to bring out to him when we were done with our food. We said of course, and a few minutes later out came a cute little platter of churros & chocolate with a little blue candle that absolutely made my son's dinner. (At no charge.) Our server was so professional and completely in tune with the little things that can make a good dinner become great.
(4)
Thomas G.

I consider it a shame that I haven't eaten dinner here yet. However, I offer three words: Blood Orange Margarita.
(4)
Erin P.

it was good, but not outstanding. i went here with friends for drinks and appetizers only, so i can't vouch for the entrees or desserts. i would love to come back for an actual meal. on to the review. forgive me because i don't recall the names of the actual dishes - i ordered by the description. for starters, i ordered the guava mojito, which was delicous. my only reservation is that i'm not the biggest fan of drinking mint leaves. mojitos only require the mint to be bruised - not shredded. the flavor was excellent though. tart guava + fresh mint = winning combination. we ordered the guacamole with goat cheese and chilis. it was very good, for something with goat cheese in it. i love cheese as much as the next person but there's something about the harsh, almost sour, taste of goat cheese that's just a huge turn-off. i would have preferred that version of the guacamole be made with chihuahua cheese. the goat cheese overwhelmed the avocado. the dish also needed some acid to counteract the rich avocado and cheese. a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt would have brought this dish to the next level... despite the goat cheese. another appetizer we got was the tuna tostadas - yum. it was a thin slice of seared tuna with a pineapple salsa on top. i'm not the biggest fan of tuna but this was so good i wanted to eat it all. screw sharing! i ordered a chorizo and chile with oaxaca and chihuahua cheese bake thing that came with tortillas. we were eating the dip with the chips for our guacamole. i couldn't get enough of that. (again, cheese. duh.) the last dish i didn't sample because it was on the other side of the table. it was a shrimp quesadilla. it looked good though... but i was busy stuffing my face with CHEESE. anybody know a good cardiologist? i'm sure i'll need one soon from my overzealous dairy intake.
(3)
Cristina M.

I cannot stop thinking about this place and it's food. I recently visited Philly and had eyed this restaurant in yelp. My friend who lives there also recommended it therefore there was no way I could not stop in. When we arrived they asked us if we wanted to be seated outside right away or wait to be seated. The ambiance inside is so cool that we chose to wait. Only waited about 20 minutes. The first thing I ordered was my drink. It was a pomegranate margarita and it was delicious. Just the right tequila. We ordered the Macho Nachos with chorizo. OMG sooo good. They have very unique guacs. So we also ordered the guacamole that came with feta and pistachios. It was so interesting but the blend fit perfect and gave it a great taste. As my meal I got the taco sampler platter. It was the best thing I could've done because I got a little taste of all their taco options. My favorite was the mahi and carnitas. If I ever visit philly again I will definitely be stopping in again
(5)
Laxmi D.

This Stephen Starr restaurant is a little overrated. I think the reason it's $$$$ is because of the name and atmosphere. The food is very under-spiced and in my opinion, it's expensive for no reason. Margaritas are awesome, per usual. I would recommend trying the Pink Cadillac --their signature drink. For anyone who just wants to try out a Starr restaurant, I would say come here once for the "experience" otherwise, there's a lot of other Mexican places in Philadelphia that are affordable AND tasteful.
(3)
Gina C.

Nothing better than a lunch outside on a beautiful day, drinking margaritas, eating good Mexican food, and taking in all the people walking by. The frozen blood orange margarita is as good as every other commenter says it is. The Bazooka guac is outstanding. And the people watching was entertaining:)
(5)
Jessica C.

Love this place. The food is awesome, as you'd expect. Cool atmosphere. Love ordering pitchers of margaritas and a bunch of dishes to share. The dessert sampler is awesome. The only negative thing is that it's always crowded, there's almost always a wait, and it's loud. But that's not their fault, everyone likes it and it's a busy neighborhood. Great spot to start a night out.
(4)
Zack P.

Awsome place to take your date or even a few buds out for a night of great margaritas and Mexican food . Amazing nachos and other fantastic dishes . Try there margaritas there pretty awsome .
(5)
Amy M.

Great food and great drinks, especially the margaritas. I've been to El Vez multiple times and each and every time was amazing! Love the guac and chips.
(5)
C T.

A gem, the atmosphere , service and drink is greeeeeeeeeeaat, presentation is quite on point too. I personally don't like Mexican food at all so i won't judge that part but lobster and avocado should be a liking to anyone. Recommendation is ofcourse is blood orange margarita ;)
(5)
Caroline L.

This place is AMAZING. Hands down some of the best Mexican I've ever had. The nachos were pure perfection. I love that they put them on a big pan so that you never have to worry about getting a chip with no toppings. The beef tacos practically melt in your mouth. An absolute must try. They're known for their margaritas, and they are quite good, however, my second drink was one of their guava mojitos and that was absolutely incredible! If you go to El Vez and don't try that drink, then you are seriously missing out. The place is a little high priced, but it is more than worth it.
(5)
Ryan K.

I want to give this 4 or 5 stars so bad because of how damn good the food is. But ANYWHERE I go no matter how good it is that charges $16 for a guacamole and $20+ for a pitcher of margarita is a joke to me. The guac was seriously awesome though. We got a regular and also the mango one and both were great. Seating was super comfortable and our server was very nice. HIGH prices and always a 30 minute wait brought me down a few stars :/
(3)
Nyota W.

I kinda loved this place. A few friends decided to come out on a Saturday afternoon for a few cocktails and yes we made the right decision. Margaritas by the pitcher just make sense! When we arrived it was already packed at 3 pm, so we put our name on the list anticipating a long wait. We took our seat at the bar and happily waited it out with drinks in hand. The hostess sent a text message when our table was ready and we then proceeded to feast. Everything was tasty and the service was on point. The atmosphere is hip and it's a great gathering point for friends. Definitely not the cheapest place to eat, but worth the experience.
(5)
Amanda M.

When a fellow margarita-loving friend came to visit, I knew I had to take her to El Vez. I tried to make reservations day-of, but as it was a Saturday night they were booked. I was told the wait would likely be 45 minutes, but when we arrived around 5 we were seated right away - perhaps because we beat the dinner rush, but I'll take it. We had the guac, of course, and I was surprised to see the mahi-mahi tacos - my favorite - seemed to have been lowered in price. I'll take it!
(4)
Molly M.

Great food, Great atmosphere. The Blood Orange Margaritas were great and also the fish tacos. Will definitely go again. I recommend making a reservation.
(5)
Mary P.

Best margaritas in town (cheap too)
(5)
Kelly G.

A group of friends and I visited El Vez for dinner on a Saturday at their request. We had reservations via OpenTable - and I highly suggest, if you're heading over on a Friday or Saturday, that you do yourself a favor and reserve a table. Otherwise, you're sure to wait. We started off with a pitcher of their signature blood orange margarita. We got 4 margaritas out of the pitcher for $40. An individual blood orange will run you $10. There were four of us to the pitcher, so it really didn't save any money. The drink was deliciously tart and sweet - definitely worth all of the accolades that this particular drink receives. I later opted for a guava mojito, which (when combined with the fresh mint, gave off aromatics and flavors like a perfectly fresh grapefruit. It was lovely - I definitely recommend you give it a shot if you're not in the mood for a margarita. As everyone has mentioned, El Vez is known for their guacamole. They have so many to choose from, it became quite a point of contention at our table - no one could agree on one! Our waitress offered an off-menu sampler of three guacs of our choosing to help disband some of the arguing. In doing so, she quickly became our hero! We opted for the original, the mango, and the limon. Each one was better than the next! We ordered a duo of these samplers and they were quickly obliterated. I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of guacamole per se, but THIS guac has made me a convert. It's going to be something I regularly crave. Our entree choices consisted of shrimp tacos (shrimp cooked to perfection, topped with queso fresco and avocado), beef tacos (cooked to a perfect medium rare and spicy enough to add a much needed zip of flavor, but not overwhelmingly hot) and macho nachos (topped with chorizo, cheese, and all other kinds of yummy). I had a side of Mexican corn on the cob which was topped with cheese and spice and was so very crisp and sweet, considering I couldn't have ordered it anymore off-season (mid-February). This was a personal favorite of mine! I suggest everyone order it! The on-site photobooth and wall of little miniature "rooms" housing skeletons reminiscent of Dia de Muertos added to atmosphere of fun that permeates El Vez. Great experience! Great service! Great fun!
(4)
reviewer m.

I liked the atmosphere of the place. Very colorful and little details all over. Cozy seating, good drinks, and a fun place to chill. The bar tenders were super friendly and nice too! We had a beers and glasses of Sangria with lots of fruit prices. There's a fun old fashioned photo booth inside so for $3 you get a strip of 4 pictures. It's fun to cram a bunch of people in there and see how it turns out. I would also comment on the bathrooms...surprisingly clean for a bar! It has an interesting layout with a great hall for the sinks in between the men and women's bathrooms. As you can tell, this review isn't as much about the food/drinks as it is about the atmosphere. I will be back to try more!
(3)
Kelly R.

This was my first visit to El Vez. And it was "Great"!!! The service was well beyond my expectations. Although the place happened to be very busy, my waiter was ready to service me at anytime. The wait for our food was excellent. Even with a full house our food got to us very quickly. We ordered the Nacho Mamma, chicken tacos and corn they were all beyond delish. It's like I was having a party in my mouth... The Blood Orange Margarita was to die for. I am not a drinker, but they were so good I had to have two. The only down fall is parking. It's in Center City so parking is hard to find. Especially around the time we went (2:30pm) Fyi:They have a photo Booth right before you go down to the bathroom. Take some silly pictures and stick it on the photo wall before you leave.
(5)
Pete L.

Recommend the mahi mahi tacos and the margaritas! This place has a good (loud!) atmosphere and great food. Gets really busy at the weekends so reserve well in advance if you can.
(5)
Annie P.

awesome drinks. awesome food. amazing service. all i can say is: WHEN CAN I GO BACK.
(5)
Kimberly Y.

Stephen Starr's Latin restaurants are fast becoming my favorite Starr Restaurants. El Vez was probably somewhere between a 4 and a 5, but I'll just round it up! The food was definitely my favorite part. The portions are a little on the small side, so I ordered the chicken quesadilla to share and the taco platter (and this was when I wasn't too hungry). The chicken quesadilla was tasty and pizza-style with the tortilla on the bottom and everything else as a topping. The poblano crema and cilantro added great flavor to the quesadilla. The taco platter was also excellent! My favorite was the sea bass taco... amazing and tender! I was in heaven. I'm definitely ordering the full sea bass plate next time! I was pleased that we had such a great experience even though we strayed from the recommended margarita, guac, and mahi mahi tacos! Prices were very reasonable, as my friend and I spent $44 together before tax and tip. I would recommend making reservations if you can. Unfortunately, I came on a day they didn't offer reservations so we had to wait 45 minutes... Fortunately, Capo is right across the street, and there's some shopping nearby. The five hostesses (I have no idea why they need five?) texted us when our table was ready, and we ran over. Our waitress was extremely nice and patient. When our food came, a bunch of people came by to ask how it was, but ten minutes later I found myself without water (though that may have been because I accidentally ate a jalapeno). The inside of El Vez was decorated just enough with the spinning, lit-up motorcycle in the middle of the bar, but dark. A good place to take your date if you just broke out! (jk) I expected El Vez to be loud, but even then I felt like I had to shout and repeat myself too many times. There seemed to be a younger crowd, but there were definitely some older folks who fit in as well. El Vez definitely delivered, and I'll definitely be back for more of those sea bass tacos!
(5)
Melissa G.

Every time my plane lands in PHL I head straight back to this place. The blood orange margs and the photo booth set it apart from the rest not to mention the pistachio guac...
(5)
Tim P.

Portions are small. Food taste is decent, but I don't think it warrants the premium pricing. The ambiance is quite intriguing because it feels very much like you are transported to a foreign world...the reddish, orange lighting with a neon-lit motorcycle in the middle of the room creates a very hip and cool vibe. This place is fairly busy and can get quite loud, but sometimes that's a good thing.
(3)
Derek K.

This place is legendary. On one of the best corners in the city with the best views, awesome bar and mix of food and drinks you never get tired of. An experience everyone can enjoy, more than once a week in my case from time to time. Start here then roam the city all around this area, for a great day and night.
(5)
Diana H.

I absolutely loved El Vez! Please note this review is only for their brunch. A group of 6, including myself, met up for brunch at El Vez on a Sunday afternoon. I had never been to El Vez before, and was incredibly curious as I read mixed reviews. The decor is simply awesome, and the couches along the back wall are great for group meetups. We ordered some guacamole as a starter, which we all thought was delicious. For my main, I ordered the DIY tacos (or something like that - it's been a while). I remember I was very happy with my choice, and my friend, who ordered the same, agreed. The other girls also thought the food was tasty and a pretty good deal for the price. I also had a limeade which was refreshing on this hot summer day. The staff was friendly enough, though it wasn't anything special there. El Vez is 4,5 stars for me, so I will definitely come back here.
(4)
Lillian C.

We were looking to grab a quick dinner when we landed in Philly late one Thursday night. Luckily this place stayed open late and there was no wait for a table around 10. This place is definitely a date or drink place with its cool decorations. We just wanted food so we were in a get in, get food in our stomach, get out mood. Not sure if our waitress expected us to order more or something, but I didn't think she was too friendly. I had the steak tacos... it came with three tacos in a pretty cool dish. The steak was tender, but lacked that char grilled texture you get when you cook then over an actual fire. I also tried the carnitas tacos and again, the meat was too soft and not enough of that cooked on an open fire texture. The seasoning on both types of tacos were good though. I also had some of the open face chicken quesadilla and that was just like a pizza... not bad, but not anything amazing. This seems like it could be a nice spot to chill and drink with pretty decent, but pricey food.
(3)
Kathleen D.

I want a frozen Blood Orange Margarita machine for my apartment, El Vez. Please. Those drinks are phenomenal. After failed attempts to visit sans reservation in the past (long, long waits in that case), I finally trekked into El Vez on Tuesday night. In addition to the margarita (which was, by the way, the highlight of the night), I also had the open face chicken quesadillas. They were pretty good. Not the best, not the most original, but quality stuff nonetheless. I didn't like the price point. I feel like there are many other places dishing out similar eats for much cheaper. El Vez is definitely monopolizing on its location and Starr reputation to charge what it does. Like other Starr restaurants, the ambiance was great. I loved the rando-bike, the comfy seats and the color scheme of the place. We had window seats also, which I preferred since there was more space and more light. I'd definitely go back -- if only for those margaritas.
(4)
Aditi M.

I love Mexican food. But this place is beyond another restaurant. It has lovely bright decor - chic and colorful. It has big cozy booths for a group gathering. They also have a photo booth inside the restaurant - how fun! Coming to food - whoaaa.. I had never seen such a great assortment of guacamole anywhere else.
(5)
Kevin M.

I was pretty excited when I heard about this place as reservations seemed hard to get and the reviews from friends were very high. From an atmosphere standpoint, it didn't disappoint. The place was hopping, it was crowded and the music was going. They also have a photo booth in the restaurant which is pretty awesome. However, the food left much to be desired. The only good dish was the guacamole. It was fresh, lumpy and delicious. This was a great start to the meal and definitely got my expectations even higher. For my meal I had the shrimp combo with a side of plantain and corn of the cob. The shrimp were extremely basic and didn't have any special flavors or kick to it. The portions were certainly big, but the flavor didn't match up to it at all. The corn looked like it was going to be amazing, but also turned out to be a it of a let down as it tasted like corn you'd make at home. The plantain tasted fine, but those too didn't posses the usual extra flare that you would find at a spanish restaurant. Aside from the food, I really liked the atmosphere of the place. The rum selection was lacking a bit as well, but the margaritas were delicious. They pack a mean punch! Nice place, but not so great food. I probably will venture elsewhere on my next trip to Philly.
(3)
Elke M.

Love this place!!! Their nachos R sooooo yummy OMG I can't get enough.. One of my fav places when I come to Philly
(5)
Krystin T.

My mom and I came to El Vez on our last night in Philly. We'd tried to walk in a few nights before and there was, of course, a huge wait, so we made a reservation. The only one we could get was 8:15pm, but when we arrived it wasn't even that crowded. Definitely fairly full, but no wait. We were first given a table inside but when my mom requested we move outside, they were very accommodating and found us a place right away. We really, really wanted to try the guacamole after reading about it in all the reviews, but... for the price and there only being two of us, we just couldn't justify it. Instead, we opted for the chips & salsa. We just did the regular salsa, which came with a pico de gallo, a red salsa, and a green salsa (which was my favorite - very mild and a bit cilantro-y!). The chips were really good, too: just salty enough. I ordered the black bean enchiladas for my entree, as did my mom. I asked for mine to come without the onions, which they said was fine. However, when it arrived, there were onions galore. I wasn't going to say anything, but my mom did... and our server was very apologetic and actually comped the dish, which was really nice. Even with the onions, the enchiladas were really good - not too spicy, but had a little kick, and the cheese was delicious. Service was pretty attentive, the cost was decent, and the food was good. The ambiance is fun and the decor is interesting, so it's definitely a fun little place!
(4)
Mark D.

Great food, great atmosphere. A fun place to eat, drink, and socialize with friends , family. The food is very good. Quick service, helpful staff. Not authentic Mexican food, but not trendy either. A bit pricy, definitely make reservations! Can be loud, but not a romantic dinner venue anyway. Overall I'd recommend it.
(4)
Ling C.

Good food. Decor is nice. Staff was very friendly. Wish it was cheaper, but that's what you get for downtown prices!
(4)
Scott G.

Went on a Thursday afternoon...got in right before the placed got packed. Cool decor. Pitcher of blood orange margaritas...tart and perfect! It was the beginning of a long evening of bar hopping, so we just had the "original" guac and the taco sampler...good size for 2 people. Guac was good...creamy and mildly spicy. Taco sampler...the pork was the best, and the crispy mahi was a close second. Don't forget to take your picture in the photo booth!
(5)
Naa P.

This is a cool place. I like the servers and the ambience is nice. Convenient in a really interesting neighborhood. I had the pink Cadillac margarita which was the perfect summer drink. My friend had the sangria and we could tell, by the favors that it was probably soaked over night. They put out quality drinks. You'll have to tell me about the food.
(4)
Planters V.

Came here at 5pm on a Monday night. Place had a good vibe, and greeters kindly checked our stroller and seated us quickly. I got the El Vez Margarita, which had a good kick with FRESHLY SQUEEZED Lime juice. I tried the taco sampler for $22, which was nice variety. Next time, I will ONLY get the mahi maui tacos. The Sea Bass tacos were just okay. Portion sizes were as expected--just right.
(4)
Dana B.

Looking for amazing Mexican food and margaritas in Center City? Look no further than El Vez! Seating is available outside in nice weather as well as inside the restaurant at booths, tables, or at the bar. Came by for food and margaritas one night after work with my boss and his partner and I was very pleased! Started out with some shareable chips and guac and a frozen blood orange margarita, followed by a Granada margarita and the open face chicken tinga quesadilla (from which they kindly omitted the onions for me; I was very grateful!). Tends to get crowded especially in the evenings and on weekends, so there may be a wait upon your arrival, but there's a photo booth where you can pass the time taking fun pictures!
(5)
Michelle S.

Fun, fun, fun! My brother and I were so lucky we turned down this lively street for some patio lunch. The area is cute - this was one of three or so other restaurants with outdoor seating, and we chose El Vez. What was good? The service was great -our server was very attentive and a complete sweetheart. Also, the macho nachos were delicious. Our server suggested we get the sauce on the side, and we were smart to take her advice - it packed some serious heat. The not so good? My shrimp tacos were completely bland; just shrimp on corn tortillas. I am not sure if they were supposed to maybe come with some fixings on the side, but there was nothing special/exciting/tasty about them. I only ate half. Also, I think the overall cost of lunch for an app, small dishes, and a drink a person ended up being pretty outrageous.
(3)
Jenn W.

So we .had well-needed Girls night out, so El Vez was the spot. The hostess said bout 1 hour to hour 1/2 wait til table,so we went to the bar. . That being said, it was packed so we got drinks & stood around, as people left, we were able to get stools , so we ended up just ordering food & more drinks at the bar.. Think there were 3 bartenders -girls, & one guy .The younger guy WAS about the only pleasant one behind the bar. I thought as bartenders -Isn't majority of their pay from customer service ** TIPS??!!! Our food came out quick, exceptional & well made, everything they make is delightful..just the bartenders up to par.They were all very Unpleasant & attitude. First were at the bar, some people behind us ordering drinks , as they were handing their tabs to pay , she was enforcing a rule, like don't reach over the line, we were talking & while they were signing & adding gratuity, she Rolled her eyes at them, guess for taking a minute longer then she wanted??! WTH!!? Wow, never smiled, Don't think she or any of them did, until it was time to pay our tab!! Wow, do they need refreshers in customer Service/ Bartending etiquette!!?So Not good!! Other then that, we had a great time there, couldn't believe what we witnessed. Hope it gets better, maybe they were having bad night -something!!?
(3)
Sal D.

Came here for a late night drink and dinner, this place was pretty impressive. Must try are the Nachos, these bad boys are large and in charge come with chicken or steak and you get them for the low low price of $12.50. Realistically if I come back I will just get a couple drinks and split the nachos with like 3 to 4 people, yeah they are that good and big. We had the pitcher of red sangria, which was $32.00 a little pricey, but its and works out. For our entree, well I'm from Los Angeles I'm use to cheap delicious tacos, taste is usually there quality may lack. This place had a taco sampler $23 for 5 tacos, no rice no beans... I would have never have picked this, but the tacos were all amazing high quality and taste. You get a carnitas, a ahi tuna, a carne asada, a chicken and I believe some other fish taco. Service was excellent, food was amazing, drinks were good, for downtown thats probably just what you pay. Will definitely be back drinks and the nachos.
(5)
Skyla C.

So my boyfriend and I decided to come here for lunch . When I first walked in , there were three hostess at front desk , just turned and looked at me weird and didn't even greet us , so I just said party of 2 . Not very professional and a very awkward vibe . As of food we had machos nachos , shrimp quesadillas , and the lunch options they offered . I also had the virgin strawberry Margaritas and I didn't like it . I have to say the nachos were very delicious . But everything else were just okay . Wasn't too impressed . I didn't like how they took a bit long to bring out our food . So as the food were coming out we just packed it to go . Was feeling pretty full while picking on our appetizers as we were waiting for our food to come out . My waiter was okay . Wasn't what I expected coming from a waiter . One of the hostess that kept passing by my table kept looking at me weird each time . I'm sorry to say but I won't be returning back as it was just an awkward experienced here .
(2)
Jake L.

This is my favorite restaurant in Philly. Blood Orange Margaritas and Carbonera is my favorite. Atmosphere is so cool too! If you havent tried it, its a must !!!
(5)
Ethan J.

I expected it to be nice.. But i couldn't help but think "wow this is exploited, pretentious Mexican food!" We paid $14 each for three Bite size tacos with about an ounce of chicken in each. $60 tab for two plates, $12 guac and waters. The quality and flavor were very good. The guacamole was really good. But in the end its just another trendy place with overpriced food.
(2)
Roxanne G.

Fantastic guacs and Sea Bass taco! Would recommend.
(5)
Gregory H.

Having been back a few times since my last review, I have to give El Vez an extra star. It's just such a *fun* restaurant. Having had more of their food, I can say that I've changed my mind on the value for money. I love the guacamole and I love all of the tacos. That said, the wait times seem to have become even more miserable and reservations are extremely tough to secure for dinner. Worse, the place is very loud when crowded, unless you are seated in one of the large booths in the back. Still, I would recommend El Vez for a once-in-awhile fun night out.
(4)
Rebecca G.

So my friend and I originally wanted to try El Vez last Saturday night, but because we hadn't made reservations and didn't want to wait for seats, we instead tried it last night. Earlier in the week, we tried to make reservations but alas, there was "no availability." Apparently, they only take reservations for half of the seats, and leave the remainder of them open on a first-come-first-served basis. Okay, whatever. Then we would just get there early, which we did, just around 5:00. However, we were still told that it would be an hour wait, but that we could sit at the bar, which we did. While sitting there sipping our drinks and munching on chips and guacamole (which, by the way, is amaaaazing- freshly made, natural-tasting, and room temperature), we noticed that there were quite a few open tables. Then, suddenly, we were alerted that a reservation canceled at the last minute, so a table was ready for us. Hmmm... interesting. We wondered if the table had been available all along, for it certainly seemed like it was a place that pretended to always be full just to create hype- and to push people to the bar to inflate drink and appetizer sales. That said, I didn't really mind as I enjoy drinking and dining at the bar, and because we were notified half an hour before we had been scheduled to be seated, we opted to stay. And because the guacamole (and the chips, for that matter) had been so filling, we simply shared a taco tasting platter as our "main course." Replete with a steak taco, a carnitas taco, a chicken taco, a mahi mahi taco, and a sea bass taco, it was more than enough to leave us satisfied. Furthermore, the fillings were perfectly prepared, seasoned, cooked, and served to perfection. Also, since I had overheard another customer inquiring about the margaritas, and learned that there are two that are not on the menu, one being a habanero-flavored one, I also gave it a try, and it was delicious! So in sum, because the food and the drinks are so well-prepared, I'm going to let slide that little seating issue, and give El Vez the five stars that it deserves. After all, it is a business!
(5)
Jill T.

I know quite a few foodies will disagree with this rating, but allow me to explain. This place is perpetually crowded. It's almost impossible to get a weekend reservation, so it was much to my surprise when my friends and I got a table on a Friday night - I was really looking forward to trying out the food. The ambience inside is quite interesting - lots of mixed media artwork - I liked it a lot. The food was good, but it wasn't spectacular. I expect to be completely blown away by food that comes with such price tag - and that just wasn't the case here. I'm not quite sure what the major draw is for this place other than it being Steven Starr restaurant, but he has so many better options, I'm not sure what all the hype is about.
(3)
Nathan M.

This is the only place in the Philadelphia besides El Rey and Citizen's Bank Park where they *actually* sell frozen alcoholic drinks. I don't understand why they are so incredibly rare here compared to Texas. I assume it's the weather, but you'd think it'd be around in the dead of summer. I go here all the time, but mostly for the margarita. It's easy to get a bit too drunk here as the drinks are strong, but it's worth it. Get the macho nachos or the fish tacos if you want a great entree. The chips and guac side are perfect if you're just having drinks. I love sitting at the big round bar.
(5)
Jason L.

Bleary-eyed from a week on the French corner of the Dominican Republic (if Yelp was in the DR, I'd have scores of reviews - come on!), we landed in the Iladel for an overnight. Nobody recommended this place and we didn't even yelp it, but I see now that El Vez is highly regarded. Can we talk for a second about how freaking cool everyone who we came into contact with was? The hostess had a huge tattoo on her thigh and looked like she walked out of some upper Brooklyn artisinal broccoli salad purveyor photo shoot with oversized glasses, flowy shorts, and crush your skill under toe boots. All the servers looked like that too. But they were nice to us! We ordered some guacamole and a pitcher of some kind of booze. I continue to have doubts about the $15 guacamole. It seems excessive to me, but they almost got it right: I might complain less if it also came with homemade chips, and if someone served it off his or her naked (hairless please) belly or other fleshly body part. The taco combo sampler platter was good. I especially liked the pork, as usual, and she liked the chicken. The booze pitcher was $40 or so, but worth it: we both got plenty wasted, more wasted then two drinks each would have bought us. The mezcal was tangy and spicy, nicely balanced and not too sweet at all. If everything cost 1/3 less, I'd give it five stars. Still, we enjoyed this a lot. Everything was freshly prepared, flavorful, and excellent in concept and execution. This would be a great spot to order pitcher after pitcher of delicious drink and eat a bowl or two of guacamole with some folks.
(4)
Fawn M.

We were looking for a brunch spot, our first choice had to long of a wait so we tried this place. We never had Mexican themed brunch before, it was delicious! The service was good (not great but it met the need). It was not a long wait between ordering and getting our food. I would visit here again!
(4)
Belle S.

The service and food makes up for the tacky decorations at El Vez. My boyfriend and I came here and ordered the original guacamole which was probably the best guacamole he and I have ever had, considering that I hate avocados. The spicy sauce was incredible as well. We had the tacos al carbon with (choice of two) grilled Portobello mushrooms and grilled beef. If we hadn't been so full from the chips and guacamole, we would've taken them home. The servers do not seem to have a uniform, they just wear their own clothes which I thought was a bit unprofessional. Also, this place is noisy at night and seems to only be good for light conversation.
(4)
Candice H.

I go back for the delicious margaritas, el vez original quacamole and homemade crema. Their marge are tasty every time. A pitcher should be plenty of a party of 2. Reservations can be painful or a long wait, but if you get luck, there are usually seats at the round bar, which is actually our preference! Almost every weekend after shopping/errands in Rittenhouse, we walk back and make a stop. Service is always there as well. I would come back just for the comp. homemade chips and salsa. The setting is unique, like all STARR restaurants. There is outside seating, but hard to come by unless you get there early. Other go-tos: - mushroom and cheese app (forget the name) - tuna tostada (mini w/ loads of flavor) - carnitas tacos (not a tacos lover, but these are worth it as well) - Quac (expensive but so worth it!)
(5)
Jessica A.

Holy guacamole. But seriously, that stuff is GOOD. I didn't have a reservation the night I showed up with a part of 4 on a Saturday. It was a gorgeous fall evening and the place was packed. The wait was probably around 1.5-2 hours long but because it was so vibrant and smelled so delicious, we waited it out (which is easy to do with so many bars on Sansom St right there). The wait ended up being closer to 3 hours which really, really sucked but the food was so delicious, I get it. My brother and his girlfriend split the chicken tacos which was a huge portion as well as a fun presentation! My boyfriend and I both had the enchiladas. Also delicious. The margaritas were also delicious but pricey. Back to the guacamole. SO GOOD. I could eat this guac every single day for the rest of my life and be totally happy. It is so fresh and flavorful and the portion is also pretty huge for the price ($9). My advice to anyone interested in checking this place out would be to either: A. Go at lunch or B. Make a reservation Because, really, a 3-hour wait is way too long (and quite ridiculous) for dinner.
(4)
Steve L.

Hit this spot again on New Year's Day. Service and quality was not compromised. Macho nacho, mahi mahi and some dos xx. Delicious. Will return again! Nothing has changed from my pervious review.
(4)
Cara T.

Oh El Vez. You were my first love. My first Starr restaurant love anyway.... It is a treat to come here as I'm not usually in the neighborhood during lunch hours and for dinner it's damn near impossible to get a table without reservations. In the summer they have outdoor seating. The decor is vibrant and colorful with crushed velvet sofas and a neon motorcycle above the bar. There is also a photo booth. Menu highlights: Blood Orange Margarita: This is non-negotiable. Guacamole: made fresh. Expensive but memorable. Melted Manchego: If you've never had manchego cheese, it's incredibly flavorful. Like a party on your tongue. Grilled Beef Tacos: I tend to overeat because of the manchego cheese, so these tacos are a perfect size and hit the spot. Tacos al Carbon: This is a larger meal. It's basically fajitas with a different name. Choose your meat and build your own. Churros: I sigh thinking about them. So sugary. So cinnamony. I know some people avoid El Vez simply because it's a Starr restaurant (I don't understand!!) but this one is the one to go to if you only visit one.
(5)
Jay L.

Went by on a Friday night. Our table was for at 7pm and we were seated right away though there was a couple party wait. We were able to secure reservations though yelp the night before! When we left, the wait was 1.5 hours. Agree with everyone else. I would just come for the excellent guacamole and the atmosphere. The food is decent for the price, but doesn't blow the mind. The guacamole is excellent. We ordered the crabmeat one, wonderful but $17. There is a guacamole sampler not on the menu, around $33 for 3 guacamoles. We had both the tacos and enchilada sampler. They are all tasty and flavorful. Though small, they are a little on the heavy side, so they are also surprisingly filling. The food is okay for the price, but the guacamole (though pricey) is the reason to swing by.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

Stopped by for a quick weekday lunch during a conference. I loved the blood orange margarita. It was perfectly tangy, sweet and salty. The regular side of guacamole was also very good, and I liked the red and slightly smoky salsa that came with the chips. I had high hopes for the mahi mahi fish tacos based on the reviews here. But, after having fish tacos in Southern California, I have developed several preferences: 1. They used flour tortillas instead of corn. I think the texture and flavor of good corn tortillas is a better compliment to the fish than flour tortillas. 2. They used a spicy orange sauce instead of a cool and creamy white sauce. Their sauce was so overwhelming, it masked the taste of the fish, making the tacos one-dimensional in flavor. 3. They used (marinated? flavored?) red cabbage instead of fresh green cabbage. It may be a little unfair to compare fish tacos in Philly to fish tacos in California. But, I think I can safely say that even if I didn't already have this conception of the "perfect fish taco," I still would have rated El Vez's fish tacos low due to the one-dimensional flavor profile. Overall, El Vez is definitely worth a try, particularly for their margaritas and guacamole.
(4)
Sunny L.

Went there with one of my girlfriends last week. I would suggest to avoid Friday night because the wait time is INSANE. I did not know ahead of time, so we waited for like 1 hr and 45 mins. Luckily, we were able to walk around in the city to kill time. Anyway...regardless the wait, the food is amazing!! We ordered their signature nacho and enchiladas...so yummy! They served a good portion and we were so full after those two dishes. The only downside is that it was a bit loud there due to the big crowd. They have a bar in the center of the room for people to hang out...if you like margaritas and all kinds of guacamole, this place is for you! I definitelly will go back one day with my husband...but maybe during the day instead of night to avoid the crowd.
(4)
Bernadette K.

I've been here on 2 different occasions when visiting Philly. Love the atmosphere and the service! Now as for the food and drinks! The first time we went here, we had a pitcher of blood orange Margarita (on the rox). Soo tasty and def had a kick. The next time we came my bf had the Pink Cadillac and I had the Pineapple Canela. They were very tasty but neither seemed very strong but that's ok! Bazooka Guacamole: hands down, best guac I've ever had! Y'all put one of my fav cheeses (goat cheese) on top of guacamole? Sayyy whaaaat!?!? I was in love b4 I even tasted it. So good. Red Snapper Ceviche: had this the 1st time I went and it's what made me fall in love with El Vez! Sea Bas tacos: these were perfect! Perfectly cooked sea bass, great combo of flavas! Chicken Enchiladas: we were a little disappointed by this one. The chicken inside the enchiladas was impeccable. Flavorful and tender. But the red chili sauce? Unfortunately it tasted like marinara or plain tomato sauce thrown on top. No flavor, no spice. Creamy Poblano Corn Rice: yum! This was like mac n chz but with rice! El Vez is one of my fave restaurants in Philly. I live hours away and when I make it to Philly, I always want to stop by here even though I typically would want to explore other restaurants of a city. So good!
(4)
Jai N.

Came here for the boyfriend's 25th birthday, it's one of his favorite restaurants in Center City and I've always wanted to go. I called ahead and let the staff know it was his birthday and they were so accommodating! They gave a bunch of recommendations and the food came out super quick. Drinks were delicious but the BEST part was when they brought out dessert with a candle- cinnamon sugar churros with a dark chocolate sauce amazing! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Rizwan A.

Well, I came back here and I was starving so the food really impressed this time. Their guac is served in a bit bigger portion that I last saw and while it's more creamy than I would have liked (Guac should always be chunky!) it was still pretty good. My wife and I also ordered some mexican corn, rice and beans, plus a taco tasting sampler. All of the tacos were great, especially the chicken and beef. The mahi mahi was also really tangy and tasty but the sea bass was just a bit too fishy and a little out of place in a taco. The chicken and beef probably follow the closest recipe to an ordinary taco and while they're a bit small (2-3 bites each) they were packed full and had a lot of good flavor. Server was really friendly and polite. No real negatives this time. Seated immediately and food came out quick. Might be back sooner than expected!
(3)
Danan R.

Great for brunch with very reasonable entree prices and good portions! My huevos rancheros were very good with soft yolks, black beans, queso, avocado, and crispy fried tortillas. I also loved the fried yucca which is drizzled with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. The breakfast burrito is also solid and huge. Most brunch entrees are about $10 +/- $2. The guacamole here is solid, and I loved the bazooka limon, which is filled with goat cheese, pistachio pieces, chili flakes, and roasted tomato. The pistachios gave it a good crunch, although I wish that there had been more of them. I still like the truffle guacamole at El Rey more, though. We also split the macho nachos, which are covered with chorizo, black beans, smoked chile salsa, crema fresca, white cheddar and monterey jack cheeses. I loved this dish! Definitely a must-try. The guacamole is very pricey at $16 for a small portion, though. A decent brunch option but not the best. Service was okay and we got our food relatively quickly.
(3)
Aaron S.

Definitely call ahead for a reservation! The food is amazing and if you like guac, you'll fall in love. I had the enchiladas, and they were next to perfection. Margaritas are great too! The staff are amazing too, extremely friendly and welcoming. I'll be coming back for sure.
(4)
Justine J.

For sure a solid 4!! We didn't have to much.. We got chicken quesadilla and mahi fish tacos. The fish tacos (2 pcs) which had a nice kick to it and tastes amazing with fresh lime juice. The quesadillas were nice and crispy, topped with some sort of sprouts and red onions. It's really nice and crispy - it was delicious. The tortilla soup was amazing!!!! Queso fresco?! YUMMMM!!!!!!!!! It's a must get/try!!
(4)
Yash M.

Great food, and it is not super expensive for a Steven Starr restaurant. However, I have had a couple of experiences with rude waitstaff. The place is also very, very noisy, so it is probably not the best place to go to if you want to be able to hear what the person sitting with you is saying.
(4)
Agnes G.

Loved the decor Service was informative and attentive. Went to El Vez for the first time on a Sunday afternoon after a pretty busy () night. Spouse had the huevos rancheros ( the reason we came) and I had el Vez burger (asked for over easy egg to be placed on the burger) the burger totally hit the spot. I know I should get something more Traditional but what can I say once they agreed to top it with an egg my brain said that was the way I needed to go. The huevos rancheros were very good but not as good as some huevos rancheros we had before in Philly. We also odered a guac that included goat cheese and pistachios etc. can't remember the name of the dish but it was really tasty. Would love to come back at night as the bar and drink menu looked great. Had a great meal and can't wait to come back.
(4)
Fransisca M.

Definitely a go-to brunch place. Such an eclectic yet cozy atmosphere. I typically don't go for big meals here but when I do, I always have the black bean burrito. Most of the times, it's just drinks and apps (somewhere in the realm of guacamole and salsa).
(4)
Mala L.

I'd like to preface this review by saying Mexican food - authentic or not - is my absolute favorite cuisine. I came here with the boyfriend because a friend recommended it but I was little disappointed. Very pricey for ordinary, nothing special Mexican food. Also, the portions were smaller than usual so that added to the fact that it was expensive. However, the guacamole was really good. But I'm pretty sure every Mexican place knows what they're doing when they make guac... Not the most memorable meal and it wasn't particularly good or bad - so 3 stars. The restaurant itself was beautiful and the wait staff was attentive. It was a fun atmosphere and I would go back for drinks and guacamole - but not anything else.
(3)
Mike N.

It took us 4 tries to eventually get to eat here. I was completely blown away at how good it was! The cheese nachos and steak tacos were UNBELIEVABLE! The steak in the tacos were of steakhouse quality! For the price it was crazy! Definitely worth the wait!
(5)
Raven W.

Oh my! I was visiting Philly for a conference and went to this place because it was close to my hotel and recommended by a client! The atmosphere is cool and there seem to be a lot of cute places in the area! I ordered a white sangria and the chicken tacos and both were delicious!! I seriously contemplated making a repeat visit during my trip. Went on a Thursday night and it was pretty busy - I assume because of our conference, but I could be that way all of the time. The servers were super sweet and I will definitely come again if I am in Philly.
(5)
Nicole C.

I loved this place. My husband took me here for my bday and it was awesome. Everything we got was delicious. We got the Tito Santana Guac which was great, the Open Face Shrimp Quesadillas which I would definitely recommend. Then for meals I got Chicken Tacos, which were pretty good and my husband got the Enchiladas Mixtas which was a mix of three types and all three were delicious. Plus we got the Blood Orange Margaritas, they were good but actually very strong. The atmosphere is loud but very fun. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sydney P.

Never disappoints. Everything I've gotten here is delicious. Including the blood orange margarita- soooo good. No matter how crowded the food always comes out fast. One of the best Mexican (tex mex) places in the city.
(5)
Shaina F.

Mmm my home away from home (which used to be less than half a block from my home!), I can certainly say I've become quite the expert on their menu since I've been here so many times! For starters, I love the bazooka limon guac, or the macho nachos with pulled chicken rather than beef or chorizo. Do yourself a favor and share these!! They're gigantic haha, but best nachos of my life! No joke. For my meal, my true loves are the carnitas tacos (my bf loves the mahi tacos) and the chicken enchiladas, or if I'm sharing with a bunch of friends we usually do the Tacos al Carbon....now the menu says it's for 2, but if you're getting appetizers like the guac, this can certainly be enough for 4 people! It comes with enough toppings for an army too...it's amazing. As far as the drinks go, they're known for their blood orange frozen margarita, which is my personal fave. They have a huge list of tequilas though, as well as various margaritas and sangria! Plenty to choose from, and they have pitchers of many of their drinks as well! Things can get pricey if you're there for dinner and drinks, but you can plan to avoid that as well by sharing because the portions are huge. My only complaint is that I completely lose my self control in there and always leave stuffed to the brim!! Not the worst thing in the world, that's for sure :)
(5)
Sarah T.

The margaritas and guacamole are legendary at this establishment, and I can see why. They use a decent amount if excellent tequila in the margaritas so be careful while drinking. My table shared a guacamole sampler, and every single one was amazing. I had the bean enchilada which came in a delicious and savory red sauce. The nachos have tender, marinated beef on top, but beware the hot salsa that is drizzled on top. Our waiter was great- made suggestions, cautioned us about spice level, and was a lot of fun to interact with. The food came out quickly and was fresh and authentic. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone with a crazing for margaritas or Mexican food.
(5)
Shannon P.

Triple threat: great atmosphere, food, and service. My friend recommended this place because she has been before for drinks and snacks. She ordered the guac.. A little pricey, but well worth the flavor and real avocados. Best guac I've tasted in awhile. They had many different options, and I would probably order the crab kind next time. For drinks, my friend ordered the blood orange marg frozen, and I ordered a pink Cadillac. Mine was delicious, but I tried the blood orange after... Mmm so good, even better. For my meal, I ordered the macho nachos. They came on a pizza tray. Very filling and flavorful. I ate more than I needed. Overall, great experience! Will return on my next trip!
(5)
Jess G.

Really hate to write a bad review, but I stopped here for lunch a few days ago and had some of the worst service of my life. To start, I wasn't greeted by the hostess when I came in, just kind of wandered to the bar to take a seat. 15 minutes went by before anyone employee acknowledge my existence, and it was only because the manager walking by spotted me, Not the bar tender. After I gave her my food order, that same manager dropped it off. Half way through I figured she'd check on me, see how everything was, nope. And of course I needed a drink refill, had to go out of my way to flag her down for that. Then when I was finished it was a giant pain in the ass to get my bill, she was to busy talking to her friends on the other side of the bar. Just made me really angry. I'll go back for the food but I won't sit at the bar. Thank god their manager was paying attention that day.
(2)
Dan D.

Stopped in for Margaritas only. I wish I would have ordered some food because it looked delicious, but looking at the prices get a coupon to lighten your bill or be prepared to lighten your wallet. It is a really cool place though. I will be back for a margarita!
(4)
Sarah B.

I was blown away by the freshness of the guacamole, the taste and flavor were apt to make me float away. Freshly fried chips with a side of homemade salsa with just the right amount of smokey heat. For guac alone I give a hundred stars. Drink prices, average for the area. Drinks were ok, not the best I've ever had. I had a "shrimp quesadilla" which was extremely tasty, I mean DELICIOUS! However... for $11... it was literally the size of a taco tortilla shell... the kind you get in an Old El Paso dinner kit. I'm torn about how I feel about that. Flavor, outstanding. Portion to value, sad face. Fact that I was downtown and probably should expect as much.... I'm not sure. Which makes me saddest of all that I went to use the ladies' room... and my leftover was scooped up and tossed. Not necessarily the fault of the server, no one else at the table spoke up to save my $3.50 quarter of a quesadilla (after tax and tip). The atmosphere is really loud, at least close to midnight on a Saturday. Definitely not a conversational type environment, though perhaps at other times of day it is. I believe I'd come back, but just to hang out and eat the heck out of that guacamole.
(4)
Bryn W.

Always happy with the food and drink at El Vez! I'm a big fan of the various guacamole offerings and the sea bass tacos! Bang!
(5)
Anna Y.

They are busy , they are really busy ! I made a reservation that was two days prior , I mean two day prior for a dinner is overrated. My reservation was on a Sunday but I didn't know where to go for dinner on Sat , so I canceled the reservation and had take out. It was really good, despite being take out. Taco Tasting Platter This platter consisted an assorted selection of sea bass, beef, chicken, carnitas, and mahi taco. They sea bass taco was so tasty ! I had a bite of each, they were all really tasty but I didn't really like the shell. Red Snapper a la Veracruzana The fish was cooked to perfection, so tender and juicy, very fresh ! Chicken Quesadilla it's an open face quesadilla, it seemed more like a pizza to me . It was good but not amazing , couldn't remember much of it. shrimp enchilada it was my favorite dish of the night , it really hit the spot, this will make a great comfort food. would definitely come into the restaurant next time and try there cocktails.
(4)
Kendall B.

Came here the other night on a whim with a girl friend and fell in love with the place! Everything that I would expect from a Starr restaurant and then some.... Highlights included the fabulous cocktails--I have yet to try the famous Blood Orange Margarita, but the Granada Margarita (with pomegranate) and the Guava Mojito were both incredible. I will say the margaritas are a better bang for your buck though, size wise. To start we split a half order of the Macho Nachos. Yes, you can do half orders and I suggest it, because they are topped VERY generously. We asked for a side of the classic guac and both agreed that we would splurge on one of the large signature guars made table side next time (aka tonight, when we go again!). Next was the Mexican Chopped Salad, which didn't appear to be anything special at first glance, but the flavors were all on point and the combination of dressings--chipotle ranch, and cumin lime vinaigrette--were delicious! Finally THE BEST THING ARRIVED.....The TACO SAMPLER plate. Best fish tacos that I have ever tasted! To clarify the Mahi tacos, specifically. I have been craving them all week. I also loved the Carnitas and the Beef. This is a fun spot for a date night or a great place to grab a drink with a friend and split some appetizers. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and the service was spot on (Carly was our server and she had perfect recommendations for the evening!). Photo Booth also provides for a great souvenir.
(5)
Candace A.

I loved every bit of food I put in my mouth from this place! I came here for a big company party and they continued to bring rounds and rounds of food and drinks! It all started off with the GUACAMOLE AND SALSA, which was quite tasty. They gave us freshly made buckets of tortilla chips to go along with it. The waiters were extremely nice, and they made sure our tables were full with food. I'm not sure of the names of the dishes that were ordered but here's my synopsis: SHRIMP WITH GREEN RICE, PULLED BEEF TACOS, ENCHILADAS.... ALL WERE SUPER TASTY! I really enjoyed the food, and I can't wait to get back to Philly just to eat that shrimp again! :)
(5)
Ant M.

So the other day after a previous outting at another Philadelphia favorite, a friend of mine and I decided to go into El Vez. It was my first time going here after many attempts in the past to get in but it's always packed and I end up going somewhere else. It looked cool, funky, comfortable and hip so I always wanted to go and sit in the place. Well, I finally got my wish a few days ago and not only was the place damn near empty (about 30 ppl inside) there was room at the bar so we headed to it. With revolving, tricked out bike, a la L.A. Mexican, street gang style, we sat at the bar. The atmosphere was colorful and loud. Dark in some areas, mainly the back and bright in others like where we were sitting. The music wasn't thematic of the restaurant but some Reggaeton wouldn't have been on point. But judging from the crowd, I don't think they would want it to get out that Reggaeton, Pit Bull et al is occasionally played or they'll be a new type of patronage "coming up in that piece" from areas far north of where this place is located and even though the the name would indicate giving Time for fun and drinks for people, I get the feeling there's a certain of people that would be more welcomed here. Lol, that would be a HOOT and HOLLER that would have to be seen! The barmaid, name unknown since she didn't introduce herself yet wanted my card where she would know my name and hadn't asked us had we been there before or would we like to look at menus etc, none of the usual niceties that gets you tipped were given but she immediately wanted to begin a tab when I told her I was paying in ca$h for all drinks and whatever eats being consumed. Q: If you're paying ca$h do you have to give up your card? Hmmm...any hooguh, I ordered a bottled hard cider and my date ordered, appropriately enough, a Corona. Not being much of a drinker but enjoying the edge and taste that some alcoholic beverages provide, my drink tasted more like a soft drink than the zingy drink I was expecting. I've had many hard ciders before and this one was the pits to the point where I thought I was drinking a Minute Maid which had I added some alcohol to it, I would have probably had a better drink. The couple over from us didn't care as they were giving everyone a show of their next scene out of Zane's upcoming, Addicted 2. I mean, I don't mind the occasional scenes of PDofA but keep it brief why don't cha or just have a room reserved nearby Loew's is down the street or better yet, there are couches in the back, you can go make out back there?! That's what I do when the PDofA starts in places like this and there are couches to sit on and make out. Overall the place is definitely a solid stage for cozy, cool fun and despite the staff's impersonal demeanor, I'll be back for seconds. Too bad there's no Happy Hour here but then I may have never gotten in.
(3)
Zafrina S.

While I was in the restaurant, I sat in my table for more than ten minutes without anyone serving me. I was about to leave. Then the serve finally shows up, 15 minutes later. Anyway, I ordered the grilled beef taco, which is amazing. It was spicy and really rich. I totally love the dish. Overall, the restaurant is worth going twice but they need to improve their serving.
(4)
Erin B.

i had a quick lunch here, our server was the best part of the whole meal - his name was John and he was super hip with a non ironic ponytail. He was very quick, knowledgeable and thorough. ladies, swoon. food was great! shrimp open faced quesadilla was worth writing home about. i got simple DIY chicken tacos. The sauce that comes with them is phenomenal. I love that you get to decide what to add in your own tacos, it allows you to determine your own experience. i was pleased with what i did with mine. My friend ordered a salad and basically licked the bowl clean. Portions were perfect - not too large but just right. atmosphere at the moment was mostly business people on lunch, with a few seemed to be locals or regulars. The decor was super swanky - i'd call it hipster Mexicana. Golden spinning bike behind the bar, plush velvet seating, bright colors. Guacamole = delicious. booth seating = too low unless you are really tall.
(4)
Di P.

The crispy mahi-mahi tacos are bananas coconuts tasty ya'all. The Pina Especiada drink (jalapeno-infused white tequila) is the sweet drink with a kick that I adore so much. I had to booty bump up my review because I did not eat one bad thang last time I came here with the ladies. Yay!
(4)
Jemma C.

Ok so this place if officially off my list! We went for a quick drink last night before dinner reservations in a neighbouring restaurant. Bartender required a card to open a tab etc nothing strange with that I hear you say well that was until they then LOST said card. And as we only stayed for one drink I've no idea how it was lost in such a short amount of time. Ice buckets were shook upside down, floors searched etc and the outcome "I must've given it to someone else. Sorry!"... SAY WHAT???? You gave my husbands debit card to an entire stranger? And on a holiday weekend where we can't get our hands on a new one in time for the weekend away? Yup it would appear so. Beyond unacceptable. Will never return.
(1)
Sumera K.

I've been numerous times, but mostly for atmosphere at the bar. It's a good happy hour spot, or perfect for a low key margarita or two, but not for anything more. Most recently, came here with a group of 4 friends for drinks on a Saturday night...We were immediately seated at a large dimly lit table in a lounge-y booth. i was not a fan. The lighting was super dim and the seats were super low and uncomfortable. I felt like I needed a booster seat (like a child would at Pizza Hut)...I am not a petite person by any means and felt super uncomfortable. I asked our waiter to move us to a booth over by the windows, which were brighter and had "higher" seating. Once we relocated, everything was fine. Food/drinks: Every time I get a margarita here, whether it's the house or specialty flavored, I am never disappointed. The chips and guac are delicious. No complaints about the chicken tacos or enchiladas either. Atmosphere: I love the colors and the way the interior is put together so I would say hella yes on that. Service: I haven't experienced any negative vibes as far as service...especially considering I've been here well over 15 times.
(3)
Elaina G.

OMG! What a great place. Awesome selection of Mexican food to choose from. Little pricey, but it's sooooo worth it. We went here for my graduation dinner about a year ago and for my mom's birthday another time and boy was it fun. To those families who'd like to go, but have kids on their hands or picky eaters, not a problem. My first visit here, I wasn't really interested in any of the menu items. So what I did was ask if they could make a plain quesadilla with cheese and their response was, "Absolutely!!". Also, the photo booth is a great way to occupy the kids if they get antsy. Just reaching out to those families in need. Food quality is great and lavatories are clean. Overall, great experience.
(5)
Ramya K.

I sometimes dream about El Vez's nachos. They're that good. I enjoyed them with and without meat. If you love cheese, these are definitely the nachos for you. The portion size is also quite large, and is perfect for sharing. It's also a good place for drinks/late night snacking. The decor is very interesting and the booths are a nice touch. My one problem with El Vez is that it can be very annoying to get a table. The wait is usually pretty long, though I supposed that is to be expected.
(4)
Paulina M.

Came here after broad street run with a party of 7. Staff was more than accommodating to help out or large group and tend to us starving runners. We started with a pitcher of the blood orange margaritas, they were unreal. Split two huge original guac bowls, which were obviously great and each of us ordered an entree as well. My brother had the burger, surprisingly was incredible and I had the breakfast burrito. Everything was great except our food took a while to come out, but they were swamped so totally understandable. Call ahead for sure.
(4)
Mike F.

Everyone was very friendly, and the waiters stopped by often to make sure that everything was good at our table. I would definetly go back. The place is always crowded - great place to go if you are looking for a lively place at the end of the week. The drinks are wonderful, and the environment is really cool. They have a circular bar which I thought was very unique. We ended up getting nachos and drinks and everything was fantastic. I definetly reccommend this place! Place a reservation / get a seat at hte bar if you dont want to wait for a table forever though because as mentioned it does get crowded.
(4)
Lori S.

Mediocre... Sea Bass tacos were ok, guacamole was decent w/ good chips, margarita kinda sucked, and the creamy poblano corn rice was ok but rich & very salty. I wouldn't go back. Make the drive and go to Agave in Lewes, DE!
(3)
Caleb S.

This place used to be good, but I've just had my last meal from El Vez. El Vez used to make pretty good Mexican-ish food, if you didn't mind paying the premium price. I've been there several times and it has gone progressively down hill. I was there a few months ago and thought that my food was a too salty, a common scheme in bars/restaurants to sell more drinks. This evening, my wife was craving Mexican, so I figured I would have El Vez delivered. The food was inedibly salty. Our mouths were burning from the salt, and we are both sick to our stomachs before we even got through our appetizers. I just threw away $80 worth of food because it was inedible.
(1)
Anthony F.

Steven Starr's take on Mexican food is not one of my favorites among his seemingly endless array of restaurants in Philadelphia. The restaurant has something between a hipster and a throwback vibe to it. The bar is reasonably priced for a Starr joint (he tends to gouge at his bars), but still a lot more expensive than place within walking distance and the drink list is nothing special. The apps are excellent if you want something to wash down with a margarita, but the main courses are nothing exceptional. Okay place to hang out if you are in the area, but definitely not worth a special trip.
(3)
Paul K.

Yea, it is that good, and I speak with some authority as I hold a PhD in Mexican food and enjoy international renowned as one of the top fish taco experts in the field today.
(5)
Joseph A.

A Philadelphia staple. Guac is good, salsa is good, enchiladas are good, tacos are good, location is good, atmosphere is good, service is good, price is alright. All in all, a good restaurant, but come to think of it there are a lot of close substitutes: Distrito, Alma de Cuba, El Rey, etc.
(4)
Daniel T.

My brother and I were very impressed with this restaurant- Delicious food, friendly service, incredible interior. We ordered the open face shrimp enchilada, macho nachos, and the taco tasting platter. The shrimp enchilada was tasty, but a little underwhelming. The nachos and the tacos on the other hand, were nothing short of flavorful. I never knew simple Mexican foods like these could taste so gourmet. I highly recommend these two menu options! Food is unreasonably overpriced, but the taste makes up for it. The staff know the menu very well and are great with recommendations. Ill definitely be back soon!
(4)
Punita F.

Right when we walked in we were greeted pleasantly. Our hostess informed us it would be about 15 minutes until our table was ready (we were early). We walked over to the bar (which was packed) to grab a margarita while we waited. The bartender wasn't as friendly as the hostess and when I asked which margarita was the best she just quickly dismissed me by handing me a menu. That put a bad taste in my mouth and honestly that's why I didn't give a 4th star. Once we were seated, we were greeted by our server who was very friendly and also informative about the menu. The guacamole was pretty decent (Tito Santana) but I have definitely had better. Tacos were exceptionally good. Drinks made the meal though. :) Nothing like a good margarita with Mexican style food. I would visit again to try new menu items but next time I will avoid the female bartender. Maybe she was having a bad day.
(3)
Joe G.

PORTION SIZE ALERT Everybody raves about this place, but I don't get it. Went here for a date. We each got tacos and a few drinks... and apparently that's worth a hundred dollars. Did I mention they were ridiculously small? I could probably have eaten 3 plates of them. Do yourself a favor and get Taco Bell for dinner and invest the remaining $92.
(3)
Joey M.

We ventured here late night during the week after an event. The place is very large and centered around a bar. There were 4 of us and I feel like we ordered a ton of food! We started out with a pitcher of red sangria. I LOVE sangria but this was not the typical sangria I was used to. It has a very spicy (reminiscent of a bloody Mary) kick to it. It was ok but I prefer the more fruity alternative. I ordered the TACO TASTING PLATTER: Sea Bass, Beef, Chicken, Carnitas, Mahi very tasty and I recommend. Everyone was very satisfied with their order! We split the bill 4 ways and it was ~$45/person. As a fun aside they have a photobooth!
(5)
Amriel K.

Great food, great service, one star off for being overpriced. House made guacamole with mango and papaya was really good. Chips are fresh and delicious. The mahi tacos are great, although the portion is two tacos for $11. This place is more or less like Mexican tapas. We actually went into this place on New Years Day thinking it was a diner. We decided to stay anyway and it was a good choice despite spending a bit more than we would have liked for lunch.
(3)
John Q.

Very cool ambiance, great service, and the food was amazing. We were here for lunch and started with the el Vez classic guacamole and it did not disappoint, we couldn't stop eating and were nearly half full. The main course, shrimp enchilada was highly recommended- each bite was full of flavor and the shrimp was cooked just right, not too chewy and not too soft. We also tried the taco sampler and our favorites were the steak taco and the sea bass. Will definitely come back again!
(5)
Travis C.

Eat here! Their guacamole is amazing (we had the Tito Santana-- perfect spice and sweet). One of my companions said "I don't really like guacamole"... but she managed to eat as much or more than everyone else. It's just that good! The tacos were a little small (all come with 3 except the mahi mahi which come with 2- but similar weight wise), the Nacho Mama is gigantic, and the Blood Orange Margarita is stupid delicious. We had one, and could feel it warming us up! YUM! We were visiting from Indy and happened to walk by. The crowd caught our attention, and the atmosphere (on a Wednesday night) was excellent. The food smell was almost over-powered by the initial offensive aroma of the sewer grates in the area-- but thankfully we decided to try it anyway. The wait for inside was 60-90 minutes (at 8:00 on a Wednesday!) but the seating outside was immediate. Thankfully the Spring temperature was beautiful and we were dressed for the wind and dropping temps. Make a reservation if you are a planner-- you'll not regret it! Our waitress was vibrant and energetic, had great suggestions, fantastic descriptions, and even took care of our guacamole after it took quite a long time to come to the table. She was FANTASTIC! Look for Kristin!! Overall, the experience was AMAZING and if you're in Philly-- eat here!!
(5)
Quynh N.

Great vibe, service, food... Please bring back the roasted corn/ scallop soup! Blood orange margaritas and crab guac here are delicious.
(4)
Liz F.

El Vez is busy every second of every day. See: packed on Easter morning. Expect a wait. I had some friends in from out of town and they wanted to grab some snacks and a cocktail where we could sit outside and enjoy the sun. El Vez fits the bill. Although rather pricey, our margaritas were delicious. We also did an order of guac and nachos. The guacamole was SO good. I could eat it every day for the rest of my life and never complain. The nachos were also delicious and came in an extremely generous portion. Our bill for 3 people was about $20 a head but we all left extremely satisfied with our decision. I love the interior- it's very typical of a Starr restaurant.
(4)
Bonnie S.

I went here with a group of about 5 friends about 2 months ago and had a fabulous time. The atmosphere was awesome (the round booth was fun!) and totally loved the photo booth. The service was top notch (our waitress was very attentive and patient). We all loved the steak nachos!! Now....the downside. The food was great, but it didn't blow me away. I got chicken enchiladas and it was alright. My friends were a bit turned off by the size of the portions..tiny for the high cost. I would go back...but probably with my husband for a drink and those steak nachos.
(3)
Jayanth N.

Great Mexican food. The ambience is chic & the service efficient. We were three vegetarians dining here. They had great options. The nachos with cheese is absolutely fantastic. The guacamole is great as well. The enchiladas & tacos were very good as well.
(4)
K O.

We ate there on April 19, 2015 for dinner. Our menu consisted of: Cesar Chavez guacamole, Pasilla braised pork and the taco tasting platter. The guacamole was good, but not enough to be memorable. But the hominy and pork stew in the Pasilla braised pork dish was very tasty and very memorable. I would go back just for the hominy stew. The braised pork was delicious too. My son ate the taco tasting platter and I got the impression it was good. He seemed to like a few of them which helps in ordering the next visit (sorry, but I don't remember which ones he liked). I would return for sure. It is worth trying more dishes.
(4)
Andy B.

Consistently packed after 10+ years, and for a good reason. No one is going to confuse this with a 9th street taqueria, but for Americanized-Mexican food, El Vez consistently puts out great tasting food. Take-out is also done well, and packed up for you nicely.
(5)
Maria A.

Great tacos and awesome drinks. Amazing place for brunching!!!
(4)
Josh K.

This place is downright swanky. I come here a couple times a year and have consistently enjoyed the food and margaritas. The prices are a little on the high side, but it's about on par with what you would expect given its atmosphere/hype. I would give it five stars, but the menu is really limited.l It would be an awesome surprise if they could add a couple new entree items. I feel like the items on the current menu are pretty polarized, in that you either love them or hate them. Maybe add a couple middle of the road favorites? Like I said though, everything that I have tried is delicious. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Mike N.

Trendy Mexican spot in Philadelphia by Starr Restaurants, which in my opinion, is a top 3 chef in the city. I recommend the Indian Red Lopez and/or the De La Hoya guacamole, paired with the Red Snapper Ceviche as an appetizer, Crispy Mahi-Mahi tacos and your favorite margarita. The wait times are usually on the longer side, so make reservations.
(4)
Andrew B.

Sat outside on a nice day for drinks after work. Ended up spending the majority of the SS gift card I had. The el vez margarita and guac would have been enough but the mahi tacos were recommended (very good but only two per $13) and the corn on the cob is the best thing on the menu so I had to get it. Then the tres leeches was recommended so we had to try that. Great afternoon outside, but it was a little too pricey. El Rey is next. 3.5
(4)
Nisar C.

This place has really good food. It was a beautiful day today, so outside seating was nice. Staff was very nice and friendly. We ordered the Macho nachos with chicken. Probably the best nachos I've ever had. Had steak tacos, they were cooked medium, just the way I like it. and extremely tender. It's a little pricey to eat here once a week, but definitely something that can be done once a month.
(5)
Van N.

Cool vibe, very busy compared to other bars in the area. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed. We went just to order drinks and got stuck in the back of the restaurant. We ordered the pitcher of sangria $32, it had a lot of ice but served about 4 glasses kind of weak. If we ordered one glass it's about $8 so there isn't much of a deal. The server was very nice. The food did look good, it's a must try for next time!
(4)
Monica L.

PROS: Great food, reasonable portions and prices CONS: Crowded/noisy, do make reservations! From the fresh, delicious, perfectly-cooked sea bass and mahi mahi tacos, to the smooth, luxurious guacamole, everything we had at El Vez was outstanding! The vanilla flan was a tad sweet for my tastes, but the smooth caramel flavor accentuates the soft, creaminess of the flan, tying the whole dining experience together with a great, sweet finish.
(5)
Alyse W.

Excellent guacamole. I think I got the Mahi Mahi tacos. I'm a pretty picky eater, and I didn't understand exactly what I was getting myself into but it was delicious. It's a popular spot for my coworkers to go for company lunches.
(4)
Zack S.

Decent slop but not worth the price. I had the tuna tostadas - the fish was good but the dish was like 5 bites for $12.50. The guac was pretty average. This isn't really authentic Mexican (too trendy). If you're looking for the same things as me (mouth watering, filling meals, a cozy atmosphere, and thrift) try somewhere else. If you need to take my sexy GF and her rockin body out on a date, come here once, do the horizontal folk dance, then type up a 3 star Yelp review.
(3)
Chloe R.

El Vez has amazing amazing drinks, a cool atmosphere, really great service and average food.
(4)
Kate L.

If you love guac, this is the place for you! The original and De La Hoya are my two fav guacs. And if you can't decide on just one guacamole to order, you can pick 3 and get a sampler of different types! I ordered the queso fundito des hungos which was a baked dish of cheese with truffled mushrooms, and it came with 4 flour tortillas to assemble as you wish. After housing the guac as an app, I was only able to eat one tortilla of the queso. It was SO delish so I boxed it and took the rest home. When I tried to reheat it, though, it tastes like a completely different dish and I was so disappointed. I'm still giving this place 5 stars because I don't judge a place based on reheat-ability and I really think it was the mushrooms and truffle oil that spoiled the reheating process, so I'll chalk it up to a user error by me! I will def be back...as always, Steven Starr did not disappoint!
(5)
Amy P.

Absolutely love this restaurant! I had the taco sampler and got to try every kind. The guacomole!!!!!! (My mouth is watering by just thinking of it) was heavenly! If you doubt and not familiar w mexican food, this is a place to go. You will love every dishes you order here.
(5)
Tierra M.

This is an amazing to go I had the el vez Guacalome which was amazing! The margaritas are amazing too! This was my first time going and I can say it's not my last I order the enchiladas for my entree and it was fulfilling amazing and flavorful the scenery was very nice and colorful went with the food! I really like this place very live worth the wait definitely if your a Mexican food lover go to this place
(4)
Jessica P.

I love this cute little place! The decor is adorable, drinks are good and reasonably priced (pomegranate margarita is delish), and I love that they have sidewalk seating. The Mexican dioramas, photo booth and bike are a nice touch along with the big chairs. Great place!
(5)
Michelle P.

I would rate this as a zero if possible. The service was horrendous. We had a two hour wait on a weekday despite several tables being open all night. Terrible service and attitude was even worse. Will never come back.
(1)
Cora B.

One word: OVERRATED!! I was here on Friday night. Had a reservation and showed up early and they told me there was a 1.5 hour wait. 1.5 hours later I asked when we were going to be seated and they said another hour. I told them I'm going to find another restaurant and they told me they would get my seat ready in 30 seconds. Seriously??? They just want you to spend money at the bar until you really get pissed and are ready to leave. Never coming back here again !!! The food is mediocre at best. I would say just stop by for a margarita but go across the street to Barbuzzo!
(1)
Emily W.

The food here is really tasty and completely comforting. I wasn't expecting traditional Mexican food, but rather the sort of Mexican food that would come out of a fancier El Rey-- and that's exactly what it was. The original guacamole is creamy, fluffy, and light. I loved the surprise hunks of unmashed avocado. That way I know it's being freshly mashed with the mortar and pestle. The pico de gallo is pretty standard, and the tortilla chips are not bad, but they aren't great either. That didn't matter much to me though as after two chips, I had resorted to eating the guacamole by the forkful. If you're having trouble deciding on what dishes to get, go for the enchilada combo platter or the taco combo platter. They are both bursting with different flavors and textures. Sometimes, all of the flavors of combo platters can be muddled together, but these were separated so each part could be appreciated on its own. If those are too pricey, my favorites from those plates were the mahi mahi tacos and the shrimp enchiladas in almond sauce. But if you can splurge for the combo plates, totally do it! You'll walk out with your taste buds dancing and your belly full and happy. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive, but that's probably because we went late on a Saturday afternoon when it was less crowded. The prices are certainly high so this won't be a regular spot for us, but it's good for celebrating an occasion with friends or having a fun date night out.
(4)
Michael L.

Would rate this 3.5 stars. The Tex-mex here is better than any tex-mex I had in 3 years living in California, and much much closer to the food I grew up with in Texas! I tried the Bazooka Limon on the waitress's suggestion..it was expensive but very large in portion. The goat cheese and pistachios initially tasted delicious with traditional guac, but I tired of it by the end. Their tacos al carbon are delicious, but I wish sides were included at lunch time. Overall ambiance is casual and fun, and service was great.
(4)
Rachel G.

A couple of reasons to visit El Vez: - Ladies night! This is always the go-to option for me and my old coworkers when we get together to catch up, grab drinks and food. - Family visiting... I took my parents here during my lunch break at work and they simply LOVED it, especially the outdoor seating and the guacamole. Plus a midday sangria never hurt anyone ;) - That brings me to my last reason, work lunches! This was actually where I was taken on my "first day of work lunch" at my current job. Easy eats and quick service.
(4)
Aakash C.

Went here for a couples date. We came without reservations and waited for 40 minutes and went to the bar. Shared a pitcher of delicious Blood orange margarita and it was deceptively alcoholic and probably a little overpriced. The tortilla soup was very good but needed additional chopped habanero peppers to make it reasonably spicy. The enchiladas were good but again needed additional stuff to give it a kick. The food overall was good but for spicy lovers needs some extra stuff. Good atmosphere and nice staff.
(4)
Bella H.

The nachos plate was very big and filled with toppings! Was not a fan of their pico de gallo on the grilled beef tacos, but the beef itself was very flavorful and char perfectly! The staff were very friendly and our waitress was very quick! The setting of the restaurant was very fun and cool to look around.
(5)
Amara M.

I like this place but I just don't love it for some reason. I think it's a great place to go with friends or large groups. The atmosphere is fun and the food is good for the most part. The waiters are always super attentive. I often go here on lunch breaks and we are always done in a timely manner. This is always appreciated since most people have to be back within an hour for lunch.
(4)
S K.

It's been years since I have tried and pleasantly surprised. I went within the 1st year of it's opening and found it to be a 2 star for drinks & atmosphere 1 star for food. Definitely has come a long way. Enchiladas & fish tacos were really good. Nice to see a variety for veggie options & flavorful. Micheladas were spot on. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Angela W.

Amazing! Simply amazing! The wait for a table was not long and the food was simply fantastic! Creamy corn rice was OMG! Pricey but worth it - if ever I'm in philly I am definitely coming back!
(5)
J R.

The only reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 is because we had to call ahead and reserve. You can't even make reservations on Fridays or Saturdays that's how busy it gets. But the good is amazing.
(4)
Jacqui S.

Another one of Stephen Starr's Philly places. It's a fun atmosphere (including a photo booth) but a bit noisy at times. They have a nice variety of guac to get started. A couple other good dishes include the crab and corn omelet, huevos rancheros, burrito de hongos and their shrimp enchiladas.
(3)
Sarah E.

There is no excuse to have a 3 1/2 hr wait particularly when you say it's 2 3/4. Really? For mexican? Get over yourself. You're not nearly that good. Margarita okay. Service good. Guest experience? Unbearable. Customers extremely rude. Bar patrons obnoxious.
(3)
Susan H.

Awesome mahi mahi tacos and margaritas. quick and friendly service . Guacamole was delicious.
(4)
Nam N.

love their crab guacamole dip (Indian Red Lopez) ... This was my first time here with a buddy tonight and i loved it. A bit crowed but we were able to spot 2 seats at the bar. Char-Grilled Beef tacos were awesome!!! They give you plenty of food for the price so i couldn't order anymore than 2 dish for myself along with the beer... gotta drink when you sit at the bar right? :)
(4)
Sarala S.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia. The food is phenomenal I've tried all their guacamole and you can't go wrong. My favorite dish is the chicken quesadilla. Grab a friend and a pitcher of blood orange margarita, El Vez is in a prime location for people watching. And in center city Philly you're guaranteed a dinner and a show.
(5)
L D.

Pretty fabulous place. I just went for dessert and a drink. The waiter had a good sense of humor, but was not invasive and was quite knowledgable about the menu and bar. They found a place to squeeze me in, though it was quite busy. Got the El Vel, a nice combination of flavors and nicely presented.
(5)
Callan W.

I had to go for a work function, but there are worst things than never ending margaritas. The decor is spot on as in all of Mr. Starr's establishments. The guac is basically a must and you can tell it is made to order. The Caesar salad was surprisingly good. I also enjoyed the mushroom quadrille and corn on the cob. I will definitely have to go back and choose my own menu since there were so many things that sounded good.
(4)
Jeff W.

Got the Cesar Chavez guac to start. It was phenomenal, but a very large portion for the two of us. Definitely ideal for a party of 4 or 5. Best I've ever had though. My girlfriend got the shrimp quesadilla. It was open faced, and kind of like a pizza. So good though. I got the taco sampler. It was UNBELIEVABLE. My favorite was the mahi mahi taco. I'm definitely going to get it next time.
(5)
Michael K.

Love El vez. i enjoyed lunch there last week with a few frinds and it was quite enjoyable. The Tijuana's Original Ce'Sar Salad was outstanding and I loved the Red Chile and Chicken Enchiladas. Luckily it was a warm day and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the beauty of the city.
(5)
Sarah D.

Great service, exceptional food (even the vegetarian options!), and aaaaamazing margaritas. Like, seriously. Best I've ever had. Even better than the Gypsy Bar in AC. And the bathrooms are weird... in a good way. The stalls are separated like every other place on the planet, but the sinks are co-ed. Very cool, in some strange way..
(5)
Rachel S.

Over-rated. No drink or food specials at happy hour - what? WHAT!? The bartender said there were food specials and then when we were seated the hostess told us "they walk around with free appetizers or something...sometimes." Great. Helpful. We waited about 40 minutes for a table of three when there were many open tables in the restaurant...I'm still a little lost on that one. The hostess(es) also seemed a bit annoyed when we asked about our wait time since we were first told 10-12 minutes and waited more than 30. I guess that makes us rude customers? El Vez also needs better places for customers waiting for tables to stand. When the bar is crowded, you end up hovering over people at their tables - a little uncomfortable for both parties if I do say so myself. The only reason I'm giving it two stars instead of one is because the guac really is delicious. The sangria was good, but a little weak. The waitress also took away my friend's glass before she was done - there was still booze-y fruit at the bottom. THE BOOZE-Y FRUIT! C'mon.
(2)
Tonya P.

El Vez has great margaritas and a photo booth, need I say more?
(4)
Gia M.

I stopped by El Vez for a friend's birthday dinner and my first impression was that the food was overpriced and the portions were tiny. The three tortillas for the tacos were hardly larger than my palm, and they ranged between $12-19--far more expensive than any taco has a right to be. The guacamole, while large enough to serve three and offering unusual options, also averaged in the mid-TEENS for pricing. The margaritas were reasonably priced ($9-12--normal), but they were not strong at all. El Vez is a cool-looking place to hang out, as Stephen Starr places tend to be, but I didn't think there was anything particularly exciting or original about this one, plus the food:price ratio was too low to justify eating there.
(2)
John H.

El Vez is a place to be seen, but not heard. Having walked past the restaurant several time, the colorful interior seemed fun and the booths along the window appeared whimsical. We tried to get in on a Thursday night and we were told it would be a 45 minute wait. We decided to try again on a Monday evening. We were seated right away, in the mostly full dining room. The first thing I noticed was the noise level was quite high. A combination of the "alternative" music with the chatter of the fellow dinners made it nearly impossible to hear what my dining partner was saying, let alone our server who was trying to tell us the specials. I ordered the Pollo Annatto, it came on a sweet poblano with Chile Relleno on the side. Both were quite good, very flavorful, without being too spicy. My dining partner ordered the Calabaza Soup, which when it came out we were a little underwhelmed by the large, nearly empty bowl, with a few small quesadillas and pepitas. The server then took what appeared to be a tea kettle and poured the tomato creme over the contents in the large bowl. My friend found the soup to be quite filling, a good match for the Chicken Tacos that he ordered, which arrived as three smallish tacos. The soup was a good complement to the tacos, and the two of these together were about the same price as my entree and filled him up. The evening would have been better had it been easier to talk to one another, not a bad meal, but not a great social experience.
(3)
Chloe K.

If I'm waiting over 2 hours to get seated, it had better be the best meal of my life (Spoiler: it wasn't. Still a decent experience, though). Ambiance: pretttyyyy cool. Nice mix of people - a lot of younger people in the crowd, though. Super loud. Sometimes when the people across from me were speaking, I felt like I was watching a show on mute. Invest in some lip-reading classes before coming here. Drinks: we only got the blood orange margarita and wows it was good. I highly recommend!! I'm not a huge fan of margarita but this was perfect. Food: I know the guacamole is famous here, but the original guac didn't taste that special to me. It was good and chunky and came in large portions, but I have definitely had better. If you wanna try their guac, I would pick one of their non-originals. They sounded way more interesting. If I happen to come again, I want to try to the one with pistachio. I got the enchilada mixtas. Mistake - get the black bean enchilada and skip the chicken and shrimp. The other two were pretty subpar in my opinion, though I can't really put a finger on as to why. When I saw the plate I thought the portions were tiny, but it's actually deceivingly filling. Service: our waitress was really sweet, albeit a bit absent throughout our meal. Everything comes out really slowly. I think I would've enjoyed the restaurant more if I hadn't waited 2 hours in the cold beforehand. Drinks are good, food is okay, ambiance is fun but too loud for my taste. It's a good place to grab a few drinks with friends, but I think the food is overpriced and lacking that wow factor I was looking for from such a poppin' place.
(3)
Roneece D.

The food was good...I ordered at the bar and wasn't even offered a drink!!! There are too many choices around to grab lunch without poor service.
(3)
Sharee G.

Let me start by saying the atmosphere and drinks are the best thing about this place. It's fun and vibrant and the blood orange margarita was a show stopper. If you have a reservation you will be seated quickly, if not prepare to wait this is a very busy place. Lot's of people go here because it's a hip spot with an attractive clientele. So save yourself time and make a reservation. The food was good and depending on how you order you can get very full. The only reason I didn't give the place 5 stars was because my waiter was just okay. Not bad, not good. He said maybe 4 sentences the entire night and just acted very busy and absent. Didn't attempt to tell us about the food or really anything, just acted super busy. The Food: We did the guacamole sampler, which gives you 3 different choices and it's super filling. We had the grilled corn which is not to miss, it's one of the best sides on the menu, get it no matter what. I did the taco sampler which was great and filling, steak, chicken, sea bass, another fried fish, and pork. My brother did the pork entrÃ©e which was super tasty and filling and my sis did the snapper which was also great but the green rice was odd. If your with a group or want a fun date go here and make sure you enjoy the drinks which are awesome. If your a drinker who likes a strong drink, or if you prefer the sweet girly drinks they got you covered. There is something for everyone. I enjoyed my b-day here!!!!
(4)
Jared J.

El Vez is a great family friendly Mexican establishment. The food is tasty and the service is appropriate. El Vez is basic. It gets really loud and packed in here. OMG SMALL PORTIONS AND OVER PRICED DRINKS!
(3)
Tomas D.

New Years Day, Evening, Visiting Philadelphia from California, Mexican, 23 years old, responsible drinker. REVIEW: I ordered the chicken enchiladas they were below par,Chicken had not seasoning, sauce wasn't spicy. Came with beans and rice on separate dishes. Coming from California and being Mexican I know great, awesome Mexican Food. The food wasn't the problem but the service and how I personally was treated that night is the reason for the one star.The friend I was visiting had been here before and had made a comment about the service itself. Guacamole was the best and memorable thing I ate that night. Experience: Being that it was New Years day, and I was visiting Philly I partook in day drinking while observing the mummers parade. It was me and two female friends one of the two was craving Mexican so we stopped by "El Vez"(our first choice was closed due to a private party) I was the one whom requested a table for 3, provided a name & phone number to text when our table would be ready. I was looking forward to continue my responsible drinking and eat food. I was shocked, offended, and disappointed to hear from the waiter that their manager had told them not to serve me alcohol. I was immediately upset but kept a cool head ordered my food, kept quiet. Reason I was upset was because 1. I felt singled out. El Vez was inspecting purses before people entered according to the women I was with, they were looking for alcohol. YET my friend was able to sneak in and pour herself a drink and had enough left over to pour me a glass of her Four Locos. (I did not drink what she served me.) 2. The way I was sitting I was facing a booth where 5 blonde blue eyed women were sitting, cackling, and drinking margaritas. I myself was not being loud and didn't throw a fit when I was informed, nor was I walking into people, or slurring my words. 3. I was there to have a good time and couldn't fully enjoy the food, I was never offered an explanation, nor did the manager approach us to ask if we were okay or anything. I did not see our tables waiter so I asked the first waiter I saw and requested more guacamole, He seemed confused and bothered that I had asked him and not our tables waiter. I went over my head what I would tell the manager after paying but never saw him on my way out so I let it go and decided to put up a review. What disappoints me is that I let the decisions of others affect my mood and it lingered even after I said I would let it go. The situation could of been handled so much better, I would have spent so much more money than what I did last night. I believe the restaurant was poorly manged that night and I am pleased that I never have to come back to this restaurant.
(1)
Andre N.

"Yo we need to check out El Vez," my friend said. I wasn't sure if this was a chain or not. Upon entering I got that "this is a semi quasi chain feel." The place is brightly colored. I guess to make you feel like you're in East la, Or Mexico wasn't sure. First thing I ask at a bar. Andre: What are you specials? Barmaid: Ain't no specials here Andre: What if I call Stephen Starr? Barmaid: We have Yeungling Andre: Dang! So I drank the yeungling, the average drink prices was $5-7 bucks. I guess I can deal with that. Got the Guacamole it was huge, had lot of "avocado" at $17.00. blahhh. I guess, I don't see what the big fuss is, cost too much. I sense this place is trying to be trendy, that means add a motorcycle with lights on top of the bar. My favorite part of this El Vez was the communal restroom. It's always a good thing when you like the restroom more than anything.
(2)
Jaclyn P.

So conflicted on this place. Our table was ready promptly for our reservation, and the staff were really nice and accommodating. The food was OUTSTANDING. Fabulous margaritas and guacamole. The red snapper ceviche with citrus is not to be missed. The tacos al carbon are amazing - try the chicken and Portabello mushroom combo. Incredible! Now on to the atmosphere: Horrible. It was so loud in there that a minor headache became major within minutes. If you're with party of two, expect to be seated at a table around the perimeter of the bar. The bar will likely be crowded, and as people stand to be near their friends, expect to enjoy your delicious meal with a myriad of human behinds in your face. Granted, this may be because we went on a Saturday...but regardless of the day of the week, it should not be acceptable (or in accordance with any health code) to have to consume food while being THAT close to a stranger's bottom. Unfortunately, despite the professional staff and to-die-for cuisine, we will not be returning.
(3)
Nicole P.

Fun spot, like the ambience, but wasn't a big fan of the menu/value or quality of food.
(3)
Dia S.

I really like El Vez. I think this is a great restaurant for happy hour, the vibe is fun and so is the atmosphere. The food is really taken up a notch from your classic Mexican cuisine. I also think that the service is good. I like the taco sampler, and especially the different fish tacos. The people are always nice and fun, and they have a great crowd. I definitely recommend El Vez if you are in the area. Its also in a great location on 13th next to lots of fun shops and places to go for dinner or drinks after.
(4)
Allison D. R.

Good, fresh Mexican. Everything was tasty, but every dish had a "but." Ordered 1 of their 7 speciality guacamoles, the one with crab meat, "but" avocado should have been mashed more as there were several big chunks, almost slices, mixed in. Taste was delicious, though I thought the $17 price tag was a bit much for the amount we were served. Had a light lunch of shrimp ceviche and sweet plantains con queso. Ceviche was good, "but" an awful lot of marinade and nothing to sop it up with. Matchstick cucumbers and slivered tomatoes were a little tricky to eat with a fork; a few slices of dried plantains would have been perfect as a scoop. Sweet plantains were delicious, "but" were piled so high on such a tiny dish, it was difficult to cut a serving without knocking some onto the table. Queso fresco was a nice touch on the plantains, "but" because of the way they were piled, only the couple of plantains on top had any cheese on them. The atmosphere was great and there was a nice 2-course, $15 prix fixe lunch menu the rest of my party ordered from. While I wouldn't rush back, I wouldn't object to visiting here again.
(3)
J M.

They get one star only because the drinks are good. The service is bad, the food is not authentic, and the overall attitude is snobby for such a mediocre place. Why people come here, I will never know.
(1)
A'Chere K.

Where do I start!! This place was amazing. I had the Rojas sangria and it was sooooo GOOD. The ambiance was great. I love all the artsy stuff on the walls. I ordered the chicken tacos and let me tell you.... They were AWESOME!!! The chicken was seasoned perfectly. If I'm ever in this area again o would definitely go back!!!
(5)
Arcadian B.

Great atmosphere, long waits though, believe 2 of us had to wait 45mins for a table on a Saturday night and they say it wasn't even that busy that nite so who can imagine what it is like when it's busy, so you've been warned, make reservations!!!! We were initially seated near the door and it was freezing, cause people were coming in and out, also we were next to the bar so we had sooooo many tipsy people bumping into our table, thankfully our waitress was able to move us to a better table It's a very modern atmosphere with dim lights and candles lit on each table, very loud place tho but it's pretty neat, they have a wide array of alcoholic drinks but we were too exhausted to have a drink We ordered the guacamole with pistachio as recommended by the server, btw they are know for their guacamoles here, think was the highlight of my nite, very thick and rich guacamole, one of the best I've had, as for our entree we got the taco sample platter which came with seabass, Mahi Mahi, steak, carnitas and chicken....didn't really taste that good, seabass was difficult to eat in a taco cuz it was in a cube shape, Mahi Mahi was too overpowered by a spicy tangy mayo and when the tacos get cold they didn't taste too good, so eat it quick when you get it, also found the tacos to be a bit too soggy....the oxtail enchilada was nothing special, very tangy flavor, came with a boil of rice and beans Overall food didn't impress me Probably come back here next time for drinks and the guacamole
(3)
Angelina G.

The food was FANTASTIC! Everything was so good especially the chips and guac. Their mojitos were amazing! The service was excellent and very quick and the atmosphere was great. I loved everything about this place and would recommend it to everyone. I am definitely going to be coming back here.
(5)
Kerry S.

My friend and I were interested in trying something new. Something where we could get together. Eat a great dinner. We heard great things about this place (other people, food network, etc.) We got there and it was packed! Which always is a good sign since it was a Wednesday. Maybe next time I will make sure of getting reservations. We asked if we could get a seat and the hostess was very nice and said if you want to avoid the hour wait, you can sit outside. Great! Love people watching and it was a beautiful night. We got seated right away. The waiter came to us. Very polite and nice. We ordered our meals, drinks and guacamole. My friend said her drink was delicious and the guacamole was fast, and a nice portion for two. So you are wondering why I gave three stars...... The food & portions. We received our entrees and I couldn't believe my fish tacos and her pork tacos looked like a kids meal. 15 dollars?! I thought it was a joke. I was disappointed and left hungry. That's not at all what I expected and I doubt I would go back.
(3)
Joycelin W.

I used to walk by this place and just stare at the giant stone bowls of guacamole that diners were eating outside (don't worry, I never peeked through the windows salivating...that's just weird). I've been telling myself to come check this place out for almost two years, and I finally did a few weeks ago. Came with a party of 12 for C's farewell lunch (we made a reservation) and they were very accommodating when we needed extra seats. My crispy mahi-mahi tacos were good, not mind-blowing or super memorable, but good. I was actually a little disappointed when they came out, because they weren't as aesthetically pleasing as the chicken and beef tacos my friends got. But it's all good. They were tasty and pretty filling, despite the portion size. Speaking of portion sizes, the Macho Nachos are ginormous and really yummy. A few people also split a pitcher of the frozen blood orange margarita--I didn't have any, but they seemed to like it. As for the guacamole, we got the original and the De La Hoya. Both were absolutely divine--we scraped the bowls clean! I just wish we had ordered more! Some of them sound pretty intriguing/delicious, like the "Indian Red" Lopez (with spicy crab) and "Bazooka" Limon (goat cheese and pistachio, whaaaat). I'll definitely be back, but I might just get chips+guac and nothing else. I also really liked the decor--this place is colorful and fun, but not obnoxiously so! I especially liked the bicycle hanging from the ceiling. They also have a photo booth which seemed a little random, but I'll probably check it out next time.
(4)
Bob J.

Yuck. I can't imagine how this place gets good reviews. From the service to the drinks to the meals this is as bad as I've had in a long time. First the place is really tacky with these large old velvet booths that are really uncomfortable to the bad lighting. It takes forever to get a drink (I was with a party of 5) and it would have been better if it didn't come. Their signature margarita didn't have any good tequila in it and was overloaded with triple sec. The homemade chips were burnt and not good at all. The beef tacos were raw and had to be sent back. Everyone's meal had major issues. Couldn't wait to leave. I really deserves no stars, it was that bad
(1)
Leigh N.

I am only offering my opinion on the dinner. I hear great reviews on the guac. Well guess what, I don't care about quac. I can take it or leave it. So where does that leave me? Had the queso fundido with Chorizo. It was only okay for me. The chorizo had a strong flavor that I didn't care for, almost a mix of clove and cinnamon. So I would skip that next time. The poblano rice was good, but not fantastic. The carne asada with the cream corn was very well prepared, cooked perfectly at medium rare. So I would get that again. But, across the street at Lolita, they have a better carne asada at a better price. To sum up, I probably wouldn't eat here again. Note: as a meet up bar for drinks, the place is great and the drinks are delicious. I would absolutely come here again for a night out.
(2)
Andrea A.

If you don't order the frozen blood orange margaritas you didn't do el Vez right. Also their guac- traditional or a specialty- is not to be missed. But be careful it's so addicting you might get full before your meal comes. Things that stand out: Fish tacos - they have awesome pickled red onions but if your hungry get something else. They don't come with side and you only get two Vaca Frita burrito- my friend who is a gluten-free orders this without the tortilla and they bring it to you as a meat/entree (rice & beans) Caesar salad with some chicken- They dust Parmesan cheese all over it and it almost looks like a light dusting of snow The desserts are pretty tasty too.
(5)
Fam B.

The food here is great! Don't expect authentic Mexican here, but it's delicious and the place is trendy. If you're hungry or in a group to share, you can't go wrong with guacamole. Try it with the crab--"Indian Red" Lopez Guacamole. It's not as spicy as it sounds, but the flavor is spectacular and they use real crab, which they give you in a considerable amount. As for main entrees, I've always really liked their enchiladas. I get the Enchiladas Mixtas, so you can try the different types. I personally love the chicken and the cheese! Recently, I went with a friend and tried the "Tacos Al Carbon" for two. This was amazing and worth the money! We got the steak and shrimp--an awesome combination. The veggies and salsas that come with it compliment the food perfectly. It even came with a bit more guac! I definitely plan to come here again soon and try the drinks!
(4)
Nat M.

The shrimp flatbread was great! Loved the grilled steak with black beans. I know a lot of people that rave about their margaritas, which are good, but they have other great cocktails as well. Good option for gourmet Mexican food.
(4)
Diane M.

My daughter wanted to eat here for quite awhile. Said she wanted Mexican food. Being "from" California, I can be a Mexican food snob. It was a Friday night, so I figured we'd wait quite awhile. Nope! Got right in and were seated in a nice area( until some really loud young ladies, who thought they were he only ones in the place sat next to us. I had chicken quesadilla which was a total party in my mouth. My daughter got carnitas tacos. Delish! We started w the chips and salsa, which I'm use to being free in an authentic Mexican restaurant. That was only disappointment. The decor is festive and it's just a happy,pretty place. I will return.
(4)
Felix L.

Came in a party of 6 with reservations and were seated promptly. Ordered nachos, guacamole, and chips salsa as apps. The "made to order" guac came out so fast we felt superman was the chef. Was it tasty? Yes but not better than a local taco place with a true made to order dish. Nachos were tasty but we're missing some heat. Chips and salsa were fresh but again bland salsa. Was missing salt, heat, acidity. Just no kick. For main taco samples, chick and Oxtail enchiladas , fish tacos, and steak. Fish tacos were very good, taco samples were tasty but no kick. The enchilada red sauce tasted like a metal can tomato sauce and killed the dishes. Go for good drinks, appetizers, and save room for food somewhere else.
(2)
Dana N.

El Vez's made-to-order rich and smooth guacamole is the perfect dip for their crispy tortilla chips. Crab salsa was good, too. The fresh flavors are just what I needed on a hot summer day. The sea bass tacos were muy rico. I recommend. The red sangria was sweet, but not too sweet and STRONG. Service gets 10 stars.
(5)
Linda C.

Being that my boyfriend is Mexican... I should have known better than to take him to a "Mexican Restaurant" LOL. First off, I had the nachos. I don't remember the name but it was good. Very delicious and very plentiful. Secondly, we had the entrees. It was very sad to witness my boyfriend completely discontented with the size of the "tacos," if you can even call them tacos. They were not up to par. The size was dissatisfying. But I guess you can expect that from an Americanized Mexican restaurant. Lastly, I had room for dessert. I ordered the Tres Leches, which was really good, in my opinion. However, my boyfriend said "he's had better." The decor was interesting to say the least. I went during happy hour so expect a lot of people just standing around the bar area. Kind of annoying for me because I dislike when people are standing so close to me while I'm sitting and eating. Overall, the food was so-so. I'm not revisiting El Vez anytime soon.
(3)
Annie L.

The margaritas and guacamole were good, I would not come here for an actual dinner. I've been here twice and never left completely in love or impressed with anything I had.
(2)
Heather S.

Such a fun experience!!! Amazing food!!!
(5)
Emily M.

If you're looking for good food and a vibrant atmosphere, El Vez is a solid pick. I love the fish tacos here and the margaritas are tasty as well. I have only been here with a group of four; however, it seems like a great place to come with a large group of people, too. It reminds me more or less of Distrito in University City (which I happen to like better in terms of the food options); however, if you're looking to spend your night in Center City, it's a better bet simply out of convenience.
(4)
Olivia J.

I went during happy hour. Solid margaritas and tasty tacos. In fact, the tacos were excellent. Here's the thing, though - why bother selling them for $1 each if that means there can only be a teeny tiny amount of filling? I get the value here, but honestly I would have been happier to pay $2 for 3 or something and to get more meat and less tortilla.
(4)
Rutu P.

I love their guacamole! I tend to come here occasionally but they always have a long wait so spontaneous dinners tend to be out of the game I also get their black bean enchiladas which are really good and there nachos are also amazing!!! Their environment makes it so much fun to be here with a big group!! I've been coming here since my college days so definitely a place that I love!!!
(4)
Caroline W.

El Vez was really tasty . A bit on the pricey side but was worth it. It was very crowded for a Monday night so we had to sit at the bar which was fine. We started out with the guacamole which was fresh and on point. Then we ordered the Mexican chopped salad and taco tasting platter . We finished the salad but couldn't finish the tacos. The bartender was very friendly and attentive .
(5)
Deb S.

During all my visits to El Vez the choices are equally great! The guacamole choices are pretty equal to the "Expert California Guacamole " Love this place! Blood Orange Margaritas awesome! Brought 2 friends tonight and love the taco plates. Always consistent. Big shout out to Danielle our server...she was so attentive, made small announcements keeping us updated on the menu. Give her a raise! See you soon El Vez!
(5)
Britt A.

Stumbled upon this place with friends and family. Best red snapper ceviche, guacamole, and tacos. We tried all different types of tacos, carnita the pork, steak, and shrimp. Everything was so fresh and authentic I wasn't crazy about the tortilla but I loved the decor of the place.
(5)
Minh H.

Came here on a special day with my girlfriend for lunch during the summer. The restaurant looked clean and posh, with a pretty ambient noise level. We sat down and a waiter promptly took care of us. For appetizers, we got a "nacho mama" plate to share. The nacho and cheese with other topics were VERY good, and it made us even a bit full! For the entree, we ordered Mahi Mahi tacos and chicken enchiladas. The enchilada sauce was very rich in taste; something I'm not normally used to, but still very good. The Mahi Mahi tacos were also nice, with a good crunch to the fish. If you want a slightly upscale Mexican dining experience I would totally recommend the place.
(5)
Allison M.

I came here for a staff appreciation lunch through work and we had an amazing experience. The staff went above and beyond from the start of planning our reservation to the table service. The guacamole and chips were the best thing to ever hit my taste buds. Their assortment of trendy and tasty Mexican food exceeded my expectations!
(5)
Amiee D.

I read some good reviews for El Vez and was excited to try their food. I ordered from them at seven to wait till NINE THIRTY to get my food. My food was cold and overpriced for the portions. Corn on the cob is not grilled but boiled and bland. The mahi mahi is not terrible for the three bites I tried. Also ordered a side of rice and beans which should have been called just beans. Very disappointed. Wouldn't recommend but cool take out bags.
(2)
Mike S.

Only went for drinks late night. So can not comment on the food. Not busy and the service was extremely slow! Took 15 minutes for a beer. Don't see what the hype is all about. I wanted to take one of the bikes for a spin around the place but did not because I didn't think it would go over well. The cup holder was cool though. The wife loved her Margarita!
(3)
Abby W.

Margaritas=amazing just really pricey. Two picthers will run you $80+. That being said, if you know what you're getting yourself into, just enjoy the blood orange margs and manchego cheese dip and bliss will overtake you.l
(4)
Tameka J.

Have visited El Vez numerous times and I'm never disappointed. The taco sampler is pretty good as are the many varieties of guacamole and mojitos. I have tried many dishes and I've never had anything that I didn't enjoy. The dÃ©cor is fun and whimsical; the servers are nice and attentive.
(4)
More-aa P.

El Vez is fine. The food is fine, the drinks are fine, the service is fine. But its expensive, and not that outstanding or authentic. The location is great, and the decor is fab, but that does not excuse the "fine" food/drink/service. It's a chic popular spot but I think its a bit over-hyped.
(3)
Raymond A.

I came here for brunch on a Sunday summer afternoon. The hostess and waitress were both very generous. The atmosphere was a mix of families and friends. Furthermore, the decor was very appealing. Like most Mexican restaurants, they say guacamole is their specialty and ask if we would like that for starters. I ordered the De La Hoya guac, consisting of roasted garlic, white onion, and basil. The garlic was a bit overbearing, but it was still good nonetheless. I had the guava mimosa while my girlfriend had the red sangria. Both drinks were pretty good and deserved another round. For our entrees, my girlfriend had the huevos rancheros and I had the steak & egg chilaquiles. Both orders were sufficient portions and pretty cheap in my opinion. The skirt steak was tender and easy to chew. Although I may be a bit bias because I prefer Mexican food for brunch, I can confidently say that this restaurant is worth trying. Good food and drinks with great service is always worth another visit. I would definitely recommend this establishment and would return here again.
(4)
Rachel F.

My friend and I decided to try El Vez after a long day walking around Phily. We had a great experience. We started with their guacamole, which is a must. The portion was huge and it was delicious. Their chips were obviously freshly made. For our dinner we both went with the mahi mahi fish tacos. I am a huge fan of fish tacos, and these did not disappoint. Even the presentation was nice. For dessert we split the churros and el vez. Both items were tasty. We left extremely full and satisfied. We did not get to try their famous margaritas, but they looked fabulous! El Vez seems like the perfect place for a date night or a girl's outing. I would definitely return.
(5)
Natalie E.

Great atmosphere, good food, and delicious margaritas.
(5)
Trivell M.

I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this place. I went here a second time with a friend and it was just as great as the first time. I can't remember the name of the margarita I had but it was the one with grand marnier included. For appetizers, we had Macho Nachos, OMG...the best nachos I've ever had in my life. The plate alone is enough to fill up two people. For my main dish, I had the Vaca Frita Burrito -- which was also amazing. This place can do no wrong who me. Clearly a go to favorite the next time I visit Philadelphia.
(5)
Sarah A.

Second time in philly and had to come back to El Vez! So much fun. The guava mojito and blood orange margarita are to die for!
(5)
Ava Z.

Great frozen margaritas. Amazing bazooka lemon guacamole with goat cheese pistachios and roasted tomatoes. Horribly high prices... Definitely worth going once to see what the hype is all about though.
(4)
Imad R.

Surprisingly being a Mexican restaurant they do not have Fajitas, but Tacos were good as well as Enchiladas, however food taste did not meet the hype for me.
(3)
Peter F.

I'm making this short and sweet. Do you like margaritas that taste as pure as the limes it was made from? Do you like nachos with cheese as fresh as the cow that it come from? Do you like guacamole as natural as the tree that the avocado that is was made from came from? Then go here. That's it.
(5)
Eric E.

Fun place to go, above average Mexican food. Great nachos and quac
(4)
Dan C.

The best guac I ever had in my life and I've been to Mexico 5 times!
(5)
Briana C.

Good cocktails and margaritas. Average mexican food. Great guacamole. I'll grab a drink here while I am waiting for my table at zavino.
(3)
Allie E.

Great food but definitely trendy Mexican. Go for the guac and margaritas, not the authenticity. Staff is friendly and helpful. Environment is clean, loud, fun. Expect co-ed sinks outside the bathroom. The photo booth is a great addition! Would probably be going again!
(4)
Chipo S.

I'm a huge fan of Mexican food so I've had a lot and not easily impressed buttttttttttttttttttttttt I love this place. Great food in a great atmosphere. I can't wait to go back.
(3)
Tim S.

Great service and Cocktails selection. Atmosphere was great and had all the beautiful people you'd expect a place like this. Maybe it's just me but I thought it was slightly overpriced. $400 for margaritas guacamole and soup seemed a bit much for a party of six
(4)
John S.

Great guacamole and blood orange margarita's... I had pork taco's that were outstanding. Staff is very accommodating and no complaints about service. I'll go back next time I'm in Philly.
(5)
Sean H.

I love Mexican food, and I don't usually like guacamole (the texture of avocado just doesn't do it for me). At El Vez, however, I dig into the black truffle guac with panache...it's just that good. All the food I've tried there has been up to par. I won't be writing a novel about it anytime soon, but for what it is, El Vez delivers in spades. The location is also great before a night out. There are lots of nearby watering holes at which to make dubious, tequila-fueled decisions.
(4)
Alyssa R.

Where do I begin with this place? Every crazy girl night has started at this place. Great dates have started at this place. This is my go to. The guacamole is out of this world. The margaritas are absolutely the best. The blood orange frozen marg is my favorite. I have had most of the food items and they are all amazing. My favorite is the fajitas. They are big enough for two, but they are so amazing. I just wish rounds of margaritas were cheaper, but it is worth it.
(5)
Ray L.

El Vez is a great place to go either for a full meal or just if you want to snack and/or grab drinks and chill. On the drinks side, their margaritas are delicious (my favorite is the blood orange). And on the snacking side, well, you can't go wrong with any of their guacamoles. In fact, I almost always order a guacomole when I come here. I've tried them all, and really, they are all very good (though my favorite is probably the bazooka). I'll usually get some form of their tacos here as well if I want more than just a snack. I especially like the vinaigrette that tops the pibil pork tacos.
(4)
Paul B.

Don't overlook this place!!!! I did once. I was wrong. If you go with an open mind and let yourself experience an array of foods and beverages, you will be surprisingly pleased. It's a loud, fun place with nice touches of polished service. I said: "touches". Service isn't great. It's very informal, but reliable. This is not a great dining experience, but it is a fin place with food that surprised me! It was delicious! I'm a fan!
(4)
Michael C.

Tried for a last minute dinner reservation and failed. Settled on a lunch the follow day. The guacamole really was a star. Suggest you try the the Da la Hoya. Drinks were well made; really enjoyed the Roja sangria. Had the Mahi Mahi crispy tacos. Portions were a bit small but the guacamole starter ensured everyone left satisfied. Would definitely give this place another try.
(4)
Cynthia X.

Loved my brunch experience here. They have a variety of brunch items to choose from for under $10. I tried the egg, chorizo, bean DIY taco combo. The scrambled eggs with chorizo was perfectly fluffy and paired deliciously with the beans. I also ordered the Tinto Santana guac. The mixture of creamy avocado, spiciness and mango sweetness was perfect. It's pricey at $15, but they sure give you a lot! It's about triple the size of what you might get at other places, so definitely worth the price. Also, it's served on a big rock, which is fun to eat off of. Comes with unlimited chips and salsa. I also like how they specifically list out several virgin cocktails, which is great if it isn't a boozy brunch kind of day. I tried the pomegranate margarita and enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend this place and come back again!
(5)
Bob F.

My two stars says it all. I've experienced better. Our visit here was very meh. We expected more from a place with such great reviews.
(2)
Lya R.

Blood Orange Margaritas...must I say anything more? Not only is the El Vez situated on one of the best intersections in Philadelphia ( Foodie-wise speaking), but the ambiance is amazing. Last time I was there the NBC news staff was having a party. It felt nice to be among the "beautiful people" of Philadelphia. The food is pretty okay but I have been spoiled by other more authentic Mexican restaurants. I have been there many times and will be there again.
(4)
Candice B.

I really want to love El Vez. In typical Steven Starr fashion, the restaurant is dressed to impress, the food is pretty good, and the margaritas are outstanding. But the service just doesn't cut it, especially given the prices on the menu. I've been here twice now, and both times the servers didn't seem too interested in my table. I shouldn't feel the need to obnoxiously flag someone down for another drink or for a napkin. At my last visit, we waited forever for the bill. One person wanted a separate check. The server asked if anyone else wanted a separate check, waited all of ten seconds for an answer and then huffed off only to return fifteen minutes later with the bill. Let's put this in perspective. I'm paying $13 for guacamole. $13. You can get the same exact amount and quality for less at so many other places, but because it gets served up in a giant stone bowl and because it's El Vez, you get upcharged and everyone worships it. I love me some guac, but I've seriously gotten a tub of made-at-Whole Foods guac for $6, and it's just as good. I mean really, it doesn't exactly require chef-level skill to make and to make well. So, $13 guac. No happy hour specials. Food that is, in typical Steven Starr fashion, pricey because hey you pay for the ambience. All that for uninterested and barely competent service. Eh.
(2)
Tony D.

Went here Friday night 6/14 with a group of 4 for the first time. The place was jam packed with a great vibe. I tried 3 different margaritas, the pink cadillac, the blood orange, and a strawberry. All were very good, but the blood orange was the best by far. We also had the guacamole and nachos. The guac was excellent, but the nachos were average. I also had the steak/chicken tacos. The seasoning was perfect, and i was happily surprised that the steak was cooked a perfect medium rare. I would def go back, and highly recommend this place as long as you don't mind the crowd, and are not in a rush for your food.
(4)
Larisa S.

fun place.. always crowded and booming with activity and people; guac was great
(5)
Christine E.

Came here for my 25th birthday. We were seated at a big round table, which was at first very depressing- a lot of the party was late, so I started to feel little like Carrie in that episode of Sex and the City where all of her friends miss her 35th birthday? Anyways, once everyone in our party made it and our waiter stopped shooting me death stares for holding up a gigantic table, the food and drinks and atmosphere were great! I would totally go back- and avoid the larger tables.
(4)
Robert G.

Bar is great, food is simple but filling. A great place to swing by during a day in the city.
(3)
Cristina M.

We were just visiting Philly and stumbled across this place. The music was loud, colors vibrant, and tequila was flowing. We went for Margaritas and snacks. They are known for guacamole and margaritas. They have 5 types of guacamole on the menu - all made to order. We ordered the 'de la Hoya' which is made with basil instead of cilantro. It was fantastic. Some guacamoles have so many peppers, you can't taste the avocados. Not this one. Order it! We like it so much we decided to order a different type of guacamole for our 'meal.' The Cesar Chavez had roasted garlic, balsamic sauce. It was also great. I prefer the 'de la hoya' but both are worth trying. The margaritas were delicious and they offer a wide variety - but nothing compared to their tequilas. The tequilas are reasonably priced - nothing too out there but good. I like my tequila straight up and sip it like scotch. A good way to end the night after 2 very delicious 'el perfecto' margaritas. I don't know about the rest of the food but the guacamole and margaritas were worth it. I'd go again.
(4)
Kelly J.

The original guacamole was delish! So was the salsa and chips it came with. Pineapple margarita had a cinnamon sugar rim that took it to a whole 'nother level! Great decor
(4)
Valentino G.

I came here for the first time and it was good, my expectations were high and my overall impression was a-ok, my girlfriend and I came here to have drinks and some appetizers, we ordered the Nacho Mamma, and I was very surprised because those nachos weren't the average nachos, they were served on a metal pizza plate smothered in goodness. The blood orange margaritas were very tasty, and very strong, but I would highly recommend them. My girlfriend had Colache Tacos, which she enjoyed and I just got a Tortilla Soup, and it didn't really impress me, it was under seasoned and wasn't to my liking. I would give this place another shot and try to get an entrÃ©e this time and hoping it sways me into updating my review..
(3)
Jessica C.

I can't believe it has taken me this long to eat at El Vez! I finally came for Sunday brunch one day with a group of girlfriends. We were offered both the brunch and lunch menu which is good because we all ended up ordering off the lunch menu. To start we had margaritas (duh!!!) with a top shelf tequila and the Bazooka Limon guacamole (guacamole with goat cheese, pistachios, chile flakes and roasted tomato). The goat cheese gave the guacamole an extra something special and I'm pretty sure I devoured most of it myself. I ordered the Crispy Mahi-Mahi Taco which was also really good. The tacos do not come with a side of rice and beans so you have to pay extra. A friend and I decided to share a side order of the Creamy Poblano Corn Rice which was described to us like a rice risotto. Sharing the side was fine with me (remember..I inhaled the guacamole appetizer) but if you have a big appetite I would recommend ordering a side for yourself. The decor is very colorful and woke us up on an early Sunday morning. We asked to sit in a booth which felt so comfortable! There is a photo booth in the center of the restaurant which will bring out the kid in you.
(4)
Komal R.

Well I went to Mexico last summer (July 2014) and wow this food took me back to that beautiful place! That really says a lot about the authencity of this place. I'd highly recommend their Mahi Mahi Tacos & Chicken Tacos! Reservations are (sometimes) hard to get at the last moment, plan in advance so you dont have to settle for anything less (especially for special occasions like Valentines day)!
(5)
Aria S.

My friend and I decided to ball out and get a big dinner and tons of drinks before heading out for Halloween night. Service-the hostesses were all professional and accommodated us immediately despite being about 10min late to our reservation. Our waiters name was Luisano?? (he's half Syrian but from Venezuela) but he was awesome! We were rattling off orders, unable to decide, changing our minds yet he got our orders perfectly! Food (plenty of vegetarian options) Nachos Mamas- OMGGGGG. Mayur . and I devoured these. They are humungous so plenty for 4-5 people to share Guac-they're known for it so order it! Colache Tacos-sooo good and came with a really good sauce/salsa. They were stuffed with a lot of veggies and definitely filled me up after the appetizers. RECOMMENDATION. Black Bean Enchilado-I wasn't a HUGE fan of it compared to other chain Mexican restaurants that seem to nail it. Paired with the oh so delicious Spanish rice & beans. Creamy Poblano Corn Rice-This is a side. Way too creamy for my preference. I'm not sure how you eat it... You'd be stuffed after a bite. We took it home and mixed it with some of the leftover Spanish rice to ease the creaminess. Drinks! Frozen Blood Orange + Perfecto over ice Margarita - This is an off menu combination. Request it and you will be in heaven! Guava Mojito-I LOVE guava and love mojitos. This is refreshing and light. Not too sweet at all. Pina Espesiada-I just read pineapple and ordered without noticing the jalepeno infused... oops. As Anupma S. said that night "I felt my sinuses getting cleared" It's spicy! I've never had a spicy drink so it was interesting and potently flavored. I enjoyed it but my friends at the table had one sip and were done. I definitely want to come for happy hour where I can get those nachos and a drink without dropping as much $$.
(5)
Erica M.

I have never actually eaten here because every time I walk in, the wait time is too long, but the Photo Booth in the back corner of the restaurant is pretty awesome. Well worth the two dollars. Its an old timey photo booth that develops the photos in a bath on its own. The photos come out wet and crisp.
(5)
Jenny L.

Made reservations on a Monday night for two at 6pm. Was seated right away upon arrival at 5:50. The restaurant itself is dimly lit with music blasting. I found myself needing to raise my voice in order for my dining companion to hear me. We ordered the Tito santano guacamole ($15). It came with tortilla chips and salsa. It wasn't bad, but I've had better guacamole for cheaper. Some spicy and lemon would have improved it ten fold. Nonetheless it was decent. We also ordered the taco sampler ($23) and enchilada mixter ($18.50) which both arrived simultaneously. The tacos included sea bass, beef, pork, chicken, and mahi mahi. Overall they were all well flavored. Our favorites were the chicken and carnitas. We shared the tacos. Literally split each one taco in halfAfter attacking the tacos, I was too full for the enchiladas.
(4)
Reyana F.

So good! I really like the atmosphere here, especially the spinning bicycle hanging from the ceiling! This place is really fun for groups, but I would suggest making reservations since it is pretty popular. The circular tables are a lot of fun and the booths are plush, so it feels awesome. Yes: Mahi Mahi tacos. Oh my. Mezcal margs, pretty great! Ok: Oxtail enchiladas. The meat was really tender and good but it wasn't very cheesy and the corn tortillas were a bit lacking. I make better: guacamole. I was surprised since we got the sampler and tried the original, the mango, and the Indian Red (crab) one and they were all pretty bland. Also, the sampler deal isn't as good as just getting regular guacamole, kind of disappointing! Either way, this is the place you come when you have a bunch of friends in town and want to get them psyched for a night out on the town. Highly suggest following this up with the 700 or Time!
(4)
Majlinda K.

Everytime i have gone to ElVez the experience has been the same, great strong drinks and guac but mediocre food. I loved the store made guac and chips but i do think its a little bit overpriced considering the quality. I shared the nachos and the variety option for the enchiladas and i was a little dissapointed. The nachos were good but the enchiladas were bland and tasteless. I would definitely reccomend this place for drinks and appetizers with friends and will definitely go back for those but maybe not for a full meal option.
(3)
Ron H.

Trendy and tourist friendly destination with a SoCal kinda vibe. From the low-rider bike floating above the bar to the tall and deep velvet sofas, this restaurant focuses on decor and the whole experience as much as the food. Guacamole is made by hand, per order, at a large station on a cart in the middle of the restaurant. Several variations on the menu, or feel free to customize your order. Standard Mexican themed menu, nothing really stands out as a "must order" item, this is a pretty safe menu for the average eater. Expect long waits as it's very tourist heavy, reservations are usually a good idea. I'd give this 2 1/2 stars but the fact that they make a great Paloma at bar, and the frozen blood orange margarita's are a hit in the summer, bring this up to 3 stars.
(3)
Christina R.

I have been to El Vez a few times over the years with my team from work. It usually has good service and great food. However, I recently went and had the WORST service experience of my life. I'd like to preface that I have worked in the restaurant industry in the past and my boyfriend has worked in development for a well-known restaurateur in Philadelphia. Below is a list of the top things that went wrong that night, hopefully this helps to change the way they treat their customers because food can only get you so far. 1)Desk Hostess - When we arrived, we gave our name to the hostess at the desk and were told that we would have an hour wait. After an hour, I received a text to come back to El Vez within 5 minutes or else our table would we lost. When we got back, the hostess told us " the table she thought was getting up sat back down". She didn't give me a timeframe when we might get another table, nor did she apologize. We decided to wait in the hallway/outside until a "miracle" arises ad we get the go-ahead to be sat. 2)Door Hostess /Greeter - We stood in the hallway for an additional 30 minutes. Eventually my boyfriend said something to the greeter who was standing directly across from us because another table of two got sat. She looked flustered and went over to the hostess stand to "check" but never returned. It seemed like she was running away from us or just didn't want to deal with our situation. We eventually were seated 25 minutes after this which brings us to a total of 1 hour and 55 minute wait.. with no apologies. 3)Waiter - Our waiter couldn't be bothered with us. No eye contact, dropped the food and hustled away, overall not friendly. I understand that he was busy - trust me I've been there - but he was so disengaged it was offensive and we were being very nice given the previous circumstances. Overall, the food was good but the service (especially the hostess situation) needs a lot of help. Not sure if it was an off night, but someone needs to be more proactive when it comes to customer service. I don't think I will be back - I'd rather go to SAMPAN across the street.
(1)
Jessica H.

Didn't actually get to eat here. Only commenting on atmosphere. Went here around 7 on a Sunday night. Was told there was at least a 45 min wait. Figured we try margaritas while waiting. Not. Couldn't even get a seat a bar or the attention of bar tender to get a drink. Hostess was no help. This place was colorful and funky but it was mobbed and VERY loud. Don't think we could have had a conversation here. I didn't care for the atmosphere (tonight at least). For me it was not welcoming or relaxing. But then again I wasn't able to get margarita in me :). No where to wait, no drinks, and hectic staff constantly asking you to move. Decided to leave. Look forward to perhaps trying it when not so packed. I prefer the smaller scale, intimate and romantic Lolita across the street. Not overly impressed but haven't tasted food yet.
(2)
Gautam T.

Deeply Superficial is the best way to describe El Vez. The food does not live up to the ambiance and the beauty of the restaurant, but you don't realize it because when you're at El Vez the ambiance and mood in the restaurant consumes you. The food is good don't get me wrong, but it doesn't give you the wow factor that I would hope for when dining in the restaurant. The best analogy I can come up with is knowing a very beautiful and sexy person and thinking whoa that person is super sexy, but when you get to know the person and spend time with the person you realize that they are just OK. Does that make sense? will I return? Absolutely. But I can't give this place 4 stars because I think Personality counts for 1 star.
(3)
Kelly W.

Very cool atmosphere and vibe here. Great service as I've seen at all the Starr Restaurants. Bloody Orange Margaritas are famously fantastic and their food is always yummy. Good place to take out of towners for some pizzazz, but I think its a bit touristy.
(3)
Gus B.

Great food. The guacamole is awesome. Really is
(5)
Trevia M.

Really enjoyed the food, the wait was a little long but it was a beautiful day and after 5p.m. Delicious , I will be back.
(4)
Brian S.

El Vez is a great place to go for an entertaining meal out or some drinks with friends. While the food takes a back seat to the entertaining atmosphere (think gold plated neon bicycle rotating above the bar, rainbow hued banquettes, photo booth, etc.), the cuisine is generally very good. We enjoyed the red snapper ceviche, the taco sampler (the best were the steak and sea bass ones), and had the El Vez dessert and tres leches cake to finish our meals. The ceviche and the tacos were better than the desserts IMO as both desserts admittedly looked better than they actually tasted. The service was great and it was a fun meal.
(4)
Kate M.

El Vez is over hyped. Whenever my out of town friends insist on going here, I do and it's always "fine". The food is ok and the service is good. It's pricey so people feel like they are getting that real city experience. The guacamole is great and the margaritas are very tasty. If you are from out of town and want a fun night of eating tiny tacos in a hip place, I suggest coming here. It's a fun vibe and you really feel like you are in a crowded fun hip place in the city. Otherwise, I would avoid, especially on the weekends. I did not knock a point for this one... however, there was only one thing on the menu I could eat (I eat Paleo and I don't cheat) so this is not a good place for anyone who is paleo or vegan. There are some vegetarian options, so y'all will be good.
(3)
Arvind B.

As a student, I went in just for the corn on the cob. Limited budgets can do that. But trust me, even that simple dish is so bloody tasty at El Vez. Outside of the food carts at Penn, and falafel at Maoz, I used to consider it the best value for money. The table side guacamole is great as well, it's just that my wife does not like avocado, so I have not been able to indulge in that awesomeness lately. There are certainly some annoying things about marriage :) I need to get back here and spend a little more and try out some of their drinks as well.
(4)
Priyanka R.

Fantastic food & drinks! Advice - try to come during non-peak hours if you want a more calm atmosphere. It does get loud, but you have to be prepared for that during peak hours, it is in a hoppin' neighborhood. They have some street seating which is convenient, and you can enjoy the weather when it gets nice out. I prefer the bar seating because I love the revolving bicycle, and the circular bar is a great spot for people watching. The bartenders are always fun, and you can always have a great conversation with them! Their margaritas and go for the pitchers, because you'll want more than one glass! The sangria is also good. The food is not "authentic" but its still delicious! Their guacamole and salsa dishes are all consistently yummy, and hit the spot, even if you're craving some snacks at the bar. Their chipotle chicken tacos & pork tacos are both fantastic as well. I've never had a bad dish or drink here. The service overall can be a little slow if you're not at the bar, because El Vez tends to get crowded, but if you're prepared to wait, you've got a good meal coming your way. Make sure you check out the cool photo booth in the back. It's rad :)
(4)
Sara G.

Of course this is a redundant review based on everything we already know about El Vez, but I will say it anyway: MARGS AND GUAC. The frozen blood orange margarita is my favorite and the crab guacamole is on the next level. It is (unsurprisingly) difficult to get a table on the weekend, but perplexingly easy to get a table - even sans reservations - on weeknights.
(4)
Kelli M.

Love this spot. Love the dÃ©cor and the music. Their pink Cadillac margarita is my favorite. I have my favorite items from here which include the original guacamole, chicken enchiladas and chorizo. I haven't ventured out to trying any other items but this is a great spot for a night out! They are a little weird about reservations so get there early!
(4)
Sarah A.

I love going to El Vez! Great atmosphere and I'm always impressed with the service.
(5)
Alexandra G.

I went to El Vez for the first time this past weekend and I loved it! First, I started off with the pink cadillac margarita. It was a bit pricey but probably one of the best margaritas I have ever had. And strong!! Definitely worth the money since you surely only need one! I got the chicken enchiladas for my dinner, and while I would have liked for them to come with rice and beans or some type of side dish, I was perfectly satisfied with just the enchiladas, although I would have liked to take some home! We also had just about the sweetest waitress in the world. She was attentive and friendly even though we were seated outside away from everyone else. I also loved the outdoor seating. Perfect for people watching in center city! The only complaint I had was the high prices, but that's definitely not enough to stop me from going back.
(4)
Katherine M.

My time here was rushed, but fun and delicious. We stopped by searching for guacamole before running a 5K a few hours later. We wanted something light, and this sounded good. Yup, it's pretty pricey. Definitely you pay for the colorful, fun atmosphere. We tried the blood orange margarita which wasn't anything overly special - small for the price (I mean, considering), and mostly just tasted like a slightly orange frozen margarita. I wouldn't run back for it. The guacamole though, we tried the de la hoya, was amazing and worth coming back for. Super fresh, perfectly tasty, and came with yummy tortilla chips they obviously made there. That made the trip completely worth it!
(4)
Tyler B.

Good tacos, good drinks, cool outdoor seating if it's warm enough.
(4)
Carol C.

I don't understand why this place is so popular. If you have working taste buds you'd know this place is so over hyped. They try to make fancy Mexican food, but all they're doing is serving tacos that taste worse than street tacos, putting them on fancy plates, and slapping on a price tag 4x higher than it should be. Drinks are decent, but again, nothing too special. Now I would say the food is 2 stars, but because the service is always nice, they get 3.
(3)
Tess E.

I enjoyed the mahi mahi tacos but I was very disappointed with the portion size. $12.75 for two rolled "tacos" and no rice or sides to accompany the entree. If you are looking for a tasty, less expensive alternative with huge portion sizes, I recommend Chipotle down the street.
(3)
Amanda C.

I have been to El Vez several times over my tenure in Philly. Favorites include the different varieties of guacamole, the endless chips and salsa and the delicious margaritas (best in pitcher form). The service at El Vez is usually top notch, the last time I went was no different. The waiter was attentive, friendly, joked and laughed with us, made sure we had everything we needed, and was as much a part of our experience as he needed to be. He also kept the top shelf margarita pitcher specials flowing. I've tried a few entrees at El Vez - huevos rancheros, chicken tacos, and most recently the Mexican chopped salad with steak cooked medium. Oh. My. God. So much steak! So delicious! So worth it. And with the chipotle ranch...I just wanted to kiss this salad and make it my boyfriend. Another bonus for El Vez is the cute decor and awesome vintage photobooth near the back stairs. We always take a few pictures when we come here. Can't beat that. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars was the hostess on the phone when I was making my latest reservation who acted like I was putting them out by bringing 11 people to their establishment to drink copious amounts, just because it was 3PM. If you didn't want us to make our reservation then, you could have said no...but alas, I powered through the rudeness, and we had no other troubles. So worth it at El Vez, since we always have a great time!
(4)
Zachary S.

El Vez went from first to worst in the snap of a chip. I used to enjoy going to here more than any other Mexican restaurant in the city. Yes, their prices are really high, but they had the most amazing chips and drinks in the city. My love affair with El Vez and their incredible fried tortillas strips lasted close to ten years until today, July 24th, 2014, a date that will live in infamy. After ordering our normally delicious guacamole a side of shockingly different chips arrived and plopped down next to the appetizer. Flimsy, stale, cold and surprisingly unlike the fresh, crisp and delicious chips that I had taken for granted for so many years. The bizarre strips reminded me of something store bought that had been left out overnight at a picnic. I usually hate being "that guy" that sends things back at a restaurant, but I had to ask the server if she could bring us fresh chips. Sadly, the next batch was just the same. Surely there had to be a hidden camera somewhere to record this bad joke for a TV show. Why else would an otherwise perfect creation be substituted for something that tastes worst than a store bought bag of tostitos. This was all a prank, right? Alas, our server informed us that they had changed the recipe a week ago and that these new chips were here to stay. Hungry, but knowing that our bellies wouldn't be satiated with mediocrity, we quickly downed our mediocre tequila lemonade drink specials, left the guac on the table and left in search of our new Mexican restaurant. El Vez, those years and meals we shared were special, but you've changed and I want nothing to do with the new you!
(1)
Eric J.

When I ask what's the cheesiest thing on the menu and the staff can't answer my question I get angry. But at El Vez they know, and they point me cheeseward with a smile. Queso Fundido (sp?) Is fantastic. And when I want to get tanked, the margaritas warm my belly like no other. I am not sure how authentic the place is, but if you want authentic Mexican food you can take a 20 minutes walk south. If you want meaty, cheesy, sloppy, humungoid portions without an Old Country Buffet atmosphere ( you know what I mean) , then go to El Vez. Unfortunately, it can be a dimly lit cave, a breeze of young-urban professional conversation may waft by your ear. These are the risks one takes when dining in and around Rittenhouse. But if you can ignore Becca and Cody complaining about their paltry bonuses, then go to El Vez and get your food on. It is Steven Starr, so the food is solidly middle of the road, but the staff is friendly and for a meet and cheese fix they are a great pick when in the neighborhood.
(4)
cara v.

Always a favorite when I go to Philly. Great Guac.
(4)
Grace C.

Good, but not stellar for the price. I went for my brother's birthday, so we went crazy ordering from the menu. The guac is decent, and the presentation is aesthetically pleasing. It's served in a granite bowl with leaves peeking out from the sides. It also comes in several levels of spice (we opted for mild). The mexican chopped salad left much to be desired. It tasted like something I could find at Chili's or some other chain restaurant. Just eh. The pibil pork tacos were pretty good - a little salty for my taste, but the meat was tender and flavorful. For dessert, I had the traditional orange flan. A bit heavy for my taste, but the orange flavor was a nice touch. My brother had the El Vez - flourless chocolate cake with caramelized bananas and peanut butter ice cream. Diners with a sweet tooth would be pleased. Overall, it was a decent dining experience, but not for the price we paid. Would not come back unless friends selected the place.
(3)
Katrina S.

Five stars does not come easily. I took the train into the city to try "El Vez" because I had heard very good things about the place. We went on a Monday, 6:30pm and had a 45 minute wait! While other restaurants down the street were barely half full, or empty. I knew we were in for a treat. We got a text message saying a table canceled so we obliged and sat down, right behind the bar giving us a great view of the restaurant. Our server (I forget her name) was very nice, attentive and had good menu knowledge. I started with the 'El Ontono' which was a cranberry infused Jim Beam drink, tasty and strong. I moved onto the frozen blood orange margarita, again very good and strong. These drinks were 9 bucks a piece and I have shamefully paid more for weaker drinks - great start to the night. While the gauc is expensive, it is fresh and enough for 3 people to enjoy. The chips were fresh, still warm and salted nicely. The chips were also served with a slightly spicy salsa that was awesome. ***UPDATE*** 2/22/14 Group of friends and myself sat at the bar, all bar staff were on top of their game, serving one drink after the other. We all had a great time and enjoyed the guac! Also had the tuna tostadas which were really tasty. The tuna was perfect and melted in your mouth, and the tostada was nice and crunchy. Everytime at El Vez is a great time.
(5)
David G.

El Vez is a bit of a Philly institution now. I remember being a semi-regular here back in '04-'05, when it was still brand new, Stephen Starr was still a semi-obscure restaurateur, and the quality of Mexican food on the east coast was a *lot* lower. Back then, I'd always thought of El Vez as a nightspot, where locals and students imbibe blended margaritas under the glare of that famous rotating motorcycle statue and then proceed to have crazy drunken photobooth sessions in the back. I guess people still do those things, but my most recent visit to El Vez was for something different... SUNDAY BRUNCH! And the brunch was surprisingly good. I joined a friend here, who was armed with an 11:45am reservation -- which ultimately wasn't necessary, since it wasn't very busy. We were treated to a window seat, which was especially nice, since those seats are damn near impossible to get when the nighttime throngs have taken over the place. While pondering the drool-inducing menu, we had some chips and salsa, which were fantastic. The chips were piping hot, and the salsas were bursting with flavor and just the right amount of spice. I have no doubt that the chefs at El Vez have stepped up their game over the years, as authentic Mexican food has finally infiltrated the east coast. I had the steak & egg chilaquiles. The dish featured some beautifully prepared steak (cooked medium) next to a heaping mountain of tortillas, all with a beautifully fried egg on top. The flavors of the dish were good, but lacking the spiciness of other chilaquiles I've had before. What bothered me was the miniscule portion of the steak compared to the massive overload of tortilla. I know you have profit margins to worry about, but please don't be stingy with the protein, fellas! My companion had the trio of enchiladas (black bean, chicken, and shrimp) with a side of rice and beans. I managed to sneak some tastes in, and I thought all three were outstanding. I secretly wished I'd ordered those instead of the chilaquiles. Service was great. Everyone was prompt and efficient, and nobody minded that we lingered over coffee even after the check was paid. El Vez... I like the way you've matured over the years. Nicely done.
(4)
Jill C.

Ya might say I'm a tad bias toward this place since I know the chef, but that is not the case. Still Chef David rocks! However, as with any Starr entity the decor does not hold back. It's loud and crazy, but fun. I love that so many tables have a view of the sidewalk - great for people watching. he circular bar is also a fun touch. This is a great place for lunch, dinner, brunch or a post work happy hour. . . The photo booth is a kitschy touch. The food never disappoints and the guacamole are not to be missed! I could make a meal out of the guac and chips, certainly not a healthy one but a meal none the less The drinks are refreshing (love the blood orange margarita). Servers have always been super friendly. Took a friend for birthday and they even put a candle in her dessert! Yay for a little embarrassment. They have outside seating, but you do feel like you are almost in the street. Just a small warning - the mirror in the ladies room is two way - so don't do anything too embarrassing if your not in the stall.
(5)
Ben S.

Great guacamole and mahi tacos. Ate mid week at lunch hour and service was fast and courteous. The have many variations of guacamole and they bring a large portion. Enough for 4 peps.
(4)
Anh C.

I absolutely adore El Vez. Their margaritas are perfect - especially their blood orange and pineapple canela and their appetizers are amazing. I highly recommend coming here for their appetizers because even though they are smaller portions, they will leave you pretty satisfied. Their macho nachos and guacamole choices stand out most to me and I wouldn't hesitate to go back for more drinks and food. I give it four stars only because as it is El Vez, it gets very packed and often there are longer wait times than one would like to encounter when you're in the mood for finger food and drinks. However their waiting system is very updated and they'll send you a text to notify you of a table opening so that's extremely convenient. El vez is a yes in my book.
(4)
April E.

The only thing I didn't like was to noise level. Even sitting across from someone it was hard to hear. Otherwise everything was great. the food, drinks and service. Will be back!
(4)
C H.

I'm a little annoyed by El Vez. I was CRAVING good, FRESH guacamole last week, so I hit up Yelp for recommendations. All signs pointed to El Vez and I wanted to bar hop downtown for Happy Hour anyway, so we went. The decor was cool, I kind of like that the bathroom is downstairs (even though it reminded me of a dungeon) and everyone was relatively friendly. When we walked in, it was super busy, so we sat immediately at the bar instead of waiting for a table. The bartender was pretty busy, so we didn't get tons of attention at first, but its cool... I didn't really feel like talking anyway. She took our orders (Ashlei got nachos, I ordered the the Cesar Chavez guacamole), gave us our beers and about five minutes later, Ashlei's nachos come out. They were pretty decent. Perfect munchie food, but I wanted guacamole. I sat patiently, conjuring up some cockamamie story as to why my guac is taking soooooo long!! "Maybe they went to Mexico for authentic Oaxaca cheese. Maybe they're in California picking the freshest of avocados so I can have the ultimate guac experience. Maybe plankton got a hold of their secret recipe and they're trying to get it back!!". Nope. None of that was true. I finally asked the bartender about my food and was told "I put it in, I don't know what they're doing back there". After a couple minutes, she went to check and came back and told me that either they forgot or they gave my food to someone else. *le sigh* Long story short, I no longer wanted my guacamole. I mean I did, but I didn't (petty, I know). Our SOLE purpose for going there was so I could get my guacamole fix. I didn't expect to be leaving out of the restaurant thinking "I should have just went to Chipotle". I was super disappointed... The bartender comped the nachos and only charged us for our beers, but still... I WANTED MY GUACAMOLE!! Will I go back? I don't know... Hell hath no fury like a woman hungry and I hold grudges when it comes to my stomach!
(2)
Sana N.

Was in Philly on a business trip & found this amazing restaurant! It was packaged on a Monday night. Friendly staff, awesome ambiance, delicious food, & great drinks! It's the best Mexican place in Philly. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Danielle R.

Love the guac! Always have great service here!
(5)
Ankan J.

As a visitor in Philadelphia, I was skeptical of the place but have to tell you, this place far exceeded my expectations than anything I have experienced before. First of all, the ambiance is funky, upbeat and fun. It is casual seating with a large bar in the middle. If you are lucky, you will have Grace as your waitress. She has been working there for a year and really took the time to explain the menu to us. She was very accommodating and never pushing / rushing us in any way. The place is known for its tequila and margaritas. We ended up with Tequila Tasting which lets you taste the three types of tequila. It comes with another non alcoholic drink to cleanse the pallet after you are done with the shot. As for the food, they have 7 different types of Guacamole - a lot of them a very fusion. We tried the "Bazooka" Limon - one with goat cheese and cleaned out the entire bowl of it. Highly Recommended. Mexican Chopped Salad is also a great appetizer to share. You can pick two separate dressings - get them on the side and see which you like. I preferred mixing the two. For the main course as a vegetarian - I would recommend the Huarache De Hongos. This is heavy on different types of mushrooms. I loved it because it has a nice spicy chipotle sauce kick to it along with spinach and corn bread at the bottom. Wish they open one up in NYC as well.
(4)
Brittany A.

Popular restaurant in Philadelphia's Gayborhood that you go into thinking will be very good due to the crowds- but really will leave you asking - "Why do so many people go here?" Everything here is just "average". Dishes are between $9-$15 and none come with any sides. So you want your $10 enchiladas. Well if you want a side of beans with that it will cost you an extra $4. No bueno. Seeing a majority of the restaurant visitors ordering guacamole for the table. We followed suit and shared the guac with goat cheese and strawberries. Again, just average. The chips they gave us though were not up to par - they were way too crunchy and overcooked. To eat, I ordered the black bean enchiladas and my friend ordered the quesadilla with bacon. Both dishes were just average. While the interior of the restaurant is nicely designed, the bathrooms downstairs felt like a vulgar nightclub. If you are going to be a "fancy" restaurant El Vez, please take pride in your bathrooms. Our waitress was average. She came sometimes, but not all of the time to see if we needed anything and I did have to ask for her once as well. 3/5 El Vez. You can do better. Maybe you should just come here for margaritas? They look delicious.
(3)
Tom C.

This is a drunken Starr concept that is fun to hang out and drink at. Not the finest and not the worst but in general a good mexican concept. Like tequila, like sangria, like mexican food, El Vez is where its at.
(3)
Christy S.

El Vez is always fun for a night out with friends and people watching. Guacamole is made fresh. Mahi mahi tacos are my go-to order. They are always excellent. I also love the queso fundido. Ask for a table outside, order a pitcher of margaritas with friends, the Nacho Mamma, and watch the folks on 13th Street!
(4)
Rachel Y.

One of my favorite lunch spots in the city - never been for dinner. The price may be a little much for lunch, you'd think, but the food is incredible quality. I had the traditional enchiladas and the short rib buritto...also have had several quacamoles. Each are delicious! Great grub!!!!!!!
(5)
Stephanie S.

I really really really really really love El Vez. 4.5 stars, but the prices are definatly too high for me to come as often as I would like... For a "casual" Mexican restaurant (unlike upscale Tequilas on 16th & Locust). However, the food is out of this world, so you get what you pay for! The goat cheese guacamole is the absolute best guac I've ever eaten. It's seriously to die for, worth that $15! It's served in a huge rock-like bowl so the portion size is big. Trust me you won't be disappointed. Other food items are all good: carnitas, ahi tuna app, entree sampler is a good option too. All the food is finely prepared and garnished to the tee. Full page of margaritas and other drinks, margaritas are strong and served in martini glasses with a shaker (I love that!) But at $10+ bucks a pop, don't suck em down as quick as I do, or you'll get a rude awakening when the bill comes! Ps, get reservations cause every weekend there's at least an hour wait. Usually a wait on week nights too.
(4)
Shannon M.

Blood orange margarita and chips with salsa. That is all. Other than that, you get exactly what you expect from a Stephen Starr restaurant -- above-average service, trendy food and an eye-pleasing atmosphere. The acoustics in this place are terrible; I feel like I have to shout to be heard by anyone at my table. Make a reservation before going.
(3)
Drew G.

This was a terrific find in Center City Philly. Best Guacamole around. I suggest the Crab Guac and Margaritas.
(5)
Ron G.

Lunch Review El Vez has a hundred of reviews, so maybe I can shed some light on those who are looking for lunch. Fun vibe, friendly staff. Lunch menu has a combo of a $14.99 special including a soup or choice of 2 salads and 4 entrees or so. We all split the guac sampler. It's good for at least 4 people, its pretty big. Their selection of guacs are interesting, and changes things up I suppose. The truffle'd guac was good in moderation. At the end of the day, the standard guac is where its at. Had the tortilla soup with pork tacos. The soup was alright, it was good overall, but nothing special. The pork tacos were also just okay, it had a sweet slaw on it that was a nice touch. Maybe it's me, but tacos aren't meant to be pretty, so the perfectly portioned, visually appealing tacos were slightly underwhelming for me. My friends seemed to enjoy their salads and entrees, which were a black bean burrito and a tri tips steak burrito. The food came out relatively quick, good for lunch. I would come again, opting for salad and one of the other choices, or order away from the lunch special and just get something I really want from the menu.
(3)
Ambi C.

I love this place, good food, great drinks, what more can you ask for! My only disappointment is that the entrees seem a-ok. I wasn't a fan of the seabass tacos, the meat tacos or chicken enchiladas. My husband's vegetarian enchiladas were surprisingly good; I guess I'll be getting that next time!
(4)
Viktor T.

IT was a nice place but not that much fun. it looked boring. The service was ok not very well
(3)
Alicia J.

Great drinks and awesome food. Crowded for the most part....but still worth it : )
(3)
Lauren M.

This place just isn't what it's cracked out to be. The food really just isn't that good. It's a fun atmosphere but that's about it. We decided we will not return here. It seems to be thriving simply on the fact that it's a Steven Starr restaurant. I've paid less for WAYYYYY better Mexican food. It's one thing to overpay when the food is good but to overpay for mediocre or food that's down right bad...it just isn't worth it. There are so many places to choose from in the city. Spend your money on somewhere better. To get more specific: I am not one to send food back but I ordered mahi tacos based on a recommendation from my waiter. I let him know that I didn't like my chicken tacos the last time I dined here. He assured me that those were the worst on the menu and that the mahi tacos were way better. I took his word and tried them. They tasted like the ocean. It was disgusting. I just couldn't do it so I told him I couldn't eat them. He offered to bring me something else. I was ready to give up but I agreed to try the veggie tacos. The manager brought them out and said he hoped they got it right this time. These tasted like straight up charcoal. Also disgusting. I apologized and said I really wasn't trying to be a pain but I simply didn't want to eat or pay for something that I thought was terrible. They took them away and I stuck to my plantains (which were good). They brought us a complementary churro dessert. I appreciated this effort. We still won't return. The guacamole was OK but I can make better guac at home and it doesn't cost me $20 for a small portion. I tried not one, not two, but THREE different kinds of tacos and they were all terrible. I think this place should consider looking at their chefs, the menu, their flavor profiles and the food they are sending out and stop surviving off of the Steven Starr name.
(1)
Shawna W.

The ambiance is cool, but the food is "ok" and overpriced in my opinion. I like to stick with taco trucks for tasty tacos for a quarter of the price. I got the chorizo and egg breakfast dish and it was quite salty. The portions were good for my dish and brought home left overs. My boyfriend got the taco sampler and it was not worth it. Only like a few of the tacos and it was pricey. I think this would be a better place for happy hour margaritas though!
(3)
Christophet M.

This is the hipsterest Mexican place you will find in Philly! Very cool decor with retro velvet wrap-around couches and a slick bicycle motif. The appetizers were large and tasty, recommend the "macho nachos." The entrees were kind of dinky but also quite tasty.
(4)
Avi O.

El Vez is always a lot of fun!
(4)
SJ J.

Shrimp CarbÃ²n! OMG It's Soooooo Delicious! Best shrimp dish of any kind that I've ever had! Oh, and the home-made spicy guacamole is The Greatest!!
(5)
Neil S.

El Vez gets a lot of crap for being a stereotypical Starr restaurant through its ostensible favoring of decor and ambiance over actual food quality. Food-snobs cite the restaurant's high prices, constant crowding, and ornamental pizzazz as evidence of "Starr-ification," but I wonder if they tried any of the food. To the snob's credit, the prices are high and it can get ridiculously crowded. The service can be off given the huge crowds this spot attracts, and yes, the atmosphere isn't for everyone (though I find it rather fun). However, the food speaks for itself. This is a kitchen that Jose Garces built and that Tim Spinner (of Cantina and Calaca Feliz fame) has led. The food quality reflects that talent. I've truly never had Mexican food that has had as much textural pop as at El Vez, where every component of the dishes is crafted to give you a memorable experience in terms of chew and mouthfeel. The flavors here are all on-point and respectful to the authentic dishes they get their inspiration from with modern twists (see: the wild mushroom huarache, pork tacos, and De La Hoya guac). Margaritas are quite good and straddle the line between boozy and fruity gracefully. While this is very tasty food the prices do knock a star off. You won't be full here unless you drop a good chunk of change, which is unfortunate given the quality of the dishes. They could stand to up the portions or cut prices a bit. Also, despite the bar seeming rather large, it is almost impossible to get a seat there, making casual walk-ins for a drink nearly out of the question. Thus, El Vez earns four stars for killer modern Mexican but misses the fifth on pricing and crowding.
(4)
Aisha L.

I came back again last night. I had phenomenal service, the food was just as amazing and this time I tried the blood orange Margarita. WOW!!!! and I consider myself a frozen margarita snob. This tells me that this place is consistently great. Me likey. :D
(5)
Gregg M.

The girlfriend's train hadn't arrived and the hotel room wasn't ready, so after walking around the area near the hotel, I decided on El Vez for its Sunday brunch. El Vez is a Mexican-American fusion place with a design aesthetic that begs the question of what if Elvis had been from Tijuana instead of Tupelo. El Vez is garishly bright and kitschy like a south of the border Jungle Room, but it's fun and obviously doesn't take itself too seriously. More serious, though, are its drinks, specifically the "Cochino Caliente" Bloody Mary ($9). yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vâ€¦ Made with habanero-infused silver tequila, bacon & chipotle (with an ample amount of horseradish) blend bloody mary mix garnished with celery and a slice of bacon, the Cochino Caliente was a pleasantly spicy eye opener. For my food, I had El Vez's take on Eggs Benedict, the Huevos Sopes ($10.50) made with poached eggs on corn and chili sopes with sliced smoked pork and a chipotle hollandaise. While I certainly wasn't hoping for or expecting a traditional Mexican dish or flavors, it was a miss. The portion I received was reasonable for its price and the eggs were nicely poached, but the sopes didn't seem to be fried on the bottom and had more of a soft texture like polenta throughout and failed as a clever twist on an English muffin. Also, the chipotle hollandaise was overly salty for my tastes. Perhaps El Vez's dinner offerings are better, but for brunch it's a merely average.
(3)
R S.

It's got that Wall Street-esque suited clientele, similar to what i experience whenever eating anywhere near Battery Park in NYC. We ordered a margarita pitcher and unfortunately the one we chose was on the concentrated sweetened side. It had a strong limeaid flavor. So much so, that we were forced to dump a glass of water into it to dilute the contents. It sounds obnoxious i know! but honestly it was the only way! Regardless the margaritas seemed more ambiance then alcohol. The guacamole options were our major draw, and we decided upon the off the menu guacamole sampler. That could have been our entire meal. The sampler allows you to select three different types and they are served on three trays. It's a large amount of guacamole, but the sampler servings are on par in size with ordering just one guacamole starter. All three were delicious. The Oscar de la Hoya was good at first, but then the taste of basil became overpowering with each additional bite. The Cesar Chavez was a nice option for those who like a little kick of sweet and tangy. The bazooka had a thick creamy taste, but its pistachio ingredient seemed lost in the mix. The guacamole sampler rings out at around $33. Quite a bit of money for an appetizer, but worth it if planned. For the entree we ordered the three enchiladas, bean and cheese, red chile chicken, and corn shrimp. I have to say they were all on the salty side, although not quite over the edge of palatability. I would recommend them to anyone ordering, they have a level of lightness that is much appreciated with Mexican food. I never felt weighed down during the meal.
(3)
Jade M.

My friend recommended this place and we went for brunch. The blood orange margaritas were awesome! Also got the guacamole and chips, so fresh! The brunch menu was good prices ($8 for breakfast tacos) and plenty of food!
(5)
Joseph C.

El Vez is like most Stephen Starr establishments: awesome atmosphere, respectable food, unnecessary prices. Keep in mind, I'm not a cheap skate. I have no problem paying top dollar for a quality dining experience. But El Vez is big on flash and low on substance. The food isn't bad, it just isn't on par with their price point. You're paying for the atmosphere, and honestly there are Mexican restaurants in Philly with equally cool atmosphere, much better food and lower prices.
(3)
ED W.

Horrible. Cheezy, overcrowded, overrated. Typical of this type of establishment.
(1)
Morris B.

all i have to say is: spanish nachos covered in shredded steak and cheese..serious if you don't try this at least once you haven't really been to el vez....just go during lunchtime or you'll be waiting an hour...otherwise its awesome!
(5)
Yuezhu X.

Fantastic guacamole and tacos! Tuna tostadas is great too! Reserved table two weeks ago! No wonder it's so so popular!
(5)
Valerie M.

I gave 4 stars only because it is so noisy in the restaurant.
(4)
Jed S.

Blood orange.
(5)
Kristen S.

Very fun atmosphere! Loved the sea bass tacos and skinny margarita! Make sure you get a reservation- I tried to go on a Friday at 5:00 and they told me it was a 2 hour wait.
(4)
Adam R.

I've tried El Vez a few times. The first time i HATED it. A few months later i gave it another shot. Meh. 3rd time was meh. There won't be a fourth time because there are several other really good spots that i much prefer to El Vez.
(2)
texas w.

El vez is OK. It's just OK. Everyone gets all Starry eyed when they talk about it, but it's just OK. I've been there plenty of times and it was just OK. The waiters aren't rude but they are just OK. The food has fancy names, but it's just OK. They drinks have tons of ice, cost $15 and they're...you guessed it...just OK. The decor that I thought was cool turned out to be just OK. Spent $100+ and still left feeling hungry but even that was OK. This place helps me to embrace mediocrity. I know lots of people who love it and guess what, kids? That's just OK by me. I'm not here to spoil anyone's fun It's another place on my list to get out of the CC hotels and Convention Center land food and drink and have a real Philly experience. You can go or don't go and that's just OK. But if you go, tell 'em Big Texas sent you! Oh and the PUN was without a doubt, intended.
(3)
Sharee H.

Visited this place right after it opened so there was a few kinks in the service. The food was awesome though. The guacamole and margaritas were superb
(4)
Terese J.

Don't expect traditional Mexican taste of food. Too tangy for my taste. Ambience and service is excellent!
(2)
Blair L.

Amazing Guacamole and Mahi -Mahi Tacos.
(5)
Pete W.

Went there mostly for a couple of Dos Equis (and sampled a disappointing batch of Troegs Mad Elf). Great atmosphere/ambience. Would love to go there again for their food. (Note: no happy hour specials.)
(3)
Samantha B.

El Vez deserves 4 stars if for no other reason than their Bazooka guacamole...it is the most amazing thing ever...And also for their photobooth because I'm totally corny. My boyfriend, parents, and I went to El Vez this past weekend for a birthday celebration, and we pretty much forgot to leave room for dinner because of this guacamole. In addition to the velvety avocado, there is also goat cheese, chile flake, pistachio, and roasted tomato. The roasted tomato adds the perfect amount of sweet roasty goodness and the chile flake the perfect amount of heat. After the chips and guac we had the Roasted Corn Soup with pan seared scallop, tomatillo and jalapeÃ±o mermelada. The soup is delicious, combining many of my favorite things. The corn soup alone is a bit sweet, but the salsa balances it perfectly. I also ordered the crispy mahi mahi tacos, but was only able to eat a few bites. And because there is always room for dessert, the four of us split the El Vez...a flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream (I've had better but was happy to have a few bites). Next time I'll grab a bar seat just for drinks and Bazooka guac. El Vez is always a good time.
(4)
Diane D.

This place is o-kay. Not bad at all, but I have had better mexican food. We tried the guacamole, it was huge and comes in a unique bowl. If you're a guacamole fan, i'd say definitely try this place out. The Mahi Mahi tacos were good, beef enchiladas were okay, I've had better margaritas. Overall, my experience with this place did not live up to all the hype. Food was mediocre, nothing to write home about.
(3)
Mandy H.

I've been to El Vez before for their margaritas, and the blood orange margarita is awesome. Last night I took my sister to El Vez for some late night snacks and a drink. We each got an El Vez margarita. I usually love lime, but this drink was overpowering with lime. I needed water on the side because it was drying my mouth out a little bit. I wished I had gone with the Blood Orange margarita again. Oh well. We got a table before the kitchen closed because I really wanted some chips and salsa. We got the salsa mexicana with tortilla chips, which came with three salsas: salsa verde, pico de gallo (very spicy), and a regular salsa (kind of had a fish oil taste to it). I liked the salsa verde and the pico de gallo salsas the best. We also ordered the chicken tacos which were good too. I would have been fine with just the chips and salsa because I wasn't that hungry, but I felt bad taking up a whole table for just that, so we got the tacos too. Our waiter, Michael, was really sweet and didn't seem at all annoyed at us for sitting down at 11:45, when the kitchen closed at 12, bringing our drinks to the table with us and only ordering small appetizer stuff. I appreciated that :) We ended up taking most of the food home, so i guess that can be lunch today. One thing I will say though is the place is looking like it needs an update. Downstairs in the bathroom, the paint was starting to come off the walls and the white floors in the ladies room was looking really dingy. I was kind of sad because I've always loved El Vez because of the cool atmosphere. So hopefully it doesn't start looking too outdated.
(3)
Marty Y.

Imagine Elvis and Oscar De La Hoya making authentic custom (and strong) margaritas and serving Mexican food. Thats El Vez. Circular bar with a spinning De La Hoya bike is the centerpiece. We had a few appetizers and they were spectacular. Lots of cool margarita options. We had a pitcher and was excellent. Thumbs up on the food, drink, and ambiance. Only downside is that the service was average at best. The bartenders didn't have a ton of personality. We were there at 4pm on a Wednesday and they were acting like they were slammed. Get the sense that the clientele is pretty touristy. Cool place. I'm going back
(4)
Beth E.

Great Margaritas but all of the 4 dishes we ordered were so heavily salted that we could not eat them. Maybe it was just a bad night for the kitchen, but it was very expensive for that kind of mistake.
(3)
Brianna D.

I went here with a group of girlfriends. The guacamole and beef tacos are on point! The wait staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was decent. It didn't really seem like "authentic Mexican" decor, though. There were about 8-10 of us, and they crammed us in a semi-circle booth with a chair on the end - that's the only reason this gets 4 stars. A full table could have been more accommodating.
(4)
Ezekiel G.

OK. So first of all, let me just say that this Mexican food place is Mexican food for White people. If you want real, authentic, go somewhere else. Having said that I move to my experience and why I like it. I was there this past weekend, on a Sunday, after walking several blocks trying to find a brunch place that wasn't packed. I had a flight to catch back to California and I didn't have much time. El Vez was right there and I went in. I had the chorizo and eggs plate, my friends had sopes, a salad, and something else I can't recall. The chorizo and eggs plate was really good, very tasty, and it came with beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, and I think a hot sauce. I asked if I could replace the black beans with any other kind of beans and the server (a very cute one with very nice arms) said they had refried beans and I cold get those. The beans were delicious! The sopes my friend had were more like eggs benedict. Again, this is definitely not what sopes are like at all. But she said they were good and tasty. We also had mimosas, the guava mimosa was the best. Overall, I got the feeling that the food was more about the presentation of the dish than anything else. I liked the place, I would probably be back if I visit Philadelphia again.
(4)
Mike S.

Trendy place with good Margaritas and Guacamole! You have to come early otherwise it's hard to get a table.
(4)
Amanda M.

It's been a while since I've been here so this review is extra late. The nacho's we got were amazing and huge. The tacos we got were small but good and honestly probably the perfect size after devouring a huge plate of nachos. The service was friendly and professional and the blood orange margs were pretty good...sorry I know this is sac-relig to say but they really weren't out of this world...they reminded me of the ones that come out of those slushie margarita machines at Fat Tuesdays on South Street. Again the food was very good....my stomach was a bit sour shortly after though. Authentic Mexican? Eh...I'm leaning more towards not...also a bit overpriced in my opinion but obviously you're paying more for the location and the ambiance...if a neon lit up motorcycle counts as ambiance.....
(3)
Naim M.

Went for a friends birthday 3/11. Service was great, waiter was attentive and grub came quick. They have a 3 guacamole sampler that's crazy good! The enchiladas were perfect, shrimp being the best, only 4 pieces but I got the 3 sampler one. Excellent service, good food will definitely be back!
(4)
Al G.

Awesome guacamole and nachos! Be careful of the pitchers of margaritas, they tend to go down far too easily. Long waits on the weekends, so make a reservation. Their outdoor seating is a good place for people watching.
(4)
Maryclaire H.

Went here while visiting friends in Philly, and was quite impressed. Good selection of margaritas- I tried an original and a blood orange. The original was tasty but the frozen blood orange margarita was a powerful punch of delicious flavor straight to the tastebuds! SO GOOD! I had a chicken quesadilla for my dinner and my boyfriend had sea bass tacos that were out of this world. Very different from the traditional Mexican restaurants I'd been to before. For desert we split the "El Vez" - a flour-less chocolate cake with caramelized bananas and peanut butter ice cream on top. WOW! It was the highlight of my night. That is, until we discovered there was a photo booth in the back of the restaurant where you could commemorate your evening! Very cool spot to check out!
(5)
kate j.

Stephen Starr clearly knows how to do Mexican - this place is great! The food, drinks, and atmosphere are so much fun, and the prices aren't bad at all, especially for center city. Highly recommend any of the guac varieties and the blood orange margaritas!
(5)
Margarita H.

Great food prompt service. Made a reservation using open table to celebrate my finance's birthday for a party of six. We were seated in the comfy booths in the corner away from the front door which was great. It was super cold that day and seating next to the revolving door would have been terrible. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. She explained the menu and the different tequilas we had questions about. We ordered the ceasar chavez guacamole for appetizers it was amazing! The guava mojitos were also a hit. I had the mahi mahi tacos and I must say it was simply delicious. Everyone loved their meals and nothing was left. We will be back again. Love el vez!!
(5)
Daniel M.

We love it here....fun setting with great food and service. It's hard to walk past and not go in for at least some guac and a pitcher.
(5)
Mimi B.

Ended up at El Vez when the planned restaurant for happy hour during Center City Sips was beyond packed. We gladly walked across the street and were accommodated at El Vez. Great Atmosphere. Great food. Super Great Margaritas. We bought the margaritas by the pitcher and OMG the best. I recommend the El Vez Margarita... plain and simple Cuervo Gold, triple sec & fresh lime juice.... THE BEST!!!! In addition don't leave without trying the Indian Red Lopez. I could eat it all day every day..... it's Guacomole w/ spicy crab, cilantro and salsa rojo. #nomnom Lastly, don't be alarmed by the semi-unisex bathroom. It's a little confusing when you go down to potty, but the men's and ladies rooms are actually seperate, it's just the hand washing sinks that are communal. How could I forget the picture booth!! Fun times!! One of my faves!!!
(5)
Brenda C.

two of us ate here during a business trip to Philadelphia. We went with no reservations on a Monday. it was busy but they accommodated us with about a 20 minute wait. We ordered the Guacamole, a house specialty. they serve it in 4 or 5 different varieties. We opted for good old guac which was excellent. The star of the night; however, were the sea bass tacos. They have a sweet potato puree and a couple of fried jalapeno chips on top and were to die for. We opted to share 2 dishes and after trying the sea bass, I did not want to share anymore. That said, we ordered the enchilada mixer which came with 3 - chicken, shrimp and black bean. The margaritas were good and the service was attentive. I would definitely like to come back and if I do, I will eat my own plate of sea bass tacos.
(4)
Alex J.

Alright, this place is the definition of over hyped. Lets start with the staff. They are awful. From the bartenders to the servers, to the hostess. None of them care. All you are is a number that will hopefully give them a good tip. Food. The food is so-so. Wasn't anything special. Typical mexican food that you'd find at any sub par restaurant. Drinks. The margarita was what kept the rating up to a 3. Without the good drinks this place wouldn't be rated as high. If you're planning on going here know ahead of time that if you don't have a reservation than you're going to have to wait a while and fight someone at the bar to get a good seat. All in all, I probably wouldn't return.
(3)
Angela B.

My favorite restaurant in the city!! Great food, service, and atmosphere. Well worth it - the tacos are to die for!! Taste explosion in your mouth!
(5)
Sam S.

Best margaritas I have found in the city.
(4)
Meghan W.

Two words: GRILLED CORN. For this alone, 4 stars.
(4)
Kelly S.

I was recommended to try this place by a friend. I loved the look of the bar, fun and fresh. I had the perfecto margarita and it lived up to it's name. Dinner was amazing, tacos were not just flavorful but filling too. We had the churros for dessert, so delicious.
(4)
Michael F.

I've visited El Vez on numerous occasions for drinks and once or twice for dinner as well. I'm a huge fan of the Guava mojito. Their Mahi-Mahi Tacos are a bit small, but extremely tasty. Likewise for their Oxtail Enchiladas. While the place does get packed, it is usually easy to get to the bar to order a drink. The same can't be said about getting a table, so I recommend a reservation if you plan on dining during peak hours. They don't really have happy hour specials and aren't part of center city sips, so no need to plan to visit during limited hours. If you aren't too hungry, they offer a variety of salsas and guacamole to snack on. They are a bit pricy, but extremely well done. You can also them at the bar!
(4)
Mariella S.

We made it in for an early dinner on a Saturday. When we arrived the bar was busting at the seams but not many were sitting a the tables so we chose the tables of course. As our meal progressed the restaurant filled up quickly. I have to mention these drinks are strong! I am not complaining but I lile my drinks stronger than most and found myself choking a little. The Blood Orange Margarita was everything I imagined it would be and more! Perfectly tart sweet and strong! My only mistake was not sticking to it. Next I had the Perfecto which tasted like rubbing alcohol and concentrate lemon juice. This was the only negative of my experience here stick to the blood orange. The food was really amazing. I cannot wait to make it back! We had the original guacamole, queso fundido with red chorizo, shrimp tacos and fish tacos. The shrimp were plump and buttery the fish was fried and so lemony. Wow! The appetizers speak for themselves are everything you are thinking they are and more.After spending all afternoon drinking and snacking I did not try the tacos until I got home... and had a long nap! Though I still find El Vez to be americanized mexican food it is executed flawlessly. I think I just found my new favorite restaurant!
(5)
Audrey H.

The hostess was not courteous and underestimated our wait time by 1 hour 30 min. She told us we would have to wait 1 hour, but we ended up waiting 2 hours and 30 min. She was rude when we asked her how much longer we had after 1.5 hours of waiting. Service was extremely slow. We waited a long time to get our drinks, then a long time to order, then a very long time to get the food and the check. No wonder we had to wait so long. The wait staff is horrible. The portions are very small. Don't expect to share the guacamole - seems like they only use avocado. I'm not one to complain about price, but the prices here are silly even for New York when you consider how tiny the portions are. I don't eat a lot - I'm a 100 lb. woman - and even I left hungry. The food tasted good but it was not exceptional or authentic. Would not return.
(2)
Tom A.

After you get past the Naziesque young girl hostess's and they seat you in the worst table they can find, don't dare ask for a table that is empty in a good spot they will give You that Nasty stare that only a 20 yo girl can muster up. Then You will sit there waiting for a server that you have to flag down. After that the food is good. Not sure what the management principal behind this is but if you leave your front door guarded by these still spiteful post teens you should consider another industry!
(2)
Ashley T.

Eh. Not sure what all the hype is about. If you want great Mexican food theres a family owned AUTHENTIC taco place right at the corner of 13th n Walnut that is sooooo much better and cheaper. The food i had here was subpar and the drinks are expensive like wth!
(3)
Regine D.

I was visiting my friend in Philly and she took me here for dinner. We are both Southern California natives, so we were no strangers to Mexican food. I wouldn't say that this tasted like authentic Mexican food. But it was all still pretty good. I got the nachos. It was delicious but I wish they gave me more chips. It was very pricey for the portion I got. I would come back for the margaritas.
(4)
Jigar G.

Came here for dinner as a stop on our road trip to NY from DC. We didn't need a reservation and we're seated outside immediately (inside was a 30 min wait). The server told us the guacamole and drinks are what they are known for, so we ordered the guacamole sampler. The guacamole was good, but not amazing. My favorite was the del hoya. What made me give this restaurant five stars is the decor, and the main dishes. My party ordered the black bean enchiladas and the grilled chicken salad - both were enjoyed. I ordered the sea bass tacos, and they were the most flavorful and amazing tacos I've ever eaten. They came wth beans and rice to fill me up (they were light tacos). The sweet potato puree with fried jalapeno and another green sauce (probably cilantro) was amazing with the tender but crispy sea bass, which was seared to perfection. I will be back if I can.
(5)
Dan A.

El Vez is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia. They take their guacamole very serious. And they present it well on top of a banana leaf on a lava rock. If avocados aren't your thing, the mama nachos are also a great starter. Their margaritas are also outstanding. For vegetarian entrees, you really only have two options: black bean enchiladas or the grilled portobello tacos al carbon. The former is a much better option. It's both vegetarian and can be made gluten free if the corn tortillas are used. And it is fun building your own tacos with all the provided fixin's. But this entire is made for two. So you're gonna need a someone riding shotgun with you to order it. Favorite starter: Tito Santana Guacamole Favorite drink: Perfecto Margarita Favorite entree: Grilled portobello tacos al carbon
(4)
Amanda N.

My experience here was very solid. My bar for Mexican food is a bit high but they delivered tasty food and drinks. We got some really delicious tacos (opted for the sharing of the 'pick 2') portabello and beef. Guac was very good, can't remember the name, but it had goat cheese, pistachio, and roasted tomatoes in it --- such a fun version. The snapper ceviche was a little underwhelming so I wouldn't recommend that if you were debating between somethin else though I did enjoy the orange slices in it. Kitchen was unorganized and forgot one of our orders but our waiter was kindly apologetic and had things delivered as promptly as possible. Pitcher of margarita (frozen blood orange) was good, too but nothing mind-blowing. I love their extensive menu options for margaritas and guac/appetizers. Definitely a fun place to try if you can manage reservations or don't mind a bit of a wait.
(4)
Susie K.

El Vez is a funky vivacious joint that serves some delicious food. They are known for their guacamole, it comes in a molcajete and there's some interesting combos. We tried the "de la hoya" (I think) and it had garlic, white onions, and brightly covered green onions. So delicious for a $13 guacamole. I had the mahi-mahi tacos, comes 2 to a plate and consists of crispy mahi mahi, avocado, a red cabbage slaw and a side of lime. I scooped some of the guacamole on it to make it extra creamy. Overall, the services is great and so is the food. I'll definitely be coming back
(5)
Christie B.

Great location, atmosphere, food and drinks. We got the guacamole - (awesome) and the taco platter which is perfect if you want to try a bunch of different tacos. Our friends got a salmon dish and a flank steak dish, both of which they raved about. Get a window seat if you can, great for people watching. Highly recommend!
(5)
Melissa M.

Leaving my teenage years behind me and entering my twenties, I decided to make it a night out in Philly- starting at El Vez for dinner. Being from South Jersey, I took Patco to get there, which was simple enough and didn't require the hassle of looking for or paying for parking. However, we missed our train to Philly and called El Vez to tell them we would be running late. El Vez said they only hold reservations for only 20 minutes but luckily we made it just in time. Reservations are a must for large parties on a Saturday night! We were seated shortly after we arrived and were greeted promptly by our waitress. As an appetizer we ordered the famous guacamole and it lived up to our expectations! We ordered the plain but next time I would try a flavored one. For dinner, we all ordered tacos or enchiladas. I had the red chile and chicken enchiladas, which came with a side of brown rice and beans. All of our meals were delicious and not too spicy! The waitress was also super accommodating with all of our special requests. The enchiladas and tacos were pretty reasonable priced, especially considering the fact that it is in Philly. We opted out of dessert, but one of my friends told the hostess it was my birthday and they brought over churros and chocolate with a candle. (And thankfully no embarrassing singing) Overall, El Vez was great from start to finish with the atmosphere of the restaurant, the staff and the food. I will definitely be back and can't wait until next year when I turn 21 and can try some of their famous drinks.
(4)
Anupma S.

Thank you El Vez for the most wonderful dining experience! A+ Stephen Starr service, food, and drinks, which hugely made up for our last experience at The Dandelion. Sooo many drink options and food was extremely vegetarian friendly! Our server was amazing and concocted a special margarita for our table (a mix of two flavors from the menu, but can't rmr which!). Tried the guac, black bean enchiladas, nachos, and veggie tacos OMG SO GOOD. The nachos were LOADED it was hard to stop eating! The tacos were full of flavor and a nice balance to the heavy enchiladas. Drinks were on point! Really liked the orange margarita. Also tried the jalapeÃ±o margarita -- sooo spicy, a little too much but it was great for my allergies! It was our friend's birthday so our waiter brought out a surprise on the house dessert for him. Ambiance of super fun and lively. I loved this place and cannot wait to go again!!!
(5)
Elli S.

I love the atmosphere inside, very trendy! The food is great! My favorite drink that everyone must try is the blood orange margarita!! Perfect spot for dinner and there's also a bar if you just want to stop in for a just a drink!
(5)
Pierpaolo B.

Fusion of american-mexican cuisine, perfect for a group of friends or for people who like to enjoy tasty guacamole dips or delicious meat in volcano's stone.
(4)
Anrenee R.

Golache tacos, fried plantain, virgin guava margarita. The tacos were good. I enjoyed the vegetarian option. The plantains were okay, I probably would get them again. I ordered the marg without tequila, so while it tasted good... It was incredibly sweet and syrupy.
(3)
Doina N.

This place is always crowded and I do not know why! I's like a show off place, in particular during summer. Be ready to wait like 45 min to get seated. I've been here a couple of times with my girlfriends for appetizers over the summer. However, I would not go back to have a meal. I liked the Bloody Margaritas which is a fine drink for those who are into really sugary drinks. The guacamole bowl is obviously very good - who doesn't like that? If you really enjoy Mexican food, go ahead and try it out. If you're like me who tries to avoid corn and beans, still try it out just to say you've been to. You might like the vibe and the rest.
(3)
Rishima P.

What or where can I start about this place?! The hostess was very nice the waiters/ waitresses are as well. The ambiance is cool. OK now on to the important part ... The drinks and food! To start the margaritas are INCREDIBLE! And get this... I'm not even a margarita fan. Strong but definitely delicious and drinkable! We ordered guac for the table and it was the tastiest guac I've ever had. It's a must. You know what else is a must! The queso fandido. Man the flavors of the food yummy! my mouth is watering just writing this! Then we went on to order fish tacos- the Mahi Mahi which had a fried batter and then we ordered the sea bass tacos!!!! Holy good god! So good. I had absolutely no complaints about this place! Definitely a must again! Can't wait to go back to Philly for this particular restaurant!
(5)
Tim H.

Though we had a reservation, we still had to wait about an hour as previous diners stuck around. Staff apologized and gave us a complimentary app - much appreciated. The guacamole was fantastic and our dinners were good, but not exactly memorable. Beer selection was great. Trendy and very loud. So loud, that we couldn't carry on a meaningful conversation...at all. If it weren't for the great service, I'd probably knock off one star just for the noise level.
(4)
Kerry G.

Perfection. I can say nothing more. I've had close to everything on the menu and I have no complaints. Their Guac is to die for and it's always a fun night. I just went again last night and the chef recognized me and gave my table free appetizers as well as coming out and saying Hello. Truly an exceptional restaurant in Philly. Tip: Get a reservation. I can't imagine waiting for a table to open up on at night. Would I go back? YES! Would I go out of my way to go back. YES!
(5)
Kristine B.

I've been here a few times now, both with friends and for dates. It definitely has a fun atmosphere, as evidenced by the bike in the middle of the bar and the photo booth. The food is delicious, but I wouldn't say that the portions are large by any stretch of the imagination. I leave satisfied, but with room for more. The drinks are strong and have the perfect balance every time. Usually I get so drunk off of one or two that I forget that I'm still a little hungry. I've visited a few times, and plan on visiting again in the future.
(4)
Mike G.

overpriced and with a clubby crowd that i find uninteresting. El Ray better suits me.
(2)
Jenny H.

A noted Stephen Starr restaurant in Philly. Always bustling and reservations tend to be needed in advance. Order: the cocktail list is a hit, try one of the margaritas, my fav is the blood orange. To start guac for sure, their chips are the perfect thickness. My favorite entrees are the fish tacos and the tacos al carbon for 2. I'm always leaving this place with leftovers. Service: The servers here are always on point and the food comes out quickly. Overall: Go to place for trendy mexican and a great night out.
(4)
Amanda C.

All in all a fun place to hang out but food and drinks were just okay. I recommend the beef tacos and the Perfecto margarita.
(3)
Val R.

Been wanting to try it Here for a while. So glad we did. We got the crab guac and some margaritas. We also shared a corn cob. Everything was great. Can't wait to go back for more. Love the photobooth too!
(4)
Ken P.

I don't know how they do it but it's always awesome. I had family from UK come to visit over the fourth of July weekend. I know ironic. They loved the place so much that my aunt changed her facebook cover to a picture of the guacamole. She had plenty of pictures to choose from as we ate 6 orders of guacamole. One for every pitcher of margaritas. I know it's a Starr place and all but I guess he's one of the best for a reason...
(5)
Kristen D.

Awesome service, even better food! One of Stephen Starr's best, I think. The guacamole is to die for and I love their carne asada.
(5)
Carli I.

The margaritas were very very good, but overpriced. The food was good too but I don't understand the prices. I know Mexican food like nobody's business so it's not really necessary to charge so much for a taco or guacamole at that. This is a place to be seen - a phila novelty. The only way I'll be back is for a happy hour for a better deal.
(2)
J S.

The prices can be a bit laughable-no one can rationalize paying $15 for guacamole-but it's really, really, really, good. (Get the "Tito Santana.") The polenta fries are INCRED. Grab a meal here when you can write it off as an expense, or when you're parents are in town visiting and feeling generous.
(3)
Andrij H.

Only place I've ever eaten guacamole and liked it.
(4)
Rebecca S.

I had my very best girlfriends from high school visiting the city last night with their boyfriends. Thinking that it would be awkward as I was resident "5th wheel" because my boyfriend is away for the basketball season, suggested El Vez as in my experience this is always a crowd pleaser. The restaurant itself has the off-the-wall theme of the Mexican Elvis, "El Vez", vibrant colors, plush velvet booths, and a tequila bar that screams "try one of everything, just hope you don't die in the process". The food as always did not disappoint, I think my friends were a little dismayed by portion size for the price, but living in the city and knowing the quality of most Stephen Starr restaurants, you don't really question price, you just take in the flavor. Overhearings from around the table:: 1st: The chicken enchilada was excellent, I could have licked the plate...and I kind of want to because there wasn't much to eat. 2nd: The Carne Asada was great, enough that I couldn't eat the whole thing. 3rd: The beef tacos were good, but what was that green sauce on top? I don't think I like it, and I definitely don't like tomatoes. (I know I know, maybe she should have read the contents of her order on the menu before ordering, but she's a picky eater and was enraptured by the word "beef"). I can attest to my tortilla soup and mexican chop house salad and say that they were both pretty tasty. I don't know that I've ever had a soup with actual chunks of avocado in it, but it was great nonetheless, the chicken was tender and it was spicy but not spicy enough to make me go reaching for my water. The salad was meh, I could take it or leave it, at $9 for a salad that most consists of chopped iceberg with a little bit of watercress, and a simple vinaigrette would have expected a little more. Blood orange margaritas are excellent, they are a solid 4 stars...the food/portion size in relation to price is a meager 2-3 stars counterbalancing my overall rating to a 3 star experience. Not too shabby.
(3)
Charlie S.

Good food and festive atmosphere, but overpriced. A good experience overall, but not the type of restaurant you need to go to more than once or twice a year.
(4)
Sarah M.

We arrived at 4:45pm with reservations and El Vez was already packed. After eating there, I can see why. Truly unique decor (gold circular bar topped with a spinning full-size bike) complimented the amazing food. They have 7 different types of quacamole and just as many margaritas to choose from! We ordered manchego nachos and traditional quacamole to go with Mahi Mahi tacos and chocolate peanut butter dessert. Everything was great including the service. I'd definitely go back.
(5)
Michelle C.

Delicious Margaritas! Great selection of Tequila.
(4)
Charlotte K.

Fun place if you are business in Phila as I was. Lucky that it was restaurant week--three of us could have eaten from the one restaurant week set menu. It was lavish. Delicious margaritas and a lively vibe, although like most places, way too loud music.
(4)
Sumito A.

Get to the Chase: Pros: 1) If anything I'd suggest the PIBIL PORK TACOS slow roasted pork, avocado salsa, smoked jalapeno vinaigrette They were a wee bit tastey, but still heavy, and made you feel like a wagon was in your stomach Cons: 1) Prices are still steep for the quality they serve 2) Nothing to write home about 3) Clash of trying to be upscale Mexican food to humble and fun...very confusing
(2)
Eric R.

This place is REALLY good. This is more 4/5 stars. 4.5 is ideal. The place LOOKS and feels cool. This is a scene. i could tell that at 530 pm. Staff was pretty solid start to finish. We had 3 types of Guac. Regular was really good. Had Tito Santana and one other I can't remember (with pistachios). REALLY good. Shrimp quesadillas were mildly received by table but I liked them a lot. Good flavor and dipped in guac. Nice combo. Had shrimp tacos (very good. didn't eat tortilla), corn (have it on the cob or off. Liked it better on), refried beans (amazing), plantains (excellent. Had it without queso). Nice beer and drink selection and VERY fair pricing. Staff was really pretty good and that helped the experience. I don't eat meat so I didn't eat tacos/short ribs/chicken nachos which all looked amazing. I would go back here.
(4)
Kumuda P.

Best things #1 shrimp taco- so fresh succulent well flavored avocado on top = perfection. #2 guava Mojito greater than blood orange. Fresh, tasty. Sweet. #3 sea bass taco- unique and fresh!!!
(4)
Brian E.

El Vez is easily the best Mexican restaurant in the city. At least Center City. The service is always good and the food is just as good if not better. My absolute favorite thing here is the guacamole. They have the best I've ever had at a restaurant. If you go, please do yourself a favor and get the guac.
(4)
Maria V.

2nd time here and I am a fan. Came with a group of 12 for 5pm. Definitely make reservations - it was Monday and it was packed by the time we left. 5pm started dinner menu. If u come before- you will order from the lunch / or all day menu. I came back to try the sea bass tacos but decided on trying the TACO SAMPLER dinner and I was so happy I did! You get a steak, carnitas, chicken, mahi mahi and a sea bass taco. OMG so good- had some left over and took it home and ate it the next day for lunch! Ingredients fresh and delicious. Of course I had the blood orange frozen margarita which was a hit at the table. We had 3 pitchers of it. Each has 5-6 servings. I also was also to sample two other guacamole this time- the "Indian red Lopez" which has crab meat and "bazooka limon " which has goat cheese and OMG both were amazing! The original guacamole is super mild and too boring for me. Also tried the churros which were ok and the el vez cake was ok also.
(5)
Michelle S.

What can I say? It's a Stephen Starr restaurant and that should be the tip-off. The food was just ok, the ambiance was pretty cool and it was way overpriced. So exactly like every other Stephen Starr place in the city.
(3)
David Y.

bffft
(1)
Gage L.

Excellent food, excellent service, great prices. No parking but a great little walk around the city led us here and happy it did
(5)
Kevin P.

Plan ahead! This place is bustling at all hours, and you're more likely than not to hit a 60 minute wait on a weeknight than you'd think. Their guacamoles have more options than I knew existed within the guacamole family, and is probably the highlight of the menu. The tacos didn't wow me, but it's kind of hard to be wowed by tacos. Their drink menu is good - I had the frozen blood orange margarita which was quite tasty.
(4)
Tim R.

I wasn't blown away by El Vez but I wouldn't be opposed to trying it again on a quieter night. The row of 2-tops to the left of the main entrance between the booths and the bar that might as well be set up in the middle of traffic on I-76. If people are at all standing at the bar, I can guarantee their asses will be in your face, purses on the table, people bumping you as you go by. The place is unbelievably loud. I started with the standard guacamole which was good but not remarkable (and thus not worth $15) my guest and I decided to share the red snapper cevice and the pork tacos. The cevice was a treat - playfully presented and tasty. Unfortunately we were left remarking on how good it was since the pork tacos were nothing short of horrible. I take that back - had they been served from a food truck with a $2 price tag, I would have been okay with them but they were nothing more than some stewed pork, a dollop of what tasted like a chipotle adobo sauce and some onions on top. I could even possibly entertain this dish on a sort of bar-nibbles menu for $9 but I thought $15 was way overpriced for what amounted to a food-truck quality dish. Of the 3 tacos, I had two bites of one, my date had a bite of the other and the third was untouched. I was a little surprised our server didn't ask us how we were doing or if we had enjoyed the dish (who orders a dish, takes a bite and then doesn't want it anymore. shouldn't that be a red flag?) Take El Vez in honestly. Your friends might be gushing over it as the place to be but I was not all that impressed.
(2)
Bhavesh P.

Very good, but the portions are small.. Staff is friendly...
(4)
Zareen S.

So passed El Vez almost everyday on my way to work, but only made it last week for dinner finally! Before i get to food, let me talk about the Restroom first. I like me some fancy-fun restrooms, and El Vez provided. Totally made me want to just hang out downstairs and chill [no i dint do that]. We got a pitcher of the Pineapple Margarita. It was good, but im not a big fan of cinnamon nor sugar on the rim for my Margarita. So that was a bit sad, but im smart enough to know its a great Margarita. Next comes the guac! My brown self can make some killer guac folks, so I'm hard to please when it some to it. When we saw the "Indian Red" Lopez Guacamole with spicy crab, cilantro, salsa roja, it was a no brainer. It was delicious, and i love the fact they use flour tortillas for their chips! The lump of crabs in every bite with a tad bit of salsa roja was a nice balance and good way to play up your everyday guacamole. There is probably not enough taco for me on this earth. We split the Shrimp taco and the Mahi Mahi Tacos. They looked adorable, the Mahi Mahi tacos look like little bundles of joy tied like a gift. Never thought breaded fish would work inside a taco, sounds redundant since its sitting inside a tortilla, but it was SUPERB with the little slaw inside. Shrimp tacos with the sweet bits of pineapple was spot on. Neither of them not dry at all, neither soggy. Loved it No complaints here, I just needed more Margaritas. Hehe.
(4)
Elizabeth M.

I've been going to El Vez for years and have come to really love this place. Delicious margaritas, fresh guacamole, really great nachos. I haven't had many of the actual entrees on the menu, but everything that I have had has been fantastic. A solid place to fulfill your Mexican food craving in Philly.
(5)
Jeff M.

El Vez is in a great location downtown with many parking garages nearby. The place was buzzing and the noise was deafening the Friday I went. First, all the different kids of guacamole looked nice the menu. I tried the original and it was good with a rich creamy texture. The pitcher of pineapple margarita was very good and not very tart for it being made with pineapple. Corn soup was a huge portion. Mexican pizza had amazing pickled onions on it and a thin crust. And The duck gorditas were very good and the perfect size for an appetizer. All the enchiladas were delicious and had a distinct taste. Some Mexican restaurants all you taste is sauce, cheese and beans but not at El Vez. For me the best was the pork persilla with slaw on top. I'll definitely be back next time I want Mexican food in Philadelphia.
(4)
Emy F.

I was here with three colleagues for lunch. The guac was good. Huge bowl of tasty guac with some pretty good salsa. Our waiter said he'd bring more chips by -- never did. Two of my colleagues ordered the pibil tacos lunch special and very much enjoyed their meals -- the salads were enormous, then they got three small tacos. Another colleague got the fish tacos, which he also greatly enjoyed. Small portions again, but apparently delicious. I ordered a burrito with portobello mushrooms, spinach, corn, and sweet potato. The first bite was great, but the thing completely fell apart and turned into a mushy, tasteless mess within moments. Fast forward 24 hours. Myself and Mr. fish tacos are horribly ill. The evidence suggests it's El Vez.
(3)
Julia S.

Love this place and the area its in! Typically, when in Philly, we'll go here for drinks and apps while at the bar (I don't there's ever been a time where it wasn't busy). Favorites include Salsa Mexicana, Melted Manchego (so, so good!) and Queso Fundido con Carne. Their red sangria is also very good!
(4)
Parker S.

The food is good, its not the best mexican you'll ever have but its certainly not bad, you'll probably like everything on the menu, but not love anything. The atmosphere is loud, dark, and hip, as with most starr restaurants . It would be deserving of a 4 or 5 star rating if it wasn't for the prices. It is simply too expensive for decent Mexican. You can go to tons of other mexican joints for equal or significantly better food and pay significantly less. It is also always crowded so reservations are a must.
(3)
Diana K.

El Vez food never disappoints! The menu is great, the drinks are strong, and the decor is fun! My only complaint is that some of the items are pricey for what they are. The margaritas and guacamole are just two examples. I maybe understand the margaritas, but guacamole for like $14? It can't possibly cost them more than $3 to make unless it has truffle or Faberge eggs in it! Last time I checked avocados are $1 at reading terminal - I'll make my own at home!
(4)
Brett F.

Totally Mexirrific group dining out!! Not sure I'd feel particularly keyed up over a date night, or any type of intimate twosome outing, in the raucous, vociferous El Vez, but for a sizeable and fun group gathering it absolutely does the trick. My party of ten was exceedingly wowed, overly imbibed, remarkably fed and all with especially attentive and thoughtful service built in, no less. That there is a prize fiesta finish, mi amigos! The campy, kitschy, neon atmosphere definitely does not send mixed signals... this joint means seriously exuberant rendezvous business. Pull up a seat at the glittering bar beneath the chromed-out low rider bicycle youtube.com/watch?v=0Qk9â€¦ , or in a cushy booth swathed in vato-sexy red crushed velvet and sip wistfully on a tasty Pineapple-infused margarita while contemplatively perusing the extensive menu offerings. There's no scarcity of enjoyment for tongue or tummy at El Vez!! Let the perfect pitchers of Golden Margaritas flow as you munch on starters of marvelous manchego cheese nachos, seared tuna tostadas, the most TO-DIE-FOR warm blue corn bread with smoked maple butter, and my personal favorite, the guacamole tasting featuring a you-pick-three from selections like black truffle/cilantro, spicy crab/salsa roja and goat cheese/pistachio/roasted tomato. OlÃ©, Man, Frickin' OlÃ©!! Dinner entrÃ©es, luckily, were no less impressive... trendy as El Vez may be, a skimping on excellence and quality there most certainly is not. Our group was more than fond of savoring our plates overfloweth with sweet corn and shrimp enchiladas in a luscious almond sauce, a rich Pasilla-braised pork and hominy stew, tacos al carbon aplenty and, of course, their famed poblano cornbread with ancho chile chicken relleno. In a word, SCRUMPTIOUS! Three Chicana Cheers to more than capable service, great for group ambiance and being totally tasty to boot. Â¡El Vez Para la victoria! Er, or ya know, for the win!
(4)
Ravi A.

Went to check out El Vez during restaurant week in Philly while we were down for work. The meal consisted of a 4 courses. We started our dining night off with some fresh Guac which was fantastic. The next course was the chicken tinga quesadilla which was more like a Mexican pizza rather than a quesadilla. That being said the "quesadilla" was fantastic as well everything was cooked to perfection and it was very easy to devour through it. For the third course I went with the Carne Asada's the steak was cooked to my liking, and it was served with cream corn which was fantastic as well. I managed to get through most of the 3rd course without delay then came the desert. I went with the Tres Leches cake for desert. At that point I had consumed a greater amount of food then I would have desired to but none the less I dove into the cake savagely. Overall I would give this place a solid 4 stars nothing too fancy but overall well prepared food!
(4)
Lolly G.

El vez is a fun spot that a lot of people pick who are outside the city to meet up when we all want to get together. They have big booths, margarita pitchers, and a photo booth so it's an obvious choice for many. However, I gave el vez 3 stars because it's just that an "ok" experience. As a vegetarian I think it's just dumb that in the city with so many vegetarians there's no offerings that aren't meat/seafood. I end up having guacamole which by the way is really excellent. However, you can't really mess up guacamole. When it's busy good luck getting a drink and when it's slow sometimes the service is worse.
(3)
Ana D.

My best friend and I fell in love with this place primarily for their nachos and would always visit whenever we spent a random weekend in Philadelphia. As we continued to return, we realized that the rest of the food was also pretty good good. If you're ever around, the mahi mahi tacos are a must have! The wait can be a little long during some parts of the day, especially on the weekend, but it's always worth it. I haven't yet visited their NY location, but I was thrilled to find out that they opened one and am planning a visit in the near future.
(5)
Henry P.

Guacamole. Margaritas. Stick to the aforementioned and you cannot go wrong.
(5)
Philip M.

So I would normally start with the positives, but I feel it is my Mexican duty to call out any self-proclaimed Mexican restaurant that doesn't serve complimentary chips and salsa for the table. If you're going to charge $20 for a taco plate, you can at least toss in some chips and salsa. Not having free chips and salsa is an automatic no return item for me. That being said, the positives are few. First and foremost Gabe was an excellent server. Quick, knowledgeable and very friendly. We were glad to have him. The blood orange margarita was really good and the guacamole was fresh, tasty with several unique varieties. We chose the one with goat cheese and pastacios. It had a great kick without being too spicy. Other than that, the menu was very limited, and expensive. Neither of us saw anything that sounded like a home run, so we elected to just share a quesadilla to compliment the guacamole. What a disappointment. It was small and not really a quesadilla. A quesadilla is usually cheese and whatever else served inside a grilled tortilla. This was a fried flat shell served with cheese and toppings on top. Last time I was in Mexico they called that a tostada. We had a better quesadilla at the Wawa. Bottom line: go for the drinks, guacamole and ambiance. For good Mexican food, find some place else.
(2)
Chris W.

Great food and incredible atmosphere. Service is great also. 1 of my Philadelphia favs. Place is always jam packed and has a great reputation. The fish tacos are delish!
(5)
Kelly P.

I went to El Vez last night with two friends and had a pretty good experience. The blood orange frozen Margarita is AMAZING, as was the the El Vez "Original" guacamole. The three of us managed to finish it somehow - definitely a lot of it to go around! I ended up ordering the chipotle chicken tacos. They were a little small for the price tag, but admittedly very damn delicious. (Considering I had munched on all that guacamole and chips it's probably a good thing that my tacos weren't huge.) The three of us split two desserts. The churos were yummy. The peanut butter, chocolate, banana thing though was weird and we didn't even finish it. It just wasn't good and the texture was totally off. I don't know how you screw up those ingredients, but they did. The service was pretty painfully slow once the place got busy. It didn't matter too much because we had no place to be and we were taking our time with the drinks and the guac, but I can't imagine trying to get in and out in a timely fashion with service like we had. Side note: love the photobooth there, mch hilarity ensued.
(4)
Undercova A.

What a great attitude, vibe and energy El Vez has. We came here for my H's bday and felt like we were among old friends. Bustling at 2pm in the afternoon with the lunch crowd, nicely transitioning to the 3pm cocktail hour, El Vez was well occupied, but not to the point that we were stifled. The birthday nachos sent over by the manager was so unexpected and nice. The guacamole was just the right balance between chunky and creamy. The homemade taco chips were warm and just thick enough to stand up to the dip. Smiles all around us signaled an overall satisfaction with the diverse menu. Plenty of tequilas, from the traditional to the more obscure.
(5)
Cax D.

If you enjoy guacamole and margaritas, this is the place to go! They make the guac to order, so if you think cilantro tastes like soap (*raises hand*), you can ask them to omit it from your guacamole. We had the chicken tacos and chicken enchiladas, both were great. The service was also very quick and friendly. I would certainly return, if only to eat my weight in guacamole.
(4)
Nick B.

Menu is on the smaller side for the similar restaurants that we have visited, which is fine. But they should tell you that you need to order more than one item. We ordered the "The Original" guac and chips which was okay for the appetizer and I ordered the Carnitas Tacos as they were one of the more-expensive tacos, so I figured they would suffice for a dinner. Not so. There was literally one tablespoon of carnitas on each of the three tacos. So as to not make the party wait for another order for myself I continued to munch away on the chips after we had killed the guac. As they took away the empty guac, they took away the chips I was obviously eating. Would not go back. Not if you have to order multiple items for a single meal. I would say three orders of three tacos may get you there, but not worth the $39 that would be.
(2)
Steve M.

Solid food and drinks every time we are out. The "tacos for 2" (which I coerced other people at the table to get and share with me) and all the enchiladas are must eats. They just started taking reservations, which is a HUGE improvement over the normal two hour wait during peak hours. The place can definitely get overcrowded when you're at the bar, but if you're seated at a table, you'll definitely enjoy yourself.
(4)
Luba P.

So El Vez is good...but I think I like it less every time I go. It is always crowded, has long waits, and there is definitely better food in the city for much better prices. Also, no matter what you get you always feel overly full and have to waddle home. So definitely recommend for first timers in Philly (I loved the food first time I went)...but otherwise I'd recommend Barbuzzo or Lolita across the street.
(3)
Seaeun K.

The guacamole is indeed holy. The carnitas tacos are flavorful and tender and... don't try to be dainty about it. The juice is going to run down your hands and you're going to consider maybe licking it off.
(5)
Megan B.

Couldn't get reservations on a Thursday night, but popped in anyway and got lucky as a reservation had just cancelled. Went with a friend, shared the original guac - their chips are amazing and the guac was really good, they have so many different kinds, too. Got the blood orange margarita, they're not stingy with the tequila, which I liked since the margs aren't cheap. I got the chicken tacos, not the largest plate of food I've ever received but everything was tasty and they were more filling than they looked. Friend got the oxtail enchiladas and loved them. Our only complaint was the table full of middle aged men behind us that wouldn't stop staring and also screaming "WE ARE PENN STATE" at the top of their lungs, but that's not really El Vez's fault. Will definitely be back for more margs and to try different guacs.
(5)
Amie P.

My absolute favorite place in the city. The guacamole is on another level. It is great to take friends too, as the atmosphere is so fun and inviting. However, if you do not want to wait a couple of hours to eat, I HIGHLY recommend making a reservations, at least a couple of weeks in advance for a weekend. Sometimes though, I don't make a reservation and I just run next door to Wine Bar while I wait. The fajitas for two is my all time favorite. If you order the steak for the fajitas, they give you two entire steaks sliced and cooked perfectly. I try to go here as often as possible. Make sure to take a photo in the photobooth with the mexican hats!!
(5)
Hillary P.

Sitting here now. Still enjoyable, but why oh why did they change the chips served with the guacamole The ones previously tasted like "made in Mexico ",now more like out of a bag. I guess our next visit for more authentic Mexican will be Tequilas a few blocks away.
(3)
Rebecca H.

I went to El Vez with my husband and my uncle. The guacamole was great, but it was way too spicy. I imagined that there would be a kick to it, but it was too much. My husband and uncle enjoyed it, they're a bit tougher than I am. The portions were quite small, but the food was very good. The problem- the wait. We were told 30 minutes, and waited for close to an hour. I'd give them another shot, but only if I could get a reservation.
(4)
renje g.

++++ - Atmosphere; a cool, hip place to be - They let you linger; people were just beginning their meals well after the 10:00 pm closing time +++ - Fish (mahi-mahi) tacos, and I hate anything fish related, but these things were a pleasure to taste - Blood
(5)
FoodGu Y.

My words can't do this place justice. If you're in Philly for the night check this place out. You can't go wrong with the dips and tacos. Food Guy Out!
(5)
Bill R.

I need to shout out some of the people who make El Vez special. Steve. One of the managers always takes time to see how you're doing and if everything is fine. Courtney is one of my favorite hostesses, and they are all exceptional ( hosts too).
(5)
Timothy R.

Good service and good food. I come here often when in Philly and this is a good spot for apps or a full meal. Easy to enjoy solo at the bar or at a table with friends. Great selection of tequila and the Bloody Marys are well made. The food selections are authentic and tasty. Fun place.
(4)
Daria M.

Super tasty cocktails, guacamole, apps (tuna tostada) and mahi mahi tacos...however, very pricey, crowded. A fun novelty restaurant, and the token Starr experience. Get a group together and snag a big velvet couch. Bring dollar bills for the black and white photo booth shenanigans and not too much modesty for the shared-sink bathrooms. Funky decorations abound; it's a colorful experience, sure to be enhanced by psychedelics, or you can just spend a fortune on their cocktails for a similar if less refined type of effect.
(4)
Rebecca A.

food is amazing. drinks are amazing. ambience is amazing. make a reservation though, one of the busiest restaurants in town.
(5)
Lauren G.

Meh. I wasn't impressed. I love the decor, but as always, Stephen Starr lacks in vegetarian fare. The only think I loved was the guac sampler, but that's about it. Wouldn't go back, mostly because it's overpriced, and there are much better places in Philly for Mexican food and Margs.
(3)
Alex T.

One of my favorite Mexican places, period. Delicious margaritas and killer guac (I'd suggest the Bazooka Limon). I'd sell my soul for an endless supply of their sea bass tacos. If you're in the gayborhood and your stomach is rumbling, stop by El Vez. Actually, make a reservation and plan it. It's impossible to get in.
(5)
Molly H.

Get the taco tasting platter. Seriously, do it now! Eat in this order: chicken, carnitas, carne asada, mahi mahi and sea bass. Ask for extra jalapenos. Don't get the red sangria unless you love bitters. Instead get the Grenada margarita. Totally worth it to get the chips and salsa. Comes with three different salsas: pico, chipotle and salsa verde. Only regret: didn't try the guac (next time!!). Great atmosphere, staff and clean facilities. Call ahead for a table outside because it fills up. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Nikkk C.

I had a reservation and got seated 15 minutes later because they were SO busy! Didn't mind at all, hostess kept you in the loop so you didnt feel forgotten! When we were seated our waitress (Bettina) came to us right away for drinks and showed us her favorites! She was so happy and excited to show us the menu! We got the original guac which was soon gone because it was soo delicious and a big portion! They felt bad making us wait with a reservation so they gave us a complimentary open faced chicken quesadilla which was loaded with chicken and had an amazing sauce, i will have to have that next time i go back! My boyfriend (a big eater) and I shared the tacos for two getting the beef. The beef was nicely seasoned and cooked perfectly! The grilled veggies were also delicious to put on our tacos along with the many different sauces to put on our tacos (guac, cheese, pico, chipolte sauce, and a cream). We both were so stuffed we left one taco! It was the best!! We love El Vez! Thank you Bettina!
(5)
Corinne M.

I've enjoyed El Vez in the past, but tonight was not so good. Shrimp on the tacos was tough and flavorless, tasted pre-frozen. The first margarita i had was waaaay too sweet and tasted pre-mixed. I asked the waiter to recommend a different margarita that was more citrus and less sweet, and he made a good recommendation, but the bartender overfilled and oversalted the glass, and my marg was more saltwater that anything else. Stephen Starr knows better. Wheres the attention to detail that ElVez used to have? Maybe the perpetual crowds have made them complacent.
(2)
Matt F.

The atmosphere is great, the margaritas are great, the food was pretty good, too. I recommend! Restaurant Quest #41
(4)
Chase T.

Great atmosphere but can get a little busy on the weekends; so please make sure you have a reservation if you plan to have dinner. If not, enjoy the great set up, their great guacamole, and margaritas of course!
(4)
Phil E.

Exciting fun traditional Mexican food. Great different flavor a of guacamole. Chicken tacos were very good. First pitcher of margaritas were a little weak but adjustments were made. Busy place so be prepared to wait but worth it
(4)
Pam H.

The thing memorable about this place was its slowwww service. It was a full Monday Holiday brunch time, but the process from ordering a drink, to getting our food orders in, to getting our food, to getting our check, was quite cumbersome and lengthy. The food wasn't worth that wait. Though, I don't know if I would come back here even if the service was faster.
(1)
Mini M.

EXCELLENT food!!!! Guac is amaaazing. The fish tacos are out of this world good. The margaritas are large and delicious. Pricey, but delicious. I treat myself to this place at least once a year.
(5)
Jocelyne W.

Crazy busy, but wow the service and food was really great.
(5)
Ariel K.

If you're looking for the best margaritas + chips and guacamole - look no farther. El Vez is perfect for all seasons...in the winter to sit at the bar inside or when it's warmer to sit at the tables outside. I also like the chop salad - I like to order it with extra cilantro. The wait can get a bit long, but it usually takes less time than they say so give it a chance!! (They'll text you when your table is ready so you can wander around to the shops on 13th street while you're waiting.) El Vez never disappoints!
(5)
Noops K.

Come here for the drinks...NOT for the food! The drinks are strong and pretty great, but the food, unfortunately leaves a lot to desire from Mexican. I suggest sitting at the bar and ordering an interesting guac with some margaritas for the best experience.
(2)
K Z.

If somebody wants guacamole and a margarita in center city and doesn't want to pay high dollar, take them here. The vibrant atmosphere is definitely a spectacle for visitors to to the city and their photo booth is a fun bonus after eating the great food and drinks. I love the bathroom design, too. The service never let me down.
(4)
Anna Marie C.

overhyped, overpriced, but the drinks are good, and the guac is quite tasty. this year, i went for cinco de mayo (i'm a glutton for crowded-ness) and they had set up extra tables outside. it wasn't bad once we got some bar counter space. and i could never hate a place with a photobooth. great place to go for summer sips if you get there early.
(3)
Jane P.

Came here with a group of friends. There was a wait, but they timed it perfectly. Sat at a booth and our waitress was very nice, friendly, and helpful with the menu. We shared a guacamole, Mexican pizza, and blood orange margarita. While everything was OK, it wasn't anything special....I'd rather go to the Cantina on Passyunk and get the same thing for about less than half the price. The margaritas here are SMALL! The service was good, but I think this place is overrated.
(3)
Hieu T.

I stopped by El vez during restaurant week and couldn't argue about the price for the deal they gave us. Their tuna is by far one of my favorites and would love to try again if I get a chance. Although most servers were busy they were a to stop by here and there to help out. The bill came out to $407.00 because of the big group but was kinda upset that the last entrÃ©e I wasn't able to finish nor take home. I asked the waiter but they just took it away. Overall great restaurant, waiters just need to listen more
(3)
Janice G.

Last night we were a group of seven celebrating my son's 30th birthday and decided to go for drinks at El Vez - somewhere my son frequents often. We arrived at 11:30 and ordered drinks etc. at 1:45 they announced last call so everyone around the bar ordered another drink. At 1:50 the GM announced in a loud crass tone that everybody had to finish their drinks and leave the bar by 2:00. Everybody looked at each other in amazement- why do last call at 1:45 if you want your bar cleared by 2:00. At 1:55 he bellowed "everybody clear the bar!" Let me say this - it will be forever before I ever go back there!
(1)
Joe C.

Amazing Margaritas and guacamole.
(4)
Sean F.

Not your typical Mexican restaurant. Surprisingly different... Well, now I guess the element of surprise is no longer for whoever's reading this... Lol... This is in a very popular part of center city. The restaurant sits on a corner, so outdoor seating fills up quick. Speaking of the outdoor seating, El Vez is 1 block away from a very well known gay & lesbian bar. I'm not homophobic, but if you happen to dine there, outdoors on a Friday or Saturday night, your gonna see a lot of ridiculously flamboyant gay guys and cross dressers. Some people may find that funny, especially after a few drinks. Lol. But a lot of them were very loud and obnoxious, kind of taking away from my dining experience... As for the inside, this place totally blew my mind. The first thing you notice, even from outside are the custom low rider bicycles displayed on turntables. To accompany that, there's funky artwork, very colorful decor, and the most comfortable plush booth seats that I have ever sat on, in my entire life!!! This place is very upscale, but with a nice west coast type of feel. There's always good upbeat music playing and all of the elements together make it a pretty fun place to be. The menu had a mix of authentic dishes and fancy house dishes. Best of all, they have 6 unbelievable signature guacamole dips. And that's coming from somebody that never liked guacamole prior to dining there. Haha. The prices are reasonable. Especially for being in center city. So all in all, You can't go wrong with this place. Like I said before, El Vez is not your typical Mexican restaurant. So if you're in the mood to try something different, I would highly recommend this place! Btw, don't forget to MAKE A RESERVATION!
(4)
Kerry B.

Stopped in for a quick drink with a friend last Saturday afternoon, and glad we did! I didn't get to taste any food, but I ordered a Blood Orange Frozen Margarita and it was delicious. A lively atmosphere, cool interior, and friendly waitstaff - couldn't ask for much more!
(4)
Jaime B.

El Vez is an awesome place to go with friends or family. Steven Starr has created another winner. The food is delicious and the ambiance super fun. I've tried many things on the menu but the guacamole is incredible.
(4)
Nancy C.

We went here recently after I finished work one eveing, great atmosphere and the chips/salsa/guacamole - all good! Which is key in my book to a great Mexican spot! I'm always on the hunt for a great fish taco, and this place didn't disappoint. I liked the crowd/atmosphere as well...
(4)
Michael M.

We give another star back to the recovering El Vez. With Sean and Stephano heading up the bar crew we have found service drastically improved. While always good to see Tom at the helm, the change in the kitchen is just as impressive as the new life at the bar. Crab and cactus salsa is once again loaded with fresh ingredients and heaped with crab. Gone are the days of heaping pickled cactus floating in oil. Guacamole was also perfectly prepared, with the roasted sesame seeds bringing a wonderful richness to the large portion of tuna heaped upon avocado bliss. Oh, how we long for the tuna salsa of old. May the Starr gods hear our plea to have this and the manchego cheese re-added to their pantheon of Salsa. Truly, the tuna, crab, and manchego flight was the best offering we had ever had from these kitchens. We tried the black bass tacos, and the new presentation is both tasty to palate and eye. The mahi-mahi taco still reigns supreme. Keep up the Stellar Starr Service Sean and Stephano, and we hope to see the kitchen bring us those dishes that made you the great flagship of the Starr chain. The day I see those smokin' fajhitas walk the floor again, I'll know you guys are serious about being the best.
(4)
Sue S.

Great margaritas, guacamole, lunch specials. Try the chipotle chicken taco.
(4)
L S.

The drinks and food were pretty good. I would go back
(3)
Brit J.

One of the best Mexican places I've been to! I tried the tuna tostado I hate raw fish but the flavor on this was amazing! I had 2 margaritas an a shot of tequila that had a pepper after taste! Amazing! If you like tequila this is the spot!
(5)
Sara R.

Fun atmosphere and lots of eye candy to see. Food is good too. Definitely get the guac. They have a variety of options for the guacamole and some I wouldn't even think to pair, but based on everything else I had its worth trying. Tortilla soup was very good. Atmosphere is where its at!
(4)
Dani M.

Stopped in here for a quick drink and I can definitely give the atmosphere, tequila selection, and the bar staff 5 stars! Being from out of town it was nice to sit down at happy hour and get served right away, followed by a lovely conversation with the bartender who gave us info on El Vez as well as the rest of Philly. When I return to Philly I will definitely be back and hopefully this time to try the food too!
(5)
Sara N.

What can I say? It's a Starr restaurant. Delicious guacamole, good food and amazing margaritas. Go during happy hour to get a decent deal on a pitcher of their frozen blood orange margaritas. Only 4 stars because the portions are a bit small for the price and it can get incredibly crowded in here during your peak hours. It's in a great area though, so even if you have to wait for a table, you can wander over to verde or open house to browse around. And after dinner? Capo Giro gelato awaits!
(4)
Rachel B.

I had the chicken tacos, which were 3 small round soft shells with a few pieces of pulled chicken on each. Just average. I thought the guacamole was above average, but still not spectacular. Everyone else gives feedback on how loud it is and I have to agree. Very difficult to hear who you are with.
(3)
Sara L.

If El Vez were not a fiefdom of Lord Steven Starr, this grossly overpriced Q'doba meets faux-Mexican-Carnival hybrid would have fallen years ago. Whether for appetizers and drinks, or for a meal, I always walk away feeling violated. The food is barely acceptable - very salty, kind of bland, sometimes overcooked. The portions are small and the prices are steep. The exception is their particularly tasty house-made guacamole; however, even that has been a source of El Vez aggravation to me. It is not a random free pre-meal munchie, which is how the servers often make it sound when offering it. Grumble. I will admit that they make some tasty drinks that, while pricey, could be considered worth it for fancy cocktails at a "nice" place. With the exception of a few good bartenders, I have had problems with the service at all levels. The hostess will make you feel like you are being done a favor by being granted entry. The table service teds to be slow, and the service at the bar is often spotty. Most significantly, I had an incident a few years ago in which I was given someone else's credit card after cashing out my bar tab. It was the next day before I realized I had the card of one "Steven Zuckerberg". It took some time to sort out the chaos that ensued. If you want "nice" Mexican, I'd suggest trying Los Catrines Tequilas instead. Even though LCT is often thought of as pricier, it is really not, and the experience is so much better.
(2)
Jeremiah L.

When I first walked in this place, I was blown away from the decor. The atmosphere was fun and inviting. I went there for the first time last wednesday for SIPS and really enjoyed myself. The margaritas were very good, the bartenders were awesome, and the food was pretty good. The only complaint I would have is the portion sizes are too small for me only because I'm a big guy and I love to eat! LOL. But thats not a big deal. Again, overall the experience was inviting and fun and I will definitely be back.
(4)
Sara E.

Absolutely delicious guacamole and margaritas. Went out during the week for a friends birthday and although the menu is a little expensive for Mexican food it was absolutely worth it. The setting and service were also great. Definitely a must go if you live in the city.
(4)
tracy r.

was in phili from out of town and never expected to find such an awesome spot. besides having a great vibe, the menu, the food and the service was all amazing. i think it's pretty well run. even though we arrived late, the manager, tom, didn't act like he was doing us a favor, but did all he could to accommodate us with an outside table and made us feel very welcome throughout the night. the rest of the staff was also really on top of things, but also friendly and fun. the menu is one of those that is hard to choose because everything sounds great! loved the small plate options and the final test... the margaritas. VERY good! such fun. spend much more time manhattan, and VERY happy they opened there!
(5)
Tanner N.

El Vez is one of my favorite spots in the city. A great place to go for lunch during work or when you're out for a night on the town. Recently, El Vez changed their delectable Macho Nachos from steak to chorizo. This was done due to feedback from customers at their new location in New York. I can't speak for the New Yorkers, but here in Philadelphia we enjoy high quality food. Chorizo is no substitute for delicious steak! You can substitute for shredded chicken, which is probably a step up from chorizo, but this macho man likes his macho nachos with savory hunks of cow meat. Overall, you'll love this place. Get a margarita and the original guacamole, then sit back and enjoy your day.
(4)
Aggie V.

This is by far my favorite Mexican place in the city, and I LOVE Mexican food. I've taken most of my friends who come from out of town to this place, and they've all loved it. I've tried most of their margaritas - though the pineapple one is my favorite. The macho nachos and original guac are both winners. Seriously, I'd skip getting entrees and just split some nachos and guac. Not that their entrees are bad. Just that their entrees don't hold a candle to their nachos and guac.
(5)
Nicole C.

One of my favorite restaurants in the Philadelphia area. The food and speciality cocktails are amazing, and the atmosphere is incredibly fun. Just make sure you book a reservation in advance, the wait times without a reservation are excruciatingly long.
(5)
Shaun L.

Love this place for great Mexican and funky atmosphere. Interesting menu. Tasty entrees. My absolute favorites are guacamole, tortilla soup, and grilled corn on cob with Oaxacan cheese
(4)
Therese M.

I was meeting up with a friend for a late lunch and after throwing around a few restaurant ideas, we decided on El Vez. I've stopped in before for margs and guac, but this was my first time here for lunch. El Vez Bloody Mary - Made with tequila instead of vodka. I couldn't decide if I wanted a bloody or a marg, so this sounded like a good option. The tequila definitely gave it more of a kick and was a nice twist to the traditional bloody. Original Guacamole - I've had this before and didn't remember it being so average. Wish we tried something else. Next time I'll be going with either the Indian Red Lopez w/spicy crab or Tito Santana w/mango and chiles. Chicken Tinga Tacos - Comes with three tacos topped with avocado. I really enjoyed how simple these tacos were, yet still had lots of flavor. The food and drinks here are good, but not the best in the area.
(3)
Joe D.

Overall a great place to go for the basic mexican food. However, I feel there are too many competitors in the city that warrant your dollars slightly more. However, still a go-to for large groups.
(3)
Carol B.

This is a popular restaurant on one of my favorite streets in Center City ... 13th. Their avocado guacamole is a bit expensive but delicious. Ambiance, you can't beat it. Tacos? Divine. The best part of all ... the margaritas. Be careful. The concoction is strategically mixed so that you don't taste the tequila. And that's a dangerous (but great) recipe!
(4)
Leticia M.

It's been a while since I've eaten at El Vez. Went last night and it was so yummy!! Frozen Blood Orange pitcher! Guacamole with crabmeat and a spicy shrimp ceviche. All was top notch superb! Rosa Mexicano in NYC, El Vez in Philly!
(5)
Andi S.

Delicious Mexican food, old-school low-rider bicycles as decor and very good service. I have eaten at El Vez several times and have never had a bad meal. In particular, their guacamole selection and freshness is fantastic!
(5)
George F.

El Vez does a few things really well. Guacamole is one of them, and Blood Orange Margaritas is another. it gets seriously crowded here on the weekends but if you can grab a spot order those two things and you'll be set.
(4)
Allen W.

This place is always good and the drinks are always strong.
(4)
k o.

Guacamole was well done. Guava margarita is not easily forgotten. The macho nachos were layered in heaps of tender beed and amazing. But i was glad we saved room for the mahi mahi tacos. Flavor. Explosion.
(5)
Terri B.

El Vez is amazing! Expensive? Yes. Crowded? Sometimes. Worth it? Absolutely. I've eaten here twice and both trips left me wanting more. I can't remember the details from my first trip except to say that it was delicious. It was some kind of rolled up burrito thing too large to finish in one sitting. Delicious as leftovers. Most recently, though, from the flavored margaritas (I love the Pink Cadillac and the frozen Blood Orange ones) to the Indian Red Lopez (crab) guacamole, my most evening was set. And I hadn't even had my entree yet! For that, I ordered the Pibil Pork Tacos and they didn't disappoint. Be warned: They're small. But when coupled with a guac appetizer with fresh tortilla chips and delicious margaritas, you'll leave happily satiated. Only negative: The atmosphere can be pretty loud. Difficult to have a conversation. Just don't go here for happy hour on a first date. I love El Vez!
(5)
Kathleen L.

I am obsessed with El Vez. I live in Southern DE, but whenever I go to Philly, I try to make a trip here, and I also love trying new places, so that is really saying something! The guacamole is the best I have ever had. I noticed a lot of reviewers on here saying it was a bit pricey at $13, but I am not sure about that. I never thought twice about the price since I expected it to cost much more eating in a city like Philly, Plus, it is a HUGE portion. In an atmosphere as fun as this place, worth every penny. The blood orange and pineapple margaritas are off the hook, seriously the best I have ever had- and I am a HUGE margarita girl. It is a hip, fun atmosphere full of people having a good time. The other food, excepting the semi-liquid gold that is their variety of guacs, is also very tasty. Although to be fair, I am usually pretty sauced by the time I get to the entree. Make the trip and you'll be so glad you did.
(5)
N Y.

Great food, slightly over priced. Nacho mamas are great and so is the lobster.
(4)
Laksen R.

We came here for brunch. It was not crowded and we were seated immediately. To drink, I tried the bloody mary with tequila and bacon which was good. I also got the corn on the cob as a side which was delicious. Our table got the crab lump omelette (breakfast special) and the eggs Benedict sopes. The potatoes that accompanied the crab omelette were delicious but so unhealthy -fried and cheesy. The crab omelette itself was good and I would definitely come back here just for that.
(4)
Jess W.

Best place for margaritas and great food! Highly recommend the open face chicken tinga quesadillas, crispy mahi-mahi tacos, taco tasting platter and the pineapple canela margarita!!
(5)
Joseph L.

Always busy, always good food. Can be somewhat touristy. For a fun evening dinner with friends, highly recommended. The wait for food, and a seats, and wait service are challenges.
(4)
Michael H.

$13 for guacamole is criminal, but El Vez has what I think are some of the best Salads in town, that is, the Mexican Chopped Salad. Otherwise, always good and predictable food and excellent ambiance. Yet, the place always seems a bit more expensive than what you get, so order wisely, or you will pay, literally!
(3)
Nancy N.

El Vez is a little pricy, but the food, drinks, and atmosphere is worth it. the blood orange margs, fried mahi mahi tacos, and the guc is amazing! Love that they have outside seating and a cute little photo booth as well.
(4)
Meredith S.

Fun spot. The place was packed this Saturday, so we waited at the bar while a table opened up. Our drinks were decent, obviously not expertly craft cocktails but enjoyable. The guacamole was excellent. The carnitas tacos and plantains were quite good as well. However, the menu is overall underwhelming as the only entree options are really tacos and enchiladas. And the music was incredibly loud so my friend and I spent most of our dinner shouting and/or repeating everything we said. Overall worth checking out but not recommended for date night or intimate conversation.
(3)
Dilbert D.

El Vez makes the best margaritas in Philadelphia, hands down. The "el vez" or frozen blood orange are good choices. The different guacamoles, tacos, salads, and grilled corn on the cob are all pretty tasty. The salsa roja is to die for. I've dined here over 20 times, and never had a bad experience with the food, drinks, or service. Reservations are a good idea at dinner time, otherwise the wait can be lengthy. You can eat at the bar though too if you can find a spot. El Vez is great place to eat outdoors and people-watch in good weather. Inside is noisy. It's not cheap, but its a fun, happening place to eat out or go for drinks.
(4)
Larry F.

I was rather surprised to come here on a Wednesday night to see the entire place packed! It seems like this is a go-to place for yuppies in Philly. My recommendation is definitely to make a reservation, regardless of the time or day! FOOD: 3/5 (drinks are better though!) We ordered beef enchiladas, mahi mahi tacos, and melted manchego salsa dip. To be completely honest, I was rather disappointed by the food. The beef enchiladas were too dry tasting and bland, the mahi mahi tacos were pretty bland too, and there wasn't anything special about the manchego salsa tip. I also ordered a blood orange margarita, and I think after the whole meal, I probably would've substituted my entrees for more margaritas! The couple next to us ordered the tacos al carbon, which seemed to have huge portions and looked interesting. If I come back again, that's definitely something I'd like to try. AMBIANCE: 3/5 Very noisy and crowded. The venue is pretty dark, but the restaurant definitely had an interestingly look. SERVICE: 4/5 Nothing outstanding. Our waitress was pretty attentive and helpful.
(3)
Cassandra P.

This was one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to!!! All the food was amazing, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The food was reasonably priced, the portions were good, and everything was fresh and delicious. The drinks were also very good and pretty authentic. Also the music was really good and the atmosphere was unique and chic. This is definitely a great place to go for dinner and/or drinks!
(5)
Sarah W.

This place is so fun. Margaritas and guacamole are some of the best I've had. There chips are amazing as well, I assume made in house. Tried the brunch menu today. Portions are small to medium sized, but priced accordingly. I had the waffle with whipped cream maple syrup and Mexican chocolate. My boyfriend had mahi mahi tacos. Meals were phenomenal. I will be back ASAP.
(5)
Mr Patel T.

El Vez is a solid restaurant and great for people watching. The restaurant is known for its guacamole which is very good. The chips are made fresh along with the salsa. I do recommend asking for their hot sauce which is great if you enjoy spicy food. The entrees: The chicken tacos may look small but they are very filling. The chicken enchiladas are served in pairs-the chicken is tender and flavorful. As sides I do recommend the refried beans and the green rice (verde rice) this rice is not on the menu so ask your waiter for it. The rice is delish. When it comes to price, the restaurant wont break your bank. The place has alot of energy and a great vibe. I highly recommend it for a first date.
(4)
Jen A.

I LOVE Mexican food and this place is just plain awesome! Their guacamole is to DIE FOR!!! The margaritas are SO good!!! GREAT place to come to on a Friday night!!!
(5)
Kara G.

Fantastic margaritas! And the service is great, which is a big plus since it's usually very crowded (make a reservation if you're going for a meal). The guacamole is bomb, and if you're lucky enough to sit outside, there's great people-watching on 13th.
(4)
Luke A.

I've been here prob 15 times. Every time was amazing. I had the mahi tacos last night. I think it's one of the best execution of fish tacos I've had. Prob the best item on the menu and brought out w superb presentation. The El Vez dessert to finish was the perfect way to end it.
(5)
Carl C.

This guy is consistent. Price, food, atmosphere, drinks etc. You can hate all you want about the conglomerate, the monopoly, the Starr organization etc. but, you gotta hand it to him. El Vez has good Guac, good fish tacos, good entrees, and great drinks. The bar is circular which was there before El Vez opened and is fun to sit around. The neighborhood has some other gems probably thanks to him opening a few years back.... that block was a transexual, crack/heroin addict haven before he stepped in....then Lolita (must try) Bindi ...a new pizza joint, the dog store etc.... Stop hatin an give credit where credit is due.
(4)
Jake V.

Hmmm.. Well, El Vez is a Starr production to be sure. I went for a business lunch in Starr fashion, the salad I got was huge and very delicious while the tacos were small and so-so. Service was fine but all in all, this place wouldn't be a must-see event. They do have a black and white photobooth, though...
(3)
Josephine L.

Amazing guacamole! We got 2 guacamoles and a bowl of manchego cheese. HEAVEN. The margaritas are amazing. The shrimp tacos fajita style are amazing! Also, the corn... I'd have one everyday if I could. YUMMMY YUMMYY!! the pork tacos are alright. The tres leches is also amazingly good. It's really spongey and soaked up all the sweet leches. Everything else didn't really impress me but I'd come back time and time again for all the things mentioned above.
(4)
Lexy M.

El Vez is exactly what I needed after a work week from F&@#^ hell ! Aye Yi Yi Papi Chulo !! Bloody damn good Blood Orange Margaritas - CHECK! Chunky, smooth, freshly made mounds of guacamole - CHECK! Lively, trendy, squeezed to the hip, rockin' atmosphere - CHECK! Sweet Jesus good, authentic with a twist Mexican food - CHECK! A large round bar surrounding a hill of many Tequila options and a Golden Lowrider Bike on display - CHECK!? Listen.. Steven..Stephan, Suzie Starr.. whatever. It's GOOD! ;-) This New Yorker will be returning for sure and it is certainly worth the 2 hour drive to Pennsylvania. A definite spot to bring friends out of town & start their Philly tour with a bang! It was a great drunken start to my "Philadelphia Gone Wild night"!
(4)
Celeste A.

Awesome! Go!
(5)
JJ W.

This place gets extremely loud and busy but the taco tasting platter is worth it.
(5)
Chris R.

Terrible service. Dirty tap lines. Waitress ignored our table and it took 30-40 min to just get a beer after trying desperately to flag the waitress down-waving arms and all. Ordered a yards brawler on tap-FULL OF DIACETYL and slightly sour. Won't be returning any time soon-tons of better places within a stones throw who respect their customers enough to clean their tap lines and give them a beer when they want it.
(1)
Rich B.

Good drinks and food, but wickedly expensive. I would not call it worth the price.
(3)
dennis c.

Never been here were are vegan
(5)
Erin W.

So, I had been to El Vez a number of times and not been wow'd by the experience. It seemed like way too dressed up Mexican food. I'd come in for happy hour, but never actually eat there. Well, for my sister's bday she insisted we try it out. I ordered the taco tasting plate and was pleasantly surprised by how awesome it was. Comes with 5 different tacos, one of each meat, though they'll customize if you don't want to try something and give you more of what you want. Loved that everything I tried, but was blown away by the sea bass tacos. Do not miss out on them. Only downside is, its quite loud on the inside. They do take reservations and will seat a group (we were a party of 7) but be prepared to only talk to the people sitting close to you. They'll be the only people you can hear.
(4)
Morgan D.

The food here has really suffered since the last chage of chefs. Actually, probably since Garces left. Anyway, i havent had anything here that i actually liked since i was in college. BUT My coworkers recently made me come here for lunch and i ordered teh El Vez Burger. Absolutely AMAZING! One of the best burgers i've ever eaten. I was absolutely blown away. I basically hate the food at el vez. They get three stars for cool decor and for the amazing, delectable, juicy, flavorful el vez burger that has saved several a lunch hour since that fateful afternoon.
(3)
John F.

Always great service. I like a bunch of the different guacamole and tacos.
(4)
Kemi A.

Okay I'm not coming back here again. Sorry. Nothing personal but this place is so unauthentic it makes me (an African) wanna open up a Chinese restaurant.lol. I mean the service was great but as far the food options, I was just at a lost for what to order. Nothing appealed to me. This time I ordered the veggie tacos and hellooooo? someone def left out the sazon! Drinks were okay. They don't have an happy hour? QUE?
(2)
J D.

I've been here countless times. Great Mexican-American food. I always start with either the macho nachos or the nacho mama (with or without steak), which are amazing. Sea bass tacos are to die for and even their fried chicken platter is great. You can get an easy seat at lunch, but good luck at dinner. A Steven Starr favorite.
(5)
Suzanne M.

Great Sunday to stop in and grab a blood orange margarita and split the Macho Nachos with my fiance! Saddled up to the bar for quick and friendly service.
(4)
Liz C.

Get the guac! ... and the hot queso... and the mexican corn... fish tacos too!
(4)
Becky S.

I was in town for a conference and met up with my friend who lives in Philadelphia at El Vez. She recommended it, and I agree with her recommendation. The atmosphere is really fun and the clientele are young and hip. It's pretty loud in there but we were able to hear each other talk. I think if you had a large group though, it might be more difficult to hear everyone. The waitress recommended the guacamole with goat cheese and pistachios, and it was fabulous. I never would have guessed that flavor combination would have worked, but it really did. I had the slow cooked pork tacos and thought they were very good. I really wanted to try the sea bass tacos but could not stomach paying $20 for three tacos. The prices were pretty high but the quality of food was good and the location was fun. The only negative was that the bathrooms were not as clean as I would like for a restaurant. I would still give it 4 stars and would recommend.
(4)
Christina C.

Pro's: Great Margaritas and Guacamole. Sidewalk seating is great for people watching. Photo Booth Cons: No Happy Hour Often very busy Expensive - approx $35 per pitcher.
(4)
Varun R.

Pretty good food. Service is a bit spotty and could use an improvement.
(3)
Sara V.

Pretty good! I can't give this place a full review just yet as I only sampled some guac, salad, and margaritas. Get here early or make a reservation. A typical wait on a Thursday night at 6:45P is 45 minutes. In any case.... I tried the pomegranate and pineapple margaritas. SUPER YUMMY. this is the first time in a long time I didn't feel sick to my stomach after drinking a margarita. I think it was due to the fact that they use lime juice and purees vs. sweet and sour mix. The Mexican Chopped Salad was super yummy. Light and fresh. The guac with goat cheese and pistachios was SO GOOD it was addicting. Mm.
(3)
Timmy R.

One of my favorite restaurants in my home town of Philadelphia. Specials are always fab, happy hour is fun, and the cocktails are spectacular. Faves: blood orange margaritas, street corn, chopped Mexican salad.
(5)
Mary D.

Amazing margaritas, my personal favorite is the best selling blood orange one. Their chips/nachos are out of this world! I have tried many different dishes, but my favorite is the mahi-mahi tacos! So tasty and quite filling even though it's only 2 tacos. I also had a side of beans and rice and I was super full by the end! Prices for food are great for the quality, but drinks are overpriced. $9 for a margarita is quite a lot especially if you are gonna have 2-3. Overall, if you haven't been there, definitely go! I was there yesterday and I'm already planning my next time there!
(5)
Dave H.

The good: Came to El Vez for late night drinks quite awhile ago and had a fun time. Their decor is dark and chic, and their bar is a riot (check out the spinning bike) - check out their communal sink area by the washrooms and all the photo booth photos on the walls. The bad: I came here again with a group of five around 10 pm Sunday, wanting to sit and drink. The hostess told us their kitchen was closing, thus we couldn't reserve any of the (many, empty) tables. We told her we wanted to drink. She said we could sit at the bar, but the bar was almost full, and much too crowded for a party of our size. She suggested we order at the bar and sit outside. It was a little chilly, but we toughed it out since we wanted our alcohol and didn't want to walk elsewhere. The ugly: The hostess's tone of voice made our group feel unwelcome (especially when telling us about the kitchen closing) and there's no excuse for that. Service was practically nonexistent. If you can, sit at the bar.
(2)
Karina R.

I had been in this restaurant several times and I havet to say it is great !!!. Defitly get the guacamole with the chips, the Zapata drink and of course the pork tacos. For all of them 5 starts. The costumer service is good but it does get crazy on the weekends.
(4)
Sarah H.

I had to try this place after walking by the multicolored glass mosaic a million times and witnessing the hustle and bustle of the constant encircling crowds. For one thing, this place has flair. From the elaborate bike in the center to the multicolor booths and decorative wall pieces, this place emits a chic, urban feel without being ostentatiously elitist. And although there was a fun, retro ambiance about the place - a sense of authenticity was totally absent. And I don't like that. Plus the food was only decent (and overpriced) in my opinion. We shared the standard guacamole appetizer and I had the chicken and chile enchiladas. Drinks, however, were delicious. Definitely try the blood orange margaritas. mmm. Overall, this place is worth checking out and good for groups but if you are looking to be "wowed" by genuinely unique cuisine I would pass. I was happy to support the Dining Out For Life cause but can't really see myself coming back anytime soon.
(3)
Jessalyn C.

Delicious margaritas, guac and fish tacos. I go back often because the food is great, the service is attentive and the photo booth is fun for a girls night.
(5)
Norm A.

Friendly, attentive staff. Fresh ingredients. Awesome drink selections and a fun, open atmosphere. Outdoor seating. The guac was nice and chunky and the black bean enchiladas were tasty as hell.
(4)
Jay B.

Incredible food and atmosphere. Only made it in for pitchers of margaritas and DIY tacos but am already dying to come back and sample some more of the fare.
(4)
Caroline L.

I've had several delicious meals here... and SUPER delicious margaritas! The atmosphere is fun and festive, the bar is large, the drinks are stiff, and the food is decadent. Definitely go with a big appetite as the food is rich and proportions are large. This is a great place for large groups and lively nights out!
(4)
Yousef K.

El Vez is good but El Rey is great. El Vez is still good food but you can get way better Mexican food for a lot cheaper. Not to mention because of location El Vez is always super crowded. So if you into food dont go here, but if you want to be a hottie go right ahead.
(3)
Aja M.

This place is not bad. The guac was a little bland but acceptable. The chips seemed to be made fresh in house and were good. The servings are tiny, but hey, who needs to eat more? Mahi fish tacos were fresh and light, although fried. I would come again if I lived in Philly.
(4)
Jon H.

El Vez is a place you walk into and you know that it's gonna be hit or miss. On one hand, it is a festive place, with good atmosphere, decent pricing, large portions, and pretty good service (IMHO). On the other hand, the food is so-so, the guacamole (which apparently is their star attraction), is huge and overpriced, and the uniqueness of the place fades real quick the longer you stay. We walked in for an early Sunday dinner (after seeing Saturday night from outside it was PACKED). Seated rather quickly, server was really nice, but seemed disappointed that we didn't order guac / margaritas. Instead we went for the salsa trio (nice pico de gallo, a hot red sauce, and a watery guac) with chips (hot and crisp). Pretty nice touch, but consider most good mexican places (even the cheap ones!) will give you salsa and chips for free. I'm just sayin.... Ordered up the fish tacos and the chicken tacos. Both came pretty quick, cleanly presented and good portion size (for a $10-$15 entree). The fish tacos were cripsy and flavorful, with a good cream sauce. I would have liked the tortilla to have been grilled a little bit longer, as the mushy tortilla stuck to my teeth. The tacos were so-so. The chicken was a nice bbq-ish flavor, but the lettuce was just too much. The size of the tacos were not too small, not too big, so perfect for sharing. I would have liked a little more kick on my chicken, and a little more fresh pico de gallo. Overall, a two person meal for under $30 (w/o drinks) was pretty good. I would say, for mexican cuisine el vez is decent. For a fun time, esp if you want drinks, go ahead and give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
(3)
Jameson W.

I wish I could give a 3.5 star rating. For sitting at the cool bar to have a margarita, you have to give El Vez credit, it's a great scene. 5 star. Unfortunately it's also a restaurant. A 3 star restaurant. How can they charge so much for average food?
(4)
Nina D.

I've eaten here twice. Once for lunch, once for dinner. Both times the entrees (pork tostadas, open faced quesadilla) were good, but nothing spectacular. I'm not typically a fan of "frozen" drinks but the blood orange margaritas were delicious. The sangria was REALLY strong. It didn't taste anything like any other sangria I've ever had so I asked the waitress what exactly was in it. I think it was the Patron that set it apart. It was good, but I would stick with the margarita next time. I've had the original guacamole and the one with the goat cheese in it. Both were fantastic. I would come here for margaritas and guacamole in a heartbeat. Take a picture in the photo booth and post it on the wall and enjoy the ambiance. If you're looking for dinner, go somewhere else.
(4)
Tara F.

I have been to El Vez twice and haven't been disappointed by food OR margaritas! It is on the expensive side if you plan on getting fresh guacamole (you should) and drinks (you should). I would definitely go big here and splurge! I also recommend it for Restaurant Week because you get a great selection and value. Also a fun atmosphere for a date!
(4)
Marc P.

Good selection of Margaritas and the Guacamole Dip was great!
(4)
Judy B.

Awesome food, and the drinks are tops!
(4)
Nicole S.

I was here recently with a group of co-workers for our holiday lunch. Food was plentifull and delicious.
(4)
Nik K.

I'm a big fan of this corridor on 13th and Sansom, and El Vez being one of the original stops has yet to disappoint. You really can't miss their guacamole. They used to make it front of you, but on my most recent trip they didn't, so I'm not sure if they changed that. We had the "bazooka" which has goat cheese and pistachio. I've had it before, and it is delicious. They also do a fantastic nacho, and very substantial, which is the case with most of thei foods. Now I have to tell you, I had their cristpy mahi mahi tacos on this visit, and they were perfect! The flavors complimented each other very well and if you add some of their fresh salsa and house guas (which is on the side with almost everything) and you'll get close to food-gasm. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because of other experiences, but if it were based on this trip it would be a five-starer. My boyfriend (he'll be in most of my food reviews, just to be prepared) had their chorizo and eggs, only available on their brunch menus. He loved it, and said "this is how chorizo should be." He also had enough to take home for his breakfast. Money well spent. I would also suggest enjoying either their sangria or their margarita. My personal favorite is the frozen blood orange, no salt. Drinks can get a bit expensive, especially their pitchers, which are good for three drinks and cost just as much if not more. The major reason for the reduced star count is the noise, which can be terrible if crowded, the table placement, which leaves people sitting staring at people's butts, and the wait, which can be significant if you don't plan ahead. This is a must visit though, and you can bounce from place to place either before or after thanks to the wonderful "midtown village" area.
(4)
Wind P.

I usually dislike Steven Starr restaurants, but this particular one is amazing! The variety of different guacamoles are all delicious! I've had about four of them, and each one was different and delicious in its own right. It is loud and crowded during the weekend nights, however, I think the food is worth it! Drinks are delicious and strong (if I remember correctly). Overall, I've had a good time each time I've been there. Prices are very reasonable, as well. Get a reservation if you're having dinner!
(5)
Chryssa R.

Too expensive for what you got.
(2)
Shawntel W.

I only had an appetizer but it was very good. The staff were friendly & knowledgeable. What I really was surprised about was the atmosphere.....it was GR8! The crowd was ful of energy & I could tell they were having a good time just like me & my friends! It was my 1st time but it won't be my Last :-)
(4)
M L.

The bar is great and so is the atmosphere. Food is a little pricey for what you get
(3)
first l.

Definitely regretting not making a reservation. 2 hour wait on a Saturday night. I was told they could accommodate our party of 3 within one hour. Waiting an extra hour and not eating until 11pm was brutal. The hostesses were not helpful and seemed to be annoyed that we would dare to even show up, even though we patiently waited with no complaints. Our table server though was AMAZING! She was super great: made an order modification for a member of our party, provided recommendations, and stuck a candle in our shared flan for the birthday we were celebrating. Noise level was crazy though. Had to yell. I hate that at a place that's primarily for dining. Food was pretty great. Pitcher of blood orange margaritas and Cesar Chavez guacamole for the table. My dining companions had mahi mahi tacos and sea bass tacos; they were expensive and not a lot of food. However I got the braised pork with slaw and hominy stew; NOM NOM NOM. Cheapest thing we ordered and the portion was huge. They ate what I couldn't since they were hungry with their tiny fish tacos.
(4)
Carlo M.

El Vez is terrible, Americanized Mexican food. I love other Stephen Starr restaurants, this place is just poor. The food is pretty bland, and the place is always super crowded. I can understand why people would want to come here -- it's got a good vibe. However, it's definitely not worth the wait. The guacamole & the burrito are blah. And I've tried some sort of salad dish and some other appetizer here (unmemorable) -- both were also sub-par. The one decent thing they have here are the pork pibil tacos. That's the only reason I gave this place two starts. Otherwise, it would've gotten the one-star rating.
(2)
Josh Y.

I've been here at least 4 times now and have not had a bad meal. The Pibil Pork Tacos are incredible. You only get three which kind of sucks (just the tacos, no sides), but they are absolutely amazing. The Gaucamole is pretty good, nothing to die for evn though that's how they push it on you. Margaritas are good, they aren't stingy with the alcohol. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good atmosphere and great food. Service has always been great as well.
(4)
Rachel K.

Two words: fungus guacamole. OK it's not called that, but the guac made with mushrooms, truffle, and huitaloche is effing insanely good. I had fish tacos too, which were OK. They were battered, not something I expect from a real fish taco. And frankly it should have said that in the menu because I would have skipped them and ordered something else. But I'm giving it 4 stars because all the guacs are delish and the manager got the idiot drunk in our party to shut up.
(4)
Thao N.

Mister brought me here for for dinner, so I had no idea what to expect. The atmosphere: dim lit, younger crowd, air filled with bustling conversation - not like that was a bad thing. I immediately noticed the illuminated motorcycle that was rotating near the bar area... so bright and shiny... Service was great. Our server was definitely upbeat, knowledgeable, and helpful. We were always checked up on, so that's a plus. Food was delish - whoever recommended the blood orange margarita and the guacamole appetizer - thank you!! They were awesome! There are different types of guacamole to choose from, but I bet they're all tasty. Mister and I shared the Cesar Chavez guac, which also comes with a small side of salsa. Let me tell you, that appetizer was definitely meant to be shared! The portion was very generous... so generous, we could barely finish it. We also had the red snapper ceviche. There were some bold flavors going on there, definitely unique. I personally wasn't too crazy about this appetizer, though. For entrees, Mister ordered the carne asada with an extra side of asparagus. The steak had a spicy kick to it, which was interesting. The side of rice and cheese was different... it was like... mac and cheese... but instead of mac, there's rice! I had the Enchalada Mixtas. When I ordered this, my eyes were bigger than my tummy.. so I struggled with it. The enchaladas were good... comes with one bean, one shrimp, and one chicken. I'm not a fan of beans (I know, shame on me), so I substituted the bean enchalada for another shrimp enchalada and was only able to finish 2 out of the 3. After awhile, though, the second shrimp enchalada was too overpowering - the sauce it came with was too sour/salty for me to finish it. All in all, service was great and the food was tasty. I wouldn't mind stopping by to try out the rest of the menu!
(4)
Kara M.

Oh Stephen... you are a Starr... I've been to El Vez a number of times and never have had a bad experiences. Its all around great! Margs (awesome) guacamole (awesome) queso fundido (awesome).. You can't go wrong with El Vez if you're looking for a fun atmosphere and delicious food
(4)
Tommy T.

I had the beef tacos and a lemon Martini...the corn on the cob is special too! Outstanding food...
(4)
Kevin W.

This place always seems to be crowded and after eating the food I know why!!
(5)
Gui A.

I'm very picky when it comes to Mexican restaurants. The ambiance here is great and the food is made to perfection. The Chicken Tortilla Strips Soup is a must try!
(5)
Shane L.

Good Happy Hour scene. Food....MEH.
(2)
Emily B.

love el vez!!! awesome mexican food, guacamole, and margaritas!
(5)
Liz D.

Pros: Delicious guacamole Michelada made from Pacifico Very tasty food A fun atmosphere Friendly and attentive service An easy online reservation system Cons: The photo booth was out of order The food was a little pricier than I'm used to
(4)
Patty T.

Holy Fresh Guacamole.... I am a big fan of this place. I know a few of the Starr restaurants have gone down hill. But I still love this place they always have great Margaritas and yummy fish tacos. Decor is super fun: - Sweet menus covers that were apparently some card game kids play in Mexico - Fun motorcycle over as the centerpiece to the bar - Photobooth yay!! Only compliant - Service maybe a little slow ....so hopefully you aren't in a rush. Tip: Tequila Bloody Mary is a terrible idea.. may sound good but don't try it.
(4)
Laura B.

This is a great place to eat Mexican. The tacos are great as are the Margaritas. I also love the guacamole and chips.
(4)
Manveen D.

Yes 5 star..no other rating will justify this restaurant. Very unique, from the food to the decor to the hustle. Great Guacs and as a side, do try the Cilantro (green) rice. We had Nacho Mamma, Fish Tacos, Red Snapper with the rice and Tres Leches Cake for dessert. Everything was simply amazing.
(5)
Cristin S.

I reeeeallly liked this place. I can't wait to go back. I went with two co-workers and we ordered a pitcher of the blood orange margaritas, which were delicious. We got the queso with chorizo for an app to share, which was awesome, in fact my mouth is watering right now as I type about it. Then we ordered a plate of nachos to share, and one of my co-workers ordered the fish tacos. The nachos were awesome, I couldn't stop eating them, even though they had black beans on them and I'm not usually a fan. I even tried the fish tacos (I don't eat fish), and thought the flavor was great. They aren't something I'd order for myself -- again, I don't eat fish -- but let's just say if someone had a half of one left on their plate and I was still hungry, I'd probably eat it. I liked the breading, it was crunchy and salty. My husband and I have been dying to try this place, so I will definitely be back again. I also thought the bathroom was pretty cool!
(5)
Neil B.

Sea bass tacos with scallions and crisp jalapeÃ±os as garnish were unusually good. Hate to use a cliche, but they really did melt in my mouth. Red Sangria was nice, too. They boast of 7 types of guacamole. We ordered one that had balsamic vinegar, which was creamy and interesting but didn't quite feel resolved. Typical of other Starr restaurants, the atmosphere and decoration were fantastic and colorful. I'm particularly a fan of their low rider bicycles, gloriously on display thought the restaurant. Oh and for dessert, I highly recommend the world-class gelato place across the street: Capogiro. Recently voted World's Best Ice Cream by National Geographic.
(4)
Michelle C.

My friend and I had brunch at El Vez on Sunday. The prices on this menu are pretty reasonable, but after ordering one drink each (a bloody mary for my friend and a mimosa for me), plus an order of guac, things added up quickly. The guacamole was delicious as always. I find it interesting that many people complain about the price or compare it to what you would get at Distrito. Yes, it's expensive, but it's only a few dollars more than Distrito's version and they give you twice as much at El Vez. I will continue to pay the inflated prices for what is easily some of the best guacamole I've had in the city or elsewhere (my mom holds the title of #1, though). For my meal, I had the huevos and chorizo, which is a build your own breakfast taco deal that comes with warm, soft flour tortillas, nicely portioned sides of guac, sour cream and pico, a large side of black beans and a generous pot of scrambled eggs with (surprise!) chorizo. I never really got the whole breakfast taco thing but I'm starting to dig it lately. I loved my meal and had more than enough food (I would suggest ordering two totally different things and sharing with your breakfast buddy). When my friend pulled a 15% off card out of the dregs of her purse, our bill dropped drastically and we felt that we got some major bang for our bucks.
(3)
Gordon M.

If you want to get lit on a tasty margarita, this is the place to do it. My recommendation here is only for the blood orange margaritas and chips. The guacamole is OK for East Coast guac. So don't wait for a crappy day at the office, go down and get a pitcher of blood orange margaritas and tie one on! If you bring a friend, order a second pitcher, you won't want to share.
(4)
Shanae' J.

My favorite go to happy hour spot! I love the open faced shrimp quesadilla's and pineapple margarita.
(5)
Justine S.

We ordered the "bazooka" limon guac, the queso condido con carne, and 2 taco tasting platters, which included the sea bass, grilled beef, chipotle chicken, pibil pork, and the crispy mahi mahi tacos. The food was all really good. The guac was definitely different, and I only wish they had given us more chips... although I guess we could have asked for more. The queso condido con carne was delicious and VERY hot (in temperature) but again, I wish they had provided more flour tortillas! I had the chipotle chicken taco and the pibil pork taco. Both were really well balanced in terms of flavor and texture. It was the perfect amount of food to accompany the pitcher of El Vez margaritas that we also ordered. The margarita was strong, but good. Next time, I would try another version of their margaritas. Yes, they also have the photobooth. We spent $3 to learn that it is impossible to take any good pictures with 5 people in one photobooth. But it was fun trying!
(4)
Aman S.

Great place and ambience. Good tequila selection and guacamole. The steak and chicken tacos for 2 (create your own) was a good sized portion and yummy. I will be back.
(5)
John P.

I havent been back here in a long time and was excited to go back. I love the atmosphere and the guacamole is delicious. I had a burrito and I enjoyed it a lot. I ended up only eating half and taking the rest home because of how large it was. Definitely will go back in the future.
(4)
Loni N.

I visit this place a few times during the year and every time I went I had a very good experience. Although the one time I was here I had a piece of bone that was in the chicken enchilada I was eating ( management comped my meal to make up for it). Thank goodness I didn't swallow the piece of bone. The margaritas are great. Overall, the food is really good and every time I come to this restaurant I have an amazing time with friends. It's a great atmosphere with good drinks and good food. The staff is very friendly too which is a plus.
(4)
Chelsea D.

My boyfriend and I managed to get a reservation (made two weeks in advance) at El Vez to celebrate our anniversary. We've been to El Camino, their sister restaurant, which is very good but El Vez is just amazing. We thought getting a pitcher of frozen margaritas may be too much but it was more sensible on our wallet. We managed to get 3 glasses each out of it so we were very happy. The food was also very excellent! We sort of dressed up a bit for the occasion, which we realized probably wasn't very necessary. If you can, get a table near the windows. We were situated right next to the bar and at 9:30 at night, it started to get a bit crowded and people were standing practically right on top of us as we were eating. We were pretty tipsy by that point so we didn't mind that much and thought it was funny to make hand gestures at all the butts that were in my face. I've tried to get reservations since but it's near impossible if you're trying to go last minute. Hopefully I'll be back soon for round 2!
(5)
Christine H.

The taco sampler is to die for. You get such a wide mix of meats and different flavors and they were all delicious little bites! The meat was succulent and the fish taco was perfectly fried and crisp. There's wasn't one I didn't like! I had one of their famous margaritas with my meal as well and it was very strong, I wish they added a bit more fruit but I guess I got my money's worth. The atmosphere in here is very retro and had a brightly lit bar area. I came when I was in Philly for work but this def seems like a young professional and tourist kind of crowd
(4)
M. Sean M.

Good happy hour grub and drinks.
(4)
Jenna C.

I've been to El Vez several times now, and I always leave feeling two things - stuffed to the point of sickness, and buyer's remorse. While the food here is decent and the ambiance is light and fun, I've learned my lesson: to get the most bang for your buck, do two things - stick with the simple margaritas, and DEFINITELY order the guacamole appetizer. I forget the menu name, but it's the guac with goat cheese in it. It is utterly heavenly, and the only thing that keeping this Yelp rating afloat. It's served with thick, homemade tortilla chips that are perfectly warm and salted. With the margaritas and guac appetizer, you will not be disappointed. I've had other dishes here - various platters of tacos, enchiladas, etc. The food's not bad, but definitely NOT worth the premium price that El Vez is charging. The reason I say to stick to a simple house margarita is because I've gone for the "premium" margaritas before, with fresh-squeezed this, and special ingredient that - bottom line, they are too sweet, light on the booze, and end up leaving me with a belly ache. They also run between $10 and $12 a pop - not worth it in my opinion. So save yourself the disappointment and the belly ache, and keep it simple! In summary, remember - simple house margarita, goat cheese guacamole, and don't forget to snap some pictures in the photo booth! The service is always pleasant, but this is not the best of the Steven Starr restaurants. However it is worth a visit if you order strategically.
(3)
Teresa M.

Whenever my boyfriend and I visit Old City, we make sure our trip includes a visit to El Vez. We stopped in a few weeks ago for lunch and enjoyed a plate of our favorite Macho Nachos. These are by far, the BEST nachos anywhere!!!! Along with our lunch we enjoyed a few blood orange frozen margaritas. These were amazing! Perfect consistency and flavor-and strong too! You could definitely tell these were worth the price. They were perfect to enjoy after our walk on a very steamy day. Other favorite dishes of ours to enjoy here include the fajitas and the chicken, beef and shrimp tacos. The bloody Mary's are outstanding as well. If you are in the mood for tasty Mexican food this place is a must!
(5)
Sarah K.

547 reviews? This is obviously a popular spot in Center City- and I thought I was being clever coming here at lunch- but it was just as busy as when I've been here at night. Got the guac and a lunch special (chop salad and bean enchilada) and all were very delish. Everything struck me as fresh, everything was very flavorful. I'd say the only drawback is that there are so many other Mexican joints in the city that are just as good, and far less expensive. I dined with the hubs and we put in $55...for lunch. As of today (1/13) at 1pm, the photo booth is working.
(4)
Daniel V.

AMAZING from beginning to end! The hostess was beyond friendly. Amanda is the best server we've had in a long time. Extremely attentive! Food was fast and delicious. This is the first time we have actually put ourselves on the long wait....... and it was ABSOLUTELY worth it!!!! We never knew why the wait was always so long. It all makes sense now!
(5)
Jess M.

Delicious guac and margs, love it!
(4)
Aubrey H.

I just think this place is overhyped and overpriced. It's decent, but there are plenty of other places that are way cheaper and more authentic in this city than El Vez.
(3)
Laura P.

The food and drinks are fantastic, but try getting a table. Good Luck! Must reserve ahead of time and avoid "popular" nights out if you are looking for a more mature crowd.
(3)
Ruth K.

Finally!! I've heard so many great things about El Vez, I couldnt wait to go! I ordered the blood orange margarita which was highly recommended by friends. It was perfection. Just perfect :) For apps, we ordered the original el vez guac. The portion size for the guac was pretty large and tasted freshly made. It also came with a small cup of salsa which tasted like they roasted the tomatoes- AMAZING! I had the combo taco for 2, the beef and chicken. It was a build your own taco style dish, enough for 2 to share. They brought it out on a grill that was sizzling. The meat was tender and moist. The also had grilled veggies that were phenomenal! They had peppers, scallions, onions, and greens. It also came with soft shells and a side of the essentials (pico de gallo, guac, sour cream, chipotle sauce, cheese). By the end of the meal, I was so full I could barely finish. Service was good and the ambience was casual and trendy. It was a little loud but nothing too crazy. I was able to carry on a nice conversation over dinner. I was extremely pleased with my meal and overall experience. I will definitely be coming back again!
(5)
Alex A.

The food- stellar. The atmosphere- quite fun. The service- acceptable. The traditional guac is a must, as well as the chicken quesadilla, which more or less posses as a thin-crust Mexican pizza. The cocktails are uninspiring for the price, and I think that's being rather nice. However, come time to pay, you get screwed over if you have a large party, as the staff will not print separate receipts. It's 2015- this is common place. Took our table 20 min to figure this out.
(3)
Scott S.

El Vez has a lot going for it: great atmosphere, unique cocktails, and an array of guacamoles to choose from. Go for the crab. It's awesome. Things aren't cheap here but they're not outrageously expensive either. Go make funny faces in the photo booth. Especially after a few blood orange margaritas.
(4)
Anthony B.

Great food, okay bar. The guacamole is my favorite in the city
(4)
Jaime Lyn C.

2 words: Guacamole and Margaritas. Any kind, any combination. Delicious and a perfect spot for a night out with your girlfriends.
(5)
Jung K.

Just a great fun place to hang out and have fun with whomever you bring to dinner! highlights; - there is a photo booth (smells like fart because of the sulfur, but you can suck it up to go inside and take fun pictures). - margaritas are always dependable, our servers have always been laid back and super nice - guacamole is yummy, just get it. I go for a decent food/loud laughing kind of experience. Bar is sweet, and it's a cool vibe. Always return every once in a while for fusion Mexican cuisine.
(4)
Tracey C.

The margaritas and guacamole here are fantastic! But you're definitely going to pay for that quality. If you go on a weeknight or weekend, prepare to wait for awhile, it's always packed.
(4)
Hannah T.

Terrific new place for Havertown -- hooray!
(4)
Patricia D.

Lovely place with very tasty food. Their guacamole is simply the best! Good selection of tacos and cocktails. Friendly servers, enjoyable ambiance. In brief, great Mexican place.
(5)
Scott J.

This place is great. Burritos are stellar. Great cocktails. And I love the Mexican Elvis, El Vez. Don't know if he's connected or not.
(4)
Michelle Y.

El Vez does get crowded, but it is a lively venue for get togethers and even dates! I sometimes crave their Blood Orange Margaritas, which is just the perfect amount of citrus and tequila blend that satisfies my palates. I have had their taco dishes, and chips and guac, and the enchiladas here. The taco tasting platter was very good. Although it can get a bit pricy, I thoroughly enjoy El Vez every time I visit. The food and drinks satisfy my Mexican craving, (although not completely authentic) and the lively atmosphere just makes it a fun place to go. Check it out next time you are in centre city!
(5)
Kerry B.

Everything is good here (except the long wait to get a seat). I usually go for the mojitos and the guac is amazing (esp the goat cheese one)- get the sampler to try 3 different ones. I prefer the appetizers and drinks over the entrees, but I have never been disappointed. The service is great too! My boyfriend and I go at least once a month.
(4)
Niti B.

Only stopped in for a drink since we couldn't get a table for over an hour and fourty-five minutes. Had a margarita on the rocks and wow-wee was it a drink! The ambiance was great and a smart stop for happy hour. I wish we were able to have dinner but I guess next time we will go prepared to wait.
(4)
Marcella H.

Blood Orange Margarita and fish tacos. Yum!
(5)
Vicki Lynn M.

,I love fashion jewelry, I purchased several pieces from Kitsy Lane . The quality is excellent and prices are great, delivery was fast .and you get a free gift with your order.
(3)
Dhaval P.

As a Californian I was unimpressed with the food. The atmosphere was pretty chill though, and the margaritas had kick. Ordered the mahi mahi tacos. Crispy fish but it didnt have the spicy flavor I am accustomed to. The ties around my tacos were annoying. I was buzzed and wanted to eat, didn't think I would need to cut open a tie on my taco. Cool little mexican dollhouses lined the wall, that was this place's saving grace.
(3)
Ky T.

Awesome guac! plenty of varieties to choose from. The fried chicken was also very delicious. Came for lunch and didnt get to try many itmes, but ill definitely be coming back
(4)
Kayla S.

Super impressed! First, the dÃ©cor & ambiance of El Vez is so incredibly fun. I was here for lunch, but definitely plan to come back at night for dinner sometime. Before coming here I stalked all the pictures I could find online and was excited for the food before even trying it. Definitely didn't disappoint! The guacamole was very good and the Mahi-Mahi tacos were so flavorful! I have no complaints and will definitely be back. 5 Yummy Stars! :)
(5)
Sara P.

Stephen Starr is amazing!!! This is by far my favorite Mexican, Tex-Mex place in the city. They are unique, original, artistic and pallet pleasing. On top of that the decor is amazing and really fun. They have both indoor and outdoor seating which is great. They have large, half circle (suede?) booths that are over-sized and so comfortable. Their serving sizes are more then decent and the cost is comparable. It is very much worth every penny.!!! If you are looking for a good time, great bar scene, and scrumptious food, look no further!
(5)
Joelle B.

I love the guava mojitos....I crave them....love the fresh guacamole, though tequilas may be better...love the melted cheese fondu app....I usually order a few apps and ceviche and lots of mojitos....can't say it's the best Mexican but it's good and fun, with places nearby to go afterwards(time, fergies)....I guess its expensive? I don't know....it's close and I like it.
(4)
Juno J.

The sea bass tacos with sweet potato puree were amazing! As were the tuna taquitos from the appetizer section. We also tried a special which was the ahi tuna ceviche which was nothing special and unmemorable. The flaquita margarita was good & quite strong, it did taste different then the regular margarita but was still tasty.
(5)
Katelyn I.

Definitely a group favorite among my friends. You will not be disappointed if you decide to make a reservation here. It can get crowded with the bar in the middle of the room, but the energetic atmosphere is fun. We mainly come for the blood orange margaritas, the guacamole, the macho nachos, and the sampler/tasting platters. With a party of 4/5 and a lineup like that you can easily share everything and be so satisfied at the end of your meal. Just make sure you remember your wallet, the prices can add up quickly here, as they do with every Starr restaurant.
(5)
Christina F.

Overpriced guacamole, weak margaritas, and always a waiting time of 2 hours. Don't do it.
(2)
Charnika P.

The guacamole and margaritas served here are absolutely the best. I wish my hometown, DC, had an El Vez sister restaurant. I would surely be a regular. During a sorority conference weekend in Philly, I visited El Vez twice. I couldn't stay away. You can't go wrong with any of the guacamole selections. The crab guacamole is to die for!
(5)
Christopher H.

Best guacamole in life!
(5)
Amanda G.

This review is just for drinks at the bar. Last night after getting dinner close by, myself and four others went over to El Vez to celebrate "National Margarita Day." We found a small space at the bar and ordered some drinks. The service was good, the bartenders were fast and nice, but I have to say, the margaritas are NOT THAT GREAT!! People always talk about El Vez like it's the be-all and end-all of margaritas, but that's just not the case. I ordered the pineapple margarita and my husband got the classic. They both were OK, but nothing special. Seriously. Maybe my expectations were just too high going in here, but I certainly won't be making a trip to El Vez just to drink again.
(3)
David I.

Great ambience, love the food, cool decor. This place has extremely long waits in the summer time, especially during center city sips. I usually get a good waiter/waitress that is easy going and helpful, however, the last time I was there the waitress didn't show up. In any case, besides the waiting time, this place is definitely a go to spot.
(5)
Naveen N.

Guacamole never had so many faces or flavours growing up! The guacamole platter is meant for a group of people but we split it by 2 people and enjoyed every single dip of the 3 distinct yummy plates before us. Thankfully we just ordered a taco plate each and while the quantity was less it was packed full of bursting flavour that was a perfect accent to the guacamole we were stuffed full of. To top it all of, we had a very friendly waitress who kept turning up to ask how we were before we needed her. What else can you ask for with such great prices?
(5)
Kate C.

I like the atmosphere of El Vez, but I think the food quality has gone down hill in the past few years. In terms of Mexican, there are many other options in Philly that aren't as pricey. The staff's great and they have nice outside seating.
(2)
Monique B.

Only stopped by for a quick drink. It was good. The tortilla chips were amazing and the salsa was a bit spicy, which I like :)
(3)
Yadira R.

Guacamole was so good , the food and the drinks . We were celebrating my boyfriend bday I asked them to sing happy birthday but never happened , very loud but good atmosphere .
(4)
Liam E.

El Vez is fantastic, I have never been let down by this amazing restaurant. I went here with buddy of mine as we crashed his roommates date. The margaritas were wonderful and the Guac hit the spot like no other restaurant in the city. As for dinner I had the chicken fajita that blew my mind. The chicken was grilled to perfection and was cooked how i like it. I would come back to this place any time, that i could afford it that is lol!
(4)
Sarah F.

El vez is a good spot to stop by for happy hour. The margaritas are delicious and they normally have a decent beer selection. The guacamole is good (but pricey depending on what you get). My two favorites are the Morales (truffle) and the Indian Red Lopez (crab, cilantro, and salsa) guacamoles. I love the tortilla soup here. Much MUCH MUCH better than at Starr's other mexican spot, El Rey. Can't go wrong with the tacos. This place is good but not the best. I think its a nice spot for getting together with a larger group of friends for dinner or just for a casual happy hour.
(3)
Lauren M.

Loved this place. Went for brunch - had great, strong margaritas. Guac was delicious - on the expensive side, but definitely worth it. The original was better than the others we tried. I had the goat cheese omelet, a little dry but very flavorful. All in all, would definitely go back.
(4)
Tara Y.

The first time I came here a couple years ago I experienced some of the best things on earth, fresh guacamole, great music, awesome layout, brilliant lighting and of course guava mojitos. I constantly come back to try more and more things. I was just there on Wednesday and the service was great as always and the guac was out of this world! I tried a Mezcal Margarita this time and it was strong and fabulous. The setting is always relaxed and there is always a wait but it is so worth it. One of my favorite restaurants in Philly hands down!
(5)
Marissa C.

Good food, good margaritas, knowledgeable waitstaff... but a bit on the pricey side. I love the sweet plantains and fish tacos.
(4)
Daniel O.

Great guac and great margaritas. Entrees were good but not worth the prices.
(4)
Kris A.

Decent Food and drinks cannot make up for inexperienced, grumpy, uninviting staff. This place is NOT for families or for those who value knowledgeable, welcoming service with a smile.
(1)
Suzie L.

I love this place without a doubt! It's a bit on the $$$ end for Mexican food but I normally get the mango guac (which is my all time favorite) and their chips with a pink cad margarita on the rocks. It's a STARR restaurant so you can't go wrong with any of their entree choices. OH! They also have a photo booth inside the restaurant which is always a good time.
(4)
Mac M.

I posted on Facebook that I was headed to Philly for the weekend and several friends commented I simply HAD to try El Vez. My boss, meanwhile, said it was a MANDATORY visit. Not wanting to disappoint the VP of my company, I did what I was told and, believe me, it was well worth it. Sat outside during Happy Hour and drank a few of their famous 'ritas and a Sangria. Their frozen Blood Orange Margarita is a crowd favorite -- and I can see why. Tart, tasty and terrific. The menu is your standard, inspired-TexMex fare ... but if you want to drink your dinner, this is the place to be. Centrally located in the heart of City Center ... it's an easy walk from any downtown hotel.
(4)
Kisente F.

The place is artistic, for some reasons, appealing to me. I didn't want to wait for a table, so I sat down on a bar. The bartender was great. I had questions she had answers. I ordered the 2 course meal--Mexican Chopped Salad and Pibil Pork Tacos, per her recommendation. The salad was different than other salads I've tasted--it was great. There were only 3 small tacos (wished it came with larger portions)--they were ok. What was really amazing was the dessert. I had the El Vez--enjoyed every bit of the peanut butter ice cream, the chocolate cake was soft and tasty along with the peanut custard with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce.
(4)
Lisa P.

I really enjoy El Vez. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful, very lively and colorful. The food is great and the pricing is fair when the quality is taken into account. Great drinks! My favorite part is the assortment of Guacamoles although they are pretty expensive. They have a nice little photo wall in the back of the restaurant and the coed wash room is a neat little surprise. The waitresses are beautiful and tried to be helpful.
(4)
Jessica L.

Ambiance is great, it has a unique feel and is conveniently located in Center City. The food was nothing remarkable. It just felt like "ok" food. I think the location is what you're paying for. I'm not in a big hurry to go back.
(3)
Scott K.

Solid marg, excellent homemade chips and salsas, enchiladas mixtas were delicious - the vegetarian with beets and carrots was the surprise winner. Staff was friendly and attentive even if programmed to push the pricey guacamole.
(4)
Rowena M.

With respect to food, the place is at best average. It tries to be creative by having several types of guacamole. But with guacamole, the simpler- the better. I can see how this place can be a popular spot for groups because of its energetic vibe. So come here for a margarita and maybe some nachos- but then move on to other dining destinations if you care for higher quality food.
(3)
Nick D.

GREAT guacamole, made right at the table! Fun drinks, fun food, fun atmosphere. A little pricey considering the style of food, but typical for a Starr restaurant.
(4)
Natasha C.

Definitely the best blood orange frozen margarita Ive eve had hands down!!! For apps we tried the original guac and the melted manchego dip. Both were very flavorful - be aware that the portions of the apps are HUGE! For an entree we shared the tacos for two with shrimp and steak. The shrimp was a little spicy and the steak was very tender. Service was very good - she checked in on us multiple times. Food took a little while to come out but it was okay because we were chatting away. Would definitely return.
(4)
Jaden G.

It was good when I went but I think I was expecting to much. All my friends and family said it was a really nice and really fancy restaurant. The fancy part was pretty much accurate but I wasn't a big fan of the food. We ordered an appetizer which was a simple Mexican dish, chips and guac. The chips were hard and cold and the guacamole was pretty good the I got this taco sampler which looked very appetizing when the server brought it out. But I didn't like it all for some reason the tastes didn't go together. I was a little disappointed but they seem to be doing good with the line of customers out the door.
(3)
Christian F.

I'd rate this a 3.5 if I could. The drinks and the atmosphere were a 4, the food and the wait for a table were 3's. Price is also a 3 and that was the timebreaker in the rating. Went in there for drinks and appetizers, the drinks were good and strong (had the Blood Orange Marg) but the apps were ordered were so-so at best. The bill looked like we had eaten a full meal though. The place was vibrant and had a good group, I might go back just for drinks.
(3)
Thuy F.

everytime i come here, i always get the same thing because its just THAT good. start off with a pitcher of blood orange margarita, and order the guac. i like it plain and simple and it still hits the spot. for the main entree, go for the mahi mahi tacos and ur set for the night. the flavors go hand in hand and its the best fish taco ive had so far. call ahead for a reservation because it can get very packed on the weekends.
(5)
Matthew B.

El Vez is just plain fun. Not the greatest Mexican ever, but my oh my, they make a mean Marquita. Boozy, not overly sweet or too much mix. Highly recommend for a first stop to prime the pump. Nice, fun, starr-like ambiance. Take it for what it is - a good please for drinks and maybe an app, and you won't be disappointed. They could mix up the tequila in their margaritas a bit more - mostly cuervo based - but hey, they taste great nonetheless.
(3)
Isatta H.

Love the atmosphere and the photo booth! Not a bug fan if Mexican food but I always come here for the drinks which are phenomenal!
(4)
Mack S.

Went to El Vez after looking for something to do for a belated birthday dinner. The place was somewhat busy and we didn't have a reservation but we were promptly seated. Had the "Indian red" guacamole - you need to try this. Wasn't sure how crab and guacamole would go together, but it was amazing! Friend and I split 2 entrees - the taco sampler and the pricey lobster dish. The taco sampler was great (one of the tacos was on the saltier side) and the lobster dish was pretty good but too pricey and a little over done (menu says it's a whole lobster but it's just the tail and claw meat served on a bed of corn). Overall, great ambience, wonderful attentive service, and tasty food.
(5)
Iris I.

I have found a new spot! :-) The food was great!!! I had the crab omelette and garlic fries with the crab guacamole on the side.....MY GOSH WAS IT GOOD! Pros 1. online reservations so I was seated immediately although it was lunch time. 2. Great waiter! 3. FOOD FOOD FOOD! Our dishes were so delish! 4. Atmosphere Cons 1. The soda was a little flat, honestly that's the only thing I can complain about.
(4)
Sonya H.

My friend and I found La Vez on Yelp and were in the mood for Mexican food...it was the perfect answer! We made a reservation easily from Yelp with Open Table, checked in with the hostess a little early, and were texted when our table was ready. We also had Bettina as our server and she was AWESOME! Atmosphere was modern and hipster, but that matches the Philly style and the feel of the busy neighborhood. Our food and drinks were excellent and everything came in a very timely manner, even though we were there during the Friday night dinner rush. Get the sweet plantains with queso fresco (on the sides menu), they are fabulous! There are a few vegetarian options (my veg friend got the black bean burrito). I got the chicken burrito and it was great. Someone said it was overly pricey, but I did not find that to be the case. 2 appetizers, 2 drinks, and 2 dinners came to $52 ($4-6 app, $10 each dinners and $8-9 each drinks...there are plenty of more expensive items on the menu though).
(5)
Sloane C.

El Vez is one of my favorite places. The margaritas are always so delicious and nothing beats the Nacho Mamas :). A great place to hang out with friends and just relax. I recommend the fish tacos and the guac. It is on a great block and service is always great! Make a reservation in advance - they fill up quick!
(5)
Lauren K.

A unique atmosphere, good food, and good service. A little pricey but nothing I didn't expect considering it is located in the city.
(4)
Michelle C.

Great blood orange margaritas!
(4)
Katrinka K.

Great for margaritas that get you lit, nachos and outdoor seating. Their guacamole is to die for. It is a little pricey for mexican but totally worth it.
(4)
Christopher S.

Good Mexican food. Gets crowded so you can expect a 30 minute wait. Worth the wait.
(4)
Matthew A.

Great spot with a great atmosphere. The menu hasn't changed much in quite a while though and I think we've tried just about everything. It's all excellent! But we don't go as much anymore because there's nothing new....
(4)
Luke M.

Incredible guacamole, great drink selection, and the shrimp tacos were one of the best things I've ever had in my mouth. Fantastic atmosphere as well. New favorite spot for sure. Would highly recommend for a fine dining experience.
(5)
Dimal S.

The food and drinks are expensive. The cheapest pitcher of margaritas is $36. Food is decent. My friends and I go here purely for social situations only.
(3)
Alyson C.

My favorite trendy Mexican in Philly. I've tried all of the guacs, but the classic is always my favorite. During the nice weather, if you're one of the lucky few who can grab a nice table outside, it's like winning the lottery! For now during the winter, I've been sticking with my classics -- sea bass tacos and a Pineapple Canela at one of awesome bar seats. So umptous!! Not to mention great people watching :)
(4)
Brittany N.

Great place!! The food and the vibe is amazing!
(4)
Joseph K.

Very popular and very busy restaurant. Not quite sure why. Food is okay. Drinks are expensive. Better and similar places in the city are Cantina Dos Segundos, El Rey (not much better, but more affordable). I prefer more authentic Mexican.
(3)
Sarah S.

I don't know if it was me or what but when I lived in Philadelphia, I had the most difficult time find really good tex-mex food. My place was really close to El Vez so I went there a few times, but I have to say the food was pretty boring and definitely overpriced. I think the main thing El Vez has going for it is the post-work cocktail hour touristy vibe. It's definitely a fun atmosphere and I would go there to grab margaritas and guacamole, but this isn't a place I would eat at if I were looking for tacos, nachos or quesadillas in Philadelphia.
(3)
Micki O.

Recently dined there on a Saturday night - two couples for a pre-show dinner. They seated us right away even though we arrived 10 minutes early for our 6:15 reservation which was a pleasant surprise. The staff was pleasant, friendly, and attentive. Our server offered to put together a guacamole sampler for us, which was exactly what we were looking for. We had the 'El Vez', 'Tito Santana', and the 'Bazooka Limon'. We all really enjoyed the latter two. The regular guacamole was nothing special, but we didn't dislike it. We ordered a pitcher of the 'Perfecto' Margaritas. YUM! I like it when the bar puts liquor in my liquor and they did not disappoint. Prices did not seem unreasonable. Everyone seemed to enjoy what they ordered, but portion sizes on the entrees were inconsistent. My husband ordered the Taco Tasting Platter and while he is not a huge fan of Mexican cuisine he said it was good, but the portions were tiny. My friend and I both ordered the Enchiladas Mixtas and really enjoyed all 3. The portion size was enough for me, but my friend wanted more and ate off his wife's plate. She ordered the Carnitas Tacos and the portion was quite large - enough that her husband polished off what she left. Desserts were just ok. I recommend to skip it and go across the street to Capogiro for some yummy gelato. Overall we enjoyed our meal, the ambiance, and the superb staff, so we will return - after we work our way through all the other Starr restaurants.
(4)
Erina P.

Excellent guac! You can always count on it. Had a fun getting my mom drunk on margaritas here, and the waitress was totally unflapped by mom's drunkenness =) The portions for the mains were a little small for my brother and dad, but everyone definitely enjoyed their food!
(4)
Jen G.

Came here for a girl's night with two friends I was visiting in Philly and couldn't have picked a better place to get great drinks and delicious food! The pink cadillac margarita was amazing and the guacamole was fabulous as well. Our waiter was so patient with us on a busy friday night while we took our time drinking and deciding what we wanted to snack on. We had the chicken tacos, grilled corn and plantains. I'm hoping it wasn't the tequila making it all so delicious but it definitely made me want to come back next time I'm in town. I think I'm going to have to start scheduling longer visits to get to all the fabulous new restaurants I'm trying while also getting to enjoy some of my longtime favorites!
(4)
Gregory P.

Great margaritas, guac, and atmosphere. Entrees are delicious, but a bit small. Quick and friendly service, even at the busiest of times.
(4)
Ritu K.

I would highly recommend this place for Summer Sips happy hour.. Great sangira, free yummy apps (its hard not to love something deep fried and free). Their guacamole is also quite tasty. So I was super excited about trying this place for a friend's bachelorette party. Big disappointment. The ambiance was perfect for a large party and I thought the waitress was super nice and accomodating. The food, however, was fairly disappointing. I had the Sea Bass tacos, which was a big oily mess. For some reason the fish was marinated in entirely too much oil to the point that it was dripping out of the taco. Nasty.. My dish was also on the small side and a little too pricey for tacos. my friend next to me ordered a burrito combo which was much more palatable. I found myself helping her finish her plate and wishing I had ordered something else. I would recommend this place for drinks and apps but the dinner was disappointing and overpriced.
(3)
Matthew D.

Tacos... thats all I can say, get them!
(4)
Mangala M.

My friend and I really enjoyed dining here. It was a great vibe, really huge bar scene. We went around 10:00 and were seated promptly. The nachos mama's were amazing!!! A must try. They had a variety of food to choose from. I also got the enchilada's mixtas. It was delicious and HUGE. I recommend sharing this entree with two people. My friend got two different taco platters, he loved it! Overall great experience. They even had a black & white photo book that you can take pictures in. Really cute touch! Definitely give this place a try if you're in city center.
(4)
Christin K.

I've been here several times and it always comes to mind when someone mentions Mexican. But. Don't bother if there's a wait. The decor is unique and interesting and it looks very trendy and flashy. To the extent a glittery bicycle is trendy and flashy, I mean. But. It's not really worth a wait longer than a few (3-5) minutes. The food is fine, the drinks are fine, the beer is fine, service is fine. But "fine" in my book means it's nothing remarkable. If it's not crowded, it's a fun place to grab a few drinks.
(2)
Chase M.

Best mexican food in the city, made the sameway everytime!!!
(5)
Katie P.

Margaritas and nachos with gauc.
(4)
di z.

El Vez. yes. We went there because a friend of ours raved about it. We were actually cross the street at another place, having wine and appetizers. So we booked through open table and that was it, 15 mins later we were at the table in el vez. We ordered margaritas, tacos, nachos... the usual I guess. Mexican is mexican is mexican I think? They were all right. Good, nothing special. Inside its nicely decorated, but I'm rating food and service here... So I give it a 3*. I will update once I go back.. if I do. It didn't blow me out of the water. P.S. There were sooo many children.. very loud that day.
(3)
Tiffanie R.

stop by!
(5)
Mike M.

I'm not a big fan of rant reviews and I figured I'd never write one, but guess what? Now this is happening. I've been to El Vez twice before and enjoyed it. It has a high price to food quantity ratio, but I think the price is justified by the taste: great guac, good tacos, good margaritas, friendly waitstaff, nice presentation, etc. On Friday before memorial day weekend, work was emptying out at 2pm and four of my coworkers and I felt El Vez was the perfect place to start out the long weekend. Arriving slightly before 2, we were upfront with the hostesses that we were planning to consume massive amounts of guac and margaritas. This was probably a mistake because we were informed that tables were only for people getting entrees and that we could sit at the bar. Even though the bar was empty, this still sucks for a group of five. Looking around at all the empty tables, we politely asked the hostesses again if they could make an exception and were shot down. So we walked out of there, perhaps never to return. In some ways I can sympathize with rules such as this but I think restaurants need to show a certain flexibility given this situation. Consider that Steven Starr has taken great lengths to make El Vez a bar-oriented restaurant and that there are also no bar tables made for groups such as ours. We were also ready to spend a ton of money on their $30 minimum margarita pitchers and $15 minimum guac bowls, probably exceeding what most tables would be spending on food. Perhaps this situation could have been averted if I had been fanning myself with a wad of twenties as I entered the restaurant. Alright, I'm done. I'll stick with Distrito for my fancy pants Mexican in this town. I hope I never have to write one of these rant reviews again.
(1)
Marc B.

Upscale Mexican food. Incredible guacamole choices and unique tacos. A little pricier than most Mexican places but worth it for the visit.
(4)
Lauren T.

Yes, you will pay $12 for about 6oz. of guacamole, but the $7 sangria is well worth the cost. This is hands down my favorite Sangria in the city. The red is spicy with all the right fruit and finish. The white is a little to sweet to drink for extended periods of time but good for a change now and then. Happy hour is the best time to go, but be prepared to fight your way to the bar.
(4)
Chris L.

If you are looking for some great mexican food, look no further than El Vez. This Stephen Starr restaurant is a great place to socialize with friends or go on a date. The atmosphere is pretty cool and laid back. As for recommendations, you CANNOT leave this place without ordering the Guacamole as a starter. The fresh Guacamole can't be beat. As for the entree, you have different choices ranging in price from teens to mid 20's. I recommend the red snapper. It's very good and very fresh for the seafood lovers out there. As far as the drinks go, get the margarita. And if you'll be there for a while, you might as well get a pitcher or two for the whole party.
(5)
Emily J.

I've been here a few times but have been hesitant on writing a review. Yesterday, I went back with a friend and I knew my waitress deserved a review for her impeccable service! She was extremely attentive, helpful and happy! I've never received such great service here before but she deserves a round of applause! I'm pretty sure the menus have changed, they're more colorful and appealing. The decor is still somewhat the same - vibrant colors, in a what feels like, "trendy atmosphere". The food is still pretty awesome! The original guacamole is still by far my favorite, compared to Chipotle (HEHE). I'm looking forward to bringing my fiends here again soon!
(5)
Catherine A.

I enjoy this place. Generally I sit at the bar, which is beautiful and reminds me of those nougat candies sold during the holidays. The booths are fun and comfy, and I love the weird golden bike thingie. I've had good meals here, but generally I come in for a few drinks and an appetizer. I often have their chips and salsa or chips and guacamole with a few drinks, and they are a great accompaniment to booze. They have really solid drinks. I especially enjoy their standard margarita. I had a paloma there the other day, and it was delicious. They have a nice selection or tequilas and mezcals to drink straight, as well. I definitely recommend stopping by!
(4)
Brendan S.

Awesome! GREAT margaritas, ridiculous Guac...the chips are so good you want to take off your clothes, fill a bathtub and swim in them. Wait staff and bartenders are great, awesome people watching and very reasonable. MUST HAVE: Colache Tacos...even if you AREN't a vegetarian (I'm not) they are RIDICULOUS. Man I really love caps today.
(4)
Simon P.

Pretty average food served in portions that are smaller than you'd expect for slightly more than you'd expect to pay for it. When ordering our entrees, the waitresses kept pushing for us to get some sides. Despite the fact that we ordered appetizers. That'll tell you all you need to know about their portions. We asked for our food extra spicy, so a server brought out chopped jalapenos and habaneros, which after we got our bill, found out we were charged for. Not the end of the world, but it felt like when you go to one of those fast food restaurants and they charge you for an extra dipping sauce. I came with a party of 13 with no reservation during the brunch hour. They asked if they could split us up into groups of 5, 4 and 4. Perfectly okay with that. However, we got our bill and were charged a 20% gratuity for being a large party. This didn't make sense to me considering all three of our tables were in completely different parts of the restaurant. The waitress snatched the bill from me when I asked for it to be taken off. She said she assumed we were one party... despite the fact that we had 3 separate bills, and were seated at 3 different tables. As a rule I tip a minimum of 18%, more for good service, so it ended up being a matter of a few dollars, but it was the principle. A very unprofessional assumption for her to have made and very blatantly in her self-interest.
(2)
Ashleigh M.

Great margaritas.... Blow your mind guac..... The Bazooka Limon is my favorite - I was initially a little resistant to pistachios and goat cheese in my guacamole, but it is ***knock your socks off*** delicious! The fish tacos are always out of this world and there's usually more than one choice - like a grilled sea bass or crispy mahi mahi with Baja sauce, mmmmmm! Atmosphere is fun and beautiful - photo booth is always a good time! Just make sure you have reservations cause this place is always packed :)
(5)
Courtney S.

I love El Vez! During the warmer months, it is an excellent area to sit outside and enjoy a few drinks/people watch! Or, sit inside and enjoy the wonderfully eclectic decor. They have really really good drinks, not to mention amazing food. It is reasonably priced for what you get. I really miss their surf and turf tacos, and it would be a shame if they don't bring them back to their menu. I will be returning to El Vez probably about twice a year, only because I want to try out new places. This is a really great spot and I recommend everyone who is visiting Philly to come here!
(5)
Brian C.

This place is way overrated. Had the chop salad, huge pieces of Romain lettuce barely chopped, some random vegetables, and an awful bland vinaigrette. I told the bartender it was no good, she replied with "huh" and threw it in the trash. That was the extent of the follow-up I received. She didn't even ask if I would like it remade. Meanwhile, there were at least three managers standing around talking with each other, not one of whom checked on my satisfaction. This is my third bad experience in a row at El Vez. Over it.
(1)
Dave B.

One word: MARGARITA!!! I love coming here for early lunch, mid day lunch, dinner and late night. The atmosphere is fun and alive. The margaritas one some of the best qualities you will ever have. A pitcher, two or four between friends will surely fire up your night! The food is top quality, typical of a Stephen Starr Restaurant and the price also reflects that. This is my absolute go to when I have friends visiting from out of town. I've even had friends who came back to visit and wanted to return here so we did and have a blast. Nothing is more fun that coming here to get slightly tipsy and doing historical tour of Philadelphia. If you can make reservation, do it to avoid a possible wait.
(4)
Eric S.

The macho nachos are great for munching on during a night out drinking. Good drink selection, but sometimes I'm surprised at the liquors they don't have. This is a good spot for business lunches. It's easy to run up a big bill here.
(4)
Ilona D.

OMG YES! Get the nachos!
(5)
Melody W.

Minus one star for this place's alter ego, which can, on the wrong day, make it feel an Oscar Night party -- crowded, pretentious and bordering on chaotic. But on the right day, it's buzzing, vibrant and just loud enough to pass on some of its fun energy to you and your table mates, guaranteeing a good time had by all. On those days, you can't go wrong with: * Open-face shrimp quesadilla. * El Vez guacamole, made fresh just seconds before it gets to you * Mahi-mahi tacos * Black beans and rice side dish * Macho nachos!!!!! *Burrito de Hongos ( a DELICIOUS vegetarian option) * Blood orange (frozen) margarita Honorable mentions also go to: * Vaca frita burrito * Guava mojito Overall, a solid spot with nice service, that can be both fun and sophisticated, in both its ambiance and cuisine.
(4)
Jess P.

Guacamole was out of this world. Everything about this place was fabulous. Food service drinks. I will be back again
(5)
Omnom N.

The best part is a great ambience for a decent price. The good tasted good and probably will be back another time. I'm guessing they usually have long wait lines but we went on labour day so it was easy enough to find a table for us. I love the cosy circular table and decor! I wish they had more options for veggie friendly food.
(4)
Connie J.

I went here for a birthday celebration. The staff was highly accomadating to our seating needs, given that the person who arranged it from our party made a mistake. El Vez has a wonderful atmosphere and interesting architecture. I ordered the Crispy Mahi Mahi Tacos, absolutely amazing! Portions are huge in my opinon and so worth it!
(4)
Rebecca H.

After a long day of meetings in suits, sometimes you just want to kick back with a few earthly comforts. For me, those consist of (1) frozen blood orange margaritas, (2) an obscenely large bowl of guacamole, and (3) indie nu-funk blaring in the background. That's El Vez in a nutshell. The vibe is not to be trifled with; expect a loud, upbeat, and colorful experience! Their menu items are both creative and executed well, which is an elusive combination at most restaurants. Exhibit A: The "Bazooka" limon guacamole was delicious; who knew goat cheese and chili flake could work so well together? The hibiscus enchiladas were great as well. Pro-tip: Make a reservation before you go. We went at 8 PM on a rainy Tuesday and the place was still hoppin'.
(5)
Pat B.

Ew, dude. No. Before we were even seated, the hostess (who looked like a crab mixed with Brian Dennehy) started saying rude comments about my Rasta-Man hat. If you have never seen this kind of hat, you should check it out on google cuz it is AWESOME. It makes it look like you are wearing a tam-style hat (which, I suppose, you are) and ALSO like you have long dreadlocks!!!!!! Personally, I don't have dreadlocks and I'm not about to start growing them now (HELLO!?), so this hat is a great, quick way for me to "dread up" when I wanna and still be able to swerve back to a clip-on ponytail later on if I feel like. Anyway, the hostess is all "blah blah that's kind of offensive, blah blah" and my friend Caoimhe is all "your face is kind of offensive" (again, Crabby Dennehy). By the time we were finally seated, all I wanted to do was listen to "Catch a Fire" and tear into some Pringles.
(1)
Claire C.

Definitely not an every day spot, due to price and usual wait times, but when I'm walking around the area and notice a few outside seats looking lonely it's hard to not pop in. Coming from Texas, I'm pretty familiar with Mexican food. So far, El Vez is my go-to when I want to sit down and enjoy a margarita and enchiladas. I love that there are so many vegetarian and options. The salsas and sauces are so flavorful, you can tell they're made in house. My favorite is easily the verde salsa, but the pico is a close second. Definitely order a side if you're hungry, I suggest the creamed corn and rice, but I think with an appetizer the portions are fine. Those complaining about the portion sizes are probably used to stuffing their face with dollar menu items from Taco Bell. Which is okay, if you're drunk or hungover... No happy hour, however you can get a small deal by ordering a pitcher of margaritas--the frozen blood orange and pink Cadillac on the rocks are my favs.
(5)
Amy D.

We had checked in to our hotel and asked the front desk for recommendations on good local restaurants to try. We were referred to El Vez, let's just say it was the best Mexican place my fiancÃ© and I have ever had. We decided on Macho Nachos with a side of guacamole and the mahi mahi tacos. Absolutely delicious!!! My fiancÃ© loves guacamole and he said it he could have just eaten it by the spoonful, wishes we got a bigger plate. Only down part: We were so stuffed after macho nachos though, wish we got the mahi mahi tacos delivered first. This place is great for birthdays and group gatherings. It would be so nice to just all share the macho nachos, guacamole and salsa.
(5)
Jenny D.

Nice ambiance expensive tacos good drinks! Hostess have no personality !! Chips and salsa are 6.50 I had never ever payed this much or even payed for chips and salsa in a restaurant ! Won't be going back
(3)
Jill K.

El vez is a great spot for margaritas and guacamole! I love catching up with a couple friends here, getting a pitcher of the pink Cadillac or regular margarita and the Tito Santana guacamole! As a vegetarian, I don't really love any of the entrees. The rest makes up for that though!
(4)
Kat M.

We came here for Happy Hour a few times for their margarita specials and $1 tacos. The tacos were okay...nothing to write about. The margaritas weren't quite special either, but I have to say that I am not the biggest fan of margaritas. This place is always really crowded for HH on Fridays.
(3)
Pam E.

Have you ever played the game "Almost?" The thing is, this place is cool, it really is. It's in the "it" part of town, it's packed, loud, exceptionally well decorated, hard to get a table, comfy, all the hipster employees are appropriately irritated at your bouginess...and the food's alright. It's just...it's like the cook read a great novel about Mexican food once and tried to recreate it from recipes that had a list of ingredients, but no gradient measurements of proportion. If I was from the East Coast, where Mexican food is scarce and frequently grouped together with Puerto Rican food as the same genre, I might have thought that this was appropriate, but I'm not. I'm from the southwest and I was underwhelmed. First--the "guacamole" that they are "famous for," according to our waitress, starts at $13 and runs to $17. For a dollop of goop that is about 1.5 avocados. With cold greasy unsalted chips. The guacamole was not fresh, it wasn't interesting, it was fine, but there's no way that I would have spent $13 if I had known how dismally average the experience would have been. The nachos were the same. A single layer of chips on a pizza pan with ingredients. It was like a Mexican pizza. And it was o.k. Also at the table--chicken enchiladas (boring and singular in the flavor realm) and carne asada (meh, but pretty). I ordered corn, but it never arrived--nor did our waitress for almost forty minutes of trying desperately to make eye contact with every employee in the place while we filled our own glasses and lingered (thank god we ordered a pitcher of margaritas). She felt badly enough to bring us complimentary churros but I have to say it, they were also a near miss. The trouble with this meal was not that they were trying so hard only to fall short, not our server who was adorable but having a crappy night, not the salsa that would have made a delightful pasta topping but had no flair that approached the border, not the tiny pitcher of watery margaritas for $40, it was that this restaurant is so desperately proud of the mediocrity that they carelessly purvey. We had been craving a Mexican style experience and desperately wanted to love this, and we didn't. An expensive disappointment.
(3)
Caroline L.

El Vez is definitely a destination restaurant in Philadelphia. I love El Vez as a place for celebratory occasions and impressing out of town guests. I particular love it as a happy hour place. The spacious bar, roomy atmosphere, and colorful decor is a great way to end a gray, dull work day. The service is always great and the host/maitre d' staff are always great. The front of the house is quick on its feet and I have always been seated quickly. While I prefer Mexican food from small tacquerias in South Philly, I have no complaints about the food. It's fresh and delicious and pairs perfectly with my cocktail of choice--usually margaritas.
(4)
Autumn Y.

I have lived in Cali & Texas, but this is by far the best Mexican ever!! Seriously, try this place! We had Chorizo nachos, sea bas tacos, chips & salsa & perfecto margaritas. Amazing service. Great service, fun atmosphere. Not kid friendly though
(5)
R C.

UPDATE:I haven't been back yet, but the I will update and say that the owner, Greg, did personally reach out to me and expressed his apologies for our experience and disappointment in how the situation was handled by his staff. Beyond compensation, he did take the time to speak with me on the phone about where they went wrong and ways they can improve. He seemed sincerely concerned that all of his customers have a positive experience so I will give it another shot in the future despite the review I have posted below. Very disappointing experience considering the word of mouth recommendations and abundance of positive reviews listed here. We called early in the week to ask about setting a reservation for an early dinner on Saturday (6/13) since we had a group of 12 for a friend's bachelor party. Even though people have suggested getting a reservation, they informed us that they would not take reservations and we would need to come in the day of to put our name in but they would gladly take down our phone number after we arrive so they could call us when a table was ready. We did as they asked and they said it would probably take about 2 hours to be seated so we gave them our number and stepped out to another bar for a bit. We checked back in after about an hour to see if there was any progress and they said it would still take a while to seat us all together but they could offer two tables no close to each other if we wanted. We declined the offer and went to another bar to kill some more time. Again, we came back after about an another hour (two hours total if you are keeping track) and they said it would be about another hour and a half. We were a little disappointed to hear that but we spent so much time waiting already and were excited to eat here that we decided to wait at the bar they have. However, we did try to stay on top of them and inquire about our wait time and they that is when they started get annoyed (annoyed with us! after we had been doing everything they asked!). I finally asked to speak with a manager who ended up being very unapologetic and bluntly told me that for a group this size, we should have called ahead. I explained that we had tried to do that and the summary of his response was pretty much "Oh well." I truly hope this was not typical practice but we definitely left with a sour taste in our mouths without ordering a single item from their menu.
(1)
Justin B.

If you want to eat at a decent time make your reservations early! I waited until a week before and had to eat at 11pm on a Friday. That was my mistake, so I'm not knocking El Vez for that. The restaurant is very busy and LOUD, so if that's not your scene you should avoid this place. The food and service were both great, but for the price I'd probably go somewhere else. I've had Mexican that's just as good, if not better, that costs much less.
(3)
Brad H.

I came here with two friends for dinner. We started with the guacamole and a pitcher of margaritas. The margaritas were really great tasting, and I think pretty strong. They were also reasonably priced. The entrees on the menu are a bit overpriced in my opinion. I ordered the chorizo tacos and they are pretty small and I was still hungry for dessert. I will also say that the menu is a little bit safe and not too exciting. It's sort of your cookie cutter upscale Mexican-American restaurant. That all being said, I would definitely go back and give it another try. This place seems like a safe place to bring a date or someone you don't know well because there is something on the menu for everyone.
(3)
Owen G.

Brutal! I feel bad for Philly if this is good Mexican food. We are from Phoenix and this is not what we get and it is not good. Service was outstanding and the terrible food came out quick but gross. I ordered the snapper, drenched in a tomato based sauce that was bland and more Italian than Mexican. The tacos just straight try too hard and the meat on the nachos was inedible. Congrats on not messing up the quac, but dumb it down and make better, simpler Mexican food that tastes authentic. This place is just plain pretentious
(2)
Ed L.

A friend of mine picked this place, since I didn't want to be venturing around downtown Philadelphia late at night on my own. It's pretty much right near the Rodeway Inn on Walnut Street, so I was like, cool ok. El Vez is a bar / Mexican restaurant that was alive on a nonchalant Thursday evening. I was there with a friend of mine after 9pm and we had to wait for a table. We finally sat down at a booth at 9:30pm. I looked at the prices and it was a bit rich for my blood, but I had to eat something. El Vez is located on 13th Street and Samson Street in downtown Philadelphia. Not someplace I would normally be at, but I was with a friend, which made it a pretty good experience. Good company and ok food made it a good night. I ordered a strawberry margarita to kick things off, then I ordered the beef tacos, which really turned out to be small beef things on won ton skins. You got to be kidding me, which was my initial reaction. Of course, there was four of them, but still, it was tiny. Wow. Even my friend and I were shocked. And that cost like $12 or something. Wow indeed. Still it was tasty, so that part didn't bother me too much. I was done in like 15 minutes and no mess either. It was like an appetizer that somehow made it to the entree part of the menu. El Vez seemed to be a large place, with plenty of tables and seats at the bar, but when we were there, some tables were empty, but we couldn't be seated right away. That sucks, but whatever. The ambiance felt different, since it somehow felt more nightclub than just a bar and restaurant. Still, it was a good experience overall. They, of course, take credit cards, so that's always a plus in my book. But she paid this time though, since she lived in Philadelphia and I was a visitor. Thought that was cool. I was to go to Cap@giro anyway for some awesome gelato and they didn't disappoint either. My friend had some sort of wrap or burrito, which ended up being pretty tasty, as she recalled. Recommended if you like a pleasurable experience, Mexican food, and a flavorful explosion at your fingertips. Support local! C
(3)
Kristen M.

Whether you come here for drinks, the fresh quac, or for a full meal of food, you won't leave disappointed. The ambiance is lively and energetic. I almost always end up spending around $50 for 3 drinks and apps. The drinks taste good and are strong which is sometimes oh-so-necessary after a long work week. The only thing that gets annoying is the wait and the crowd, especially when you're the one waiting in the crowd. But oh well, it's worth it every so often.
(4)
Dinah L.

Trendy and the food is good. Great place to have a Mojito and some great food. Been here a few times, never had a bad experience. The size of the plate and cost don't meet up well in my opinion. This also seems to be a city trend, give us less food at a higher price. Hmmmm...
(4)
Jungah P.

First time going to el vez today! Had such a wonderful experience and looking forward to going back. My cousin is in town visiting from South Korea so my sister and I decided to take him out. Our server, John, was great. He was energetic and very friendly. He made sure we were taken care of since the moment we sat until we got up to leave. The food was great, portions were big, and my pomegranate margarita was fabulous ! Thank you for being so great, John!
(5)
Kyle M.

Amazing tacos, the wait was crazy long (2 hrs) if you are willing to wait the food is definitely worth it
(5)
Louis W.

This is it! Authentically good food backed with great service. We went on a Saturday night, the place was packed, and our experience was awesome. We had a pitcher of margarita, shrimp quesadilla, and my wife had an amazing fish dinner (snapper or something). Food was really good! Far from the ordinary, the bar has a spinning centerpiece that is a tricked out bicycle covered in gold, you just can't get this experience anywhere else. Will be back again for sure, highly recommend this restaurant/bar.
(5)
Ryan B.

Very busy atmosphere. Large place so it doesn't feel too crowded. Not the 'authentic' experience I was wanting. However, the food was flavorful and well presented.
(3)
Jim J.

Greg Root the restaurant director does a great job and really brings the service of El Vez to the next level! The blood orange margaritas were also great!!!
(5)
Steve M.

It's Stephen Starr. It's in one of the most popular areas in Philly. It's hip, flashy, has a photo-booth, a rotating bike art thing in the middle of the bar, and a signature blood orange margarita drink. Despite the efforts to make this place visually special, the food did not get passed over. The guac bowl appetizers kick serious avocado. (They do come at a hefty price though). The actual food, specifically the tacos definitely deliver. Great fish Tacos. As far as Mexican food, you cannot go wrong ordering here... At least I haven't yet.
(5)
Michael N.

Like most Stephen Starr creations, El Vez is loud, delicious, fun, and expensive. Where Mexican restaurants are becoming a dime a dozen in Philly, I think it's that last point that really hits home with me. It's tough to swallow paying upwards of $12 to $16 for three tiny tacos with no sides. Sure you're paying for the ambiance, the neighborhood, and the name, but frankly it's Mexican food at the end of the day. I will say that the guacamole options are stellar though. I think I could go just for the guac and be happy. Overall the place is cool. Very loud most of the times I went there but I guess there isn't much that can be done about that. The drinks are expensive but that's to be expected in this part of the city. Bottom line, you can probably find better and cheaper mexican food in South Philly or Fishtown, but if you happen to be in center city and crave some guac and a margaritia, this isn't a bad spot.
(3)
Kate B.

Four words: FROZEN BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITAS El Vez is my favorite place to take friends/family who are visiting Philadelphia because it's just so damn good! You can expect a level of service typical of Starr restaurants that I've come to really appreciate. The wait staff is always courteous, attentive, and best of all they know the menu! Of course, per line 1, I can't say enough about the frozen blood orange margaritas. They're massive and totally delish. They make their guac fresh to order so you can't NOT guac #ItsAGuacLife. Also, the crispy mahi mahi tacos here are actually to die for - take it from someone who actually hates fish and seafood. When I get cravings, it's for those tacos - and don't forget to squeeze the lime from your plate into your tacos...it makes all of the difference!
(5)
Jesse B.

The best guacamole I have had in the northeast. Also the best margaritas! I highly recommend the frozen blood orange. I have tried several things off the menu and loved all of it. Everything is so fresh with such a beautiful presentation. I have always eaten at the bar and gotten excellent service. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. In short, one of my favorite pit-stops when I'm in the city. I am always excited to go back!
(5)
Hali R.

The brunch was delicious. I had a blood orange mimosa. Everyone really loved their food. My boyfriend especially loved his breakfast burrito. Guacamole for brunch? YES. Glass bottles of Mexican Coca Cola... YES YES. :) I recommend making a reservation on Open Table because they are always, always busy.
(5)
Daniel N.

Pretty expensive and always crowded. I'm not unhappy when I go there but I'm never in a rush to go back.
(3)
Michael C.

This place sucks. My quesadilla tasted like a grocery store bought barbecue chicken pizza that they let sit out under a heat lamp. And my drink was just ok. You're better off going to the tex mex place across the street. If you like and know Mexican food don't go here
(1)
Sofya A.

This was a highly anticipated restaurant experience as everyone in town has been raving about this place (I am a recent out of town transplant). The ambiance was nice and the decor was fun. The place was packed - even for a Monday night. The food was great - I had the Nacho Mama and the traditional guacamole - but there wasn't anything very unique about it. There were plenty of vegetarian options, which was a plus. To drink, I had the signature blood orange margarita and also a pineapple based margarita. Blood orange was ok, but I wished there was a non-frozen version of this. All in all, this was a good experience, good food with lots of options. Not 5 star worthy, but I would probably eat there again.
(4)
Geoff K.

Great place for coctails or dinner. I was actually looking for another restaurant in the same area but due to the cold and snow, I quickly gave up and walked into El Vez. I was travelling for business so was solo and wanted to eat dinner at the bar. Although the restaurant and bar was busy I found a spot at the bar quickly and the bartenders could not have been more attentive and friendly. They had a good selection of both Mexican and Craft beers on tap. The bartender also was nice enough to give me a free sample of their "famous" Blood Orange Frozen Margarita. I am not a huge fan of frozen Margaritas as I think they are usually just too sweet for me but this was really good. The menu had a good combination of tried and true Tex Mex offerings as well as a few more authentic Ciudad style plates. I chose the Carne Asada and it did not dissapoint. I believe it was a Flank Steak vs. a more traditional Skirt or Flap cut but it was a perfect steak and cooked to perfection sliced on top or a creamed corn sauce and topped with roasted pepers and onions. I tried not to eat the entire large portion but failed. It was too good to leave. P.S. The Oscar De Lahoya "Golden Boy" pimped out custom gold bycycle rotating on top of the bar was also mezmorizing.
(4)
Patrick G.

OK food, OK drinks, GREAT Margaritas GREAT Guacamole! love this as a place for apps and drinks. Cool dÃ©cor and fun vibe!
(4)
Kelly T.

I Love El Vez...they deliver...it's like $6.00 delivery charge but so worth it!! The Mahi Mahi fish tacos are the best with so much flavor and the perfect amount of heat and pickled red radishes ..like heaven in a soft taco shell! There two sides that I love the most aside from the beefy Macho Nachos...they are the grilled corn on the cob which just really makes me happy and the Creamy Poblano rice with corn! Literally....just creamy cheese over white rice with corn...but it's like a Mexican comfort food! The Churro's were perfect..we got about 4 or 5 with a cup of warm chocolate..what a great way to end the meal! Oh...and the Margaritas are a plus!!
(5)
Lauren C.

Hands down some of the best Guacamole in Philadelphia. Love the photo booth!!
(4)
Seraphina F.

This place is amazing. Their guacamole is fresh and delicious and their margaritas are to die for, as are their fish tacos. I would eat here every week if I could!
(5)
Yona G.

I don't know why people seem to not like El Vez but I did have a good experience there. Maybe because I was there a few months ago, and on a Sunday for brunch. I definitely like the Huevos Rancheros and the Guac. Would def go back!
(4)
Marcus C.

Where I come from, we have many fancy and non-fancy Mexican restaurants, most of which are very, very good. I'm Mexican-spoiled. My friends took me to El Vez for a little dinner the other night, and the food was okay, but nothing spectacular. The blood orange frozen margaritas were probably my favorite thing, save for the experience of sitting in a very regal, velvety booth with my amigas.
(3)
Andrew H.

The place is nice and the food is good, but it never seems worth the price. I've had better Mexican food at a number of places around Philadelphia but this place always seems to get undeserved praise. My friend and I both got the chicken enchiladas. They came out physically hot but the chicken could not standup to the spicy sauce and felt like it had no flavor at all. Don't get me wrong the sauce was excellent, but so overpowering that the dish only had one note. The chips and salsa was ok, but I was surprised to find out that we were charged for the regular salsa. Again, if the salsa had been amazing, I wouldn't mind, but it was just ok. I seemed to get dragged here every couple of months because it is close to where I work. If I want really impressive Mexican food, I go to Cantina Los Caballitos in South Philly.
(2)
Rio L.

Best Mexican I've ever had. The queso con chorizo was sinfully good, as was the mango guacamole. My girlfriends chicken and red chili enchiladas were delicious, but my sea bass tacos were out of control good. All of the cocktails were fantastic, especially the mezcal margarita, but the best drink IMO was the piÃ±a especial. They use jalapeÃ±o infused tequila which put it into rarified air for me. Definitely will be back. And there's a photo booth!! Best birthday dinner of my life.
(5)
Laura H.

Trendy loud atmosphere. Good drink selection. Awesome guac and chips. I had the fried mahi mahi tacos and loved their novel twist.
(4)
Kate S.

We got to El Vez on a Saturday night and were told that the wait would be an hour. We went to the bar and got a round of drinks and some guacamole. It was probably some of the best guacamole I have ever had! Also the blood orange margs live up to the hype. We got our table and all ordered tacos which we were told there were 3 of each. These tacos are VERY mini tacos BUT they were amazing. If you are hungry maybe get 2 or the sampler which had 5 tacos! This is the only reason I am giving 4 instead of 5 stars.
(4)
Kristen B.

One of my favorite restaurants in the city! I always bring out of town friends and family here for the fun atmosphere and delicious food and drinks.
(5)
Caitlyn H.

Absolutely amazing! My boyfriend and I went for out anniversary and overall we had a great time. We ordered the regular (El Vez) guacamole and it was delicious. For dinner we ordered the tacos for two and we got chicken and shrimp and they both had great flavor. There was also great sauces to go with the tacos. We got the el vez dessert, which was a chocolate cake with peanut butter and a hard caramel topping and it was great! The staff was great and super friendly and nice! I would totally go back anytime, definitely a two thumbs up!
(5)
S L.

I waited about 80 min to be seated. My friends were drinking at the bar and had a light food. Later, we got a SMS and was seated to booth. I really enjoyed fast service with great portion food. Next time, I wish I can make a reservation ahead, so I don't have to wait this long. I with to go back!
(4)
Allison C.

I'll admit, I went there disappointed that brunch was not being served; at 2:30 in the afternoon on a Saturday, I suppose I was naturally expecting it. (Damn...how long have I been a New Yorker? Psssh. Isn't brunch served EVERYWHERE on weekend days until about 4 p.m.? Ha! You know what assuming does...) Their brunch menu looked amazing, so when I was handed the lunch menu, I was honestly a bit bummed. Still, I preserved and stayed strong. (Haaaa.) We were just looking for a quick bite to eat before heading back to the Megabus for NYC, and El Vez did the trick in that regard. The inside was colorful and...well, a bit too raucous for me at that particular moment in time, so despite there being a hint of a chill in the air, I opted to sit outside along Sansom, which was comparably less loud. Our waiter was quite attentive and friendly, giving us good suggestions. I went for the black been enchiladas and the housemade limeade. The limeade was a bit too sweet for my liking, but delicious with the strong citrus notes mixed with sage and mint; think of it as a virgin mojito. My enchiladas were a relatively small portion size, which I was actually very content with. The beau ordered the Chicken Tinga Quesadilla, which was more of a crisp flatbread covered with cheese, sauces, and fresh greens. Both were pretty tasty. I left at least satiated, and the food wasn't bad, but there was something about this place that didn't exactly sit right with me. I can't quite put my finger on it. Merely a gut feeling. (But, knowing me, I'm probably just holding a grudge over them not having brunch. Ha! I'll go get some cheese for my whine...)
(3)
Lisa S.

I have been back here twice since my first review, but for late lunches and it was wonderful. No crowds! The food is just excellent!! Very fresh. A friendly staff. And they have a nice lunch menu as well.
(4)
Andrea P.

The blood orange margaritas are AMAZING. A coworker took me here to try them and I have never ventured out to try another version as this is soo good! A little pricy but they are really strong so one is enough for me. Also in love with the different guac flavors.
(4)
Linnea B.

Honestly, the atmosphere in El Vez is top notch. Attempting to take everything in is a challenge, The "El Vez Guac" is to die for, it is delicious and the mortar and pestle really makes it special! The hibiscus enchilada is also a special treat, and you could never end a trip to El Vez without a Margarita! I especially recommend the Frozen Blood Orange Margarita.
(5)
Ali W.

El Vez has a great vibe and atmosphere for friends and big parties. The food is delicious but the portions are small and it is definitely a "splurge" price amount.
(3)
Lori A.

Love this place. Although the wait can be long at times, the margaritas and fish tacos are worth the wait!
(4)
Kim S.

Soooooo good. This place is always packed for a good reason; you can't go wrong with whatever you order at El Vez however I am partial to the carne asada that has the best corn in the entire world. Lively atmosphere for drinks. You won't be disappointed here
(5)
Ken M.

El Vez has a similar ambiance to Distrito. Our server (Bettina) was EXCELLENT. She was real friendly, professional and gave us the right mix of attention and space. -Tito Santana Guacamole: Excellent, we loved the Guac and homemade chips (chips also came with a salsa roja that had a nice smokiness to it) -Chicken Quesadilla: Good, served open-faced style. -Taco Tasting Platter: Good: Sea Bass, Beef, Chicken, Carnitas and Mahi (we payed for an extra chicken taco as well). The Carnitas & Chicken were our favorite. -Grilled Corn On The Cob: Good but I have had better. -Zapata cocktail: This was excellent! I would say a solid 3.5 stars. What agitated me was the portion size of the tacos. I don't want fat Americanized portions but I do expect the same as the TaquerÃa's around Philly. The price to quantity ratio sucked. My wife and I had a fun time here. I think EL Vez is best experienced with a large party so you can order a bunch of stuff.
(3)
Sasha U.

The service was great, the sangria was good, the food was good, atmosphere was nice.
(4)
Melissa V.

Been wanting to eat here for a long time and wasn't disappointed. Greeted immediately by friendly staff, ordered the pineapple and perfecto margaritas, strong and tasty! We shared guacamole, shrimp tacos, carnitas tacos, and chicken quesadilla. We also shared churros for dessert. Everything was fantastic and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)
Kat B.

I finally made it to El Vez, after years of hearing and seeing check-ins on facebook about this restaurant. The decor is retro, funky, fun. As other yelp reviews have said, it is loud. Margaritas are probably my most favorite cocktail. I was excited to try the El Vez original and pink Cadillac. Both were good, but I've had better. Nothing to rave about honestly. The guacamole on the other hand was delicious. I would highly recommend ordering this appetizer, which is a very generous portion. For my main course I got the shrimp tacos. They were very light and fresh. It was just enough, especially after the guacamole and drinking margaritas. Overall, I think this place is slightly over rated. It is good food and a fun atmosphere, but I can think of a hand full of Mexican restaurants that are just as good or even better.
(4)
Gary S.

El Vez! EL YEAH! I've been here a few times and man the food is excellent. Mexican food at it's finest and the tricked out bike over the bar is a nice touch. The blood orange martini is excellent and the De La Hoya guacamole is next level. I also love knowing the fact that the spicy food would certainly debilitate Scott Bisceglie. The thought of the pain it would cause him only inspires me to come back. VIVA LA RAZA!
(5)
Justin S.

Great atmosphere. Above average food. Good dinner spot for younger professionals. The fajitas for 2 is the way to go for an entree choice. The presentation alone is worth the order.
(4)
Emanuela D.

Amazing guacamole , and drinks! However be prepared to wait about an hour to get a table . I keep coming back but reservation would really make the experience better
(4)
Dennis D.

You can never go wrong with a Stephen Starr restaurant. El Vez is a trendy, fun restaurant perfect for lunch or a night out with a group. I stopped in just for a quick margarita...or two. They have a few different flavors and the one I ordered was the Granada margarita, which is a pomegranate flavored one. I had two of them and asked for the second one frozen, but for some reason they were only able to serve one flavor frozen. I was a little disappointed with this because I'm at a Mexican restaurant-- the margaritas should be the best, wide selections and the option to get them frozen. The food menu of El Vez is Mexican with a twist on it. I didn't get anything to eat on this visit, but I've eaten here before and can say the food is pretty good.
(4)
Quenisha W.

This place was awesome! Tons of fun lively crowd and great music! The guac was to die for!
(5)
Joseph J.

Pricy guacamole but worth it. Food taste good and is generally a smaller portion which I like. The main point I want to highlight is this is not your general "tex-mex". An excellent unique experience of a New Mexican food.
(4)
Jeff O.

If El Vez were in Newport Beach, I'd be a regular. I was visiting Philly with my brother for a week, staying in Center City, and looking for a late-nite dinner (10p). A waiter at a restaurant whose kitchen was closed suggested El Vez and I'm glad we found this place! First of all, it has a great vibe; especially for a later nite when you're wanting to stay up a bit. Cool lighting, comfortable booths and fixtures, and club music thumping. Pretty good margaritas. Fresh ingredients.Still not as good as my margaritas I make at home (for real!) but tasty, strong, and well-made. This is not a cheap place so expect $9+ cocktails. I ordered the taco sampler with 5 different tacos. Great presentation and each was different and very tasty. The Sea Bass w/pureed sweet potatoes was really unique and especially good. Came back 2 days later for a few early cocktails and it was a great place to start the evening!
(4)
Anthony M.

El Vez is my favorite of the Stephen Starr restaurants. To be clear, the food is NOT Mexican. It's a fusion of Mexican, Tex-Mex and American food. This doesn't take anything away from the quality. The guacamole is remarkable; their special goat-cheese guacamole is probably the most delicious guacamole I've ever tasted. Biggest issue with El Vez is that it is VERY loud. Even at a table of four young people you'll have trouble carrying on a conversation. Morale of the story: guacamole & margaritas.
(4)
Marie P.

love the mexican pizza and the pineapple canela margaritas.
(4)
nate C.

Don't waste your time and money on this one. Not very good. moderately high prices for certainly under-par mexican food. My girlfriend and I got 4 dishes. Queso Fundito Con Carne- fairly good, the taste was good, although it should have been more sauce-like and you should be able to dip the tortillas. this you had to cut with a spoon and put in a tortilla. Nachos- Made with flour tortillas. Enough said. she ate it. I would have sent it back. Chicken Enchiladas- Very Blah, $10 for 2 larger than usual (but not large enough to charge $10) If you went to any shitty mexican place you could get enchiladas that taste just as good but you would get 3 and it would come with rice and beans. Crab Enchiladas- complete failure, the sauce completely killed the flavor of the crab, and the flavor of the sauce wasn't very good service was slow.
(2)
Amanda B.

Just took a party of 9 ladies here last night as part of a wedding weekend. We made reservations a few weeks ahead of time (which is a MUST especially on a weekend) but it was well worth it. Super friendly staff, amazing margaritas, and chips & guac that are to die for....this is a must if you like mexican and a cool atmosphere!!
(5)
Melissa D.

Hard to find anything bad to say about El Vez. I've been coming here for a while and am definitely more drawn to it during the summer months. Best guacamole in the city and I love the mahi mahi tacos and the tacos for two, the grilled corn is a crowd pleaser as well and the ketel one margarita, which rocks (pun actually intended). I was in there last night with friends and had the pleasure of sitting at a table vs. the bar. Our server was AWESOME. She had the menu memorized and all we did was describe what we had a taste for and she made recommendations!! We didn't even have to look at a menu. Gotta love good customer service. I am however always a little befuddled when the bill comes and some how guacamole, tacos, and a few drinks have amounted to a week of grocery shopping at Whole (Paycheck) Foods. I'll go back, I always do.
(3)
Louis T.

It doesn't seem to have that much to do with Mexican food, but the kitschy decor is fun. And one can't really go too far wrong with truffle guacamole.
(3)
Matthew M.

A neon lo-rider bike rotates on a shimmering throne of the ungodly in El Vez. Locals raved to me about this place as being the place to go. I will say the food is wonderful but the atmosphere is tacky and I feel like I am in a red robin wanna-be with fish tacos.
(3)
David C.

I ate here on a recent trip to Philly and I really enjoyed the food. I grew up eating Tex-Mex food and found the food here very good. The food is a bit over priced, but you do gain some delicious food for the price. I enjoyed my tortilla soup. It was very tasty and packed will flavor. My steak tacos were also quite rich in flavor but on the small side. I enjoyed the fresh corn tortillas of the steak tacos. My dining partner had something off the brunch menu .... while he enjoyed the food, the flour tortillas were clearly not home made. If the tortillas are not home made... whats the point of serving them? I would eat here again, but avoid anything with flour tortillas... I can get those at home.
(4)
Tim R.

Maybe not "Mexican", but still pretty excellent. Margarita's are good. Guacamole is beyond compare. Manchego dip looks a little wierd but is sensational. The scene is bright,maybe gawdy, but fun. Slide into a booth and order a pitcher of the El Vez.
(4)
Jand J.

Loved it! The decor is great -- fun! It's a little loud, but in a good way loud -- it feels energetic and alive. Guacamole is soooo good (pricey, yes, but you get *lots* of it, so very worth it, and great to bring home). I'm a vegetarian and there were options (with really knowledgeable suggestions from our super friendly server).... she suggested black bean enchiladas (smokey tasting, almost as if there were meat... but without it!) and a side of plantains (oooh so good). I had a cinnamon tequila infused drink -- can't remember what it's called, but it tasted much like a red hot. Go!
(4)
Scott H.

Guacamole was good that is the only reason for 3 stars, otherwise 2 stars.
(3)
Nitasha S.

This place has a really cool bar (in a circle with a very interesting center piece. The food is really good and has a pretty good variety. There are good items on there to share. Their blood-orange margarita is muy delicioso!
(4)
Nik B.

I would give a 3.5 if I could. This place is what it is. Don't show up expecting a mind blowing meal. Don't show up expecting it to be a quiet romantic time. El Vez is fun. The drinks are fun, the food is fun, the environment is fun. There is a pimped out lowrider bicycle that looks straight out of Compton rotating in the middle of the bar...enough said. Solid place to start a night out with friends or a date. Get one of the guacs, try the blood orange margo, split the tacos el carbon. Can't miss.
(3)
Veronica S.

El Vez is a great spot for a dinner out with friends. It's trendy and the decor is fun! It's a little on the pricey side but every now and then one should treat themselves! We were told we would have an hour wait so we sat at the bar to get the party started. Lucky for us, a table was ready in half the time! We ordered a pitcher of blood orange mararitas which helped us get the night started. For an appetizer we ordered the guacamole and were not disappointed! We also ordered the shrimp ceviche which was also good. The portion size was not impressive compared to other places that I have had ceviche but it was tasty. For dinner I ordered the chicken tacos which was a perfect portion size for me...although if you're hungry you need to make sure you order appetizers because it's more about presentation than quantity of food for your $$. Personally, I like to have a night out like this once in a while where it feels like someone took some time to prepare your food and make it look appetizing instead of just throwing it on a plate with sauce. This might not be a spot I'd hit up weekly because I can't spend this amount on mexican food on a regular basis...but it's great for a night out for drinks with your friends!!
(3)
Shenans ..

Yeah, if not for the decor, my experience at El Vez would be completely forgettable. The service was sub-par - slow, didn't know seat positions at table when food arrived, etc., but more importantly, the food wasn't good and certainly not worth the price we paid for it. Conceptually, El Vez might have something. A flashy decor and unique presentation of some of their signature dishes (guacamole, taco combo) served up in a family-friendly environment nicer than Chili's. Once stripped of the visual sensory overload however, what you're left with is food that cost more, but tastes equal to the chain restaurants it's trying to rise above. If you've got money to burn - and taste buds that don't discriminate, then come to El Vez and order guacamole. Otherwise, save your money and stay home.
(2)
Meg R.

Great fresh guacamole. They get creative with the margaritas, pomegranate is yummy. Decor is fun, clean. Service is that generic Stephen Starr restaurant feel, which kinda makes you feel l like a number. Good place for work lunches, since there is lots of room, easy to talk, and the food is predictable. I wouldn't prescribe this place for anyone looking to have a knock your socks off food experience; they spend a lot more time on the presentation than the yum-factor, methinks.
(2)
Lori K.

I ate at this place on a trip to Philly 2 years ago, and remembered loving it. I did some investigating to find it again, and went for lunch over the weekend when I came back to Philly. First of all, the decor is great. One wall is filled with mini dioramas (like you used to make in elementary school!) The bar is situated in the middle of the restaurant, and has a random bicycle hoisted up in the center. There were 5 different types of guacamole to choose from, with all different things in them. We tried one called the Cesar Chavez, which had tomato, basil, onions, oaxaca cheese and was topped with pasilla-balsamic sauce. It was served with warm tortilla chips. It was amazing. I love guacamole to begin with, but add in the blend of flavors, with cubes of cheese and topped with the tartness of the balsamic sauce (and paired with the fresh chips), I was in heaven. We got salads too, which had generous portions for the price ($9). I knew it was a Stephen Starr restaurant (the guy that owns Buddakan), so I thought it was going to be pricier than it was. The only thing was that we ordered a side order of plantains (which were topped with more cheese), and the waitress forgot to bring them over. Which was okay, since the guac and salads were more than enough food. But I would've loved to try those plantains!
(5)
Miriam H.

What a fun place for a good drink and good food. Is this an authentic Mexican restaurant??...NO obviously and if you actually thought that going in then you have another thing coming. This place could have the best guacamole in the entire world...seriously. Yes, it is expensive and often times really crowded, but soooo worth it. If you are looking for a romantic or quiet dinner, this is definitely not the place. We just moved to Nashville and went to a Mexican place here and all I could think about was how much I missed Philly and the great restaurants! From the fish tacos to the open-faced shrimp quesadillas....definitely worth going.
(4)
Bob H.

4.5 stars. The food and decor are 5s. The service a 3.5. It gets really busy so I guess that's the reason service is sometimes lacking but I can overlook it due to the quality of the food. Try the guacamole, jalapeÃ±o cornbread, and the steak tacos. And the margaritas are to die for!!!!
(4)
Laura R.

This place is so so. The decor is really fun & cool, and the food ok- but theres something off. Like the black bean enchiladas were tasty, but the sauce they were in really tasted like Ragu. My finance ordered the chicken enchiladas and they came in a sauce that just looked like bbq sauce. The food was ok but it wasnt "mexican". I would've loved to try the guacamole but for $14 for $3 worth of avacado, i just couldnt do it. The nachos that we ordered were ok. I hated where we sat. We were at tables that were right next to the bar, and we had the lovely view of other people's asses in our face all night. They werent even cute asses- but large male asses :p So annoying. It was just MEH overall. Next time i'm in town, i'll be trying somewhere else and WONT recommend this place.
(2)
Ryan S.

cant go wrong; nothing too special but nothing dissapointing. ...this is on my todo list to write a real review about...
(4)
Rupal P.

Great appetizers & ambiance. Love, love, their Frozen Blood Orange Margaritas!
(4)
Erica W.

Great blood orange margaritas and steak tacos. No comment on the guacamole because I couldn't be less interested in guacamole. Do not show up on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night after 5:00-5:30 without a reservation or they will be all like "we'll call you." yeah. Just like your last one night stand. Not worth it and never happening again.
(4)
Rocky P.

It gets pretty loud, but love their guacamole.
(3)
Shannon M.

Way too expensive and overrated. If you're inclined to eat at a Steven Starr I recommend Continental for Happy Hour.
(2)
Joe D.

The cocktails, guacamole and tortilla chips at El Vez are great. The joint is always bumping, the vibe is fun, and the service is good. You can't do much better for a Saturday night out. But the entrees are just ok - and they should be doing better than that for the prices they charge.
(3)
johnny b.

Basically i'll go here for cocktails and guac but food at lolita across the street is much better. Its so don't forget the tequila but I thought the maragitas here were much better than el vez. Actually probably one of my favorite maragitas I've had. El vez average trendy bar rita.
(2)
Daniel G.

I'm a total sucker for the ironic atmosphere. Great cocktails. Great guacamole. Totally overpriced.
(4)
Dom R.

Solid Mexican food. Good Margarita's and Guacamole options. The crispy Mahi Mahi tacos don't suck. The Queso Fundido with Mushrooms is pretty damn good. The grilled corn is enh, I have had better Elote elsewhere. It's really more about the fun atmosphere here than the food. Great place for a date night. 5 to 1 ratio Women to Men it seems like every time I am here. Service is up to Starr standards but the food does come out rather fast. Can I get a slow roll please?!? Not the most authentic mexican, but definitely a staple in the Philadelphia restaurant scene.
(4)
a c.

Went here for restaurant week. Good food, nice atmosphere. Loved the guacamole and mojitos.
(4)
Lei L.

i never thought too much about philadelphia cuisine until i tried this place for my friend's bday. the guacamole is amazing, the cook tries all kinds of innovations with it...such as putting pistachio...etc. pretty cool for philly, and people actually stayed out late til about 2am...again, philly has a nite life? highly recommend for those mexican food lovers
(4)
Bethany W.

I went here for lunch but I don't think the menu is drastically different from their dinner menu. I also didn't pay for it, which always improves the experience. We had the guacamole because I am a fiend for it, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I ordered a burrito and found it to be pretty decent, but it was not nearly as good as similar fare I've had before. I definitely want to go back so that I can sit outside, sip on some blood orange margaritas (didn't try any but I've heard wondrous things), and people watch on 13th Street.
(3)
Russ C.

El Vez is a total trip. If I had ever dropped acid I would assume it is something like the atmosphere of this Steven Starr restaurant. A gold-plated low-rider bike is rotating above the circular bar near the entrance. People are jamming themselves into an old style photo booth towards the back. I think I hear...wait that can't be...yes that is Hypnotize by Notorious B.I.G playing...loudly. A shaved-head, tight pant wearing hipster server is singing "Feliz Cumplianos" and doing splits. A couple is canoodling in a deep, blood red colored booth while sipping cough slamming cough Margaritas. El Vez attacks all senses. La comida in this crazy place is well...interesting. After ordering the fresh to order Guacamole (which is outstanding), I chose the "Annatto Chicken," which was a piece of well cooked chicken over Poblano cornbread. I would say the meal was average, as it could have used a better side dish than the unidentifiable fried object which graced my plate. Our server was very helpful and attentive, and even brushed off the fact that we showed up with twelve people instead of our booked eleven. Prices are a little steep for entrees, but there is something in everyone's price range. El Vez is a fun place to go if you're looking for an "outing," if you want a quiet evening, stay away. Side note: With strong drinks and a crazy atmosphere, El Vez is a great place for a first date.
(3)
Angela C.

We have been there a few times since this summer. But we have learned our lesson by now and should never think we can walk in there by chance to get a table. We have stopped by around 6pm for dinner and there would be empty booths/tables, but we would have to wait 1.5 hrs if we didn't call in with a reservation first. And if they want to seat us, they like to put us at those small tables that are in the middle of the walk way where all you see is everyone else's butts in your face during happy hour. I mean, I don't understand why the hostess would expect people to say, oh yeah sure, I like looking at people's behinds while I sip a margarita. Anyways, their food is actually pretty good though pricey. (Yes we are spoiled Texans and just missed Mexican food so much that we stopped by here.) I like their salsa with crab and also their guacamole looks really good. We shared the fajita meal once and we were STUFFED. They brought out a stove pot that is sizzling hot with the meat in it. Then comes the tortilla, salsa, guac, sour cream, cheese and pico. We have also had the enchilada sampler and that is pretty good too. Cheesy! So the lessons learned are: Call in for reservation specifiying a booth or a table in the back, dress cute to compete with the snooty hostesses but make sure you wear something loose enough so you can eat a lot and still be comfortable.
(3)
Jessica A.

Went there last night for the first time, and really enjoyed it. The blood orange margarita was delicious to start out and the classic guacamole was fantastic. The chips they serve it with were warm and yummy on their own. Since I hadn't been before, I went with the taco sampler. All were good, but the sea bass was by far my favorite. Service was good, our waitress was patient while 8 girls tried to split the bill, most of us using separate credit cards (I know, a server's nightmare). And the atmosphere was great, energetic, but not too loud. I would go back.
(4)
Kristen R.

Three words to change your life: Sea Bass Tacos! Two words to change your week: Original Guacamole! One word to change your night: Sexican! I love El Vez every time I eat there. I had my first dinner there in 2007 and I consistently eat there at least once a month and the food has never disappointed me. The Guac, drinks, and entrees are so consistent and have never failed to impress the guests I've taken there. I can't say that the staff is the best. Normally the hostesses blurt out some obscene wait time before they actually look what they have available. So you take off for a half hour and when you get back "oh sorry we called you 20 minutes ago, ill see what I have...". Well you told me 45 minutes and called my name 10 minutes later, you're killin' me, Smalls! But the waitresses are normally nice... can't expect them all to be your evening's entertainment, but I never had a rude one. Don't go to El Vez if you're the type of person that likes to see some ridiculous mound of food in front of you, not savor any flavors, and just eat until you burst. It ain't that type of place, cuz! Learn a little something about culinary mastery and savor the amazing flavors of their sauces and entrees and you will love your experience! Like I said, Sexican, Sea Bass Tacos, Guacamole.... Go!
(4)
Blair Y.

I only went to El Vez once, on New Years Eve, and it was a fabulous time. The lighting is a little darker, the decor is very unique and colorful with large velvet booths. The best part about the experience is the hand-made guacamole (prepared right at your table and mixed with all sorts of ingredients- including seafood), and the old-school picture booth that provides you with a souvenir.
(4)
Mary G.

Yummy brunch. I absolutely loved the crab omelet--with guacamole. I'm not sure that it's super mexican or anything, but it's super good. Service was excellent too.
(4)
Craig R.

Great ambiance, good food. Wouldn't rush back
(4)
Jeff J.

Friends suggested we try El Vez while in Philly. A group of us went for dinner. While the restaurant is a bit pricey, the atmosphere and food were excellent. I had the sample of 3 enchiladas and a guava mojito. Being that I love guava and mojitos, I liked the combination. The food was hot (temperature-wise), nicely spiced, and appeared to be good quality fresh ingredients. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Lindsay F.

El Vez is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. I've been there many times and every time I leave, I feel satisfied and full. The guacamole is absolutely amazing (you can't go wrong with any of the choices) and the drinks are delicious (my personal fav is the blood orange margarita). I usually end up getting the chipotle chicken tacos and I have to admit that I was at first put off by the way they were presented--the whole open face, just laying there sort of thing doesn't really appeal to me. This all changed though as I soon as I took a bite--they are delicious! The whole place just has a great vibe and the service there is fantastic! The addition of a working, old school photo booth is a definite plus. I highly recommend that you try this place at least once--I don't think you'll be disappointed
(5)
F D.

Crab omelette was awesome. Staff was great. Nice atmosphere. Would definitely return.
(4)
Shannon O.

Atmosphere: fun, buzzy, colorful--a great place for a fun meal with friends. We sat out on the sidewalk, perfect on a gorgeous early autumn evening. Inside seemed pretty loud so I was glad to be out on the quieter street. Another benefit of a sidewalk table: you get to do some great people-watching during our meal. Service: I loved that they took our cell phone number so we could wander around the neighborhood while we waited for our table. Better still, when they called and we were several blocks away, they held our table for us with zero attitude. Awesome. Our waitress was super nice--answering questions, getting us what we needed, and even noticing when my friend's bad was a little too out-in-the-open. Plus, she didn't look at me disapprovingly when I ordered my third margarita (or I was just too drunk too notice). Food: On our server's recommendations, we got the De la Hoya guac. It was delicious, and not as garlicky as I'd feared. Chips were good but a little too thick & greasy for my preference. The complimentary salsa they came with was pretty awful--didn't have much taste at all, no spice, not even a decent tomato flavor. Because we have trouble making decisions when we're hungry, my friend & I ordered the taco sampler and the enchilada platter to share. The tacos were phenomenal--flavorful, fresh, and interesting without being wacky. My favorites were the sea bass (hint of cinnamon), the grilled beef (perfectly cooked and tender), and the chicken (savory and wonderful). I appreciated the use of corn tortillas, which I prefer to flour (except for the mahi mahi which comes rolled tight in a flour tortilla). The enchiladas were quite good, but nothing special compared to the tacos. I liked the black bean best; my friend preferred the chicken. If I came here again I'd probably go for one of the salads and split the taco platter. Drinks: Blood orange margarita was tasty. But then, I love anything frozen and containing tequila. I always expect blood oranges to have this exotic flavor and am a little disappointed to find it pretty close to a regular orange but maybe a little sweeter and less acidic. For my second drink I tried the El Vez margarita--it was more ice than anything else, so I switched back to the blood orange. My friend tried the Pink Cadillac margarita--that wasn't bad. The drinks aren't super strong--I have a pretty low tolerance for alcohol and I was only a pleasantly tipsy after three. Verdict: I'm definitely a fan. El Vez is a great place for a fun meal with friends.
(4)
Jaimie K.

This place was recommended by my boss who is from Philly; we were going up there for the company Christmas party and meeting some friends for lunch before the bash. Blood Orange Margarita- yummy. not as spectacular as it was made out to be, but good and worth trying. Sangria- flavorful and refreshing- tasted fruity and full-bodied, not like watered down wine like we have had in some places. Grilled corn- really unique and delicious! covered in cheese with a kick of hot sauce. Guacamole- we got the one with roasted garlic and onions- it was fresh and creamy and the chips were still warm when they came, so they were crispy and perfect. The salsa that came with the chips was spicy and awesome- the guac lacked the spice were looking for but it was definitely good. Now we know to get a spicier one next time. We got a pork and hominy soup-type dish (I don't remember the name of it) and that was awesome. My enchiladas were good but I was so full by the time they came, i didn't eat much. I got the mixtas and the chicken one was my least favorite. My friend's fiance got the taco platter and he said the same- all were really good except the chicken one was lackluster. The service was great but we were there at lunchtime, and it wasn't very busy. The food runners did forget to bring us a spoon for the soup and a new fork when they took one that was on our appetizer plate, but the server brought one right away. A bit pricey, but they are in a pretty expensive area rent-wise so I understand why. Worth it once in a while, and it was a nice atmosphere to meet up with friends. The velvet-upholstered booths are funky and cool.
(3)
Rachel S.

This is where the young working crowd goes for a drink after work in downtown Philadelphia. The lounge/bar area was packed and loud on a Wednesday evening. It is a great casual and hip atmosphere. The retro tex-mex throwback decor is fun and inviting. If you are not in the mood for drinks, the menu is a made up of traditional and casual mexcana dishes which are upgraded and somewhat pricier. This means that you are not sitting in taco bell and you do not get 3 large beef tacos for 3 dollars. But rather, you get 3 tiny steak tacos (cooked to your preference) for $13. For an appetizer, the guacamole is great, but a little on the steep side for a bowl of guac and a basket of chips.
(2)
Sharon G.

Fantastic blood orange margarita and guacamole. The fish tacos are nummy and a deal, but the rest of the food is mediocre. Needless to say - the blood orange margarita and guacamole, and fish tacos will keep me coming back. Ole! Oh, just so you know - I'm a margarita snob. I'm no expert, but I certainly know what I like and what I don't like (both cheapo beach quality margaritas and high quality tequila ones, eh?).
(3)
Andrea A.

I have always loved the guacamole and blood orange margaritas at El Vez, but I had a recent experience there I had to share because I am SO impressed. my friend and I ended up with leftover guacamole, enough that I felt obligated to take it home with me, knowing that I'd probably end up throwing it out when it was brown the next day. but, no! the kitchen staff had wrapped my delicious guacamole in a banana leaf, so that it was just as green and delicious as it had been in the restaurant! way to go, El Vez!
(5)
Michael R.

El Vez never disapoints. Carnitas, mahi-mahi and bean enchiladas... Â¡Delicioso! The chicken enchiladas was the least favorite plate on the table. Hibiscus water? A bit sweet for our taste. Mad Elf on tap... Yum! Closed dinner with espresso (real espresso), chocolate icecream and a mix of tequila, coffee and khalua. Best of all... My wife loves the place as well
(5)
Judy L.

Best guacamole in Philadelphia. Everything else on their menu is average Mexican food. I'd rather go to South Philly and get more authentic Mexican.
(3)
Polly E.

El Vez is pretty good, although too much money for an everyday thing. The food is delicious and the margs are great (although the famous blood orange was a bit too sweet for me). You can't beat the location and it is an awesome place to go people watching!
(4)
Leanne E.

One of my favorite restaurants in Philly! The guacamole is incredible, and a must-try. One of my other favorites is the corn with cheese, lime and chili powder as a side dish, it's delicious and unctious in all the right ways. The price is reasonable, and the quality is just fantastic. Even the cocktails are incredible- try the el otono. One tip though: definitely make reservations. They are often busy, and sometimes you'll need to call a couple weeks in advance. One time I called on a Friday and made a reservation for Sunday, and when we got there they lost our reservation! Other than that, this is one of my favorite Philadelphia restaurants.
(5)
Lily D.

Great guacamole, great drinks. A bit pricey. Cool bar
(3)
Alex L.

Not bad, a little over-priced.
(3)
Michael A.

EPIC! Went here for my birthday dinner with friends, and it was amazing. Signature cocktails were unbelievable. We each ordered different ones and shared, and I was impressed with every one, especially the margaritas! I'm a guacamole snob from California, and I can proudly say it's the best I've had in Philly. The entrees were rich, flavorful, and the ingredients were really fresh. For dessert, they surprises us with churros and thick Mexican hot chocolate. The atmosphere was lively but not loud, and the waitstaff was kind and friendly. El Vez ended up being the perfect place to go for my birthday, and we had a wonderful time. I recommend it highly!
(5)
Sam B.

They have nachos and street corn and tasty margs (blood orange!) and they ALMOST had real queso. almost. Service was quick and attentive, Id go back again but FYI- the food is a bit bland- not bad or anything, just...muted- like the churros weren't sweet or cinnamon-y enough and the guac was not salty or garlicky enough, don't get me wrong a good time and full bellies were had by all, or maybe it's because of my south Texas upbringing but it wasn't as flavorful as it should have been.
(3)
Dianne P.

Blood orange margaritas. That is all.
(4)
Karen M.

An old friend treated us here for some late lunch goodies and ended up being more disappointed than satisfied. The appetizer was a good generous size and pretty yummy. It made us very excited about our meal seeing how how big and yummy that had been. Instead, everything went downhill from there. Our meals were tiny and not so memorable. I don't even remember what I ordered. It's definitely fun and festive inside and you find yourself looking around a lot instead of the food on your plate. The servers weren't that friendly and since I don't drink, I can't really critique that aspect of it. But it seems most people go there to have drinks. I probably wouldn't ever go back again.
(2)
Marie R.

yummy....the guacamole is awesome!!! All of our entrees were excellent. Our service was great and the drinks are delicious. yay :)
(4)
Matthew S.

Good place to go for drinks and appetizers. Great atmosphere. Main dishes are nothing special
(3)
Sam W.

El Vez is a visual, aural and gastronomic shock therapy session. I'm not 100% a fan of Stephen Starr, but I do like El Vez. I would give this place a fourth star if it weren't for the fact that it is so noisy. It's almost impossible to hold down a conversation. That said, the food is actually quite good. They recently cut down their guacamole list to 3 or 4. I am a fan of the Cesar Chavez. The guac is served on a banana leaf in a big clay pot. It's enough for 3 or 4 people. Currently my favorite item on the menu is the taco sampler. You get 5 different "tacos" on a plate. Really they are each a small tapas served on a small burrito that's lightly fried (still soft, but warmed with a tad of oil). There is a fish taco that makes me think that if you were to cross Sushi and Mexican food then this would be the model. The mixture of textures and flavors is really well done. My experience with the wait staff has generally been pretty good. Special requests are always honored. The hosts are a little annoying, but that seems to be part of Stephen Starr's charm... So... bring an appetite, earplugs and a sign language book. At the very least, you will have a fun time.
(3)
Kim R.

Maybe it's just me but I was not impressed by the guacamole...I got the De La Hoya...it was just too limey! I really like lime but it drowned out all the other flavors. I also was not impressed with the decor...it could have been a lot more fun...if that's what they were going for. I also had the black bean enchilada....that I will admit was very good at a decent price.
(3)
M M.

pretty good food and drinks but WAY overpriced!
(2)
Pamela V.

I really like this place, but a little pricey.
(4)
Ron B.

Depends on what you come here for. If you want a few drinks and a nice atmosphere, I'd give this place 4 stars. It's fun and the bartenders are great. If you come for Mexican food, 2 stars. I know it's Stephen Starr fusion and what not but this is the weakest one. It's overpriced and overflowing with mediocrity. The fish tacos have a ton of mayonnaise on them. Gross. The guacamole is too salty and not all that fresh. It comes in a little stone pot. Emphasis on little. Come on by to El Vez for a drink but head over to Tequila's if you're in the mood for Mexican food.
(2)
Ryan C.

El Vez get's a 4 star because it was a great place for New Years Eve. It was one of those woozy nights that I tipped way to much and my wife drank-to-sickness. Which leads me to the reason this review is brief: I don't remember much. I DO remember the guacamole coming out and being fantastic, the fajita was awesome, but after that it's all a hazy blur of dancing with old strangers for giggle and dares with tequila shots magically floating in the air i.e. the waitress brought them around on a tray much to my amazement. SO, ya....i have to give it 4 stars for not hating it and because everyone I know loves it. (probably not going to get a 'useful' star on this review)
(4)
Alisa O.

Great margaritas. Ok service. I ordered the fish tacos, which were tasty but the grease kept my appetite down the next day. The guac was great. The canned beans and instant rice were surprisingly disappointing because both are easy prepare from raw and everything else seemed to be made from scratch ingredients. I'd go back for drinks and guac but then would probably go somewhere else for the meal.
(3)
Lori S.

Went here for dinner on a Sunday - great atmosphere, great guac and 'carbon', friendly service. I'm from Chicago so the price seems reasonable to me! We had a great time!
(5)
William S.

Fun place, good for drinks. $15 Guac? Really? It was good, but come on. Good place to go with some friends if you don't care about food or value at all.
(3)
Melissa G.

I absolutely love El Vez despite the many negative reviews. It's definitely your typical Starr restaurant but I still enjoy going back. They have great guacamole, my favorite being the Cesar Chavez. I have only eaten here twice. The first time I ordered the plain meat tacos which were delicious. The second time I cannot remember the name of what I ordered. I just remember it was three, very small chicken tacos. For the price, I was very disappointed. They tasted okay but the size resembled an appetizer. I ordered a side of rice and beans which were good, just not as good as Mixto's rice and beans. The other reason I keep returning is the drinks. I love the pomegranate martinis. Also, this is one of the few places that offers Jose Cuervo Black. Unfortunately they only offer it every few months. I will definitely be back, even if it is for drinks and guacamole.
(4)
Ryan C.

I loooove the mahi mahi tacos here, they are lightly breaded and cripsy, last time the quac was not as good as the previous one I loved that had tuna tartare with goat cheese. Also love the tuna tostadas. The menu seems to change frequently which is frustrating for an out of towner that wants something that was so good they must have it again. The photo booth is fun and the bathroom is cool, if not disorienting. When it come to El Vez it is what it is, and for the most part its a fun and tasty experience.
(4)
Joe R.

Went here for lunch with a friend. Fun and enjoyable. fresh guacamole is an experience. Seafood tacos were cheesy, maybe a little shy on flavor, though. The wait staff was very attentive (and attractive). One disappointment was the coffee -- it tasted like Lacas or some insitutional type blend. I might have expected better.
(3)
Reena H.

I did not have dinner here so I am rating this based on drinks and the guacamole. Actually came here while waiting for a seat at another restaurant. The ambiance is great- very lively w/ a great modern decor. The drinks are great! I tried the sangria and a margherita, and enjoyed both. The guacamole is very delicious!!! I still have yet to try this place for dinner, but worth to come for drinks and guac if in the area.
(4)
Mihir P.

This Starr restaurant has its signature unique decor and friendly and professional service. Not much else. The chips are really thick and hard. They were painful to eat so I just stopped when usually I'd devour chips with salsa and guacamole. As much as I like the idea of a margarita made with fresh lemon and lime juices, it didn't work since it was really bitter and sour. I got the scallops which were rubbery and I could only eat two of the four. I basically lost my appetite but got a dessert since my date wanted to share one. Of course they brought it over split on two separate plates which defeated the whole purpose. This experience set me back about $135.
(2)
Jennifer G.

I was totally skeptical of El Vez and all these other yelpers didn't calm my nerves. Tales of overpriced chips and crowded tables gave me pre- El Vez diarrhea, but I was pretty surprised when I went there...even as a vegetarian non-drinker. I went to El Vez with three friends on a Thursday night and it was packed. My friends said the drinks were good and were also strong- my water was good and strong too! I really liked the nachos manchego (did I spell that right?) and my friends liked the lobster and crab quesadilla, enchiladas and some sort of meaty nacho appetizer. I'm a super duper cheapskate and didn't think it was toooo overpriced. I didn't get post- El Vez diarrhea either- which is a very good thing!
(3)
Mimi H.

the food is really good, and the drinks are delicious. i'd have to agree that it's a bit overpriced, but it's a stephen starr restaurant so duh. i consider this a special occasion place so it's fun to get dressed up (though you don't have to) and go get dinner. it has a pleasant amount of vegetarian choices, and more crazy drinks than you can imagine. you should make reservations on a weekend because they tend to get packed pretty quickly...but bring some dollar bills and you can spend time in the photobooth while you wait.
(4)
David T.

This is one of my go-to places in Philly when I'm in town, and I've been here a dozen or so times over the past few years. There's always a good crowd and great energy here. If I'm with colleagues, I'll bring them here, this place has always gotten positive reviews from everyone I've brought here. I came by twice this past week, had the El Vez guac both times, which is always very good. For my entree, I had the sea bass tacos this past visit, and a lobster taco special at the beginning of the week. The sea bass taco was very good, but was overshadowed by the lobster taco special, which was amazing, and surprisingly a few dollars cheaper than the sea bass. This is a fun place for a group, but I'm not too shy to come here on my own as well, plenty of seating around the bar with the funky Oscar de la Hoya bike in the middle.
(4)
Dani S.

Great food and ambience. It is a little loud but the food makes it worth it. My partner and I loved the macho nachos appetizer. It is honestly enough for a meal! The sangria was also delicious. Highly recommend for a night out!
(4)
Lisa L.

Great guacamole options. Super yummy mahi mahi tacos. Mmmmmm.
(5)
Allison J.

Great atmosphere! Very lively and fun. The speciality drinks are very tasty and the the food is quite good. We had the duck confit appetizer which was good and I had the mahi mahi tacos which were some of the best I've ever had. Maybe it was that thousand island like dressing on the taco with fresh lime... but yeah, those were awesome. Unfortunately I can't recommend the turkey mole. What's with the sliced luncheon meat in the dish? They should change that. Desserts were pretty good too. I think I was too full though to really enjoy them. Come for the atmosphere. It rocks!
(4)
D K.

A great place for a celebration. No, it's not authentic Mexican food, but what we had was well-prepared and tasty. The guac has got to be the best in the city -- and I was happy to pay what they asked for some amazing crab guac. Enchilada sampler was a little pricey, but tasty, especially the sauces (each different and each well-seasoned and flavorful). My 18-year-old companion was thrilled with her grilled shrimp (fantastic seasoning) and crab tamale. The orange flan is out of this world, as was my Zapata (vodka, strawberry puree, cranberry juice and basil). I would seriously go back for guac, drinks and flan. Perhaps El Vez isn't the best or the most authentic, but it was solidly good and really fun.
(4)
Joe D.

we arrived late for our reservation but was warmly greeted and seated quickly. my Sienbra Azul on the rocks was $9.95 but was close to a double shot so no complaint. out guac was OFF THE RAIL! perhaps the best i've ever had. our ceviche was impeccable and practically melted in my mouth. my snapper on green rice was over the top yummyness!!! i'd go for 5 stars except that the place is a bit pricey and was kinda loud. seriously, this place rocks. i will be back.
(4)
Marisa M.

Went here for the first time for a friend's 22nd birthday! One word sums the whole evening up- AMAZING. Awesome waitress with great suggestions, um, guacamole that can only be described as "mmmmm" x 100, incredible sea bass tacos, and I mean incredible, sangria that blows you away, and a candle in my friend's delish cinnamon churros as a complimentary birthday dessert. Will absolutely be here again very soon.
(5)
Stuart C.

First time eating at El Vez. It was a Sunday night and the place was completely packed. Guacamole was very good though too salty. We had tacos, which were very tasty. The main impression about El Vez was not the food but how unpleasantly loud it was. It was nearly impossible to have a conversation. By the end of the meal, I couldn't wait to leave. Get a table outside on the sidewalk if you can.
(3)
Renee B.

a-ok in my book. i'd be happy to go back to this place with a group of people, but it wouldn't be my first pick. the guacamole was just average but the nachos were awesome. unfortunately, i shouldn't have to struggle for vegetarian options at a restaurant with mexican-inspired cuisine... and i did. shame on you, el vez.
(3)
Megan K.

Not a fan. Hate the whole enviroment. Gimicky (like all starr spots). Expensive.Not for me.
(2)
Robin A.

their mahi mahi tacos are so good. i want them now. the sea bass tacos are really good too with just a little bit of sweet potato puree on them. love the queso fundido with mushrooms and truffles. cheesey deliciousness. guac rocks too. we drank a pitcher of sangria and didn't catch a buzz. get the jamaica margaritas. yum.
(4)
Cara N.

This place is ok. Food and drinks were alright, decor was festive and fun - gotta love the black and white photo booth. I may go back.
(3)
Andrew M.

A 5 star / 1 star duality: you can have a great time here but it's a prickish establishment.
(3)
Bridget H.

I was actually disappointed in this place. Their food was mediocre at best. The guacamole was the only thing that was really good that met my expectations from all the hype. If I ventured here again, I would opt for gauc and chips with some drinks at the bar.
(2)
Katie P.

When we were first looking at the menu, $15 for guacamole seemed a little ridiculous to me. We ordered it anyway, and it was worth every penny. My husband, who hates avocados and doesn't even eat salsa, loved it! The pork tacos were also delicious.
(4)
caitlin p.

The special lobster tacos were amazing- so were the steak tacos too. Margaritas are good, but just go ahead and get a pitcher to save money. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
molly f.

El Vez is the first Starr restaurant I've truly been dissapointed in, in that the atmosphere does not make up (enough) for the misse with the menu & service. Though Starr hits a home run with the decor, the high priced offerings are usually not worth what you pay for silly silver dollar tacos and overpriced guacamole. More often than not, I come to El Vez with a group celebrating and enjoy myself after a few margaritas, but would never go here on my own when there are other great theme restuarants with better food in the area...
(3)
Casey L.

love it. love everything about it. pricey? yes, yes it is. worth it? I think so. the guac, the salsas, the chicken tacos with sliced radishes, the flan, the flan!!! so good.
(5)
Val H.

Anytime someone visits from out of town we try to take them here. The guacamole is awesome and they have some great drinks . The only drawback is it is almost ALWAYS crowded and you end up at the bar...if you can find standing room . But at least there is a rotating bicycle to watch and a photo booth to entertain you if you feel so inclined.
(4)
Rob C.

Stephen Starr--as usual, the interior decor does not disappoint. This is a seen and be seen type of place, so I wouldn't be coming for the food necessarily, which are expensive small portions.
(3)
Kelly S.

Another beautiful Steven Starr masterpiece, this restaurant is the epitome of cool. I went here for lunch with a co-worker, and I was struck by its funky interior and cool wait staff. I ordered the lunch special, which means you pick two items off of two menu lists. I got the ranch salad, which was okay. Lots o'lettuce and not much else. I wound up digging through the lettuce, hunting for the few black beans and tortilla pieces I could find. I also got the spicy chicken tacos, which weren't tacos at all, but rather tostadas. However, those were really good and were just the right amount of food for lunch. I reserve judgment on the place as a whole, however, until I can go there for dinner and drinks sometime. It's worth checking out, at least.
(3)
Joey N.

One of my favs in the city! The Guac is great and I havent had a bad meal there yet. I just had the Carne Asada and it was really good. I love the atmosphere here too.
(5)
Katie H.

Not what I typically think of when I hear Mexican--but, it's awesome regardless. The drinks are a little over priced but at the bottom of a pitcher of margaritas, you won't care. Fish Tacos were first I've ever had and were amazing and I love their guacamole. Decor is funky and fun...the photo booth is a cool addition. As someone who works in a restaurant, I'm more jealous than annoyed with the servers in jeans....but thats just me, I'll get over it.
(4)
Stacey T.

hip, cool, crowded. Sometimes can be a bit much but can't beat the outdoor seating when the weather gets nice. I've been three times and try something different off the menu each time, and love em all.
(4)
garbanzo b.

have been here 3 times.. more so because it's close to my brothers place rather than it being good mexican food.. the decor is great and fun..especially the wall of dead dolls...and the photo booth and sombrero hats... but the food? not so good. i prefer my southern california hole in the wall places any day over this food.. heck baja fresh, the mexican chain place, serves better food... and the margaritas.. a bit dissapointing.. how could you get those wrong? yeah, thought so.
(3)
Susan L.

the fresh guac was delish! our blood orange margaritas were delish! sure, it's pricey, but what Starr restaurant isn't? a great place to go on a weeknight for some gnoshing and boozing. and with regard to the other yelpers complaining about authenticity, if you're looking for "authentic" mexican food, why the heck would you go to any place in philly? THERE ARE NO MEXICAN PEOPLE HERE come on! especially a starr--they're nothing but atmosphere and 'tude--you go to be seen and drink. duh.
(4)
Marysa M.

the tres leches was amazing!
(4)
tim c.

For $24 I got a small fillet of red snapper topped with a fresca salsa over a crab meat, corn and garbonzo combo. It was alright but I wouldn't say it was worth the price, portion size or otherwise. My friend's chicken chipotle tacos were babies. They had some good tequila but were stingy with my El Tesoro Plata ($11). Overall I wasn't impressed and I think for the price they're commanding they could be doing a much better job. I feel like I should be leaving just one star but, hey, at least the food didn't make me want to vomit right?
(2)
Eddie C.

As with all Stephen Starr restaurants, you go for the ambience versus the food. El Vez is another prime example of this fact. Good selection of Mexican and Latin American beers, as well as, a great selection of Tequilas! Margaritas are a must at El Vez!
(3)
Marianna M.

I really liked the decor of this place, and the virgin drinks were great. The food was aight, I ordered some kind of seared tuna taco which i usually love but it was disappointing. Guacamole was excellent. Would return again for cocktails or an appetizer but probably not for an actual meal.
(3)
Phyllis A.

Fun Mexican eats. El Vez is known for it's wide varitey of guacamole choices; however, you need to take out a loan in order to afford them.... It's guacamole, not caviar for crying out loud!! The hot, homemade tortilla chips were very good and addictive. Overall, the menu offered too many fish dishes and not enough chicken dishes. And, despite being fresh and tasty, my dinner partner and I were both unhappy with the abundance of "dark meat" in our Tacos and Enchiladas!! The contemporary, colorful atmosphere offered soft, comfortable booths; however, the lighting needed to be a tad brighter. All in all, a positive, yet pricey first time experience.
(4)
Ti L.

Meh. I had high hopes for this place, but I spent $33 for dinner and left hungry. Perhaps I paid for each minute that we sat waiting for our food. In the end it was underwhelming. I haven't had a bad restaurant experience in Philly in a while, but alas... my steak/crab tacos were kind of mushy and my "Sangria" was white wine with an afterthought fruit garnish. Cute place, big crowd. Not a place I would revisit.
(1)
Griffin I.

Another Steve Star original, El Vez has everything a Philadelphia native would want in a Tex-Mex restaurant. El Vez has unique and original dishes, drinks, & decor that is excellent for a group lunch, a celebratory dinner, or just anyone trying to find a new Mexican restaurant in Center City. Please note that it is a little pricey for drinks & it does get a little busy on weekends but well worth it.
(5)
Shannon C.

best. guac. ever. i always get the chicken tacos and they always taste just as amazing as i remember. plus, there's a photobooth, which is always a good time. this may be an odd observation, but i really dig the bathrooms and the shared mosaic-ed blue space for the guys and gals to (hopefully) use when they wash their hands. there's also a capogiro gelato conveniently located across the street, just sayin'.
(5)
Jon D.

4 stars if you go just for drinks and apps. The guacamole deserves a review of it's own- hands down, 5 stars. El Vez is a pretty hopping place on the weekends. Every time I come in, either for dinner or to get some drinks at the bar, this place is packed with all types of crowds. All of the female wait staff are extremely attractive haha, the atmosphere is loud and colorful, and the bathrooms and rest of the place were clean. Margarita rating: Granada (pomegranate) then Pink Cadillac (orange, lime, cranberry) then Original. Pitchers are 30-35 bucks each though, so plan on paying dearly for that wonderful, throbbing, gut-wrenching tequila hangover you should plan on having the morning after. As far as the food, the GUACAMOLE is a must! I have never been a fan of avocado, but this stuff is like crack and will have you coming back for more. Try either the Original or the Caesar Chavez. The Nacho Mamma comes with a huge portion and is worth it as well. As far as entrees, I usually get the Chipotle Chicken Tacos or Pibil Pork Tacos...these are pretty tasty. You get three and they are flavorful and loaded with other cool stuff like beats, greens, peppers, etc. All in all though, like I said in the beginning, this place is best for some drinks and apps. Don't expect to be amazed by anything else.
(4)
Isaac B.

Of all the tacos the carnitas is the best. The blood orange margarita is to die for
(5)
Melissa M.

Love this place for so many different occasions. The first time I visited, a group of friends and I sat for dinner. The service was great, including recommendations for items to share. And the drinks were creative, delicious and well liquored. Prices are similar to other mid-town village restaurants so this was not a surprise. The occasion was as cheerful as the colored tile in the decor! My most recent visit involved only a friend and me. So we opted for a seat at the bar. The three friendly bartender(ess)s rotated their attentions to us so we were served quickly. I tried a blueberry caipirinha (sans simple sugar) which is now my favorite drink. I have long been a cachaca fan, but the combo with muddled blueberries...spectacular. If that wasn't the best, the guacamole with pistachios and goat cheese just made me the happiest gal in the world. The flavor combos here are wonderful and I always find a new treat to add to my favorites list.
(5)
Elle B.

I've been to El Vez on several occasions and have learned the hard way, you always need a reservation. It can get very pricey. The last time I was at El Vez for brunch I went with 3 friends the tab ran close to $200 (including a $50 pitcher of margaritas). The guacamole is the best anywhere and there are some really innovative options like truffle guacamole and lump crab guacamole, which are both decadent and delicious. The food is good, but nothing out of the ordinary for a sophisticated Mexican restaurant and the basics like the quesadillas are always a great choice. The atmosphere is fun and the service is good. There is even a photo booth where you can document your visit.
(4)
Kerri B.

Quissam our server was awesome! Expect a Young hip ambiance with relevant music playing in the bacKground. Drinks are a little weak go with the margarita. We had the crab with guacamole that was a perfect share. A little short on the crab but plentiful on chips and guacamole. The shrimp quesadilla is more like a small pizza but it's good. The sea bass tacos are bad real bad as in real good. They have a hint of coconut. The mahi mahi taco is the fried goodness equivalent of the sea bass. Get that too!
(3)
Tasneema A.

My friend was always ecstatic about their guacamole dip, and after trying it, I must admit, the guac is amazing! Really enjoyed the other items on the menu too, especially the tacos. Since I'm not a drinker, I also enjoyed the virgin cocktails. Definitely will head back here for another meal!
(5)
Ramon F.

The food is very good, but not traditional Mexican. The service was good, nice dÃ©cor.
(4)
Lan H.

Never could I imagine myself sitting in a red velvet booth with a few of my best girlfriends, drinking a freakin' awesome blood orange margarita...and realizing that the alcohol was the best thing I ever had! I don't have much to say about the food. I did marvel at the the appetizing display of the Cesar Chavez guacamole and how fitting the balsamic vinegar was (idea! idea!) in the mix. My girlfriends, who were clearly smarter than I was that night, ordered the taco tasting platter, which were eaten with happy faces all around. As for my crispy mahi-mahi tacos...I only ate 1.5 out of the 2 of them. They came with the tasting platter, so they would have just been paired with the succulent pork tacos that looked too good to eat! Was it the greasy fried mahi-mahi that turned me off? Was it the excessive remoulade (note: may have been too excessive for ME)? So then why the (4) stars? I don't usually make-or-break my perception of a dining experience by ONLY the experience (i.e., the service, atmosphere). Usually, I let the actual food do that. But this time, the (4) stars came exclusively from the experience...and, ok, a little bit from the blood orange margarita too :D. I really enjoyed dining at El Vez. It's a Philly treat that's worth the time and money, as long as you aren't too picky about what you want to eat. Thank you, El Vez, for a fantabulous Friday night!
(4)
Carrie E.

I took some out of town Yelp colleagues here for lunch today and was hoping and praying it would please our critical tastebuds and high service standards. Well, let's just say that they get a B- for effort: the service was good (our waitress was very attentive and super nice), the decor was wacky (thank you, Mr. Starr, for once again trying to distract us from the cuisine) and the portions were generous. The food, while it wasn't terrible, wasn't anything to get excited about, though. My shrimp Caesar salad was just ok, and the lemonade tasted like Country Time. I totally appreciate the fact that at many of these theme-y restaurants more emphasis is placed on the experience rather than the meal, but I wasn't totally feeling it. Oh well, at least we got our photos taken in the cool photo booth before we left (word to the wise: be prepared as soon as you put your $3 in or else you're going to get a shot of someone's boobs instead of your smiling face. Or maybe that's your thing; in that case, say cheese(y)!)
(3)
Victoria L.

Blood orange margaritas earn the 4 stars all by themselves. Also came here the other day for the Beaujolais Festival and the sangria was phenomenal. My boyfriend loves the guacamole here, but I think their food is just decent Mexican food. My mom actually does not like the food here - could be more authentic tasting. The drinks are definitely what sets them apart! Without reservations, prepare to wait. The bar is always crowded, expect to stand. But it's definitely a recommended place to drink in a group and have a good time.
(4)
Ashley M.

I was in Philly for business and a friend who went to Penn insisted that I check this place out. I'm not much for Mexican but the freshly made guac and 3 different kinds of enchiladas were fantastic. Also this wasn't your stereotypical tex-mex decor - very cute trendy place. Would be good for a date. Also across the street was a gelateria where I had the most amazing goat's milk honey rosemary gelato.
(4)
Pheniece J.

I had heard about this place and Starr's other restaurants, but I was very disappointed by El Vez. The food tasted like anything you could get at Chi Chi's but cost 3 times as much. The drinks were strong and the best part of the evening was watching my mom get tipsy off of one large margarita.
(2)
Alex M.

im a huge fan of el vez. great food, fun bar, old B&W photo booth for crazy pictures with friends / dates, and awesome dessert. i recommend the fish tacos, el vez dessert, and 3 salsa nachos. definitely bring some $1 bills so you can use the photo booth - its a great time.
(4)
Steph M.

Part of me is loath to review a Starr venture, but I'm sure I'll end up writing about them all before long so El Vez is as good a place as any to start. If you have yet to experience this place, I think the best way to describe it is to say that if Elvis was not dead and was in the mood for overpriced Mexican chow, you'd likely find him here. From the velvet banquettes to the spangled motorcycle rotating above the bar, this is the restaurant equivalent of a burlesque act. Can you stomach that? If so, make sure you order a frozen blood orange margarita or three to help soften the glitz (this drink alone is the reason I awarded the fourth star). After its brief hiatus from the menu several years ago, management came to their senses and brought this delicious concoction back, thus convincing me to patronize their establishment again. And it's a good thing, because the food alone would not draw me here. In general, I find it odd and overpriced. The shining exception to this is the assortment of nachos and guacamole that graces an entire page of the menu. Order a couple of these to split with friends (beware, the portions are big) and soak up some of that orange-infused tequila. Ole!
(4)
Eric H.

Coming from San Diego, I knew I'd never find a decent margarita much less good Mexican in Philly. This place charges RIDICULOUS prices for margaritas made primarily with Jose Cuervo Gold. For those of you who recall, this was the tequila paired with "the fine Colombian" which made tonight a wonderful thing for so many Steely Dan fans in 1980. Newsflash!! It is now 2008! If you're going to charge outrageous amounts for a 'Grita then make it with something better than the Natty Light of tequila! It's sitting right there on your shelf! OK, now that that's out of my system, the Guacamole here is quite good but needs a touch more lime juice (you can add it yourself) and the rest of the food is OK... but there's no place like home. The atmosphere is great so if you don't mind shelling out big bucks (Like $18 for a small one with Patron, Triple Sec and a splash of Cointreau) for a "custom" made Margarita it's worth a trip.
(3)
Victor C.

The Good: + Service - Meets Mr. Starr's expectations. + Morales Guacamole - Truffles are good on anything, even guac =] + Crispy Mahi-Mahi Tacos - I was introduced to this fish taco by a good friend of mine. I have been in love with this piece of flavor bang ever since! The Bad: + Everything else - I wasn't impressed by any other dishes here. The Ugly: + Plan to drop some money when you dine here! I mean, it is a Starr restaurant. The Scoop: + I've been to El Vez five times now. I always get the first two dishes listed above plus one or two new items. + None of their drinks particularly stands out in my mind. Food for thought: + Dessert people, Capogiro is right across the street! + Party people, Sumo Lounge is right across the street! P.S. Thank you, Sarah B. for tips on new review formats.
(3)
Rachel E.

The food and drinks here are incredible! This is one of those places that lives up to the hype. Incredible guacamole!!!!!!! Actually, I came here during passover and couldn't eat the chips...BUT they had MATZAH for us. Can you get more accommodating than that?! The wait-staff is very friendly and professional, and the owner will often come by and check on your table to make sure everything lives up to expectations.
(4)
Balla S.

Atmosphere is everything! One of the coolest looking places to eat in Philly. Great nachos, great guacamole, great tacos, good draft selection, good service. Not authentic Mexican but close to it.
(4)
Darren L.

Really top notch Mexican food. Unbelievable guacamole!!
(5)
KJ S.

I've been here before but it had been many years. I went for Brunch on a Sunday. We had the classic guacamole, which is always good. You can tell it's freshly made. They used to make it table-side, but I guess they don't do that anymore. I also had the Huevos Rancheros. They were pretty good, but I was kinda expecting more for the price I paid. I was filled up by the guac, but I would have left hungry if I had only ordered the Huevos Rancheros. Overall, the food here is good, but the prices are a bit much. You are paying for the trendy atmosphere and the location, so if that's what you want, then you'll like El Vez.
(3)
Lindsay S.

Their original guac is so amazing sometimes I have cravings for it! I also am a huge fan of the melted machego nacho dip which was introduced to me by one of the bar tenders as "liquid crack" and it really is exactly that! Not a fan of any of the entrees so far but I go and fill up on the drinks and chips and it is perfection! The atmosphere is great and it is always bumping but sometimes it is too packed and there have been wait times of 1-2 HOURS... i love el vez but not enough to stay hungry for 2 hours waiting!
(3)
Victoria K.

Mahi Mahi Tacos!! So. Good. The margarita's are well known here and everyone at my table loved theirs. Food is great! I love Stephen Starr restaurants and this is one is no different, price and quality wise. I went with a group of friends on a friday night. Definitely recommend for a group outing though getting a reservation can be the pits so plan ahead! It's a foodie place so don't expect plain chicken tacos but the food is delicious nonetheless.
(4)
Kristine B.

The food is fantastic. I'm not a HUGE mexican/spanish food fan, but I will definitely be coming back to El Vez. The atmosphere is pretty awesome as well. It does get incredibly crowded very quickly and a little hot inside though. They should crank up the AC! And it's crowded because the food is just that great. It is a little on the pricey side, thus why I haven't gone back as much as I would have liked. But overall it's a pretty great place to go.
(4)
Karin H.

Outstanding food & drinks! Wonderful service and they offer outside seating!
(5)
Jessica D.

great food. great decor and ambiance. went on Saturday and it was packed. had a reservation but still had to wait 30 min.
(4)
Daisy K.

the "dela hoya" gaucamole hit the spot, my garlic senses titalated. ordering two guacs + white cheddar cheese dip + few margaritas was just right for me and my cheap-o friends. ignoring the red lights and stinkin swank, i nuzzled with my lovers and swooned in the booth-oh so good- and attacked the meal. i'd say it was a one time event as it was a pricey venture ... i wish i had the nerves to swipe the stone bowls that the guac came in... they would have done wonders as a heal scrub for my wintery foot flakes!!!!!
(3)
Dan W.

Chips and original guacamole were exceptional. Chicken mole was very good. Really cool interior. Good waitress. Just a really cool vibe right downtown.
(4)
Stacy B.

The food and drinks were excellent, the service was great. If you enjoy good food, you'll love it here. Fun atmosphere. We had red sangria and a traditional margarita, both were delicious! Try the guacamole too.
(5)
John M.

I stumbled on this place while visiting Philadelphia for work. All I can say is WOW!. Great atmosphere, and great food. I had the Chipotle Chicken Tacos, the tortilla soup and the Mexican Chopped Salad. I think the tacos were my favorite. Maybe even better than any mexican food I've had in California or Texas!
(5)
Randeep M.

awesome guac, great friendly service, really tastey food, AMAZING MARGARITAS. only downfall is its a little pricey but definately worth it. the best part would have to be the margaritas. for 30-36 bucks you can get a pitcher of margaritas and they make them strong and they are delicious. you can get about 6 glasses out of a pitcher so i feel like you get ur moneys worth. the food is interesting. they seem to have their own take on mexican food, but it works. for example i ordered the red chili and chicken enchilada and it had radish on it. i dont think thats very traditional and didnt think it would taste good, but it was delicious. desert is awesome too. i suggest gettin the el vez. im not even a fan of desert but i love this
(5)
Meg H.

This Stephen Starr place is a real find. It's special enough to be a go-to destination, but situated in just the right spot and laid-back enough to be a neighborhood hangout. I love the fresh guacamole and chips, the "macho nachos" and the various other tapas-like dishes. You can either eat inexpensively or splurge a bit and go all out. My friends and I like to sample the drink menu and I know a few people (including myself) that swear by the frozen pineapple margarita. FYI, the mojitos are good, but very inconsistent. Stick with their signature drinks on the menu.
(4)
Kap N.

nice spot.
(4)
Keith R.

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Philly hands down. Although it's not traditional Mexican they do a great job of cooking up innovative new takes on the classics such as crab and lobster tacos with mango salsa. They also make fresh guacamole to order, though at $12 a serving it's way over priced. There is definitely something for everyone here with poultry, meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. The drink menu is solid for a Mexican place with the required margaritas and tequila. The restaurant again takes a new twist on the old favorites with blood orange margaritas, pomegranite margaritas, no tequila margaritas, and some interesting sangria combinations. Service was pretty attentive except for refilling the water. The only things that keep this place from getting 5 stars is that it is amazingly loud and there are way too many smokers for my taste given that the bar is in the center of the tables. Be sure to check out the photo booth if you go in.
(4)
Fuzzy D.

Margaritas and guac are the strongest sellers here, both worth checking out. Bazooka Limon has to be my favorite guacamole style, and we've tried a bunch due to our proximity. Otherwise, the tacos are tiny and overpriced, waits can be long, and service is hit-or-miss.
(3)
Donna L.

For the price of an entree at El Vez, I can have a full meal at any of the numerous authentic Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia. Yes, the decor is really nice with the velvet couches, the odd bicycle over the bar, and the cutesy photobooth. Okay, the blood orange margarita was pretty tasty for $9 or $36 a pitcher. But the portions are really small for such a steep price. If I have to scarf down chips just to get full after devouring my enchiladas, (for $17, you only get two small ones) there is something wrong.
(2)
Summer B.

Growing up in SoCal, I'm pretty serious about my Mexican food. But of course I'm a realist too and I know not to expect too much for east coast Mexican. That being said, my experience at El Vez was rather underwhelming. My friend and I both had the tortilla soup. One of my pet peeve is when restaurants use the bad parts of the chicken in their soup. Unfortunately this was the case. I even had a piece of chicken with a bone in it. Eww. And the other pieces were fatty and gristly and wholly unappetizing. And for 7.25, the soup was so small! Barely a cup. We then split the Mexican chopped salad, which again was super tiny, although acceptably tasty. As my friend and I are light eaters, this was enough for us for dinner, a point which our waitress didn't seem to really appreciate. Redeeming qualities: fancy tea selections that my friend enjoyed, wonderfully friendly hostesses and yummy nuts in our salad. For the wait and the price with only mediocre food as the reward, this college student will not be returning.
(3)
Hilary P.

How to enjoy your meal at El Vez once they finally seat you and your generally polite and competent server has come to your table: Start with a pitcher of margaritas. Any kind will do. I've always liked the guacamole here but am admittedly not from a place overflowing with avocados and people who know how to use them. The Morales if excellent if your dining companions appreciate some truffle and funal flavors but the De La Hoya will do just fine. Love the queso fundido as an appetizer but it's hard to mess up melted cheese. The taco tasting platter is the way to go if you want to try 5 kinds of tacos in one go. I sure do. My favorites ended up being the pibil pork and mahi mahi. If those taco selections don't whet your appetite, try the tacos al carbon for two. Your fellow diners will look on with wonder when your sizzling meat is brought to your table (as in, they wonder how you'll eat all of it). Don't worry, they make good leftovers since you're already so full of guacamole. I'm sure I've had something other than tacos here but you'd never know it. The corn on the cob is good if you're ingesting too much meat and cheese wrapped up in tortillas. I have never had room for dessert here. Or time and money for the photobooth. Or had enough fortitude in the morning to make it for brunch, but their menu sure looks good.
(4)
Duc N.

Great drinks and insane Guac ... The environment is fun.
(4)
John D.

A little pricey for my taste
(3)
Scott W.

My enchilada was decent but overpriced. The tacos for two looked excellent.
(3)
Stephanie M.

reallyy yummy mexican food!!!!
(4)
Sarah S.

BEST Mexican food in the Philly area. Crazy flavor, great variety and excellent drinks. Reasonably priced for excellent food!
(5)
Jennifer L.

Wow I finally got to El Vez!! I cannot believe it has taken me so long, but it was well worth it. For drinks I had the guava mojito, which was made fresh guava juice, it was so hot out that it went down a little faster than I would have liked but it was absolutely delicious. My friend doesn't drink alcohol so she asked for a virgin pina colada and that was fantastic even without alcohol. We started out with the guacamole sampler, we had the original, Morales (with black truffle), and the indian red lopez (with spicy crab meat). For me the Indian Red Lopez was not too great, the crab was way too fishy. My friend liked it. The Morales was good, but the truffle flavor overpowered the avocado. My favorite was the original it was absolutely perfect! I cannot wait to have it again! Unfortunately the guac and chips filled us up quite a bit even though we had more food coming. Next we moved onto the ceviche, it was super hot out and the shrimp ceviche with watermelon and cucumber seemed like it would cool us down. It was good but it wasn't the highlight of my evening. Finally we had the enchilada sampler. I loved the black bean enchiladas and would have been perfectly fine eating just that. The shrimp enchilada didn't please either of us, but my friend loved the chicken enchilada, which I did not try. The downside was the bill, I feel like it was a bit pricey for what we had, but I hadn't expected a cheap bill from this place. I just have had better Mexican food at much cheaper places. Overall good experience, I'll definitely be back.
(3)
Sarah P.

I always have a great time at el vez! Blood orange margaritas are great! And I haven't met a guacamole that I didn't like! :)
(5)
JC J.

Food is average, but the restaurant setting is fairly lively and dynamic. I would recommend this place for a birthday dinner or group dinners.
(3)
Joanna L.

I crave the frozen blood orange margaritas from here. They are the perfect consistency, flavor and they go down all too easy. Be careful, as they can trick you with their delightful flavor into thinking they lack sufficient alcohol content until suddenly--BAM- you get hit with a sudden rush of drunkenness. The guacamole here is delicious. My recommendation is the Indian Red Lopez which is composed of spicy crab, cilantro and salsa rojo. Delicioso! And for the main meal? I can't stay away from the crispy mahi-mahi tacos. The fish is succulent and crispy accompanied with tangy red cabbage and chipotle pepper remoulade. Yum. I absolutely adore these. After living in Hawaii for 4 years and eating fantasticly-fresh fish tacos on the regular, I was greatly concerned when I moved back to Philly that I wouldn't find a slammin' fish taco here, but I found it at El Vez! The only drawback to this place, is that it's very trendy (also pricy) so weeknights and weekends it draws a pretty big crowd. More often that not in the evening (especially summer) it can be a struggle to get a table without a reservation, but if you're just goin for a margarita, you can either sit or stand at the bar. And now after writing this review, recalling all the scrumptious flavors that El Vez brings to the table, my mouth is watering for a cool, refreshing margarita and a yummy mahi-mahi taco.
(4)
Jason B.

Taco sampler...get it.
(4)
Colton M.

I like the food and they have good service, but honestly, the place is a bit big and busy for me.
(4)
Andrea F.

I can't give any Mexican place five stars because El Jarocho still reigns supreme in my opinion, and for about a fifth of the price. But I can still see myself coming to El Vez in the future. It's cute on the inside, though not as swanky as I was hoping. Kinda loud and a lot of random bicycle themed things going on I still don't quite understand. Guacamole - hands down- best I ever had, so they're not lying when they say that this is what they're known for. Got a pitcher of the papaya margarita and I wasn't crazy about it. I wanted just a frozen original lime, but they only have it on the rocks which was kinda disappointing, so this was one of the only frozen kinds. I drank my mediocre margarita regardless cause it was $20 something for the pitcher and I'm not wasting that shit. Was full after the guacamole (they give you a generous helping) but I still had to try an entree, so I opted for the taco tasting platter so I wouldn't feel hogtied to anything. All of them were great (it came with a pulled pork kind, a mahi mahi, some fajita chicken one, steak, and sea bass). By far, the mahi mahi was my favorite, followed closely by the steak because they cooked it perfectly. All the tacos had different kinds of sauces and flavors that were really enjoyable, but I'd definitely stick with the mahi mahi next time. Sooo good. Overall, I could make a meal out of just the guacamole. It is pricy for Mexican in my opinion, though I guess you pay for the low lighting and great service. And the guacamole. Damn, that guacamole. I'm still a Jarocho die-hard, but I'd go here again in the future for a nice night out.
(4)
Libby F.

After a long day of sightseeing in the City of Brotherly Love, dinner at El Vez was a welcome conclusion to an exhausting day. Why El Vez? It was two blocks from my hotel. Lucky for me. When I Yelped nearby places and read that this place served fish tacos, I was sold. Another bonus was that they are on opentable.com , so I was able to reserve a table 1 1/2 hours before showing up AND earn 100 points! I am so glad I made the reservation as this place was packed... and on a Wednesday night! The only negative thing I can say is that it was so loud in there! I guess that is a sign that patrons are enjoying themselves! After reading through several reviews I knew I had to try the blood orange margarita. It was good, but not OMG good. I probably would of ordered another if they weren't $9 each. That's almost an order of fish tacos. And what about happy hour? When i popped in at 5 pm last night as I was passing by I asked if they had one and the hostess said no. We had the original guacamole served in the huge mortar bowl which I think they do to make it look like there is more than you think. The only improvement I would recommend is that for $13 they could make the portion larger AND prepare it at your table like another overpriced Mexican joint in DC. It was very good, BTW. Also good were the fish tacos. they are about the size of those McD's snack wraps, but instead of paying $2.79 for two, you get to pay $11!! Not quite a deal, but as I said, very good. If they started having a happy hour and charged $5 for their margaritas, then I'd say this would the place to go. Paying $5.50 for one taco would be easier to stomach, especially with discounted alcohol to wash it down.
(4)
Christine L.

Who knew El Vez serves up a delicious brunch?! In terms of the dinner menu, aside from amazing guac, I'm always a little unimpressed with El Vez. Yes, the interior is pretty but often times eclipses the actual meal. So, I was surprised today when I actually enjoyed a satisfying brunch experience! There was no wait during prime brunch hours-- and the food was delicious. Next time I go back to El Vez it'll be for brunch--probably not dinner.
(3)
Katherine H.

My favorite blood orange margarita in town and some of the best quacamole as well!
(5)
John M.

Great Margaritas and the best Guac in the city!!
(5)
Taylor D.

Had my first El Vez experience this Friday and I will definitely be back! Got to the restaurant a few minutes before our reservation so we waited a few minutes for our table to be ready. I definitely recommend making a reservation if you're coming on a weekend night. Our waitress was wonderful! She got our drinks immediately after we arrived and was around to put in our order as soon as we were ready. I love Mexican and the food at El Vez was out of this world. We ordered the grilled beef tacos, mahi mahi tacos, and shrimp tacos. We also got sides of the creamy poblano corn rice, recommended by our waitress, and the rice & beans. The tacos were some of the best I've ever had. Don't even get me started on the corn rice. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever eaten and I was so glad I took her recommendation. Yes the restaurant is noisy but honestly, do you really expect to sit in a quiet restaurant on a weekend night? I did have to speak above my normal volume but I still didn't feel like I was shouting. I will definitely be back to El Vez, and soon!
(5)
Anne K.

I LOVE El Vez. It's just such a fun place to have a meal or grab a drink - how often do you see a bejeweled motorcycle as part of a restaurant's interior? The atmosphere is great and I always catch myself staring at the Dia de los Muertos-esque figurines covering the walls. The frozen blood orange margaritas are amazing. We had "The Original" guacamole, which was on par with the guac I've had in Mexico. My friend ordered the Taco Tasting Platter, which was plated beautifully, and I had the Enchiladas Mixtas, which is pretty much a tasting of the three enchiladas they offer. Yum!
(5)
Chirag P.

Awesome drinks and great food. I had the chicken enchiladas that I thought would be ok but I was really surprised at how good the sauce was. I also had a couple oh great drinks... One I highly recommend we the pineapple canela. If you decide to sit outside beware the cockroaches, but that's basically any of the downtown Philly spots. But overall it's a great spot. Pricey but good.
(5)
Faith A.

Loved this place that we found on a work trip to the downtown Philly area. Great taco sampler, good drinks, and great service and environment.
(4)
Scott B.

Amazing margaritas. I have gotten several types and find the house "El Vez" is the best. The Golden Margarita was too strong and not nearly sweet enough. For the premium price, I would not suggest it. We started with an order of the Mama Nachos for the table and all 4 of os loved them. My parents split the CARNE ASADA ("grilled flat iron, creamed corn and jalapenos, tomatillo escabeche, guajillo steak sauce") and they loved it. The creamed corn that was served with it was AMAZING. I would ask for a side order of it if I didn't get the dish. My girlfriend and I split an order of POLLO ANNATTO ("poblano cornbread with ancho chile chicken relleno"). The stuffed pepper was great, as was the cornbread. A wonderful dish. Both dished were suggested by our waitress and I was VERY PLEASED. Other times I've been here I've had their tacos and enchiladas. Though they were good, the portion size was small. An entre is the way to go. Also, the guac is amazing.
(5)
P Y.

Fun place. Food and drinks are good, if not a tad overpriced. The photo booth is a great addition.
(4)
Erica M.

I went back to El Vez and sat at the bar with a friend for drinks and dinner. It was during restaurant week so the place was packed. We decided to just order a guac and the macho nachos to share. There was SO MUCH FOOD. We didn't finish either item, and this was dinner, not just appetizers! The nachos were delicious with a very tasty and flavorful shredded beef. The guac was awesome as always, though sooo expensive! But the portions were huge. The margaritas and other drinks looked awesome (I have had their mixed drinks before, which were good). The service was good, even for eating at the bar. Good spot!
(4)
Monica A.

So I came here because all of my Philly friends said that I "MUST" go to El Vez before I departed, and I can't say I was blown away. The place is identical in decor and menu to every other upscale Mexican restaurant I've been to in Miami (Rosa Mexicano, El Vato, Cinco, etc.) Don't get me wrong, the food was delicious and the service was WAY better than anywhere in Miami (surprise) but I wouldn't necessarily write home about it. I do have to say, however, that the Bazooka guacamole was outrageously delicious and I really enjoyed the variety of guacamoles on the menu. The other "fancy" Mexican places usually only have classic guacamole. Also, the service was stellar. The hostesses, waitress, and manager all came by multiple times to check on us and I definitely felt like I was being waited on hand and foot.
(3)
Kimmie O.

Made a reservation at 5pm on a Friday afternoon. Got here 15 minutes late and we were still able to get a big table next to the window. It was a nice day out so many chose to sit outside, therefore the restaurant was not as crowded as I expected it to be. Upon walking in, I did notice 3 hostesses (later to find out there were like 5) which was somewhat strange. The service is overall nice. The restaurant ambience was great. The frozen margarita was good, but kind of expensive. Guacamole was amazing, taco was just ok. I loved the corn!! 3 tacos, 1 margarita, 1 guacamole 2 sides, the bill came to about 80. Overall, a great restaurant to come once in a while.
(4)
Regina F.

El Vez offers some pretty rockin' guacamole - the spicy crab meat one was a gold mine of avocado chunks and crab meat in that perfect 1:1 ratio swimming in a blend of creaming avocado, onions, peppers and whatever else comes standard with guacamole. A bit of lime zest offers that perfectly acidic ZING that lets you know you're eating experience. The fish tacos were wrapped in a soft tortilla tied together with a bit of straw. Though more reminiscent of a mini burrito without the beans, cheese or salsa, the fish was coated with little crunchy chunks and the creamy aioli didn't soggy up the crispiness. Bite in, munch on, and enjoy.
(5)
Margo K.

The bf took me here for brunch at noon on a Sunday. We had been meaning to dine here for awhile, since it's so close to my apt and it always seems like everyone's having fun at the tables outside. And of course, we both love Mexican food. First of all, the decor is awesome (like most Starr restaurants). Even if the diners aren't lively, the decor manages to make the place feel lively and fun. Also, this place gets an A+ from me for their seating. The chairs themselves are adequately cushioned; my buns typically hurt from sitting too long on uncomfortable chairs! Our server was a bit lackluster and awkward, which I can excuse sometimes, but the bf wasn't a fan. They were serving both the brunch and the dinner menus. We ordered the chips with the manchego cheese dip flanked by two salsas. We really enjoyed the cheese. Good amount of chips and dip. I ordered a virgin strawberry margarita with sugar on the rim (I wasn't in the mood for alcohol, but I'd love to try a cocktail from here), very refreshing. The bf ordered the Vaca Frita Burrito and I ordered Huevos & Chorizo. We both felt the portions were of a decent size. What you might expect. Mine came with a bowl of scrambled eggs with chorizo, black beans, crema, pico de gallo, guacamole, and four tortillas to make my own tacos. I ended up leaving very full and I still took one taco home. I liked what I ordered, but there are probably better things on the menu. Reasonably priced, lovely decor. I will come back for food - most likely at happy hour.
(3)
dara m.

Look, it's a fun place. It's not going to set any records in Zagat for fine dining. the bartender is wearing her tee shirt knotted so when she bends over you can see her splash pad on her lower back. I'm not here for the best meal of my life. I'm here to remember when...when I had a smaller waistline, didn't have an angry exhusband and the only person who called me mommy was my senile 89 year old grandfather at the home. I go there as an excuse to get a new top, feel sexy with my SG ( umm, stop looking at the splash pad not on me), and people watch. That's the formula for the Steven Starr restaurant and it works here. Average but popular food, great theme decor and young, stylish staff. Why not? Who couldn't use more fun in their life?
(3)
Adina W.

Seriously... they took my chips!?!?! After paying a ridiculous amount for guac.. I was with chip in hand and she took the rest of the chips from the table!!! It took a solid 5 minutes for the whole situation to register. Other than that, the food was really good. The prices weren't that bad but we didnt order entrees and both left very full. The drinks were PHENOMENAL! I would go for their speciality drinks alone. Overall, good food, great drinks and super atmosphere... you should at least TRY it.
(4)
Adina R.

So far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Philly -- and as an Angelina, I keep searching out Mexican places and leaving disappointed. El Vez has great traditional and modern options, albeit with huge crowds. It is somewhat overpriced for what you get, but as far as Mexica in Philly goes, the traditional guacamole and margaritas are really delicious. The crab meat guacamole is interesting and also great as are a lot of their drinks -- had a great tequila and grapefruit jarritos cocktail on Friday that was surprisingly yummy. If you're into upscale Mexican, El Vez is great.
(4)
Marisa F.

My sister brought us here knowing I love Mexican food, and more specifically, a well-made margarita. El Vez didn't disappoint, although we got off on the wrong foot. The restaurant had our reservation for a half-hour later than they should have, even though my sister had dutifully called to confirm the day prior. This was alarming giving how packed the place was and that I have a broken foot, and at first the hostesses were unfriendly and unwilling to admit a mistake had been made. Then, all of a sudden (and perhaps after some complaining...) we were escorted to our seats by a smiling waitress who provided excellent service throughout the dinner. The margaritas were in fact awesome, and the guacamole sampler (pick 3) was hands-down the best part of the meal. Do NOT skip the Morales guacamole. I would have bathed in it if that were appropriate restaurant etiquette. The tortilla soup was good but could have used more tortilla crunch, and our assorted tacos were yummy. The side of grilled corn with queso fresco and lime chipotle was awesome. Basically, that guacamole platter, the corn and the margaritas more than satisfied this Mexican food lover. I would definitely come back to El Vez, and was way more impressed than I was with the other Philly-based Starr venue I've eaten at, Continental Midtown ( yelp.com/biz/continentalâ€¦ )
(4)
Hector M.

Guacamole and chips is more addictive than coffee, nicotine, heroine, and alcohol combined. We ordered 2 guacamole starters: their original and the "Bazooka" Limon (with goat cheese, pistachio, chile flake, & roasted tomato). We laughed when they came out with 2 huge guacamole mortars thinking it was too much (we inhaled them and were scraping to get every last drop). I always get their pibil pork tacos....mmmmm pork. The restaurant is colorful, the atmosphere is lively, and their food is comforting (without that guilty stomach bursting feeling).
(4)
Nicole W.

Damn those were some good nachos (Macho Nachos). Not only are they pretty on the plate, but they're really really good. Who needs an entree when they have such an awesome, delicious, and filling appetizer?! Let me say it again. Duh.Li.Cious. I came here after Sips one balmy Wednesday and had the luck to sit outside with my friends. The view is fantastic. Front row seats for watching drunk business men teeter across samson and 13th. I was even tempted to heckle a few tipsy cuties myself. Good food, good weather, and cute tooshies in nice suits will do that to you. When I came here before, I had one of the margaritas and the chips and guac. They were both good but as others have said, can pinch your pocketbook. But I'd say the atmosphere and service make up for it. I've always left here satisfied if not a little more broke. My friends meals were okay, probably 3 star worthy. My nachos were by far the best plate on the table. I win again. My friend had one of the enchiladas. They were okay but small. She ended up snacking off of some of my nachos. Another friend had the queso fundido con carne. It was also an ok dish. I'll be sticking with my nachos. One thing El Vez does really well is presentation. All the plates came out looking scrumptious even if they tasted only ok. But this place is always crowded so they must be doing something right.
(4)
Androcles R.

Guacamole delicious. Food was great. Got the mahi mahi tacos Margaritas... Meh. Not sure what all the fuss was about. Best margaritas still in my opinion el Serape in Blue Bell.
(4)
Bob P.

One of my favorite restaurants in Philly. Food is amazing. Highly recommend the mahi-mahi tacos, and you have to taste one of their 7 different kinds of guac. They make good margs & mojitos and always have a crowd. They take reservations but you need to call well in advance (at least 1 week, likely 2) if you want to get a table during prime time of Fri or Sat night. But you can walk up, put your name in, then go to another bar for a drink (like Graffiti bar, also awesome: yelp.com/biz/graffiti-baâ€¦ ) and they will call your cell when your table is ready. Sit outside if it's nice, great for people watching. Lots of foot traffic. Or just go chill at the bar. It's huge and the middle of everything. Lastly, ambience is so cool.
(4)
Rachael P.

On one of the hot, hot days of the heat wave a few weeks ago all my friends and I wanted was a good margarita. We walked all the way from Penn's landing to El Vez only to find that there was a supposed two hour wait for a table. The crazy thing was that there were at least three tables empty throughout the place. Luckily we snapped up three seats at the bar and got the margarita's that we needed to sooth our craving. We also ordered one of their fancier guacs which wound up tasting just like regular guacamole. Just OK.
(3)
Connie C.

A HUGE fan of their guac and chips. I've been here for HH, dinners, late night drinks, and lunch and I've never been disappointed. I can come here for a beer and munch on their guac/chips and be completely satisfied. No need to order anything else. Their guac is THAT good!
(4)
Natalie D.

I wasn't too much of a fan of El Vez. The drinks were strong, yes, but the food was just alright. I can't remember the exact name of what I had, I just know I was pretty sick afterwards. I do have an issue that does cause many things to make me ill, and it's not the fault of the restaurant, but I am quite sure it was El Vez's fault this time. The atmosphere was great, and so was the staff, thus I would be willing to give it another chance in the future.
(3)
Rich H.

Order the guac and get a tequila shot......good spot for casual drinks
(4)
Scott B.

I saw the dearth of good reviews on here & figured it was worth stopping in here for at least a drink... or two. Needless to say, I'm glad we did. My GF & I wound up shockingly impressed by the operation here. The restaurant looked the part, the drinks were all incredible, the guac & queso were both on point, but what got us was the service. Our waitress was on point with everything- recommendations, speed of food & booze, refills, etc. This was, without question, one of the best large restaurant operations I've ever seen.
(5)
Paul S.

Excellent margaritas fresh lime juice and no sour mix, yeah. Great guacamole. Food good. Ambiance great. A little bit pricey.
(4)
Sarah A.

Ehhh. Not really worth the money. The atmosphere is fun though. Perhaps for lunch. Or for the loaded nachos and guacamole for the presentation. The tacos are literally bite size and like 18 bucks. Drinks are way over priced, no happy hour. I forget the name of this place, but there is an amazing taco spot in South Philly right after Pat & Geno's on 9th Street going north Closes at 10pm. Authentic Mexican. Best Chicken tacos and Chorizo in the city.
(1)
Allison E.

After an amazing experience at Buddakan, we decided to try a few more Stephen Starr restaurants hoping for the same experience, and have yet to be disappointed. We arrived on a late Monday evening and were seated right away! Yay no wait! We have walked by multiple times and see long waits quite a bit so this was a relief! Ordered a pitcher of Margaritas that were good and strong. They weren't the best I ever had, but they were up there. For food, we ordered the classic guacamole which was very good as well and came in a larger size than I think we both expected. My chicken quesadilla was very good. The chicken was a pulled and marinated and was very juicy and tender and my date ordered the mahi mahi tacos which he said were perfect. The restaurant itself has a great vibe which we really both enjoyed. Solid food, solid prices for the quality of food, I would recommend this place.
(5)
Shakera G.

Great margaritas! My one and only complaint is the insanely long wait!
(4)
Stephanie P.

#24 I'm not sure where the hype comes from for El Vez. Sure, their interior design is colorful and yours eyes dance along the walls with curiosity, but their food and drinks are nothing special. My boyfriend and I decided to give their guacamole a whirl and, man, were we surprised at their prices. I understand having unique ingredients and such, but avocados, cheese, tomatoes, and onions should not cost more than minimum wage, IMO. I'm fine with the truffled guacamole costing a bit more, but otherwise, no dice. Despite the fact that we were there for brunch, we decided to settle for just guacamole and drinks - we could grab some more filling food somewhere else. Even with such a short order, it took quite some time for them to bring everything out. We did appreciate their complimentary chips and salsa though. =) Eventually, the guacamole came out with a flourish, as did our drinks. I'll admit that, yes, the guacamole did taste rather good, but it was definitely not out of this world. The drinks were also quite subpar, tasting watered down and flavorless. =\ The next time I'm craving Mexican food, I think I'll give El Rey a shot. As for a guacamole craving, I could do better with going to Alma de Cuba or just flying home to SoCal.
(3)
Rachel A.

I have been here several times. I love the drinks they have and the bar itself is pretty cool with the rotating bike behind the bartenders. The atmosphere is definitely part of the experience you have in this restaurant, as is the case with any Steven Starr restaurant. The salads are wonderful, which is usually what I get to eat, and the portions are a great size too. Next time I am in the city I will definitely keep El Vez in mind for a place to grab a bite to eat.
(4)
maj s.

lunch? absolutely. dinner? don't bother.
(4)
Stephanie R.

My husband and I like to come here for date night. He's a picky eater so it makes me happy to have a place we both enjoy. i like the ambiance too. We have fun here
(4)
Michael M.

Everything is done well here, from service to the meal. Great, and I mean great, guacamole, amazing tacos and margaritas and fantastic design. I'm a fan
(5)
Chris H.

This place is very warm and fun, I had the nachos and it was great also tried the blended blood orang margarita and it was very tasty all and all I recommend this place. Nice atmosphere and good food....
(4)
Kalynne H.

Soooo loud & pricey. The food was fresh & good. We had super service - our waitress even took off the soup bc the people couldn't eat it as it was too spicy.
(3)
Erica S.

I visited El Vez once for a friend's 21st birthday party. The place was crowded and the wait for a table was long, but we were obviously a larger group of people. The place itself was large and beautiful, with a full wrap-around bar and tables with round couches. It really had a great atmosphere. The food I ordered wasn't anything special but I'd go there again just for the bar and the excitement.
(4)
Jeff S.

I visited El Vez for the first time this past Sat night. I was impressed! This place really lives up to its hype. The decor is amazing. Its sorta freaky and weird and I love it! The dining room is huge and has a cool, hip vibe going on. Lots of folks having a great time. But make sure you have a reservation in advance, otherwise you'll be hugging the bar most of the night. :) The drinks. Ok, the pitcher of margarita's is the way to go. Just sensational. We went with the traditional, but I already cannot wait to return and try one of their specialty margarita's. The drinks are STRONG. I had a mean buzz off the first few sips! And I'm no lightweight. But they arent overpowering by any means. The food- the guacamole is the best I've tasted since I was in Cancun. Just mouthwatering. And the list of guacamole options is like half a page long! So many variations of one of my favorite appetizers. The chips were firm and not too salty. Just perfect for dipping. I tried the shrimp enchilada's for my main course. Wow, wow and Wow. Just a plate of solid gold goodness! Flavors were off the charts and presentation was truly eye catching. If licking the plate was socially acceptable, I'd have no problem doing it after this dish. :) Overall, I cant recommend this place enough. With the packed house on Sat, it looks like this place is a staple for alot of Philly area folks, but for anyone on the cusp of trying this place, I would highly recommend venturing out to this fantastic gem in the heart of the city. Enjoy!
(5)
Jocelyn L.

It was more like a 3.5*, but i really liked the service and i had a great experience here, so why not....4* it is 1) Bazooka Guacamole- YUMMY! Guac with goat cheese, fried shallots and the chips were quite authentic, not the usual nasty type. Very different and flavoful 2) Shrimp Ceviche- YUMMY! Super fresh, citrusy and refreshing 3) Shrimp Quesadilla- Small-lish but good. Very flavorful
(4)
Steve H.

I went to el vez for the first time last week and I wasn't sure what to expect.but el vez has amazing food and a great environment. I will definitely return to this restaurant
(5)
Laura J.

One star because i can't give it 0. no thank you. From California, I know good Mexican. Small portions, over priced, ok taste. I guess for this area, it's the top since it's the only Mexican. I ordered chipotle chicken tacos, and I needed to have the cream and cheese on the side. It comes, 3 mini tacos, with the cheese on it. The price you pay i for their decorations (which I found tacky). I had never really had a bad experience with Mexican, until I came here.
(1)
Charlotte V.

Great tequila selection.
(4)
Katie H.

I was with a large group for work so we had to wait a while for a table. While we were waiting, we ordered some of the Macho Nachos at the bar. They were some of the best nachos I've ever had. The shredded steak on them was fabulous. We also had some margaritas. Nice and strong the way margaritas should be. :) At the table, we ordered a sampler of 3 different guacamole options. Yes....there are options. Tried the original, one with crab in it, and one with basil and onion. All 3 were pretty good. I liked the chips as well. For dinner I ordered the pork tacos. Again, quite tasty. There were 3 little corn tortillas topped up with the shredded pork. Cool atmosphere. Nice bar. They also had a photo booth....noticed a few others mentioned it. We tried it as well and although it was not broken, it took a long time for the pictures to come out. Of course that has nothing to do with the food, so that doesn't really influence my rating. For the nachos alone I would go back there again when I'm in Philly.
(4)
David T.

bartenders are rude, food is so so..Margaritas are decent (if you can get a bartender at a good moment). I am a fan of most of the Starr group restaurants, but this one needs some help in the food/staff department. The best thing they have is the guacamole, but it is not worth it to go for that. Also, a decent meat market scene on the weekends...
(1)
M H.

I haven't had much good Mexican in Philly. I discount this as a mexican place because it's too pricey and mexican food should be cheap. But, they have great drinks, the food is good, it's a fun atmosphere and my dates have always been happy. All and all it's a good spot.
(4)
Lexi K.

I order the exact same thing every time I go to El Vez, a blood orange margarita and macho nachos. The nachos are gigantic and will send you home with lunch the next day, even if you share. The decor is fun, the staff are generally pleasant and easy going. Other favorites from El Vez include the pineapple canela (cinnamon, pineapple and tequila? YUM) and the regular guacamole (I like my guac fresh and simple, no add ins). My only complaint? The wait can be ridiculous sometimes and some of the menu options are over priced.
(3)
D. M.

Great food, great palomas and great margs and guac is off the hook!
(4)
Deann M.

This place has arguably the best blood orange margarita I've had in the city, rivalled only by the Cantinas, and a pitcher shared between me and my buddy was enough for a good buzz. A little pricey at $33 but yummy nonetheless. (Cantina gets points for cheaper drinks and more flavors offered). Food seemed a bit pricey as well but the menu sounded great. (My next review will hopefully include some of these tasty treats.) Also adding to my experience was running into none other than BOBBY FLAY at the the bar. Wow. Avoiding the risk of being labelled a fan girl and due to the embarrassment of being pretty buzzed, I opted not to ask for a photo or autograph, but rather marvelled at his dashing pin-striped suit and well-groomed hair. I must say he seems really skinny in person. There was already a mob encircling him full of giggly women and ogling servers. Anyhoo, I mention all of this just to say that if a celebrity chef such as he is willing to grace the place with his presence, then there must be something there.
(4)
Ben M.

It's normally a good experience at El Vez, but Cinco de Mayo was a TOTAL FLOP! I called a week ago to make reservations, but they said no reservations were were available. So after waiting 1.5 hours for an outside table yesterday, they finally seated us INDOORS and said, oh I'm sorry the tables outside are first come first serve. My friend waited 30 minutes for a drink, their blood orange margaritas weren't even frozen or ready and my entire party was disappointed. If you plan to celebrate a holiday such as Cinco de Mayo, then make sure you are prepared for the crowd. Poor management, lack of communication and I will NEVER be back for Cinco de Mayo. They gladly accepted our $150 for the bill though. FAIL!
(1)
Neha Z.

Amazing guacamole
(5)
Carla F.

I love El Vez's space. It's unique fun and vibrant. The food is great, it's not the best I have had in the city but it's really good Mexican good. The bar scene is fun and their blood orange frozen margaritas and guacamole make for a decadent (but worth it) happy hour.
(4)
Andrea B.

Small portions
(3)
John Y.

One of my top five meals in the past five years. Phenomenal. The tuna tostadas were un-be-lee-vable. We split three different tacos and would have tried them all, were we not already stuffed. The blood orange margaritas were amazing. Great atmosphere, terrific service. This place is amazing.
(5)
Cara S.

I went to El Vez last week with some of my girlfriends am i must admit i was not impressed. I ordered a pink cadillac margarita and i was not impressed. I would never order that again...My dinner was pretty pricey and when i received my food i was shocked how small my portion was. I felt as though i had ordered a kids meal. I only give this review 3 stars and not less because the staff was nice and it was a beautiful restaurant. However, i will probably never go back because i paid way to much for so little in return.
(3)
Melissa M.

The atmosphere was awesome, the food was fantastic, and our server was great.
(5)
Michael D.

El Vez is tremendous. Everything I have had there, is terrific.
(5)
Natalee M.

This place always has a huge wait but it is SOOO worth it! After weeks of wanting to eat here we finally made a reservation (I would definitely recommend doing this a few days in advance). You can do it online using Open Table. The decor is awesome! There is an old school photo booth, which is reason enough to want to come here! After dinner you just hop in and take a few crazy pics. The guac was of the chain. You have to order some guacamole if you come here! I would also recommend the enchilada plate. One of each enchilada, it's huge and very tasty. The chicken enchilada was definitely the best!
(4)
Noheli T.

I must say that I enjoyed El Vez much more than El Rey. The concept of both is similar but the overall atmosphere at El Vez was a bit more lively. The food was fairly good. I ordered the Chicken tacos and my friend ordered the chicken quesadilla. The quesadilla looked more like a pita because it didn't have a top tortilla but he said that it tasted fine so no big complaints. The margaritas are a bit pricey but that I wasn't too surprised by that. The service was ok as well but nothing really stood out. If the guacamole wasn't so over priced I would have ordered some but it really was just too much.
(3)
Parisha B.

never had bad service here, the food is AMAZING. i eat here often, & the prices are extremely reasonable.
(5)
Stephanie H.

AWESOME place. First time I visited here was in August. Now, I frequent this bar almost every time I am in the city! Blood orange margaritas? yes please! I even tried to recreate these in my own house, to no avail. I have never been disappointed with El Vez. Always has lots of people, great food (guac!), yummy margaritas and a photo booth! BONUS!
(5)
Paula C.

El Vez is a party disguised as a restaurant/bar. Totally enjoyed our last visit to this trendy addition to trendy Midtown Village. Lucky to score seats outside, trading the crazy crowded, indoor scene for the crazy, crowded street scene which adds to the festive atmosphere. The tacos & guacamole were delicious & the margaritas strong. All in our group gave it 2 thumbs up.
(4)
Megan K.

Freakin love it. My go -to girl spot for margaritas ( every last one is good), photo booth and amazing food!
(5)
Tarun K.

Great guac; must get it.
(4)
Jake S.

The always busy El Vez has pretty good mexican fusion. A bit too trendy for my taste.
(3)
Carlo D.

Can't wait for the blacken fish its going to rock OMG. We should all go that night to support them
(4)
Andrew H.

Above average fancy Mexican food at above average prices. It's quite "sceney" but can be fun if the time is right.
(3)
Jillian P.

Drinks: Strong. Atmosphere: Upbeat, interesting, stuff to look at if you're stuck on a boring date. Food: Tasty, and cheap if you get their lunch deal. Service: Always friendly and attentive.
(4)
Joel S.

Some of the best guac I've ever had. The other food and drinks are good, but the guac is definitely what I go for.
(4)
Jennifer T.

Not the best Mexican in the city, but the frozen blood orange margaritas and freshly made guacamole make it all worth it. Generally a great place to take friends or family from out of town, as the menu is diverse enough to accommodate everyone and the decor is something fun to look at!
(4)
Passion R.

This is not something that I say very often but I do not like this place. The two stars is for the chic decor and cool ambiance. Its a great place to have in the background of photographs. As for food, which is why I typically go out to eat, the taste and prices left much to be desired. I am a huge fan of Mexican food and did not taste anything remotely close to exciting. Maybe the whole look and feel of the place raised my expectations too high but I was very disappointed :( And I don't know if it was because we had a large party but the service wasn't the greatest either. When I first came here, I was under age and haven't tried the drinks. SO I can't comment there. Maybe amazing drinks could have earned this restaurant another star but if all you want is great drinks, they have bars for that. No need to waste your money coming here.
(2)
Richard H.

Loved this place! Guacamole and margaritas/cocktails were fantastic and the service was incredible! Visited with a large group for a friends birthday dinner. There were a lot of us, so we had a family style menu preset. Everything we had was awesome... enchiladas, steak, there was a pizza that everyone enjoyed. Told the waiter I was gluten free, and he made note of everything that came to the table that I could eat - which was pretty much everything except the pizza & the flour tortillas. Do yourself a favor. Go. And bring friends!
(4)
tony h.

great place for a fun meal. I've eaten there a few times and the food is always fantastic. the atmosphere is fun and vibrant. the wait staff is fun and knows the food. the drinks seemed a little watered-down though. I would think that after 4 margaritas I'd have a buzz....
(4)
Derrick C.

This restaurant is BS. The food is subpar, the drinks are okay, and that staff is fine. It tries very hard at being "upscale" yet is missing all of the components that one should experience at even the most common of places. El Vez is a no. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)
Tim P.

We went to El Vez on Saturday for a few drinks and snacks. We shared the Bazooka Limon guacamole (goat cheese, pistachio, chili flake, and roasted red pepper), and a Nacho Mama. I'll just say that there was not a scrape of food left on the plates. Also ... Guava Mojito = BEST DRINK EVER!!! I would drink it even if it didn't come with a buzz attached to it. My mother seemed to enjoy the Pink Cadillac Margaritas; enough so I returned from a bathroom to find her arm wrestling with a guy that was eating at the table next to ours. I'll definitely be coming soon.
(4)
Chris S.

This place was packed mid-day on a Tuesday! The guacamole was phenomenal and the chips were not stale like you find at most restaurants. The service was slow and the food took forever but I can chalk that up to the business. I had the crab omelette and it simply melted in my mouth. It was hard to find the restaurant as the sign is hoisted way-up on the side of the building.
(4)
Charles R.

I like this place although I don't see any big difference between this Mexican restaurant and a bunch of others downtown. The drinks are ok, but use a bit too much bar mix for my taste. The corn with the cheese on it is the thing I liked best. The food is fine, but nothing stands out as exceptional. Busy bar scene, especially after work.
(3)
Joseph D.

Very consistent for Mexican in Philadelphia. I find it to be very good for large groups and enjoy the brunch. I have been to El Vez many times and have not been disappointed. Good food and a fun energetic vibe.
(4)
Ana C.

In town on a business trip. Highly recommended by a colleague. We were visiting from Los Angeles- where we know Mexican food. Sorry to say that very, very few restaurants anywhere on the east coast can do good Mexican food. Well, El Vez (named for a Spanish Elvis impersonator- not anything that can be translated into English) is the exception. It is a very lively, busy place with a 45 minute wait on a Tuesday night. The guacamole is a signature item with 5-6 tasty options. The chips were delicious & authentic. We shared a Queso Fundido with Chorizo and it was excellent. The portions are people-sized not giant-sized. The Tacos are served on a trio plate, a la carte. The Carne Asada were absolutely excellent. The pork were good. As others commented, the blood orange margarita is one of the bestbive ever had. Truly delicious! Great experience!
(4)
Saur R.

Great spot. Lively atmosphere. Good food. I have been to El Vez twice now and really enjoy it. I have gotten the black bean enchilada both times. They were great! The margaritas were very strong, but also delicious. The only reason El Vez didn't receive 5 stars is that it is a bit pricey for me. I wish these folks had a more affordable restaurant in Center City!
(4)
Carol P.

Scrumptious food in a fun atmosphere. Had dinner at El Vez this evening. The guacamole was obviously fresh, delicious, and a very generous portion (2 of us could not finish it). I had the carne asada, cooked medium, which was absolutely delicious - fantastic flavor, cooked perfectly, served with a scrumptious sauce and unusual rice. Portions were not huge but between this dish and the guacamole/ chips/ salsa, I was full. I would highly recommend this place for a laid back meal with a beer!
(5)
Nick B.

I had been waiting to try out El Vez for a LONNNNG time, so when a friend wanted to take me out for lunch, this is where we went. I ordered the Blood Orange Margarita - man! That was so awesome! It was good to the last drop. As far as what I got for my entree - it was a burrito of some sort. (See, clearly the margarita was far too effective in getting me tipsy. It didn't matter though since I was taking the train home.) Since it was a nice day in Philly, we sat outside. It was a great experience.
(4)
Shannon M.

Loved the food!! Hated the wait :(
(4)
Yvette W.

This is a great place for Mexican food. Their salsas are fresh and when you get it with crab, it comes with real LUMP crab meat. Lot of other places I've seen come with claw meat, but El Vez gives you good stuff. Their house-made chips was also plentiful and were the tri-colored kind. I also had their mahi mahi tacos. The fish was perfectly cooked. It had a little bit too much sauce in it, which masked the flavors of the fish, but definitely still good. This is a nice place to come with friends, happy hour, or on a first date. A little pricey, but the atmosphere and food were great.
(4)
Emma T.

Over-priced food, but all of the different types of guacamole are amazing and the margaritas are to die for. Go when there are specials and it won't break the bank.
(4)
Alex G.

Funky, fun vibe with friendly service. Decor is super cool, and the place was hopping - even on a Sunday night. Drinks five stars, guacamole four stars, and food was two stars at best. Chicken on my salad was really rubbery - had to send it back. Too much older, dark green lettuce on it and not enough crispyness to make it tasty. Tortilla soup was flavorful, but not stellar. Neat place for guacamole and drinks, for sure. Cuisine, however, needs an upgrade.
(2)
Tikeira R.

Hated it. Service bad, people bad, Food bad. Go somewhere else. And everything was overpriced.
(1)
Alicia G.

It's very often that I think about posting a review and rarely do I follow up on that thought. Today... is a new day. My boyfriend and I love to eat out. If it didn't feel so played out I would likely call myself a foodie with a real passion for trying new food. That said, it's safe to say we eat our pretty often and with that find that our experience is not just about the food but its very much about the atmosphere and service. Getting to the point - El Vez was hands down one of the best dinning experiences we have had in a very long time. John was our waiter and to say that he was one of the best waiters I have ever had would be an understatement. He came to the table prepared, with great knowledge of the food, wonderful recommendations and a real passion for his job. We ordered our Margaritas and the Queso Fundido De Hongos and Con Carne Combo appetizer we're all set. Shortly after, with one Margarita almost done, John showed up with complimentary Guac. He apologized several times about our appetizing being late and explained to us how he believes in good service and has an interest in making sure we are happy with the experience, not just the food. Boy did this make me happy about the experience. Just over 5 minutes later the appetizer showed up and it was AMAZING. Later, for dinner, we ordered CRISPY MAHI-MAHI TACOS and the SHRIMP ENCHILADAS which were delicious and completely satisfying. Following dinner and two margaritas came one of the most refreshing deserts. Again this was Johns recommendation and he didn't let us down. TRES LECHES CAKE was the dessert and if you are a dessert person make sure this is your order. It was a sponge cake made extra most with three different kinds of milk, topped with hazelnut salt and sided by pineapple and strawberries. Yum! I want to give John a special thanks for making our night wonderful! This restaurant is buttoned up and produces a delicious meal with a wonderful environment. I will absolutely recommend.
(5)
Christine B.

I hadn't been here in years, but went to dinner with friends on a Friday night. We started with the guacamole with goat cheese and pistachios. It was delicious. I've never thought of putting those two things together. For my entrÃ©e I had the Mexican Chopped Salad with shrimp. That was really good too, but not the best salad ever. A few of us shared a pitcher of the pink cadillac margaritas. They were okay. I would try a different drink next time. All in all, good Mexican food in a Steven Starr restaurant.
(4)
Martin M.

Love this place. Fun place to have brunch.
(5)
Yomaira S.

Amazing drinks!! Guacamole is to die for The decor is fun and the waitress was super friendly. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Kelly P.

this restaurant routinely wins my heart over and over again. got a friend coming into town? el vez. got family coming into town? el vez. really need a friggin strong margarita type-of-day? el vez. craving a full meal that will guarantee good guac? el vezzzzzzzz
(5)
A V.

Great spot to stop for drinks, small snacks, or a proper sit-down. Place is designed for dates or small groups.
(5)
Naomi S.

Coming from California I'm always searching for good mexican and this place didnt disappoint. The four stars is for the food quality I had. It gets docked a star due to being a bit pricey and also for a long wait. I originally was going to sit down for dinner but the over an hour wait prompted me to hang at the bar. Luckily you can order from there. I had the Blood Orange Margarita which was delicious! I was in the mood for a frozen one, not on the rocks and this one didn't disappoint, though my friend's pink cadillac was good as well. While eating at the bar I ordered an appetizer and was happily surprised that it was big enough for a small meal, definitely quenched my appetite. I ordered the Carnitas (forget the full name, but only carnitas appetizer on menu) and it was sooooo good. Had a great verde sauce and avocado along with some pineapple for an interesting twist. The guac there was also fabulous, you get a huge bowl! I recommend the 'De La Hoya" guac which we got which has a little extra onion and garlic, loved it. So if you're looking for a fancier mexican joint or a great margarita I would definitely recommend the place!!
(4)
Veronica W.

For East Coast Mexican food, this place is pretty good. Actually it's the only Mexican food between PA and NYC that i have ever liked. Being from Southern Cali . . . I know what good MX food is. :) The atmosphere is fun! Very hip. The best thing to eat, the guacamole! they have a very unique guacamole menu that is to die for!
(3)
Amy B.

The manager was the most disrespectable person I have dealt with in Philly. Very disappointing for being a Steven Starr. Would not go back because of how our group was treated.
(1)
Rich D.

I've been here twice. Once for a la carte dining, and the second as a large group with a banquet style service. Both times, the food was really good. I've since moved out of Philly, but would still come if I were living in the area. Not my type of crowd though, as it is mostly the "junior businessman" kind of establishment, and have to suffer watching twenty-somethings pathetically handing out business cards to women.
(4)
Kimberly M.

Dined here for restaurant week last evening. Great vibe and energy....loved the decor and any restaurant that has a photo booth is ok by me. The food had hits and misses. Once again dessert was the best part of the meal. My recommendations: The blood orange margarita that is mentioned quite a bit on these reviews was not so great in my opinion it tasted very watered down but the Grenada Margarita was delicious with pomegranate juice triple sec and silver tequila. Delish! The "El Vez" Guacamole was my first course and it was out of this world good so that is absolutely something one has to try when they are here. The Mexican Chopped Salad with lime ranch dressing. It was my 2nd course, very unique and quite tasty with seeds and beans and corn. 2 thumbs up. The Corn on the Cobb....which was not included with the restaurant week menu but I read a lot of good things about it so I had to give it a try and for only 4 bucks it was so worth it and it did not disappoint. It was smothered with melted cheese and the corn was just packed with so much flavor. This is a must. Plus its really fun to eat in public...good and messy. The Carmel Flan. Me and my boyfriend tried both desserts offered on the menu and this was by far the best! Their entree's were just not that good. I say come for drinks and appetizers and call it a day.
(4)
Rodrigo A.

Decent food and margaritas but full of Suburbians. Seems like everyone from the surrounding 4 counties likes to gather there. Other than that Its a pretty cool spot.
(3)
Maggie O.

Awesome food and margaritas, and great prices too.
(5)
Alex G.

Awesome ambience, great drinks, but small portions. The sea bass tacos were awesome but very small portions. I requested an extra side of chips after just to be semi-satiated. The blood orange and traditional margaritas are fantastic.
(4)
Shivon R.

El Vez get's a 4 in my book solely for their margaritas. Following the suggestion of fellow yelpers I got the blood orange margarita, which was absolutely delicious! The food I thought was just alright, unfortunately. The guacamole for me did not live up to the hype (it needed more citrus and seasoning), and the Mahi Mahi tacos did not sit well with my stomach for some reason. However, the waitstaff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the decor was fun and interesting. I would definitely come again, but most likely just for drinks.
(4)
Emma F.

I visited El Vez for the first time on a hot summer night with some friends who had never been to Philly. When I mentioned this to the waitress, she seated us outside and recommended a pitcher of margaritas. I did not contest. The margaritas were amazing! And this is a great spot for people watching in Market East. We shared chips with a mound of incredible fresh guacamole. I ordered the crispy mahi-mahi tacos, easily the best fish tacos I've ever had on the East Coast, and my friends all got chicken or steak tacos. We went inside for a drink after our meal. The decor is very colorful, fun and filled with photos from the photo booth they have in the back. I took our photos along when we left, but we'll be back! Get the margaritas, guacamole and tacos. I'd even stop in here just for a drink; it's worth it.
(4)
Chantal N.

The food is delicious and the drinks are great! I loved the fancy fish tacos.
(5)
Alison K.

My fav mexican restaurant! Great service and excellent food. The taco tasting platter is a must on the first visit. The Chilean sea bass tacos are amazing! Not to mention the guacamole with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes. So fresh and delicious.
(4)
Meg T.

stephen starr strikes again, honey !! my friend in my head b/c every one of his restaurants is pretty freakn awesome.. i've been to el vez for lunch, happyhour time (no official happy hour specials tho), and dinner, and each time was memorable. first off, the ambience/ decor is exciting and fun !! cool places are always a pull for me.. i've had the snapper ceviche, roasted corn soup, tortilla soup, fish tacos (even though i dont usually) and the shrimp quesadilla. all tasty and YUM !! oh, and the nachos are wowzers !! .. the drinks (well, margaritas specifically) are insane. pick a flava, any flava ;)) all fantabulous. i tend to sit at the bar, but i hear if you want a table, it's best to make a reservation to avoid the long wait.. the place is hip, okayy ??
(4)
Cynthia V.

Fantastic drinks and food. Lots of fun!
(5)
Bill W.

4 stars. The portion size for the meals is small.. I had a spicy pork taco (three four inch tortilla tacos). However, the guacamole is the focus here. The bowl you get is huge and I wound up barely finishing my entree after chewing on the guacamole. Get the bazooka limon. Looks like a fun happy hour drink spot as well
(4)
Sarah S.

The Caesar Chavez guacamole was fantastic and the shared tacos (chicken and portobello) were delicious! Quick, friendly service and dynamic environment. Will definitely come again! Also, that guava mimosa DAYUM.
(5)
Nick K.

I stopped here for lunch, and found it to be a hopping, fun place to eat. When my wife and I walked in, we noticed that nearly every table had a cauldron of guacamole, so we asked the waitress about it. As we discovered, El Vez is known for their guacamole, so we tried the guacamole with goat cheese, pistachios, and roasted tomatoes. There was a ton of guacamole and it came with a basket of what I'm assuming was hand made chips. We were not disappointed! The goat cheese gives the avocado and creamy texture, and the pistachios jump out on your taste buds to give it a not overwhelming nut flavor. It was so good, and we ate it so fast, that we were too full to try anything else, although the menu was filled with fun taco and burrito combinations that I really wanted to try. I will definitely be going back the next time I'm in Philly, and I am trying to recreate that guacamole at home- yum!
(4)
Jennifer T.

I had a great time here tonight with one of my girlfriends. They were packed for a Tuesday night, but we managed to get a seat at the bar and were able to order from the full menu. The taco sampler was DELICIOUS!!! And their freshly fried tortilla chips are a MUST, especially with one of their signature guacamoles. Our bartender/server was fabulous...he was always on top of our drinks, making sure they were full, and he was very nice and attentive. The restaurant had a very cool vibe and was very vibrant and energetic. Overall the food and service were great so I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jess D.

El Vez always comes up when we're thinking of a place to do happy hour and even though it seems to be our traditional go-to spot it's definitely for good reason. Their bartenders are friendly and will strike up a conversation with you about anything and everything if they have the time. Sometimes they'll even throw a free "sample" of a frozen margarita your way. During Happy Hour they bring out very small portions of some of their apps which are good but I wish they brought out more considering you're paying a premium for their decent (but not fabulous) margaritas. The reason we keep coming back to El Vez is the trendy modern mexican atmosphere. We love the photobooth, the tacos (while small) are delicious, and the service is usually pretty good. While slightly overpriced given their portion sizes the quality of their food is consistent and authentic. El Vez is a great date spot, Happy Hour spot, and late night spot as well. I always try to think of new places to try in the city but inevitably we always come back to El Vez because we always have a good time and leave happy! If you are looking for a fun time- check out El Vez. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Alicia F.

Ok. So, it took nearly an hour to get a table, but I'm still giving El Vez 5 stars. Service is on point, the margaritas are amazeballs, and the food is freakin' delicious. I had a frozen blood orange margarita at the bar while waiting for a table, my friend had a pineapple canella. Both super tequila-y and super delicious and fresh. The Cesar Chavez guacamole is ridiculous, it had some sort of magical balsamic-chile sauce on it. Even the chips and salsa are delicious. I had sea bass tacos (with sweet potato puree, scallions, fried jalapenos), and I strongly suggest that you stop what you're doing and go eat them right this second. Friend had shrimp enchiladas and said they were yum. It was my friend's birthday, they brought out churros with a birthday candle. Super nice and super delicious.
(5)
Robert D.

I love the Steven Starr dining experience. You gotta hit this place up, for the exceptional cuisine, and decor . A fun dining experience , great food , good service, and the drinks are flowing. Great place to sit at the bar, sip on a drink and enjoy the fresh guac. And if you're feeling froggy, don't forget to egg a pic in the photo booth. Fun fun fun...... And a full satisfied tummy. Enjoy diners!! Oh and thanks again Mr. Starr keep doin what you do best!!!
(4)
Joanne W.

Get the tortilla soup! It's so fresh and warming. You'll love it. I promise you.
(5)
Jeannie G.

I have to give these folks 5 stars as the ambiance, service and food was excellent. I originally yelped the area and found something down the street, but after walking up the street and seeing this area bustling with activity and packed restaurants we were side tracked. Really what did it was as we walked by we saw a large stone bowl full of guacamole and the promise of blood orange margaritas we stopped in our tracks. Glad we did. Our server was attentive and full of suggestions and positive energy. This place was packed and he didn't miss a beat. I had 2 glasses of red sangria, my friend had a blood orange frozen margarita (both were excellent!). We then shared the Oscar de la Hoja guac, an open faced shrimp quesadilla and tortilla soup. All was excellent and with generous portions it was perfect for us two ladies. The bill was about $50 including the libations and we tipped generously as the service was fun and unbeatable. Its obvious this is a favorite with the locals. Great energy, beautiful place and it was a good mixed crowd. Large bar, outdoor seating and pet friendly on the outdoor tables. A must when you are in the city.
(5)
Charles G.

As a frequent guest at this restaurant, I am never disappointed. The atmosphere, location and overall concept of the space is what keeps me coming back. As well as the food! There is always a special which never sounds unappetizing. The drinks are great and the service is always stellar. I recommend anyone who is looking for a place to eat that is local to center city and affordable, with no lull in the service here all the time.
(5)
Lara B.

We stopped here after dinner on a Saturday at 11:30. We were told by the hostess that seating was a free for all at midnight but if we ordered food we could sit down in a booth so we did. No staff approached our table except for someone (who turned out to be the manager) to tell us we could not take chairs from other tables. We did ask the people sitting at the tables if we could have their chairs (3 total). We also returned chairs after this. Then, no staff approached our table for 30 minutes. Finally, we asked if we could order food and were told that we could order food but were not allowed to order drinks. We asked the bartender as well. She informed us we were flagged. We asked the manager why and his reason was that we took chairs without asking. We were not intoxicated, unruly, nor loud or obnoxious. When we asked to speak to the manager again he refused to come over to our table. If we were truly doing something wrong, then please let us know before flagging us or bringing us menus so that we could order food as we were told to do so. We have frequented many Stephen Starr restaurants, but this will be the last time we stop at El Vez.
(1)
Stephanie B.

Sometimes I just crave the Chips and Salsa. I love this place - I have been meaning to write a review for them for a while. The staff is great too! Can't go wrong here - great food & great people.
(5)
Lindsay R.

I can't say enough about my first trip to El Vez! First things first, the ambiance was an ocular delight! I loved the velvet booths, the shiny bike in the middle of the bar and even the photo booth was a nice touch! I came early on a Friday night and saying it was crowded is an understatement. I was quoted an hour wait and luckily was able to snag some seats at the bar. I started out with the Adobo Tuna Tostadas, which were perfection! They were beautifully presented with a tangy, pineapple salsa and a crispy corn tortilla underneath which provided the perfect crunch. Next up were the sea bass tacos. Unbelievable! The sea bass was beautifully grilled, complemented with a sweet potato puree and topped with thinly sliced, fried jalapeÃ±os. I cannot wait to visit El Vez again, possibly on a weeknight or another less crowded time. But overall, A+ for ambiance, presentation, service and tastiness!
(5)
Three E.

I ordered from El Vez via 'dining in' and was greatly disappointed. The 'Original Guacamole' was somewhere between tasteless/bad tasting. The avocados were oxidizing/turning brown (as well as overly ripe). The 'Mahi-Mahi tacos' were ok but covered in some sort of spicy mayo (which was too heavy and dripping out of the tacos when biting into it, and also had an ill taste). The 'Nacho Mama' nachos were disgusting at best: soggy chips, with a huge heap of the same spicy mayo sauce over it, the cheese was scarce and had fallen to the sides of the take out plate--but not over the nachos. The beans were evenly scattered. The taste of it was horrible. Just those items cost me around $50 (including the delivery charge) and the whole thing arrived cold. I give El Vez and Dining Out 1 star (I would give it 0 stars if I could, cuz I would rather not eat than eat that). Needless to say, I ended up throwing it all in the trash.
(1)
Adrienne C.

Really good...and really expensive. The good: Ambience, service, guac The meh's: Tacos (teeny tiny for $15+) Def reco sharing portions to make the most of what you're paying.
(3)
Jose A.

A very cool west coast vibe, they have a freak'n low rider bicycle rotating above the bar...They put a very well received spin on mexican food and take it from basic to very sleek and tasty gourmet almost, while still retaining the essence that all of us love about mexican food. HIGHLY recommend. Would give it 5 stars but my server was TERRIBLE, she was freak'n snotty as hell, I hate that crap, almost ruined my experience...
(4)
Emily C.

Since my not so great review, I was contacted by a member of the Starr team to apologize for the experience. When you write a review like this, you do it to help the establishment, not hurt it. They heard the feedback, passed it onto their team and I hope it will only make them better. I appreciated the instant reaction time by Starr restaraunts - it shows they care. Because of that, I will definetely be giving them another shot! Thanks guys.
(4)
Debbie U.

Hosted a bachelorette party dinner here before a night of festivities in the city. Their representative was very accommodating and easy to work with. Handling a party of 14 is never easy on the floor, but the staff lived up to expectations and worked hard to show the Bride to Be a good time and good meal. We had to pick our food options ahead of time but were able to order drinks individually. That being said, I think the options offer a nice well rounded taste of flavors here. The guac is not to be missed. We had a sampling of 3 different appetizers, including the Mexican Chicken Pizza & Tuna Tostadas. Honestly, we were filling up before the entrees even arrived, which included enchiladas, carne asada, & red snapper. Sides were included with this as well, and a sampling of their desserts finished off the meal. I thought the price per person was more than reasonable for the amount of food & service with a party that size. Everyone was very pleased with the night, and it was nice to have some social time with everyone before bar-hopping. Great ambiance for a ladies night out :)
(4)
lyndsey F.

This is a review based on what I remember from last night...which is probably not quite the same as what happened. My friend was an hour late to meet me for drinks down the street, so I found myself 2 and a half glasses (of the red stuff) in by the time she got there. I should also mention that in an attempt to make up for my overindulgence of alcohol as of late, I have been cutting my solid caloric intake greatly. So here I am, waiting alone at a wine bar full of couples, with nothing but some seaweed salad, possibly 12 shots of espresso, and now 2 and a half glasses of wine in my system. Finally my friend shows up, late because of drama at work. And I am on my way to being highly intoxicated. She insists on two glasses of wine. Which brings my grand total up to 4 glasses of wine before 10pm. NOW I AM HUNGRY. All I want is a cheeseburger, but she wants to change venues. She suggests El Vez, and I insist that I cannot because I will be too tempted to drink tequila and I probably shouldn't do that because I have to be at work at 7:30 in the morning. I never win. I'm the short brunette, she's the tall blonde. It's like Blair and Serena. Serena always wins. We go to El Vez. El Vez is not crowded. We sit at the bar. I order Sangria because I feel like it is the "responsible" thing to do. It tastes like a cinnamon stick candle and I almost vomit. The bartender happily switches it out for a blood orange "smoothie" (I am not ready to admit that I was drinking tequila on a Wednesday night). Serena got a regular margarita and has no qualms at all about drinking tequila on a Wednesday night. She is a nurse. I guess it comes with the territory. NOW I AM HUNGRY AND DRUNK. Actually drunk. So we order nachos. With lots of cheese and steak and I don't even know what else. But I know that it was one of the top twenty worst decisions I have ever made whilst intoxicated. Because there is a huge difference between a SLICE of pizza and a PLATE of nachos. And so it went, Blair and Serena finished an entire plate of nachos at El Vez. At the Bar. Drinking (okay okay I give in) tequila on a Wednesday night in the middle of January. But I've got to tell you, the nachos were probably some of the most delicious nachos I have ever had. No need for a re-cheese, every chip was coated in delicious sharp cheddar. Every bite was delightful, and I would love to have experienced this sober. In summary: I need to stop drinking on school (work, whatever) nights.
(5)
Margaret F.

This place is a total guilty pleasure of mine. The theme is beyond ridiculous, but the guacamole and drinks are (expensive and) delightful. EntrÃ©es are okay. But come for a happy hour or late-night snack (and to experience the unique restroom set-up) and I think you'll have a better experience.
(4)
Mike M.

This may be a trendy "Steven Starr" restaurant but the food is always excellent. It's worth the trip for the guacamole alone.
(5)
Katie L.

So there's a lot of hype around this place. Sooner or later, I was bound to check it out. The decor is pretty much like a lot of other "concept" restaurants (see Starr's other ventures, Garces' locations, etc.). The food backs up the hype, however. The guacamole really is pretty great with homemade chips, and the mahi mahi tacos were really a wow. I mean wow. You lose a star because the drinks were pretty light on the alcohol, and $13 for guac? I mean seriously. But I was definitely impressed by the food and would certainly return.
(4)
Dylan S.

Fantastic guacamole, fish tacos, and nachos. Place gets packed towards the end of the week at dinner so call ahead!
(4)
Liza T.

Smallest "pitcher" of margaritas ever love love love the tres leches cake even though its not super traditional! the huge plate of Nachos are always good the carne asada tacos were fab the teensy plate of chorizo queso was super small for being 13 dollars, but tasted fab also who knows, maybe we're spoiled for living in both texas and california.
(4)
Lisa C.

Guac (de la Hoya) was amazing! The corn was unbelievable! Black bean enchiladas were great. They even made one of my kids a cheese quesadilla (those with "selective palettes" will understand how wonderful that can be when such simplicities aren't on the menu). This place is hopping and for an hour I felt much cooler than I really am. ;)
(5)
Casey H.

Very good food
(4)
Jessica M.

I love this place. I always have fun when I go to El Vez and I always enjoy my meal. Nothing beats the mahi tacos and macho nachos....NOTHING. I am a fan of Mexican food, be it cheap or expensive, as long as its good. So I will pay a little extra to come here for dinner since I know its delicious and I won't be disappointed. Tips: Go with a friend (not a first date or someone you are trying to impress) and order the corn on the cob. It is so good but messy and you want to be sure you are with someone who won't judge you as butter and cheese gets all over your face. Well worth the greasy fingers. Also - the margaritas can be strong. This is all well and good for those of you out there who can handle it but being a light weight, I usually stick to the white sangria or the guava mojito. The Sexican doesn't disappoint either but I might just like saying it to the bartender!
(5)
Jenny K.

The atmosphere here is incredible. I love their margaritas and guacamole.
(4)
Kate N.

My boyfriend and I were visiting Philly, and El Vez was the first place we stopped in (for dinner) when we got to town. It also happened to be Cinco de Mayo. We were a bit surprised to arrive at what appeared to be more like a club... super loud music, dancing, etc. But, we were excited to be in Philly, so we went for it. I got some fish tacos... they were a bit much. The flavor was rich, but they were very greasy tasting. We got some chips and guacamole, and it was overpriced and not that great. The chips were super greasy as well. The reason this place deserves two stars at all is because of their blood orange margaritas -- they are amazing. But that's it.
(2)
Charlie M.

I've been here twice. Once for margaritas and once for lunch. Great experience both times! Golden margaritas were very good and pretty strong. I recommend the Mahi Mahi tacos and I will definitely be back for more!
(4)
Jaime G.

This is a must eat if you are visiting Philly for the weekend. We enjoy the blood orange frozen margarita and the guacamole is always flavorful and With massive portions. We enjoyed the Mahi and pork tacos which were delightful. We will return again when in Philly.
(4)
Angela J.

Started a Philly Funday Sunday here with brunch....crab bloody mary, regular bloody, huevos rancheros, guac, and nachos. Don't worry, I was with friends, so I didn't eat it all myself. The regular bloody Mary was delicious...the crabby one needed more salt, and was lacking garnish! I like a bloody mary with so many veggies shoved into it that I can't see the ice cubes...so I was very happy to see lemon/lime/olive/celery in my second drink....whereas myfirst was just vodka, bloody mix, and crab......hm. My huevos rancheros were all I hoped they could be...delicious chorizo, fresh ranchero sauce, ohhhh so tasty. I wish I could eat huevos rancheros every day. And only $8 !!! I was MUCHO pleased. Our waitress was excellent, the guac was fresh, the chips were REALLY good...thicker than normal chips, but I really like them that way!
(4)
David F.

From the first sip of the frozen blood orange margarita, I knew it would be another great meal at ElVez. The guacamole sampler was fantastic. The red chili chicken burrito was very good. The service-excellent!
(4)
Tesh S.

If you order right you can have some amazing food here....the truffle guacamole, melted manchego. nachos, fish tacos, tua ceviche and black bean enchiladas (substitute the red chile sauce it is so much better) were all spectacular. Only negative is the wait times.
(5)
Sandy K.

5 stars for the bazooka limon guacamole!! The atmosphere is great and really fun. The decor is very trendy and hip. I love the overall feel. The food and drinks are great. It is a little overpriced, but that's my only complaint.
(4)
Jessica M.

Best way to eat WELL at El Vez without breaking the bank: Share the guacamole (13) and the taco tasting platter (22) with a friend and youre looking at at 35+tt so right around $20 each :) and trust me youll be full if u get an extra basket of the home made chips + salsa which come free and are addicting! My favorite of the tacos is probably the Mahi-Mahi.. the red cabbage and chipotle pepper remoulade are perfect pairings and be sure to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the tacos to really stimulate the entire palate!!! I've gone to El Vez a bunch since I moved to philly from El Vez and now when I go I usually sit at the bar and order this with a friend as well as the regular margarita! Another great item on the menu is the Grilled Corn on the Cob ($4). It's only another 4 for this side dish and WOW its a huge ear of corn and comes covered in spices and cheese and tastes amazinggggg. By sitting at the bar you avoid the weeked wait which even if you have a reservation youll end up waiting for at least 20 minutes in my experience. And sitting at the bar I find I get better service there and its easier to chat with a friend since at the tables it can get rather loud. If you are going with a group of say 6 though definitely request one of the big plush red boothes in the back!!! Great for parties and pictures :) Which reminds me.. check out the old fashioned photo booth after putting in your food order!! buon appetito :) jecarosenose
(4)
David B.

First..talk about change. What happened to the gay ghetto? My, how 13th Street has changed! Still has that queer feeling but its been cleaned up! El Vez, please open a branch in Boston, we need you!!! Love the adaptation of a mid century office space into a restaurant. Even better, love the food. The photo booth is a nice touch, too. Started with a beer and moved to the food. I had their taco sampler plate. Great tortillas but it is the fillings that count: Sea Bass, Beef, Chicken, Carnitas and Mahi. All were nicely done and offered the right amount of food. The rest of my dining party had various entree and all declared their food was fab!
(4)
Marc P.

Modern Mexican at its finest. This place was hopping, the service was great--thanks Liz!--and the food and drinks were right on. The sea bass tacos, spicy red guacamole, and watermelon margaritas are the truth!
(5)
Kevin M.

Can't understand what all the hype is about! Friends go here often and so I thought we would check it out. Service was pretty bad and the food worse. Really not much better than your average, run of the mill, franchise Mexican joint with high prices. Food was greasy (chicken enchiladas) and not very flavorful. Guacomole was just decent, drinks fun. There are MANY better Mexican places in Philadelphia. Very unimpressed.
(1)
Rob B.

Went there for lunch with the parents. I could see it being fun place with friends in the evening. Good food and service.
(3)
J P.

Crab Guacamole! AWESOME!!!! Good food, great brunch, srsly. Nice attractive staff (that matters to some). Expensive. You pay for the kitchiness. Oh well. I'll go back. I had fun. Take pics in the photo-booth. Its a bunch of fun. And srsly, try the special guacamole's.
(3)
Jan T.

A group of us stopped into El Vez on a recent training assignment in Philly, the day being rainy and nobody inclined to walk farther. A good stop as it turned out. El Vez is a modern mexican restaurant centered around the idea of a spinning tequila bar at the center, topped with a glam bicycle in an odd, but somewhat workable touch of color and lights. The restaurant portion, arrayed around the bar, features the usual collection of upholstered booths and white table cloths. As to the menu, it is quite extensive, listing a variety of different mexican fare including enchiladas, carne asada, guacamole, and other traditional fare, as well as a good selection of tequila and mexican and domestic beer. Overall a good selection. One note on the food, other than that it was good: The portions vary largely in size. I had the enchilada trio of beans, chicken, and shrimp, and it was a massive portion, while some of my colleagues ordered from the same section of the menu and received something akin to an appetizer portion. Odd, but that is fine dining for you. Very good overall.
(4)
L. D.

Holy guacamole! Hands down the best guc I have ever had! Get the one with goat cheese, pistachio, and garlic chips; the steak tacos are awesome as well. If you want great service request Seth, it's rare I ask a server for their name but he amplified our experience with his warmth. He is a very knowledgeable and courteous gentleman.
(5)
Dan F.

"Hard Rock Cafe for The Pleated Khaki Set" El Vez is a suburbanite's impression of what urban nightlife should be. Staged lighting, industrial finishes, and a twirling motorcycle atop the bar for theatrical effect. The dining experience is equally bridge and tunnel. Service feels scripted from a corporate marketing playbook. It's warm, friendly, yet highly structured ("Remember to recommend the guacamole, mention the range of types, then state your favorite kind - be creative!") Plus there are plenty of catch phrases and buzz words woven into every 'customer touchpoint' to reinforce the El Vez concept. So, you may feel like you're less focused on eating delicious food, because delicious is besides the point - than swallowing the brand. These marketing mechanisms, or techniques, or maybe we should call them controls, create even and dependable dining experiences, which are OK, but never great. You don't expect magic. You're not paying for magic. The Yelp ratings bear this out: in the almost 300 reviews submitted to date, El Vez is almost always given the same rating: three stars. What further cements El Vez into its '3-Starr' (ba dum bum) position is this: the restaurant appears to have drunk its own Blood Orange Kool Aid. It seems to believe it's better than it is. $18 guacamole does not make your avocado spread inherently great. Nor does simply proclaiming it so, nor does plating it on a glossy green leaf in an ethnic bowl. Ingredients, recipe, and technique are what matter. So, go on: get the blood orange margarita, the guac, and the tacos for 2. It's all good. Or fine. Would I return? Sure. Would I kvell? No, SeÃ±ora.
(3)
Ira B.

I went here on a date last week and the food was really good. It's not cheap, so be prepared to spend some cash. I ended up spending over $60 for the two of us. If you're looking for bigger portions try the dishes like the 3 enchiladas or the 5 tacos. The atmosphere is also a great place for a fun date. Don't forget to try the photo booth inside the restaurant!
(4)
Karen F.

El Vez gets 4 stars for the GUAC - not for the rest of the menu - which would get 3. The guacamole hear really is tasty - although if you've tried the guac at Xochitl - which is made tableside with cotilja cheese fresh-ground to taste - WOWZA - but that's another review (check out Xochitl and Tequila's in Philly - regional Mex fare.) Anyhow, back to El Vez which is filled-to-the-brim with Starr-kitsch. Kitschy or not, this is a good place to get an over-priced fruity drink and schmooze with the yupsters. I better go again before I turn 40 and get permanently banned from the joint!
(4)
Trish D.

Very cool and hip place. Margaritas are super tasty and the guacamole a huge must have. Melissa our server was very attentive and on the ball. The only thing I would say bad about El Vez is that it is very loud, so if you go with anyone that has a noise sensitivity.....go some place else. I will be back!
(4)
Jennifer D.

This is a great place for you if you want what my dad calls "frou frou" food. I am either a)a fast food Mexican kind of girl or b)an authentic Mexican kind of girl. This food was very fancy and for a far wilder imagination than mine, at least for Mexican food. My husband will eat anything and even he was not carried away with the outlandish dishes, either. We have only found one restaurant in all of Philadelphia that even comes close to what we have enjoyed in Mexican restaurants in our travels. This was not it. Hooray for new things, but why travel so far out of the "normal" spectrum these foods become almost unrecognizable? Sometimes, we'd even pay a little more for something that is a little more basic.
(2)
Lori A.

The food was delicious . However service not so good. We went on a Saturday evening. We thought prices were a bit high for what you got.
(3)
Jeffrey V.

Great ambience and delicious food but portions are small. If you come hungry be prepared to order a good amount. Margarita pitchers is a must!
(4)
Mike S.

Just as good as everyone said. I had the pork tacos and they were excellent.
(4)
Mike L.

Nice margaritas, nice bar, nice guacamole. I thoroughly enjoyed this dining experience.
(4)
Michael G.

I'm from the South --- We love cheap mexican. El Vez is in Philly -- it is not cheap mexican. I still love El Vez. Everything was delicious. I'm not a margarita fan, but they were pretty awesome. I would recommend going there when it is not super busy as it will be probably a much more relaxed dinner/lunch/drinking situation. Although it is not cheap -- it was less expensive than I would have thought.
(4)
Lindsey C.

El Vez is a great go-to restaurant for special events. It is always a long wait, so be prepared to enjoy their awesome margaritas and guacamole at the bar. The decor is really fun and they have a photo booth, which is fun. The food is also excellent, especially their variations on fish tacos. It's a little overpriced, so I tend to only go for birthdays or other celebrations, but definitely one of my favorite places in Philly!
(4)
Nicky H.

great fresh guac n toritilla chips. I also love the Shrimp Carbon Tacos....I'm not a drinker but the Zapatas are righttt up my alley...I like the atmosphere too. great for an after work kinda spot, nothing too fancy
(4)
Budd R.

El Vez is always a hit or miss for me. They have some of the best margaritas in town and their staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. But their food is never consistant. Sometimes I go and my meal is great, sometimes it doesn't live up to the last time. So, now I stick to getting the mexican chopped salad, which is even way to spicy sometimes.
(3)
Candace C.

El Vez is big and boisterous, therefore an excellent place for margaritas and guac! the space is colorful and spacious, and its loud and fun! its perfect for a girls night out or a fun date! its even family friendly, the table next to mine had a 2 month old baby at the table (but it was not crowded at 930 pm) the food was good, very good in fact. it didnt strike me as gourmet mexican food (like lolita), but just more expensive regular mexican food. but in all fairness, it was done right. very right. the mahi mahi tacos were full of fish, so you weren't left with two bites of fish in between the tortilla. the salad with shrimp had succulent large pieces, very tasty! the guac here was good but could have used more salt and limes. the blended/frozen margaritas are truly a treat. spend at least one summer day here. you wont regret grabbing an outdoor table and spending your afternoon chatting over guac and margaritas.
(4)
Le G.

I was in town for training and it was recommended by a co-worker.i am glad I went.the guacamole was saturated withe lime juice -yuck but they made up for it with the chicken enchiladas! It was in a red sauce and absolutely wonderful!
(4)
Jen L.

The best red sangria I have ever tasted. Seriously, it's like crack. Can someone please tell me what's in it? Pepper flakes? Red hots? Edited 9/11/08: I'm really trying to be all healthy these days so when I hit El Vez (often), I stick to one drink and a reasonable amount of food. That being said, the guacamole is still kick-ass and the chicken tortilla soup is teriffic.
(4)
Ryan W.

I came here with a friend after work one night. We began the evening at another local bar and made our way here for margaritas and guacamole. Win. Win. So, let me state from the get-go, this review is solely based on my drinking and appetizing experience at El Vez at their wonderful bar. I'm a huge fan of their margaritas and they certainly delivered on this front. I don't consider myself one with a discerning eye toward margaritas, I pretty much like all of them but this one more-so than all the rest. Along with that, I love guacamole. I'm pretty sure if I did something horrible and I was on death row, my final meal would be thanksgiving dinner and guacamole. I've had lots of guacamoles and this one really stood out. It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was much better than a lot of the ones I'm used to when I go out. This isn't really a problem, and didn't detract from my rating, but this place can get packed. Make reservations if you intend on dining in.
(4)
nancy a.

We came with a party of 6- we were celebrating knowing each other from college for 40 years! We were seated promptly; accordingly with our reservations. The service was wonderful and they really let us sit and visit on a busy Friday night. The food was remarkable. We were able to enjoy speciality drinks with appetizers before being rushed to order too. El Vez is one of those consistently fabulous restaurants where everything is as wonderful as you would ever hope.
(5)
Attila B.

Melissa and I ordered: Gordittas (appetizer) $10 - Two tinny little tasteless briskets with random tasteless crap thrown on top. Imagine mini sized tasteless textureless tater tots. Beef Tacos (my "meal") $14 - Three cold 3 inch burritos topped with veggies a sprinkle of cheese and room temperature extremely chewy tasteless "beef". I cant express how chewy it was was. Imagine a peace of a car tire in your mouth, but with less flavor. Black Been Enchalatas $10 - Melissa said they were "OK" with a sad face. Which means she near threw-up from the HORROR!!! Our drinks were good though, I had a corona $5, she had a cocktail $8 The place is nice and clean, I might even say snazzy, the food looks delicious but it tastes like crap/sh** and is very small and overpriced. What your paying for is to sit in a pretty little starr environment and eat plastic tasteless trash. I left $50 poorer and still completely hungry and cheated. I would never come back to this place and am curious as to how they are able to stay in business (other then selling drinks).
(1)
Taylor L.

Dear El Vez, I know that we agreed that last night would be a one-night thing, but as I'm laying here experiencing this rough "morning after" feeling, I am starting to think that maybe we should do it again sometime. I don't want to scare you away or anything, but the truth is... I think I feel in love with you last night. I had both your Pink Cadillac Margarita and Granada Margarita, and they were FABULOUS, and left me wanting to try some more of your intoxicating liquids. For instance, "The Sexican," and the "Cuchi-Cuchi" both sound tantalizingly delicious, and I am sure that I need to sample them when I get another chance with you. And, your guacamole... OOH! Guacamole is basically a food group for me, but since moving to the east coast, I have had trouble finding good guac. But your creamy guacamole... and five different varieties... just blew my mind! Because these were the only things that I got to try with you, since we started so late, I feel like I didn't get to experience the whole you. I feel like I need to taste everything on your menu, up and down, to really understand what you're all about. Your atmosphere was lively, fun, and put me at ease. The soft, curved couch booth that I sat in was positively delightful! I'm looking over the pictures that I took last night in your photo booth, and I just can't stop thinking about you. How about next Friday? Yours truly, Taylor L.
(5)
Peter M.

Went here for a friend's birthday. Great, "modern" Mexican food. The different appetizer guacamoles were all really good.
(5)
Cam D.

Such a fun atmosphere, good drinks and amazing guacamole. However, you get the feeling that the dinner entrees are just over priced because it creates a fancier ambience, not because the quality or the portion sizes are really worthy.
(4)
R H.

Blood oranges margaritas are AMAZE BALLS!
(4)
Ellen K.

I lived in the Midtown District and frequented El Vez often. The best things about it are 1. the guacamole (all of them are delicious) and 2. the photo booth. Who doesn't want 4 small black and white photos of themselves after some strong margaritas? Even if it does smell like eggs...The wait staff also sports silk screened photo booth pics of themselves on their t-shirt uniform. The ambiance at El Vez is a big reason why people go there. It's a great summer spot to sit outside and drink a few. If you like bicycles, you'll enjoy the tricked out bike that spins above the bar. The portions tend to be small if you order something like tacos so I wouldn't go too hungry or things will get expensive. The food is Mexican fusion so you will definitely not get a burrito here. The hongos flatbread is always a good choice!
(3)
Christina P.

A fun scene, but overcrowded and overpriced. The decor of the place is probably the best part, highlights being gold velvet booths, a spinning bedazzled bike in the middle of the bar, and photos all over the walls. The dishes are strange because the appetizers are normal sized, but only some of the entrÃ©es are and the rest are "small plates". The guacamole is pretty good, especially the one with goat cheese and roasted tomatoes (bazooka?), but get ready for the $14 price tag. The tacos are just ok but tiny, and similarly priced. The drinks are also, you guessed it, overpriced, and just ok. I tried my friend's guava mojito and it was delicious, but my pineapple margarita had a strange flavor. The margaritas do taste very fresh though, and you can tell they use real lime juice and not a mix because they have that kick. If you go, try the photobooth, because it's a good time and provides a cute souvenir. It does take a couple minutes to print, don't think it's broken. But, if you prefer to pay less and not wait three hours, try their sister restaurant El Rey!
(3)
Brendan O.

It's Epcot Mexico, with all that implies. Margaritas are really good, but overpriced. Guac is really good but overpriced. Decor is interesting but over... everything! With so many more interesting, authentic, and reasonably priced Mexican joints everywhere in the city now, El Vez should be left to the suburbanites.
(3)
Nasilele H.

Yummy Yummy guacamole! They have different kinds but we tried the Cesar Chavez. It had two types of tomatoes. The chips are just like the ones I had in Mexico with my guacamole. Sooo yummy! The Mexican pizza was my appetizer and was delish! I had it without chicken and was happy for that option! I was so full that I had to cancel my entree so be careful! Oh the salsa was awesome also there was a pretty unique flavor to it! My waitress Elizabeth was awesome!!
(5)
John C.

Great atmosphere - perfect for after work drinks or a first date. Decor - Unique lighting and bicycle centerpiece makes the circular bar really stand out. Service - Hostesses are usually very nice. Bartenders can make you wait a little for your drink though Food - Great margaritas. Grilled fajitas and their crab guacamole are a must. Go back? - Whenever I feel like living it up a little. Usually dinner and drinks for two runs ~$100.
(4)
Jeff M.

While reading through some of the reviews, I saw one that said that I should eat prior to going to El Vez. Which reminds me, I need to get my car detailed but I'm going to give it a wax and vacuum before that. See how much sense that makes? We (a group of seven) decided to try this place after a friend raved about it. If you don't want to read the rest, here's the cliff notes version: Lame. We ended up standing in the doorway for 30+ minutes (which is apparently short according to other reviews). Seven people showing up with no reservations can be difficult especially later in the evening, so I don't hold it against them. The waiter tried to explain how to read the menu (apparently the descriptions underneath the Spanish sounding names weren't enough). Service was lacking for the rest of the night. Food is the culinary equivalent of paid phone sex. "You like that, don't you big boy? Oh yeah, you want more? Pay $15 dollars for another three bites." I dunno if that's how phone sex actually works, but in my mind it makes sense. The whole thing was a giant tease. Mexican pizza: boring. Chipotle Chicken Tacos: I would tell you if I've had better if I didn't accidentally inhale it when I breathed in (main course my brown booty). Corn on the cob: atrocious. I can understand paying a lot for Lilliputian food if the aforementioned food was brilliant, but it was mediocre. At best. Everyone was disappointed with their meals ('cept the girl who got a salad. They don't skimp on the lettuce at least). After paying, I took my first look around, and I realized how pretentious the place is. The decor is gaudy pretending to be hipster, and most of the patrons were highfalutin' looking girls pretending they're not bourgeois (I wanted to use it in a sentence). Don't lie, you suggested the place because you wanted your date to think that you always eat so little. The worst part in all of this? Ten minutes after we left, we ended up at Wendy's eating the crap from the Value menu because we were starving and didn't want to spend more than a couple bucks after what just happened. Ambiance can only go so far. I'd rather eat at Chili's. That's right, I said it.
(2)
S N.

I am already craving the guacamole that we had here last night! YUMMY!!! The entrees were pretty good too (I had the red snapper). Overall, delicious food, albeit a bit pricey! The only downside was the long wait for a table, almost an hr for Sunday night! But, they do let you put down you cell number so that they can call you when the table is ready instead of having to wait there, which is good.
(4)
Elle T.

3 words: Get the Guac! I had a torta with polenta fries and everything - literally everything - tasted amazing. The Guac sampler we tried was a little piece of Avocado heaven. Two favorites: goat cheese guac and truffle oil guac. Yum.
(5)
Quinney H.

Server: "You can't have the refried beans. Would you like black beans instead?" Me: "The refried beans are cooked with chicken stock?" Server: "No, they are cooked with lard." Me: *Gasp* Why is an upscale restaurant cooking with lard? Why is the food overpriced (e.g. $18 guacamole)? What is all the hype about? Did I not get the memo? IMO, the food here is only decent and way overrated.
(2)
Angela E.

Oh My Guac! This place is amazing. The decor. The food. The service. Everything was top notch, which I would expect, considering the final bill, but still, you can't always have it all, you know?! We ordered a couple of margaritas (pineapple and frozen strawberry- to which they use real fruit puree- yum!), spicy crab guac, and the duck tacos and every bit of it was amazing. They are apparently known for their amazing guac, but since I hadn't been before, I just scoffed at that. Now I understand what all the hoopla is about! We ended the night with a couple of tequila shots that really stung the wallet, but worth it. All worth it! Thank you, Jose Garces!
(5)
Serena S.

Everyone come off it--no one holds a gun to your head and makes you come in here. I really like el vez. It's where I go to have a great margarita (I do love the blood orange, but the pineapple is fantastic too) and some queso fundido con carne in center city. The staff has always been friendly, there have been a few waiters that are standout amazing, and I don't get that everywhere.
(4)
Julie J.

great atmosphere but make reservations and prepare to wait an additional 20 minutes for your table no matter how on time or early you are. great food, nice size portions, and fabulous drinks. blood orange marg is one of my favorites... super tart. YUM
(4)
Soyoung K.

As a server, I always passed by this place while admiring how much money their servers could be making with SO many people at ALL times. What was it? I know there are other restaurants that serve similar food but why El Vez? The location? Do they sprinkle crack on their guacamole? After a couple trips to the venue, I think I might understand. It might have been the blood orange margarita. OR it might have been the guacamole served on that heavy ancient-looking stone bowl. Better yet, it is because everything is so darn delicious and it feels just right to sit there and eat and drink and be merry. If there's shrimp in it, just get it. I've tried the shrimp quesadilla and the shrimp ceviche(which was a featured item last night) - and it totally melt in my mouth. I wanted more! The tuna toscados(sp?) was absolutely delicious. I could have that any time of the day. The El Vez original guacamole was pretty spectacular.. It wasn't the best I've ever had but I liked the fact that there were chunks of avocados in the guacamole. The chips were definitely homemade(=still warm when it came out) and came with a side of salsa. The service was quiet friendly as well. Overall, I enjoyed everything and will probably go back. P.S. The blood orange margarita was a work to finish! (and the only frozen margarita in the house) Oh, I just remembered. Their dessert isn't as fantastic as I had hoped to be. Then again, there's Capogiro's right in front of El Vez so problem solved!
(4)
Er L.

Delicious! and fresh! Margaritas were fresh and delicious and the food was very memorable. Great service too. Honestly, the salad tasted like the ingredients were picked from a garden just a few minutes before it was served. It's easy to find a healthy dish here. We waited an hour for a table outside in the summer. Even the homeless and drunk kids didn't affect my experience. Great sauces, herbs, accents. Must go! Maybe my fave Steven Starr?
(5)
Catherine K.

Ok right off the bat, I have to complain about the ridiculous wait to get seated here...but clearly that's only because it is such a popular restaurants. Despite the long wait, the staff was incredibly hospitable and attentive. The estimate that the hostesses gave me in terms of the time we would be seated was pretty spot on. The guacamole was as good as everyone has raved about. Next time, I definitely will try the crab guacamole, but this time, my friend and I played it safe and tried the traditional. At first when the tacos we ordered came out, I was concerned that I would be leaving the restaurant hungry, but with all the guac and chips that I managed to eat, I was actually perfectly full. Not too full, just right! The tacos we tried were the ahi tuna and the sea bass... both were absolutely delicious in different ways. I would highly recommend both.
(5)
Mark K.

good margaritas and delicioso guacamole! ole.
(4)
jackie k.

Came here with a group of friends for a really late dinner on a Friday night (making reservations is recommended). Heard about the great reviews, so we were all excited. The atmosphere was awesome, decor was really cool-- the noise level is pretty high. They have this small photo booth, definitely a lot of fun if you're with a date or just with friends. We ordered their original guac and chips--they were amazing. probably the best thing on the menu. Def wanna come back to try their other guac flavors. Tried their crab and pork tacos, way too salty. I only ordered the pork taco bc our waitress recommended it, but I had to bring the pork taco back. Maybe it was because the night was late or something, but the pork tacos were unbearably salty. their chipotle chxn taco wasn't bad though. The portion of the tacos aren't big, just three small tacos for one. Their entree's were better. But the least favorite part of the night on top of the salt drenched tacos was the service. Our waitress was horrible-- as soon as we sat down our entire table was so sticky but didn't want to complain so we just ignored it. After our dinner was cleared, as we were waiting for our dessert, our table was still dirty because they just took away the plates, no wipe, nothing. We pretty much had to wipe our own table. We put the collected trash on one side of the table and when we asked the waitress if she could wipe it down just for the dessert, she was being such a bitch about it. She didn't even come by to refill our drinks or anything the entire night. The service was definitely a mood kill.
(3)
Kumar S.

This place is always busy and the Food is amazing. For a Steven Starr restaurant it's very good. I never get bored going to this place whether its for drinks or food. You can't go wrong
(5)
Vanessa L.

Everyone knows El Vez is good. Service is pretty good. I'm hooked on pork tacos and the mexican salad, so I can't review anything else. Atmosphere is nice during the day, a little snobby at night.
(4)
Caren C.

Go here because you want a Blood Orange Margarita and a fun night out with your girlfriends. Don't go here if you want to be immediately seated or go on a romantic date. The food is not amazing, but it is good. You are not going to leave craving much besides the Blood Orange Margarita or the Nacho Mama. Always a scene on the weekends go if you want to be "out and about." Fun in the summer to sit outside and watch the passer-bys. My major complaint, why did the get rid of the cute manager and replace him with a bevy of slim, attractive, but mean hostesses. I mean it's like how many hot hostesses does it take the seat a table? While I am sure the male patrons greatly appreciate the view, regardless of your sex, you might wonder, when are they going to seat me already?! Beware as well that you might be sat with people hovering over your table. This is not an intimate dining experience, but it is a good time for a night out with your friends!
(3)
Meghan C.

The service is always really lame, so that immediately pisses me off, but the food is definitely fun and tasty. I agree, the fish tacos are banging but their Mexican chopped salad is really what got me with the lime vinegarette. Whenever we go there for lunch and cocktails, everyone orders the burrito or tacos or what have you and they laugh when I get the salad because I HATE SALAD. It is that good. The other thing that annoys the hell out of me is the moratorium they have on chippys. Unless you order their $12+ guac, no chips for you! The service can be very forgetful...you wait a longggggg time for your drinks...It's fine as long as you know what you are getting into. It can be very loud...that usually doesn't bother me, but I know that matters to some people.
(3)
Stefan N.

Wow. Elegant drinks. Expertly crafted simple cuisine. ...several hrs later... The food was excellent, the decor was kitsch fabulous, and the drinks were so good we went back several hrs later for more.
(5)
Summer A.

The food here is fantastic! Go with a group and enjoy the food and service in a festive, laid-back atmosphere. Start with the quintessential Mexican restaurant appetizer - chips and dip! The guacamole is ridiculously fresh! Mmm mmm good! I also recommend that you order a side of the Manchego (?) cheese dip as well. Reward your palate with alternating bites of the colder guacamole and the warm melted cheese dips. Just be careful -- the appetizers are so good that you might not leave room for the main course! I enthusiastically recommend that you try the crispy mahi mahi tacos. Stuffed with red cabbage and avocado, I highly doubt that this is an authentic Mexican dish. But......who cares?!?!? It is absolutely delicious!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't even eat seafood this good when I was at the beach! I'm psyched to go back another time and try a few other attractions on the menu, incl. the tortilla soup and the huge burritos that everyone raves about. This is not a place for authentic Mexican food, but it is hands-down probably one of the best "Mexican restaurants" in the city!
(4)
Kaz H.

I've eaten out here a bunch of times... Some things are great, others not good at all. Personally, I like the Fajitas (I think it's an order for 2-3 people). They are fresh and usually a safe bet. Unfortunately, the probably the only thing I truly enjoyed. Everything else that I've had here has been mediocre at best. Maybe my standards are too high, because I've had some great Mexican / Tex-Mex food in Texas and Mexico. For Philly, El-Vez might be relatively okay (not too many mexican places around to be honest), but overall this place is weak. I know it's a Steven Starr restaurant and I think that's the only thing that's kept it going...
(2)
Le S.

I pass this place all the time. At first, I thought it looked tacky. I wasn't really interested, even though there's always a lot of people dining there. When someone recommended it to me, I took a friend there. We didn't make a reservation and there was an hour wait but they had a table for two open and seated us immediately. That was lucky. Service was fast and amazing. We ordered tacos for two with shrimp and portobello mushrooms. It arrived pretty quickly and was delicious. I'd be willing to go back again to try the guacamole and margaritas that they're known for.
(4)
Richard G.

The Guacamole is definitely a reason to visit. They have a great variety. I love the margaritas!
(4)
Anna K.

I was at El Vez for lunch recently. The guacamole and chips were a yummy appetizer. Although, I do prefer the avocados in my guac to be more finely chopped, there were a lot of dipping chip breaking chunks. Overall the flavor was spot on. I got the El Vez Burger with the bacon and cheese with a side of Adobo Fries. The fries were amazing, crispy and moist at the same time and not at all greasy. The burger was okay, my bun was soggy, which made the burger fall apart into a million pieces and quite messy to eat. We were there at the peak of lunch, so it was tough to flag down a waitress for more napkins. I also wish the jalapeno mayonnaise on the El Vez burger had more a more prevalent jalapeno taste. The atmosphere was fun, I would definitely come back to try the dinner menu and cocktails.
(3)
Andrew S.

Love this place. Great environment, great margaritas, and fairly priced food. We like the chicken macho nachos, crab guac, combo fajitas, taco sampler & corn on the cob the most, but most dishes are good, although the soups aren't great. We've brought lots of friends here and theyve all loved it.
(5)
Jessica H.

They get 4 stars for the guac and sangria alone! HUGE chunks of avocado, lots of garlic, and it comes in this rocking stone bowl. The sangria is also really good, the margs are strong, and they have a photo booth! I just wish that I lived closer....
(4)
Abby B.

Go here for the strong margaritas and maybe the food, if you remember how it tastes after drinking said margaritas. You really can't go wrong with the drinks here, but the food is just average. I've eaten here a few times and nothing ever stands out as memorable. I recommend this place for drinks with a friend or dinner with large groups. If you want a quiet, romantic date night, then don't come here. It's loud and you'll most likely have to wait all night for a table. My advice: Sit at the bar, order a drink and get something small to snack on. By the time you leave, you'll forget how hungry you were. Now that's a drink worth paying for.
(4)
Brandon W.

I am not entirely sure where to begin with this review. The most obvious problem with El Vez is the atmosphere. If you are sitting anywhere near the bar, plan on having the ass of a half-drunk person as the defining feature in your table. Twice over the course of one meal did the same group knock things off of my table. Because the wait is so long, people flock to the bar to pass the time. At $8 bucks a drink, the mixers are certainly helping the bottom line, but make dining anywhere near the bar impossible. While certainly this is the fault of careless customers, the establishment must accept a fair share of the blame for poor crowd management and floor layout. There were two girls serving as hostess and two doing something at computers. Perhaps that payroll could be better spent on maintaining a division between those drinking at the bar and those eating at tables. Also, if you enjoy talking to the people you came with, well, take notes and have a conversation after leaving. Two people directly across from one another nearly have to shout. Unpleasant to say the least. They push their guacamole and mixed drinks pretty hard. I would too if I was charging $14 for $3 worth of avocado. Was it good? Certainly. Can my grandmother produce the same result with nowhere near the expense? Without a doubt. And there is little doubt that freshly made margaritas are great, but at the price, I can't drink enough to justify why I am yelling at the person across from me. Finally, if you are known for something you shouldn't have to announce it as soon as I sit down, and, it shouldn't be a relatively simple appetizer. You should be known for your entrees. I ordered the the enchilada plate. Not one of the sauces tasted right. In my mind, if you don't get the sauce right, all is lost in the world of enchiladas. The black bean enchilada had a great filing, but the sauce was laughably sweet. The chicken enchilada was okay, if you are able to ignore the almost chef boyardee like tomato aftertaste. I was looking at that sauce, and wanting to taste the delicious, smokey flavor of chile ancho, but it just couldn't fight past the tomato taste. At this point, I was pretty well defeated, ready to call it quits. So I did. I dipped my fork in the shrimp enchilada, the sauce was off putting, though I can't identify why, so I called it a night. For the price and the buzz, I was expecting at least a decent meal. Frankly, the evening was a total let down. If you want mexican food, you are headed to the wrong place. If you want food that is shaped like mexican food, and served in a place decorated by a chicano stereotype, then you are certainly going to enjoy yourself. The food was not terrible, but it was certainly not worthy of the wait, the noise or high prices. You can do much better for yourself in Philly.
(2)
Shaun A.

The staff takes good care of you. Some innovative mexican dishes (truffle oil, single serve guac and chips). The guac is super fresh and quenching, but not a heavy guac. And their margs are some of the best in town.
(4)
Ann S.

Food is yummy but overpriced for what it's worth
(3)
Walter E.

Jesus..I have had my share of Guacamole, but this shit was intense!!!! The wait wasn't bad as we were there on the cusp of a Friday Happy Hour, but it was busy as hell when we left. I can't imagine eating anything here other than the Guac...because I can't imagine eating anything AFTER the guac...it's huge!!
(5)
Maicol B.

Great place to meet with friends after work for some margaritas, cocktails and great appetizers. The tacos built for two on the menu are perfect for sharing.
(4)
Jessica O.

In one word, Fresh. The food and bar drinks were very clean and fresh tasting. Love the atmosphere. Fun place to go for date night! Only upset was the small portions. Otherwise, definitely returning.
(4)
Erik s.

A Steven Starr joint so expect the gimmicky food to be overpriced. Also like most steven starr places el vez has overpriced drinks that are so "fun" that girls have to try. In this case el vez also has tequila shooter samplers from their vast selection of tequila that make normal beer drinkers name eric who like tequila to try. the big gimmick at el vez is they mash guac in front of you and you can add all these diff ingredients. if u have no self control like myself u usually add too much shit in your guac and you end up saying lolita's guac is so much better, but if you are a guac lover and have some self control you can get some interesting and tasty mixes. But prepared to get a big old mexican kick in the ass come check time cuz the guac can push ya towards 20 bucks... i know right they better be mixing diamonds in that bitch next time. the many flashier versions of mexican dishes are ok for east coast mex but kinda $ for mexican. I still stop by here on occasion b/c they have a shiny bike above the bar.
(3)
Melissa B.

i started off my friends bachelorette party here, which having never been here before was a bit of a risk. but i think we were all pretty happy with the choice. we definitely were all happy with the guacamole and the margaritas... we were all bummed by the fact that the photo booth was out of order (in fact every time i've gone back that stupid photo booth has been out of order- is it me?) the portions are a bit small for the price- but then again this is a stephen starr restaurant so i can't say i'm too surprised. and as far as the authenticity of the food being off... it's not like they want you to feel like you just landed in mexico- i don't think most of us equate real authentic mexicana with gilded motorcycles and charro- it's more just like mexico kitsch- just something every now and then for fun...
(4)
Veggie J.

I'm from Southern CA. I speak Spanish. Please don't call this Mexican. Okay, okay, the guacamole is good. But good guacamole is a prerequisite for good Mexican where I come from. The food is expensive here, the portions are small, and I found the atmosphere to be a bit jarring. But that's just my opinion. Maybe if you're going out and want to have a bit of a scene where you are, this place would be fun.
(3)
hiro m.

guacamole and chips were great. the chips were salty, but i like them that way. they provided a smokey salsa - i asked for more and they gave me freshly chopped habaneros, a verde sauce, and pico de gallo. the corn bread appetizer was too sweet. it's like corn-based pancakes. it was good, just too sweet for being early in the meal. the margarita was decent. my girlfriend had the white sangria, which was good.
(4)
Lisa D.

Fun atmosphere, good margarita's, small plates.
(3)
Ethan H.

I am a picky bastard as you can see from my other reviews. I have eaten here 3 times- I enjoyed them all. It's solid- the food is good, servers are great, fun atmosphere- it is a bit pricey but it's good.
(4)
Karina L.

Come here for the bar for drinks and guacamole. Their entrees were super mediocre. There was a wait for a seat (although they had many empty tables. I'm not sure what their logic is.) We went to the bar to wait. Their frozen blood orange margaritas, although a tad expensive, were amazing! We each got one, and ended up ordering a pitcher when we finally sat down. Their original "El Vez" guacamole, with tomato, onion, jalapeno, lime, and cilantro was amazing as well. It comes in a cute molcajete, a Mexican mortar and pestle, and amazing chips. If I were to ever come back, I'd try the De La Hoya guac. I asked the waiter for his favorites and he suggested the Crispy Mahi Mahi tacos. Both the soft shell taco and the mahi mahi were super dry. The chipotle red pepper remoulade was non-existent. My co-worker got the shrimp enchilada, and there was virtually no shrimp in it. Bottom line, come here for drinks and snacks, but definitely not for a great meal.
(3)
Catherine Z.

I never get tired of this place and I will happily wait a half hour in the rain to get a seat at the bar just to wait even longer for a table. Worth it. Let me say first that this is not "authentic" Mexican. More of a fusion of some sort with a Mexican flair. Everything on the menu is good, but you haven't lived until you've tried every single variation of their guacamole. I usually fill up on the guac alone... along with a money-conscious pitcher of blood orange margarita or a tequila flight constructed from their massive tequila list. The flight is escorted by sangrita as a chaser... yes it has oyster juice in it... yes it sounds disgusting... but holy shit is it delicious. So basically... get good and drunk and go take pictures in the photobooth with your friends.
(4)
Chris R.

Great food never have been let down there.
(4)
Eileen G.

Our first time here just ordered the virgin margerita. Sour! Decor is very nice and festive. Husband had chicken enchiladas and I had mancho nachos. His choice was basic or soso sauce tasted like chef boy r d' s sauce but clean in taste and texture. My dish was delish with every vote. Must try!
(4)
Marie C.

Love it there and fantastic food!
(5)
Dixie T.

Great guacamole! Excellent quality ingredients and good service. Busy place, occasional 10-20 minute wait for a table--good drinks at the bar.
(5)
Joanne T.

Good solid funsies for nye. Our group ended up here after another place was a no go. Drinks were flowing, music was bumping, and crazy photo booth pics were being taken. We got here around 10ish and was able to get a booth about 1/2 hour before midnight. We ordered loaded nachos, fish tacos, and the trio of guacamole for some drunken treats. My fave is the crab huac. Everything was devoured minus the loaded nachos. It was delish but was just excessive. I don't remember seeing any any drink specials but at least there was no cover. Oh and thanks hostess for taking our coats as we galavant around the resto. For a busy night service was great.
(4)
Colleen S.

I've always avoided El Vez because of the ridiculous crowds over the weekend, but found that Sunday brunch was a perfect time to try it! We were able to get a big, comfy round booth by the gigantic wall full of mini Day of the Dead dioramas. The food is great and the atmosphere is very intriguing, but get ready to spend a good amount of money for moderate portions. First of all, we had two pitchers of margaritas between 4 people. The first was $38 and the second was $48...and that was with house tequila! They better be throwing in some magic for that price. And when I say "pitcher," I mean the smallest pitcher you've ever seen that fills 4 very small glasses. The drinks were good, but definitely NOT worth the money. What is worth the money? The GUAC! My boyfriend and I consume a crazy amount of avocados on a regular basis and we were very impressed with the guacamole. We couldn't decide so we went with one Spicy Crab and one Truffle. Both of them were delicious (and yes, expensive...) and we just about licked the stones clean. We were impressed with our entrees... We had the taco sampler, the beef tacos and a chorizo eggs benedict with chipotle hollandaise. Prices weren't too bad for the entrees, about $10-20, but again, pretty small portions. I'll definitely give it another try, but will probably try to spend a little less on margaritas next time!
(4)
Antoine B.

I've been to plenty of Mexican restaurants but I must say this restaurant here was quite the place to be if your looking for good guacamole and margaritas you can't go wrong. The food was delicious. I will be back.
(5)
Jamie P.

LaLa love this place! Best made and strongest margaritas around. Macho nachos, guacamole with jump lump crab and goat cheese to die for. Sea bass tacos delish. However, make reservations well in advance. Like weeks ahead. Unless you want to be a vulture and hover over people at the bar and pester them until they leave.
(5)
Vivian T.

Sum it up in one word "FUN!" The food was amazing. I ordered the steak salad, classic guacamole and pitcher of the Zapata. The steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned a tiny bit heavy but still very yummy. The guacamole as always is the best with the perfect amount of salt and citrus. The Zapata is a vodka strawberry drink that didn't last long at our table at all until we had to order a second one. The key to the entire experience was the waitress attention to our table and the energetic and lively atmosphere of both inside and outside of El Vez. In addition, I love the staff's shirts with the booth photos. The only thing I wish they would fix is the locks on the women's bathroom stalls.
(4)
Kerrie-lynn C.

The food was delicious! Homemade guac and the taco salad was amazing. Highly recommend
(5)
David M.

This place is a zoo. An awesome zoo of tequila elephants and guacamole lemurs. I recommend getting a seat at the bar and trying a few different tequilas. I am a margarita snob and theirs held up fairly well. Food is delicious and tasty. Guac is a must! I also can safely state that you will be unhappy if you try to go on a Friday/Saturday night. It gets JAMMED (not a bad thing if you are down with that). Hit it on the early side and get thee to the bar. Prost!
(4)
Lee A.

Trendy Mexican restaurant. Went here with a friend and my whole family on a business trip. Not the first place I'd think to bring the kids, as it's not really a family environment and there's certainly no kids menu, but I have to say the place was pretty accommodating. It also helped that it was very loud, so the kids were barely noticeable. Anyway, among the adults, two of us had sea bass tacos, which included 3 small soft tortillas with hefty chunks of fish, a scallion-based sauce, and a fried jalapeÃ±o. These were aesthetically pleasing and went down smoothly too. My wife had chicken tacos, which she rated highly. The clincher for me and my sweet tooth, though, was a side order of plantains con queso. We didn't have any alcohol, but the drinkers in the place (and there were a lot of them) looked happy. I'd come back and keep sampling new dishes. And I'd get the plantains every time.
(4)
Alexa S.

El Vez never disappoints, consistently good food and service and always provides a fun and lively atmosphere. I've been here for brunch and dinner, with large parties and for date night, with reservations and without. If you aren't a fan of waiting for a table during the brunch and dinner rush I would strongly suggest making reservations, actually it is a must if you have little patience. I typically steer clear of sugary drinks and prefer liquor-forward cocktails, that being said, I love the blood orange margaritas at El Vez, they are not overly sweet and the bitterness of the blood orange softens any added sugar - plus the tequila helps too! The menu was recently updated - the new chicken enchiladas are awesome, my boyfriend ordered these and I cannot wait to go back and order them myself. I usually order the street tacos which come three in an order, Sea Bass are my favorite, though I typically get the sweet potato puree on the side. I love the chips and salsa and unfortunately normally overindulge before the meal arrives. Ceviches are fresh and always a good portion for sharing, as is the guacamole which comes in a few different varieties. I bring all of my out-of-town guests here as it's always a good time and the waitstaff are friendly and make every attempt to keep their customers happy. Being from California I know it's not "authentic Mexican" but it's good food, a cool space and never fails to be the start of a good day or night.
(4)
Tiana Y.

I love El Vez. It's one of my favorite restaurants when I want strong drinks, good food and a fun atmosphere. I always get the Perfecto margarita. My friends and I always order pitchers. Their guacamole is one of the best I've ever tasted. I could eat it off of a boot, lol. Just about anything on the menu it good. I would definitely suggest this restaurant to anyone looking for a good night out.
(5)
Rob T.

Great drinks, great food, nice atmosphere.
(4)
Hyesil C.

Hands down my favorite mexican restuarant in philly. I've been there 6 times now and I still haven't been disappointed. I've tried every single one of their guacs and they're all amazing. I also get the mahi mahi fish tacos every time and those are to die for. Order anything you want off the menu and you won't be disappointed. All drinks are amazing as well. I've tried most of the margaritas and they're all delicious. Service is also great and don't forget to check out the photobooth before you leave. *Make sure you make a reservation for dinner time. You can get away with not having a reservation for lunch but you definitely need one for dinner time.*
(5)
Tia G.

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of guacamole,but I had the absolute best guac ever in my life to date. It was the spicy crab guacamole, and it melted in my mouth. The sweetness and spiciness of the crab against the smoothness of the avocado was heaven.The tortilla chips tasted like they were just made from scratch right before they were ordered. The beef tacos were amazing, and so were the pork tacos. The pork was tender, and had fresh sweet raw onions on top which added a sweet crunch to the hearty pork. The blood orange margarita, which is a signature, was delicious, it was tart and soothing. The atmosphere is very trendy, and as a native New Yorker, I thought I was downtown. El Vez is a definite recommend in central Philly, there is more to Philly than just the cheese steaks.
(5)
Sarah A.

El Vez is my neighborhood go-to spot for drinks and snacks. While it's a little pricey, these tend to be reasonable. It has amazing mojitos (especially the guava) and the blood-orange Margarita is a great balance (not too sweet). I always love the El Vez "The Original" guacamole (tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime). The Cesar Chavez guacamole (Tomato, basil, onion, Oaxaca cheese and pasilla-balsamic sauce) is also tasty. I've yet to try the Tito Santana guacamole (mango, papaya, chipotle peppers, red and white onion) to see how it stacks up against Lolita's (my favorite in the city)... My other standard order is the Macho Nachos (shredded steak, black beans, smoked chile salsa, crema fresca, white cheddar, Monterey jack), which has some greens on top that add a peppery kick (Nacho Mamma is vegetarian). I've also had the Mexican Chopped Salad (romaine, watercress, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, chayote, corn and black beans with queso fresco, crispy tortillas and chipotle ranch or cumin-lime vinaigrette) with steak, which was bangin'.
(4)
Gwendolyn P.

El Vez is a place in Philly that is often talked about. It is definitely one of the "cool" places to go and it is standby - - you know what you will get. A youngish fun crowd, good music and a fun vibe. With that said, in my opinion the food is just so so for the price. It's in a great part of town near lots of other cool places though and there is something to be said for that.
(3)
caroline r.

Good for yummy guac and a drunken girl's night or a date. Watch those margaritas! Bring ear plugs.
(3)
Omar S.

Always busy and hard to get a reservation sometimes. But if you get one, go! Really great food. Great drinks. Great service.
(5)
Jeannie P.

Super tasty food!! Had good quality music playing so that was a plus! Food flavor and presentation was awesome!! Would've liked for the waiter to come and check up on us a little more but overall totally recommend El Vez!
(4)
Terry P.

Food service was good and the food was tasty but pricey. But that may be because I'm from California and guacamole just shouldn't cost $15! Blood orange margarita was also good but again I don't think lunch for two people should be $100. When we had three drinks, guacamole, tacos and a burrito. Also the photo booth did not work and we finally got our $ back but it should have been offered and a sign posted 'out of order'.
(2)
Leo Y.

Good place for a large group. The drinks are nice and many can be ordered by the pitcher. The chips are great, the tacos for 2 are awesome, though more like traditional fajitas than tacos. Very good. They are a little heavy handed on their cheese for the nachos and a little light on the chips.
(3)
Dave K.

Go for the guac, decent margaritas, fun atmosphere. Lunch is actually a pretty good deal. On a nice day, sit on a sidewalk table.
(4)
Paul C.

Ok...my friends and I love coming here for margaritas...and it's always good...this time we also ordered ceviche...it looked good...but...omg...wtf...fish tasted like frozen fish that was sitting outside for a very long time...moment I put it in my mouth...immedietly spit it out...luckily our server was able to take it off our bill...but they shouldn't be serving raw fish that has gone bad...someone can really get sick!!!!
(2)
SpottieMatic X.

First-time visitors, I had the Tijuana cesar and vaca frito burrito. Spo had the crispy mahi-mahi tacos. I actually loved the salad-mainly because of the croutons-and nearly finished it, which should tell me something about my affinity for croutons. The limeade Spo had to go with her meal was too tart for my liking, but Spo thought it was perfect. However, those mahi-mahi tacos...YES. They weren't quite as tasty as my burrito, but if I could have had an entire plate, my opinion could be changed. Then again, I doubt it. The braised short rib in my burrito was perfectly tender and the meat was very "well-seasoned" (Spo). I'd definitely come back just for this burrito. The dessert menu would have been more enticing had I not just gotten full off of a great burrito and piece of mahi-mahi taco.
(4)
Erica J.

Mahdi Mahi Tacos are amazing
(5)
Liz E.

This review is about the bar, not the dinning area. I was told to come to El Vez for the blood orange margaritas and they did not disappoint! I usually like my margaritas on the rocks, but i would drink this frozen margarita all the time! It was just the right amount of sweet and tangy. I also ordered the cesar cheavez guacamole which was topped with balsamic sauce. I never thought of topping glaucoma with balsamic, but it was excellent. The bar atmosphere was nice, a great place to stop by and have a few drinks and snacks. Although, I will be coming back for dinner!
(5)
Jada L.

As I have mentioned before, Midtown is one of favorite sections of Philly. El Vez contributes to that reason. Each time I visit here I always get the Zapata drink. I am a sucker for guacamole and the Bazooka Limon is a must. Is this place pricey? Yes, of course. You are paying for a Stephen Starr experience! The ambiance is so cool. Don't forget to get your friends together and take pics in the booth!
(5)
Deepak B.

Decent Mexican food in Center City. We like to go here with friends. The Tortilla and some of the other soups are big, and tasty,
(4)
amira b.

We had a reservation for 9 PM for 4 people because that's the earliest I could get Memorial Day weekend...but we got there early in hopes that we could be seated earlier. The hostesses were so friendly and accommodated us right away. We started with the guacamole which was very tasty, I had the sea bass tacos which were outstanding, bursting with flavor. Also ordered at my my table were the grilled beef tacos which I tasted and the beef was made to perfection. The waitress was attentive and friendly... No complaints! Make sure you take some pics in the photo booth in the back and you can't go wrong with the guava mojito!
(5)
Amanda C.

Stephen Starr, which means the food is at least going to be reliably good. Good place to bring out of towners. Guacamole is delicious and the salads and soups are really good. I really like the goat cheese guacamole, I also had a great chopped salad here. Skip this place on Saturday nights it becomes a horrifying mish mash of drunks. While waiting for a table I got stepped on by several ladies who were tetering around in giant heels after downing a third margarita, and some bridge and tunnel folks who seemed to think El Vez is a legit club.
(3)
Erin C.

Go for the guacamole and margaritas. Atmosphere is upbeat and fun. Well decorated and usually has a wait. I like that they check coats in winter and the staff us usually very attentive. I'd recommend the mahi mahi tacos. 4/5 service 4/5 food 3/5 price 5/5 atmosphere
(4)
Rin Z.

When your girlfriends want to go out and drink fruity drinks and talk in high-pitched voices about their engagement(s), this seems to be party headquarters. I do enjoy the guacamole and tacos but I feel like their alcoholic beverage need a little more...what's the word...that thing that makes drinks great...oh yes, alcohol. These drinks need to be more heavy handed in the booziness department. If I'm forking out this kinda money for a beverage, it had better be worth my while. All in all, fun place though.
(3)
Michelle L.

Great Food and Ambiance! Ok service, its hit or miss depending on who your server is! Love the chips and guacamole and their drinks! Definitely one of my favorite spots in Philly!
(4)
Jenna S.

El Vez is a great place for a date or just a group of friends. Great selection of food and drink, and always very accommodating at the front door!
(4)
Jonny R.

Classic Starr service, with a great Starr atmosphere. Food is great, in my opinion. Margaritas were spot on, tap list at Starr joints can always use improvement too. It is expensive, though. I loved the standard guacemole, and the ceviches were delightful too--but the taco sampler? Really good, but not better than La Calaca Feliz and on a good night, even Loco Pez has tacos that are just as good (as for a buck on Wednesdays). There are better Mexican options in town, by far, to be honest. This one gets away with too much because of its incredibly ambiance, location, and reputation. You won't be disappointed if you show up here, but there are Mexican joints in town that will offer you more satisfaction and bang-for-your-buck.
(3)
Oscar D.

Had dinner one night and split the tacos for two. Good sized portion, but they failed to tell us that they add an adobe sauce which in our opinion was super spicy. So much that it killed all flavor. The next night we were walking by after dinner and decided to sit outside for a quick drink and try the nachos. After waiting over 30 minutes, the nachos arrived. The delay was due to a banquet that was going on inside. Would have been nice if our waitress would have told us. Once again, the adobe sauce was added heavily...we couldn't eat the nachos. Shame, it's a nice looking restaurant with outdoor seating and good ambiance. But if you don't have a palate for hot food, save your money and go elsewhere.
(2)
dawn a.

I liked it a lot- food was very good. Fun - not really relaxing. Big windows to the street- a place where you will be seen. A man was peeing in the ladies room sink but I don't think that is a common occurrence.
(4)
Roz B.

Not the best Mexican food or drinks. Far better out there. Came with hubby today while returning from beach. I have to say that I've been here twice and both times were disappointing. My absolutely favorite place is not even in Philadelphia! If you r ever in NYC go to toloache. They have 3 locations. Best in NYC. And they make fabulous drinks. I would love to know where a good tex mex place is in phillie.
(3)
Ted S.

Went in search of latenight fare after a show with my 19 yr old son, to whom volume is more important than quality. Found this place, sat outside as it was busy even after midnight, and proceeded to have my taste buds massaged with the best contemporary Mexican I'd ever tasted. Price was fairly high, but quantity was sufficient for a hungry 19 yr old. I've not had a lot of contemp Mexican but this stuff was great. Sea bass tacos were probably the highlight, while a drink called Zapata was delicious. We shared macho nachos and the taco sampler.
(5)
Michael C.

Had a really good meal twice here. The highlights were guac with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and goat cheese (YUM) and the steak and eggs chilaquiles (BRUNCH). Try the Mimosa made with guava. Also lots of samplers so be adventurous.
(4)
Jeanette D.

Cool atmosphere and an A+ menu. I really enjoyed my dinner here, especially because they had inventive and interesting options for vegetarians. Case in point, I had hibiscus enchiladas - sounds weird, but they were amazing! One thing this place is known for is their dedicated guacamole menu, and it does not disappoint. Our pick was the TITO SANTANA, a great choice for fans of some pice. Plus, no onions, which makes this onion hater tickled pink. I also loved their blood orange frozen margaritas - not too sweet, not too sour - which became my tables favorite by the end of the meal. Blood orange is so amazing in margs, so I was thrilled to see this place showcase it in their frozen option. I have only one complaint/warning about this place, their photo booth is busted. We love a good photo booth, had one at our wedding, so we flock to them. But $6 later we had two messed up strips where you could only make out half of the images, which no one really wanted to keep.
(4)
Teresa R.

My parents said it was some of the best Mexican food they've had, and they're from California! Great place, neat atmosphere, guac is to die for!
(5)
Sarah B.

Went for lunch with a friend and we both got the lunch special- an appetizer and an entree for $15. I got the ceasar salad and the black bean enchiladas and my friend got the tortilla soup and burrito. Food was good but nothing special. Service was excellent though!
(3)
Dana S.

Really enjoy this place. The food is solid and they give nice portions. Also, even though it can get crowded in the evenings at both the restaurant and bar, they have an effective txting system to notify you when you're table is ready. This allows you to go grab a drink while you wait at nearby bars.
(4)
Erik G.

Steven Starr does it again. Everything is great, food, drinks and service.
(4)
Garrett H.

Great food!! Expensive for what you get but the atmosphere and drinks are great!!
(4)
Richee R.

Soooo ... I absolutely don't understand that awful motorcycle sculpture or whatever it is located at the bar it' instantly makes me feel cheesy and annoyed . I have dined here at least 5 times . First experience I felt like it was a glorified chilies , and was only impressed by the awesome tall comfy booths . My other experiences the food improved each time and was very satisfied and happy ! Love the photo booth and bathroom design. This place is more like a yuppy Mexican spot to be seen at , which is not my style at all ! Probably be back at some point but I walk past often and it's always crowded and loud full of bros with suits and over processed blondes who look fake from a block away ! I don't recall the actual service being good or bad which I guess i have a neutral feeling about it .
(3)
M. I.

I stopped here with my boyfriend for lunch on Saturday afternoon. We were seated outside (by request) immediately. Our waitress came over promptly and took our drink order (soft drinks). She was polite and upbeat. The menu has several awesome-sounding items. I ended up opting for the Chicken Tinga Tacos and he had the Carnitas Tacos. The food came out rather quickly. Each plate had 3 tiny, well-presented tacos. They were both wonderful! Definitely not the typical Tex-Mex food you find at many places. Delicious!! My only complaint would be the pricing for what you get (although I knew ahead of time that it wasn't a cheap place). Over all, it was a great experience. I can't wait to go back for dinner and try the margaritas!
(4)
Rich P.

Great circular bar and awesome attentive staff. But I went on a quiet night. Get there on a busy night and its a totally different deal. Food is ok, but not spectacular Mexican.
(4)
Hannah C.

El Vez has THE best Guacamole. But, for THE best guacamole, you must pay a hefty price- $15 and up. I'm not normally one to complain about prices, in fact, I tend to be pretty lax about what I pay for things. The rest of the food is reasonably priced in my mind and very tasty. My husband usually gets one of the fish tacos and I get an appetizer of the Chicken Tinga Quesdilla and we share a guacamole. This is just the right amount of food for us. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Mary M.

Had a wonderful brunch at this fabulous restaurant. The hostess was pleasant and cheerfully seated us at a window table. This establishment is well lighted, colorful, and the motorcycle hanging above the bar is an interesting centerpiece. We spotted a photo booth at the corner, wanted to take some souvenir shots but was out of order. The server arrived right on cue and is very knowledgeable of the menu. We started off with Macho Nachos....now let me tell you that this is the best nachos I have ever had. It is just bursting with meat, cheese, beans, salsa etc. You can actually make this a meal in itself. It was super delicious! The plantain bananas is a great accompaniment to the breakfast burrito. It was sweet and fried perfectly. The burrito was bursting with eggs, chorizo, diced potatoes and cheese. Huevos & Chorizo on the other hand was flavorful and equally delicious. I just love making my own tacos. It was filling, and satisfying. El Vez would be a great place to take your significant other. I will definitely return back and explore the rest of their menu.
(5)
Hollei J.

I went to this place for a first date, picked by him. I liked the atmosphere. the menu seemed to lack choices at first glance, but actually after taking the time to read it, it was fine. I had the sea bass tacos and they were AMAZING. the pureÃ©d sweet potato was perfect. I do wish the oortions were a bit bigger. I also had a guava mojito from the bar which was refreshing. my date ordered a "Mexican Coca Cola" which was different that they even had that choice. definitely would go back.
(4)
Randy P.

Great food and worth the wait. Make sure you make reservations, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Vanessa W.

I am hosting a relative who is in the U.S. for the first time and had never had Mexican food before. Now, I know, I know--I still owe it to him to take him to a great authentic Mexican place. But I was also going for entertaining-ness and fun factor, so I decided that we had to go to El Vez. It was a last minute decision and like an idiot, I thought that we were eating early enough (6ish on a Saturday night) that the wait might not be too long. Wrong! It was a two-hour wait for a table, so we decided to eat at the bar. (They do take reservations, though, so with some advance planning we probably would have gotten something.) First off let me say that the staff here are awesome. The hostesses are so friendly and the bar staff are competent, attentive, and friendly, too. The place was insanely crowded and we still never had trouble getting a bartender's attention to order drinks or food. Last time I was here, I pledged that I would not order entrees in the future. I stuck to that pledge and I think it was absolutely right. We ordered the guacamole with black truffles and huitlacoche. Oh My God. I am still dreaming about that wonderful umami explosion. We also had the red snapper ceviche and the fish was so fresh and gorgeous. It was beautifully seasoned and prepared but the clean, yummy taste of the fish came powering through. It was really great. I had a pomegranate martini and a frozen blood orange martini and was very pleased with both. My cousin doesn't like to drink alcohol (inorite?!) so he had two virgin strawberry margaritas and he said they were perfectly balanced and really tasty. After we were there for around an hour and a half, a hostess came up to me at the bar, very excited because she actually had some table options for us! She was SO sweet and seemed so genuinely glad that she was able to seat us, I hated to tell her that we were already stuffed to the gills and getting ready to head out. I really love the fun vibe of this place and we both really enjoyed our food and drinks. I've been trying to avoid becoming too much of a "regular" anywhere because there are so ridiculously many places in Philly I want to try for the first time, but I won't lie: I was extremely excited to have a good reason/excuse for coming back to El Vez.
(4)
S L.

Been to El Vez a bunch of times for lunch during the week. Typical Starr decor - cool and trendy. Can be crowded at lunch but does take reservations. Excellent - albeit expensive - margaritas. Very "Americanized" modern Mexican food, so if you're looking for traditional this probably isn't the best place. Fish tacos are really good as are the chipoltle chicken tacos. Good fresh guac and chips, but those are like $8 or $9.
(4)
Lindsay S.

We ordered the original margaritas and the taco sampler - delicious! The margarita pitchers were great and not too sugary or from a mix, unlike many other restaurants. And each of the tacos had their own touch and didn't taste like the others. I'm looking forward to going back!
(5)
Shushmita M.

Great Food and drinks! Ambience is fantastic too! The plating of the food was fantastic. We started off with the ceviche and the crispy mahi mahi tacos. Ceviche was good. Tha mahi mahi tacos were our favorite. Just delicious! We got the enchiladas mixtas. I wasn't completely a fan of the hibiscus enhiladas. The shrimp and chicken were excellent, but the hibiscus was missing a lot. It was too sweet and the favors were just wrong. Overall, great place for dining.
(4)
Gabrielle W.

Ahhhh El Vez. It's been awhile since I have been to this establishment as I am typically jonesin' for Italian. Anyway, I started with the traditional guacamole and their queso fundido con carne. I felt like the guacamole could have used a pinch more of salt and the fundito was the second best in the city. El Ray has the best fundito. I had the steak tacos for my entree and my husband had the pork. The steak was really good and the pork wasn't that great. The reason I am giving them 3 stars is because of the service. How many times did we have to call our waitress over to get more alcohol? 3. That's 3 times too many in my book! I know if was probably close to the end of her shift (10pm) but the one thing that makes me crazy is not having an alcoholic beverage in front of me at all times when I go out to dinner. I can see if our waitress might have missed my very empty cocktail glass but my dinner companions had empty beer bottles as well. No bueno El Vez. No bueno.
(3)
Maria Q.

Loved everything. Today, my three friends and I decided to stop by for a last minute lunch. Everything from the food to service was incredible. I've worked in restaurants for years and I must say our waitress was one of these best I've ever had. (I believe her name was Kimberly?). We always had fresh plates, silverware, and never had to ask for refills. My tortilla soup and grilled corn were excellent as well as the HUGE mountain of delicious guacamole we ordered. Never a disappointing time at El Vez.
(5)
Randi W.

Haven't been here in a little while, but it seems the over-hype has finally died down and now one can actually get in the door. Delicious food. I guess it's not "authentic" for mexican, but it's authentically delicious and a nouveau twist on mexican.
(4)
Magne S.

This is my second time coming out to El Vezito and I must say, the 2 hour wait & the reservations that were apparently booked for 2 months in advance isn't ENTIRELY worth it. OK maybe make reservations a week in advance, but not 2 months. HONESTLY: chips/guac and any of their chips/any dip (ESP the queso machego dip) is absolutely delicious. I have never had a more delicious dip in my life & it is for that little bowl of cheese and warm, crunchy tortillas that will be having me come back (with a reservation done in a week in advance). I wouldn't bother ordering anything else on their menu. I picked an imitation of a caesar salad, i think it was called the ce'sar and it just didnt even taste good. Drinks are delicious, had the frozen bloody orange. Went with 5 other girlfriends, great spot to come after work/classes/just want to hang out and drink. Casual, comfortable, always packed.
(4)
Marc R.

Best beef tacos I think that I have ever had. Can't go wrong with any of the food here.
(5)
Salima C.

Absolutely Love the guacamole it is amazing. Tacos are teeny tiny but still Delish. Drinks AWESOME
(3)
Pam S.

Very disappointing. If you call, they say they dont take reservations. Then when you spend money for parking to go, you get there and they tell you its an hour and 45 min wait or we could make reservations and they are about 3 weeks out. Not worth it. Dont waste your time. We heard good things about this place but they just lost my business and I will make sure my friends all know to not go.
(1)
Serena D.

went there for happy hour. The atmospherics is so cool, I love it's deco! I ordered nachos (salsa mexicana, I think), it was sooo good! The tortilla is crispy, and the sauce is flavorful! I loved it! Their chicken tinga quesadilla was good, too. I ordered mojido, the drink was ok, not bad. I will definitely come back for a lunch or dinner.
(5)
Tammy L.

I have been to El Vez twice and love love love it. It's not "authentic" Mexican food by any stretch--it is more like kitschy Mexican food with a twist. The sea bass tacos are probably the most delicious and different fish tacos I have ever had. They aren't the usual fried white fish with cabbage and some kind of creamy sauce. These are on corn tortillas and the fish seems like it could be sablefish/black cod/butterfish (whatever you happen to like to call it), rather than sea bass. But who cares?? It is delicious and buttery. So a rectangular prism of fish is placed atop a little pile of sweet potato puree, then garnished with grilled green onions and fried jalapeno. Oh my. It is one of those combos that is greater than the sum of its parts. So delicious. My most recent visit was for a wedding rehearsal dinner and the sea bass tacos were one of the family-style entrees. Everything was fantastic, but there was so much food that we couldn't finish anything...except the sea bass tacos. Yup, get those. They are worth the premium price tag. I have also tried the black bean enchiladas (delicious, and tasted like there was some saffron in the sauce--unexpected!), elotes, and guacamole. My first visit, my friend and I had the truffle guacamole with huitlacoche. Oh my. Again, absolutely worth the premium price tag. I was sad to learn that they've since taken it off the menu. :( But their classic guacamole is really delicious, as I'm sure all the other variations are. The elotes were also really good. We also had an assortment of desserts at the rehearsal dinner--churros, flan, tres leches cake, and a chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream. Sooooo good. My personal favorite was the tres leches cake. Basically, I'm fairly sure you just can't go wrong with any food at El Vez. The margaritas are tasty too. I have had better elsewhere, but they are still very good. I'm getting hungry just thinking about this place!
(5)
Clint W.

I read the reviews before I offered my voice, because - to be honest - there appears to be some divided opinions. I think it's important to keep in mind that in the realm of Mexican food, sometimes distinguishing quality is a tough task. Nothing personal, but Mexican food options have a capacity to blend together, in my opinion. To paraphrase Stein, a quesadilla is a quesadilla is a quesadilla. But that's not always true. The quality of a restaurant like El Vez is 20,000 leagues above its competitors. I'm willing to admit that the experience might be dependent upon your order. I can only speak to the shared fajitas with chicken and steak and fresh veggies, which was all brought to our table on a steaming, hot griddle pan (not your average flat pan) - along with fresh sour cream, homemade guac, salsa, and warm tortillas. The portions are generous, the drinks above average, and the prices - unfortunately - can be a little steep. I think it's a great date place. It'll probably run you in the $60-70 range, but it's worth it for a night out in Center City at what I consider to be a great restaurant. I have no reservations in saying that it is one of the best - if not the best - Mexican food I've ever had. Avoid the common pitfalls of ordering one too many margaritas, overindulging on beans and rice, and choosing a menu option outside the Mexican cannon - and I think you'll absolutely love this place.
(5)
Melissa T.

Wow! I was so impressed by this place! This restaurant was on my list of must eats for Philly after reading the yelp reviews and being a huge Mexican food fan. El Vez did not disappoint. The food was amazing and fresh! We had the guacamole with mangos, red bell pepper, jicama and habanero peppers. It was unique and fantastic! We went during brunch time and my plate of huevos sopes which was basically a Mexican version of eggs Benedict was incredible. I also highly recommend the mahi mahi tacos....one of the best fish tacos I've ever had. Their menu items are Mexican dishes but with a unique flair. Put this on your list too!
(5)
Stanton S.

Probably the best fish tacos (grilled sea bass, butternut squash, fried jalapeÃ±o peppers on corn tortilla) I have ever tasted. Blood orange margaritas also rank among the best I have ever had. Chips, salsa and guacamole were all good...not great. Cool vibe. Solid service.
(5)
Trevor S.

Nice, cool location, food tastes good, large guac bowl is awesome, but the inside of the place is starting to feel dated.
(3)
Philly C.

I always wanted to go to El Vez, so now that I tried it, I can safely say that I am thoroughly impressed!!! I have been there twice and each time, the food was completely amazing. I dont think people can really understand how good their food is until you try it for yourself. I am hooked on their nacho mamma dish! It is Super yummy!!! Oh and I cannot believe the party in my mouth when I have their red sangria!!! Um Um Um!! And their fish tacos are awesome, not a large dish, but they are quite filling. Try the fish tacos, Please!!! You will not be disappointed. Now on to the service: Its a pretty popular spot, so the wait can be long and there really isnt anywhere to wait. There is no waiting area and if the bar is full, you are basically assed out. Its definitely a good idea to make reservations. Overall, I highly recommend El Vez! Run, don't walk to this place. You will LOVE the food!!!
(5)
Atiya N.

Drinks are great and food was delicious that I have tried. Would go more often but they are always crowded, especially on weekend nights!
(4)
Allison B.

Sure, the guacamole may be muy bueno and the atmosphere is fun and funky, but you know what? Two margaritas, some shared guac and a bowl of soup just doesn't seem worth $40 to me. Of course the waiter is going to push the truffle guacamole. Of course it's $18. Don't waste your money. Portions are small! Bathroom was missing paper towels and four out of six soap dispensers were empty. Uh, Stephen? Maybe you can help 'em out here?
(3)
John K.

Went back just for drinks and guac with the GF and her friend. We had the Bazooka Limon (garlic, goat cheese, pistachios) ... had a really oniony twang to it. I'm not partial to raw onions so I wasn't inhaling the guac like I usually do. I had the Paloma - pretty good. Ladies had the blood orange margs - pitchers - good as always. Annoyed by our server who asked for the signed check back before it was even offered. Relax buddy ... I tipped you more than 20% considering the only food item was guac. Full disclosure: It was before dinner time on a Tuesday - countless tables were open. Also had to ask for the chips to be replenished. This is all considering this is one of my favorite restaurants for Mexican in the city.
(3)
Keenan B.

El Vez is another Stephen Starr restaurant. This means sexy lighting, cool decor, and music playing at a perfect volume. I enjoy all these things about Stephen Starr restaurants. What I dislike, and El Vez is no exception, is the focus on ambiance over food. Yes, I go out to eat for the atmosphere and to be with friends. But I mainly go out to eat for the food. While the focus on ambiance detracts from the food quality, El Vez manages the simple dishes well. Guacamole was good, nachos - good, cornbread - just fine. If you go for anything entree-oriented, brace yourself for some disappointment. My personal poor experience was with the hongos huarache. Marketed as a mushroom flatbread, the hongos huarache was brought to my table and looked like a pile of mushrooms in a pool of brown sauce topped with another pile of pickled slaw. The actual "flatbread" was buried underneath all of the toppings. I could not tell if the dough was soggy from the sopping-wet buttered mushrooms or the sour, obviously days old, brown sauce (which I learned was supposed to be salsa verde although, let me assure you, there was nothing verde about it except for its past life). I actually ate several bites of this rotting heap of leftovers before I couldn't even look at it anymore. I told the server. My disappoint was acknowledged. But I was never apologized to or given any compensation for the poor food experience. Bottom line: if you want guacamole, margaritas, and cool atmosphere while you're in the area, go ahead and stop in. But if you want a meal, there are loads of other Mexican restaurants in Philadelphia, most of which have quality guacamole and margaritas, a more authentic atmosphere, and better food.
(2)
Christine G.

Good mexican food and better margaritas. Fish burritos and the different guacs are great, especially the one with basil in it. Plan at least a 2 hour wait most of the time or make reservations weeks in advance.
(5)
Nicole L.

El Vez is the place to hang out with your girlfriends - loud, colourful, and shiny. There's potent booze aplenty, so be sure to start with the extensive menu before the tequila takes you over. Highly recommended are the beef tacos and the shrimp ceviche. Expect tapas-sized portions of food for steep prices, but each bite is full of flavour and surprisingly filling. Don't forget to check out the old-school black-and-white photo booth in the middle of the restaurant -- at $3 per strip, it's a fun way to remember the night!
(4)
Natalee F.

$18 guacamole!!! Holy sh*t!!!! It was tasty though and served in one of those stone grinders with a palm leaf - points for presentation. They didn't make it tableside like they used to when it first opened, years ago. The service was friendly and welcoming and they didn't rush us out of the table at all. The sangria was 3 out of 5 stars. With the amount of ice that was in it, maybe they should have made it stronger, so it didn't taste so watered down. I love the decor and the booths was cozy and comfortable.
(4)
Stephannie A.

Went during restaurant week for a friends birthday. Our server was great and accommodated us when we had to leave on short notice packing things up to go. Tuna tostadas were so yummy but full of flavor so I think it's a good one to split between 2 ppl. Good guac and flank steak with creamed corn was perfectly cooked. Desert was meh (tres leches cake) and quesadilla was good but not great. For everything I got which was a 4 course meal totally worth it but I'm not sure if I'd come back and pay full price on dinner. You are definitely paying for service and ambiance but if that's your thing go for it!
(4)
Matthew K.

Wife and I went for lunch. Oder original guacamole and was good. Salsa was also fantastic. I order the chicken burrito and it was ok not great. Wife got tuna salad and she loved it. Service was the huge problem. Waited 15 for drinks. We just sat there with nothing.
(4)
Minaz M.

The food was outstanding!!! We ordered the Nachos Mama, Flautas, Fundido and Chicken Tacos between 3 people. Quantity was perfect and the taste was phenomenal!!! I got the Guava Margarita and my sister got the Guava Mojito and we loved our drinks. The best part was that the drinks are really really strong!!! I loved this place!!! the only downside was that the noise level was too high for my liking. At the end of the night, we probably ended up paying $30-$35 per head and I thought that was really reasonable for the kind of food, drinks and ambiance! Will definitely be going back!!!
(5)
VikÃ©ndios N.

Was recommended to El Vez by the concierge at The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia. ATMOSPHERE: Modern, contemporary, young & fun. BEVERAGE: Frozen blood orange margarita - Awesome. Silver tequila, triple sec , fresh blood orange purÃ©e FOOD: Bazooka limon guacamole - Awesome. Goat cheese, chile flakes, pistachio, roasted tomato. Super fresh! Chicken burrito suizo - Very good. Grilled adobo chicken, rice, queso fresco, red chile sauce, chihuahua cheese. Good size, couldn't finish the last 1/4. DESSERT: Mexican banana split - Good. Didn't care for the plantains (didn't read the description too well before ordering - saw BANANA and that was it!) ;) Keoki coffee - Good. Kahlua, dark crÃ¨me de cacao, coffee, brandy, whipped cream. SERVICE: Fast & friendly. OVERALL: Great Mexican cuisine, good for late-night fun & dessert.
(4)
Abhishek Y.

Summary: Great food, big portions, kind of expensive! Remember when all your friends were turning 21 one-by-one? Remember all those crazed nights, with the sheer awesomeness of complete randomness? Yeah. This was one of those nights. (Gosh... now I feel old) Anyways... I'd gone here with 2 of my friends, one of whom was turning the glorious two-one. We had drinks (both variants - some boozed up and some sans-alcohol) flowing all through the night, appetizers, entrees, and dessert. Aka, we didn't skimp out on anything. We went for the real deal. (Disclaimer: For the safety and security of your wallet and credit line, I recommend that you avoid doing this.) Libations consisted of several different margaritas (El Vez, Pink Cadillac, and Golden), some specialties (Julep and Sangria Blanca), and the Michelada. They make great variants of most of them in the virgin and alcoholic variants, and I personally can attest for the awesomeness of the Sangria Blanca and the Michelada. The Sangria was absolutely spot on - correct sweetness, correct flavoring - and it hit the spot. Appetizers were the traditional El Vez guacamole (awesome as usual - get it), the Mexican Chopped Salad, and the Queso Fundido De Hongos. I wasn't particularly fond of the latter two, but as I mentioned, go for the guacamole. You won't be sad. Then again, the Queso was a hit at my table, but just not with me, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt (or cheese?). Mains consisted of the pollo annatto, the huarache de hongos (vegetarian), and the pasilla braised pork. I can't speak for the non-veg dishes, but the huarache was absolutely phenomenal. The sauces were spicy and delectable, the veggies were cooked perfectly, and they were awesome. The other guys really liked their mains too, so I'd venture to guess that all 3 are pretty good. Dessert was just churros and flan. Oh wait. I can't say 'just.' It was AWESOME churros and flan. Really really good stuff. Mouth-gasm inducing stuff. Yeah. That good. Other friends who've visited haven't raved as much about the desserts, so maybe it was just good luck on a good night, but they were fantastic. Service was great as well, and our server was very helpful and attentive to our table, even though the place was packed and she had a ton of other tables to work with. The one downside? 65$ per person (78$ including tip) at the end of the night. Granted, we had a ton of food and drinks, it was a great evening, and going in, we knew that our wallets would be lighter at the end of the evening, but some of the items are still overpriced. However, if money is no concern - go here. It'll be a fun visit. If it is a concern... well. Save up! :)
(4)
Calvin Y.

I REALLY wanted for El Vez to live up to the hype that I had heard before coming in. Sadly, while it is by no stretch horrible, there are a few elements about this restaurant that keep it from being truly memorable in a positive light. As another review stated, this place is way overrated. I hate to think about it, but overall it may have even been borderline unremarkable. After hearing about it on Yelp and having it personally recommended by a few locals in the area, I thought this would be a nigh-bulletproof choice for an anniversary dinner. Heck, even the hotel that we stayed at recommended El Vez on their list, citing that it has one of the "best margaritas" in the area. Expectations were heightened when I attempted to place a reservation two days before dining, only to find that there were NO reservations available for that day. First, the good. When we arrived, staff tried to be very accommodating towards us. I really appreciated the extra care from the staff and management. As busy as they seemed, I could tell that the staff really made it a point to take care of us. Even though I feel like they may have fallen short a few times, I really appreciate the effort, but wonder how big of a difference it would have made if I hadn't told them that is was our anniversary. I'm just glad that I did, not because we got free churros for dessert, but because if I had not, I feared that we may have been seated at the high top RIGHT next to their photo booth. It seemed to be really popular that night, much to the chagrin of the couple sitting there. I was planning on getting some pictures taken in the booth with my girlfriend to commemorate the night, but decided in better taste not to, as the booth seemed to generate several bright flashes every minute, which caused the couple to wince almost every time. I've been to light shows that have been less obnoxious, and decided that it wasn't worth the pictures to further ruin their night, lest I risk give one of them a seizure. *If there is ANYTHING management can take from this review, it is about what I have written about directly above. A darker curtain, or a plywood wall, or SOME sort of barrier between the photo booth and the two-top right next to it probably would save future customers sitting there a lot of grief.* Although I said that the staff seemed to be making a commendable effort to accommodate us, I still have to say that they fell short. It has nothing to do with the quality, but most likely the quantity of staff. While they were friendly, a lot of things took a decently long time. It took over 10 minutes for a drink I ordered to arrive, and nearly 45 minutes for any semblance of full comprehensive food to come out. I say comprehensive because El Vez is pretty smart about how they do their chips and guac, because without any guacamole, the chips aren't seasoned enough to stand on their own. They take a lot of pride in their house-made guacamole, but the portions seemed a bit small for the price, and the quality was pretty underwhelming. Passable, but nothing to be super proud of. Speaking of pride, El Vez makes a point to advertise their margaritas, which before as I mentioned, has been not only recommended by them, but even by surrounding hotels. It's nice to see Mexican places offer margaritas that are not frozen by default, and since they were special, I opted to try their signature cocktail, and upgraded from the default tequila to one of the other ones that was offered on their rather impressive tequila list. While a solid drink, I feel like the tequila that I ordered carried the drink, and had I not upgraded to something else from the default, I would have ended up with a lackluster drink. With the upgrade, it was nice, but seriously nothing worth writing home about. The food here seemed to follow the theme of the guacamole and cocktail on being A-OK, but not rising to the prestige that the restaurant seemed to have. The most distinct aspect about the food here isn't the quality though, but the quantity. The tacos and enchiladas are both tiny, and I don't think there is any other way to put it. I don't think it took me more than 2 or 3 bites to finish each enchilada, and I was on good behavior that night, due to being our anniversary, meaning that I was prohibited from inhaling food. All in all, I've definitely had much worse, but I've also had much better. I'm not sure whether or not I could truly recommend this place or not, but would have to conclude that this place, at least to my experience, didn't quite live up to the hype. If you come here, DEFINITELY do whatever you can to not be seated by the photobooth. Your retinas will thank you for it.
(3)
Jessica S.

El Vez is one of those places that I have a love hate relationship with. It's all Steven-Starr'ed out, with the fancy shmancy cool cat atmosphere, relatively high prices, and lack of specials at all times. But I have to say, I always keep coming back and enjoying myself, even though outwardly I'm all like "Pshh not another typical Starr place, soooooo overplayed" yada yada yada El Vez serves some delish food products. The guacamoles -- numerous cool and different options -- are always good and served with warm homemade chips. If you know me, you know I judge any place that serves tortilla chips on a) the fact that they are homemade and b) the quality of the homemade chip is intact. I've had their salads, numerous appetizers (OMG the Manchego sauce), and one or two entrees. All good. The only gripe I have about the food is the teenie tiny size of their damn tacos. Three tacos with a tortilla that's smaller than a damn coaster? OK NO. I want more taco. Especially for $12-$18. What the hell El Vez? The kitchy atmosphere here actually makes me really happy. Those large round velvet booths have a VIP feel to them. You can have 6-8 people in there and it's very intimate and make you want to keep ordering pitchers of those margaritas. The photo booth is a cool touch, the bathroom situation kinda makes me feel like I'm at some sort of underground rave or large concert venue, and the Oscar de la Hoya bike is pretty shnazzy. I guess my number one favorite thing to come here to do would be to sit down, order a pitcher of margarita and just get straight up drunk. Lunch time, happy hour, dinner, late night. Whatever. They are strong, they are delicious, and they will get you drunk! Hammer time. How can I really hate on a place with good margaritas that lets me drink too many? That's right, no I cannot.
(3)
Melany W.

Loved this place! They combined my two favorite things, crab and pico de gallo in an appetizer! Their home made chips were fresh and the waitress kept the free refills coming. We also had the Taco for 2 and were really impressed when it came out in this giant pot like dish. It was so much food that we couldn't finish it. We decided on the chicken and steak. It was absolutely delicious. I will definitely be back. The atmosphere was fun, and the price was reasonable.
(5)
Regin G.

Fun, great location, great atmosphere.
(5)
Kitty P.

I love this place! The drinks are delish- the portions are large and the guac is soooo yum! There are so many amazing places to eat in Philly and this place is one of my favorites... I think more for the ambiance than anything.
(4)
Joe D.

The guac will change your life.
(4)
Nicole Z.

Tasty food. A little spendy for portion size.
(3)
Beth S.

Overpriced, small portions, but good food. Seriously, I didn't know they made taco shells that small! Get the guac, some corn, some margaritas, and sit outside. It's super noisy inside.
(3)
Janelle H.

I've been hearing about El Vez for sometime from one of my best girl friends and per her this place always has the longest wait so it's probably smarter to get reservations. We, however, went just the two of us and luckily got a table soon as we came in. Food is delicious, I mean, it's mexican, so you're usual tacos, enchiladas, done very well I must say. I had their camarones tacos and my friend had their pollo enchalada, both were very good. Our best experience here would probably be the drinks and the desert! I had their Zapata and it was delicious, I literally wanted to have a pitcher of it on my own, but I'm too embarassed to do it so like a classy lady, just ordered it in rounds (haha). I think it needed a tad bit more smirnoff though because all the stuff in it kind of drowned out the alcohol taste. For our sweet ending, we ordered their Churros! Anything you dip in chocolate is delish, but a churro that's crispy in the outside and warm in the inside is just heaven! Oh hey, the place is soooo pretty too! I would love to have the rest of my girlfriends here, very chic and lively, plus there's plenty of mirrors in the bathroom...what group of girls wouldnt love that!? haha
(4)
Natali Q.

The hostess were friendly. The location and ambience of the place are great. Although I had high expectations my experience wasn't near reaching them. The plate and cups that had been placed on the table hadn't been throughly washed I had to ask the waitress to retrieve them. The service was somewhat slow and food took forever to come out. The tacos were good, but not the best I've had. I guess I would come back and give it another go and probably update my review. Until then, I'm keeping the 3 stars.
(3)
Danielle D.

Have been here at least once a month and receive consistently good service, great drinks, and yummy food. Service is always impeccable. Sometimes there's a wait, but it's a popular spot. Once seated, you're never waiting too long to see your server, and they are very good at refilling water and especially good at ensuring that you have enough cocktails and drinks. I'm not a tequila (and therefore margarita) fan, but I love their Pink Cadillac margarita! You can also get Corona on draft, which is the king of beers in my book. Their rojo sangria is sweet, but goes well with the spicy salsa that is served. Consistently good food! The guacamole happily feeds a party of 5! No one is fighting for the last bits of scrumptious avocado. Wide range of tacos to choose from and all have satisfied. I even got the Mexican chopped salad (with a side of beef) and it was HUGE. The only thing that has been less than stellar were the enchiladas, which were made with a marinara tomato, and weren't quite what I had expected. Otherwise, an obvious favorite of mine, and I take everyone who visits Philadelphia to El Vez.
(4)
Leslie W.

Really good guava margaritas. I like the chicken tacos as well, though I'm not usually a chicken fan. The atmosphere is lively in here but be prepared for a wait most nights for dinner from 6 pm on wards. I've brought my mother and aunt here but they didn't enjoy it as it was too noisy, so this may be a spot for a younger crowd. I'd skip dessert and head across the street for gelato from Capogiro after and then some jazz entertainment at Time up the block.
(4)
Noble S.

Blood orange margaritas, sea bass tacos, and all of the guacamoles...fantastic! I have been to El Vez a dozen times, and I've never been disappointed. The wait times can be long, so be sure to get a reservation (for the weekends, get one a couple of days in advance). I normally go with the carnitas tacos and a pitcher of the blood orange before hopping in the photo booth for a silly picture. El Vez is a quirky, fun, boistrous scene that draws the crowds every night. I visit often when I head back to Philly.
(4)
Vlad O.

Definitely MODERN Mexican food! I came here on a Friday night around 5 PM and was lucky enough to receive a seat. Since it was Friday there were no more reservations available, only walk ins, but I called ahead and told the hostess that I was on my way and she was kind enough to hold us a seat. The servers were all very kind, attentive, and they got our order down perfectly without writing it down! The interior design was very strange but it was pleasant to the eye. I must also draw attention to the bathrooms, for they are probably the nicest ones I have been to! We asked our server for recommendations and we were not disappointed. We ordered the Bazooka Limon Guacamole which was amazing! The goat cheese made it very soft and the sun dried tomatoes made it taste like something more than just guacamole. In addition, it was made with very fresh ingredients. We then ordered the Taco Tasting Platter. It came with 6 different tacos, a sea bass, chicken, beef, carnitas, pork, and the mahi mahi. They were all good but the sea bass was definitely the best because it was very delicate and the sauce on it was paired perfectly. Also the mahi mahi had a very unique and picante flavor to it. Finally we had the enchiladas mixtas which had 3, the chicken, shrimp, and hibiscus. The chicken was by far the best, followed by the shrimp. The hibiscus, however, I did not enjoy at all. It tasted like yams to me and I did not like it at all. My father ordered a classic margarita after being told that El Vez serves the best margaritas in all of Philadelphia and he was not disappointed. We paid about $65 for guacamole, a margarita, a taco platter, and an enchilada platter and we were left happy and not hungry. I would've given El Vez 5 stars but the shrimp and hibisuc enchiladas were ok and so were some of the tacos. TIPS: Get the Bazooka Limon guacamole!!! Try the Sea Bass tacos Everyone seemed to enjoy the margaritas and they were all definitely feeling them Check out the restrooms
(4)
Hannah E.

The margaritas are tasty but a bit pricey for what you're getting. If I could plan out your meal, get either the De La Hoya or Bazooka guacamole to start with your El Vez margarita then get the Taco Sampler with your Corona. Don't bother with dessert and you'll leave happy. Both of the fish tacos (Mahi and Sea Bass) are great, the others are nice but can be bought else where for cheaper. Make a reservation and enjoy this Starr restaurant.
(4)
Dana J.

Margaritas are my weakness. As in I crave them even in January in Philly. I hadn't been to El Vez before and I had to try the margaritas. The pink Cadillac was great as was the classic. Although they're pricey for a pitcher, they're normal priced for one margarita. The guac was amazing. I had the classic and I don't know what they did to it but it was amazing. I will definitely try the other varieties. We tried two appetizers-tuna tostados and Mexican pizza. I wouldn't get the pizza again-it was just regular pizza, although it was filling. The tuna tostados were good but I would try other apps the next time I go here.
(3)
Liza K.

I kept hearing about El Vez, and how great their guacamole was, and thinking, "Well, I'm not a huge fan of guac... so I don't really need to go." But then my brother and his girlfriend visited me from out of town and requested great Mexican food. So of course, I had to take them to El Vez, and of course they wanted the guac and the nachos. OMG! I went from saying I wasn't going to eat any of guac and nachos to stuffing my face after one bite. We had the El Vez original guacamole which is hands down the best guac I've ever had. It had a nice mix of creamy avocado, and fresh tomatoes, cilantro and onions. They obviously used their own chips, and the crunchy-creamy combination was just perfect. They also serve the guac in this huge stone bowl which makes the experience so much more exciting. The Macho Nachos with steak and that was also amazing. When I think nachos, I normally expect that fake "nacho cheese" and cheap chips. This was the exact opposite. They loaded their corn chips with lots of real cheese, steak and black beans. I was really impressed. It was just good quality food, not the cheap nachos I usually have to share with Mexican food lovers. We also shared the taco combination plate, which was a bit too much food for three people. All of the tacos were really good, and all except one used a corn tortilla. I also insisted on getting their plantain con queso side. That was amazing! If I hadn't been so full from all the other food I think I would have just eaten that all day. The plantain was perfectly cooked - it was soft and not too crunchy. I returned to El Vez with friends visiting from Texas and they were also very impressed. They insisted on getting the classic guac and Macho Nachos, but we added the queso fundido de hongos (queso with mushrooms), which was amazing! I've never had anything quite like it. The mushroom flavors were really strong and complimented the cheese really well. We had a variety of their drinks on both occasions. They were all very strong. They have a good variety too! I definitely recommend going to El Vez, and getting a reservation if you go on a Friday or Saturday night. We waited a little over an hour for a table of three on a Friday night - obviously it was well worth it! And both times we got a huge booth, which was very comfortable!
(5)
Elisa F.

It's so fun and the chips and dips are wonderful!
(5)
Jessica B.

I was in Philadelphia for a convention and picked El Vez because I like Mexican Elvis. The restaurant did not disappoint. I love the art. I love sitting outside and drinking Pink Cadillac Margaritas after playing booth babe at the conference all day. I LOVE the many different kinds of guacamole that made me break my diet six ways from Sunday. The Morales guacamole with black truffle, cilantro and huitlacoche, was, no contest, the best I have ever had in my life. We also had two different kinds of fish tacos, mahi-mahi and sea bass. They were both good; the sea bass ones are tasty and smallish while the mahi-mahi were more substantial. El Vez was, by far, the highlight of my business trip. Awesome.
(5)
Alicen R.

Casey is one of the best waitresses I've ever had. Great experience all around. Plan and simple. It's a must go.
(5)
Cindy T.

Possibly one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. I haven't been disappointed so far out of the many times I've been there. Food - Everything is delicious, especially the guacamole which I think El Vez makes the best in the city. I especially love the enchiladas and cheesy corn rice too. Sometimes I think the soft taco shells are a bit dry but the filling (be it mahi mahi or steak) is always cooked to perfection. They also make a mean margarita. My favorite drink though is the Pink Cadillac. Atmosphere - Very hip, upbeat, and lively. The decor reminds me of a cross between "That 70s Show" and the inside of the "I Dream of Jeannie" lamp. I love the photo booth in the back which let's you capture the time you are sure to have at El Vez. However, if you are expecting to have an intimate conversation or even an inside voice conversation, you won't be able to do it here because you'll need to shout over the music and noise. Service - The service is pretty good usually but if you choose to sit outside and people watch, expect a longer wait because sometimes I think the waitstaff forget they have outdoor seating. Overall this is definitely a place to go for a delicious, albeit not quite authentic, Mexican meal.
(5)
Paige H.

The food has always been decent and I really like the atmosphere. My issue isn't with either of these things, it's with the manager. We arrived at 11pm for a few drinks and were told they did last call already. We had been sitting there with menus and it was apparent the bartender didn't even know because he was ready to serve us. Yelp and their website says that they're open till midnight Mon-Sat so we figured we'd be okay. She even went as far as to recommend one of the places across the street. Great business strategy. Word of advice try to get there before 11.
(1)
Jewelry Y.

EVERYTHING I've had here has been slamming. And I've had lots of stuff. Guacamole, brunch, margaritas, enchiladas, salsa, queso...you really can't go wrong. Plus, there's a photo booth. Who doesn't love a photo booth after a few ritas?
(5)
Alex F.

The price is very reasonable compared to the outrageous prices.
(5)
Kevin J.

My buddy and I were starving. We came here with a group to get a few beers and some food in us before a night of drinking in center city. They have a decent selection of beer. We chilled at the bar and everything was as to be expected. Then we all sat down at a table when our reservation came up. My friend and I ordered Chipotle Chicken Tacos. Three SMALL silver dollar sized open face tacos came out, with only one tiny piece of chicken on each with a lot of shredded lettuce on top. I cannot emphasize the word "small" enough. Our eyes went wide with shock. We were infuriated that we just paid around $12 for 3 bite size tacos. First of all I am not into tapas plates because I think it is just a way to give a customer a small amount of food and charge them more. Secondly for the cost of the dish, the quantity was a joke. They did not even taste good. This could of, should have been a $4 appetizer plate and even then I would have disliked it. I could have eaten $150 dollars worth of chipotle tacos and I am not a big guy. They need to take their entrees back to the drawing board. These are not entrees, but tasteless appetizers at best. Why does taking regular Mexican food, Americanizing it, and putting less on a plate equal a more expensive dish? This is last time I will come here to eat. My buddy and I were hangry (so hungry that we were angry). I would have much rather went to Chipotle. I don't mind paying for quality, but this certainly is not. News flash to El Vez, less is not more. I would of considered two stars, b/c their bar was not that bad, even though seated was limited. However, I am getting hungry just thinking about the incident. (Note: the price range I gave this place is if a customer actually tried to get full here).
(1)
Christian K.

great as always.
(5)
Kareem J.

Mahi Mahi Tacos!!!
(4)
Holly A.

Make a reservation and you will NOT be disappointed!!! It gets crowded but it is a fun and lively atmosphere. They have small tables, long tables, and fun round velvet tufted booths that will fit parties of 5-7. Those are my favorite because it creates an intimate atmosphere in the middle of the boomin restaurant. This is such a delicious restaurant..it would be hard to get something you don't like. We started the night out with the infamous Frozen Blood Orange Margs. Not too sweet, just refreshing and diff than the ave marg if that is what you are feeling. The queso fundido with truffles are to die for! You want to lick the entire hot plate! The regular guacomole is amazing and the ahi tuna tacos are perfect to share. Now the main entree: If you want to share I would suggest ordering the taco sampler. It has more than enough meat in each to share and you will not be disappointed! My all time fav however, is the sea bass tacos. They just melt like butter in your mouth. If you want to stay on the semi traditional side, order the chicken enchiladas! The white sauce is amazing, then order a side of plantains - again, more than enough to share. We will def return with all our out of town visitors!!!
(5)
Dianna V.

I'm giving 4 stars for the atmosphere, the guac and the drinks. My margarita was just right and the carnitas were delicious. It's nothing spectacular and I do not think this is the best Mexican in the city, but it's great when it's not super busy. I sat at the bar for lunch the last time I was there and the bartenders were nice and very attentive.
(4)
A B.

I felt like I was paying for the ambiance rather than the food here - I am not sure I would go back unless it was for a happy hour. I spent nearly $50.00 for fish tacos, two margaritas, and half of the cost of guacamole (split the app with a friend). For the price, I prefer the quality, service, and taste of Distrito and La Calaca Feliz - I felt like I got more for my money there. While I did enjoy my food, I didn't enjoy it enough to be excited about coming back for a meal, even if it would be for a special occasion. I will happily come back for a happy hour.
(3)
Erica F.

Sea bass tacos..are sex.
(5)
Amy N.

If you like guac -- theirs may change your life, apparently. If you're not big on guac -- their guac will be your gateway guac into possibly learning to like other guac. Or at least that was my experience with the Bazooka guacamole. The cocktails here are always well mixed & tasty - some of them are quite delicious, the Frozen Blood Orange Margarita in particular. The food is good - but being a fan of true, risk-your-internal-organs'-health-but-its-so-good Mexican.... It's just overpriced semi-Mexican (whose portions, to be fair, are completely fine.) Luckily, their Specials of the night are usually pretty good, and much more reasonable. The atmosphere is fun though, and the crowd is usually pretty friendly by the bar on crowded nights. (But damn, it can get crowded.) It's also great that they offer outdoor seating. Our waitress on my first sit-down experience *completely* gave us the wrong check. And then disappeared for 15 minutes! She was trying to give us time to sort ourselves out -- but this crowd was quick to throw down cash & not one to nickel & dime. We sat there wondering if she'd left the restaurant entirely! Bit strange. Not gonna' lie.
(3)
Wendy M.

This is la unica VEZ that I'll eat here. That being said, it's a pretty solid place. It's not a disappointing restaurant by any means; but if you're looking for a real gem this is not it. My verdict: THIS PLACE IS WAY OVERRATED. First, let me say that the organization here could use some serious work. It's such a popular place that reservations are basically impossible to get within 72 hours. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary, and decided to peep in anyway just to see if we could get a table. We were told that the wait would be around 1.25 hours. That was fine, and we got some awesome gelato in the surrounding places. After we were seated, the waitress attempted to pour us water and ended up spilling it all over the table and floor because of the super awkward shaped pitchers. Imagine pouring water out of a spatula. Just give your servers normal pitchers! The ones with spouts! We ordered our appetizer - Tito Santana Guac, tacos de camarones, and enchiladas mixtas. A few minutes later, a lady comes by and gives us a bowl of chips and guac, nicely presented in a volcanic rock bowl. The boyfriend and I dig in and start eating, and then our waitress comes to our table and informs us that the guac is not ours. It is then confiscated, like it is our fault for mind-controlling the server into delivering the guac to the wrong address. And then we began our 40 minute penace/wait. FORTY MINUTES. My boyfriend was beginning to get antsy as the last of the gelato was digested in his stomach. He ordered one of the so-called famous from-scratch-no-sour-mix margaritas, and was told it would cost an extra $1.75 to substitute Kah tequila for the regular kind. The result was the loss of an entire lime forest, as million of limes lost their lives to the drink alone - basically, it reeked of lime. Noise level - like the Harry Potter muffliato spell. I could barely hear anything my boyfriend said, and had to resort to mundane female actions like giggling and batting my lashes. Learning sign language would be useful in communicating with your tablemates if you choose to communicate while in this establishment. Now back to our FORTY MINUTES with nothing to eat but lime juice and alcohol. Our correct guac finally came out, and since I had developed trust issues from the first guac we had been served, I proceeded to eat this one out of my lap. They paced the food perfectly, and our dishes came out as soon as I finally relinquished my empty guac bowl. I must say, the portion sizes were abysmal for the prices. Sure, the presentation was cute, but I can't really eat plates can I? My shrimp tacos consisted of three painfully small corn tortillas (think the size of a baseball) with 3-4 shrimp in each. My boyfriend's enchiladas could only be described as "cute". Six bites later, all three kid-meal sized enchiladas were gone. We survived off the remaining chips left over from the guac for the rest of the meal. We ordered churros for dessert, which the manager was nice enough to give to us compliments of El Vez since it was our anniversary. The 5 churros were great, and had cinnamon swirls in every bite. Then our bill came, and we had been charged $12.75 for the margarita (which was $8 on the menu). Turns out we had been charged $1.75 on top of the price of a Kah shot. Pretty random pricing, but I suppose they have to fund lime genocide somehow. Not a bad experience. But the 40 minute wait for our guac to come out was pretty unacceptable. I expect better from a place that yelp ranks so highly.
(3)
Devon K.

Probably one of my favorite places in Philadelphia. But also the most expensive!! The service is excellent, and the food is great, though! I always get the Blood-Orange Margaritas, and I get a pitcher of them. THEY'RE SO GOOD!
(5)
Cara O.

I just went to El Vez yesterday for brunch for my Birthday. I made reservations two weeks in advance because of what other yelp members recommended. The servers were so nice, funny and gracious. They made sure that we were all enjoying our food and gave us great recommendations on what to order. I had the black bean enchilladas , which were amazing. I also had the Red Wine Sangria. We ordered the amazing guacamole with goat cheese. It was sooo mind blowing. I wanna come back just for their sangria alone haha!! The staff also brought out chocolate sauce and churros with a candle for me. It was so cute and unexpected. I'm definitely coming back to El Vez and had to share my wonderful experience.
(5)
Basil M.

Good stuff. I liked the guacamole and manchego dip appetizers. My chicken burrito was good... Not amazing... But good. My wife LOVED her chicken tinga tacos. Worth a visit.
(3)
Richie R.

Decor and ambiance are great. This is a great place for drinks with an awesome vibe and a good mix of people. However, the reason why I'm giving this place 2 stars is because of the food. In my opinion, food is overpriced, and just not very good, at least the things that I have tried. I will return for drinks, but will pass on the food.
(2)
Neen J.

AH-Mazing! We sat at the bar and ordered their famous guacamole (delish) and so moorish, we both had a version of the tacos which were beautifully presented and each mouthful was an explosion in your mouth! We also LOVED the sorbet tequila chilli shooters (like a little dessert in a glass) - highly recommend this delicious Starr restaurant. PS. Also had fun in their photo booth :) - great sovenier of the night
(4)
Stephanie C.

A 3.5 star place for Mexican where lunch is cheap. Came here when I was in Philly for a work day trip and ate with a colleague. It was pretty quiet around 12 ish- but people started trickling in. I did not get a drink but supposedly the margaritas are good. We started off with the guacamole - they have a bunch of different kinds for you to try. We went with the bazuka, which had pistachios and goat cheese in it- sounds nasty but was actually very good. The chips are nicely home fried. There was definitely a lot of it- you can get full on it. Very fresh. I ordered the crispy mahi mahi tacos- 2 of them that look small but ended up being very filling. I enjoy fish fry so I liked this, and the cabbage was nice. The wrappers- not too big (I like thin wrappers). But, the chipotle dressing was a little too much for it- just a lot of it. My colleague got the chicken burrito- IT WAS HUGE. He's a big dude and he didnt even finish. It looked less gourmet than my dish- more what you'd expect but he said that it's what he always gets, so no complaints there, I suppose. All in all, our waitress was very nice. She made good recommendations and was very attentive. Prices are pretty good - definitely not NY prices; $10-12 for lunch? That's like fast food Mexican in NYC...great swanky decor as well - very spacious. I could see how it could work as a lounge spot.
(4)
Vince R.

This place is amazing. The ambiance is great, the waitstaff is quick and professional, and the food and cocktails are absolutely rocking. The guac is not to be missed. So far I've tried the mango and the goat cheese. The SPICY margaritas are fantastic. Yes. Yes.
(5)
Jill A.

I really like El Vez. The food has never disappointed me. Perhaps the menu is a bit TOO involved for my taste in Mexican food, but I've never had a miss thus far. You must get the Grilled Corn on the Cob with lime chipotle and queso fresco. Sounds simple, yet is intricate enough for taste buds.
(4)
Nikki C.

My friends and I were drunk and dying of starvation and we were basically just going to die on the street if we didn't have food pronto.. and this was the first place we all saw. We wandered in... and then we were told that it was going to be a long wait. Unable to move because we had no more energy, we stood against the extremely crowded bar with wrinkled unhappy faces.. not going to lie, I didn't like how crowded it was. But let me tell you, it was worth dealing with the crowd. The booth they led us to was big, comfy and red.. and it felt private despite how packed the bar area was. There was a tacky photobooth with sombreros, which was great because we were still mildly intoxicated. And the food was really good, as well as the service. All three of us were very pleased and would definitely go back while sober.
(4)
H. I.

I don't really eat Mexican cuisine a lot but if I'm going to, then El Vez is a good pick (although I feel it has a monopoly on Mexican food in the city). Their guacamole is really good and they have 6 different kinds to choose from. I ordered the chicken enchiladas last night and they were delicious with a ton of flavor. Prices are reasonably but once you get through a round of margaritas, guac, dinner, etc. it can get pricey. Great decor and vibe inside, and they also have a photo booth in the back corner. The only downside to coming here is waiting for a table so come early, it get's packed on the weekends quickly.
(3)
Stefanie O.

I was in Philly for the day and brought to El Vez with a group of friends' friends. We ordered off the midday menu which was very reasonably priced- I have a feeling the dinner menu would have been out of my price range. I ordered the black bean enchiladas for $9.75 - delicious. I typically don't like to go out for mexican cause it's just basic beans and rice- especially as a vegetarian- but the balance of vegetables, flavorful sauce, and perfect amount of cheese really MADE this dish. We also split a pitcher of white sangria. WARNING: There are no drink specials- ever. Not even a happy hour! A pitcher ($32) was good for 5 small cups, so it wound up being about $6.50 per tiny drink. Definitely overpriced but admittedly delicious. Lastly, we sat outside but I couldn't help but notice the adorable decor. Really fun, big booths for larger parties. Would definitely be a great place for a party. And I found out they give free churros if it's your bday! My recommendation. Come here for lunch. You won't get a break on drink prices but the food is quite delicious.
(4)
Jenny B.

Went for a nice lunch with a friend. We shared a gucamole and lunch special with Mexican chopped salad and black bean enchiladas. The guacamole with pistachio and goat cheese was really creamy, fresh and flavorful. The crunchy pistachios were a pleasant surprise. The salad was okay, an interesting mix of a lot of different textures. The enchiladas were okay but a bit too much for me-too salty and cheesy.
(3)
Megan M.

Though its quite noisy and not a restaurant for a romantic date, el vez is fun and delicious. Their margaritas always hit the spot, and the nachos and tacos are flavorful. Typical price point for a S. S. restaurant. Be prepared to wait. I like to hit up The Bar next to Zavino after I put my name in.
(3)
John S.

Good spot, decent food.
(4)
Matt B.

There's several correct ways to El Vez. You can go for weekend brunch, which is all sorts of heuvos rancheros greatness. You can light lunch (tortilla soup and caesar salad) and that's a solid sensible choice, probably the quickest way through the chaos. However, my advice is to avoid the chips and go light on starters. Pick a partner, pick a protein, and order tacos for two ... AL CARBON. It's a bad ass order. It's kinda like saying "Al Capone" and it announces to everyone within earshot that you are not playing around. As the meal progresses, others will be getting filled up on fried apps while you are just enjoying the hip decor, laying back in the cut, biding time. Like a big cat slinking through the tall grass, it requires patience and will power and it looks bleak at times. But then, finally, the carbon shows up and it's big time. They haul out a hibachi sized grill, a showstopper. The flavors are caramelized and burnt up just right. It's about 30-ish bucks,comes with 8 flour tortillas and a tray of toppings off to the side. Choose your own adventure. The bar is a clear hook up spot, there's a photo booth, and when the vibe is right, many successful mergers occur. The music is fun and well programmed, any place that drops Sly and the Family Stone "If You Want Me To Stay" is good by me. Drinks are excellent, the limeaid with agave is great. So yeah, go to El Vez it's fun and pretty great but not for novices. Here's a ueful tip, don't walk in to El Vez on a weekend looking like a scraggly hobo, demanding a booth. You don't have to be rich but you have to at least try.
(5)
Srujana Y.

Cool ambiance! Friendly staff and timely service. In general the food is pretty good here. Have tried the chips and guac, cheese enchiladas and veggie quesadillas. Nice spot for lunch on weekends! Oh and I love the mimosas.
(4)
Zach Q.

Somehow, amazingly, I had never been to El Vez before. I've always wanted to and finally made it in tonight. I liked everything about the place. I ordered the taco sampler. They were 5 of the best tacos I ever had. Muy bueno!
(5)
Brooke M.

Here on a work trip, saw how packed it was and thought, it must be good. Place was PACKED on a Tuesday night. Gauc was amazing and I had the Mahi Mahi tacos...so good, and the lime corn for a side. WOW. Everything was cooked to perfection, flavors were spot on, and not greasy .
(5)
ELISA M.

Stopped in recently for a cocktail after a long day of shopping. The Margarita was great as well as the nachos. It fills up pretty quick and gets noisy but that is the scene all along 13th St. these days. I would go again if I was in the area.
(3)
Ellen E.

Enjoyed the brunch and margaritas at el vez. However, I would save a dinner for a different resturaunt.
(3)
Jennifer J.

I don't know. I feel like the buzz about this place should have worn down by now considering there are so many better taco places in the city. It's turned into more of a social establishment than a food one, with people being more enamored with eating "there" rather than quality of food. $19 for guacamole makes me feel like rubbing habaneros all over my wallet to make sure I never come back again.
(2)
Dana L.

Was visiting from NYC and had a pretty good time here even though our first impressions of the place were NOT good. First off, the tall blonde hostess in the front is a BITCH and she's rude to customers. We were not the only people she was nasty too because we heard other people talking about how nasty her attitude is. It started when she asked us if we wanted to sit in the very front of the restaurant and we said yes but then quickly changed our minds when we saw that it was probably the worst seat in the house. So she was mad she had to re-enter our telephone number in her computer and I suppose we are not allowed to change our minds at all because punching in 10 numbers into a computer screen really is a hard task for her. She also made us wait and sat everyone who came in after us first I guess to "teach us a lesson" for changing our minds about not wanted to sit up front in the worst seat in the house. After dealing with her awkward bitchy attitude we had a great experience. The short latina girl who seated us was very nice & our waiter was great! The food and drinks were pretty good as well. It was my first time in Philly and while we were there this was the only place we went to where we were treated rudely(by the blonde hostess). Might be back but I'm sure there are better restaurants around the city that I would like to explore if I ever make it back.
(3)
Dredge K.

on my second trip pluses: homemade hot sauce, fun atmosphere wishes: the margaritas were less sweet, the food was more punchy overall the food was a bit sweet and dull for my tastes, but the homemade hot sauce was quite good at adding kick. my mexican salad was as exciting as something from TGIF 1980s menu and i couldn't help but think that the base of the dressing was thousand islands. the plantains were also very sweet. everything else seemed just ok, like a pared down version of a chain. i actually think the burritos at Baja Fresh are better than the one I had, though my model for a good burrito is like Pancho Villa in the SF mission. it also took half an hour to get our first plates, granted we came 45 minutes after they opened, but there was only one other party there. cute for taking visitors but i personally would rather go to washington street...
(3)
Sarah S.

Everyone will tell you to get the Blood Orange Margarita...and you have to. It is the best in the city. I'm a fan of almost every STARR restaurant in the city, but El Vez is at the top for me. The guac is some of the best in the city, the margaritas are fantastic, and everything from their soup to their tacos is delicious. Service is usually great, restaurant is always clean and energetic. The restaurant only allows for a small percentage of it's tables to be reserved ahead of time (think open table) so even if you can't find something online, call ahead or just walk in. In the summer with all of the outdoor seating options there isn't a long wait- and even if there is- grab a drink and just hang. Overall a great place for classy upscale Mexican.
(4)
Annie N.

The margarita and sangrias are great! Definitely get a pitcher. Love their guacamole. I also like the tacos. They're always crowded. Definitely need to have a reservation; they're always crowded.
(4)
T M.

I love this restaurant! In addition to great food they also have great drinks!!
(5)
Sabina Z.

Came for lunch and looking forward to coming back for dinner. The Guacamole samplers ROCKS!! But, requires Margarita pairing. Huevo Rancheros is as close to authentic as a contemporary Mexican restaurant can be north of the border. Oh yeah! The oversized Yuca fries...YUM!! Great place for groups. Cheers
(4)
Brian Y.

I've been here twice, both times the food was very good and drinks even tastier. Recently we'd gotten a pitcher of Sangria which was very crisp and refreshing. I personally ordered Fish tacos, very well done and the portions were just right for a nice birthday lunch.
(5)
Marie M.

Delicious, we were not disappointed by anything and were actually surprised by how great everything tasted. The margaritas were awesome too. Awesome atmosphere very upbeat and clean. Wait service was very attentive also. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)
Janelle J.

I always have a good time at El Vez. I had my 25th birthday party here a couple years ago and the service was excellent. I don't remember how many pitchers we had in my group, but the margaritas are delicious and very expensive! I also loved their guacamole. I just recently went back to meet with friends and I ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos....they were fantastic, but since you only got 2 for $11, I felt a bit cheated. It's not surprising at a Stephen Starr, but still...what a tease! Overall, El Vez is a nice place to drop by for drinks and light fare.
(4)
Katie D.

While El Vez has some good margaritas, I find that overall the restaurant is trying to be more upscale than the food it serves. Everything is overpriced. It's always packed. And everything is overpriced. If I am going to go out for a good margarita, some guacamole, or a few tacos, I'd much rather head to a cheaper, more casual place in Center City for a laid back night to share a meal and talk with my friends. However, if you're looking for a night out-- getting dressed up, staying out late, getting drunk-- El Vez can give you that experience for a higher cost. Overall, El Vez functions better as a bar than as a restaurant.
(3)
Delvia W.

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I love the Crab Guacamole, Braised short rib burrito, Mai Mai taco, the churros and the pineapple canela. The service is ok. Some times they don't use enough staff for large parties. I would ask how many staff people are they going to assign to your group ahead of time. Enjoy!!!
(4)
Rita M.

Tasty guac and loaded margaritas! This restaurant is easy to spot with its bright 70s-esque mosaics and vertical neon sign. A friend and I walked in around 6:00 on a Friday and it was PACKED, which was a good sign. We actually didn't have to wait at all, but I would recommend reservations if you're coming here around 7:00 or later. I tried the El Vez, Pink Cadillac, and the Granada margaritas. The Granada was definitely the sweetest, with a juicy burst of pomegranate. The Pink Cadillac was also milder and sweet, but I preferred the tangy house margarita out of the three. We chose the Tito Santana guac to start (mango, papaya, chipotle peppers, and fresh onions) and it was fresh and flavorful. I really enjoyed the fruit elements but I wish they used more of them, because the onions were a little strong. I really liked the chips they had; they were substantial and hearty. I also had the Queso Fundido con Carne. It wasn't exactly the best queso fundido I have ever had. The chorizo just wasn't that well-seasoned and tasted more like regular ground pork. Halfway through, I got extremely full. I did feel that the prices were a little high for the types of food El Vez offers, but the portions were nicely sized. I don't think I would be able to finish an entree here unless I was REALLY ravenous. El Vez was quite lively and the service was pretty good for such a busy night. I will definitely make a return trip.
(4)
Mike N.

Please read before going. What makes a restaurant. Obviously food and service. But mostly food. Well, the food was just plain and nothing special. I think Taco Bell maybe even better with the tacos. It is not real mexican food folks. If you want Mexican, do not go here. For the service, it was real bad. So bad that I had to go to the manager / hostess and ask them to get our waiter. NO SERVICE what's so ever. I shouldn't even give a 10% tips, but the folks I was with told me just to give them that much. And for me, I usually give 20%. Honestly, if a customer has to go to a manager / hostess to get a waiter, then the establishment should be embarrassed for themselves. Don't just walk by and just say the waiter will be right there. Run a restaurant, run it right.
(1)
Ajay S.

Mad rush.... Crazy music... But it's all worth it... Amazing food and great fun... So yeah like I said... it's all worth it !!!
(4)
Roma P.

I come here for solely for their guacamole. They don't have very many options for vegetarians, at least none that I've liked enough to come back for. If you're going to go, go with a group of 4+ so you have a chance of getting this cool comfy booths!
(3)
Derek J.

CHIPS AND DIPS is what I have come to associate this place with, and I mean that in the best way possible. The "De La Hoya" guacamole with chips is BOMB! When I first went to this place I asked the waitress what guacamole she suggested, and she said that she would recommend the one above, if I was a garlic lover, I assured her that I was, maaaaan what a great guacamole. I'll keep getting it, and getting it, every time I go back. Honestly, I never had guacamole taste so fresh and flavorful, until now. I love this place's interior design and even if I didn't, there are tables outside.
(5)
Mike R.

The guacamole is a MUST-ORDER as they have a variety of options and often make it table side. In terms of drinks, their margaritas, mojitos and other mixed drinks are all delicious, but if you're thinking of having more than a couple, definitely order a pitcher to save in cost! While the entrees can be small, the tapas-style welcomes parties to share plates and really try everything on the menu. A fave of mine in Philly!
(5)
Gayle M.

We arrived early for lunch and got seated right away. Our server was AWESOME!!! She made food and drink recommendations, which were excellent. The food and service was terrific!!! Can't wait to go back the next time we visit Philly!!!
(5)
Ashley S.

Minus stars because this place is too expensive. And the fact that they don't do happy hour or sips. Lame. I can only comment on the guacamole and drinks, because the price of those precluded me from eating dinner here. The guacamole is awesome. My friend and I stuck with the traditional, and it was good. The drinks were also good and strong but I just really hate paying $10+ for cocktails. I'm sure I'll be back to try the different types of guac, but I definitely think this is a once in a while type place because of the prices.
(3)
Jesse J.

Very fun vibe - great place to go, drink margaritas, have some chips and salsa or guacamole and shout with friends. It has a very queer-friendly vibe, and a cute pink bicycle that's circling on a platform in the middle of the circular bar at the center of the restaurant. Fun, noisy, and good drinks. I'd go back to try the food when I have a chance.
(5)
Vidhi S.

Literally the best Mexican food I have ever had in my life. The guacamole dip that we got was to die for! The drinks were also so good I could not stop at one and I was there for work. Oops! Also such a good atmosphere! Make sure you make a reservation I went on a Monday night and it was still so packed we waited almost an hour but it was soooooo worth it!
(5)
Lars W.

Best restaurant ever. If you don't like it, there's probably a stick up your ass
(5)
Dan H.

Second time going here (the first was a few years back and we were unimpressed) and it was great! Met some friends, who just had their baby, for brunch. Servers were very accomodating with our friend's stroller and gave us a larger booth/table in the back. Started off with guacamole and the chorizo fundito. Guacamole = amazing. Fundito = Amazing (very hot, but amazing). As many other people know, the blood orange (frozen) margarita is muy delicioso! Entrees were also very well executed. I went with their version of steak and eggs. Perfectly cooked (maybe a bit more salt) served with a very interesting, but tasty, tortialla salad (?) on the side. It was all excellent. My wife got the waffle which came with cinnamon spiked syrup and whipped cream. One of the best waffles I've had in a long time. Definitely worth going back for the drinks (which were also great the first time around!)
(4)
Isabelle K.

My love-hate saga with Stephen Starr continues....though he's been winning me over recently. I will say, of his places, El Vez is not my fave. Their margaritas are a little weak and I've certainly had better in the city, but if you're looking for main stream eatery over a Mexi-So Cal dive, they're pretty decent. Decent, drinkable, even enjoyable, just not something to write home about. I haven't had a single thing on the menu to rave about, though everything sounds really good. I will say this. Their decor is pretty funky and their tequila selection is pretty solid. Starr's two strongest attributes are always decor and service. El Vez is no exception. So you're entertaining someone in Center City and want a cool vibe more than a die-hard authentic margarita, this place is a good spot.
(3)
Emily C.

Part of me wonders why this place is always SO, SO crowded and the other part of me is a little salty that I can never get a table when I want to go. El Vez, while probably overpriced, is a great option for Mexican food in Philly. The guacamole and margaritas as always good, especially the truffle guac and the blood orange margarita. Everything I have had there has been pretty solid, certainly not the best or most authentic Mexican food around, but you go for the experience. The atmosphere makes it the type of place that keeps me coming back for more. One of my favorite things about El Vez - besides the guac and margaritas? BRUNCH! Seems to be a well kept secret, as its always pretty quiet when I go in. But it is great.
(4)
Joe H.

I want to fill a tub with the guacamole from El Vez and have access to an endless amount of chips, sit it in and eat every last morsel of it. Friends can stop by for a snack if they'd like...just be careful where you're dipping your chips!
(5)
Miller W.

for ambiance it is 5 stars. food isnt 5 star but I like it. Sure, I've had a hair in my food.. drinks arent strong.. i always come bakc. love it
(5)
Jillian G.

Frozen Blood Orange Margarita is 5 stars (out of five). Food is 2 stars. Unless you drink two Frozen Blood Orange Margaritas first and then order the spicy crab guacamole. Then it's 4 stars. Would go again for the drinks only.
(3)
Wei T.

Good for cocktails and guacamole... that's it. I wouldn't waste the time on the rest of their menu. That being said, I want to try every one of their guacamole offerings. Agreed with everyone else... this place is loud.
(3)
Jung Hee K.

El Vez is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants! The guacamole tastes fresh (although it's overpriced) and the other foods are generally okay. I would say it's more about the dining experience more than the food itself. If you're not much of an adventure seeker, I would recommend the following: 1. Chicken enchilada 2. Crispy mahi mahi 3. Nacho Mamma There was a good crowd every time I went there which provided for the buzz and energy. The food is not worth its price, but you pay for the atmosphere and the aura. Interior is retro/modern style with a spinning motorcycle in the center of the bar, along with a photo booth! The lighting, decoration makes it a fun night-life atmosphere. The service is great, and the staff is courteous. You can't really go wrong with a photo booth- it's fun and creative! I leave El Vez with a satisfied stomach, and picture strips of good memories! The food itself isn't the greatest, but it's a guaranteed dynamic lively experience.
(4)
Natasha G.

After living on the West Coast for several years, I worried that I would never again test the delectable taste of fresh, delicious guacamole. I was so happy to find what I dubbed "California-style" Mexican. Yes, it is pricey for Mexican food, but where else can you find guacamole that is even good in winter in Philly? Great Mahi-Mahi Tacos. The Mexican Chopped salad is great. It is light and refreshing (do add the chicken). I think it tastes best with just fresh squeezed lime juice. Margaritas are good (but a lot of places have good margaritas). Don't order more than a guac and app to share with the group and one entree. It seems likes it's not a lot of food, but it's easy to overorder. Always a wait, so make reservations at least a week in advance for a group larger than 4. They usually say two hour waits on Saturday and Friday nights, but it usually is shorter and most restaurants on 13th Street have waits. Like most of Stephen Starr restaurants half the restaurant is reserved and the other half is for walk-ins. Do get the big booth seats. They seem to be reserved for groups 5 and up. El Vez is one of my go-to restaurants for out of town guests. And if you can't stand the wait or the take-out!! Do a picnic or just bring it back to your hotel, apt, house. You won't be disappointed!
(4)
Cathy T.

My husband and I had reservations for a Saturday night. It was very crowded, and we were seated extremely close to the party next to us. Made it a bit awkward. The margaritas are very good but small. We did not care for much of the food. The queso Fundido Con Carne was very very greasy. The shrimp quesadilla was good. We got the taco tasting to share. The pork tacos had a chocolate taste to them. The chicken was ok but a bit bland. My husband enjoyed the fish tacos. The beef taco was a bit tough. Not what I expected for a star restaurant. Our waitress was excellent and the photo booth was fun. All in all, would not go back to eat, maybe just for drinks.
(3)
Anil C.

I ordered hear for delivery. The food got there not hot (not cold by any stretch. Def. warm enough). That's our fault. The restaurant was far. I'm not one to throw around superlatives, but this MAY be the best restaurant I've ever had, and here is why: For two of us, we ordered... Corn on the Cob Nachos Mamma Black Bean enchiladas Classic Chicken Enchiladas Mandarin Flan Churros The nachos, flan, and churros were each the best nachos flan and churro's either of us have ever had. The corn was top 3 and the enchiladas were very good but not in "best ever" category. If a restaurant has 3 of the best type of foods you've ever had, and that you eat often, it is logically the best restaurant at which you've ever eaten. I can't wait to go there and eat to get the food fresh.
(5)
Isaac T.

Solid Mexican, good margaritas
(3)
Yosuke M.

Freakin' awesome margaritas and guacamole. If you only go here for those two things, it's still well worth the wait.
(5)
Kate S.

Love this place for HH. I dream about their guac, btw. Eaten here a few times but am really here for the booze & guac :-)
(4)
Nancy I.

We were seated right away--a pleasant surprise. Everything looked scrumptious as it went by, and we ordered according to what looked good. The blood-orange margaritas are fab! I had two of them, but I felt as though that was enough--my head was singing by the end of the meal. The macho nachos were deliciously cheesy. The guac was outstanding. Had the shrimp tacos and orange flan for dessert. The decor is youthful and fun. The atmosphere is casual, and the service was excellent; my waitress was pleasant and attentive throughout the meal. We will definitely go again.
(4)
Jackie D.

I have been here three times now. The first time I went was for a friend's birthday. I have a serious guacamole obsession, so when we were standing at the bar enjoying our Margaritas, I was staring down the gigantic guacamole bowls! For dinner I just had the Cesar Chavez guacamole, it was super filling and amazing. The addition of balsamic sauce gave it such a unique flavor. The only negative I have for the place is that the wait was long. We were able to get a spot at the crowded bar to wait for our table. If you aren't into long waits and a packed bar, this is probably not the place for you!
(4)
Kate G.

ugh i mean. is this even mexican food? i had a salad though, so i guess it's my fault. i dont get the big-on- visual-kitsch/ low-on-flavor style of mexican restaurants in philly. just give me mole on a styrofoam plate??? but i guess ive met more than one person in philadelphia who thought mole was an abbreviation of guacamole. a disgrace in a town with so many mexicans from Puebla, the mole center of the universe.
(2)
Tom D.

A fun place with a great atmosphere, full of energy. The food was nicely made and very enjoyable... I would say, slightly above average. Nice drinks, especially Margaretta's, however diluted mixed drinks. Overall a nice place to go, especially to meet friends.
(3)
Joe M.

I am ready to trade my dog for another bowl of their guacamole. Holy moly! Went here with a group of five and got the corner booth (felt like one of those Vegas showroom booths) . Started with a pitcher of blood red margueritas...whoa!. They went down like a porn star on Charlie Sheen (can I say that here?) Had the enchiladas...ooo-la-la!! Awesome place; take the kids, take the boss, take the client.
(4)
Jennifer R.

Last night I had dinner with one of my girlfriends at El Vez... as usual, it didn't disappoint. Yes, the restaurant was packed even on a Tuesday... but we didn't find it so loud that we couldn't carry on a conversation. We split an order of probably the best nachos ("Nacho Mamma") I've ever had -- the tortilla chips were thick and crunchy, and there was plenty of cheese and toppings (every chip had plenty of "stuff" on it, I hate when nachos are a big pile of dry chips with a couple of blobs of cheese on top). I highly recommend the taco sampler if you can't decide among their various tacos... I can never decide between the carnitas and the sea bass ones, so I get to have them both in the sampler. We split the sopapillas for dessert, it's the first time I've ordered dessert there and it was OK but not wonderful. They were filled with a very thin dulce la leche that wasn't as flavorful as I'd expected, and there was a cold chocolate sauce on the side for dipping that tasted kind of like swiss chocolate. Not sure I'd order dessert there again when there's an amazing gelato place (Capogiro) across the street. But that's my only thing that's keeping this from a 5-star review.
(4)
Sergio T.

Great Maragaritas! Try the beef tacos or red enchiladas. Prices are little on the high side, but good dinner experience.
(4)
Christian L.

I thought it was good, but I also felt they could have done a better job with the salsa and guacamole one was to thin and the other was far to chunky making both hard to scoop with a tortilla chip. Also, the tortillas were very oiled and didnt drain them very well. But, the rest of the meal was good and the service was very very good. We end up having to move due to the cold coming in through the front door and they accommodated us immediately, and the food also arrived very prompt. I do intend on giving it another try.
(4)
michael p.

This is my go-to restaurant when I can't decide what I want to eat, including brunch. It's definitely a top five brunch spot in the city. Contrary to the other reviews, their margaritas are more than enough to get you to a new and exciting place and plenty strong. It's not on the menu anymore, but if you're looking for a great after dinner drink order up the Tijuana speedball...or two. It tends to get crowded so get there early or plan on waiting at the bar. The crowd can be overwhelming and I have walked out on more than one occasion because I did not want to wait for table or a seat at the bar. I love the whole menu, but here are a few of my favs: Tortilla soup-5 stars Pibil pork tacos- 5 stars El Vez burger-5 stars. Salsa mexicana-5 stars Steak & eggs-5 stars Huevos Rancheros-5 stars Enough said!
(5)
Samantha F.

So if you agree that service plays into your experience this is why I only am giving El Vez 4 stars. Went in to cho down after work on Friday(For those of you who dont know choing down is getting nachos after work with co workers or bros) For more info check out chosb4hos, wordpress.com . We were promptly sat as we had a reservation. We were only ordering Nachos and Margaritas! Delicious, like out of this world loveeeeed the Nachos! And the Margs were good also. We were not given chips and salsa like every other table. This really grinded my gears. Was it because we did not order entrees? I mean a $30 pitcher of margs does not constitute some complimentary chips and salsa?! Our sever really didn't have the time of day for us and I dont believe it was because he was busy, I believe it was because we did not order entrees. I get it dude you work off of tips. We are going to tip 20 % and we are not gonna sit at you table all night long. Its 5 p.m. bro you have plenty of time to wait more tables and make more money. I am here for some nachos and Margs, i know what I want and I place my order upon greet. Get over it. Sooo overall I just had some service issues, everything else was fab! The atmosphere, a bit loud but not too loud for me. I would recommend trying this place for sure and I would definitely go back for an entree in the future! Maybe even sit outside when the weather is nice!
(4)
Three R.

Good place to go once. Very cool decor and they have the best beer modelo negra. Service was ok again a place to go once
(3)
Sania S.

They have delicious selection of guacamoles and good sized Margaritas.
(5)
Samantha D.

Way too pricey. Way. Guacamole was $12!? It comes in a huge bowl but really isn't that huge. It could fit in a much smaller bowl. The margaritas were strong which is always a plus in my book. But I didn't even look at how pricey those were. I had a chopped salad which was bland and lacking ambition. I thought the place could have been cute, but they were trying wayy too hard to be funky bouge. I liked our waitress and the staff seemed young and nice. Not enough gay staff for being on 13th street. But that's ok :) All in all, I'd say this place would be a whole lot better if they priced their menu a little more accurately.
(3)
Autumn B.

Nothing special, and I don't drink so maybe I'm missing out but it's smallish portioned mexican food, I've had dishes that tasted fresh but sometimes it tasted a little... old. The desserts are pretty kicking and the service has always been really super good.
(3)
Lindsey R.

Great Go To Brunch Spot. Its not that busy so the place is more cozy than the packed nights and weekends. Drinks are always spot on as well as the taco sharing platter. Staff is also friendly and accomondating. Go for the Guava Mojito!
(4)
Liz L.

Great location & atmosphere. Awesome guacamole and delicious pitchers of margaritas. Check it out, I bet you'll love it too.
(4)
K P.

I've been to el vez a few times over the years. while the drinks and the ambiance are amazing, the food is standard at best. that being said, i will head back for the drinks on a weekend!
(3)
Anjali M.

The Pink Cadillac pitchers are awesome! Paired with guacamole and tasty chips available during a snowstorm close to my apartment provided for a wonderful night on the town. The pitchers may not seem like a great bang for your buck, but they can definitely leave two people very satisfied. This was my first time coming to El Vez during prime nightlife hours and I had a lot of fun hearing random people's stories in all of our drunken fun. Too bad that meant the photobooth was mad busy :( Another time, I suppose.
(4)
Nicole D.

Fun for a group, great atmosphere. The food is good but by no means the best Mexican in town.
(3)
Rachel T.

Awesome ambiance - atmosphere, and delicious Mexican food.. yum! Service can sometimes be a bit slow, but worth the wait!
(3)
Rita S.

El Vez is a magical restaurant. You start your experience with ultra friendly service and a bright atmosphere. Then you sit down to a menu that will make you want to drool and taste more margaritas than you probably should. Start with any of their guacs. I have tried three of them, and they were all wonderful. The huitlacoche guac and the one with jumbo lump crab are standouts. And their home fried tortilla chips are amazingly crisp and not too salty. For dinner I split the Camarones Al Ajillo and the Mahi Mahi fish tacos. The sofrito crab tamale was the most beautiful bite I have ever tasted -- order it if you like seafood! The shrimp were huge and cooked beautifully. The fish tacos had great crunch and balance and were not greasy. For dessert we had the churro which comes with a warm chocolate dipping sauce. YOM! I eat at El Vez every time I'm in Philly - and I can't wait til the one opens up in Manhattan later this year!
(5)
Tamara C.

I've been to El Vez three times already and all times I loved it!! It's a bit on the pricey end but its way worth it in my opinion. I love the chicken and steak fajitas and also the pomegranate margarita. A must try!!
(4)
Lauren S.

I have been to El Vez on a number of occasions and have always had a great time. However, last night was proof that the staff and management are above and beyond exceptional. I was at the bar waiting for a table with some friends when a stranger approached us and started chatting us up. He seemed nice enough, but when he disappeared to go smoke and our table was ready, we were relieved to sneak away unnoticed. A few minutes later, he found our table and made himself at home. Funny at first, but after he told us he recently did 18 years, not so much. The manager - I think his name was Tom - hovered around our table for awhile, then when our uninvited guest went to the bar to acquire paper and pens (to show us out zodiac numerologies, duh), the manager came over to ask us if the man was in fact with us or was intruding. None of us wanted to be rude and have this guy kicked out, and Tom basically said the looks on our faces said it all. He very politely but very assertively asked the man to leave the establishment. It was incredible to see a manager so involved in the comfort of his guests, and he completely took all of the awkward responsibility off of us and put it onto himself. El Vez secured us as customers for life! Great food, great drinks, and great care to make sure all guests are safe and comfortable.
(5)
Ashley G.

3.5 stars for Happy Hour only. The Good: Service Fish tacos Chic Decor (It's a Starr Restaurant after all) The not-so-good: Margaritas The margs tasted like they were from a mix. How can you be a Mexican restaurant and have margaritas made from a mix? 1.5 star deduction right there. Overall great Friday happy hour with mi amigos. Will be returning but will stick to the coronas and tacos.
(3)
Lauren C.

Me gusta. El Vez is loud, colorful, and fun, and does surprisingly well on the cost-to-tastiness ratio, IF you know how to order. It's easy to spend over $100 for two, but it's also easy to spend under $60 (including drinks). Meal options range from fish tacos that cost around $11 to steaks that cost around $23, with the full range of flavors and prices in between represented. The portion size for the tacos and enchiladas is perfect if you're looking for a light (or moderately-sized) meal, but your linebacker dining companion might want to get a starter to go with. The mahi mahi tacos are very tasty, but pretty heavily fried. The shrimp enchiladas are also pretty good, as is the Mexican chopped salad. The guacamole is expensive but *huge* (enough to share among 5 or 6 people as a starter) and delicious. Plus, it's served in a giant rock - guacamole win. Drinks are tasty and potent and average around $9. Plan to drink some real margaritas (on the rocks) - the only margaritas they serve frozen are the ones advertised as such on the menu. If you absolutely must have a blenderized margarita, the frozen blood orange margarita will fill your delicious booze-slushy needs. You'll need reservations if you want a table. You can go just for drinks, but be prepared to stand - this place gets packed.
(4)
Julie S.

Great food and atmosphere. The guacamole is very good and so is the chicken quesadilla.
(4)
Lucy S.

El Vez was fantastic- as a lover of Mexican food, this was such a treat.
(4)
Erica E.

I wish I could give it a three and half stars! There were so many things about this restaurant I loved and a few things I did not. The rundown I LOVED the margaritas. They were so good. My favorite was the Pineapple Cannella with cinnamon. It was delightful. I LOVED the guac. We had the basic, but they had quite a varieties to choose from...awesome. I LIKED my dining partners entree, the black bean enchiladas. It was heavy, but quite good. My entree (the huarache de vegetal) was okay. The tomatillo sauce, corn cake and pepinos were awesome. The nopales and chayote were too soaked in some sort of sauce (it reminded me of soy) to really appreciate their flavor, which was disappointing. While it seemed comparable to other upscale Mexican restaurants, it seemed a little overpriced based on quality. The bathroom was not well kept The photo booth was out of order
(3)
Joe S.

El Vez is always a solid go-to for weekend dining in mid-town. I prefer this place for afternoon lunch or cocktails as it tends to be impossible to get reservations at on weekend nights. The menu delivers on traditional mexican favorites with a new age flair. Try a selection from the guacmole combos section. Very good. The blood orange margarita is always a well-done favorite. Before leaving make sure you snag a photo in the photo booth, but beware that they take 5 minutes to print ($3).
(4)
Jessica S.

I want to give 3.5 stars but will give 4 because I know I'll be back for drinks again. Fun for out of towners as a quick pit stop - not a final destination. Let's call it what it is - the Disney Land of Mexican restaurants. It's a high energy place where you can enjoy a private booth, some tequila drinks and fresh guac (however overpriced). If you want to show guests what a Steven Starr restaurant is like, this is a safe bet on a weekend night. Pitfalls: The food is not authentic, nor light in the least bit. I've never eaten a vegetarian meal here that I enjoyed - always too salty & greasy. The atmosphere is crowded and loud - both in sight and sound. The outdoor seating is sub-par for Philly standards; you lose out on the draw of the atmosphere by sitting outside. There isn't great protection from the sun & Sansom St. smells a bit! Perks: I've always had a good experience with their frozen blood orange margaritas or pineapple canellas. The juices are fresh and as a result the drinks are tart & strong. On my last visit our table of 3 shared a pitcher of pineapple canellas which was perfect to start off our night.
(4)
Monang S.

In a nutshell, its a good place for a night-out
(4)
Justin J.

Great food and even better drinks!! The Habanero Margarita is to die for, the complexity of the spicy and sweet is incredible. I will be visiting this place at least once a week forever!
(4)
Luisa S.

El Vez is definitely one of my favorites in the city. The blood orange margaritas are absolutely delicious and I've never had anything like their "Bazooka" Limon guacamole. My other recommendations: melted manchego, machos nachos, & el vez enchiladas mixtas :) Enjoy!
(5)
Tristan W.

It's a busy place, so make reservations or expect to wait a while. The good news, is that it's also a delicious place! We had nachos and tacos al carbon. It was all amazing. My wife and I are something of nacho connoisseurs and these might be our favorite anywhere. The atmosphere is very lively and fun. Also, you'll probably want to go to the bathrooms just because they're kinda cool. The drinks were all great. I always appreciate a well made margarita, and this place delivers that. This is probably our #3 favorite place to go in Philly, and certainly our favorite Mexican restaurant.
(5)
Bryan C.

El Vez is a hip establishment with a trendy atmosphere and pretty decent food. (That being said, as a New Yorker my standards for Mexican food have been forced pretty low). The margaritas are great, and impressively they offer Carmenere by the glass, one of my favorite reds. Additionally, they have a wide variety of guacamoles. I tried the hugo chavez which was pretty delicious as it was topped by a semi sweet balsamic vinegar that was a nice complement to the spiciness of the guac. The portion sizes are nice and controlled which is a nice change of pace for Mexican. The shrimp enchiladas that I ordered were topped with a complex savory mole and their insides were deliciously creamy yet luxuriously light. Quite enjoyable. I may be back on my next stop to Philly.
(3)
Marisol R.

Nice place, good food, but not the best. I had fish tacos, however, I have had better fish tacos at beach shacks in cali, and florida. The gucamole was very good. They have wonderful drinks. My favorite is the blood orange margarita, yummy. This place is always packed. Make sure to book in advance.
(4)
B B.

3.5 stars. I finally made it to El Vez. It took me years. Walking past it. Not going. Be invited to get-togethers. Not going. Thinking about going. Still not going. So, I finally made it when it was almost vacant. Just enough activity to make it possible to go, since an empty restaurant, at least of this sort, is not my thing. While the special frozen peach margaritas were pricey @ $37 for a pitcher, they were good and I felt the alcohol. Had nachos, which were also good and of a healthy size though they could have survived some more cheese. I saw a quesadilla, though didn't have any. It looked swell but was lacking in width and girth. Service was good. Overall, I'd say 3.5 stars, but I could see having a better experience with more tequila clouding my ability to count.
(3)
Sonya S.

Best Mexican restaurant I have ever been to. Very fun & hip with outdoor seating, too. The food is absolutely delicious; their guac is to die for! The cocktails are just as good, especially their margaritas.
(5)
Reem C.

I've been to El Vez multiple times and they never disappoint. The atmosphere is cool if you're on a date or hanging out with a group of friends. The food is really good. I have a serious affection for mole sauce, and I order anything that comes with it every chance I get. The wait staff have always been very friendly and informative everytime I've eaten there.
(4)
Rachel w.

Have a few drinks, enjoy the vibe ... but skip the overpriced, blah food. I can't believe they even messed up churros --- I mean, come on guys!
(2)
Miguel R.

I was surprised by the prices, and the food portions looked small, but by the end of the meal I was happily satisfied. It's definitely a fun place to check out, and I'd recommend ordering one of their samplers. I wasn't impressed with their guacamole. Everyone raved about it, but it didn't taste that great. I definitely didn't think it was worth the $12-$15 price they charged for it. I also wouldn't sit outside. While the location is filled with nice restaurants and close to nearby shops, the outside seating area is too close to the street. You'll be too busy inhaling car fumes to really enjoy the meal/drinks. Also, certain seating arrangements are awkward - be prepared to be eye-level with some strangers butt, or constantly be nudged by people walking by. Wait times can be long, so reserve a seat in advance, and bring a group of friends. The booths are really nice, and I'd definitely go back there again.
(4)
Anthony C.

Nice place to eat or drink
(4)
Carrie L.

Best Mahi Mahi tacos and the corn on the cob is a must. Only bad is that it's loud, so having dinner conversation is difficult
(4)
Heather R.

Went to El Vez AGAIN for Sunday Brunch after the flower show with family. Hostess is very nice, server that comes over is VERY nice. Place is practically empty. Then out of nowhere the comedy gods of the world decide to change our server to the BAD server we had the first night we were there? So while we really enjoyed our pink cadillac pitchers, and I am very happy to report they tasted alcoholic...........pointlessly trying to flag down the waitress for the duration of our visit was yet again, irritating. How does this girl still have a job? You have three tables to wait on, no one is in the restaurant and this is going to be a $160 Sunday brunch bill and you can't show your face? I sat there depressed staring off to the other side of the restaurant looking at our waitress from the last visit tending to her section. What a difference service makes. I have no idea what her issue is, or where this girl goes............but she is the best example of MIA I have ever seen. It is pretty bad when you have 5 women waving hands, making eyes, holding up forks, all kinds of antics to get the attention of other workers just to order some food or get some more alcohol. I do not think this says much about management. Considering when I was there the first time all the "inhabitants" of her tables were doing the same thing, then I go again and we are all doing the same thing........it doesn't take a genius to realize a server needs to go when the parties they are waiting on are constantly scanning the dining room or standing up and looking around...........while they are eating.........instead of say EATING or talking to their friends and family. Sorry, bad economy, dollars are precious............going to take our $200 elsewhere next time. Service is just simply too inconsistent for my liking. PS- I am definitely not one of those high maintenance people who needs their tooty kissed when they are out. I just want my food, and to be able to reorder a drink maybe once while eating. Not a lot to ask. I just do not get it. How can you sit there for 1.5 hours and only see this person on the floor 1-3 times tops? Shame on you. Better get your crap together.
(2)
Jessica C.

As with most star restaurants you go for the experience and environment rather than the food. Beware of the margaritas...they are stronger than you think.
(3)
Klysha R.

I really really enjoyed this place!! The drinks were delish and strong! The decor was funky and cool. The food was freshly prepared and excellent. My family and I were happy with the cost as well as the perfect amount of food served. I think it is a cool place to hang out with friends and drink as well. Our waitress was the best. She was patient and knew the menu well. You would think that that would be a given for a waitress at a restaurant , but believe me it is not. The bathrooms were clean and had a cool set up with a unisex hand washing area. I look forward to returning to this place.
(5)
Toni J.

It was my first time in Philly, so I decided to wander the streets and take in the city. After walking past nearly a 100 restaurants, I decided to consult my oh so trusty friend Yelp. Being from AZ, I was not sure I really wanted to eat Mexican style food in Philly, but it was close and I was hungry so I just went with it. Thanks Yelp! The guacamole was the second best I've ever had (Gallo Blanco is number one). We sat right on the street, which was great. There were several vegetarian options; I went with the black bean enchiladas with a mild creamy green sauce on top. It was very good, but it ranks closer to a 3. The boys ordered the taco sampler and raved about each and every one. The drinks and service were top notch, giving it a solid 4 for the overall food and experience.
(4)
Alie A.

Love, Love, Love El Vez. Went with a bunch of girlfriends recently for a birthday dinner..the ambiance is great. You have to get the guacamole as a starter; the classic is probably the best and has an amazing kick. Their margaritas are great..get the Blood Orange frozen marg. It can get a bit pricey if you end up getting a couple different dishes, but definitely worth it for a special occasion. This is one of the best places in Philly for dining out. Please note..reservations are absolutely necessary, if yo ujust walk in on a weekend night, they will not blink before telling you there is a 2 1/2-3 hour wait!
(4)
Sarah S.

good place to unwind after work. the blood orange margarita was good. guacamole and chips are a must. I also got the mahi mahi tacos and a side of the corn of the cob. I would definitely recommend the mahi mahi tacos; however, not the corn. too much sauce.
(4)
Kelly H.

I am always very pleased with my dining experience here. It is a little pricy, and you want to make sure you have a reservation or you will probably be looking at quite a long wait due to the popularity, but it is worth it. The house margarita is always fantastic, and in my opinion, the best cocktail on the menu. The stuffed pepper with pork chops and cornbread has probably been my favorite. One thing to keep in mind is that appetizers are huge, but entrees are small.
(5)
Patrick M.

I'm gonna say El Vez is more popular for their "hip" atmosphere than anything else... While you can certainly find superior Mexican cuisine in Philadelphia, I would have to submit their "Bazooka Limon" guacamole as the best in the city. There are some other gems on the menu to be found as well (Corn Chowder Soup, Red Snapper Tacos). An old fashioned photo booth and a bedazzled cholo bike are welcomed accents.. My only complaint would be the bartenders. I can only be ignored for about 8 minutes until my head explodes.
(3)
Joy G.

We were there on a busy World Cup Saturday and sat outside. Two of us absolutely loved the sea bass tacos and the other 2 loved the pork tacos. We ALL loved the original guacamole. Food presentation is nice and the decor is pretty cool. It's a fun and festive atmosphere, and our waitress was really sweet. I will be back for those sea bass tacos and guac!
(4)
Alexa R.

I always send out of town guests here because I think the location is entertaining and the food is always solid. I wish the prices were a bit more affordable. I think 9 dollars for a small frozen margarita is a bit steep, but this is a Stephen Starr, after all. Chips and salsa are delish, mahi tacos are amazing and the chopped salad is the best around! This is a great place for a range of ages and tastebuds!
(4)
L C.

The photobooth is cool! Atmosphere is weird and not welcoming and the drinks weren't too great. I am not a cocktail girl though so I should stop ordering cocktails...
(2)
Caitlin S.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed El Vez already. It's one of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia. We make it a point to go at off hours - 3pm is usually good - to avoid the crowds. I've never had a problem with the service, even when it's busy. Maybe a tiny bit slow, which is to be expected, but always courteous. So, I'm not a huge fan of the spinning bike at the bar, I've never used the photo booth, and I've never sampled their margaritas. I keep coming back for the FOOD. I get the same (or similar) thing every time I go: - appetizers: macho nachos or regular guacamole - tacos: chipotle chicken or sea bass (when i have money) both appetizers are a ton of food, and we're usually full by the time our tacos come. the macho nachos are fully loaded, always fresh, and delicious! can feed four or five comfortably. the sea bass tacos are seriously one of the most delicious things my mouth has ever experienced. worth the $18 for 3 if you've got it. and the more budget-friendly $10 chipotle chicken tacos are also delectable.
(5)
Sophia C.

the food was good, a bit overpriced for the portions ( we got a couple varieties of tacos). The hostesses are the reason I'm taking it from 4 stars to 2. there were three, one long dirty blonde and two brunettes, very flighty and dismissive...even though there were three standing there and 5pm was not a busy time. I've worked in restaurants and I hate to give workers bad reviews, but I have never experienced a blatant eye roll (from the girl with the long blonde hair) when I politely asked how long for my table the second time. A bit disappointed in you this time, Mr. Starr.
(2)
Cassidi B.

The atmosphere is awesome! The food is amazing! The only bummer is that it's pretty price for the amount of food you get.. But that's what happens when you go to a Steven Starr restaurant. It's a super fun place to have a work party, date, or even just a fun night out on the town. Just make sure you bring enough money.. and fill up on chips and guac! Oh and there is a photobooth!
(4)
Mark L.

I've been eating at El Vez for 5+ years, mostly because I'm addicted to their sea bass tacos. But, there are many other reasons to visit El Vez. The margaritas are really good, but be careful. Consuming three of them is the living equivalent of being embalmed. You WILL wreck your car, so don't drive. There are only a few things on the menu that I've tried and found blase. The cherizo/cheese dish comes to mind (greasy). Almost everything is very high quality food. All of the tacos are great. The guacamoles are all wonderful. Nothing is cheap. For instance, 3 sea bass tacos are $17 - and they're small tacos. But they'll fill you up and you'll feel like you've been to heaven, had a chat with Jesus, and returned safely to earth. The staff have always been courteous and hard working. My only wish is that El Vez would run specials and perhaps add a funky chili to the menu, perhaps a pork based chili of some kind. Otherwise, you'll surely find El Vez pleasing.
(5)
Janelle M.

As soon as we arrived, I realized this was a Stephen Starr joint. It was the pillar outside near the entrance that gave it away for me. Cool, I'm up for trying another of his restaurants. So, my friend says they're known for their guacamole and their margaritas. I don't care for margaritas myself, but I can certainly say the guacamole appetizer was awesome, as was the salsa. Without the guacamole awesome-ness, this would be a two-star review. The chips were so, so greasy, they were wet. I love tortilla chips and I especially love when they don't come straight from a bag, but these didn't quite fit the bill either. They were so heavily fried they were flaking, not breaking. We also shared the Queso Fundido De Hongos Appetizer which was also super greasy and not something I'd order again. I guess Stephen Starr isn't your best bet when you have authentic Mexican food in mind, but I'm willing to go back for dinner sometime to see if this visit was just a fluke.
(3)
CHRISTINE B.

This place is pretty fun. The service was quick. Everyone says the margaritas are great but I tried the Guava Mojito and their Cuchi-Cuchi cocktail. Can't decide which one I like more! As far as food, we didn't go too crazy. We had the Mahi Mahi tacos everyone talks about and the Mexican Chopped salad with a side of sweet plantains. Delicious! To finish we ordered a dessert that I can't remember the name of per the suggestion of our server. It was made of chocolate cake and caramel and espresso Ice cream. Interesting and satisfying!
(4)
Jess M.

Stopped in for guac (yum!) and drinks with a friend this evening. I drank a Cuchi Cuchi which has pineapple juice, coconut milk, bacardi rum and spices. It was delicious but a bit of a sweetness overload and I left with a slight tummy ache. Also had the famous roasted corn on the cob - roasted to perfection, smothered in a chipotle oil, covered in cheese and sprinkled with paprika. Very good and very messy. Each corn on the cob should also come with a wetnap and a floss pick. Great decor, fun atmosphere, trendy place. Am sure to return.
(3)
Jen S.

Oh, El Vez... I will be coming back! Service was great - despite a 30-minute wait for a table (spent at the bar, naturally), the host recognized my friend and I when it was time to be seated. And the waitresses (we had two) were very friendly and open about menu suggestions. We scraped the guacamole bowl - it was that good!! And the shrimp make-your-own tacos were excellent! They had a smokey sauce and came with a plate of different condiments. But the real story here is the frozen blood orange margaritas!! Perfectly blended, strong, and delicious - possibly the best margarita I've had in my life. Order the pitcher - you won't be able to stop at just one glass!! Only downside would be the price - a bit on the high side for all bar and menu items.
(4)
Ransy M.

Great atmosphere, service, food all around. Consistent and go-to for fun Mexican!
(4)
Peter D.

Was in town for the weekend and tried to get in for dinner. For future reference, make a reservation. Ended up going for lunch the next day and was pleasantly surprised to find it was fairly empty. First off, they nailed the decor. Kitschy, fun and polished. The food: we weren't terribly starving, so we opted to split the Bazooka Limon guac, which was incredible. I thought $15 for guacamole was a little pricey at first glance, but it was so worth it. We followed the guacamole with the pork tacos and an order of platanos con queso. The pork tacos were delicious, though a little more asian-inspired than I'd thought they'd be (think Korean bbq). However, the plantains were overkill. The queso was entirely too rich and I would've much preferred some sriracha to the queso. The blood orange frozen margarita and the hibiscus El Otono were a perfect addition to the mix. Service was good, but nothing to write home about.
(4)
Alexander M.

I've been to the actual El Vez location only a couple times, both went well. On the other hand I've ordered their food many, many times and will continue to do so in the future. Some people say it's pricey. For me it only gets pricey because I never want to choose between dishes. I have certain favorites (the Mahi Mahi Tacos and sweet plantains being the best), but can't say I've ever been disappointing by their output. The guacamole lives up to the buzz- it's always a tempting offer, even if you're running low on funds.
(5)
Tobias F.

Tiny lunch portions. Good but not worth $10. The margarita was overpriced as well and not the best. Oh well. Just passing through town.
(3)
Frank V.

Stopped in after the parade on July 4th. Very crowded but my wife and I were able to score a table by the front door immediately. Had the Bazooka guacamole. Very, very good. Taco chips were warm and the salsa was amazing. Took the advice of the waitress and ordered a pitcher of the pink cadillac margaritas. Margaritas were awesome and the pitcher, at $32 was a bargain, The pitcher yielded 4 drinks each. Sea bass mini tacos were not great. Sea bass was good and prepared perfectly but the sweet potato puree which provided a base for the fish was overpowering. All in all, a good time.
(4)
Jenn W.

Fun, tasty & great drinks!
(4)
Monique C.

I'm giving el vez 3/5. I really wanted to like this place. I'd wanted to come here previously (this place was recommended by a coworker) but the 35-45 minutes wait always had me wandering to nearby spots for almost immediate seating and less hostess attitude. Due to the lack of a waiting area, you're forced to take a walk outside, which is annoying in the Winter months, or gather at the already crowded bar in the center of the dining room. So I made a 10pm reservation (the only one left) on a Friday night. Since we arrived at 9pm and I was quoted an hour wait anyway, I mentioned the 10pm reservation. Those must have been the magic words because the hostess was like "oh we can seat you now. " Huh? Ok. Anyway...at the waitress' recommendation we ordered the guacamole. It came with warm homemade chips and spicy house salsa. Both were good. We ordered shrimp and chicken tacos for two. Both were really good. I thought the char flavor was a bit overwhelming but my dinner date was pleased. Margaritas were good. The restaurant has a laid back ambiance: think late 20 somethings gathering after work for celebrations in the booths etc so it was pretty loud. Not the ideal family or romantic spot. I probably wouldn't go here on a first date if you'd actually like to hear your date talking. Overall el vez was good just not good enough to go out of my way to return without a reservation or fight for a coveted center city parking space.
(3)
Xtine H.

Have been here for a few happy hours, and I would go back in a heart beat. The place fills up fast-that many people can't be wrong! Fun menu, FUN drinks, prices are ok. Ran into some out of towners a few weeks ago who stated they had reservations there and I told them they would not be disappointed (hope they weren't!) The place gets louder as it fills up, so you may want to move along eventually, but a good starting point, fore sure
(3)
Dee C.

Really good mojito's especially love the guava mojito. Guacamole and open face shrimp quesadilla was yummie.
(5)
Sarah C.

We went for my birthday, during restaurant week and everything was great. I have a pretty good track record with birthday dinners. I was planning to go with the restaurant week menu, but I was steered away from it, happily, and don't think it ended up costing much more. We got guacamole, red snapper ceviche, tuna tostadas, duck gorditas, and the taco tasting platter. Oh, and a pitcher of margaritas (the cost of the pitcher was about equal to four individual margaritas, but the two of us each got 3 full glasses out of it. Happy birthday to me! glad we don't have to drive!) The guacamole was very good- I don't begrudge them the $13 price tag- I make great guacamole myself quite a bit, and to do it right, it's a lot of work and requires a lot of fresh, perfectly ripe ingredients. It can't be easy to turn out a hundred perfect bowls of guac every night. The three appetizers were all executed really well and presented beautifully yet unfussily (wow, that is definitely not a word is it?) The taco tasting platter was a great choice for two people and for our first time there. The Mahi Mahi taco was defiantly the best fish taco I've ever had. I was having a serious ethical dilemma, over whether I should rave about it and risk having to give up a bite or two... I want another one. Like, as soon as possible. And to top it off, they brought me a complimentary birthday churro. With a candle. Aww.
(5)
Flora T.

Enjoyed a good meal here for lunch. We ate at noon and the place was pretty empty on a Sunday, but people started coming in by the time we were leaving. Decor was fun; service was good and the menu had good choices. Portions were good
(4)
Tim M.

Second time here and will probably be back again. Great Guacamole! We shared tacos for 2 (chicken & beef)...more like Fajitas but very good. Beef was cooked to order and was moist and juicy. Tres Leche was an excellent dessert! Can get busy and noisy some nights.
(4)
Theresa A.

If your wallet can handle a $13 salad, the El Vez is the place for you--and I HANDS DOWN recommend the Mexican Chop Salad with Grilled Chicken and the Chipotle Ranch Dressing. Don't forget to squeeze the lime on there! Delicious! In this rare instance, the portion can easily allow for leftovers. On more than one occasion I have been known to order this salad for lunch with coworkers as well as make the trip from south philly specifically craving this salad. The rest of the menu however can be a roller coaster. The portions here are very inconsistent for the prices. For instance, the "tacos" are three miniature tortillas with (although tasty) 1-2 slivers of steak, a sprig of cilantro, and a dollop of guacamole on them. Now, while they're tasty, you will definitely be leaving there hungry if you order them. And at $18, this appetizer (to put it nicely) is deceiving on the menu as it does not mention they are three 3" diameter tortillas. There are plenty of authentic tacorias in Philadelphia where $7 will get you five times the amount of food and with an undeniably authentic taste. But they don't have a spinning motorcycle in the middle of their bar. Just sayin'. Overall I would say that El Vez is a typical Steven Starr Restaurant: well designed, contemporary interior with a hip vibe making it almost worth the above average prices. The staff, although the hippest and trendiest around, leave some personality to be desired although they reassure me it's ok to dine in my jeans and a t-shirt since that's their uniform. I would say that the food tastes good--even very good at times--but the portion sizes are so inconsistent it is like a guessing game. The nachos are a meal in itself--while the tacos are barely enough as an appetizer. Both taste great, though, as does the guacamole which is good even when avocados aren't in season...how do they do that? The margaritas are delicious but over priced--the Cantina's are just as good (if not better) and at 1/3 the cost and the option for pitchers, it might keep from making the trip north. The photobooth is a fun touch, and the outdoor seating is convenient for the area. I would give this restaurant one solid thumbs up. If not mostly for that chop salad. :)
(4)
Craig P.

El Vez is "stylized" Mexican for the american palate thats as good as it gets in this genre. Atmosphere and margaritas are terrific with a nice selection of tequilas and options to upgrade to grand marnier splash, etc. The menu is fun, atmosphere is upbeat and the food is very good, themed on authentic mexican, but adapted to an american palate. Very fitting for Philly, where tastes for more authentic mexican, indian, mediterranean and other ethnic cuisines don't seem to support restaurants that offer them.
(4)
Amanda H.

Its fun being a NY tourist in Philly - my friend and I were in town for a wedding and needed a snack before the big evening. Luckily we wandered into El Vez, took one look at their eclectic menu, funky lounge decor, and were sold. She started with a pineapple margarita which had cinnamon and spices on the rim - let me tell you one of the most amazing unexpected flavor combos I've ever had. So refreshing, not too sweet, and that cinnamon and spices just set it off. I tried to trade, her but settled for sips. I'm a bourbon fan so I got a cocktail called El Otono which was cranberry infused bourbon, hibiscus tea, and lime juice. It was delicious but a little too easy for me to drink - think Juicy Juice. There's 5 handmade guacamole options on the menu - tough to choose just one. We decided on the Bazooka Limon - which was goat cheese, pistachio, roasted tomato and chili flakes. It came out with a huge basket of homemade piping hot chips - proportion wise there were plenty, even some extra once the whole thing was devoured. Ok, guac talk.. it was good. Different from your traditional. I'd never seen cheese offered IN guac before, let alone goat cheese (which I love).. and it was good but I don't think I'd order it again for my tastes. I generally like spicy, garlicy, lemon/limey guac - which this wasn't and I knew that when ordering. I was hoping the chili flakes were going to help me out a bit, or that there would be a stronger "Limon" element and it didn't happen. However, I am super excited to try the other 4. We also got some sort of duck spring roll with mole sauce, that sounded good but was boring, small proportioned and way too expensive for what it was. Overall consensus - I see why most reviews are 3-4 stars, that's how I feel too. Good cocktails, guac potential, rest of the menu was probably better than what we ordered. Our waitress was happy, and insisted everything we asked her about was awesome. Ambiance was chill - I would definitely come back for that pineapple cinnamon margarita and try out the photo-booth. Perfect whatever-lets-have-fun-no-big-deal date spot, a little quirky, and a little classy.
(4)
John R.

This place is fun and relatively inexpensive. The atmosphere is incredible and the photo booth in the back can make for some great fun. Just don't forget your photos in the machine. . The wait staff will throw em on the wall for all to see. (Made that "mistake" a couple times) I recommend: De La Hoya guacamole Blood Orange Margarita Pollo Annatto I will admit, it is one of my favorite places in Philadelphia
(4)
Elizabeth M.

We ate ourselves into a food coma! The food is delicious: gourmet Mexican, amazing margaritas, and the special dessert on Friday nights is always a treat. They have a photo booth in the bar, which we would have partaken in but, as I said, food coma.
(5)
John W.

Every time I go to El Vez (which seems to be frequently), I always come out saying the same thing. I should have just got the Melted Manchego and Margaritas. It's not that they have bad food - they're food is good, it's just that there is nothing more in life that I could ask for than a bowl of melted cheese for me to dip my chips in and multiple pitchers of tasty, strong Margaritas.
(4)
Dan C.

I don't like the price point. I don't like Stephen Starr concepts...you're paying way too much for decor versus the actual stuff that's going into your mouth, imo. But man, they make a mean margarita pitcher and give you tons of food. Plus, the plushy crescent seats are great with friends. The most common situations that I've observed here are: As a place to dine alone or on a date, it's way too loud and you should never dare try and romance someone here. But as a place to get drinks and head to your next destination, it's perfect.
(3)
Amy J.

this is one of my favorite places.....i wish they would open one near rittenhouse. that would be great!!!!!!! on chestnut st near 19th!!!!!!! best guacamole in town.!!!!
(5)
Jasmine A.

We want grilled corn! We want grilled corn! Who knew that I would find my favorite menu item in the "sides" section. I dream about the grilled corn at El Vez because it is really that good and so flavorful. Don't be afraid of the flavored guacamole, the De La Joya is FABULOUS. I didn't think guacamole should have extra flavors but this blend proved me wrong. The entrees are good, but nothing really blew me away. If you're here with a group get the pitcher of Margarita, it's a good deal.
(4)
Otilia B.

We were a big party of about 18 people and the manager helped us a lot, and everyone was really nice. It was a big success, and we loved the food too!
(5)
Ben M.

The El Vez menu is pretty decent. The decor is kinda stylish. There's a cool photobooth. But why am I giving this four stars? Six words: Blue cornbread with smoked maple butter. I would honestly eat this for the rest of my days. If you go in and don't order this you are out of your freakin mind. I was on a bad date here with a really proper girl and she literally licked the platter clean. It was THAT good.
(4)
Paul G.

This is one of my favorite places in Philadelphia. It's great for a quick drink, dinner with friends, and Sunday brunch. The service is phenomenal and we have impressed many out of towners by bringing them to El Vez for dinner. The macho nachos and melted manchego are two of their best dishes.
(5)
Maher H.

I came here for an early dinner and drinks with colleagues on a business trip. Service is pretty fast. The place was pretty lively and busy. Interesting decorations; we were seated next to a bunch of miniature wall figures. I had the chipotle chicken tacos. The portion size was pretty small so try something else or get another order with it if you want a bigger meal. Still, they were very tasty and had a nice mild flavor to them. I'd recommend this place as a casual, lively place to come get a drink and enjoy a relaxed time out.
(4)
Roxanne G.

Fun restaurant! I got the frozen margarita, guac and a salad. I wouldn't say that it was anything amazing that you couldn't get at another good and slighty less expensive Mexican restaurant but the decor is really fun and the server was friendly.
(4)
Jason T.

Hey, if you're feeling the need to lay down some serious bucks on nothing but atmosphere, then you're sure to love the tragic experience known as El Vez. Honey pie and I tried this joint out after considering it for a while; in fact, she may have tried it prior to our trip, but I can't recall if this actually happened or not. No matter. Hey look, there's a goofy bicycle rotating in the center of the restaurant! Check it out! There's a photo booth where you can go in and make nauseated faces after realizing how much you spent and how satisfying the food wasn't! But you say you enjoyed their one of a kind cocktails and margaritas? Get outta town! What they're serving here isn't anything you can't get anywhere else, save for maybe that frozen blood orange margarita, but having tried it, I can safely say you're not missing a thing. So then, be prepared to pay out the wazoo for the "special guacamole" they have here (many different varieties; nothing exciting that I haven't had at other eatieries for a fraction of the price) as well as your entree. What? You don't want to spend between 15 and 25 bucks for each thing? Well then, you have no business being here! Actually, how this place stays open based on getting what you pay for is a mystery. What El Vez serves is nothing exciting, with no major crazy variation on anything that justifies the prices paid. I suppose it's good if you want trendy, "new" Mexican bullshit, but for what it's worth, you can do a lot better by going to one of the more authentic hole in the wall joints in town. It might not be flashy and the music might not be as obnoxiously intrusive, but your wallet and stomach will be much happier, plus you won't have to deal with hipster servers who put on the fake smiles and couldn't care less who they're dealing with. El Vez is cookie cutter nonsense with a colorful high gloss finish, that, unless you're just of that sort of crowd who doesn't care what they waste money on, doesn't leave any positive impression once your visit is over.
(2)
Elyssa P.

You're definitely going here for atmosphere. It's a lot of fun...you can never go wrong with a photo booth! And the drinks are tasty too! The service is just ok and the food isn't too imaginative...
(3)
Danielle H.

I really like the decorations and general atmosphere, even though it can be loud at times. I love their drinks. They are so flavorful and never skimp on the alcohol. Everyone mentions the blood orange margarita, but I found it a little bitter. My boyfriend likes it though. But really, every drink i've ever ordered has been good. Their guacamole is great and the chips always come out warm. We've had the traditional and the De la Hoya, and I like the de la Hoya better. As far as entrees, we ordered the taco sampler once and now my boyfriend and I can't order anything other than the mahi mahi tacos and the sea bass tacos. Especially the sea bass tacos. We go there just for them. The fish is always cooked perfectly and they're pretty much my favorite things ever. The tacos are all small for the price, but they're so delicious it is worth. As far as desserts go we've only had the churros, which were also very good, nicely fried and the chocolate dip was great. Our servers have always been nice and attentive but not overbearing. Definitely check out the photo booth. It made for some cute date keepsakes.
(5)
Steve L.

My girlfriend and I share the love for Mexican food. We decided to try out El Vez for lunch after walking through the city today. Although the weather was amazing (finally), we opted for indoor seating at the booths. The decor is rather dark and swanky. There is a bar in the center with a revolving bike, awesome. They also house a photobooth. We ordered the original guacamole, Queso Fundido de Hongos, Pibil Pork Tacos, and the grilled corn. I usually like my guac simple, and El Vez does a good job highlighting the natural flavors of the avacado. The Queso Fundido de Hongos was amazing. The melted cheese was rich in flavor and paired with the earthy taste of truffles + wild mushrooms; possibly my favorite dish of the day. The pork tacos were tasty, because anything slow roasted is bound to be delicious. The grilled corn on the cob did "wow" me, as I have had some pretty great grilled corns before. All in all, the food is "modern Mexican." It is a bit over priced for what it is, but we knew that before entering. El Vez did the job of pleasing my taste buds, like many of the Stephen Starr establishments.
(4)
Douglas K.

Had a great time here with my friends during Philadelphia Restaurant Week. Get the guacamole - it's creamy love on a plate. The food was great by it's a little loud for my taste.
(4)
Tina C.

Food is good, but not the best mexican food you'll ever eat. Atmoshphere is dark and loud which I am okay with. It is a little too pricy for the quality. LOVE the blood orange margarita! So tasty and strong. I like how the waiters put it on the tip of their figners to deliver the drink as well! Very cool! :-) Too crowded for me and too pricy for mediocre food.
(3)
Caitlin C.

I'm not sure if El Vez is ever not busy. They are making beaucoup bucks for sure. I stopped in on a Friday afternoon to snag resos for a party of 7 on Saturday evening. What? All booked up? My face falls and I start to forlornly shuffle towards the door...but wait! the friendly hostess imparted some wisdom - which I probably shouldn't share here - she told me I could stop by late afternoon on Saturday and make a "non-guaranteed" reservation for that same evening. Done. I follow her instructions to the T and we show up at the agreed upon time. It's only a short wait and we have just enough time for some margaritas (I recommend the frozen blood orange number if you want to be positively plastered in 2-3 drinks). We decide on the guacamole sampler. Good decision. My fave is the bazooka limon (goat cheese, pistachio, chile flake and roasted tomato) - love crunch of the pistache! But Cesar Chavez (tomato, basil, onion, oaxaca cheese and pasilla-balsamic sauce) comes in a close second. The original was also quite fine indeed. Really the guac and margs were the highlight of my dining experience because by the time my meal rolled around I was feeling rather full (that's what eating an entire roasted pork sub at DiNic's for lunch will do to a small person like me). I pressed on and tried valiantly to finish my crispy mahi mahi tacos. They were tasty (the house hot-sauce was an excellent addition), but not the best fish tacos I've ever had. Service was solid and decor was intense. Also dug the communal sinks.
(4)
Meghan B.

El Vez is a really fun place in center city. The ambiance and decorations are fun, and the service the good too. I recommend any of their guacamole, the margaritas, and the churros!
(4)
Hunter B.

Nice, I get to plug in review #352. This will be totally unique, except for all the other people who have yelped about great brunch experiences here. I have to agree that for brunch in town, this is worth a look. Got there at noon on a Sunday before going to catch the orchestra. Had a reservation for four, just in case, and the staff was plenty friendly, from hostesses to our server, who did a great job start to finish. It was quiet when we got there, but getting more lively by 1:30 when we left. However, our server didn't miss a beat. About the menu: For me, the traditional bloody Mary, fresh (original) guacamole, and carne asada steak and eggs with salsa verde homefries made for a perfect brunch. Peeps around the table also enjoyed their blood orange margaritas, wines and enchiladas. Lots of "mmmms" and no complaints whatsoever. I sampled a mahi mahi taco and thought it was a bit dry, but that's not my dish of choice anyway. I can see why some people bitch about the prices for the regular menu. Upscale Mexican has that effect sometimes. But it's a Starr joint, not a bodega in Frankford, so you know what you're getting into, right?
(4)
Kristin Marie S.

Um, their margs were pretty darn strong and I liked it!!! El Vez has a fun interior, I originally thought it was owned by Oscar De La Hoya but I was wrong. The owner just likes him and put a bicycle with his picture above the bar. Now don't get confused here, this place is loungy and the bike is gold, no dive here. Plush booths, mood lighting. We didn't eat so I can't comment on that but we did chill at the round bar. The guy next to us let us try his guac and it was tasty. (Heads out of the gutter people). I would probably come back to try the food but the $13 dollar guacamole scared me, a lot. The portion is huge but is it $13 huge? I'm not sure. If you're in the neighborhood and want to stop by for a cocktail it's not bad but I'm not sure I'd travel across town for it.
(3)
Ali E.

I love this place. I'm from Philly and I agree that it's a trendy- cool place to go. I also agree that it is a bit overpriced but the food has great flavor and I keep going back. I love ALL mexican food from the gourmet to the basic. The guacamole here is amazing, both the classic one and the other innovative ones are worth trying. It always hits the spot. The food can be rich so be prepared for that. I'm also a fan of the chopped salad. I get it every time. I also appreciate the bright colors and party-like atmosphere of this place. It is loud and the bar is often crowded but most of the tables are far enough apart that you don't feel cramped. For the most part the service is great and I've never felt rushed. Advice for first timers: make a reservation. At least a few days in advance if you want to go on the weekend.
(4)
Dan F.

Excellent place. Fish Taco's were awesome. My only complaint would be portion size......but I am a big eater! I liked the funky decor and the bikes were cool. Waiter was really friendly but could have stopped by more often to refill our water. Decent Margaritas.
(4)
Lauren W.

Bopped in here with my good friend John on a whim to grab some drinks. We sat at the bar and ordered the guacamole with crabmeat...it was slammin. Worth every penny of the $17 it cost. We were out in Philly more for drinking purposes than eating purposes, so please keep that in mind as you read this. I had a guava mojito which was really good, but in a teeny tiny glass. Then I had the blood orange frozen margarita (or a couple, but who's counting?) and it was yummy. Not too filling, which is a typical problem I have with margaritas. The photo booth was cool and we stopped in on our way out. Loved the atmosphere in this place and I'm dying to go back asap for date night with my manz. He enjoys mexican cuisine as much as I do.
(4)
Alex V.

The food at El Vez exceeded expectations. The guacamole was good. The taco platter was excellent, especially the fish tacos. The drinks were above average, but not anything earth shattering. El Vez is a fun place, and it was packed. However; our table wasn't ready until 20 minutes after our reservation. The service was OK, but I expect at lot better service with my overpriced mexican fusion. This was a great place to take a big group of people. I would definitely go again, but I would never go here on whim. Its just too overpriced.
(4)
ana m.

Great place, never disappoints!! Delicious drinks, fast and friendly service, fun decor. We walked in, they said it would take 15 minutes to be seated, they sat us in 5 minutes. The guacamole is awesome.
(5)
Krista P.

Okay, I am not a huge Mexican food fan, but was excited to try El Vez, as i have heard great things about the margaritas and the guac. We started with the blood orange margaritas, and the original / traditional guac. I will say the guac was pretty good, and the blood orange margaritas were delicious as well. We followed that with a pitch of traditional margaritas on the rocks and ordered our entrees. I ordered the chicken chile enchiladas, and my friend got the carne asada. Both meals were good, nothing spectacular but a solid 3 star experience. They might earn 4 with the decor and the margs, but the place is just too expensive for what you get, so im sticking with 3.
(3)
Livelifehappy L.

Best and most options for guacamole and salsa. The tuna ceviche is mouth watering addictive delicious. Must try the cactus cilantro salso if you like fresh and citrus. Yummy blood orange margaurita that will leavie you laughing goodness. ;) Gale our server was on top of her game and provided exceptional service, quick to listen to our questions with offering impeccable suggestions to please our palettes. Hands down great ombiance if you like loud, fun and trendy. Check out what's hanging over the bar. Must see. Just go, you won't regret it!
(5)
Zoe P.

Generally, I'm a fan of Stephen Starr's restaurants; Tangerine, Morimoto and Alma de Cuba have been exceptional experiences. El Vez, while still quite good, reminded me of the flaws that plague his restaurants. I went with my boyfriend and his family for a somewhat early dinner on a Friday. When we arrived, the place was reasonably full but soon became crowded as our meal progressed. Problem number one: sound level. I could barely hear the people sitting around me, it felt like a constant buzz in my ears from the music and the crowd (and its not even as if we were seated on top of other tables - its just LOUD). The architecture is ok, a funky Tex-Mex conglomeration of colors and images with a rotating motorcycle at the center of the bar (which is right at the entrance - makes the place even noisier). Our waitress was very nice and attentive, referring to everyone as a "sweetheart," and our food fairly promptly came out. Their signature dish, guacamole, comes in several varieties: we tried the 'El Vez' (think traditional guac) and the 'Cesar Chavez' (guac with oaxaca cheese and pasilla-balsamic sauce), which were both pretty darn good. They offer a tasting of all their varieties for $30, but that wasn't for us. The tortilla soup and chopped salad were also good, but nothing particularly special. Our group had a selection of the tacos, which are rather small dishes: three 4 inch soft flour tortillas per order with a small serving of whatever meat we chose. Again, good, but I wasn't particularly wowed. I would've liked a larger portion, it was sort of like an appetizer size other restaurants offer. I'd probably go back to El Vez, but mostly for the bar - the loud space, flashy atmosphere and menu seem to me more appropriate for accompanying drinks with friends, not an actual meal.
(3)
Andy G.

This place is pretty awesome. Definitely not standard tex mex! The guacamole with balsamic reduction was a surprising and delicious combination. The highlight of the night was the Sea Bass tacos. The perfectly cooked Sea Bass, combined with sweet potato puree, was unreal. Finish it off with one of their tequila shooters, and you are good to go.
(5)
Stephanie M.

After having dinner at another restaurant one evening, my friends were all craving some guacamole, and I of course was craving some yuengling and some special photo booth time. This particular time the waitress wasn't overly friendly and kind of snipped at us a couple of times. As if shes not used to getting people ordering just drinks and guacamole. Gimme a break! I had tried the food here several other times, and always really enjoyed it. So they definitely get a few stars from me for that. Sitting outside on a summer night just makes the experience that much better. I will admit I did get lost going downstairs to the restrooms, but they definitely are nice as well. I always shell out a few bucks and take a few photo booth pictures as well. I'm a huge sucker for these, especially ones made on real film, none of that digital crap. Go for the photo booth, stay for the guacamole ;)
(4)
Katrina C.

Firstly, I can not wait to visit this place again. I came with a HUGE party during a business trip and they handled it better than anywhere I've ever been. That being said, I didn't pay for my meal so I can't speak to the value for the price. But it was DELICIOUS. Everything was on point, and the ambiance was also a plus. Our group set it up family style so I got to sample a little bit of everything - highlights were the salmon, carne asada, guacamole and plantains!
(4)
Mickey Z.

Bartenders were super nice. Seems to be under 30 crowd and got about 4 people deep at bar very fast. Very good tacos.
(4)
Melissa A.

OKay, so the service wasn't super speedy, but we weren't in a hurry, and the food is so darn good! I was soliciting suggestion for a place to take an out of town guest in that area, and El Vez came highly recommended. I was super surprised to be unable to get a reservation at the time I wanted on a Tuesday night ... but this place is that popular! So our reservation was a little earlier than I had hoped it would be, but the place was already freaking packed. Our table was available exactly at the right time, and my friend was super psyched as the place seemed super trendy and a great experience for her visit to the big city. The guacamole was great, although at $13 it should be. It was a lot of guac, but still seemed expensive to me. My black bean enchilada was great, and my friend really enjoyed the ahi tuna tacos. I still can't get over how busy it was on a Tuesday evening, but I hope to go back soon if i can get a reservation!..
(4)
Superfly T.

First...love the salsa, guacamole and chips, along with any El Vez Margarita, second - the fish tacos are the best around. Tough to get a reservation on weekends, but I found out it's good to just show up and they'll call your cell phone when a table opens up, leaving you and your friends to pub crawl the neighborhood meanwhile. Finally, being a fan of bike culture, the custom low rider bicycles are the perfect bar deco centerpiece - I want one for my coffee table.
(4)
Kevin C.

"Mexican American meets East L.A. in a Tijuana taxi" --- quite right. I am from Texas so when I say this is a fantastic place to get Mexican, I know what I am talking about. Excellent salsas and guacamole varieties... and good drinkies. It would seem all the food on the menu is good, judging from the reactions of the large group I was with. This is including the vegetarian options I had. But really you go here for the very fun & colorful atmosphere. In summer the sidewalk seating is the way to go around 6 pm so you can watch all the people walking by in fantastic downtown (B3 part of ) Philadelphia.
(4)
Vic J.

Overpriced Mexican food served in a hip center city atmosphere. No chips/salsa with your order. Other than that it's normal Mexican food.
(2)
Susan P.

My mom was in town, and I was looking for a fun restaurant to take her to. I'd passed El Vez many times and always liked the decor. We're big fans of Mexican food, so I figured Stephen Starr + Mexican would have to equal a great night. I called to make a reservation (this was a Monday night) and was told that they only had room for us at 5:30 or 9:30pm. I asked how likely it was that we would get a table without a reservation, and the hostess was really shifty with me. I started looking elsewhere, but after talking with a friend decided to try my luck. My mom and I got there at 6:30 and the place was almost empty. I was frustrated by the runaround. I started with a "golden margarita" on the rocks. It was fairly strong (which I like), and pretty tasty. It was not the best margarita I've ever had, but I was satisfied. We shared the "Bazooka Limon" guacamole-- it had goat cheese, pistachio, chile flake, and roasted tomato. It was really tasty-- I enjoyed it a lot. It was a lot of guac, and had plenty of chips. Very satisfying. For dinner, I had the Crispy Mahi-Mahi Tacos. Really, don't bother ordering this. I was more disappointed with this dish than I have been at a restaurant in a long time. It was basically 3 small flour tortillas wrapped around fishsticks. They were better fishsticks than I remember from my grade school cafeteria, but they were fishsticks nonetheless. A huge disappointment. I would definitely go back here for drinks and guac-- both of those were good, and the atmosphere is really fun. I would not, however, return for another disappointing meal.
(3)
Aruna A.

Two words: Pomegranate Margarita's. That and the guacamole are to DIE for at this place. To DIE for. They are great. I'm salivating right now thinking about them as I write this review in fact. I don't know about the rest of the food though. Each time I've eaten here, I've TRIED really really hard to enjoy it, and the main dish I order always seems to disappoint, or fall short of what I was expecting. I recommend going here for drinks, sitting at the bar (who doesn't love the rotating Motorcycle in the middle?!), and chattin it up with your pals. I also recommend ordering some snacks at the bar. Beyond that, it's okay.
(3)
Julia P.

I went here with two friends to spend a gift card I had, and the food and margaritas definitely lived up to the hype. As is expected, it's all pretty over-priced, so it's probably not the kind of place I'd go on a regular basis. However, the food is REALLY rich and filling (those with sensitive stomachs, be forewarned - everything is seriously cheesy) so you don't need to order much to be full and satisfied.
(3)
Victoria J.

My favorite spot ever. I love the guava mojitos and the nachos. I wouldnt recommend this place for a first date because it's noisy and superrr crowded. You could sit outside in the warm months and that would make this a perfect date place. Either way, I am regular and i will continue to frequent El Vez
(5)
Sal I.

The food portions are small and expensive. For an upscale mexican cuisine, I would expect more. The tacos are smaller than what you think normal taco size is. I generally get the enchilada combo.. thats really good!
(3)
Tim L.

Fantastic ambiance. Great drinks. Food misses the mark though. Chips and guacamole are good but once you move past this El vez is confused with the style of food they are serving. Food is all prepared well but nothing on the menu will ever make you crave it and want to come back.
(3)
Christopher S.

I was really not impressed with this place at all. I've heard a few people say it was great, but maybe that was a while ago. The atmosphere was pretty cool and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. Dim lighting, but I kind of like that. I started with the Tortilla Soup for an appetizer. So much salt in there, I thought I was drinking an actual tortilla. I finished with the flavorless Carnita Tacos. They came out kinda cold, meat was dry and flavorless, and I think they forgot the Orange Morita sauce on two of my three little tacos. I managed to sneak an Adobo Tuna Tostada from my friend, which was actually pretty tasty. I would recommend trying those. For a drink, the cinnamon infused "El Diablo" was pretty tasty. Thumbs up there. Overall: the small portions and lack of flavor make you regret the price you're paying.
(2)
Julie B.

I came in here late one night with a couple friends for some margies and flights of tequila. It was the summer time and the patio/doors/whatever they are were open and in came an unwanted guest. A cockroach!!!!!!!!!!!!! As we pointed this out to the bartender, all she had to say was "You shouldn't step on it, because if it's a female and she's carrying eggs, they'll get stuck to your shoe and you'll carry them into your home." I'm sorry but I don't think La Coocaracha belongs in this Mexican experience. Gross.
(1)
Lydia H.

Pros: Great drinks (I highly recommend the Blood Orange Margarita, although you can only get it frozen, which bums me out sometimes), good atmosphere, and live guacamole-making entertainment. Cons: El Vez is always packed, and if you don't have a reservation, you can expect to wait for a while. I'm also never completely blown away by the food. It's good, just not out of this world. I tried the Black Bean enchilada last night - this was probably my favorite entree thus far at El Vez. Tip: Don't forget to check out the fun photo booth in the back of the restaurant, especially if you have some time to kill while waiting for your table!
(4)
J A.

Love the vibe of this place. Margaritas are yum!!! Make sure you hit the photo booth in the back.
(4)
Stephanie S.

I crave their guacamole every day of the week! Best selections of guac- give the goat cheese and pistachio one a try. Margaritas are done right here- blood orange is my fav! I really like the mexican chopped salad, really refreshing and HUGE! Fish tacos are small but also yummy. Its more of an American-Mexican restaurant but its unique. Fun to go out with groups here because they do pitchers and a lot of the food is shareable. They have a photo booth which is fun. Great atmosphere and a good go to spot!
(4)
Vince M.

Had 2 friends in town for a visit and thought they would enjoy El Vez, based on my previous experiences. Made the reservation through Open Table and our table was available. My friends enjoyed their house margaritas and we all enjoyed chips with salsa and guacamole. As the menu had changed since my last visited, we ordered tacos Al carbon for 3 and it was excellent. Highly recommend and will return. The price is average for a Center city restaurant. The parking in the area is a scam, no reflection on El Vez,
(4)
Phil Y.

This place is cool but so mismanaged... I hate that it takes an hour just to get a seat... A bit corny
(2)
Doriancita H.

This is definitely a place to go if you feel like spending extra cash on some fusion Mexican food. I've only been there once, it was fancy, high class, interior of the restaurant was artsy. We heard that their guacamole was their most famous food so we ordered magarittas and and got a combo guacamole for us to munch on. The first thing I noticed was the huge portions the guacamole came in. We sat and ate and ate for what seemed like hours. The second thing that stood out was the freshness of their guacamole. I don't think I've ever had guacamole where the green pops out, and you can just taste the lime and juiciness of it. The waitess bought us their regular guacamole to try, and we ordered their "asian guacamole" which had sesame oil in it, it was an interesting combination that I've never had before, and it tasted surprisingly well together. We also had another guacamole which had a balsamic sauce base, which was also good, and another flavor with roasted garlic and basil. They were not shy of using avocados, onions and tomatoes in their guacamole. Very inventive with their food. Go if you are a guacamole lover. This is not your quick bite to eat cheap Mexican restaurant.
(4)
Rob V.

"Mexican-American meets East L.A. in a Tijuana Taxi" is how the Starr website describes El Vez and that describes it to a T. In one visit, El Vez matched up with the best of the best of Stephen Starr's other restaurants. We arrived without a reservation and were told there would be a 60-90 minute wait. We decided to leave after giving the hostess our cell phone number. I was glad not be stuck in the uncomfortably crowded lobby or bar. I don't understand why more restaurants don't do this and insist on holding you "hostage" in crowded, cramped lobbies. It does not make for a pleasant start to your meal, so, thanks! We had a glass of wine at some non-descript Italian place and headed back towards El Vez where the evening dinner rush had subsided but there wasn't a seat to be had outdoors, the bar was still packed, and the dining room was just about full as well. We checked in and were promptly lead to our seats and I was struck by the loud, colorful atmosphere of the venue.. a hodgepodge of sorts of color and lights.. Me gusta! El Vez actually reminded me a lot of Distrito, but I felt much more at ease here.. I can't pinpoint why. The first visual impression that is made upon entry would be the glam, rotating motorcycle at the center of the main bar. The whole place has a funky Tex-Mex feel to it and after a couple Margaritas you'll almost certainly find yourself screwing around in their in-house Photo Booth, we did! Our waitress was in training with another waitress, so we never lacked for much of anything. It was interesting to hear of the extensive training they go thru to become servers. In my experience, Starr's employees are among the best, most knowledgeable, attentive wait staff I have ever encountered. After a quick rundown of the menu, we ordered some drinks. I was set on a Frozen Blood Orange Margarita ($9); a delicious blend of Gold tequila, triple sec and fresh blood orange puree. It was heaven and I think I have a new favorite drink. My girlfriend opted to try the equally delicious Sexican ($8); a tasty concoction of Finlandia Vanilla vodka, almond milk and a vanilla sugar rim. Mmm. With drinks in hand, we went in on their menu and started off with not one, but two appetizers.. oink, oink. We ordered the Adobo Tuna Tostadas ($12); adobo spiced and seared tuna which sat atop corn tortillas with Morita chile crema and pineapple salsa, and equally appetizing flatbread, the Huarache de Carnitas ($12) topped off with braised pork, grilled pineapple salsa, avocado, shredded cotija cheese, and piquin chilli verde. If all I ate at El Vez were the Tuna Tostadas and Flatbread, I would still give this place 5 stars.. it was that good. After agonizing over the entrees and reluctantly deciding to forego the wonderful looking guacamole served in a huge rock, it was go-time. I ordered the Camarones al Ajillo ($23); grilled marinated shrimp, a sofrito crab tamale, roasted garlic and almond-tomato pipian. I was a bit hesitant to order a seafood dish as my entrÃ©e, but not only was the dish flavorful, and beautifully presented, it delivered on every possible level, exceeding my already high expectations for it. My girlfriend ordered a dish that she's still talking about a month and a half after our meal there.. the Taco Tasting Platter ($22). An order of five, four inch tacos of Sea Bass, Beef, Chicken, Pibil Pork and Mahi Mahi were delivered and every one I tried I enjoyed more than the last. It was almost enough to make me regret my entrÃ©e, but they both matched up well to one another.. hers was just a bit more varied. We were stuffed by this point, but there's always room for more drinks, so with that, we ordered a Cuchi Cuchi ($8); a blend of Bacardi, pineapple puree, coconut milk and a hint of spice and the El Otono ($8); Cranberry infused bourbon, fresh lime juice and hibiscus tea. I really enjoyed all the drinks I sampled and they were tasty, potent, and appropriately priced. We almost didn't order dessert, but I'm glad we did (aka the waitress talked us into it). We tried two different cakes.. although I wanted to try the Churros. Oh well, next time! This time we ordered the Tres Leches Cake with Fruit Ceviche ($7) and the Warm Mexican Chocolate Cake ($7); a rich, flourless chocolate cake, peanut custard with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce, and peanut butter ice cream. The perfect end to a most perfect meal. The food was excellent, and even at this hour, I find myself craving a Blood Orange Margarita and Tuna Tostadas. I wouldn't call this 'Gourmet' Mexican, but it's most certainly a fun, inventive spin on traditional Mexican dishes. The bill, excluding gratuity, was about $125 and I'd say well worth every penny.. and I was paying. This was probably the most satisfying meal I've had to date at a Starr establishment and I'm sure we would've been back already had we not live two hours north of the city.
(5)
Chelsea P.

A bit pricey, but well worth it! I've been here several times and have always enjoyed myself. If you want to make it a less expensive venture, just get the homemade guacamole w/ chips, a flavored margarita, and you are set!
(4)
Lily L.

Came here twice and was disappointed both times. The only thing I would order again here is the guac with jumbo lump crabmeat and that's all. But there are so many other authentic Mexican eats around Philly I'd rather go to so no more El Vez.
(2)
Elizabeth B.

I went here last night and I'm still drooling. Service was fast and the food was amazing. This is one of the few Starr restaurants I hadn't tried because it's pretty hard to get seating with a reservation. Now I understand why. Yeah, the guac is expensive, but it's the creamiest, most creative guac I've ever had. I also had the mahi mahi tacos and the churros with chocolate dipping sauce. Oh. Em. Gee. It was all so good. I left full, happy, and satisfied.
(5)
Kristin W.

Two of us came and split a pitcher of the Blood Orange Margarita (tasty, but didn't really taste like blood oranges), the Bazooka Limon Guacamole (delicious! I think the goat cheese and pistachio really made the dish), and Sea Bass Tacos (good flavor although I didn't love the actual taco). We were totally stuffed with good food and will be back!
(4)
Alicia O.

Food is delicious! Went on a Friday night, it was crowded and super noisy but the wait was only a half hour. The portions are great, flavors are authentic... Had a great time and left full and satisfied. It was pricey but the food and atmosphere was worth it.
(4)
Renee F.

El Vez was great! The guacamole is incredible, as was the margarita. I wasn't terribly impressd with all of the tacos on the taco platter, but the fish taco was outstanding. Everything here was wonderful.
(4)
Matthew B.

I've driven by this place many times (including during the summer, when there are a ton of tables outside) and always wanted to try it. I was finally presented with the opportunity on a pleasant Saturday evening in February and it did not disappoint. We didn't have a reservation and were expecting a wait, so the 30-40 minutes we had to spend at the bar at 5:30 wasn't a hassle. Especially when you have access to some incredible drinks - more on that later. We gave the hostess our phone number in case we left, but she ended up finding us at the bar when our table was ready. FYI - there doesn't really seem to be an agreed upon level of fanciness among patrons of this place - some were wearing baseball caps and athletic gear, others were wearing dresses and jackets. We sat down and ordered a pitcher of the blood orange margaritas, which seemed to be a Yelp favorite (and for good reason.) $33 for a pitcher, which yielded about 5 drinks. Definitely go for the pitcher if your table is going to have more than 4 margaritas and you can all agree on a flavor. The margaritas were delicious and packed a punch. For an appetizer we ordered the El Vez guacamole, which was incredible. For our entrees we ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos and the pork tacos, which were both very good. The mahi mahi is breaded and fried, which adds a really appealing flavor and texture to the taco. The pork was also tasty, but I only had a bite of those. Total bill with tip for two people was about $90, but that included an appetizer and a margarita pitcher. The entrees range in price from $10-$20, which is more than reasonable for a place like this.
(5)
Carrie G.

I've never had a full sit-down meal at El Vez, but I have had many after-work margarita sessions, complete with their Original guac and Mamma nachos. The Granada margarita is my favorite, but I've also tried the El Vez, Pink Cadillac, and Blood Orange-- all delicious (but I think the Blood Orange would be even better on the rocks). I haven't been back since the cold set in, but I really should (as long as I go right after work; otherwise the crowd gets a little greasy)!
(4)
Tyler T.

I've been wanting to come here for a while now and I'm really happy that I finally made it. I came with my girlfriend for restuarant week hanging out at the bar drinking bourbon and gingerales until she showed up. The place was packed at 5:45 like all of Stephen Starr's spots. For restaurant week each person gets to pick one small app, one medium app, an entree, and a dessert. I chose the guacamole and freshly fried chips. I love guac and this was delicious. Its hard to make something so simple like guacamole taste so good, but somehow they do it way better than I can. My second app was an open faced shrimp quesadilla and it was very tasty. For dinner I got the Negro Modelo braised beef shortrib with green chile polenta and horseradish crema. The shortrib was extremely tender and very flavorful. I wouldn't typically get shortrib at a mexican restuarant, but that was the best choice of three entrees. For dessert, I ordered tres leches (my favorite dessert...that and creme brulee). The tres leches cake was soooo moist and it had a crumbled peanut top that gave the cake a nice crunch. Overall, I really enjoyed the restuarant and I will def come back. The bill was less than $120 and we both left stuffed. Great spot!!
(4)
Crystal S.

Being a Mexican that was born and raised in California has left me with a bit of a snobby complex when it comes to Mexican food. El Vez first and foremost, looks inviting and fun. Every time I walked by you would see these massive bowls of guacamole and it seemed like everyone was drinking margaritas. My mom and I tried to get a table but the wait was 2 hours and reservations were booked all the way into the next week. I decided next time I was in philly, I would call ahead and book a table. When I finally did eat there, I wasn't disappointed. The owner really put in the effort to keep the place authentic. The food was a little more gourmet than your average CA street taco man, but it was still delicious. The margaritas were strong and delicious and the guac was yummy too. Overall, a great experience.
(4)
Megan L.

I was in Philadelphia for work, and was fortunate enough to be able to have a long enough break to meet a friend for lunch - she suggested El Vez. Great choice! I'm pretty much always down for Mexican food, and I was not disappointed here. I went with the lunch special - tortilla soup and chipotle chicken tacos. The soup was phenomenal. I almost wish I'd just ordered a large soup! The tacos were still quite good - the chicken was tender, the flavors were great - but the tortilla soup was the star of the show. The atmosphere was funky, and our server was very good. We got there right when they opened and there were none of those 'we're just getting started' delays. Next time I'm in Philadelphia I will definitely pay another visit to El Vez!
(4)
Louis R.

A. I used to dislike monopolies on restaurants (S.Star) since they may turn out like chains (Applebees/Cheesecake Fac./Bennigans/etc.) B. This place is legit good C. Food is semi-authentic tasting D. Decor/Motif is entertaining to the eyes E. Waiters are attentive F. Inexpensive compared to his other joints I will hit again.
(3)
Kelly G.

El Vez = El Fun! Great food, fun atmosphere and yummy drinks. Sure, it's a Stephen Starr "production" so you can expect the crowds and the hype, but why not relax and just roll with it. The nachos are great for sharing with the table while you sip on a drink and watch the crowd go by. Undeniably, this is a great spot for people watching.
(4)
Mary M.

Good food, good margaritas, killer guacamole, and everything at a decent price. Just go early or make reservations if you don't want a long wait.
(5)
Michael B.

Based on the fact that you need to make reservations weeks in advance in order to get in to El Vez, one would think that it is the greatest Mexican food ever. Well, it is not. Again, as in most Steven Starr restaurants, it is a very cool atmosphere, and has a great drink selection. However, the food is really not great, and the service is sub-par. The waitresses always have an attitude problem, and try to rush you through your meal. Overall, I would not recommend this place since there are so many awesome restaurants in Philadelphia. It is not worth the wait!
(2)
Y M.

They have great guacamole, but it is hard to get a seat.
(3)
Hannah M.

Good food, good service, great margharitas!
(4)
Kerry B.

I was here more than a year ago, but I don't think I'll ever go back. I was so excited to try this place because I always walked by and it was constantly busy and smelled delicious. But I was so unimpressed. First off, our waitress was so rude that we actually asked for a new one. And we got one, but she wasn't very nice herself. And instead of trying to make our experience a little better, ended up just ignoring us for the most part. To start out we got the El Vez guacamole with some beans and sour cream and tomatoes and all that jazz, and none of us thought it was anything to die for. It was decent, but for the price I expected more. We split the black bean enchiladas and the grilled beef tacos, and I kid you not, both were burned. There's no doubt in my mind that they could have been delicious if they weren't...But we were so fed up that we just got the check [after flagging our waitress down for about 15 minutes] and left. I've talked to a lot of other friends that have gone here and no one else has had this kind of experience...but like I said; for me, once was more than enough. If I were you I'd save your money and go elsewhere.
(1)
Heather B.

El Vez is really hard to review, because the things I like, I *really* like, and the things I dislike - well, you get the picture. First of all, the music on the website is genuinely annoying. I realize this isn't particularly useful in a restaurant review, but I pray to the Stephen Starr website gods that they'll get rid of it. ASAP. I could probably eat Nacho Mamma every day. So. Fabulously. Delicious. It's super filling, and if I were smart, I'd just hit up El Vez for apps and drinks. Except, well, the El Vez margarita? It kinda tastes like grass to me. And I love margaritas, so this is rather disappointing. Also, my last salt-rimmed glass was more like a fully-salt-dipped glass, since there was a pile of salt in the bottom of the glass (and yes, it tasted just about as disgusting as it sounds). The goat cheese guacamole is, as others have raved, well worth whatever it costs. Entrees, though, are hit and miss. Last time I went, I got the pork tacos, which were incredibly greasy and left a Pat's cheesesteak-like puddle of oil on my plate. Ick. My dining companions all had the Enchiladas Mixtas and loved them, noting that the different enchiladas had distinct flavors. However, it's loud. Really, really, obnoxiously, headache-inducing loud. Again, I could probably tolerate it for a round of apps, but for a full dinner, it's grating. We were relieved to leave.
(3)
Sharlenne S.

3.5 Liked it, but it didn't blow my mind. Here are the highlights. 1. Huarache (sp?) carnitas - yum, yum, yum!!! It was some sort of thick tortilla stuffed with bean puree and on top it had pork, avocados and some other stuff. 2. Chocolate cake - I can't get enough of the chocolate and cinnamon combination. 3. Chocolate Churro Sauce - just the sauce, soooo good! Could have drank it with a straw. 4. Carne asada was pretty good too, although not comparable to Lolita! Margaritas were decent too!
(3)
Pete S.

This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the city, although I believe their guacamole is overrated considering the ridiculous price. Everything else is phenomenal!
(5)
Rohan P.

Ahh, the Vez. I consult in Philly and this used to be one of our favorites. It is a bit pricey, but very nice mexican food in the city. Interesting crowd (very hip). Service (especially the front desk) is not as good as you'd like. There were some great wait people we've had, but the front desk is consistently snooty. The range of food they make is great. Get their Guac and try one of their "mexican martinis."
(3)
Jeffrey M.

We stumbled upon this place today when we were looking for a good lunch in Philadelphia. The exterior is fun and colorful. The interior is open, but warm enough that you don't feel like you are in a big room. I recommend one of the signature guacamole dishes. I have the Huevos Rancheros - and they were excellent. The service is speedy and very friendly.
(3)
Christina S.

I just started going to El Vez this past month and have been there three times since the first. First off, if you're going on a weeknight or weekend, do yourself and make a reservation. This will save you an hour wait and trying to find a non-existant spot at the bar. It'll also save you having to wander the neighborhood in search of a drink during the wait. I will say that the first time my friend and I went to El Vez, we didn't have a reservation and were told it would be an hour and a half wait. What was cool was that they told us they'd call a cell phone to let us know when it was time to come back-which they did. Much appreciated. The food is pretty great. First, we started with guacamole. The guac is always good. I've had the Indian Red Lopez (wouldn't get it again because the crab kind of reminded me of tuna fish and um.. just.. . . yeahhhno), and the Morales guacamole kicked ace. I've also had the tortilla soup and that was good as heck. I've also had the Salsa Mexicana which was good, but I liked the other salsas that came along side of that salsa (both a green tomatillo that had a kick and a red that was smokey and delicious). For entrees, so far I've had the taco tasting platter, which was good-although there was a sweet taco (yeah, I said sweet taco) that tasted more like a cookie than a taco. I've had the El Vez Enchiladas Mixtas, tastytasty. I've also had the Carne Asada. It was pretty good, was expensive, and I prob wouldn't get it again. As far as Margaritas go, the Pink Cadillac is the best in my opinion. I've also had the classic el vez one which was good, and the frozen blood orange margarita which I didn't like as much as the previous two due to the fact that it's frozen and .. I just don't feel like it has the same 'kick' as the other two do. Try El Vez.
(4)
Fernanda K.

Polenta fries! Sidewalk tables. I am finally having huevos rancheros and oh, my, what a wonderful thing. This place is adorable an cool. Yes, I hope to be back!
(4)
Joyce K.

DeLish... however never been there without it crowded... Guess it's that good!!!
(5)
Kevin F.

Overpriced ...Underwhelming....not the best of Star Restaurants.
(1)
emeril l.

Pretty decent place, stumbled upon by accident. The food was really good and fresh. Ordered pork tacos and chicken tacos. The pickled cabbage on the pork tacos was filled with tangy goodness. I was expecting sides of some sort to come with the tacos, but alas, it was not to be. The 6 or so different varieties of guacamole send out a high pitched siren song, but in the end I'm pretty sure I could have made up my own batch for at least half the $15 asking price. Loved the photo booth and the lit up bicycle that rotates in the bar back.
(3)
pracheta t.

First time I came here, I vowed never to go back. Service, food and overall dining experience was awful. But I've been forced back by friends for birthday dinners and each time the experience improved. I don't want to say its pretentious because that is a strong word, but it is a Stephen Starr and i guess it is consistent with what Starr is going for? anyway, i don't willingly go here but what they do for birthdays is really nice (tequila sherbet shots).
(3)
Kathryn M.

Exactly what I expected at a Stephen Starr restaurant. I had been avoiding them since moving to Philadelphia three years ago. Not that I had heard bad things, but there are just too many independent establishments in Philadelphia to warrant what I had heard was a chain-restaurant feel from any of the Starr establishments (fyi. the chain-restaurant feel was spot on at El Vez). But when a group of friends are in town for a conference and one decides that El Vez is THE spot they heard about and wanted to try for weeks. Well, I'm glad to oblige for an out-of-town friend. The margaritas were OK. Fairly watered down but not overly sour mixed either. The crab and cactus salsa was seriously disappointing but the accompanying green tomatillo salsa was bangin! The red salsa on the other side was too smokey for my taste but again OK. The only real highlight of the evening (apart from that tomatillo salsa) was the entree special. It was a short rib taco (to put it simply) and was amazing. The spices were right on and the meat was cooked really well. Unfortunately, it was the evening special so I can't really count on it being there ever again. Since the highlight was the special and the tomatillo salsa and everyone else felt their dishes were fairly mediocre I probably won't be back for the food. The atmosphere was fun and they were accommodating for our group of 12 (albeit brutally slow) so if in a similar situation it is a good option close to the train stations and hotels by Market St. Apart from that though, I think I've satisfied my Starr quota for now.
(3)
MobsterSauce S.

Absolutely awesome. Worth the wait for a table, great decor, fun vibe all around... quite possibly the most expensive guacamole you will ever have but worth every penny! The Tito Santana was to die for. Yum! Each dish is beautifully presented as well. Highly recommend stopping here.
(5)
Amy B.

I really like this place. I'll admit, it's overly theme-y and can get extraordinarily loud. It's also fun and has yummy food. I highly recommend the Mexican chopped salad (I got mine with chicken and cumin-lime vinagarette). It's big and has all kinds of cool ingredients. The taco tasting platter is fun because you get to try a bunch of different things, but I think the sea bass tacos are probably the best. All of the guacamole are ridiculously delicious, although rather pricey. Having recently moved to Philadelphia from California, where the best Mexican food is easily accessible, I was disappointed with the Mexican cuisine in this city. El Vez is pretty freaking good.
(4)
John G.

Very good place!! I will be back with a group of people next time.Fun atmosphere and great drinks!!
(4)
Johnny B.

Went here for the first time last week. Had the nachos (which could seriously feed a family of four) and two margaritas (Which got us drunker than we have ever been off of one drink). My god. Strong as hell. Very pleased. Had a great time sitting outside. We will be back.
(5)
Christine A.

Hmm... there must be something special about a place to be so busy during happy hour on a Tuesday evening... when they don't participate in happy hour! I LOVE the decor. Can't get enough of it! I'll just say - Gold plated low-rider bike. And the wall of little rooms. Very cool. The nachos are beautiful. Served with queso and guacamole... perfect munchie accoutrement with their perfect sangria (both rojo and blanco are tasty.) I'll be going back for dinner soon!
(4)
Hannah K.

Horrible, horrible, horrible service! Every time I go, all I receive is horrible snooty crap service. But seriously, in all honesty, Stephen Starr, I'm giving you 3 stars because of the guacamole! MMM! It's delicious. A giant yummy bowl of avocado, cilantro & onion deliciousness. One of the best big bowls of guacamole I've had in all of Philadelphia. Who cares about the rest of the menu. This guacamole is the only reason I go. Btw, I'm not sure if it's their bartender on th day that I went, or the drinks but the 2 drinks that me & my friend ordered were gross. Tasted like cough syrup. We sent them back & ordered 2 more, but they were just as gross.
(3)
Vincent K.

3.5 Stars Just when my opinion of Philly was turning bleak and the idea of a boring city had entered my mind, my friends decided on this place for a nice mexican dinner with a twist. Although I was expecting a Chevy-ish spot, it turned out to be a vibrant dim lighted place with vibrant colors. The place seemed like it was a great after work happy hour joint with the center bar being the spot of choice. Onto the food. There is a little twist to their version of mexican food I must say. I was pleasantly surprised by thier house special variations of guacamole dip in which we chose the spicy crab guacamole. Probably a little bit overpriced, but it was great with the hot thin (chevy like) tortilla chips. As for my entree, I had the Shrimp enchiladas with creme corn and rice and it was great....at least the 1st one enchilada. It came with two, but I don't know if it was because I ate the 2nd one later, but it was really overcooked, especially the shrimp and overcooked shrimp is a big no no. But I liked the spot, and I had fun.
(3)
Grace L.

Came here with my little brother - it was his first day in Philadelphia and it was a great start to his trip! We split the Indian Red Lopez guac at the beginning - definitely unique. I've never seen crab in guac and was a little skeptical but it gets a thumbs up! And the spiciness was an added bonus. There's quite a bit of it too, so make sure you share! For dinner I got the El Vez Enchiladas Mixtas which is a tasting of all three of their enchiladas. They were all distinct, delicious and flavorful. I loved it. The portions were hefty, too, which is always a plus :) The music was a little loud - I could barely hear my brother speak and we had to shout the whole time. Otherwise, great place and great food if you're willing to pay a bit more for a novel twist on the usual!
(4)
Rachel P.

Second favorite Steven Starr restaurant. Super Authentic, but also trendy and fun. Margaritas are awesome, and the photo booth is a hilarious touch.
(5)
Jamie R.

Shrimp tacos, crab guac, and blood orange margaritas a must!
(4)
Jennifer B.

The food was gross. The carnitas tacos were dry and had no flavor. The enchiladas were nasty. The blood orange margaritas were great. The guac was fine, but nothing to write home about.
(1)
W S.

best in the summer when the college kids are all gone
(4)
H C.

Love this place. Great margaritas, guacamole, and atmosphere.
(4)
Surabhi M.

Having lived in LA, I have tested many versions of Mexican food.El Vez is NOT a place to get your mexican fix not even for Guacamole. It is a place to hang out with friends and Margaritas. This place is not about food. Service is good. My husband I stopped here for dinner since it started raining and did not walk another couple of blocks to our favorite place. It was a mistake. Nothing about the food was memorable.
(2)
Justin B.

This is my Philadelphia staple. I've paid El Vez a visit the last four times I've been to town and the food never disappoints. We ordered the basic guacamole, which is decent but at $14, it seemed bit on the pricey side for avocados. There are several other guac flavors available but ramp up in price. There were four of us, so we went with a pitcher of white sangria (available, even though it's not on the menu). If you haven't been before, and you're a meat eater, I would suggest going with the beef tacos. The meat comes fairly tender with a nice barrage of toping on three corn tortillas. The crowd is filled with a diverse group of folks, tourists and locals alike. I would suggest reservations on Thursday through Sunday.
(4)
Vania V.

WOW!!!! This has got to be the best Mexican food in Philadelphia. My Husband and I go there ALL the time. Usually we sit at the bar and eat (except when we bring friends). The food is amazing one of my personal faves Shrimp Quesiidilia of Steak Carbon with a side of melted Manchego cheese. Love all the staff and the Chef is Superb
(5)
R. G.

Very overpriced for the quality and amount of food you get. I ordered the mahi mahi tacos and when they came out there were two tiny what looked like taquitos from 711 on my plate, and they really didn't taste too far off from that. The Mahi Mahi was deep fried and it basically tasted like a fish stick wrapped in a tortilla. The atmosphere was cool, but honestly save yourself the time and money and visit one of the smaller local mexican restaurants in Philly.
(2)
Lauren B.

Come here for drinks and guacamole. That's it. The entrees have been downsized over the years, or had cheaper substitutions created. It's not worth it. But a big bowl of guac and some margaritas will still run you about $60 and fill you up.
(4)
Elena C.

We had: -Cactus & crab salsa -Pibil pork tacos -Grilled beef tacos -Grilled corn on the cob -Churros The crab and cactus salsa was amazing. Very fresh with huge pieces of lump crab meat. The chips were homemade and still warm. Yum! I tried my fiance's pork tacos. Eh. But I don't like pork. He really enjoyed them. My beef tacos were amazing. They were served with insanely tender steak that was really well seasoned. The corn on the cob would have been better if it had actually been hot but it had actually passed room temperature and was cool. It was definitely edible and the cheese and butter made it delicious but I was hoping for hot and melty. The churros were amazing. Served with a Mexican chocolate sauce. I drenched mine in the sauce and the warm churro just soaked up all the chocolatey goodness. Incredible. But if nothing on the dessert menu appeals to you, Capogiro is next door. :) It was a very hard decision choosing churros or gelato. All in all, I liked our experience here and would definitely return. I still need to try their nachos and the chocolate cake. It wasn't the best meal I'd ever eaten but it certainly wasn't the worst. The atmosphere was a little trendy for my taste but for more churros and salsa, I'll brave it. Our bill came to $80 including tip (we each had a drink as well) which I thought was pretty good for a Stephen Starr place.
(4)
R B.

Their Guacamole varieties are really interesting. Definitely ask about their special margaritas!
(4)
Nelson S.

Food is a 4.5. Atmosphere is a 4.5. Service is a 2. 3 at best. We went for an early dinner on a Saturday (we have a 10 month old son so all dinners are senior citizen time). The place was 2/3 full with several tables and booths open. The hostess tells us it'll be a 20 minute wait and can they find as at the bar.... uh duhhhh yeah we'll be at the bar watching our 10-month old son doing tequila shots off some young waitress. 3 minutes later we were seated. Food was fantastic. Guacomole was great. Margaritas were great. I had the surf and turf tacos (good) and my wife had some incredible soup. Just a word to the management.... people with kids aren't freaks. If your wait staff was a little friendlier then this would have added an extra star or two to this review.
(3)
Daphney T.

Nice crowd & drinks ....
(4)
Tas H.

Yet another trip to one of our favorite restaurants (this was definitely NOT our first time, just our first since I joined YELP), and again we were not disappointed! It's great to have a place to go to where you know the food will always be good, the drinks will always be delicious, and the service will always be friendly. El Vez is just such a place! We can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Daniel H.

This placed is very hyped up -- first time around I'm not entirely sure why. Chips and salsa were good. Salsa had a bit of a kick and a hint of smoke/hickory. They boast an impressive selection of guacamole, but I say that if you're going to do crazy things with a simple item, make sure you do it plain very very well. FAIL. The regular guac was too salty, and generally bad. Margaritas were great - maybe you can drink a few to balance out the food (if you order the wrong items). For dinner, I had the sea bass fish tacos. These came highly recommended to me by several co-workers. I've never had fish tacos, and was skeptical, but went for it anyway. The fish was cooked perfectly. You get three, very small, slightly fluffy tortillas open with the fish and accouterments... everything but the fish and tortilla didn't vibe with me. Overly sweet, not enough, and over-priced. I didn't realize that I'd still be very very hungry after spending 20 bucks on what amounted to three tiny, mediocre, fish tacos. Will need to try again because I was told I must have had a bad experience...
(3)
Laura K.

I was happy to find this gem while in town for a conference recently. In Chicago, the pinnacle of Mexican food is Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill and El Vez is at that level of quality. The specialty guacamole is fantastic, the salsa and fresh chips, outstanding. I had the bbq pork tacos, which were very simple and delicious. The food is so flavorful and perfectly seasoned. It's a definite must-go.
(5)
Laura H.

Great spot for drinks and groups! Not my first choice for mexican due to the crowds and $$.
(4)
Hannah G.

El Vez is a fun spot. I've tried a couple of their guacamoles, which are great, and I can't get enough blood orange margaritas! I have some friends who have been unimpressed with their entrees here -- I usually stick with the mahi mahi tacos, which are delicious!
(4)
Andrea S.

Went here after the Yelp Apothecary event(which was awesome!) and really enjoyed it. We ordered a bunch of different apps including the goat cheese guac which i loved hell put cheese and avocados in the same dish and I am all over it like a fat kid on a cupcake! Also the seared tuna with the pineapple salsa was phenomenal i couldn't get enough. We did get the shrimp quesadillas which were probably my least favorite the felt a little dry to me. Enjoyed the outside table which was key cause it seems like it can get a little loud in there. All in all a very pleasant experience!
(4)
Kristi F.

Great guac (many options!), good drinks and fantastic atmosphere and service! I ate here twice, lunch and dinner and honestly if I get back to Philly I'd go again and skip the meal. Apps and drinks are plenty and far more appetizing.
(4)
Bobby P.

We've had some bad experiences here in the past (sub-par food and overpriced drinks), but the other day the first two options we were in the mood for were closed so we decided to give El Vez another shot. Due to my love for all creatures of the sea in raw form the shrimp ceviche was a must, but I was a little dubious when it first came out. The brownish sauce in a long, narrow dish wasn't doing it for me presentation-wise and the popcorn looked like a stupid, out of place gimmick at best. But one bite made a huge difference - the strong citrus was nicely cut with the cool avocado. And I have to admit (somewhat sheepishly) that the popcorn added an interesting crunch. As a second appetizer we tried an order of the basic tomato salsa, knowing full well that their guacamole pales in comparison to mine. I don't get how salsa could be oily, but that's the best way I could describe it. It tasted strongly of olive oil, and the tomatoes were past their prime. The accompanying nacho chips were addictive as always. For entrees we had the Mexican chop salad and chicken burrito, neither of which was exceptionally noteworthy. The burrito was covered with a red sauce that was overly salty, but otherwise was decent, and the waitress was receptive to the feedback. All in all it's not the best Mexican you can get nor the trendiest Starr venue, but it has it's own little niche.
(3)
Jeff H.

So everybody who goes here gets the guacamole. It comes out with chips and salsa. All is good. But who needs food (the entrees tend to be overly small) when you get all of this? First time I ate here I got an entry, and then couldn't eat it all. This time I just got the Guacamole. The prices are a tad high, but worthwhile due to the popularity of the restaurant. The decor is kind of funky...not what I would call Mexican, and it does tend to be noisy, but the service has always been good. PROS: Guacamole and chips are outstanding. CONS: Funky decor, a bit loud, small portions on entrees, and relatively expensive.
(4)
MC L.

best guacamole ever! not cheap though. only downside
(4)
Colin P.

Arrived for dinner on a beautiful Wednesday night before an early morning flight - had a 7:30 reservation through Opentable. The place was practically bursting at the seams - not one empty seat inside, and shortly after we arrived, there was barely standing room near the entrance and every outside seat had a butt in it. We did have to wait about 20 minutes for a table, but the bar kept me entertained with a strong and tasty guava mojito. The atmosphere is very much energetic and fun, and evidently it is always very busy, yet our server (Bettina) was completely unfazed. She answered our menu questions without having to go back to the kitchen to ask (and they weren't exactly the easiest questions either), and spent a significant amount of time tending to us. I was thrilled with her service. We had planned to share a salsa, an appetizer and some tacos. However, when our cactus & crab salsa arrived, which was very good (with hot, fresh tortilla chips) we polished it off and were quite full - so we had to cut the tacos. The appetizer was also very filling (queso fundido de hongos), but I couldn't put my fork down for this dish - it was divine. I'd definitely go with a bigger appetite or more people next time. Is it authentic Mexican? Not exactly... but who cares? It is inspired cuisine with Starr flair.
(4)
Erika K.

The food is okay, by no means terrible, but for some reason I go here at least once every couple months The blood orange margaritas are usually to DIE for, and although the food (esp. the guacamole) can get pricey, they are pretty large portions. I'm not sure what they marinade their mushrooms in, but it ruins the texture of the portebellos that come with the vegetable fajitas They do have sweet velvet booths, and a little picture booth that my boyfriend and i take pictures in every time we go
(3)
Alex W.

Stopped by for a late lunch on a beautiful spring day. This is a fun spot to sit on the street and watch the colorful characters pass, especially during wedding season. I'm sure being seated inside would have annoyed me, though that annoyance would be seriously diminished if I were getting tuned up on tequila drinks. Even with the inclusion of the above pictured bikes, just can't see this being a place frequented (or infrequented) by cholos. The sangria was quite nice and offered considerably more kick than your standard, due to the addition of tequila; appreciated greatly and worth getting another. The girlfriend's drink was tasty, especially if you're into Brazil levels of sweet (which she is). Had the De La Hoya guacamole which was good, as were the chips that came with it. Don't know if they were $15(?) good, but there you go. Split the taco sampler and that was solid as well... though once again, don't know if it was $22 solid. The beef tacos were my favorite, followed by the mahi-mahi. The pork and chicken I wouldn't pay the premium for. There's a photobooth in back, which is perfect if you want to take some cheesy pictures with your honey. Don't forget that there are four required pictures that must be taken in a booth: "normal", goofy, kissing and surprised. Overall I would say this place is okay. If asked where I wanted to eat tonight, this wouldn't be my first answer but if walking in the area, would do it again. Think the prices are about 20-30% high on most food items but there are ways to be frugal on the menu, if you're so inclined.
(3)
Dana P.

They make guacamole table side and it's so fresh and delicious. The margaritas are some of the best around!
(4)
Wendy K.

There are many reasons why El Vez is fantastic. One, the decor is interesting, and atmosphere cozy. Two, is the taco sampler. Three, is the Guacamole appetizer platter (My favorite was the guac with black truffle oil - TO DIE FOR). Four, is the blood orange margaritas. I actually wasn't a big fan of the roasted corn, but everyone else was, so I guess that's five. We had a reservation, and were with a native Philadelphian, who lives and works in the city, so most of the things we had, had been had before by people at our table. We obviously were seated right away (I recommend reservations), the servers were pleasant and from what I remember, effective and on top of things. It was a weekend night, which means "busy" in the restaurant world, so if "busy" isn't your thing, going to one of the most popular restaurants in Philly probably isn't a great idea. Remember: Guacamole with Black Truffle Oil. You won't regret it. Thank yuh vury much...
(5)
Raj M.

I had the BEST nachos ever at this place -- was extremely impressed. I went to this place for the first time by myself while new in the city -- The server suggested I order half a portion of nachos since I was by myself and was ordering another dish -- I asked for light cheese on my nachos (yeah, yeah I know cheese is the whole point in nachos for some, not for me) :) They were perfect -- 10 out of 10. I had enchiladas and that were just perfect as well....good, relaxed atmosphere...
(4)
A D.

We spent a night in downtown Phili and were in the mood for tapas/Latin-Am food. We did a lot of Yelping before deciding to go to El Vez. It is very cool place to take a date. Festive and great atmosphere. A little louder than I prefer, but it was fine. We ordered their signature guacamole. It came in a stone bowl and served with fried flour chips. It seemed different than most guacs we've had at other places. It was too creamy. Not much flavor. I would go back to try other dishes.
(2)
Jack S.

Great atmosphere and location. The food quality is mediocre at best, and the prices are quite high for what you get. First, the good: -The atmosphere is excellent here. - Our waiter was attentive at first, then seemed to lost interest after a while. Then again, maybe they didn't expect to be swarmed after the noon showing of the Nutcracker on Xmas eve. -They allowed us to make up a dish for my picky 9 y.o. niece (no kids menus or small portions)... they charged us $3.50 for a chicken soft taco with cheese. She didn't like it, but at least they made an effort. -The food came quickly. Too quickly (see below) The bad: -Food came well before the drinks. -Don't order the ceviche. Maybe what they serve is some regional variation, but it's terrible. Oily, not citrusy and tangy. Awful. -Drinks are horridly overpriced, and are like 90% ice anyway! -All the food is overpriced, not that good considering the cost. I can't say I won't go back... but they should try to up the food quality a few notches to match the prices.
(3)
emmalee c.

Stopped by El Vez last night after running errands in CC with my boyfriend. For a rainy Monday, It was pretty packed, there were even people sitting outside drinking their margarita's in the rainy mist. I came to get some drinks and I was really craving their Carne Asada, which I have had on several occasions before. We put our name in at around 8, drank a pitcher of (strong!) Pink Cadillac's at the bar and by the time we were finishing up, our table was ready. From the MOMENT we sat down, to the moment we got up to leave, our server was on point. We always had a full drink, both alcoholic and water. We got the bazooka limon guac and the blue corn bread as appetizers. We were hungry, and slightly intoxicated, so we may have over ordered for just the two of us, but it was worth it. We had ample time to eat our appetizers before our steaks came out. They were accurately cooked (YES!) and our server was always around to make sure we were okay (YES!) and to fill our glasses from our Frozen Blood Orange pitcher (yum yum). We left drunk, bursting at the seams from stuffing ourselves with so much food, and not totally broke. The only bummer is that they changed the Carne Asada dish and I didn't look at the menu to realize it. My fault. It used to come with a fresh mushroom salad and now it comes with some weird chips covered in what tasted to me like BBQ sauce. Whatever, the steak was bangin.. No, El Vez is not completely authentic, but that's not why you should go there. It's pretty and interestingly decorated, there's always an eclectic mix of people from young professionals to UArts kids and everything in between. It's fun. The drinks are sweet, the food is satisfying, the service is pretty great and it's not that damn expensive.
(5)
Yolanda Y.

It's been a few years since the last time I went here, so I wondered how this place changed. Very little, it seems. I had fish with rice which was pretty good, but I think too expensive for something relatively basic. Same goes for the corn on the cob appetizer. Everything was good, but nothing that made me light up and say "wow, that is a-maize-ing"!
(3)
Christine G.

Awesome guac, good service, and great selection of food. Always enjoying dining here.
(5)
Joseph A.

Awesome!!! Worth the wait!! Try the white sangria, it makes my bub bubs bounce :)
(5)
Larry K.

Very good, very cool, but pricey as Steven Starr restaurants are.
(4)
Darcy G.

I love this place. It's fun, the service has been repeatedly kind and attentive, and the blood orange margarita......I want more. The mexican corn-on-the-cob side dish is so freaking delicious with mexican cheeses and lime and who knows what else...it's my favorite food at any Mexican restaurant. It's just great. I went 30min out of my way on a 9 hour trip between Virginia and Rhode Island just to have the margarita and corn-on-the-cob. So worth it.
(5)
Marty D.

ok...i cant really speak about the food cuz i only ate there once and only tasted the Bean Enchilada. it was alright. nothing SPECIAL but not bad....u kno? my Yeungling beer was GOOD tho! the atmosphere was nice. it was big an kinda funky. i dig that!
(2)
Jarrod B.

El vez has great atmosphere and is definitely a great place to go to start a night out on the town. I've only had the appetizers there and I must say, that they are more than enough. The guacamole is famous city-wide and some of the best I've ever had. The margarita selection is extensive and the service is very good. For a casual date or a with a group of friends, El Vez is a must try.
(4)
Jessica L.

Very cool place - LOUD. With a great big round bar in the middle. So they are known for their guacamole - 4 or 5 kinds to try. And I guess if you are known for guac you can charge $13-$21 for it AND if you place it in a huge bowl that is actually really shallow - ie, not much in the bowl - you can totally get away with charging that..... The "original" was definitely delicious. And for $13 it should be. The tuna tostada appetizer With pineapple salsa was not great but was ok. My friend said their white sangria was good. I would come back to try their various taco plates as well as margaritas and other guacs. It's a cute place!
(3)
Nyoka T.

Love the laid back atmosphere, margarita pitchers, and appetizers are low maintenance. Crowd is always mild and fun and very good looking!
(3)
Christopher R.

Let me say right off that Stephen Starr doesn't do much for me. I'm more impressed by the steak than the sizzle, as it were. In lieu of the reviews I've avoided writing about Jones and the Continentals, and as a general rule about that tier of his restaurants, El Vez was pretty decent food that costs slightly more than I would prefer to pay. The girl and I started by ordering a pitcher of their Blood Orange Margaritas, which were tasty and, most importantly for a place like this, looked good. Several middle aged women who passed our table asked what they were. I'm not sure if we had an option but our order was served frozen rather than on the rocks. I ordered the two-course prixe fixe with the tortilla soup and braised short rib burrito. The soup was okay but the chicken in it looked a little gnarly and it was too salty for my tastes. The burrito was delicious--the short rib was nicely flavored and very tender--but a little small. (Though that could just be the lunch portion.) The refried beans it was served with bordered on being flavorless but the salsa verde helped with that. Overall, pretty okay. The girl had the mahi mahi tacos. I didn't get the chance to sample them personally but she couldn't find anything to complain about after she finished eating them, which is pretty much the highest rating I've ever seen her give. (If she's reading this: I'm kidding.) We ended with the churros. They were actually really good and came with a chocolate dipping sauce. I would recommend these. Overall, it was not a bad lunch, just more than I'd be willing to pay. I have no idea if I'd go back since there's plenty of other places I'd rather go for Mexican food nearby.
(3)
Jessica E.

Ok, I think I could safely make this statement about any Steven Starr Restaurant: When it comes to creating a captivating atmosphere, serving amazing cocktails, and treating your costumers like gold, Steven Starr has got it figure out! I had an enjoyable evening at El Vez. My margaritas were delicious, the guacamole was just...oh my god...so good, and the server made us feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant. The problem: For my entree, I ordered some tacos. They tasted just as good as what I have gotten from a family-owned Mexican restaurant and cost three times as much. So is it worth it paying for the cocktails, guacamole, atmosphere, and service? It just might be, actually... Sometimes...
(3)
Jyoti H.

The Good: 1) The mama nachos. Um. SO effing Amazing 2) The chicken enchildas. Sauce was to die for! I wish I had saved room for this though! The Bad: 1) The chorizo thing with cheese. Please note I am not a huge fan of sausage, so I think this is why I didn't like this so much 2) Guacamole: THIS WAS DELICIOUS! Except, for $18, I expected a whole.lot.more. good taste, bad price. The Ugly: 1) WTF was up with the pitcher of margaritas? Somehing was amiss and these were terrible! I don't quite get how a mexican restaurant can have medicore margs, but oh well. 2) We made ressies for 10:15, but they didn't seat us till 10:45pm.
(3)
Susan F.

A very eclectic and fun place to eat. Food was super yummy with a wide variety of margaritas.
(4)
Steve L.

To sum it up in one sentence, "Surprisingly good trendy mexican-esk food." If you decide to read on, then you will be forced to listen to my rant about how Mexican food MUST be served in a paper bag and be smother in beans and cheese. This meal was far from it. yet good in its own right. I made the amateur mistake of over ordering with the crew I was with. We had so much food that it took away room in my stomach for a second pitcher of Margaritas. The first one were so strong, I wanted to see if they could duplicate that. Now I will never know.... The meal started with seasoned and cheesed corn on the cob. (note, I am allowed to say great things about this dish since it was covered in cheese) Who ever came up with this dish deserves some sorta an award. Steven Starr? You sir know how to make corn on the cob. It was delicious. Then we moved on to our guacamole and the special ceviche, Both were good but nothing to write home about. The civiche was in an ancho chili sauce that overpowered the fish. The guack was ample and had plenty of lime. Then came the big papi main coarse. Between the three of us we had the Taco sampler, the enchilada sampler, and the beef tacos. Everything was good, but not great. The only thing that was great was the Sea bass and the Mahi Tacos. All of the fish was cooked to perfection and paired with great flavors all wrapped up in a fresh corn tortilla.....(insert drooling here) I want to revisit and just do Apps. They were by far the best part of the meal. next trip to Philly, I see it on my "to eat" roster.....
(4)
John T.

El Vez is the place to be seen (or so I'm told). It's the place for the BEST margaritas (or so I'm told)...where trendy yuppies roam and superficial foodies meet for lack of better judgment. What I wasn't told of was the long wait that I should expect on Monday nights. As my cohorts and I entered the doors, we were greeted by a warm and friendly hostess. She informed us of the 45 minute wait (@9:00). My friends (see aforementioned superficial foodies) refused to go anywhere else, and I was thus stuck at the bar sipping blood orange margaritas and downing gauc and chips for the better part of an hour. The margaritas were delicious (lacked the "impending tequila hangover" taste) and the chips were delectable. However, I felt they were a little overpriced for what they were: smoothies with chips & dip. Perhaps I had fallen for Starr-phoria, but it was the price I was willing to pay. Two and a half margaritas later (time is so arbitrary, it's much easier to measure in units of tequila), we were seated with a nice window view of the bathhouse. Our waiter was warm and accommodating almost to a fault...almost a bit disingenuous. HOWEVER, our tacos and tortilla soup were delicious and served quite promptly. Takeaways: Good food and drinks, but these things can be found at other places that are not owned by Starr. Good place to be seen on any night.
(3)
Jesse F.

Been here many times and its always good. Love the HUGE bowl of guacamole and free chips and salsa! I'm a pig and can eat a lot. Typically at least 3-4 courses so i usually get the taco sampler or the enchiladas supreme with the chicken shrimp and bean...mmmm. Love the atmosphere and the fact that it's always crowded, although the bathrooms down stairs are so awkward and hate the dim lighting. Haven't had the desserts here I believe, or I can't remember due to the drinks. But i have gone to Capogiros across the street afterwards.. :)
(5)
Peter C.

good food and ambiance but can get really crowded, especially on the weekends so service can be slow.
(3)
Domenic F.

Always a good time, and always a very nice chill scene in the city. On a weekend of flash mobs and of craziness it was great to be inside this place and to truly enjoy a few good beers and chill that El Vez has to offer. The prices are not cheap, but if you want cheap go elsewhere. The decor is fun and the scene is just relaxed. I like this place alot and the food is quite good. Guac-a-MOLE! is amazing....it is expensive but it is really good. The other food is also good. Nice place to go, relax and watch the mobs go by to south street!
(4)
Kim G.

Stumbled upon this place one rainy night after a concert at the Kimmel Center, went in because it seemed pretty lively and was not disappointed. My sister and I shared the crab/cactus salsa, chipotle tacos and the plantains. Everything was well seasoned and flavorful and their tortilla chips were homemade and delicious. For dessert I had the tres leches cake and my sister had the orange flan, they were both winners. The flan was incredibly smooth and airy. They had a pretty extensive margarita menu, which everyone of the other patrons were partaking of but we couldn't because we had to drive back home to the Jersey shore. Our server was super nice and attentive, she never rushed us nor did she seem disingenuous or overbearing. Overall this place was a great find.
(5)
Luigi C.

The food was so so and quite expensive. flavor-wise, it is not the most authentic Mexican restaurant in town. It's good for a casual date or drinks with friends more than a real culinary experience
(2)
Jim D.

Ay papi, I wanted a bit more! Came here on Sunday for a quick bite to eat and was really surprised by the off the wall, yet fun design and decor. We chose to sit in one of the padded schnazzy booths which has a great view of the restaurant and located directly under a very elaborate and impressive wall of dead dolls. The food was solid - for the most part. We first ordered the Indian Red Lopez guacamole which was okay but it definitely lacked flavor. The description read spicy crab. It had some crab meat, but pretty much no spice. We then ordered the chipotle chicken tacos and some kind of brunch beef burrito. Both were muy sabroso! They definitely made up for the weak guacamole. Speaking of which, the guacs are so WAY overpriced here. Both our entrees combined were about the same price for that small serving of guac and 2-3 times the size. For the price they charge for the green stuff, it better be damn good but sadly, it wasn't. The service was excellent. Our server was cheerful and very attentive to our needs. She explained and answered all our questions with a smile. No complaints in this department at all. Overall, not such a bad place. I can imagine this place could get quite crowded and fun during an evening out based purely on its ambiance. I'd definitely come back to sample more of its menu. Just stay away from that overpriced guac.
(3)
Caitie K.

Really Good, but definitely not my favorite SStarr restaurant. It is a nice option when looking for something different from Stephen Starr, however, this restaurant did not stand out like the other SStarr restaurants do. The others so memorable. El Vez provided the 'expected' - good food, really good margs & good service. Would go back, just no wow factor for me.
(3)
Kayla G.

food and drinks are top notch!! service is a little awkward but didnt damper our good time!! ill definately be back!
(4)
Chris D.

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE EL VEZ... u want killer mehicano food? EL VEZ u want tasty alcohol filled Sangria? EL VEZ how bout a photo booth or trickedout bike in the middle of a bar? ELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VEZZZZZZZZZZ yea, on a saturday night, its pretty loud and theres a decent amount of people waiting to eat, or even get a table, but the Enchiladas are amazing and the appetizers are so cheap and filling that ud wanna skip on your entree. The staff is super friendly and the decor puts alot of other philly establishments to shame on a nice/breezy spring night, hitup El Vez with some friends and experience Philly @ its best GET A PITCHER OF BERRY SANGRIA & Nacho Mama Nacho's...I DARE YOU... ull kinda fall inlove =]
(5)
Chris C.

El Vez is one of my favorite places to go by myself when I feel like just sitting at a cool bar, people-watching, and having a drink and a light bite. The circular bar is very large, welcoming to single diners, and a lot of fun. The food is upscale Mexican and is consistently good. My favorites are the mahi-mahi fish tacos, grilled corn on the cob, and the fresh guac. Drinks are great too, particularly the frozen blood orange margarita and the white sangria with chunks of fresh fruit.
(4)
David S.

Love this spot. Excellent food, great drinks and good service. Be sure to check out the margarita selection and the guacamole. Some of the seafood is excellent. A tad pricy but fun. The photo booth is good for a chuckle or two.
(4)
Brittany C.

Being from Texas, I enjoy Mexican food and while traveling for work a co-worker found this place and fell in love! I went twice while I was there and absolutely love the Chicken Tortilla Soup and I'm not a big soup person. The Macho Nachos are big enough to serve 4 people and are better with Chicken than Beef. They are famous for their different kinds of guacamole (I never had any but heard they were good). I had the Blood Orange Margarita and it was pretty good. The place is a little pricey but is worth it. Also they were kind enough to give us a call on our cell phone when our table was ready if there was longer than a 30 minute wait. Kind of sad that I'm not traveling to Philly anymore because I will miss this place.
(4)
L K.

I brought my best friend, who was visiting from Canada, here and she had a partial pepper in her food that hadn't been properly ground up. She ended up choking and coughing at the sheer spiciness for well over ten minutes. It was terrible and I've never gone back since. Before then, I had eaten here for my birthday and a few times before that. I agree entirely with Jessica E.'s review below... the atmosphere, drinks, desserts, and customer service were excellent, but the actual food is hit or miss and at the prices they're charging, that's a bit of a risk for someone on a college student budget! Amazing decor, margaritas, and the hand-made guacamole were highlights of the night.
(3)
Jillian M.

Travelled to Philly on businesss and went here with a few people from work on a Tuesday night. It was pretty busy for a week night around 7pm but we only had about a 20-30 min wait. Bartenders were quick to serve while we waited. Once seated service was quick. Started with the guac (just the regular) it was really good, we finished the entire thing over the course of our whole meal. I couldn't decide what I wanted so I got the enchilada sampler. It was the perfect portion and each one had amazing flavors. Totally worth it. I'm not a big mixed drink person but the people I was with said they really enjoyed the margaritas and sangria.
(4)
Sarah F.

Overall, decent food and drinks, but overpriced. The variety of margaritas and guacamole dips are fun to try. I've tried a few of the different tacos and all of them end up being a tad too soggy for my taste. Very fun atmosphere though.
(3)
Daniel C.

Really cool place. Great margaritas, Great guacamole. We always order the tacos al carbon. The beef is really good, and unlie most restaurant, is really cooked to order and when you ask for rare meat, it really is rare. Shrimps are good too. We were never disappointed. One last cool, they have an old-fashion photo booth.
(4)
Valerie S.

On our last night in Philly, our friend decided to take us out to El Vez. The place was definitely crowded and filled with college kids or young adults. When we arrived for our reservation yet, it wasn't ready yet, so we probably spent a good 30 mins waiting at the bar and had a pitcher of margaritas amongst ourselves. We got seated in the nice booth for the 5 of us and it was lined with a red velvety plush material which was pretty comfy. I am a big fan of their menus too with random people and bottles on them. We ordered quite a lot of food for the 5 of us and we pretty stuffed by the end of the meal. Appetizers Nacho Mamma-delicious, crunchy chips, melted cheese, tasty refried beans.. what's not to love? -chips and salsa-the salsa was really good.. it had a nice kick to it -queso fundido con carne-I've had queso fundido at other mexican restaurants but I think the chorizo made it overly greasy even for my taste -guacamole morales-this was really tasty except $18 is pretty price for guacamole especially in Philly -sea bass tacos wit sweet potato puree, grilled scallions and fried jalapenos-these were so freakin' amazingly delicious! I'm glad there were only 3 small tacos or else I would have burst after having so many appetizers.. but the sweetness of the sweeet potato mixed wih the spicy crunch of the fried japalpenos, and the soft and sweet/salty flavors of the sea bass made for an excellent combination of flavors. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about how they have a photo booth that you can take pictures with your friends in just like the old days at the movie theater or at the mall. It's a random thing to put in a restaurant but I imagine after a lot of drinks.. the booth gets a lot of action.
(4)
Sushil N.

Great trendy Mexican fusion food in an awesome upscale (but not snooty) atmosphere. I've brought numerous folks from out of town here and can't say its ever been a bad night. The happy hour specials are great, the atmosphere is young and vibrant, the food is unique and flavorful. Hard to go wrong! And if you feel it is going wrong, order a pitcher! Great place that even has a few good unique vegetarian entrees.
(4)
Nat Z.

My huevos rancheros were delicious... as was my dessert and my coffee. Food was artfully prepared and portions were an ideal size. Atmosphere is perhaps nothing to write home about, but it's not too bad. Colorful and vivid but in a sort of dark way, I guess. The waitstaff were saccharine and obsequious, so I was thinking about taking off a star, but the service was great! I will definitely consider returning. Although I'm not sure how excited I am about a chain kind of restaurant.
(5)
Tor B.

I stumbled into El Vez last week, as I was searching for somewhere cool and "local" on my first trip to Philly. Yo quiero El Vez! El Vez is a swanky little Mexican joint, that offers their hip clientele Mexican food and drinks and with some extra cohones! I only sampled the El Vez bar on this trip, as I was rushed to meet some work colleagues. Regardless, I was impressed enough to give El Vez a Yelp Shout Out! If you're cool, you'll like El Vez.
(4)
Sean G.

Food: 4.5 Stars Being originally from California, my standards for authentic Mexican foods can be high. El Vez offers authentic dishes which embody good Mexican cuisine. El Vez offers a variety of options on their menu. Their guacamole is fresh with a variety of delicious options. The coup d'Ã©tat of their menu has to be the 'Tacos Al Carbon for 2'. The chicken is well prepared and the steak is juicy and flavorful. El Vez offers quality ingredients and stays true to the basics in Mexican cuisine preparations. Service: 3.5 Stars The service and bartenders at El Vez are considerate and prompt in their service. Servers are not as knowledgeable about their restaurants food as those in other establishments but provide very good service. Ambiance: 4.5 Stars El Vez has a very chic and unique decor. Having the bar as the center piece of the restaurant adds to the social environment. The restaurant is great for dates, casual dining, and going out on weekends for food/drinks. El Vez is definitely one of the most unique and trendy restaurants in Center City. Price: 4.0 Stars Meals are moderate to high end in pricing but definitely worth the asking price as the quality of ingredient is high, as well. Drinks are also moderate to high end in pricing but strong, delicious, and properly prepared. The margarita pitchers are definitely a good option for groups and the bar selection is strong. Location: 4.5 Stars El Vez has a great location in Center City found just east of Broad Street on Sansom. The restaurant is easily accessible as a center piece of its area. El Vez is located near other popular bars/restaurants/lounges as well. Overall Impression/ Miscellaneous: 4.0 Stars El Vez is a great restaurant and ideal place to socialize and drink. The social atmosphere, location, food and drink selections make the venue a top Mexican restaurant in Philadelphia. The only drawback is the popularity of the restaurant, which is a good drawback to have. Even though getting a table for dinner can be a long wait on weekend nights, the bar makes waiting an almost pleasurable experience. I would definitely recommend going to El Vez for dinner and drinks.
(4)
Erin G.

Oh El Vez. I'd had a few cocktails here, but never ventured in for dinner until the BF and I had a late show and needed a late dinner. You may be familiar with how I feel about needlessly pimped (and priced) Mexican food (see Alma de Cuba) and all that criticism applies here. Seriously, if you charge $18 for enchiladas, where the hell do you get off charging over $20 just because you've plated them as an assortment, rather than 3-of-a-kind. Bullshit. The food is okay, but it certainly isn't worth the price. There was time when they did reasonably priced catering, but that time is gone (and their catering manager was always uber-unhelpful anyway). I'd give it 2 stars, except that it's so damn conveniently located, has a working photo booth, and I'm head over heals in LOVE with the Mexican Chop Salad with cumin cilantro dressing. Next time, I'm make the bf split the mushroom enchiladas with me, or maybe just the chop salad, and will exit with a smaller bill.
(3)
Allison C.

Excellent Drinks! Amazing Food and the best guacamole in the city!!!
(4)
Robert H.

I expected much more than what I got. It didn't help that I had Mexican food the night before at Plaza Azteca in Plymouth Meeting where the guacamole was more delicious and cheaper. I had the roasted corn soup which was good, but I have had the same soup elsewhere...nothing earth-shattering. I also tried the taco tasting platter. Again, the mahi-mahi taco is similar to what I have had elsewhere as were the nondescript chicken tacos and beef tacos. The highlights were the sea bass taco (with a delicious sweet potato puree) and the pork taco. Also, the Tangerine Dream cocktail was tasty. But I walked away thinking I was in no rush to return. Unlike other restaurants I frequent in Philly.
(2)
Debbie C.

I must have had an off night. The service started off lousy. I waited at my table for someone to bring water/take drink orders. I noticed several wait staff standing around talking to each other and asked one of them to bring me at least a glass of water. After several minutes, she said my waitress wasn't in yet and so she proceeded to take my drink order (marguerita on the rocks, no salt). After several more minutes of waiting, my drink came with salt. I sent it back. It took a while for my roasted corn soup to arrive (which was terrific) and was told it normally takes 9 minutes to prepare because they had to sear the scallop which sits at the bottom. The shrimp enchilada was very tasty, even if it was over salted. The rest of the service evened out after a while. Atmosphere was fun and I'd be willing to go back to see if the service is better.
(3)
Julee M.

I do have to say that what I enjoyed most about Philly on my recent trip there was the food and this place was one of my favorites. My friend and I happened to wander past it on our way back to the hotel and decided to stop in for dinner since I was craving a margarita. We started off with their chips and salsa, and it was amongst the best I have had. The salsa was tasty and I loved the texture of the chips. We questioned our sanity after ordering the $15 guacamole, but the waitress said it was their specialty so we went for it. I've paid not too much less for a whole heck of a lot less guac and this was great so I'm ashamed to say it was worth it. We had the Cesar Chavez style and the balsamic sauce was the perfect compliment. For my entree I had the Hurache De Vegetal which was black bean corn cakes with grilled nopales, chayote and poblano with salsa roja and charred-tomatillo sauce. I'm from Chicago so I'm used to good food, but I have to say this was one of the top 20 best things I have ever put in my mouth. So much interesting flavor and texture! I had the Pink Cadillac Margarita which was absolutely perfect. I would have tried more drinks if I wasn't already feeling the effects of this one. From the Charo face bar stools, to the photo booth, to the swank bathroom, to the incredibly friendly and helpful server, this was a great experience. Hey El Vez! Can you mail me some of those corn cakes???
(5)
S G.

The service was AWFUL, but the food was okay. My boyfriend thought that the enchilada sauce tasted like Chef Boyardee. I could see that. It wasn't impressive by any means. The presentation of the food was amazing. But the taste was in the middle.
(2)
Gina B.

Happening place with good energy great margheritas and guacamole. Bit of a wait though.
(4)
Jon D.

Recently tried El Vez for brunch for the first time and discovered a new perfect brunch combo - shared guac & chips and a crab omlette & poblano home fries. As with all Starr restaurants, the food is good in a fun atmosphere. The brunch was good, but best deal at El Vez though is the weekday lunch special - salad, enchilada & a drink for under $15.
(4)
Fernando Q.

Your staff is amazing! and the food is outstanding. The atmosphere is very cool! I think El Vez is my second home, I'm there every week with friends or alone and I have never had a bad experience. Last Friday, I was there for dinner and my waitress was very friendly and welcoming. You did an awesome job Rebecca. Thank you so much.
(5)
Faye S.

So...I never knew I lived so close to El Vez. I always wondered what restaurant it was when I walked right next to it, because I never saw the sign that was WAY above the ground until I was on the other side of the street! My hubby and I came here after work on a Friday. The place was poppin' for happy hour, but we were seated right away. Our server recommended their house guac, which was freaking fantastic! And I HATE guac and never eat it if I can avoid it (yeah, surprising coming from a So Cal girl huh?). The shrimp ceviche was yummy too, perfect for a warm spring afternoon/evening. Our entrees were pretty good too, although a touch on the salty side. I had the carne asada platter, my hubby had the carnita tacos, and we split a side of creamy corn rice (sounds weird but is really good). I was so full from the guac and ceviche that I only ate about a third of my carne asada. Bonus points for the not-too-sweet tres leches cake! Normally I avoid this because I can feel the cavities forming, but after one bite I was in heaven!
(4)
Vanessa V.

OK... the highlights of this place are: There is a pimped out bike spinning over the bar. The booths are really cool...velvet and vintage looking. They have one of those old school photo booths. Downers: Pricey for no reason I have had better Mexican from a street vendor. That being said... If you wanna go to a loud flashy place and spend your money on overpriced tacos that you won't remember the next day...GO TO EL VEZ.
(2)
Shanell P.

Was in Philly for New Years Eve and went to this place the next night for dinner. It was a few blocks away from my hotel. When me and boyfriend entered we instantly knew we'd be waiting for a bit..It was busy..but not so much in a bad way..There was still room to breathe..the hostess took our names and we went over to the bar to get some drinks.. While sipping on one of the best margaritas I've ever had (Pink Cadillac I heart you!!!) I took the time to look around..The atmosphere and decor is very cool and different (They have a tricked out bicycle in the middle of the bar! Definitely a must see)..We didn't have to wait too long for our table (Or maybe I was too much into my new best friend Pink Cadillac to notice :-P ) Once seated we surveyed the menu and I decided on the Chicken and Cheese Enchilada and my boyfriend got the Beef Tacos..We loved our food! Just the right portion to have us both stuffed and both our plates empty. Service overall was great here..Friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be going back :-)
(4)
Jean C.

I love the decor at El Vez, from the mosiac'd column outside to the plush velour booths in the interior. The piece de resistance in the decor is the bike that rotates over the bar. I figured I was in an establishment that began with "El", so I decided to start with a margarita. It was pretty good, especially since I switched out the Cuervo for Patron. We started off with a De la Hoya guacamole. Holy Mole, it was fantastic! I had the ceviche as an app, and the shrimp enchilada as an entree. Here is where El Vez lost a star. The ceviche was actually sashimi, not the normal ceviche I've had in the past. It was good, but just ceviche. The shrimp enchilada was OK. I've had more flavorful stuff from a Taco truck, so that was a bit disappointing. Service was stellar. The waiter has just the right amount of friendliness, knew the menu, and could describe the differences in the guacamole, other than just listing the ingredients. It was a solid A_OK experience. I would go there again for drinks and guacamole.
(3)
Tina H.

My family came in from California, and we surprised them with a lunch at El Vez. We were seated in a ruby red, half moon plush booth surrounded by a hodge podge of colorful art, and a wait staff that made you feel like you were in an upscale members only restaurant. We began our journey into the heart of Mexico. First on the menu was a Tortilla Soup, Mexican chopped salad, and our favorite appetizer Shrimp Ceviche. The El Vez "Original" Guacamole served in the authentic Molcajete arrived and was followed by Chicken Burrito Suizo made with grilled Adobo Chicken, and my favorite Tacos Al Carbon (build your own tacos flour tortillas) with your choice of Adobo Chicken, Char-grilled Beef, Pasilla Grilled Shrimp, and Grilled Portobello Mushroom; (choice of two). You can never go wrong with a few sides, of Chipotle Garlic Fries and the sweet taste of Grilled Corn on the Cob with lime chipotle and queso fresco and the sweet Plantains con Queso. Needless to say: Our choice of venue was a great success. Tina'sTwoSense!
(4)
Jason B.

On my last visit I noticed that one of their guacamole offerings is named for Cesar Chavez. Which is great because all Cesar Chavez wanted out of life is to have some guacamole named in his honor.
(2)
Kris O.

Bright, flashy pop culture-like decor, and what they're really known for is the guacamole. I would say the nachos are healthy portions, but pretty addicting. Again, Philly, I love the communal bathrooms...! Nice touch.
(4)
William B.

Being that mexican food is one of my favorite culinary genres, I tend to be pretty critical of establishments who take a higher end approach to it. Luckily, El Vez pulls it off masterfully. Their presentation alone on dishes is something incredible. While anyone can drizzle sauce on a dish, they do it in an artful type way. The cocktails are pretty solid as well. I had the red sangria which was alright but the guava mojito was the tits. So sweet and amazing. Had to cut myself off for fear of not being able to enjoy my dinner. Apparently, this place is well known for the guacamole part of their menu. Consists of 5 or so different types. We had the Cesar Chavez which was quite good, the only downside is at $15 dollars, I thought it was a little overpriced. Granted, I loved it but it just seemed a little steep for me. For my entree I had the red chile and chicken enchiladas which totally hit the spot. Perfect in every way. Some notable aspects of this place is it also seems to be a hotspot for people to get together for cocktails and hang out. Lots of people dressed to impressed but didn't mean you had to be to. Another thing is the wait. We were told the wait was going to be around an hr and this was at 9pm. We ended up waiting closer to 20minutes. Now that I've found my mexican spot, I'll be coming here on the regular.
(5)
Shyvonne M.

I just recently discovered El Vez and I'm kicking myself for not finding it sooner. The food & service are pretty excellent. My favorites have to be the guac and the pork tacos with the pickled onions. The real reason I keep coming back is for the guava mojito. Hands down one of the best drinks I've had in the city. The margaritas are good but do yourself a favor and try the mojito. It does get really busy so either make a reservation or put your name in an hour ahead of time. The only negative is that it can get pricey during that long wait for your table.
(4)
Dr. G.

Mexican food for people who've never tasted Mexican food? We got the lucky seat in front of the photobooth - so blinded by flashes throughout the meal. A pretty restaurant and fun concept, but nothing we had tasted good. We ordered Macho Nachos, steak tacos and shrimp tacos. All a bust - and we won't be returning. The nacho chips were cooked fresh, but very greasy. The meat on the nachos tasted like it'd been cooked in a vat of Worcestershire sauce - very salty. The main ingredient in the nachos was black beans. Nothing to write home about. The tacos came out next. I swore the waitress smirked as we ordered them, $13-15 entrees - the world's tiniest tacos on these mini platters. Cubes of beef - super salty. Shrimp was over seasoned in some sort of paste (I wiped it off and tried to cover it with lime juice - slight improvement). Everyone seemed to be enjoying drinks around us - maybe people go for the alcohol. We ordered horchata to combat some of the salt - watery and not tasty at all.
(1)
Kevin S.

The drinks are yummy and pricey. The guacamole is pretty fantastic. I'm not a huge starr fan boy, but this is probably my favorite one. Its a little tough to get a seat some nights, so make a reservation. I always hit up the photo booth. The staff is really friendly. El Vez has a great feel to it. They always play good music. The menu is pretty good. I've tried a few different things, they were all delicious. Go at least once.
(4)
Molly L.

We went here while on vacation in Philly last week. It was my favorite and most memorable meal of the trip! We had the original guacamole and it was amazing. I also had a delicious margarita. For dinner my boyfriend ordered chicken enchiladas which were really great, and i ordered the carne asada, which was the best thing of the whole meal. Michelle was our server and was really sweet! My boyfriend forgot his shopping bag there and they held onto it for us until we could come back the next day (in nyc where we live, that bag would have been gone!!!)
(4)
Courtney J.

El Vez has a fun, cool vibe - perfect for dinner with friends. Of course, the prices are more inflated than no frills Mexican food, but you're paying for the ambiance as well. The guacamole was tasty as advertised. I liked that it wasn't heavy on fillers (mayo or sour cream) like most restaurant guacs are. My husband had the taco sampler and I had the enchilada sampler. Our faves from the bunch were the crispy fish tacos and classic chicken enchiladas. Overall, the food was good and I would not hesitate to return. Added incentive - I can't wait to hop in their old timey photo booth next time!
(4)
Brendan C.

Great food. Great service. I would definitely recommend to any one!
(5)
C K.

Really yummy corn and fameous for guacamole. Really great blood orange frozen margarita. My favorite place to go, grab a drink with friends, take photos in their photo booth, and watch people from an outside table while enjoying the nice weather.
(4)
Sta t.

Amazing from start to finish. The margaritas, which I don't usually order when out because most are full of sweet/syrupy mixers, were phenomenal. I could actually enjoy the taste of the tequila. The guacamole is a must-do, even at its $9 price point. My wife and I split the "tacos al carbon built for two" which are basically fajitas that consist of a heaping portion of onions, peppers and the meat (or 2) of your choice. They bring it out to you on what looks like a cast iron grill, along with tortillas, a delicious homemade looking hot sauce, pica de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. Both the beef and chicken were tender and delicious. The place isn't cheap, but the food is quality and the atmosphere is too.
(5)
rebecca s.

I love El Vez for some high-end mexican and delish margaritas! It's a bit loud in there tho. but other than that love it. The guac is amazing and a must, my favorite is the Cesar Chavez with the Balsamic.Other favorites: shrimp ceviche, tuna tostados & the taco tasting platter. Photo booth is a great end to the evening
(4)
Sarah P.

Stephen Star did it again with this Mexican restaurant. Love this place. The decor is very cool. The food is delicious and presentation is awesome. Guacamole made table side is a must have. You can't go wrong with the entrees. Even the tacos are good. The El Vez dessert is SO yummy with a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.
(5)
Caitlin C.

Not the best Mexican, but as the Death Starr's go, awesome decor and clientle. The two reasons to go: 1) freshly made guacamole 2) grilled corn-on-the-cob with crema fresca and paprika on top.
(3)
Meghann p.

I have been to El Vez a few times and thought the food was just ok.....my brother choose to have his family birthday dinner there this past Sunday. I was not the happiest camper. I thought it was overpriced small platters and a little over rated. BUT---for some reason....It was better. I had the Short Ribs with Horshradish Creme sauce. Very Very good! I would not complain if someone wanted me to go back...but i think there are a ton of other great Philly Restaurants to try! Server was great! He was on top of everything--empty drinks, chip....and great suggestions!
(4)
Rebecca C.

El Vez is probably my favorite place to go for lunch or dinner in Center City. The ambiance is so much fun, and little additions such as the photo booth and weird bathrooms make dining here a more than just eating, but an experience. Normally, I am the type that likes to mix it up and try different things on repeat trips to restaurants, but I am so obsessed with three of El Vez's menu items that I can't help but order them over and over. I would even go so far as to say that a top choice for my "last meal" would be Macho Nachos, Crispy Mahi Mahi Tacos, and (a pitcher of) the Frozen Blood Orange Margarita. Also, El Vez was selling their Grilled Corn on the Cob with lime chipotle and queso fresco at their booth at the Midtown Fall Festival this weekend, and it was AMAZING. I'm sure that El Vez isn't perfect, but even after my last visit, when my guest and I were seated outside too close to a subway vent, I am still ready to go back and drink the El Vez Kool-Aid the next time I get a chance.
(5)
David F.

In terms of environment, El Vez is a Chuy's knockoff (if you're from Austin then you'll know what i mean). Expect a full house with lots of people having a good time. That's good, but does create a loud atmosphere with people angling for open seats. The staff was super friendly. Ultimately I felt like the food didn't live up to my high expectations. Weird, since it's a Starr restaurant. The food was good, but the fusion direction didn't work for me. I do suggest that you give this place a try. Go with an open mind about the menu -- less Tex-Mex and more gourmet fusion -- and bring a group of rowdy friends. You'll enjoy it.
(3)
Payal P.

blood orange margarita was a nice change and i think it lived up to the rep...however i wish i coulda had it on the rocks instead of frozen. i got a sea bass tacos and they were excellent and perfectly cooked fish. thanks to yelp i knew portions were small but the waitress never mentioned it when we all ordered which i think she should have. i went with 2 others and neither was a fan of guacamole but it looked good so i cant wait to come back to try it...i wish they had some compimentary chips and salsa though. we went and sat for a really long time and never once felt rushed which was very nice. one of my friends got there early and she wasnt told to wait for the rest of the group, they seated her right away which is also a pleasant surprise these days.
(4)
Sara P.

Loved this place. Had the blood orange margaritas and fish tacos, yum! Place is a bit loud (especially on weekends) but definitely a fun atmosphere and I enjoyed the food!
(4)
Sarah T.

I've died and gone to guacamole heaven! The guacamole is fresh and yum! EL Vez is the perfect GNO destination! Great cocktails, swanky mexican fare & bonus a photo booth to document your margarita madness! The only downfall is it can get crowded so I recommend getting there a little early if you are sitting at the bar!
(3)
MetroWest X.

Very. Strong. Margaritas. Very popular place, call ahead seating is a good idea. Last night we were told there would be an hour wait, and it only ended up being 15 minutes. I would say the prices are reasonable - they don't screw you on the booze.
(4)
Matt S.

Ate here for lunch with some colleagues one day. It has a fun vibe, but what's the deal with Mexican places being "zany." It's like: you want pizza: you can go to a real pizza place or you can go to a "zany" pizza place (Chuck E. Cheese). This place (and so many other Mexican places) seem more like Chuck E. Cheese interpretations of the Mexican dining experience. I guess if I was here for a happy hour or a fun night out on the town, rather than a sober, margaritaless meal with work associates, I might have appreciated the decor more. Ah well, just one man's opinion. On to the food: I lived in Phoenix for a while so I'm probably a bit prejudiced in terms of what I want/expect from Mexican/Tex-Mex food. I want fresh tortillas, succulent juicy meat, and some kick - some caliente sabor! I had the chicken enchiladas and some sort of polenta fries. The enchiladas were a little too mild for my tastes (again, this is just my opinion -- you may find them just to your liking). The fries were crumbly dry and somewhat flavorless. I'd call them a total dud and I'd be surprised if they were still on the menu. Service was nice. The drinks were certainly tempting. And for lunch, we walked right in and got a table. So they get stars for all of those things, and I'll give them a pass on the general silliness of the place since it's really just a matter of personal preference/style, but they lose a few stars for ho hum cuisine. With so many other great places to dine in the city (including the many other S. Starr places that are way better), I don't think I'll go back.
(2)
Michael C.

So great. Everything was not only good but, here's the key, original. Fun place and great service.
(5)
Caroline S.

Went for a birthday dinner on a Sunday night. It wasn't as packed as I'm sure it gets on Friday or Saturday, but it was decently full. The waitress was great and friendly. The blood orange frozen margarita was amazing. Food was pretty good, but not to die for. We got the 3-in-1 appetizer with classic guac (excellent), salsa fresca (delish) and cesar guac (eh, i've had better). By the time the food came out, though, we were so stuffed we had to take it all home and that rarely happens to me. BONUS: photo booth is a lot of fun for parties and dates... very cute results. Warning: Bathroom situation is semi-confusing, mostly for the guys, all of whom thought they had mistakenly walked into the ladies' room becuase there is a shared sink space and a "Ladies Room" sign up. The Guys are around the corner, apparently, so warn the boyfriends haha
(3)
Shar p.

#NAME?
(2)
Chanda B.

I live close to the city and this is probably one of my favorite places to eat during the summer. My first time here was during restaurant week in Philly with one of my gf. The food is amazing and I love the whole atmosphere of the restaurant. The staff is great and the drinks are incredible! The Shrimp Ceviche, The Pollo Annatto is the best on their menu! This is probably the first Starr restaurant that I like so far. I recommend this restaurant for large groups, or a small date. I took my boyfriend the second time around and he enjoyed it as well. Great menu, staff, and location! Overall, I am never disappointed with this place!
(5)
Jessica G.

We almost got to eat outside tonight, but as soon as we placed our order, it started pouring. Our waitress and the hostess were very accomodating and got us seated inside as fast as possible (even though it was very busy). We started with an order of the Macho Nachos, which were so huge and delicious that it ruined our entrees for us. However, what i did have of the Chipotle Chicken Tacos was very impressive. My friend had the Grilled Beef Tacos and loved them. Rice and beans and a pitcher of sangria were the perfect accompaniments. I definitely plan on going back again! (maybe just for the nachos :) )
(4)
Brian C.

I was only in Philadelphia for a weekend. And several people told me to go to el vez. Everyone said it was fun and the drinks were great and the food was even better. After hearing all the hype maybe I had high expectations just waiting to be unmet. But I felt like the restaurant was A ok. Just like it says for three stars. A ok. Not as great as everyone said but pretty darn good. We had nachos and tacos. Very tasty. I think what bothered me most was sort of how gimicky the place felt to me. A lot of young people that were drunk and loud. And also some old people that were wealthy and snobby. It's not el vez's fault. This I know. But it did affect the experience.
(3)
Deena O.

We tried El Vez for Restaurant Week and it was fantastic! The guac was delicious and even the chips and salsa it came with were tasty. I had the Mexican Chopped Salad to start....very light and tasty. One of the dressings was a little spicy but good! Next up was the Tortilla Soup...really good and I tried a bite of the Open-faced Shrimp Quesadilla and WOW that was a must try! I would get that next time for my app! Third course was the Hurrache de Vegetal and that was also really good. Some pickled onions paired well with the spiciness! Dessert was Tres Leches Cake which I have never had! This one was really good to me but I don't have anythiing else to compare to. Our waitress was very helpful, knew the menu and suggested all the best options. They were featuring a fall drink, apple with cinnamon-LOVED IT! Very refreshing! This is a place I will come back to on a regular night also!
(5)
Christine M.

What a fun place! After hearing many friends talk about El Vez I decided to check it out. We went for dinner but ended up just hanging out at the bar all night. I can't vouch for the food but the drinks were certainly delicious.
(4)
I.E. C.

The guacamole here is outstanding. The queso fundido also is great. The drinks are great! The only downside is this place is always crowded. It's impossible to even sit at the bar without a lengthy wait. I've tried to eat here a few times on the weekend during the day or in the evenings, but the wait times were just too long. However, if you can get in, you will enjoy it.
(4)
Taylor A.

My new favorite restaurant! Drinks - good. Guacemole - good. Everthing - GOOD!
(5)
Nisha S.

Good place to share a pitcher of pomegranate margaritas. food and service are ok.
(3)
Christopher G.

Don't listen to what anyone else says here. The guacamole will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Not listed in the menu is an option to get a guacamole sampler, where you choose three of your favorites. For $22, you get 3 good sized helpings of any of their amazing guacamoles. Enough to feed four people, it's definitely a good price. The drinks are delicious and will definitely get you going. This is definitely a place I frequent as often as I can. Sure, it's not as cheaply priced as the Cantina on Passyunk that all of these reviewers seem to have a hard-on for, but I've definitely never had a bad time, a bad drink, or a bad meal at El Vez.
(5)
john m.

So after many friends have told me that El Vez is the place to go for some great "New Mexican" food, I decided to take my GF there after a day walking around Philly. I was excited because all I heard about El Vez was that is a swanky place with refreshing takes of classical Mexican food, a hip atmosphere and... a photo booth that you can use to remember your experience. Anyway, we arrived an hour earlier than our reservation so we had to sit at the bar for about 10 minutes. During that time, I was able to take a look at the dÃ©cor... it was pretty hip. It was very refreshing and got me even more excited to enjoy a great meal. My GF got a Margareta and I got the Sangria. Both drinks were made well(and for $20 they should be!!!!). Anyway, we were seated and here's where it went downhill... First, we were seated next to a group of 10 people that were incredibly loud... to the point where they were all yelling at each other to talk. As a result, I had to yell to my GF to even be heard and vice-versa. That comes with the territory so we accepted it. My GF turned to me and asked, "baby, do you want to order the Guacamole?". Everyone had been talking about this Guacamole like it was the best thing on earth. I said, "sure... let's go for it...". Then she said, "$15 for Guacamole!!! That's ridiculous." I insisted that it was fine, but then she said, "Listen, we go out to nice places all of the time and get to eat some great food, but paying $15 for a bowl of Guacamole is just plain absurd... I mean, it's Guacamole!!!!". I thought about it for a while and agreed with her so we passed on it. Then we had our meals. She got the chicken tacos and I got the Carne Asada. She absolutely loved her dish. I thought it looked pretentious. It was 3 mini soft tacos on a long-thin plate. My dish was absolutely the worst dish I have had in quite some time. In a nutshell, the texture was great, but it was seasoned with the most salt I have ever had on a dish. I have never sent anything back to the kitchen, but I came close. I couldn't even finish it(even though I was starving). I heard good things about the food at this restaurant and I don't know if I came on a bad night, but the meal was almost inedible... yeah, it was that bad. I may try the restaurant again, again, the atmosphere was great and the service was great. The food, however, not so much. I've had better luck at TGI Fridays. I expected a bit more excellence from a Stephen Starr restaurant.
(2)
Tanya L.

Yes, Stephen Starr restaurants can be overhyped, but I left this colorful one feeling pretty content: First of all, let's start with the decor. +1 for red Pee Wee Herman-ish bike with bling on full display at bar (see picture). -1 for bar top that looks like gross fruit cake Next, let's move onto the food offerings (I am biased since I just tried dessert here and may have rated this place better or worse if I had the full fledged appetizer and entree): +1 for excellent spiced rice milk! Yum! +1 for yummy sopapillas (think puffy, doughy, slightly chewy donuts with cinnamon sugar on top) and chocolate dip -1 for there being a little too much dulche de leche (caramel) within aforementioned sopapillas that would be better without. Last but not least: +1 for fun drink menu with a cartoon guy with a sombrero stumbling around drunk labeled "boracho" (translating to drunk) +1 for having a novelty black and white photo booth whose picture set of four only cost $4 buckeroos! (Other places charge more). We squeezed in 4 people! Also, though I'm glad they let us sit at the bar right away, I thought it was stupid that they would not let us sit at one of the PLENTIFUL empty tables because we were not ordering a full meal. But if you can overlook this nuisance, you should stop by and say "hola" to El Vez!
(3)
Nancy H.

I came here over the weekend. I'd say the best dish was the appetizer...you gotta try the guacamole with the truffles-the earthy taste adds so much to the advocado. It was delish. However, everything else was just meh. The margarita wasn't too special. I had the spicy shrimp with tamale on the side. I didn't think it was all that special. The prices were expensive, and I wasn't too impressed.
(3)
Whitney G.

Food is good, but nothing special. Love the drinks though! Blood orange margarita = bliss!
(3)
Becky S.

Delicious! Very fun atmosphere and good for drinks. The staff is friendly and actually helps you with great recommendations! When the food came it looked like really small portions but I was stuffed after only half of my meal and a shared app (try the guac - it is amazing. The one I liked had goat cheese in it).
(4)
Jake C.

Great Mexican food!!! The first Mexican restaurant I've been to in Philly that has a great selection of food & not too expensive. I give it 2 pulgares up!!!
(4)
Josh Q.

The specialty here is the guacamole - I am (almost) ashamed to admit that I tried 3 different ones in one sitting, and they were all amazing. Best guac I've ever had. The other dishes and drinks are decent as well, but they are what you'd expect from an upscale Tex-Mex restaurant. The guac is what stands out.
(4)
Matt S.

Given my modest mean, I don't generally eat out a places in El Vez's price range. When I do, I'm often disappointed, leave thinking, "Really?" and feel guilty spending a week's worth of groceries on a single meal. Not the case with El Vez. I was consistently impressed with the food and actually understood why I was paying a bit for my food. The dishes seemed to be perfectly spiced and combined flavors in unique ways. I didn't have problems with service as other folks mentioned. Our table (for 2) was ready much earlier than expected (though, we were told over 2 hours wait). Our server was attentive and fast. The big disappointment was the volume of the music. I'm not some old curmudgeon - I enjoy live music of the loud variety - but I just don't understand why El Vez, or other food establishments, choose to play music at a volume that makes conversation difficult. Overall, the food is great but a big minus one star for the ambiance.
(4)
Gene M.

Can you say the best blood orange margaritas ever!!! N the nachos are to die for!! My girlfriend ate all of them!
(5)
Johnathan H.

El Vez is nice to look at (and great on paper), but the delivery isn't there. The inside is wonderfully decorated and has a genuinely unique feel. Some of the food is really good (the tortilla soup is outstanding). However, when I order tacos, I don't expect to get tiny soft tortillas with a bunch of stuff dumped on it, so it's no longer a taco but rather a tall open-faced sandwich. I appreciate the flare and originality (the shredded radishes was a nice touch), but when the dish ceases to be WHAT IT IS then the experiment has failed. Also, a burrito from a place like this should never be sloppy or unproportioned (ton of stuff on one end, other stuff on the other). Even Qdoba gets this little detail right (and I hate Qdoba). I hope they tone down the host area. Sheesh! With so many girls hanging around barely doing anything, what else are they going to do but stare at the customers with every bite?? By the way, unless you're one of those "bro, I just landed the Penske account!" kind of people, don't bother going during business lunch hours.
(2)
Chenai G.

Okay, I went on a Friday night and the atmosphere was great. Lots of people, loud, fun, etcetera. I could not make reservations because they were booked up but they told me arriving any time after 9 pm I would be seated pretty soon. That was not the case. There was hardly even space at the bar to order a drink- eventually some lady sat on her boyfriend's lap and gave her seat to my lover and I. After about 45 minutes we got a table right infront of the door, complained, waited five minutes, got another one. The food....was.......interesting. I ordered sea bass tacos. They were like 18 bucks. When my plate arrived, I had to ask the waitress if I'd somehow failed to understand that the food was tapas style because the portion was miniscule. It was not tapas style, it was just measly. I took three bites and boom, it was gone. So, all in all, I realised this was the kind of place one goes to when you have had dinner beforehand, someplace cheap and filling, so you can appreciate the sophisticated flavors without your grumbly tummy getting in the way of your meal.
(3)
Luke K.

I was concerned when the waitress told us that guacamole was their specialty. I mean how "special" can guacamole be? It's like telling me that your specialty drink is a vodka soda. I was also concerned by the fact a lunch main course was going to be $12 on the low end and probably closer to $15. That's an expensive lunch in my book. However, my concerns were put to rest when they served the tortilla soup, which was by far the best I ever had. I got the mahi-mahi tacos, and they were also outstanding. They were fried and a little on the heavy side, but delicious none-the-less. The service was prompt and friendly. I highly recommend this place if your looking to treat yourself.
(5)
Jessica G.

Spent a wonderful summer evening catching up with an old friend at El Vez. The outdoor seating was perfect, I'm not that familiar with Philadelphia, but the area was hip, lots of great looking people made for great people watching, and everyone was friendly and having a great time. The food and drink were okay, but this place is definitely more about the scene. The chips and guacamole were to die for... but by the time we actually got around to ordering entrees we were in a bit of a tequila haze and didn't really eat much. We enjoyed the photobooth inside, made some new friends, and had an awesome night out in downtown Philadelphia.
(4)

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Address : 121 S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Phone (215) 928-9800
Website https://www.elvezrestaurant.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :12:00 pm - 12

Specialities

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 : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Mexican Cuisine

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.

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El Vez

121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107

El Vez Menu

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Tacos & Enchiladas

Entrees

Tacos Al Carbon

Guacamole

Nachos & Salsas

Sides

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for El Vez

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Tacos & Enchiladas

Entrees

Tacos Al Carbon

Guacamole

Nachos & Salsas

Sides

Desserts

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