How is El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar restaurant rated?

Name: El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar
Address: 8230 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6E 4B2
Telephone: (780) 760-0200
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4.2

El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar

4.2

457 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Top Tags:

ABOUT EL CORTEZ
LOCATED JUST OFF WHYTE AVENUE, EL CORTEZ MEXICAN KITCHEN + TEQUILA BAR IS A CREATIVE COMBINATION OF ARRESTING DÉCOR, CULINARY ARTS, FINE TEQUILA AND CRAFT COCKTAILS.

El Cortez specializes in traditional Latin food with a modern twist, tantalizing tequilas and delicious cocktails. Our thoughtfully curated menu encompasses everything from tapas, to entrees, to gourmet street food & tacos, to nuevo latino fusion dishes.

We are one of only 9 establishments in the world certified by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (The Tequila Regulatory Council).

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Dessert, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Mon 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Tue 4:00 pm–2:00 am Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 11:00 am–2:00 am Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(780) 760-0200
Website
http://www.elcortezcantina.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
We can accommodate groups from 2-100 people. Catering, craft cocktails, beer and wine, over 130 tequilas + most other spirits available. Upstairs offers a state of the art projection screen and sound system.Additionally, we have a beautiful private room in the basement that's been designed to look like a tequila cellar and can host up to 80 people. It's perfect for corporate mixers, parties, and small wedding receptions.
Private party contact
cressida@elcortezcantina.com : (780) 887-2469

Location
8230 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton, AB T6E 4B2
Neighborhood
Old Strathcona
Cross street
83 Ave NW
Parking details
There is plenty of parking at the meters along the North side of the building and on the street. Additionally there are approx 40 meters available across Gateway Boulevard with a large paid lot beside them.
Entertainment
We host occasional live "secret" shows from time to time in our tequila cellar basement party room. Please check frequently on our social media pages for details. Since August 2014 we've hosted the following artists: Raine Maida & Chantal Kreviazuk, Lindi Ortega, Matt Mays, Tiga, Shawn Hook and others.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Empanadas de PicadilloCA$12.00
Spiced ground beef, onion, patatas, tamarind habanero
Guacamole & ChipsCA$14.00
Brussel Sprouts con Valentina*CA$13.00
Peanut, sesame, pickled onion
Quadruple Dip Festival* **CA$19.00
Guacamole, mole, pico de gallo, pineapple rojo salsa, house fried tortilla rounds, pinwheel crisps
Smoked Queso Cauliflower FundidoCA$16.00
Chipotle, smoked cheese, roasted cauliflower, pico de gallo, charred cauliflower florets, tortilla rounds, pinwheel crisps
Patatas BravasCA$13.00
Feta, green onion, chipotle aioli, cumin aji salt
Poblano Popper* ^CA$13.00
Pomegranate, queso, buttermilk lime crema, candied walnuts, crispy corn
Chasca Street BowlCA$14.00
Corn, chipotle aioli, pepita, whipped queso, pickled pineapple jalapeno salsa, baby tomato, fried tortilla rounds

Ceviches y Tostadas

Scallop Ceviche^^CA$22.00
Fresh cucumber, pickled chilis, corn, habanero tamarind glaze, tajin shrimp chips, pico de gallo
Crab & Shrimp TostadaCA$18.00
Shrimp, cucumber, chipotle aioli, pickled chilis, pickled radish, gooseberry, chickpea pops
VampiroCA$12.00
Half taco / half tostada, charred beef, charred chili peppers, aji aioli
Napa Valley Chicken & Bacon TostadaCA$14.00
Chilled spiced chicken salad, crispy bacon, cabbage, pomegranate, gooseberry, cucumber, celery seed

Platos Principales y Los Tazones

Cast Iron Steak ArracheraCA$26.00
Queso poblano mash potato, charred veg on a hot cast iron skillet
Cast Iron Seared Scallops & Pork ChorizoCA$26.00
Adobo rice, achiote pineapple rojo, guacamole, cilantro
Chicken EnchiladaCA$23.00
Shredded chicken, smoked & whipped queso, achiote pineapple rojo, roasted mixed seeds, buttermilk lime crema, side beans & rice
Seafood EnchiladaCA$26.00
Crab, shrimp, cod, pepita & mixed seed topping, verde cream, tajin shrimp chips, side beans & adobo rice
Los Tazones (Bowls)CA$21.00
Chicken, Crab n Shrimp, or Steak Adobo rice, pepitas and seeds, peanuts, greens, radish, cilantro, lime, verde cream, beans, avocado, tomato
Crispy Chicken Mole* **CA$24.00
Queso poblano mash, sesame seed, charred zanahorias
Lamb Leg Birria (Lamb Stew)CA$18.00
Shredded lamb leg, tortillas, buttermilk lime crema, charred pepper salsa, guacamole, adobo rice, beans, roasted veg

Tacos

All tacos are served on a corn/wheat blend tortilla

Braised Molasses Al PastorCA$14.00
Marinated pork, pineapple jalapeno salsa, whipped queso, fresh greens
Beef Bulgogi*CA$15.00
Slaw, pickled chili, pickled onion, sesame, peanut
Beer Battered PescadoCA$16.00
Pineapple jalapeno salsa, orange ginger mezcal aioli, slaw
Charred Brussel*CA$14.00
Black beans, pico de gallo, walnuts, chickpea pops
Chicken VeracruzCA$14.00
Pepita crumble, buttermilk lime crema, olives, capers, charred tomato & peppers, feta
Braised Lamb LegCA$15.00
Tamarind habanero, charred peppers, cilantro, buttermilk lime crema, fresh greens

Food Truck

HamburguesaCA$14.00
6 oz Beef brisket patty, pickled poblano relish, queso, fresh greens, aji aioli
MolleteCA$15.00
Open-faced sandwich, guacamole, charred steak, smoked queso, aji aioli, pico de gall
Torta de ChorizoCA$12.00
House-made pork sausage, buttermilk lime crema, poblano relish, pico de gallo
Cali Club QuesadillaCA$16.00
Chicken & bacon, pico de gallo, aji aioli, fresh greens, queso
Smoked Queso Steak QuesadillaCA$18.00
Steak, peppers, onion, pico de gallo

Acompanamientos y Vegetales

Adobo RiceCA$4.00
Zanahorias (Charred Carrots)CA$9.00
Agave glazed with Mexican oregano, whipped queso & mixed roasted seeds
Queso Poblano Mashed PotatoCA$5.00
Charred VegetablesCA$10.00
Ensalada de PepinoCA$8.00
Serrano mint dressing, baby tomato, baby cucumber
Brown Butter Black BeansCA$4.00
Lime zest, brown butter, onion & cumin

Postres

ChurrosCA$12.00
Spiced Date CakeCA$11.00
Coconut Banana FlanCA$12.00

What 457 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

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SN
SeanN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
The foods are freaking amazing!!! Definitely worth a visit!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience3
Food was alright: revised menu led to mixed feelings. Brussel sprouts were a hit with everyone though. Cocktails were great, but as it got busy service got slower and slower. We were told as soon as we walked in that we had to leave in 2h because of another reservation; it came across as very poor service to a planned reservation.
L
Lovefood
Calgary
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Every time we go up to Edmonton from Calgary we pass this restaurant and it has intrigued me with its very bright sign. This time I did make reservations for my sons birthday. Food was amazing, the service was just fine. The only thing was the music was a little on the loud side and we really had to talk very loud to one another to be heard. Other than that will definitely go again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress was amazing! We went in to check out the new menu. Everything we tried was delicious! Can’t wait to go back!
G
Gina
Calgary
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
No comments. Not enjoyable. Will not return again.
BF
BlaiseF
Edmonton
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall3food2service2ambience4
Lack of service. The new menu items were a disappointment and not appropriately priced
d
dina74
Edmonton
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service! Delicious eats!
DO
DwayneO
Edmonton
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Friendly service.except didnt like the part where hostess told us our table was booked after us and and we had 90 minutes to enjoy our appetizer and dinner.seemed rushed on a Saturday night where we wanted to go out and enjoy the evening. Other than that great place.
JP
JessP
Edmonton
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great food. Will be back. Pricey, but awesome.
LM
LizM
Edmonton
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tacos were amazing and the margaritas were even better! Our server was attentive, pleasant and quick...even though the place was packed and she was super busy.
TD
TanaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience4
Food and service was great! We look forward to returning when the patio is open!!!
CM
ChaddM
Saskatoon
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great place for food and drinks. Had the tacos as recommended by locals. Tacos look small, but are actually quite filling. Service was a little bit slow and disorganized at times, but food and drinks came promptly once ordered. They have daily specials which is always nice as well.
A
Alexa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you want incredible Mexican food with a variety of options, El Cortez is your place! Not only is the food fantastic and well prepared, but the ambiance is unique and vibrant! If you go to El Cortez, you’re sure to have a great evening.
A
Adriev
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
We both were a little disappointed in the quantity or our order. The taste was great, I liked the beer you served and the waiter was honest and polite way to go there
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience4
Service was poor per usual. They need more staff and she seemed disinterested in general. Plus the tequila menu was all faded and split on. Food is very average
KH
KwonH
Edmonton
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall4food3service4ambience4
Loved the Margarita served, and the aesthetics of the tequila water jug. The table reserved ended up being right by the door and a large window which was pretty cold but thoughtful of them to provide a heat lamp in one corner. The tacos were okay - but I wouldn't order again as there were only three small tacos for $15. The flour tortillas were tough in a not so good way, and mushroom chorizo didn't have much flavor to them at a price of $15 (no mix and match).
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience3
Super loud Food was great but smaller portion than expected One meal cake after everyone else’s by about 15 min
RW
RonW
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience5
Had the tacos and there were smaller then expected for the price. Everything else was great.
JP
JanPhilip
Edmonton
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Buddy’s birthday. Wanted tacos and margaritas.
HM
HayleyM
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was absolutely incredible! I made the reservation as part of a birthday surprise for my boyfriend, and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate my plans to ensure the surprise was next level. And the food and drinks were incredible, as always!
AC
AnnaC
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great ambiance, good food, and fantastic service! El Cortez is one of our favourite places to go for a meal out with family and friends.
DD
DaveD
Edmonton
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great experience at El Cortez! The restaurant is one of our favorites as it offers wonderful food, a funky ambiance. HIGHLY recommended!
K
Karma
Calgary
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience3
This was an average food experience with a pricy menu. A $15/$18 plate is worth ~$8-$12. I had the carnita tacos - the pork was tough and the tacos were appetizer size (3 for $15); we had a few dip appetizers of guacamole and salsa - $15 for a small dish of dip and small bucket of chips. The service was slow and the noise level is high.
LC
LisaC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience5
The service was a little slow, but overall it was a great experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall4food5service2ambience3
Service was slow, took a long time to order drinks, server came around ever so often. Food was great. By the end of the dinner our server could not be found. Had to find someone to ask for our bill. At the end would not recommend going on a Saturday night, during the week most likely a better time?
JP
JanetP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been here a few times and we make sure when we are in town we go. The margueritas are excellent and the food is wicked good. The decor is amazing - really eclectic mix. We love this place
P
Patrick
Edmonton
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall2food4service3ambience1
Made a reservation a week in advance for a group of 4. Ended up getting seated right next to the door in -40 degree weather. One member of our group was extremely cold the entire time. Staff were not able to accommodate us moving to a different table. I expect this service as a walk in customer, but being given the worst table in house after booking a week ahead of time was unacceptable. Food was good and service passable.
K
Kat18
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall3food2service3ambience4
The decor of the bar was very cool to look at observe. The drinks were decent (had the same margarita for the night) but did take a long time to receive the drinks. The waitress was very nice in apologizing for the long wait, but it did take 15 minutes for the first drink. The food was okay. Very spicy tacos to the point of not being able to finish the last one of the three. Guacamole was okay but didn't have much flavour. But their chips were tasty! They have good drinks but be prepared to wait awhile for them.
LP
LiaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
First time going, it was an amazing experience! We enjoyed our drinks and food. This is now my favorite restaurant.
RK
RichK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Taco Tuesday is the best thing ever! Food is excellent, service was great and friendly!
DP
DanP
Edmonton
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience3
Great service, and a very large selection of tequila.
K
Kiya
Ireland
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience5
Great ambience, food was OK. Fish taco’s were nothing special, very minimal in flavour, filling & portion size. Was hoping for something a little more creative. Some cauliflower bites had a bit of uncooked batter in some of the larger pieces, but were super crispy & yum on the outside! Chile’s rellenos batter coating tasted a bit of burnt egg and a bit soggy, however the actual pepper stuffed with cheese inside was delicious and had a bit of a kick to it. Redneck poutine was really good. The server was very friendly and attentive.
A
Alyssa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The lady that served us was the best!! Short Blond hair around 30. First time there and so much enjoyed everything
RO
RoshellO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Our server was wonderful ! I want to say her name was Kylee . She had short white hair and wore a red top. She was attentive, knowledgeable and funny ! Thanks for a wonderful evening !
KH
KymH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about this place was great! The food was delicious, staff was friendly, prices were great, and the atmosphere and decor was deadly!!! Absolutely loved it!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience5
Our server was very slow and disappeared for extended periods of time ... food was great, ambience is fun
TB
TheresaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food! We shared the cauliflower which was very tasty! We also had fish tacos and shrimp tacos which were both delicious! Attentive service. The food arrived quickly. Will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall3food3service4ambience4
My only critique would be that if you are open for brunch, maybe have a brunch menu option as the dinner food can be quite heavy first thing on a Sunday morning. It tastes great, but maybe a bit too early in the day for it. The guacamole also tasted store bought. I think it would be harder in the winter to get the ripe avocados to make it in house, so it makes sense but a heads up would have been nice as my guest and I didn’t really eat it since it tasted right out of the bag. Great service and awesome atmosphere!
PB
PerryB
Las Vegas
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Awesome food and staff
A
Alana
Edmonton
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall2food3service3ambience3
Food was good, but not filling. Very small portions for the price. Suggest a side dish to go with it, be it rice, fries, salad. Very loud, and disappointed the churros was not available. Was looking forward to trying them out.

FAQs

El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar is rated 4.2 stars by 457 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
83 Ave NW
Neighborhood
Old Strathcona
Hours of operation
Mon 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Tue 4:00 pm–2:00 am Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 11:00 am–2:00 am Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Mexican, Dessert, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
There is plenty of parking at the meters along the North side of the building and on the street. Additionally there are approx 40 meters available across Gateway Boulevard with a large paid lot beside them.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Entertainment
We host occasional live "secret" shows from time to time in our tequila cellar basement party room. Please check frequently on our social media pages for details. Since August 2014 we've hosted the following artists: Raine Maida & Chantal Kreviazuk, Lindi Ortega, Matt Mays, Tiga, Shawn Hook and others.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.elcortezcantina.com/
Phone number
(780) 760-0200
Private party facilities
We can accommodate groups from 2-100 people. Catering, craft cocktails, beer and wine, over 130 tequilas + most other spirits available. Upstairs offers a state of the art projection screen and sound system.Additionally, we have a beautiful private room in the basement that's been designed to look like a tequila cellar and can host up to 80 people. It's perfect for corporate mixers, parties, and small wedding receptions.
Private party contact
cressida@elcortezcantina.com : (780) 887-2469

El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Botanas y Apertivos

Empanadas de PicadilloCA$12.00

Guacamole & ChipsCA$14.00

Brussel Sprouts con Valentina*CA$13.00

Quadruple Dip Festival* **CA$19.00

Smoked Queso Cauliflower FundidoCA$16.00

Patatas BravasCA$13.00

Poblano Popper* ^CA$13.00

Chasca Street BowlCA$14.00

Ceviches y Tostadas

Scallop Ceviche^^CA$22.00

Crab & Shrimp TostadaCA$18.00

VampiroCA$12.00

Napa Valley Chicken & Bacon TostadaCA$14.00

Platos Principales y Los Tazones

Cast Iron Steak ArracheraCA$26.00

Cast Iron Seared Scallops & Pork ChorizoCA$26.00

Chicken EnchiladaCA$23.00

Seafood EnchiladaCA$26.00

Los Tazones (Bowls)CA$21.00

Crispy Chicken Mole* **CA$24.00

Lamb Leg Birria (Lamb Stew)CA$18.00

Tacos

Braised Molasses Al PastorCA$14.00

Beef Bulgogi*CA$15.00

Beer Battered PescadoCA$16.00

Charred Brussel*CA$14.00

Chicken VeracruzCA$14.00

Braised Lamb LegCA$15.00

Food Truck

HamburguesaCA$14.00

MolleteCA$15.00

Torta de ChorizoCA$12.00

Cali Club QuesadillaCA$16.00

Smoked Queso Steak QuesadillaCA$18.00

Acompanamientos y Vegetales

Adobo RiceCA$4.00

Zanahorias (Charred Carrots)CA$9.00

Queso Poblano Mashed PotatoCA$5.00

Charred VegetablesCA$10.00

Ensalada de PepinoCA$8.00

Brown Butter Black BeansCA$4.00

Postres

ChurrosCA$12.00

Spiced Date CakeCA$11.00

Coconut Banana FlanCA$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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FAQs

How is El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information