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El Vez

4.6
4.6
6128 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican / Southwestern
Top Tags:
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 136 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Mexican / Southwestern

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (215) 928-9800

  • Website

    http://elvezrestaurant.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Dave Conn

  • Catering

    With delectable cuisine and stellar service, Stephen STARR Events brings the experiences of the wildly successful STARR Restaurants to the world of catering. “Re-inventing” the traditional event, Stephen STARR Events prepares unique chef-driven creations as well as signature selections from the restaurants with menus tailored to each client. For more information on full-service catering for small and large private, social and corporate functions, as well as, quick-service options, please contact Stephen STARR Events at (215) 923-2675.

  • Private party facilities

    Please contact the restaurant for more information.

  • Location

    121 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

  • Neighborhood

    Center City

  • Cross street

    Sansom

  • Parking details

    Garage parking available on Sansom Street between 11th & 12th Streets. No Valet is available.

  • Public transit

    Broad Street Line - Walnut Locust Station.

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 6,128 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked

  • Philadelphia

    Hot Spot

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

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  1. AM

    AnnM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    We've always loved eating at El Vez but were left disappointed with our last experience. After seeing another table get their food before us, even though they were seated at least 20 minutes after us, our waiter returned to our table and asked us if we were ready to order yet. We already ordered when we sat down so it was obvious he forgot to even place our order into the kitchen in the first place.. and no offer to remedy the situation or even admit that he forgot it. I took a friend from out of town there because it's always been a fun place to eat, but now I'll second guess taking anyone there.
  2. T

    Theresa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    It was good overall. Good vibes here. Would go back
  3. CS

    CherylS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    El Vez never disappoints. The food is excellent and the drinks even better. I did notice that my favorite lunch item (Chicken Tacos) no longer comes with a side of refried beans. My husbands fish tacos also did not have the slices of avocado like it used to
  4. Y

    Yummy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and hit the spot. The drink was refreshing. I had a nice time.
  5. DH

    DawnH

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was amazing!
  6. BM

    BobM

    Philadelphia

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    My wife and I enjoyed an early (4:30 p.m.) dinner at El Vez after an afternoon concert. We were seated promptly despite arriving early for our reservation. We did experience the momentary misfortune of being seated at a table close to a door utilized by the servers and runners to wait on outdoor tables which resulted in a damp breeze in our vicinity. Also, there was a nearby booth with a raucous group of patrons so our conversation was difficult. Our server, Danielle, checked with the hosting desk staff and quickly had us moved and set up at a table in a section that was still unopened due to later arriving wait staff. We ordered cocktails, excellent frozen blood orange margaritas and had fresh and flavorful guacamole and chips as starters. For entrees, we ordered the red snapper Veracruz and chicken enchiladas. The snapper was a bit ‘fishy’ tasting and very small in portion size and the a accompanying green rice while tasty was somewhat dry. The enchiladas were delicious……..fresh, hot, tender and very tasty. For dessert we shared the tres leches cake which was light, fresh and an ideal to way to finish our meal. The runners who served our table delivered our drinks and food promptly. Danielle was very efficient and attentive while not being overbearing or rushing. And we had a much better experience after she intervened to have our seating changed. Her service was vital to a very good dinner experience.
  7. JD

    JD15

    Pittsburgh

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here. Very good and waitress was also very good.
  8. CG

    ClaytonG

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2022

    overall3food5service5ambience5
    Ant Flie in my drink! And it was DELICIOUS lol So this was not my first Rodeo at El Vez. Yet for of all the times of me going there, this time would be the time where i am hosting a business meeting and the crap hits the fan. Our water glasses were dusty inside… and in the midst of our drinks, I find and ant flie inside my very delicious drink. Hey, overall, it was great food and a great atmosphere. I’m very passive, and listen, these things happen in even 5 star Dinning locations. So… i get it. This will not stop me from going back…
  9. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Nice dinner. Menus were hard to read, but our server was excellent!! Food was good.
  10. a

    anonymous1

    St. Louis

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a lovely time for a family and friends get together! Food was delicious as always!
  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    booked for indoor dining but was given seats outside
  12. KM

    KellyM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious. Isarael was great and all of his recommendations were on point. The La Diabla margarita was awesome.
  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Super cool place and amazing food. Loved the guacamole with goat cheese. Service was a bit slow but still worth it.
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We have been to ElVez many times. Salsa, Maragaitas, and Corn all excellent. Fish tacos and pork tacos both dry and overcooked, disappointing.
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    Food and service was good but it was so loud we would just ate quickly and got out.
  16. JE

    JoanE

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our go-to place for special occasions and to bring out-of-town friends. Food and service were both excellent. We sat outside, it was a perfect night for it. El Vez never disappoints!
  17. M

    Michelle

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite Mex in Philly Never disappoints
  18. n

    nbtreviews

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Really good food and friendly service
  19. E

    Eljo

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Had to wait a bit for our table, which was uncomfortably close to the bar. Bar people were squeezing around us, with their handbags close to knocking into our food. But the food was excellent and the service fast and professional.
  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food did not disappoint. It’s been a few years and still as good as we remembered. The steak tacos in the assorted taco platter we above and beyond the most delicious taco i have ever had. I want to go back just for steak tacos. The blood orange margarita was also super tasty. Still one of our favorite restaurants and a very memorable meal.
  21. F

    Fran

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Birthday .., we all had a great time!
  22. CB

    CharraB

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and drinks but the noise level was substantial. Overall a good experience and worth the money.
  23. LK

    LoriK

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The guacamole was awesome, but the chicken enchiladas entree was a little disappointing. The rice and beans were only so-so. The chicken enchilada sauce was good, but there was hardly any chicken in it.
  24. NS

    NicholeS

    Atlanta

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and the service even better! It Will be one of my spots I go to when in town
  25. M

    Mn178829442

    New England

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Loud restaurant with average margaritas. Guacamole good.
  26. TS

    TrudiS

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anniversary celebration. Vedge made it special!
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience1
    Great place. [[[[[[[ it’s loud]]]]]]]
  28. s

    scritch13

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was out with friends and was able to snag a last minute res before the evening rush on a Saturday, which was very exciting. The DeLaHoya Guac is my favorite (without the onion) and it did not disappoint! We learned that we could get the corn on the cob OFF the cob (perfect, because sharing is caring and corn stuck in the teeth is awkward), and enjoyed some salads, desserts, and 2 pitchers of perfect classic margs. Our waitress was AMAZING - she was knowledgeable about the menu and the decor and also super friendly. Great experience overall!
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Not great but not expensive so I guess you get what you pay for?
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Amazing food as always and the service was great.
  31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Switzerland

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall great experience. Food was delicious, drinks were tasty. Waiter was wonderful !
  32. h

    hardworker55

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took my sister dinner was good everything was excellent
  33. J

    2Jazzy

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Small portions for the money. I realize that everyone is price gouging but, wow!
  34. JK

    JuKrRo

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The corn empanadas and guacamole were fabulous, and the Tacos al Carbon were amazing. We sat outside, and loved the people watching and musicians set up across the street.
  35. TB

    TinaB

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience. Food and drinks are above average. Service was phenomenal. Never wanted for anything even though it was an extremely busy night. We will be back
  36. KB

    KimberlyB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time there. We came for our anniversary. The food was delish
  37. TG

    TomasG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I got the rib enchiladas and it was delicious. The nachos were also probably the best I had.
  38. LS

    LindaS

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a good experience! No matter how busy it is, service and food are excellent. We live in Harrisburg and go to El Vez almost every time we visit Philly.
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service are always excellent at El Vez!
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Nachos great as always. Shrimp tacos bland. Lamb taco average but would get again. Frozen blood orange and spicy mango drinks very good. Wish they still had the seabass tacos

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

El Vez offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 928-9800.

El Vez is rated 4.6 stars by 6128 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 136 times today
Google Map for El Vez

121 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Sansom

  • Neighborhood

    Center City

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mexican / Southwestern

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Garage parking available on Sansom Street between 11th & 12th Streets. No Valet is available.

  • Public transit

    Broad Street Line - Walnut Locust Station.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Dave Conn

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://elvezrestaurant.com/

  • Phone number

    (215) 928-9800

  • Catering

    With delectable cuisine and stellar service, Stephen STARR Events brings the experiences of the wildly successful STARR Restaurants to the world of catering. “Re-inventing” the traditional event, Stephen STARR Events prepares unique chef-driven creations as well as signature selections from the restaurants with menus tailored to each client. For more information on full-service catering for small and large private, social and corporate functions, as well as, quick-service options, please contact Stephen STARR Events at (215) 923-2675.

  • Private party facilities

    Please contact the restaurant for more information.

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