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El Vez

4.7
4.7
5990 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
May 2022
Sun
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7:00 PM
Booked 195 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 5,990 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. J

    Jeffrey

    San Francisco

    71 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    71 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    Quite loud. Margaritas were weak and did not taste genuine. Food was delicious and with good prices. Our waiter was rarely seen. Overall, so-so.

  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and drinks are excellent! Happy to finally be able to get in and check this place out — I’ve always tried to walk up, but they were always fully booked for the day! This time I planned ahead and got a reservation … we were seated right away! Their brussel sprouts are the best I’ve had, definitely recommend! The burritos for brunch, mmmm! Loved everything and will be back again!

  3. MM

    MegM

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Great food and drinks. Here for pre-theater dinner.

  4. K

    Kukla

    Philadelphia

    43 reviews

    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    The food was wonderful will, definitely return to dine with you again I don’t know his mobile

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    A bit loud but good food and drink

  6. RG

    RonG

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    It was quite tasty and there were alot of gluten free options. The wait staff was as best as I could ask for.

  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good food - good pricing - service ok point!

  8. NM

    NicoleM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience2

    Our waiter was the worst waiter I have ever had. We asked for to go boxes and while we were taking a photo in the photo booth all of our food was disposed of. Our waiter made it seem like we were inconveniencing him to wait on us.

  9. r

    recentgrad

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I am literally obsessed with this place. Food was PHENOMENAL!!! Service was LOVELY. This visit was worth every penny. I can't wait to go back!! I even got fresh churros as a gift from the staff for my graduation -- extremely kind.

  10. JP

    JenniferP

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was delicious !! Great service !!

  11. JD

    JosephD

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience1

    I checked out El Vez solely due to the Stephen Starr brand. I love many of his restaurants. Obviously lots of people love this place too, but it is not my style. Way too noisy! Food was OK. Celebration place. Not a great place for conversation. Follow all the other reviews here - not mine! I like quiet, high end food. This is not my place. Clearly successful! The place was packed at 430pm! The servers were very friendly and attentive. I would recommend to friends if they are looking for a celebratory place to chill and have fun.

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall3food4service1ambience5

    Food was good. Drinks took an hour. Overcharged me for items

  13. j

    jackg

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food5service2ambience4

    We were celebrating Mother’s Day and we felt we were being rushed throughout our entire meal…..the meal came out just after the appetizers were delivered, and the waiter gave us the bill, immediately after we ordered dessert, and before we received we received our dessert. We have been to El Vez numerous times and always had a wonderful experience …until yesterday….the waiter was pleasant, but we felt we were being rushed….

  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    They changed the menu since my last visit. Not a big fan.

  15. K

    Kris

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always amazing! Great service, tasty food, awesome drinks!

  16. R

    Ralpha

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Nice atmosphere. Good food. It is a great place to meet friends.

  17. AG

    AnnaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delightful ambience! Love the arty walls--color, texture, culture. And great food!

  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great spot for friends and happy hour

  19. RS

    RobbieS

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    They rule. Food’s great. Service great. The place is freaking awesome.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service food and drinks. Back after 2 years !

  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Fabulous customer service (from the hostesses, server, food runners), delicious food that never disappoints, & lovely ambiance. The server was able to accommodate my requests without issue and any food modifications came out flawlessly! My only feedback is that the acoustics in the space are rough (lots of hard surfaces everywhere) which makes holding a conversation tough at times. Overall, I love taking clients here as the food & service never disappoints!

  22. KT

    KeithT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Danielle was our server and she was awesome…very attenative to customers ..me and my fiancé will be back in the future

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Perfect in every way!

  24. VY

    VonetteY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. My first time there and I will return.

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall3food5service1ambience3

    While the food was stellar, service was severely lacking. Food was served without plates, water never refilled and took forever to pay.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing. Great guac and out waitress was so sweet. Also definitely use the photo booth when you go!!!

  27. c

    chester

    Philadelphia

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service was great. Would like to see them have a better wine selection at a somewhat reasonable price. As there were only 2 white wines on the menu and they were not only very expensive but not to my liking I was disappointed. I ordered a beer on tap instead. Otherwise our food was very good and our service was excellent.

  28. AD

    AmyD

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding as usual! Great food, service, and atmosphere

  29. b

    barbannc

    Houston

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Coming from Houston, this was My first TexMex experience in Philly. Two thumbs up. Great, generous, tasty serving of the guacamole. We enjoyed. Carnitas tacos were succulent. The rice and black bean side with the enchiladas were surprisingly good.

  30. R

    Rick

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience2

    Service was very good, but the food was only average at best.

  31. L

    Lucky

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    We always enjoy the food although the menu has become a little stale. The restaurant was very busy and Very Very Loud.

  32. RR

    RichR

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food and service were good. We had reservations but it took a while to get seated after our reservation time.

  33. RW

    ReeW

    Philadelphia

    60 reviews

    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Hadn’t been here for a while and was not disappointed. Great options and good portions. Everyone in our party loved everything they got.

  34. EB

    EdwardB

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience4

    The place is great for its ambiance and location downtown. I was very disappointed in the menu as I was looking forward to a good burrito in beef, chicken, or shrimp. However, there were no burritos of any kind on the menu. There were no specials and many of the other entrees were essentially the same in either a taco version or the enchilada version. The food was good, not great. Service was great.

  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Montana

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food and service were great. We also appreciated the complementary desert in acknowledgment of our special occasion! Thanks much.

  36. S

    Susie

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is my favorite restaurant. The food is excellent and the margaritas are great. I always love to go there.

  37. MA

    MichaelAndrew

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service was amazing and food was great.

  38. M

    Mulah

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Gabe is fantastic! The food and vibe there is always great! My favorite restaurant, hands down!

  39. K

    Kimmy

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a good experience

  40. K

    Kslay

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience4

    El Vez was very good but not amazing. One of our entrees was considerably delayed for no particular reason but overall the food was good.

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 4.7 stars by 5990 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM
Booked 195 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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