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El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA

El Vez

4.7
4.7
6604 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
11:30 PM
Booked 118 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

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What 6,604 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 / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

6,604 Reviews

  1. KellyC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Food just wasn't that great. But atmosphere was great.

    Is this helpful?

  2. LeahL

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    All of the food was delicious and fairly priced. A little loud and tight where we were sitting, but I can’t wait to go back.

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  3. HoneyLotus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good ambiance, the food was delicious. Would go again.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, drinks and service

    Is this helpful?

  5. Sroldan

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and we all had a great time!

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  6. MiriamP

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was amazing and the service was out of this world! Excellent!!

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  7. DanK

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome drinks, cool vibe, super fun.

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  8. KittyMagoo

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We had a pre-concert dinner at El Vez and everything was delightful. It was a nice evening so we ate outside. The salsas that came with the chips were really tasty. I had the carnitas tacos and my husband had the short rib enchiladas with Mole sauce. All was incredibly delicious. I also tried the spicy pineapple margarita and it was amazing! Our server was very helpful in giving me information on which options were best for my gluten free diet. The service was a little slow but not too slow. It gave us plenty of time to talk which is always a nice thing. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

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  9. Melissa

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently delicious food. Drinks are amazing as well. Tacos for 2 leaves plenty for left overs. A great place to dine

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  10. KaylaD

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Vez was FANTASTIC! The guacamole is so fresh and the Mexican chopped salad was phenomenal. And, of course, the margaritas were the best I’d ever had.

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  11. Rashanda

    Washington DC

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    On work travel and had to stop by my favorite restaurant while I’m in Philly. The food and drinks were great and my waitress was awesome. I enjoyed the taco platter, strawberry margarita and had my dessert to go. Can’t wait to return.

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  12. ChristineC

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We got seated right away . The food was very fresh and came out right away. The waiter was lovely and attentive. We had a great time.

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  13. JennaB

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a great experience for the family. Thank you for everything

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  14. Kandace

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dropped in for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised how good the food, drinks and service were. The Flan is the best I’ve ever tasted. I can not wait to go back.

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  15. OccaisionalFoodie

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love El Vez for our annual birthday celebrations - the margaritas and guac are the best and the staff is wonderful!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    El Vez, Philadelphia, PA Huge disappointment. It’s not the same. Great for when you want vaguely Mexican flavored food. Hostesses were pretty great! Waitress did her best she was waiting a lot of tables. El Vez Classic Margarita - Just okay I wouldn’t order again. Rating: 2/5 Recommendation: Do not order! Chips & Salsa: tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, lime, fresh corn tortilla chips, salsa roja & salsa verde. I can’t even call this salsa. It was missing basic ingredients. The salsa is more of like a Pico de gallo from Rating: 1/5 Recommendation: Waste of money. Do not order! Melted Manchego: manchego cheese, sweet onions. This was to die for. It’s more of a queso consistency and tasted amazing so good it’s almost indescribable. Rating: 5/5 Recommendation: Order Order Order. Nacho Mamma: queso mixto, black beans, salsa ranchera, sour cream, pickled red onion & jalapeño. Rating: 3/5 Recommendation: Order. Guacamole “Bazooka” Limon: goat cheese, chile flake, pistachio, roasted tomato. Rating: 5/5 Recommendation: Order Order Order. Short Rib Enchiladas: chocolate mole, sesame, onion, crema. The short rib quality of meat was good. However the taste was so bland and disgusting. It was horrible. Everyone at our table tried it and thought the same. Complete crap. Rating: 1/5 Recommendation: Disgusting! Do not order! Taco Tasting Platter: chicken, steak, carnitas, mahi, shrimp. Each taco I tried I couldn’t figure out which meat or seafood it was. Very very bland. Rating: 2/5 Recommendation: Do not order! Carne Asada: grilled flat iron, creamed corn & jalapenos, tomatillo escabeche, guajillo steak sauce. This was one of the better dishes. If I was forced to come back here I would order this dish again. I ordered the steak medium. For some reason the steak was 1/2 rare 1/2 medium. Not sure why it was consistently cooked throughout. The cream corn was absolutely delicious and had so many flavors that you couldn’t pinpoint the delicious flavors. Rating: 4/5 Recomme

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  17. ScottyJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    It’s definitely where the action is. Ambience and service is great. Food… eh.

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  18. AllisonB

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic. Waiter was attentive & helpful in suggesting items to try. Will definitely be back.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We dined here before a performance of The Lion King. We loved the food and the atmosphere, but our server seemed completely disinterested in working and would disappear for long periods of time or ignore our table altogether.

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  20. EMMMMMMM

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    They offer several vegan and gluten free options which was great for our party. The prices are fair and the food is pretty good.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Was there on 9/1/23 and was very disappointed. It is a completely different place than what I remember it being 5 years ago. The menu is limited and the wait staff made us feel rushed during our meal. For the amount that they charge, I was hoping for better quality and more food. But for the price the food was basic. This place has reduced itself to just a drinks/appetizers only, and not a meal.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of my favorite restaurants it never lets me down!

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  23. PhillyG

    Philadelphia

    83 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We were hungry in the city and happy to find a late lunch st El Vez. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Love their guacamole but today we had chips and a wonderfully fresh and flavorful pico de gallo. They accommodated my request to top the Caesar with mahi mahi. The salad was fresh and crisp and the dressing cold and garlicky with a little touch of citrus. Good croutons. Loved this. He got bean enchiladas which were warm and cheesy and flavorful. No room for dessert! Server was perfect! We’ll be back!

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve dined here before, and everything was fabulous as usual! Highly recommend!

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  25. JaclynM

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time visiting. We were super impressed with the food, as well as the price. Being a Steven Starr restaurant, we expected to pay over $200 for a party of 3, especially because we had multiple appetizers, drinks, dinner and dessert. To find out our bill was only $140 was beyond impressive. Everything was delicious, and we will definitely be back.

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  26. EnjanaeO

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, service and the drinks were tasty! Always a good time!

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  27. craigie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot, awesome food, best drinks……. I love it!

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  28. Rebeka

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Carnitas we’re amazing. Definitely recommend if in the area

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  29. BillW

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The drinks and food here are great! Had the chips with queso as an appetizer. The chips were done perfectly and the salsas and queso (with garlic) was awesome. The chopped salad was very good, although maybe adding a little pico or peppers, or something to spice it up would be a great addition. The corn on the cob (they’ll take it off the cob which I prefer) was very tasty, but they used a little too much of the aoli topping making it a bit too creamy for my liking, but the taste was amazing. We also had the watermelon salad which was just delicious. The restaurant is very loud but that’s always been the case and yet we keep going back!

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wanted to grab dinner before going to see The Lion King

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  31. DonnaN

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    WAY over priced drinks. Across the street at Prunella, better priced everything. Food is good as well.

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  32. GT6216

    Philadelphia

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    El Vez is one of our favorite restaurants in Philly. Its been a while since we were able to visit this establishment. I asked for a booth as a preferred area of seating when I my the reservation but I did not get a booth. The service was GREAT but the food was not as good as it had been in the past. Our entree used to come with side dishes. This time round we only got the entree and was never told to order side dishes with our meal. A little disappointed overall but we still enjoy our time at El Vez.

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  33. LuisS

    Poconos

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal incredible experience will definitely come back

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  34. AidanS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Amazing appetizers and pretty good entree, went on a date, was kind of loud but good atmosphere

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    We normally love El Vez and have dined there a lot, but it just seemed to be going downhill this visit. Our food came out within 5 minutes and was barely warm. Pitcher of margs was mostly ice & the nachos did not have a lot of toppings on them at all, like we normally remember them.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was great.. a bit pricey but worth it

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  37. Tyler

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    Waitress looked high. Food was great.

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  38. Hungrygirl

    Philadelphia

    117 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    117 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very interesting decor. We both got steak tacos. They tasted very good, but a small amount considering the price. Fun place for lunch though.

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  39. JOYC

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was amazing. Good vibe, great food & Carly provided awesome service.

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  40. LauraC

    Atlantic City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rida was our server, and he was amazing! His knowledge of the menu and recommendations were spot on!! We thoroughly enjoyed our margaritas, apps and tacos. We haven't been here in quite awhile, didn't enjoy our past experiences. Happy we gave you another chance, we'll be back again!!

    Is this helpful?

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 6604 OpenTable diners.

El Vez does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 118 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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.

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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