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El Vez

4.6
4.6
6198 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican / Southwestern
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

7:00 PM


Booked 104 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

  • 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.

  • 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

Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Popular dishes

What 6,198 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Food was pretty good. Very loud with music and chatting. Hostess was a bit rude, and we did have to wait even though we had a reservation. Waitress was very sweet, and prices aren’t terrible.
  2. p

    pipp

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you like Mexican food, this is great. Deserts are very good recommend the flan.
  3. MT

    MargaretT

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    We were 20 min. late for our reservation and the staff were very understanding and friendly and somehow managed to seat us right away. Most of our food was quite good while a couple things were just so/so, but the drinks were great and the atmosphere was very lively and fun, like a celebration.
  4. EC

    EarlC

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific experience. From the warm greeting we received at the door to the excellent service. The drinks were fabulous and the carne asada and tacos were off the charts good. And the overall vibe of the restaurant was amazing as always. Thank you, El Vez!
  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Hadn’t been for a number of years. Food is still excellent although the crowd is younger and louder (a scene: good for them!) and the front desk tends to adopt an assembly line and rather ungracious approach to welcoming guests, that was a bit off putting. Directed toward the bar as I was a few minutes early for the table (they won’t seat you until all arrive) but there’s no way to access that bar so I went to another restaurant next-door to get out of the way. Then within a minute or two I’m getting multiple texts and phone calls from the front desk about my table and ‘am I coming’. we ended up having a lot of fun and our waitress was cool but I won’t go back anytime soon.
  6. FH

    FaithH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Best chicken tacos I’ve ever had! Food was great, service was amazing.
  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I’ve been eating here for 5 years, best food and drinks.
  8. NL

    NancyL

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    We have eaten at El Vez several times throughout the past 5 years. Our most recent visit was disappointing and nothing like our previous visits. The servings were small, the food and the pitcher of margaritas were fair. Not sure we will make the trip into the city for this restaurant again.
  9. J

    Jenn

    Philadelphia

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wish the shrimp in the shrimp tacos wasn’t breaded but the tacos are still good. Great place if you like Mexican and a fun casual place to eat. Bar staff are great!
  10. J

    Jmax

    Philadelphia

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Chopped salad excellent. Guacamole always fresh with the best chips.
  11. DF

    DonnaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner and drinks were amazing as always! My daughter was home for Thanksgiving break from college and that was the first place she wanted to go! Our waitress Jelly also made the experience great!!
  12. RR

    ReneeR

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delish. Guacamole was fabulous and the selection of tequila one the best I've seen.
  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fantastic! The food was delicious. Some items were a better value than others - but everything we ordered was good. It’s consistently a great meal at a place with a happy vibe. Definitely recommend!
  14. RP

    RitaP

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    This was the most dissapointing visit to El Vez, presentation of food was terrible. I guess inflation costs are getting a hit on them. I dont think I would repeat. It was ok, but too expensive for what it was.
  15. HL

    HollettLA

    Jacksonville

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service and food are so spectacular. It’s almost distractingly loud, but the meal is always worth it!
  16. TO

    TimO

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect location for pre-concert lunch. Great food and friendly service. Nice menu variety and mix of taste.
  17. LC

    LeisaC

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the atmosphere of this restaurant. Our server was attentive and the food was great!
  18. G

    Gnarly

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    Food was great. Service was good but they sat us by the exit door and we froze every time the door opened
  19. SR

    SamR

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience4
    Food was bland. Portions were small. But on a high note the service was good.
  20. AS

    AliyahS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and atmosphere was amazing!!! Very quick and efficient service.
  21. RT

    RachelT

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    El Vez is one of my favorite restaurants. I've dined here twice for my birthday at 22 years old and this past birthday at 30. The service is always great. I love the blood orange margaritas and empanadas. This time I had the steak tacos, they were okay.
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food is great. Atmosphere is very lively and can be very loud, making conversations a bit difficult, but it’s still fun.
  23. r

    ropo

    Louisville

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Food was mediocre.
  24. MD

    MichaelD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seems like typical texmex fare until you look more closely. A lot of neat twists with the menu. Decent location close to Kimmel Center and plenty of paid parking. A big wide open room with bar in the middle and tables all around so not a quiet spot but also not a crazy sports bar.
  25. L

    Laura

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience at El Vez! I bring every single one of my friends that visits here and they always love it :)
  26. d

    dtowndiner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always FANTASTIC. Service very good, such a fun atmosphere. Pretty noisy inside but we could still talk to our friends across the table without any trouble.
  27. F

    Fircap

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been many times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend!
  28. M

    Mario

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. A bit pricey, but definitely worth the price.
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time at el Vez!!
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The hostess was very accommodating with our change in seating request. Our server was awesome. Super attentive, friendly and funny.
  31. ED

    EmilyD

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We went to El Vez for our 20 year wedding anniversary and both my husband and I let the staff know ahead of time. Not only did they give us a lovely corner booth near the window, but we were also given complimentary tequila shots with mango sorbet, champagne to toast, and churros at the end of the meal all on the house! The food was great, service was phenomenal, and the atmosphere perfect. Would highly recommend!!! Blood Orange Frozen Margarita was the BEST!!!
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Waiter was wonderful - seating was crowded and cramped, portions were inconsistent - some great, some small, food was delicious!
  33. NH

    NaomiH

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! The food, our water, the margaritas….all just so good!
  34. JK

    JohnK

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall2food4service2ambience2
    Been going to El Vez for years. It just seems to be getting little tired and was not the cleanest.
  35. LR

    LashiaR

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Good as usual!
  36. WS

    WillS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a great time with my friend. Great food, service, and atmosphere!
  37. SC

    ShaunaC

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and awesome service... it was a little loud for lunch time, but overall - really great!
  38. JK

    JamieK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Always an excellent experience. The food is yummy, the servers are always excellent and the atmosphere is fun for a Center City restaurant. Our server, Sam, was super friendly and helpful, very attentive. Loved the food - only wish there might be a tiny bigger selection.
  39. DP

    DPHIT

    Philadelphia

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was wonderful from the greeting to the friendliness of the wait staff to the presentation of the food. The orders were correct, quick, and hot. No complaints and we have a party of 5 with everyone being satisfied
  40. M

    Mark

    Atlantic City

    110 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    110 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service by Natasha. Excellent seating by host. Margaritas were great. Favorite was actually the house margarita. Macho nachos and short Orin enchiladas were delicious. Too much ice in the el jefe to make it worth the extra $$. Dessert was great as well - churros and choco tacos. Will be back.

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 6198 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

7:00 PM


Booked 104 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

  • 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.

Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
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