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El Vez

4.7
4.7
6291 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
7:00 PM
Booked 71 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

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Popular dishes

What 6,291 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

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  1. KT

    KarenT

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    I just love El Vez. I am a regular customer but last evening my server was terrible. She spent more time at the bar than obtaining our orders. I constantly needed to remind her of what we ordered. She walked by our table without asking if we needed anything. My good was delicious as expected.
  2. LS

    LiamS

    Raleigh

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, nice atmosphere.
  3. SJ

    SJMomma

    Atlantic City

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food5service2ambience2
    The food was amazing but the overall experience was not. We were seated by the exit door, and I had to wear my coat all evening because of the cold wind rushing through every time the door opened, which was constant. The runners brought our food exceptionally quickly (thank you!), but we didn’t have appetizer plates because our waitress had removed them for some reason. The entrees arrived but I had no silverware. I finished my drink early but wasn’t asked if I wanted a second till we were done our dinner. Maybe our waitress was new, but the service, horrible seats at the door, and general experience didn’t measure up to a Starr restaurant standard.
  4. KF

    KathyF

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We returned to El Vez for restaurant week and enjoyed our time there. The restaurant week menu included only a few selections, but they were popular ones that we would probably have chosen anyway. We had nachos to start, which were different from what we're used to, more like a pizza than a pile of chips, beans, and cheese. They were good though. The chips with salsa and with guacamole were delicious. My family loved their chicken tacos. My shrimp on green rice were a bit too salty for my taste, but good nonetheless. The margaritas were delicious. Service was friendly and attentive. The noise level was lower than when we were there years ago, which we appreciated.
  5. NH

    NewHopeSally

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food and ambience stood out the most. Food came out quickly but service could have been better. Not as attentive and pleasant as I had hoped.
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    WOW. Food, drinks everything was phenomenal. Can’t wait to come back.
  7. TA

    TAW8864

    Tallahassee

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Indian red Lopez Guac...Enchilada Mixtas...Carne Asada...Margaritas...Need I say More? YUM!
  8. AG

    AnnaG

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Vez is full of Mexican atmosphere, with lot of color, texture, art, and atmosphere. It is always a delight to have a meal here.
  9. MJ

    MarioJr

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience4
    Super Dope Vibe! Betty Tasty Food!
  10. M

    Monica

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friends and I had an enjoyable experience. The food, drinks, and service were all great!
  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    This was yet another example of how disappointing restaurant week can be. It would have been the same price to order what we had off the regular menu. Most disappointing? Our server, who clearly didn’t want to spend too much time with us because we were having the “restaurant week” menu, dropped off our check BEFORE dessert - and then kept coming back saying “can I take this now?” We were there just over an hour and won’t do that again.
  12. LI

    LisaI

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday ! Our waiter was super attentive and the good was delicious
  13. j

    jmiller06

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Restaurant week. Very busy. Menu was terrific - better than expected for the limited choices
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    It’s was a cool place, I thought the survive was a lil slow. The decor wasn’t the best either but the food and drinks were good. Overall out of five I’d give the experience a solid 3.5
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything we got here was absolutely delicious!! One of the best foods we’ve had in a long time. would recommend it to anyone!
  16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Best service and delicious food
  17. WB

    WhitB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. We were seated promptly and our waiter was great as well. He explained everything in detail and gave us many options to choose from. Highly recommend El Vez.
  18. n

    niyahs

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    The ambiance was very nice. I wasn’t too fond of the mahi mahi tacos because they were dry & service was slow. I did enjoy the nachos.
  19. k

    kenshap

    Philadelphia

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and drinks were fantastic. The restaurant week menu was spot on.
  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time and wonderful service. Even seated before our reservation time which was a huge plus!
  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Visiting from out of town
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience and great food!
  23. ML

    MizLoo

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Indoor seating is close and tight. Noise level is pre-pandemic+++. Food was fabulous - Mahi-Mahi tacos, shrimp empanadas, flan and churros - YUM. Decor fascinating, but not easy to appreciate. Disappointment: In more than 20 years, this is the first time I ever found not one leaf of TP in a Starr restaurant ladies room. Disconcerting at best.
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my son’s birthday and he wanted to go to El Vez to celebrate. The reservation was late and we had to wait a bit for our table, but the food was delicious and came out in a timely manner. We had a fabulous time!
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The open faced shrimp tacos are AMAZING!! If you like spicy please try the spicy lavender margarita. Yummmmm!!!
  26. HN

    HillNimo

    Philadelphia

    91 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    91 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Did not disappoint and continues to be a favorite restaurant. Guac was just right…I had mahi mahi tacos which were incredible and my daughter enjoyed her chicken tacos just as much. Side of Brussels sprouts was perfect. And cappuccinos were just right to top off the meal. Great service too:)
  27. S

    Sophia

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Waitress was great! Loved the drinks ! Great ambiance.
  28. S

    Shawn

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious! It was my birthday and they gave me churros on the house with chocolate dipping sauce! The price for two people was more than affordable for the quality of food! Everyone was very nice and not overly cumbersome with checking up on you! Will eat here again!
  29. RN

    RobN

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic ambiance and great food! We had the make your own tacos, chicken and tofu. Very good! The guacamole was excellent, and so was the margaritas. Don’t be afraid to order spicy, because it’s not spicy at all. It was very salty overall, so be aware of that. It was also very noisy. Not bad, just a big crowd and the speakers were playing rock music trying to compete with noise. The wait staff was fast and friendly, but hard to hear! I don’t blame them for saving their voices. We definitely would go again if we’re in that part of town.
  30. SB

    SarahB

    San Francisco

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wanted to try for lunch. Flavors were fabulous.
  31. B

    Bigfan

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress Amaya was outstanding-friendly, professional, knowledgeable and prompt-always there when we needed anything! Th food is excellent and th margaritas are amazing!
  32. G

    Giogio65

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took the family out for a Philly romp and had to treat them to El Vez.
  33. L

    Lisap111

    Philadelphia

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s been a very long time since we’ve been to El Vez and we weren’t disappointed. I am glad I made a reservation because it was busy, but it felt like pre-COVID times and we loved it. Our server was fantastic and the food was as delicious as we remembered. Everything very fresh and with great flavor.
  34. BP

    BrynP

    Philadelphia

    83 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place always! Photo Booth was swearing photos so let them know. otherwise great service, fantastic food and the hotels got us right in!
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Always enjoy this place. Everything on the menu is delicious. Definitely start with the guacamole and chips and if you're a brunch person the huevos rancheros and breakfast burrito are top notch.
  36. N

    Neighbor

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    My vegan tofu breakfast burrito was good, however, it was naked on the plate. My friend ordered a regular breakfast burrito and it was served with a small salad. I think my plate was not properly finished and would not order this dish again.
  37. G

    Gracie

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Food is excellent at El Vez ... to me that's the most important part of the dining experience. They were busy and service was somewhat slow, but the booths are comfortable and despite the activity of the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon, the noise was tolerable. We will definitely go back to El Vez including take-out. Highly recommend especially if you appreciate Mexican food !!
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time celebrating my friends 25th birthday with a nice dinner and drinks prior to an evening out and about
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    If you get the streak tacos, expect 5 small cubes of steak on 3 fist size tortillas. It was not worth the price.
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing! So happy there were cauliflower tacos back on the menu!

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 6291 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 71 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.

Featured in

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