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El Vez

4.6
4.6
6087 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 113 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 6,087 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
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. SS

    ScottS

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite places in center city! Tacos fof 2 and guacamole were delish
  2. A

    Amber

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Got there early for our reservation They’re were multiple tables open and available We were told to get a drink at the bar and they would come get us. Our appointment time came I walked up to the desk I was told oh we sent you a txt Oh I said I’m you told us you would come get us at the bar. The waiter comes was very slow food was good
  3. H

    Helena714

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Food was good as always but disappointed as it was cold!! This was definitely a first!
  4. S

    Scott

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Great service but food quality feels like it’s taking a bit of a dive
  5. N

    Nikki

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    great restaurant, amazing selection of food. will be back!
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing!!!! Food is beyond great!!! Service was awesome! I highly recommend this place to anyone! I love it
  7. JV

    JoeV

    Tampa

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    I switched my normal selection of Carnitas tacos to the mahi tacos they were good but I’m definitely going back to the Carnitas tacos. FYI, you only get two mahi tacos are supposed to three of the Carnitas tacos. I also had the roasted brussels sprouts, and I love roast brussels sprouts, these were good but very heavy. A lot of oil. It’s quite loud in there. A little hard to hear conversation. But up until today, and going forward, I’ll definitely be coming back. The Carnitas tacos are the best I’ve ever had.
  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Vez consistently delivers great food and times. I certainly did during my last visit, where I introduced an out of state client to all EV offered at a business lunch. I had the taco sample and guacamole, which never disappoint.
  9. R

    Robert

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Nothing special at all.
  10. EP

    EarlP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Yup! Gotta check it out! Nice spot in center city.
  11. SS

    ScottS

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite places to dine in Center City!
  12. D

    Danim

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent location to bring my daughter’s friends for her 14th bday. Fun and festive, yummy food and great service:)
  13. m

    mbmcand

    Austin

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious as usuals BO marg on point. One of our fave restaurants.
  14. LD

    LeaD

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    very good!! a bit loud but the chicken tacos and drinks were so tasty!
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We love going to el vez for girls nights !
  16. CF

    ChrisF

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious. The nachos are a certified banger.
  17. LB

    LisaB

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The restaurant is trendy and can get loud. We always have a blast but it's definitely a younger hip crowd. The food is good, avg for cost. I wish they would expand the menu a bit. Its been the same for years and seems to be suffering on quality at times. I didn't care for my chick tacos but the apps, sides, cocktails were great. Everyone else enjoyed their meal of taco tasting platters. Definitely get the nacho app and creamy poblano corn rice side.
  18. SH

    SimoneH

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Loved the ambiance of the restaurant!
  19. L

    Liv2eat

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food and our hostess Carly was super helpful , friendly and was extremely nice to retrieve a lost ring.
  20. HS

    HaroldS

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat outside and had a lot of Margaritas plenty of appetizers and Guac and Salsa. Really nice time
  21. PM

    PaulM

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    one of my favs in Philly. The service was crazy fast - the food seems to keep on coming. Margaritas were great, nachos wonderful and tacos supreme! If there is anything that wasn't perfect - I'd ask them to update the menu to say that you get 2 choco tacos with each order!
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service food and vibes! Margarita pitchers did not skimp on the tequila! Great time for me and my friends!
  23. I

    Imdanghungry

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Did not get seated in the requested area. Also called to confirm availability and were told we'd be placed there. Felt like we were treated differently because we had kids with us, even though we always spend a lot and tip very well. The food was otherwise very good. Service was fine, though not very friendly. Would still recommend to a friend for the food and drinks.
  24. C

    Cooker

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    I have been to El Vez several times over the years, this last experience was the most disjointed in terms of service. The food was fine. They really need to either tell the customer to stir the margarita pitchers or be sure to do it themselves ahead of time.
  25. AC

    ACJM

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We arrived during happy hour on Sunday and it was surprisingly crowded...but then we found out why...$6 margaritas from 3pm - 5pm. A great deal, which we managed to take advantage of before dining. The food is fantastic as always. We went for my daughter's 19th birthday and they enjoyed the virgin drinks and the photo booth. It's fun, not too pricey and great food. If you like brussels sprouts, they have a side dish that was just amazing.
  26. e

    eater

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it here!
  27. F

    Fircap

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food as good as always! Service is excellent. And you cannot beat the margaritas!
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food and drinks as usual were outstanding. Unfortunately the girl at the table next to us had her purse stolen off her chair while she was eating. We felt terrible for her but also very concerned regarding safety as this restaurant is in Center City Philly, and should probably look into beefing up security within the restaurant so patrons can dine without having to worry about being robbed.
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was an amazing meal. Yanni was an amazing waiter. He picked my meal and drink because I couldn’t pick from all the good items. I will definitely be back! And request Yanni…he was incredible!
  30. MM

    MandM

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Everything was great about this visit--except the first 10 minutes when I waited at the bar in the middle of the establishment and felt ignored by the bar staff. I arrived 20 minutes early for our reservation so I could sit at the bar and down one margarita before my guests arrived. Alas, even with an empty seat on either side of me, it took five minutes to catch someone's eye to ask for a drink menu, then another 5 minutes to get someone to take my drink order (and another 5 minutes to close out my bar tab once my guests arrived). On a 95-degree July afternoon, I would have drained at least one and probably two additional margaritas in those 20 minutes, but I wasn't afforded the chance--a $30-ish missed opportunity for the bar in additional drinks and gratuity. Frankly, I felt that as a fifty-something preppy white male patron, I wasn't hip enough to command the attention of the younger, trendier (and maybe shyer) staff. Otherwise, El Vez was as awesome on my first post-Covid visit as it was in my many visits prior to the pandemic.
  31. BF

    BonitaF

    Baltimore

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Just need a waiting space for guest I didn’t like that I was eating and people standing over me and my food waiting to be seated but food was delicious my server was attentive
  32. A

    Ashley

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never a bad experience at El Vez. Go there for some good drinks and the nachos
  33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall2food5service2ambience5
    The waitress was friendly, but not efficient. She seemed to be over worked with customers.
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took my daughter to lunch for her 24th Birthday ! It was both of our first times we have the pink Cadillac pitcher of margaritas let’s just say delicious! Food was very good loved the shrimp tacos and appetizers chips and guacamole along with the salsa ! Our waitress was phenomenal so pleasant and very attentive! Great over all we will be back !! 5 stars ⭐️
  35. DB

    DB21

    Philadelphia

    72 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food- quite authentic Mexican. Place is very noisy though so that’s our only complaint. Server was great!! Great margaritas and guacamole!!
  36. J

    Jeff

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Kitchen and bar slow. Side of corn took long time to show, had to be asked about twice, server gone for long periods, dessert drink showed up after I was done dessert, and we told them we had a show to go to.
  37. CC

    CaitlinC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Second time my boyfriend and I have been here the margaritas and tacos are to die for!
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious!
  39. TA

    TACYZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter and waitress were both amazing. Drinks were delicious and so was the food! Great atmosphere. We will be back!
  40. JT

    JeffT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When I get into Philly I always make sure I hit Alves such a cool vibe and good food

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 6087 OpenTable diners.

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 113 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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