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El Vez, Philadelphia, PA

El Vez

4.7
4.7
7009 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican / Southwestern

Make a booking

2+ people
19:00
Booked 114 times today
  • Lively
  • Hot spot
  • Good for groups
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican / Southwestern
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 7,009 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Vez in Philly is a vibrant hotspot known for its "exceptional guacamole," "amazing margaritas," and "lively atmosphere." It's a favorite for both locals and visitors, perfect for special occasions. While some find the noise level high, the "friendly service" and "delicious" menu options keep guests returning.

7,009 Reviews

  1. Tiffany

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food. Attentive staff. Quirky interior design.

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  2. Robert

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    Frequent use of the side entrance creates horrible seating environment for tables nearby—-constant gusts of cold air. Will not return, despite the food being quite good.

    Is this helpful?

  3. jody

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We headed to El Vez for brunch, and let me start by saying: make a reservation. This spot is popular—and for good reason. While dinner reservations can be hard to snag, brunch turned out to be the perfect choice. The moment we walked in, we were transported. The decor is warm, colorful, and vibrant—everything you’d hope for in a great Mexican restaurant. There’s a cozy, welcoming vibe, but it’s also lively and buzzing with energy. The eclectic touches, like the low-rider bike suspended over the dining area, add just the right amount of whimsy without feeling over the top. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to stay and soak it all in. Now, onto the food—because wow. We started with the Macho Nachos, and let me just say, these are nachos done right. Served on a pizza-style pan, every single chip was covered in toppings—no sad, bare nachos at the bottom here. We went with chicken and chorizo for our proteins, and the combination was perfect. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the chorizo added a spicy kick, and everything was brought together with gooey melted cheese, fresh guacamole, and tangy salsa. It’s easily one of the best nacho dishes I’ve ever had. For the main course, we ordered the Steak Burrito and Huevos Rancheros. The burrito was phenomenal—the steak inside was unbelievably tender, and you could taste the care that went into seasoning it just right. Each bite melted in your mouth. The huevos rancheros were just as impressive, with eggs so fresh they practically stole the show. Paired with the perfect mix of beans, tortillas, and salsa, it was hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. We couldn’t resist trying their Blood Orange Margaritas, which were as refreshing as they were delicious. They were perfectly balanced—tangy, sweet, and just strong enough to keep us in that happy brunch mood. The service at El Vez was another highlight. The staff were warm, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. They made us feel right at home

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  4. Taylor

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    SUCH A WONDERFUL MEAL! Went out for our friends 21st birthday and had a lovely meal. So enjoyable. Thanks a ton!

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  5. Leo

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an amazing time with our two small kids while visiting Philadelphia! Great ambience and excellent food…but what made our experience so special was our server Jelly who was so kind, helpful, and great with the kids.

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  6. Kelly

    Philadelphia

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious and service was excellent. This is a favorite spot!

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  7. Teresa

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were both outstanding. Will definitely revisit!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Wendy

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellant guacamole! Good service! NIce selection on the menu! Cauliflower tacos were great!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Brian

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We started with chips, salsa, and El Vez great tasting guacamole. And if course margaritas. Tacos and enchiladas for the meal and Mexican Chocolate Ice cream to finish it off. Great meal. Great service.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server was great. I really loved my food. My Daughter was on the fence about hers. We would both come back.

    Is this helpful?

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 7009 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 booking

2+ people
19:00
Booked 114 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
  • Area
    Center City
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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, Takeaway, 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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