El Vez
About This Spot
Stepping into El Vez in Philadelphia feels like arriving at a vibrant gathering where color, warmth, and energy blend effortlessly. The space hums with a lively yet welcoming pulse, inviting both longtime locals and curious newcomers to settle in and savor the moment. It’s the kind of place where the rhythm is upbeat but unhurried—perfect for sharing stories, laughter, and good food without feeling rushed.
From the glowing neon accents to the eclectic mix of artwork and upbeat music, El Vez creates an atmosphere that strikes a balance between festive and familiar. Whether you’re here for a spirited brunch, a relaxed lunch, or a casual night out, the pace remains easygoing and inviting, encouraging connection and discovery. It’s clear that this isn’t just about eating—it’s about savoring a shared experience rooted in Latin American flavors and a genuine sense of hospitality.
The menu feels like a curated invitation to explore bold, layered tastes that are both comforting and adventurous. Dishes arrive alive with color and texture, from crispy tacos that marry fresh, vibrant ingredients to rich, savory bites that remind you of home with a twist. The guacamole—the kind that inspires smiles before the taste buds even catch up—and inventive nachos create moments that linger long after the last bite. And when a well-crafted margarita or a refreshing virgin cocktail joins the table, the experience feels thoughtfully complete, balancing zest and relaxation as naturally as the shifting sunlight through the windows.
What makes dining at El Vez truly special is the way the staff’s warmth mingles with the atmosphere; attentive without intrusion, friendly without pretense, they seem to amplify the easy joy of sharing great food. There's a genuine feeling of being looked after, which quietly elevates the entire visit.
In all, El Vez invites you to celebrate the simple pleasures of good company and food made with heart. It’s a neighborhood spot with a spirited soul—perfect for those who appreciate a lively atmosphere where every visit feels like a small, flavorful adventure.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Kerbside pickup
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No-contact delivery
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Great dessert
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Late-night food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Upmarket
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Family friendly
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Tourists
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University students
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Brunch reservations recommended
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Lunch reservations recommended
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Dinner reservations recommended
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Accepts reservations
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Usually a wait
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Paid multi-storey car park
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Paid parking lot
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Paid street parking
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
John Fesler 21 Dec 2025
From the moment you walk in you are greeted warmly. Our server was " Jelly " she was awesome. The food was delicious fast service but not rushed at all. If in Philadelphia I highly recommend this spot if you like Mexican and good drinks.
jules lee 18 Dec 2025
Amazing foods and service. Drinks were perfect. As well as appetizers and main course. Nachos were the best ! Our server was very attentive, friendly and professional will go again.
Toni Williams 07 Nov 2025
This place is absolutely fantastic! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly sets the tone for a great night. The food and drinks are nothing short of amazing every dish is bursting with bold, well-balanced flavors, and the portions are generous without being overwhelming. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or a creative twist on a favorite, there's something on the menu for everyone. The drinks are just as impressive. Crafted with care and creativity, each cocktail feels thoughtfully made, and they pair perfectly with the vibrant dishes. It’s clear that a lot of attention goes into every part of the menu. The staff here truly goes above and beyond. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. Service is consistently quick and professional, even when the place is packed which it often is, so I highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. The ambiance ties everything together. It’s lively but comfortable, stylish but not stuffy perfect for a casual dinner, date night, or special celebration. I’d recommend this spot a hundred times over. If you’re looking for a place that delivers on food, service, and atmosphere, this is it. A must-visit!
Scott Johnson 02 Nov 2025
Delicious food and great friendly service. Good sized portions. Tacos for two is a great deal. Chill vibes and cool atmosphere. Cool Photo Booth. Unisex hand washing area downstairs with the bathrooms. Queso and chips (fresh) were really tasty.
Josee Ivars 05 Oct 2025
Service was great, food even better! The server was even kind enough to give us a side dish on the house. Margaritas were refreshing and hit the spot. We had the tuna ceviche, birria tacos and short rib enchiladas. Would highly recommend them all.
Danielle Moore 01 Oct 2025
My partner and I came to Philly for a couple of nights and stopped into El Vez for dinner one night. The atmosphere was fantastic, the staff was kind, and the food and drinks were great! We got the classic margarita, chips & salsa, tito santana guacamole, and tacos (birra & carnita). SO. GOOD. Food and drinks were also very reasonably priced. We'll be stopping in again when we're back in Philly!
Maui World Travelers 19 Sep 2025
Was recommended to El Vez by the concierge at The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia and have returned a few times since 2011. ATMOSPHERE: Modern, contemporary, young & fun. BEVERAGE: Frozen Blood Orange Margarita Delish! Silver tequila, triple sec , fresh blood orange purée. Mezcale Mule I've never had a tequila-based mule and it was surprisingly good! FOOD: Bazooka Llimon Guacamole Goat cheese, chile flakes, pistachio, roasted tomato. Super fresh! Chicken Burrito Suizo Very good. Grilled adobo chicken, rice, queso fresco, red chile sauce, chihuahua cheese. Good size, couldn't finish the last 1/4. Macho Nachos We opted for chicken. Very good version as every chip had toppings on them. DESSERT: Mexican Banana Split Didn't care for the plantains (didn't read the description too well before ordering - saw BANANA and that was it!) ;) Keoki Coffee Kahlua, dark crème de cacao, coffee, brandy, whipped cream. SERVICE: Fast & friendly. OVERALL: Great Mexican cuisine, good for late-night fun & dessert.