Food in Philly is amazing and this restaurant group has several incredible places. That's why I gave the food at El Ray just three stars. The sauces are average/good. Same with the drinks. They could be amazing! I expect better of this group.
AaronB
Incredibly unbelievably noisy. Very efficient, almost like a chain outfit. Food is decent, good flavors, but parts like the salad are quite rote. To add any kind of spice you have to buy their propriety salsa at 50 cents a pop.
I love el Rey I jus feel like, if they open at 4 the food should be ready. An hot when you get it. The first plate wasn't that good but the second plate was more flavorful an food was warm an fresh.
The restaurant was able to sit us an hour before our reservation since we finished up what we were doing in the city. The dining area was dark, but gave went well with the theme. Staff was attentive and we didn't have to wait to order drinks. Drinks and apps arrived quickly and entrees arrived very shortly after we finished our apps. Quality and quantity of food matched well with pricing. Food also reheated well the next day.
donm
We tried El Rey because we couldn't find our desired reservation time at El Vez. El Rey was very enjoyable. It's a less energetic vibe, which was perfect for conversation. Food was on par with El Vez. I will be going back. The only small criticism was the frozen margarita was too frozen, otherwise it was a delicious meal.
Stephen Langton
What a disappointment.I remember eating here about two weeks ago with my girlfriend. We love Mexican food.… Have traveled through Mexico and Central America many times… The food at this restaurant is just not good at all… The servers and the staff were very kind and friendly. However we really like the food and atmosphere at Stephen Starr’s “El Vez”. We ate again at “El Vez” this weekend. My suggestion if you like Mexican food, there’s so much choice in Philadelphia..
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Mon Vaz
The margaritas are the best! You have to try them. Plus, Happy Hour with their dollar tacos... yum!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Andrew Langmuir
Walking in without a reservation on a Saturday night, we were faced with a 1 hour wait. Yet, thanks to the speedy service, we were able to get a table within 30 minutes. The flags draped across the restaurant, accompanied by the fitting themed music in the background created a fantastic atmosphere that excited me for my meal. I do wish there was slightly more light inside, as I dislike dimly lit dining. I always want to see the delicious food I’m eating. The service was fantastic, with our lovely waitress referring to us as “friends,” always greeting us kindly and checking in on multiple occasions. We were served quickly after ordering. I got chips and guacamole as well as chicken tacos. Though I wish they served more guacamole, I still found it to be delicious: the perfect balance of lime and avocado. The chips, while slightly overcooked, were perfectly salted, rendering the chips and guac as something unbeatable. The chicken tacos were the perfect quantity of food, filling me up but not to the point of sickness. The flavors were excellent, making the experience unforgettable. My two friends who accompanied me got burritos and both throughly enjoyed them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
b jkgh
Went here for the first time ever for happy hour, prices were really great compared to the normal menu. The food was yummy but the staff was amazing! I accidentally got salsa on my white shirt & when u looked up one of the staff members brought me a cup of club soda to help get the stain out ? soo attentive & so sweet! Thank you so so much for the clumsy person solidarity!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salsa
Ian Scroggins
Just tried the paella last visit - highly recommend!
Very Chill Vibe - every aspect from entering, being greeted & seated to excellent wait staff - extremely accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. AND the Food & Drinks - Excellent - Top Notch - Overall Outstanding Experience. Definitely Be Back!!!
Alyse J.
El Rey has a fantastic happy hour. The deals were great, and the margaritas and food were delicious! I highly recommend the tacos and the corn. The special app were these chips with beans and other toppings (similar to nachos). Though dimly lit, the vibes were overall good and I would be back!
Jrose70
Fiona was a great server! Atmosphere is fun. Margaritas were delicious, but not that strong. The food has some kick and is very delicious. My only complaint was my table was a bit sticky when we sat down.
Reviewer
Food and service were excellent! Docked a star because of the margaritas - tasty, but both were 2/3 ice. The glasses are tiny to start with, but to have it then only 1/3 full with liquid felt like a total ripoff. We notice these things as patrons ?
Food in Philly is amazing and this restaurant group has several incredible places. That's why I gave the food at El Ray just three stars. The sauces are average/good. Same with the drinks. They could be amazing! I expect better of this group.
Incredibly unbelievably noisy. Very efficient, almost like a chain outfit. Food is decent, good flavors, but parts like the salad are quite rote. To add any kind of spice you have to buy their propriety salsa at 50 cents a pop.
I love el Rey I jus feel like, if they open at 4 the food should be ready. An hot when you get it. The first plate wasn't that good but the second plate was more flavorful an food was warm an fresh.
The restaurant was able to sit us an hour before our reservation since we finished up what we were doing in the city. The dining area was dark, but gave went well with the theme. Staff was attentive and we didn't have to wait to order drinks. Drinks and apps arrived quickly and entrees arrived very shortly after we finished our apps. Quality and quantity of food matched well with pricing. Food also reheated well the next day.
We tried El Rey because we couldn't find our desired reservation time at El Vez. El Rey was very enjoyable. It's a less energetic vibe, which was perfect for conversation. Food was on par with El Vez. I will be going back. The only small criticism was the frozen margarita was too frozen, otherwise it was a delicious meal.
What a disappointment.I remember eating here about two weeks ago with my girlfriend. We love Mexican food.… Have traveled through Mexico and Central America many times… The food at this restaurant is just not good at all… The servers and the staff were very kind and friendly. However we really like the food and atmosphere at Stephen Starr’s “El Vez”. We ate again at “El Vez” this weekend. My suggestion if you like Mexican food, there’s so much choice in Philadelphia..
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
The margaritas are the best! You have to try them. Plus, Happy Hour with their dollar tacos... yum!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Walking in without a reservation on a Saturday night, we were faced with a 1 hour wait. Yet, thanks to the speedy service, we were able to get a table within 30 minutes. The flags draped across the restaurant, accompanied by the fitting themed music in the background created a fantastic atmosphere that excited me for my meal. I do wish there was slightly more light inside, as I dislike dimly lit dining. I always want to see the delicious food I’m eating. The service was fantastic, with our lovely waitress referring to us as “friends,” always greeting us kindly and checking in on multiple occasions. We were served quickly after ordering. I got chips and guacamole as well as chicken tacos. Though I wish they served more guacamole, I still found it to be delicious: the perfect balance of lime and avocado. The chips, while slightly overcooked, were perfectly salted, rendering the chips and guac as something unbeatable. The chicken tacos were the perfect quantity of food, filling me up but not to the point of sickness. The flavors were excellent, making the experience unforgettable. My two friends who accompanied me got burritos and both throughly enjoyed them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here for the first time ever for happy hour, prices were really great compared to the normal menu. The food was yummy but the staff was amazing! I accidentally got salsa on my white shirt & when u looked up one of the staff members brought me a cup of club soda to help get the stain out ? soo attentive & so sweet! Thank you so so much for the clumsy person solidarity!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salsa
Just tried the paella last visit - highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Campechana
Restaurantji Recommends
Very Chill Vibe - every aspect from entering, being greeted & seated to excellent wait staff - extremely accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. AND the Food & Drinks - Excellent - Top Notch - Overall Outstanding Experience. Definitely Be Back!!!
El Rey has a fantastic happy hour. The deals were great, and the margaritas and food were delicious! I highly recommend the tacos and the corn. The special app were these chips with beans and other toppings (similar to nachos). Though dimly lit, the vibes were overall good and I would be back!
Fiona was a great server! Atmosphere is fun. Margaritas were delicious, but not that strong. The food has some kick and is very delicious. My only complaint was my table was a bit sticky when we sat down.
Food and service were excellent! Docked a star because of the margaritas - tasty, but both were 2/3 ice. The glasses are tiny to start with, but to have it then only 1/3 full with liquid felt like a total ripoff. We notice these things as patrons ?
Top burritos