El Vez, Center City
24 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/philly30 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 2 threads.
What people say, in short
El Vez draws repeated praise for its nachos, alongside guacamole and margaritas. Individual diners also recommend the mahi mahi tacos, empanadas and chicken fajitas. Some describe consistent meals and a lively atmosphere; others find the food ordinary or expensive for what it delivers. One diner enjoys taking the kids, and another recommends it for dinner with friends. The clearest enthusiasm centers on nachos and drinks rather than exceptional Mexican cooking across the menu.
Address
El Vez, 121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
At a glance
- Price
- Premium
- Signature dishes
- Nachos, Margaritas, Guacamole
- Best for
- Groups, Family
- Opinions divided
- Yes
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/crabfries_ in r/philly · Sep 2026consistency
Says it is good and they have never had a bad meal there; calls it solid.
- Mixedu/Dalinars_assclap in r/philly · Sep 2026ambience
Safe pick for out-of-town guests; good atmosphere and a solid time, but not culinary excellence.
- Recommendsu/tianaopal in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Loves the nachos.
- Recommendsu/RockerElvis in r/philly · Sep 2026
Says Starr restaurants offer very good food, excellent service and a cool atmosphere, though pricier.
- Mixedu/alex100383 in r/philly · Sep 2026price
A bit overpriced but matches expectations for the type of place.
- Mixedu/feudalle in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Was top notch years ago with blood orange margaritas but never evolved.
- Recommendsu/chainsawinsect in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Loves the guacamole options, melted Manchego and superb queso fundido.
- Mixedu/LeatherClue5928 in r/philly · Sep 2026consistency
Was the go-to Center City Mexican spot; still consistent but competition is stiffer now.
Show all 30 cited comments
- Mixedu/lovemydogwillow in r/philly · Sep 2026value
Loves the frozen margaritas and only sits at the bar for chips and a marg; food price-quality ratio not great.
- Recommendsu/coreytrevor in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Calls the nachos elite.
- Recommendsu/winterpalmtree in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Loves the mahi mahi tacos.
- Mixedu/Faure_Fan in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Guacamole is solid and frozen blood orange margaritas excellent, but nothing exceptional overall.
- Recommendsu/Anonymous_Unknown13 in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Was a regular and always enjoyed the food, calling the chicken fajitas among the best.
- Recommendsu/BillBevDevo in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Calls it pretty good for nachos and a margarita or cocktail, though prefers another Starr spot.
- Recommendsu/karenmcgrane in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Advises getting the short rib nachos.
- Mixedu/Usual_Vast3739 in r/philly · Sep 2026consistency
Decent and consistent like other Starr places; nachos are the standout though better exist.
- Mixedu/Leando3r in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Calls the empanadas amazing though overpriced.
- Recommendsu/ItstartswiththeHouse in r/philly · Dec 2025
Names El Vez as a suggestion.
- Caveatu/shrekasguyfieri in r/philly · Sep 2026value
Felt it was mediocre, even the margaritas, and decided after two visits it was not worth the price.
- Recommendsu/EaglePerch in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Goes regularly and rates it very good, praising the mahi tacos, empanadas and nachos.
- Recommendsu/subwayguide in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Agrees the nachos make a perfect snack with a beer while out and about.
- Mixedu/medicated_in_PHL in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Calls Starr places adventurous food for non-adventurous eaters; guacamole will wow relatives.
- Recommendsu/Jethr0777 in r/philly · Sep 2026ambience
Says it is good for dinner with friends.
- Mixedu/uncle-o-phl in r/philly · Sep 2026value
Had mixed views on it.
- Mixedu/shounen_obrian in r/philly · Sep 2026variety
Just okay but has vegan options, so has been a few times with vegan friends.
- Mixedu/run-dhc in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Could eat the nachos as a whole meal, but finds the rest just okay.
- Caveatu/TNT3149_ in r/philly · Sep 2026consistency
Says they fell off and Starr places are mostly just okay.
- Caveatu/boopdidy-boop-boop in r/philly · Sep 2026taste
Not bad as food but a culture shock; says much better Mexican is available and hasn't returned.
- Caveatu/Couple-jersey in r/philly · Sep 2026
Doesn't like it.
- Caveatu/Lazy-Statement-1658 in r/philly · Sep 2026
Thinks it sucks.
More maps in Philadelphia, United States
Did this page answer your question?
Freshness
Details last checked 10 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.