El Portal
Mexican Restaurant
$
4.4
(673)
El Portal is known for its vibrant atmosphere and generally good food, though authenticity has received mixed reviews. While many patrons appreciate the flavor and quality of certain dishes, some have pointed out that not all items meet their expectations for true Mexican cuisine. Overall, it is a popular choice in the area for its tasty offerings and attentiveness of staff.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (641) 752-0011
Address: 1716 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158, USA
Opening hours
Photo gallery
Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" I visited El Portal with my family for a birthday celebration and we absolutely loved it! The ambiance here is lively and welcoming, making it a great place for special occasions. I ordered the enchiladas and they were bursting with flavor; definitely one of the best I’ve had in a while. Each plate was generous and filled to the brim. Our server was exceptionally attentive, making sure our drinks were always full. We also enjoyed the fresh salsa and crunchy tortilla chips that complimented our meals perfectly. All in all, I can’t recommend El Portal enough! " (*Curated Review*)
" I stopped by El Portal on a whim and it turned out to be a great decision. The spot was nicely decorated, and I felt welcomed right away. I ordered the street tacos, and they were vibrant and full of flavor—definitely a highlight! Service was friendly but slightly slow as they were quite busy, but that was okay as it gave us time to chat and enjoy our drinks. I would come back for those street tacos any day! " (*Curated Review*)
" El Portal has been a staple in our dining rotation, but I must say my last visit was underwhelming. The portions were smaller than what I remember, and while the flavors were okay, it felt like some authenticity was lost along the way. Our server was quick, but I missed the extra attention we typically receive. Great margaritas as usual, but I hope they tighten up the food quality back to where it used to be. I will come back, but I might explore other places nearby in the meantime. " (*Curated Review*)
" El Portal is a great local restaurant that also supports the community! I attended a fundraiser event here and was happy to see the turnout. The food served during the event was excellent! I enjoyed a delicious chicken mole that was rich in flavor. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, just right for a laid-back evening kitchen gathering. The service during the event was commendable as well, despite being busy. It's a place I'm proud to recommend to my friends! " (*Curated Review*)
" Unfortunately, my experience didn’t measure up to the hype I had heard. While the service was friendly, my food took a long time to arrive and it was not hot upon arrival. The flavors were there, but it seemed the kitchen was stretched too thin. I distinctly missed that element of authenticity with my enchiladas. Overall, there seemed to be a disconnect between service and food speed. I’m hoping my next visit will be better. " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (540)
" As a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, I found El Portal to be quite charming! The ambiance was bright and happy, providing a cozy setting. My favorite was the quesadillas, which were bursting with gooey cheese and flavor. I also enjoyed the robust house-made salsa that gave a nice kick to the meal. The servers were quick and friendly, which really added to the experience. While I found the food to be semi-authentic, overall it was a hit for me! " (*Curated Review*)
" My birthday dinner at El Portal was a delightful experience! The staff went above and beyond to make me feel special. I loved the mix of traditions in the food; it made for an exciting meal. The carnitas were beautifully cooked with a clean flavor, and their salsa was fresh and zesty. To top it off, they brought out a complimentary dessert with a candle, which was so sweet of them! I’m grateful for a lovely evening and will certainly recommend this place to friends and family. " (*Curated Review*)
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