El Cortez

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.2 (2470)


El Cortez stands out as a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Edmonton, known for its authentic and delicious taco offerings. Many customers praise the energetic atmosphere and attentive service, although some have noted inconsistencies in food authenticity and portion sizes. Overall, the restaurant is well-regarded for its lively ambiance and flavorful dishes, making it a go-to spot for taco enthusiasts.

Overall:

4.4

(1988 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.2

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

4.5


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (780) 760-0200

Address: 8230 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B2, Canada

Opening hours

Monday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Live Music
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Dog-Friendly
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking
  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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 stopped by El Cortez for a casual lunch with friends. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the decor was inviting. I ordered the chicken tacos which were tasty but somewhat basic – I was expecting something more flavorful. Our waitress was attentive and checked in often, which was appreciated. The portion sizes were adequate; I left satisfied but not overly full. Overall, it’s a nice place worth a try especially for a lively dining experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" I can't say enough good things about El Cortez! We went for Taco Tuesday and it was packed, but the energy in the place was friendly and inviting. The tacos are simply amazing, and I especially loved the birria tacos with their rich flavor. Service was quick, although a bit scattered at times, but it didn’t detract from our overall experience. This will now be my go-to for tacos in the area. I highly recommend it to taco lovers everywhere! " (*Curated Review*)

" My experience at El Cortez was okay. The atmosphere and decor were appealing and set a great tone for dinner. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite meet my expectations; it felt somewhat standard for a Mexican joint rather than authentic. The tacos were good but not special enough to warrant the crowd. I enjoyed the service, as the staff was friendly and accommodating. Would I return? Maybe, if the cravings hit, but I wouldn’t push it as a first choice for Mexican food. " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a mediocre experience at El Cortez. The vibe was great—it definitely has that fun Mexican restaurant energy, but the food didn't hit the mark for me. My tacos were lackluster and felt like they had been prepared too quickly, resulting in some blandness. The service was attentive, but I would have loved a bit more interaction to feel more valued as a customer. Not sure if I’ll rush back any time soon, but I may consider giving it another try. " (*Curated Review*)

" My family recently celebrated my daughter's birthday at El Cortez, and it was fantastic! We booked a table in advance, which I highly suggest during busy times. The staff were super friendly, and the service was prompt. Everyone loved their food; I had the shrimp tacos, which were savory and well-prepared. The churros for dessert were a delightful finish to our meal. The vibrant decor added to the festive atmosphere, making it a memorable night. Just a minor critique: the seating was a bit cramped. Otherwise, everything was perfect! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (1978)

" El Cortez is such a gem! I celebrated my best friend's birthday there and it was a blast. The taco varieties were plentiful and each one was delicious. Their margaritas were among the best I've had – very refreshing! Our server was super friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. The music added a lively feel and we honestly just wanted to dance instead of eat! Definitely a hot spot that I’ll be visiting again very soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" While I had high hopes for El Cortez, my experience was somewhat mixed. The ambiance was lively and full of color, and our server was attentive, which I appreciated. However, the tacos left me wanting more. I found the flavors lacking a bit, especially for what I anticipated to be authentic Mexican cuisine. It's unfortunate because the atmosphere is inviting, but the food didn't quite live up to the hype. I may consider trying it again but with lower expectations this time. " (*Curated Review*)

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