Inspired by a Mexican Elvis Impersonator, El Vez manages to stay true to neither Mexico nor Elvis. The décor is like a more like a polished Hard Rock Café, complete with a gold bike in the middle of the bar. And, if you are looking for overstuffed burritos oozing out cheese and topped with huge glops of guacamole and sour cream, you’ll probably want to head somewhere else El Vez specializes in fancy-pants pseudo-Mexican, and offers minimal selection for vegetarians.
For an appetizer, we shared the delicious "Nacho Mama" (a perfect example of El Vez's strange attempt to hybrid the corniness of an Elvis impersonator with bourgeois cuisine). Picky's meal was also outstanding, but Messy’s portabella mushroom tacos left something to be desired. El Vez is known for its killer guacamole, but since we couldn’t bring ourselves to shell out $12 for it, you’ll just have to check that out for yourselves. While you're there, be sure to commemorate your experience with a souveneir black & white strip from the photo booth. [Note, you don't have to eat there to use the booth.]
Messy **1/2
Picky **1/2
The final word: Not the place to go if you're looking for cheap Mexican.
El Vez
121-123 S 13th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-928-9800
Mon.-Thu. 11:30AM-3PM, 5-11PM; Fri. 11:30AM-3PM; 5PM-midnight; Sat. 5PM-midnight; Sun. 4-11PM. Bar to 2AM daily
