El Mercado is a supermarket with a cool food court on Park Street in Hartford. The food court, which includes a Mexican spot, a Peruvian spot, a Colombian spot and a Dominican spot was the draw for me. There's a bit of seating and I ate my Oxtail, fried plantains, and rice and beans there. It was very good. I imagine the market has a wider selection of foods and goods you might need for Hispanic and Latino cooking. The Parking Lot is a bit tricky, both in terms of finding a spot and navigating your way out if you're lucky enough to get into the lot. El Mercado is a classic Hartford place you should check out at least once. Four Stars read more

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Unfortunately, I experienced food poisoning after trying the Dominican food vendor. I ordered a simple meal of rice, beans, and pork, but the rice was burnt, and the pork was dry. It became clear the food wasn't good once I got home. I value proper sanitation, and I noticed the woman serving the food wasn't wearing gloves. I didn't take a picture at the time because I honestly forgot, but I don't think I'll be trying their food again.. read more

Good food multiple options and a supermarket. Service always pleasant. Clean and very nice seating area.

We were in Hartford for the weekend, and were hungry for lunch as we were heading out of town. We looked for something interesting on yelp, and found the Mercado. We went in, and went to the last counter down the line, as they had these amazing Columbian Tamales. I had never seen such big and round tamales. They are to die for. Perfectly cooked, well spiced, and just simply delicious. Went very well with the fried plantains. Very much enjoyed. read more

Excellent food options at affordable prices-- and a great grocery area with fresh fruit! read more

El Mercado - Rice and beans with pork - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Great market you can find things you can't find anywhere else. The have a great food court great food.

I hadn't been to El Mercado in years and honestly forgot how great of a place it really is. They have four different food counters from different Hispanic countries (Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru and Colombia/Venezuelan). Being Dominican my self I find myself going to the Dominican counter but this time I went to the Peruvian Counter and ufff.. I am glad I did!! For about $13 I got a meal that easily feeds 2-3 people. Their meal consist of a choice of Rice which I chose "arroz chaufa" Fried rice and Shrimp and Fried beef. For salad I went with the potato salad and the chicken soup and chose a Passion fruit juice for my drink. Definitely a heavy lunch but I shared my big portion with a coworker and there were left overs. The only con I would say is finding parking could be a struggle but besides that it is worth venturing to this side of town. read more

Although I have only been here once; the Empanada I had at the Colombian kiosk alone will have me coming back the next time I am in town. I loved the layout of the place. You have your Spanish grocery section and the prepared foods are split up by countries; a mini trip around the Spanish world if you will. The masa for the empanada's are made from scratch, not the Goya stuff so that already is a plus. The mixture inside consisted of pulled beef, potatoes and seasoning; delicious. Also, don't forget to try the sauce. I would describe it as liquefied pico de gallo but it works so well with the empanada's! I could have easily eaten 3 or 4 of them. If I lived in this area; I'd be here for empanada's all the time. read more

El Mercado - Empanada de carne - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Showed up at 11 am. Food in all vendors was plenty and hot. It's nice to see that the "A" rating they have per stall is valid. People are always nice. Just watch out at Peruvian stand if your white, I have been charged more than others for the same thing. Just saying. read more

This review is for El Tepeyac. The burrito was the worse ever. The meat old and tasted funny. I couldn't get past one bite. Everyone,save yourself the food poisoning and choose another vendor inside this Mercado. read more

So I walk in not sure what to expect, then I see a line of about 6 different latin restaurants of different ethnicities. Mexican, Salvadorian, Dominican..others i don't remember...heaven... The group ordered more food than was humanly possible to eat. Empanadas & Relleno de Papas, both excellent. The empanada was crispy on the outside, tinted yellow from the annatto added to the dough. Filled with a delicious mixture of beef & potatoes. $1.35 The Relleno de Papa was huge, a mixture of shredded beef & rice filled the center, a layer of mashed potato on the outside and then flash fried. The beef was tender, but the potato could have used a touch more salt. $3.00 I ordered a skewer of Chicharrón & Fried Plaintain that was to die for. The pork was crispy & fatty, and the texture of the plaintain paired nicely. I sampled others, the taquitos & tacos were excellent, although the beef on the taco was a bit gristly. The pictures do not do justice here, someone ordered a fried seafood platter that came out piled high and looked about 3 times bigger than what was pictured. All in all a great place to fill up your stomach, and not empty your wallet. read more

El Mercado - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Ordered 40 tacos, rice and beans last minutes for a Taco TWOsday birthday party. It was priced fair. They had my order hot and ready, on-time, with all the sides and everything bagged up and ready to go. Food was delicious and kept well. Chicken tacos, beans and rice we're the favorite. The steak tacos were a little tough and fatty in parts. Yummy but chewing on that catilage is a bit yucky. I would definitely order out or eat this again! read more

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I came here based on reviews, yukkkk.... I had carnitas, barbacoa & chorizo tacos, i was starving and I couldn't finish the second taco. If you come try other stalls, I should have bought food from the other stands, the Mexican food stand was Empty. read more

SO good, SO cheap, SO mucho! Ordered in spanish, I think it earned me some brownie points. I tried the fish and the plantains weren't sweet at all and a bit hard for my taste, and the fish was a bit dry -- but if this happens to you slather it in the pico de verde and pico picante and you'll be fine. I got a couple pork pieces, wonderfully meaty if a bit dry as well. next time I'll order some bean sauce to cover my entire dish. read more

El Mercado - a plate of food on a table - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Cool concept. Food is pretty authentic too. I'm starting to see more taco competition, but they are a pretty good option to start with.

La señora Andrea helped me out so much, her service was amazing! I would highly recommend people shop with her!!

Where can you get Mexican, Dominican, Peruvian or Colombian cuisine in one spot in Hartford? The food court at El Mercado, that's where! As far as the food? Rice and beans, ceviches of all sorts, fried fish with avocado salads, yucca, mashed/fried plantains, empanadas, fruit smoothies, tamales, guac, burritos, tacos, ham and cheese sandwiches -- there's bound to be something for you! Prices are very reasonable and there's plenty of seating. Other than the four restaurants, multiple other businesses operate within El Mercado: a grocery store, a travel agency, a money wiring service, and a fashion/jewelry boutique. I've never had the opportunity to use any of the services offered. But tend to buy the Dominican avocados. Almost twice the size of what we see in regular grocery stores, the Dominican avocados are tastier and dwarf than their Mexican cousins. Honestly, if you're about Hartford, you have to pay El Mercado a visit. A few tips to keep in mind if you decide to visit: 1. Food vendors are cash only. 2. Can't read/speak Spanish? The menu is written in both Spanish and English. 3. Opt for the dining room if you're not feeling like sitting at the counters. 4. While the marketplace is open early for the restaurants, the food-court actually closes earlier -- usually around 6-7pm, so plan accordingly! Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm Sundays: 12-5pm read more

I came here with a group, not knowing what to expect. When you walk in the first thing you see is a grocery store. I think "we're eating here?" Walk through the grocery though and you come to food venders along the wall serving all sorts of Latin/Hispanic foods. I really didn't know what most of it was. Luckily though, I could see the food so ordered based on what appealed to my visual senses. The group I was with also ordered- a lot of food! So there was plenty to taste. Honestly, I can't tell you what we had. But the tasting was so much fun. The platters were huge! There was more food than we could eat costing an incredibly small amount of money. I would never have found this on my own so I am happy I went along for the ride. If you are in the area and hungry it is worth stopping in. You'll need to go back many times just to try it all. Only complaint- after a long day of work a glass of wine or a beer with the spicy food would have made it perfect. read more

I forget to tell my Yelper friends about the experience I had here. I went here with a group of Yelpers on a little progressive dining experience. I Have to give this place 5 stars, because you get to try tastes from parts of Latin America. Each vendor, whether Dominican, Peruvian, Colombian or Mexican had their wonderful shares of great authentic food, at a cheap price! I commend them all on keeping a Sanitary Grade of "A." And if you feel like shopping, there is a supermarket inside, and you could grab food, movies and other cool things. I am not only a fan, but I really believe this is the spot where you can travel around Latin America and not have to get on a plane. read more

A+ for being a latin-american mercado where you can get everything to make food like your mom made but also for having 5 restaurants inside of El Mercado. Inside they have: Dominican, Peruvian, Colombian or Mexican restaurants. read more

El Mercado is a Latin food lover's oasis. Peruvian, Dominican, Colombian, Mexican. You name it, they got it. Steam tables are set up at each country's station so you can preview what you might want but there are also menus from which to order. Peruvian is my favorite of these cuisines so it didn't take me long to spot Lomo Saltado on the menu of the Peruvian entry in this paradise. I've ordered this dish many times and it usually will cost between $14-18 at a full service restaurant. At El Mercado? $9.99 and still served with traditional roasted corn nuts with the liquid crack sauce otherwise known as Aji. The plate they came out with was huge and this was actually some of the best Lomo I've ever had. So tender and juicy for the beef and well sauteed with onion and tomato and served over what looked like fresh cut french fries. Unbelievable! I was with a group and also tried the fried seafood platter called Jalea de Mariscos, which was gigantic, and the Relleno de Papa from the Colombian side of the house. It was the size of a softball and had a mixture of beef and rice in the center and a layer of mashed potato around it which was then flash fried. Excellent and a true bargain at $3.00. An extra nice touch was the availability of bottled sodas such as Jarritos and red cola that I am very fond of and can only be found in latin inspired markets or restaurants. This place reminds me of a small, Latin only version of Philly's Reading Terminal Market. It's mostly self serve and not much to look at but don't be fooled. There are so many great choices that you truly don't know where to dive in first. So go with a group and try it all! read more

I ventured over here after a friend of mine raved about the Columbian food vendor, which makes the absolute BEST pandebono (Columbian cheese bread made with yuca flour). There are also Peruvian, Dominican, and Mexican vendors, depending on which type of deliciousness you're in the mood for. Everything is so good you'll want it back so you can eat it over again. The first time I went in I was surprised to find a full Spanish food market inside. They've got everything from packaged grocery staples, to fresh fruits and vegetables, to a deli/butcher counter in the back (which happens to sell chorizo that's completely out of this world). Every time I come in I'm struck by the vibrancy. Frog Hollow is a wonderful neighborhood. Don't let 'feeling like an outsider' prevent you from stopping into El Mercado. The people here really are friendly. And personally, I think if you put good vibes into the world they will be reflected right back at you. Anyway, the food here is outstanding and the whole place is full of positive energy. Go! read more

This place has some good chorizo and all pastor tacos. Also got the gorditas for the first time. They were oilier than expected, but good. Great people. And great taste. This is a supermarket and eating dining. Great looking Dominican food selection, as well as DVDs, cell phones, purses, bags, etc. Very busy market with food I have to try next time read more

So glad Yelp helped me find my way here! Makes a delicious, cheap, and quick lunch. It is easy for me to drive over from my work at the courthouse. I tried the empanadas the first time from the Dominican stand and it was delicious and wicked cheap. I also got the jalea ($13) at the Peruvian stand. It is apparently pronounced ya-lay-ah, as I was corrected after I pronounced it with a hard "J". How embarrassing! I think I was the only person there that didn't know Spanish. It made it a little hard to order but made me feel like I was getting the real deal here! The ladies working there were very sweet and as accommodating as they could be. In any event, it was a huge mix of fresh seafood (shrimp, some sort of white fish, and calamari). Unfortunately, I got it freshly made and hot, but then drove back to the courthouse. By the time I got back, there was a lot of condensation and the batter got a little soft. I had a ton of leftovers though and when I reheated it at home in the toaster oven, the batter was deliciously crispy. It is a little heavier than other batters I've had...almost like it had corn meal in it. It also came with the aji sauce, hot sauce, and a pile of an onion tomato slaw (flavor was a lot like pico de gallo). Second time I came, I got the ceviche, with just fish ($12), from the Peruvian stand again. The fish was plentiful and flavorful. It was very chunky fish but "cooked" right through. It also came with steamed potato, sweet potato, corn, and that delicious slaw. I had the leftovers for dinner too. I wish it came with something salty as this is a pretty acidic dish. There is seating but they're not the cleanest during the busy lunch period. I'm happy getting take out here though and can't wait to try some of the other stands. I think I need to learn some basic Spanish food terms though... read more

My boyfriend's close friend is a native Mexican so when we were on a hunt for authentic tacos, of course we had to trust his judgement. Inside El Mercade there are multiple food stands and El Tepeyac is as authentic as it'll get to traditional Mexican food in Connecticut. It's a true Mexican taco cart lost in the streets of Hartford serving tacos de chorizo, pollo, al pastor, carne asada. My favorite was the al pastor and pollo. My heart was set on tacos that day so I didn't get a chance to try the other stands but I'll definitely be returning in the near future. There's also a produce market inside which we used to shop for fresh guacmole ingredients and all the prices are unbeatable! read more

I was referred to this place by Sad City Hartford; the writer on that site has sung this place's praises for some time, so I thought I should give it a try. If you've never been, this is actually a Spanish supermarket that sells food and a variety of other items. There are a number of food vendors as well: I saw counters selling Mexican, Dominican, and Peruvian food. I tried the Mexican food counter (called El Tepeyac) and ordered two Tacos al Pastor, along with a pork tamale. Meat and all the ingredients looked very fresh, and the woman behind the counter was incredibly friendly. In all, the meal cost $5, and was ready in about 5-10 minutes. The tacos al pastor were very good; I think the ones at El Sarapes in Enfield are better, but these were still solid. The tamale was rich and spicy, with a healthy helping of pork. There is an off-street parking lot, but every time I drive by it is full. There is some on-street parking. I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a tasty, affordable lunch in Hartford. read more

Located on the right side of the supermarket is a food court. My fiance and I ventured here after seeing many great reviews on Yelp. We were astonished by the many different types of foods here (e.g. Peruvian, Colombian, Dominican, Mexican). We decided to try order a "plate" from the Dominican stand. The $7.99 plate gets you rice, beans, and a side of meat, in which we chose goat. The goat was delicious, and the beans really help keep the rice moist. The lady behind the counter was very friendly and offered us great suggestions. The pork and banana skewer was a disappointment, however, because it was SO dry. I suppose you could say the plate was of great value because it fed two people, but I can think of a few other places with this value. The parking lot was very small, making it difficult to find a parking spot and maneuver your car in and out of the lot. read more

This ain't Taco Bell, it's real food. The tamales were phenomenal and everything after suffered by comparison. Rice and beans actually had flavor. Tacos were fresh and filling. Empenadas were outstanding. The pastry was light and crunchy. read more

El Mercado - Empenadas and chorizo tacos. - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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As good as it gets? I've no real way of knowing - but it's hard to imagine it getting any better. El Mercado is a neighborhood market in Hartford's Frog Hollow section, serving a population which is primarily Latin but from many different countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Along one wall stand a row of food court style restaurants: Mexican, Dominican, Peruvian, and Colombian. The Mexican and Colombian establishments also offer table service as well as serving over the counter. It was a group of Yelpers that descended on them, and we fanned out to sample all we could. The prices were startlingly low for the quantity served, and the quality extremely high. A platter of Peruvian fried seafood had us all agape at the mound of tasty shellfish. Skewers of pork and fried plantain. Taquitos from heaven. Rellenos de Papas, which one of our group very accurately described as great variation on the notion of shepherd's pie. The highlight for me, though, were the beef empanadas from the Colombian restaurant. They prepared them fresh to order, and they simply exploded with flavor. The fryer oil accented the flavor and crisped the coating, but left no excess grease. And then there was the filling, which apparently includes ambrosia among its ingredients. As we were leaving, the market was closing, so this isn't likely to be a suppertime stop. But for amazing Latin food, this is the place to be. read more

I always say that I'm going to exercise moderation when I go for breakfast at the Colombian restaurant at El Mercado. Then the coffee comes, followed by lulo con leche, morcilla and empanadas. By the time the main course arrives--eggs, rice and beans, arepa, steak and pork belly--let's just say it becomes a matter of will power. The food is so good that stopping no longer seems like an option. My one regret: that second lulo. read more

We all piled into the car to come here. We were not familiar with Park Street and my friend said it would be safer to go in one car. It was not that bad. This would not be the first time we walked into a place and stuck out like a sore thumb. El Mercado is basically a Spanish supermarket with a row of food stalls at the end of the cash registers. There were several different countries represented and even though they were closing for the evening (we got there at 7pm), my friend chatted them up (they remembered him from last time) and we were served cafeteria style. Some seating were not very sanitary though. El Gran Dominicano (Dominican) -ostrich meat with yellow rice, patita de cerdo guisado, fried plantains, Coco juice El Tepeyac (Mexican) -fried tacos, soft tacos with beef, lamb with Spanish rice and beans, tortillas, salsa verde Antojitos Columbianos (Colombian) -empanadas with red sauce Thanks to the Antojitos Columbianos owner for reheating the empanadas and bringing it to us at the table. They were delicious and warm - perfect for a cold December evening. Everything else was lukewarm by the time we got there so they were not so tasty, a bit too greasy and the rice was dry. If you are adventurous (and we did not get sick from the food) and want to try the small Epcot of Latin cuisine, try El Mercado out. I would suggest going earlier in the day or early evening. read more

El Mercado is a real gem featuring a food court of latin food stands. I had the Peruvian ceviche mixto and loved it. An enormous seafood dish with veggies on the side all for $12. The grocery inside is worth a visit. I got a bag of dried guajillo peppers, a spicy mole sauce, and a pipian (pumpkin) sauce. Not a bad haul! read more

Love the Mexican place inside! Very authentic good prices, fast service. I like the licuado de fresa (strawberry milkshake) and the tacos, tortas. I also like getting Latin products from the grocery store just be careful to check out the expiration dates! read more

I got the special- 3 tacos for $5.. But I got two of the specials since I wanted 1 el pastor. So I got 3 Carne Asada and 3 El Pastor for $10 plus tax. I had one bite of the el pastor and threw the remaining away. I'm sure most people like it with pineapples but I'm not a fan. I've never had it like this so didn't even think to ask. The carne asada tacos were a lot better but could have used a little more flavor. I asked for jalapeños on the side but they wanted to charge.. On to my next Mexican food experience- I can really appreciate a good authentic Mexican taco read more

El Mercado - Yummm - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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I went there after reading all the reviews.. and thanks, I really loved the food.. Its inside a latin super market..neighbourhood might not be that safe but thats what I liked about the plave.It was not in an Americanized ambiance, looks like in some town in south america... there are counters for Peruvian, mexican, colombian and Dominican food I guess. We went to the Peruvian. Tried the Ceviche and the Jalea... the Jalea is a HUGE platter of fried sea food and dont order it if you are alone. The food is great, you can lietrally feel the freshness. Ceviche was also well cooked..The lady at the counter was helpful. If you are a food buff and food matter to you, you should definitely try out this place..Its like hole in the wall food place with authentic food. I cant wait to go there again and try other dishes... read more

Went here for lunch, not expecting some of the vendors to be slammed. By habit, I followed the hoard to the vendor with the green awning. They had plenty of offerings on the line like a food court. They had meals listed on the wall and I thought they were items on the line. After waiting 25 mins, I realized why it too so long to get our meal. Ceviche and Carne Asada enough to feed boyfriend and I for two meals. The dishes were $33 all together, but the portions were huge and plates tasted so good. Will return for meals and the grocery store! read more

El Mercado - so much ceviche, the corn looking thing was my least favorite part. not central to the meal so who cares? haha - Latin American Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Paid my visit to their Mexican stall called Tepeyac (the name comes from Mexico's Catholic town of the Lady of Guadalupe). This is the place to go if you're craving authentic tamales for only $5!! Tacos al pastor is one of my favorite dishes of all time and the ones I had were on par. I'd come back and visit the other stalls and grocery store. Speaking Spanish is a huge plus. read more

Amazing. This food is some of the best. The people are wonderful and the food tastes like it is made with love. Also be sure to catch them at the farmers markets....over the top unbelievable. read more

Cant beat this place, food wise and price wise. simply on point. Peruvian, Dominican, Colombian, or Mexican. Can't go wrong

This is really a little hole in the wall, but what a diamond in the rough. This place is GREAT!! It's actually a little market with groceries and a butcher shop in the back. There are several authentic restaurants inside. I ate at El Tepeyac Mexican Restaurant and it was great authentic Mexican food! I had the chicken tostadas and plantain for $6. The tostadas were a nice portion of food and tasted great. Everything was so good I wished I had room for more, but I was heading to the airport to catch a flight. If I lived here I'd certainly visit regularly, forget the commercial chains you can get the real thing here! I'd love to try them all. read more