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    El Santo

    3.7 (280 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:30 am - 11:00 pm

    Order El Santo Takeout or Delivery

    El Santo Photos

    Business Info

    EL SANTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Santo

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ambiance
    Violy R.

    First time dining at this restaurant. My husband and I opted for the Trip De Salsas (GF), Al Pastor (GF), and Coles De Bruselas (GF). The dishes were incredibly flavorful! Our server provided excellent service. The ambiance was equally impressive. Highly recommended.

    Mole $38
    Celina L.

    Great service! Attentive and friendly. Lost a point for a couple reasons: no cell service in the back dining area where I was seated. Ordered chorizo with the cheese dip but the system didn't add it in, had to ask the waitress and she brought it out once we were almost done the appy (wasn't comped either.) I enjoyed my taco and the churros a lot but $16 for 2 regular sized tacos is def over priced... also overall taste of other dishes was alright, not mind-blowing.

    Fish tacos
    Aggie E.

    The cocktails were delicious but the food was very average for the price. Not many shrimp in the aguachile and the fish tacos were very bland

    CARNE AHUMADA (Wagyu flank steak w/ habanero demi-glace)
    Ashley O.

    El Santo features an inspired and diverse Mexican menu, while also featuring some local West Coast ingredients. The flank steak was tender and smoky, cooked perfectly. The enchiladas were very tasty and the red sauce full of flavor. The guacamole was good, but the "trio" tasted like three bowls of the same guacamole with different ingredients sprinkled on top, I kind of expected the flavors described to be infused into the actual guacamole. Service was a bit lacking, not bad, but we would have ordered another drink given the opportunity. Overall, if you're looking for some elevated Mexican food and have time to spend enjoying a laid back meal, I would definitely recommend.

    Verduras tacos
    Carly R.

    I've been in several times and the food is always quite tasty, however the servers are often inattentive and awkward. On a recent trip, someone dining next to me found a hair in their guacamole and instead of apologizing and fixing it, the server debated whose hair it could be and proclaimed that it didn't look like the hair of anyone working in the kitchen. The exchange ended with the diner saying "but I think we can agree it shouldn't be in there." Things happen and I don't think any restaurant should be judged on one instance of something like that, but the response from the server really exemplified the service experience when dining at El Santo. The food is prepared with care and is quite delicious. I'd love to see a few more plant-based items on the menu, but there are always a couple of options in each category. The restaurant itself is comfortable and an enjoyable place to visit. The only minor inconvenience is that the back of the restaurant is nearly devoid of cell service and there is no wifi available. On several occasions, I have arrived to a half full restaurant and been refused service because we didn't make a reservation in advance. They very clearly could have fit us in, but wouldn't, so be sure to make a reservation before you go!

    Mori N.

    I didn't like this place at all and I'll tell you why. I made a reservation and when we walked in the reception was cold, indifferent and disinterested. Our guests had already been seated, so when we arrived at our table, way in the back of the restaurant, I asked my friends why they sat us there? and she told me that the waitress had said that the restaurant was having a party, which was not the case at all ...later I found out. So, we were sat honestly in an area of the restaurant that looked like the storage room. No ambiance, no proper lighting....just off and cold. The food was ok at best. The salsa trio was disappointing, as the supposed trio of salsa flavours was actually just one flavour with three different colours. They all tasted the same and not home made. We had the tongue, cod and beef cheek tacos and they were not impressive at all. The tacos were soggy and very unimaginative. The only one that was slightly better was the cod. The drinks were a rip off. We ordered the Guay and Chida Margarita...one at $13 and the other $17. They were served cheaply and uncreative in a whiskey glass rather than a proper Margarita glass. For that price you'd expect twice the amount served creatively in the proper glass....I can suggest 3 Mexican places right off the bat where they make amazing Margaritas the way they are supposed to be made. Service was terrible. The entire time we were there we felt that she was trying to rush us out. We asked for more chips for our left over salsa...she came by and literally put 3 chips in the bowl. Yah....3 chips! We thought she'd be back with the rest....so we asked her again and her response was, "yeah well there's still some in there, but sure"....wow. My husband was still finishing his Margarita when she came by and took his glass away. At this point, feeling rushed and with the crappy service, we were just having a chat before we were going to leave, and after she had asked us for the 3rd time if we need anything else, and we said no we're good for now, she says, "how about the bill?" .....I just wanted to leave now. Their menu is overpriced for what you're getting. The food is stingy and the service makes fast food look good. Trust me. You want a great Mexican experience? This is not the place.

    Dianna H.

    Even though this is primarily a taco place, my friend and I were looking for a brunch spot in New West for Sunday brunch, and I thought the menu here looked interesting. The restaurant is located in downtown New West near the SkyTrain station. Parking is all paid, with the spots in front of the restaurant charging $3.25 per hour. The restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived around 12:30, though we were lucky enough to snag the last open booth. To start, my friend got coffee ($4.75), and I got the freshly squeezed juice of the day ($6), which was guava. We both enjoyed our respective drinks. For food, we each got one of their egg benedicts. Mine was the Costillita with short rib ($18), and his was with roasted vegetables ($16). The benedicts here are some of the most unique I've seen, as they're served on top of a cornbread skillet as opposed to an English muffin. Because of this, we both really enjoyed our dishes. I asked for the hollandaise sauce to not be included with my dish, so essentially I was eating poached eggs with short rib and cornbread. Even without any sauce, I found my dish to be flavorful. I was also very surprised by the large portion of short ribs; it was probably double what I was expecting to get. It was also very soft and tender and went really well with the runny egg yolk. My friend enjoyed his veggie benedict as well.

    Cy W.

    COVID-19 update: I'm so glad that El Santos is open again! Glass panels were installed between booths; chefs were wearing masks; tables and chairs were cleaned after every customer. I was hoping the severs were wearing masks though. We tried the CARNE AHUMADA this time, which is Leek ash rubbed wagyu flank steak, red pepper and habanero purée, grilled tomato, sunchoke, swiss chard, mesquite smoke. The smoke gave the wagu beef extra depth in flavour.

    El pastor & pescado tacos
    Sayoka H.

    First time dining in the area and was surprised by the decoration and atmosphere of the restaurant. I ordered the El Pastor tacos and Pescado Tacos. El Pastor was filled with flavour while the Pescado was lacking a little bit in flavour. They have a really great drink selection, would be a perfect place for large parties or a night out! Service was a little slow but she was kind. My only major complaint is there were small little flies around. I understand this may be hard to control but it was an issue when the flies were over the food and drinks! I will be back to try out other things on the menu :)

    Derek J.

    It's always an amazing time when I visit El Santo. No two visits are the same, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Take your time with the menu and order anything you're unsure of - you won't regret it. Of course the staff is more then willing to explain what's going on and what's good (hint: everything) They have live music every Friday and Saturday, making it the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the arts! I'll find any excuse to come to this restaurant (but will gladly visit without one!)

    Al Pastor and Pescado Tacos
    Justin C.

    Trendy spot in the heart of New West that's open till 11PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Comfortable environment with well spaced out tables and a decent amount of staff to serve the number of patrons there were. We tried this place based on a friend's recommendation and a late night craving for Mexican food. The Guacamole trio at $15 was a little underwhelming. Homemade tortilla chips were on the firmer side and the presentation is so-so. Definitely would not reorder on future visits. Overall they were a little bland but good on the server for topping up our chips without us asking. The Tacos were packed quite full and at $11 for two they're fairly priced. The Pescado (fish taco) was very bland and the fish itself only tasted of the oil used to cook it. The fish reminds me of the simulated fish at Mila Plant Based in Chinatown. Generous portion of fish but not very tasty. The Al Pastor tacos however were great and the salsa had a good but not overwhelming amount of kick. Perhaps the dish that stole the show was the Carne Ahumada which was a perfectly prepared steak. The meat itself was a bit lean for my liking but this dish is still absolutely worth trying. Overall El Santo definitely has a loungey feel and is a decent place to share drinks and food with some friends. If you're strictly looking for the most authentic or flavourful taco in town, you're better off trying somewhere else.

    Ceviche
    Dru C.

    It has been a HOT HOT minute since I have written a review!! And on top of that, as I write this review, it will be the hottest day we have had in the Lower Mainland. I remember this is my first restaurant back from the second shut down of COVID and I went in with a reservation, as one does more often now because of COVID. The place was STILL packed when we arrived, with each table filled with their own bubble; instead of being placed beside another table, we were seated in their little out cove with my party of 4 friends. The hostess was extremely nice and you can totally see that "smizing" action, she was totally working it. I was looking forward to a cup of Horchata, but because of COVID they didn't have Horchata, which was what I was looking forward to, but instead I ordered a Jarritos, tamarind flavour. I wasn't planning to drink that night since I drove. For those who don't know what Horchata is, it is a sweet rice cinnamon milk. We started off with the Ceviche as we waited for everyone to get ready to order for the night. I have been searching for a good ceviche place my whole life in Vancouver, and this place was not it. I was a little disappointed, and looks like a proper ceviche place wasn't going to happen. Oh and note, their portion from Ceviche to Tortia Chip ratio was perfect. I ordered a plate of Brussel Sprouts on the side for everyone to share too, and it wasn't that good. I might have wanted something better from it, but it was just ok. Would not order again. Each of my party ordered 3 tacos each since it seemed like they only had the tacos that night. I realized they were not prepared at all that night, but it is okay since we are during a period of the pandemic. I had the Lengua (Beef Toungue), Pollo (chicken) and the Barbacoa. The tongue was diced into smaller pieces and I felt like they could have just sliced it instead to still give a proper texture, but it is okay, it is their style. The Barbacoa is perfectly spiced, and extremely smooth, braised to the perfection. And the chicken was surprisingly different, it could be their haberno salsa, which gives it that delicious bite, but it wasn't that bad. Overall, the night went ok and I had a fantastic time seeing all my close friends again over some delicious tacos and a small little reunion. And I am back writing on Yelp again~!! Here I come!!

    pescado tacos

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    Good food and ambience. Lots of people. Good service. Decent prices. Ceviche was so so. Tacos were good.

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    Taqueria Playa Tropical - Carne Asada

    Taqueria Playa Tropical

    3.7(431 reviews)
    1.0 km
    $$

    Came for something non taco and got the burrito instead. I really wanted the lengua but not sure…read morewhy lengua is offered for tacos and tortas but not burritos. I opted for carnitas. It was dry. I think with the tacos there's a bit of diced onion and tomato on top to compliment the meat. However with the burrito it is pure meat inside. I even tried to put the sour cream, guac, and salsa verde on it but it still was very chewy. I will stick to my lengua tacos. The choriqueso appy was a disappointment. It is super cheesy on top but the bowl is very deep so the rest ot the chorizo under doesnt get any cheese to pair with. The amount of nachos compared to the choriqueso is very little. You basically just have to eat spoonfuls of chorizo at the end. Our friends ordered the steak and the medium rare came medium. It was tough and had a lot of unchewable tendons.

    Not so wonderful as my previous visit to this restaurant. Why? Because of my mortal…read moreenemy...Cilantro! Why, why, why do so many foods have to have cilantro in them? So...I decided to order a Vegetarian Torta. My first time ever ordering Torta in a Mexican restaurant. It was kind of like a more refined version of a Subway sandwich. I asked for "no cilantro" but the server didn't think to tell me that there would be cilantro in the guacamole. So while they didn't garnish the sandwich with cilantro, there was still cilantro in it because they had put guacamole in it. When I say "no cilantro" you should realize that if there's some kind of condiment that goes into the sandwich and has cilantro in it, then my "no cilantro" request is going to apply to that condiment too and so you should alert me to that so that I might be able to choose something else from the menu. So after waiting and waiting for my order, and then biting into it...I discovered the cilantro in the guacamole. I ended up sending the Torta back and ordering something else. I ordered a Mushroom Quesadilla. This time, having complained about the previous server not having told me about there being cilantro in the guacamole, they had the presence of mind to tell me that the mushrooms were already mixed in with cilantro. Upon hearing this, I then modified my order to a plain cheese Quesadilla. Quite a drag cuz it was a late dinner already, so I was quite hungry. Other people at the table ordered tacos and Monster Quesadillas. If you don't have an aversion to cilantro like me, then you're more likely to have an easier time with the menu and enjoy pretty much anything at this restaurant. Minus any cilantro problems, portions are large and food is very good. Oh yeah...and they do a nice Horchata. Just a shame for people like me, that a lot of their foods have cilantro mixed into them already.

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    El Santo - mexican - Updated May 2026

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