Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Santo

    3.7 (281 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
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Santo

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    trial taco from the kitchen
    Suanne L.

    Heard amazing things about this restaurant so decided to pop by when we were in the area. Service was prompt and not too loud inside. Just a couple of groups as well. We ended up getting 2 sets of tacos and guac to share. We ordered the al pastor taco ($16) and the pescado taco ($16). My favourite out of the 2 is the Pescado - cod was fluffy and was perfectly deep fried, and the other toppings gave it a nice refreshing taste. The Al Pastor had more of a deep charcoal taste, but paired nicely with the refreshing pineapple. They say it comes with 2 tacos, but you can basically make it 4 since they stack 2 tortillas together! I got a horchata ($7) to help with the spice. We also stayed late enough for their late night happy hour and got the guacamole for $7. Guac was honestly a little too sour for me (lots of lime juice), but the tortilla chips were sooo good. They were super crunchy and perfect for dipping. If you count each order as 4 tacos then it's pretty worth it - otherwise I think it's quite pricy. I think if you want a fancier Mexican restaurant, this would be a good choice in New West. They don't rush you and it's quite comfortable as well to have a night out. Tacos were just average in my opinion - some even tasted a bit dry. However, if you want more authentic and cheaper tacos, there are other places in the area for sure.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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 :)

    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

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Violy R.
    0
    96
    182

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cameron H.
    308
    18
    12

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E L.
    7
    295
    0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dianna H.
    180
    1843
    11142

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay M.
    7
    143
    47

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cy W.
    50
    139
    1792

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Amy T.
    671
    1561
    2585

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alejandro D.

    Alejandro D.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alejandro D.

    Alejandro D.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria N.
    191
    20
    19

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Alejandro D.

    Alejandro D.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cari M.
    213
    5
    11

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Saniya D.
    20
    23
    52

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 5,342 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ole Ole Mexican Deli

    Ole Ole Mexican Deli

    3.5
    (53 reviews)
    2.1 km
    $$

    The value and portion servings are decent here. The food itself tastes average imo, but you will…read moredefinitely get full and it's not too heavy at all.

    I had to sleep on this review for several nights. The bottom line is if you're craving Mexican food…read more- don't go here. Small spot. Classic Mexican trinkets line the walls. It was completely empty at 6pm on a Friday. We entered and no one greeted us. Ever. We sat ourselves until someone sauntered out. The older man who appears to be running the place is a character. I truly felt like I had walked onto the set of a play. This man either doesn't care in any way about the success of the business or his customers // or truly doesn't understand what his role is. He refused to give us what we ordered multiple times. If we wanted beef he would say No, it's not good. He wouldn't serve us chips saying our kid will choke. He wouldn't give us a dish we ordered telling us it's too much food. Simply talking to him was quite a challenge and caused tension. We gave up and just ordered anything. Side note - it's a no alcohol establishment. No license. When we asked if they had beer he mocked us - "Ohhh you NEED alcohol?" There's no other way to put it, the food is below mediocre. It's bad. It's flavourless, small, basically a bunch of mush. It's pretty clear things are premade and just heated or microwaved as enchiladas came out in about five minutes. Overall, the place was quite dirty. Sticky floors. And down right rude and uncomfortable. Such a disappointment. They need to get a proper server in place to elevate the experience and invest $$ in lot proper food. At the very least, clean the floors and remember - the customer is always right. At least let them order what they want.

    Photos
    Quesabirrias, tacos de birria and consomé
    Quesabirrias, tacos de birria and consomé
    Mole Chicken Enchiladas
    Mole Chicken Enchiladas
    Ole Ole Mexican Deli

    See all

    Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant

    Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant

    3.8
    (15 reviews)
    4.7 km

    Was in the neighbourhood and my boyfriend suggested this place as he used to go many years ago…read morewhile working on King George and when this restaurant was situated at its original location when it was a hole in the wall spot with plastic tables and chairs, plus a Mexican grocery store attached. We arrived around 7:45pm on a Saturday night and it was busy with a FIFA game on the TV. The staff were friendly and we got a table after they cleaned one for us. Really cute authentic Mexican joint run by friendly hard working Mexicans. Each table gets served complimentary chips with salsa, which was amazing. I asked how much to get an extra side of salsa and the waiter told me they don't sell it but for me, he'll get me another free side of salsa. My boyfriend ordered two soft tacos and I got the chicken enchiladas with green salsa plus a lingua (beef tongue) soft taco as I needed leftovers for lunch the next day. We also asked for waters and a grapefruit soda. The food arrived pretty quickly and I really enjoyed the rice, refried beans, and the chicken enchiladas. A lot of Mexican joints have dry chicken but the chicken here is juicy and flavourful. The beef lingua taco was okay - not outstanding but not bad. Their hot salsa and creama sauce were outstanding though - we asked for extra to take home with my enchiladas leftovers. One of the servers forgot our water, soda, and extra salsa but we managed to get it after awhile. He was extremely apologetic but no biggie. Great friendly service with solid food - this might be one of my favourite new spots in Surrey.

    we were greeted with free chips and salsa - immediately bumping this up a tier. i got the carne…read moreasada. this was generously portioned, with 4 pieces of steak. only complaint was that it was tough to chew and very dry - which is a problem as the steak is the focus of this dish otherwise very good! will come back to try birria tacos next time!

    Photos
    Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
    The pozole soup with carnitas and hominy are good on a cold day
    The pozole soup with carnitas and hominy are good on a cold day
    Mega quesabirria is delicious, but i wish they used crispy corn tortillas (instead of soft flour)

    See all

    Mega quesabirria is delicious, but i wish they used crispy corn tortillas (instead of soft flour)

    El Santo - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...