El Vez

El Vez Restaurant Review:

El Vez, a Mexican eatery that bustles with post-work bankers, is yet another Stephen Starr export from Philadelphia. The good news is that Starr has an excellent track record, and El Vez doesn’t disappoint. The restaurant isn’t inventing or reinventing anything. The place just offers simple but good Mexican fare aided by potent cocktails. Start with a variation on the theme of the margarita: the Red Bell Pepper version (and yes, it calls for real red bell pepper juice) is much better than it sounds; or the smoky mezcal martini, stiff, but pairs well with the food. Creamy guacamole is bolstered with chunks of mango and the tacos are filled with ingredients like tongue and cheek (no kidding), lamb, and crispy soft shell crab. Heartier entrées like the oxtail enchiladas or the whole grilled branzino are also worthy. Finish off your meal with a classic flan or a chocolate taco. A kids’ menu has items like mahi mahi bites and a chicken quesadilla.