Carne Asada wet burrito is really good. Follow that with the deep fried ice cream desert. The salsa is a little too hot for enjoying with chips. They used to have a lower spiced salsa in addition to the regular. Ill ask next time.
Love their salsa, margaritas and smothered burritos! Saturday evenings has an entertainer, a singer with a very sweet and beautiful voice. Reasonably priced and always friendly service. Family Mexican dinning.
Always a good meal at El Cortez. Family owned and operated. Some might call it heavier food, rich and oily, but I balance it out with rice or a fresh salad, throw in a frozen drink, and it’s a great evening out with friends or family. Love the murals painted on the walls of tropical beach scenes.
My friend was getting a haircut in the same Plaza, so I decided to check out EL Cortez. Glad I did! Pretty quiet on Thursday at 2:45pm, but its also fairly big, so people are able to spread out. I recommend the Molly Cove area, as I liked the view of the street and trees. Food was delicious and reasonable priced (got the combination plate w/ two fish tacos), and service was excellent. Also I recommend the pomegranate margarita - light on ice.
El Cortez restaurant is the perfect place to have the experience of a wonderful Mexican entree theyre salsa is one of the best Ive ever had for margaritas taste wonderful not the crummy tequila that everybody else serves I dont know what they use but try it out youll like it
This place gives fantastic service as well as yummy menu. The best restaurant around here. The food came out quick and the prices are reasonable. I recommend this place.
Always enjoy eating here. The albondigas soup is great and so are their carnitas. Staff was very attentive and was able to take my pup with me for the outside seating. ❤🐾
They have the best salsa !! Try the Chile Verde or Camarones al mojo de ajo!! YUMMMM, LOVE this place.
Food was sub-par. Service was better.Enchiladas were poorly made. The Queso Fundido con Chorido was the worst item I received - it was ridiculously greasy. In fact, it seemed as if the main ingredient for everything was grease. I don’t know if I came on a bad day or what, but to me the ingredients seemed very low quality.
Delicious, and cold beer. Try the spicy margarita.
They have a lot of nice outdoor seating. Food was great.
Fun place to eat and enjoy the atmosphere! Great bar, love the skinny margarita!!!Menu is super delicious too.Waiting for normal to return but we were able to eat inside at the bar. 🍹
Try their Albondigos soup or chili verde. Noth great.
Great service great food, very nice atmosphere.
Service was a little slow but worth the wait. Nice waitress friendly and very attentive. Would differently going again.
Everything homemade and delicious. Love the albondiga soup, fresh tortillas, tacos, chips, salsa. Gotta make my way through this menue for sure. Quickly becoming my go to for authentic Mexican food.
Good spot, worth repeating.
Great taco WEDNESDAY...I REPEAT WEDNESDAY!
I celebrated my nomination this evening in this great restaurant. I am glad to say that we passed a wonderful evening and the venue was certainly the reason for this successful meeting. The team contributed in a pleasant style, the cooking was extremely good and my friends were very glad. We shall definitely return for more joyful events. thanks very much.
Looked on line at the menu before going. The menu in the restaurant was not the same and prices were higher. That, in my opinion, is false advertising.House Chardonnay was $10. Seriously?The salsa was so hot I couldnt even take a bite. Ask for some guacamole to go with the chips. They brought me a small scoop and charged me $10!!!No more. Adios!
I meet with friends this restaurant often! This is my favorite place to dine. I visit this place routinely. The food is great, the staff members are courteous and the rates are fair. I like meeting in this spot to have a good supper.
Great food. We were greeted at the table thanking us for coming in and supporting thier business 🤗👍
Ordered dinner to go for my wife and myself with a pitcher of Cadillac margarita and a side of guacamole. When we got home part of the order was missing and the rest was ok but nothing special. A bit weak on the flavor and texture. The guacamole, the salsa and the margarita was good and the staff was nice both during phone order and pickup but overall not a place I plan to revisit.
The food is good, not great but not bad. Just like most Americanized Mexican eateries in SoCal. I usually come here for the bar, their Scooner Margarita is delicious. A bit pricey, but very tasty. The vibe is usually good and mellow inside. My only issue with this place is the ever-changing faces. Only a few people have stayed on for a while, but the owner needs to restrategize or something cuz too much churn is not good for a business like yours. Might as well through whatever quality is left out the window
Ordered cheese enchiladas along with rice and chips. Had it delivered via DD. Delivery was fine but the cheese enchiladas had onions in them! I even made a notation that they be made with cheese and sauce only! Not edible at all. No where on the menu does it state that onions are in them. Wont bother with another order.
Some of the best Mexican food and a very nice resteraunt
Worst Mexican food I ever had.
I love their spicy mango margaritas! Also their food is pretty good. I come here for drinks with my mom. Service is fast and always very polite. Best little Mexican food place around Laguna.
I brought a very young puppy in training and the staff was so delightful about it. Great food and the hostess and manager... Just such great energy
El Cortez is a pleasant Mexican restaurant. Their food is delicious 😋. Their service is great and fast. I would definitely go back to their restaurant. My first visit there was great. The workers are very friendly. ( food topic) They set their chips and guac in the shape of a guacamole hat.
Exceptional Mexican Food the owners make most all of it from scratch including tortilla chips, salsa and corn tortillas. Their prices are about a dollar or two more than most Mexican restaurants, but the food is worth it. The best salsa, chips and corn tortillas Ive ever eaten. Also their enchilada sauce is fabulous! They have a few negatives that are irritating, and complaining to the owner does no good. Your first bowl [small] of chips and salsa is free, but if you want more they charge you $1.35. Tacos and/or enchiladas: if you want shredded beef instead of ground beef its at least a dollar more. Any substitutions they charge you a couple dollars more. If you order sides like a side of beans its $3.99 and its just a small dab of beans...same goes for sides of rice. The food doesnt get to your table soon enough; I believe it sits too long waiting to be picked up. Also, if you intend to eat lunch there make it a late lunch because they dont turn on the heater until almost evening and in November through March its cold in the mornings and that restaurant will be in the low 60s. And lastly for sweeteners say you want ice tea...all they have is regular sugar and Sweet and Low no Equal so I bring my own. I wish the food wasnt so good because the other things are very annoying.
Great food and service. Had a tequila tasting there. Staff and owner were very friendly and hospitable. Dinner was amazing especially the freshly made tortillas. Will be stopping by next time Im in town.
Small Mexican whole in the wall. Outside seating for covid
Ive visited this restaurant a few times in the past. It seems there has been a change in ownership lately. Service has always been good with pretty attentive staff. Lots of choices on the menu but I cannot not order chili rellenos, my favorite Mexican food. Rice and beans are just right for me. They used to make fresh tortillas right where the customers can see em but I didnt see that section the last time. Crazy change and hello new owner - that adds to authenticity of your restaurant. The chips last time I was there werent as good as before. Otherwise five stars.
Good food.
Excellent food and ambiance, not too noisy, perfect for conversation. Food is outstanding 👍
I adore this spot! They have high quality food, they have a nice menu, The chef in that place is very experienced, I like a lot tasting all their dishes. The food is consistently of high qualtity, the attitude towards the visitors is good. I often go to this place and I was never discontended. I recommend this place.
El Cortez has great food and service. Since they expanded there is now a large bar area with many, many TVs. So you can watch your favorite game almost anytime. Jose wanted to create a great sports bar and he was successful. Family owned and operated.
The food was good, the service not so much. The bartender served my plate of food with no silverware or napkin. I had to flag someone else down to give me a place setting so I could eat. Took me a while to get his attention to get the check too. He was too busy focusing on the group of people who might give him a bigger tip.
We frequent El Cortez at least twice a month. The margaritas and fare are great. Happy hour and/or regular dining menu always a treat. The owner is usually present and rounds on her customers to ensure their experience is a good one. She was not present this evening. Tonight has spoiled our previous experiences.We were seated In the dining room and several tables away (in one of the large individual cubby booths) was a group of 5 children (estimating their ages between 3 and 10) seated alone. Their mothers sat at a separate table and provided absolutely no supervision. Food and water was thrown. 3 of the kids stood bouncing on the seats while the other two were running back and forth on top of the booth backrests banging on the windows. They were loud and argumentative with each other. All were wearing bathing suits and no shoes. We spoke to our waiter expressing that once again our drinks, food and service were wonderful but that the behavior of this group was quite upsetting. He didn’t respond. On our departure, we again spoke with the person at the front desk who assured us she would make the manager aware. I believe that in the owner’s absence, the employees should be empowered to better intervene and not tolerate this type of disruptive behavior that ruins the experience of other paying customers. Doubt we will go back.
Great service and food.
Not authentic Mexican foodI ordered a Tampiqueña (carne asada) and quality of food was below average starting by the chips been super cold, hard and old. Beens and rice would be better of the can.I asked for a small side of hot salsa and the Waitress warn me Ill be charged for it ($4-5 I believe) I expressed not been happy about it and all they said was we have to stick with management ordersNot a customer satisfaction oriented place either.Be aware!! You might be charged for ketchup and limes too
I actually enjoyed their food and service, great location to where I live. The workers are always very kind. Will come visit again.
This is my favorite restaurantMy family always starts with the appetizer platter. Sometimes I will bring a friend here and we will split the appetizer platter and get drinks as our whole meal.I get the Discovery Burrito which is 3 pounds. I eat half and take the other half home!We come during the off times between 2pm and 5pm to avoid the crowds.This place is busy for lunch and dinner because it is delicious and the atmosphere is authentic.Sometimes there is a harp player that doesnt speak English. Very neat! If the salsa is too spicy for you, ask for mild, then you can mix them to an appropriate spiciness.PS They charge for the Second basket of chips during dinner hours.
The food is delicious and the margaritas are out-of-this-world. The best of everything is the service. Martin, the Bar man is is cordial and attentive. He makes the best cocktails. He makes you feel especial.
Best little Mexican food spot in Laguna Niguel! Great food, friendly staff, strong drinks, multiple TVs in the bar, great chips and salsa and its single family owned for at least 20 years since Ive been coming here.
Good food, good service, good prices, local, will definitely be coming back!
Good food and great portions if not a little whitewashed. Excellent service and friendly staff.
Always excellent service. The refried beans are so good as well as the house margaritas made from grandmas recipe
Food here is delicious! I highly recommend the Chile relleno and shredded beef tacos!!! Staff is great everytime we visit. Love this place.
Great service Food. They took good care of us. Great place to take groups.
By far one of my favorite places to eat. Service can be slow at times but definitely worth the wait. Fresh made tortillas are amazing!
This is our favorite local Mexican restaurant for order in or out. We love the food. The service is good and theres an authentic Mexican feel to the joint.
Meet a friend here every week for lunch!! Great food, great service and good prices for the quality of the food!! Amazing chips and salsa and they just keep coming!! The lunch specials are delicious!!
The tacos, beans and salsa hit the spot! So delish!
Fresh flour and corn tortillas, made on site! Salsa is fresh and spicy, the refried beans are really good too! Great Mexican food and fairly priced! A nw favorite!
We come to El Cortez almost every Friday night. The staff is very friendly. Molly is always there to make sure her customers are happy. We have always been pleased and consider our visits to be a special neighorhood event It’s close, clean and the food is always fresh and amazingly delicious.
This is always been one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. The last couple of times its not quite as good. the guacamole was watery, the tacos were not quite the same, the refried beans were very dry and the plates of food seem much smaller than they used to. Also the prices have increased quite a bit. It was very noisy and by that I mean dropping things, breaking things just not the usual El Cortez which has always been excellent. This wont stop me from going back though
Wonderful authentic Mexican food. My husband and I have been patrons of El Cortez for 31 years. Always look forward to our next visit. Great cheese enchiladas; one of my favorites!
My family and I has been coming here for years. We started coming here once we moved to Laguna Niguel, and we were there long before they had their expansion. When we saw that they were expanding into one of the surrounding spaces, we were scared. Would they turn out like so many other places, overprices and not very good?Luckily for us, and our ability to find something close to home, they remained just how we liked them. With more space, it became easier (for a small while) to find seats. Now, it is just as hard as before, but with a larger bar section and more tables. It may not be for everyone here, but it is the place for my family, and many others.
Love you his place! Always clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. I love the Chile Relleno Enchilada combo. 😊
This place is fantastic! Authentic food, including the most delicious home made tortillas ever, and our waiter, Jaime, was so accommodating and gave great recommendations (the sampler appetizer plate was perfect!). We will definitely be going back.
Miserable, the first time we tried El Cortez, the food was a long time in coming, we asked for some more salsa and chips, as we were hungry. the waiter said he would have to charge us $1.50 extra, this was the first time in any Mexican restaurant, a small bowl of chips extra had to be charged for. The food was mediocre but not bad. It was a bit cool as if it waited to be served for a long time. We tried another time, thinking maybe it was just a bad night the first time we had dinner there. We were on a waiting list to be seated, the greeting girl seated 2 couples before us who came in after we did and were further down on the list than us. That did it it, we left disappointed without eating, the people at El Cortez are rude and cheap, and the food only just edible. Please dont waste your time
Outstanding traditional Mexican food. Delicious margaritas, large menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Extremely friendly and attentive staff
The food was very nasty periodt.
Had the fajitas and they did not disappoint. Unfortunately the salsa was not spicy but it was still pretty tasty!The place is nice and comfy so Ill definitely be coming back to try other meals.
Great Food! Great service and price!
Very good Mexican food. Bar area my favorite section. Sports always on tv. Staff friendly and ready to serve.
The food is awesome. Not too expensive. Fun atmosphere.
Great chips and salsa! Nice environment, good service and reasonable prices. This was a nice find.
Very good customer service. Definitely will be returning to try other dishes. I had a quesadilla with steak, and my friend let me try her chile relleno and I was satisfied with the taste. I also tried the house margarita on rock and had about 3 of those very good liquor you can taste it right away. Thank you for the service. :)
Our kids love the food and tear through the chips and salsa.
Good quality food and fast service! Fish tacos were lacking a bit but still solid.
Food had the flavor but wasnt hot enough for me. Had shrimp enchiladas and just had to ask for tapatio on the side since it wasnt as hot as I like it, but over all food was good...
Very good Mexican food. Chips came out warm / hot. Really good Taco Wednesday specials.
Been going here for 20 years. The only thing that has changed is that they have expanded. Fantastic food and comfy booths.
I had dinner tonight at El Cortez for the first time. I had the combo #10 which was delicious. The service was great and I will definitely be back.
Great food! Service is awesome too.
Your standard cheap hearty Mexican food! giant wet burritos etc... Classic decent food with white washed salsa and the good authentic kind as well, fresh tortillaria means your Chips n flautas will be perfectly warm and delicious, the salsa cools it down just in time for the mellow kick of spice to bring it back full circle, your bill will make you as happy as the food did . just dont be expecting Javiers...
Salsa & chips, along with atmosphere were good, other food were bleh.
Authentic Mexican food and even better margaritas! We always eat in the bar since the bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere is always lively. I don’t know if I like the carne asada or the carnitas better but I’m happy with either choice.
Delicious!
I found this jewel via Groupon. Great tasting food. Plan on going back soon!
Great food and awesome schooners of Negra Modelo
Great tortillas...made fresh...its good. Not as authentic imo as other places i frequent. Just a bit pricey compared to quality.
2 for 2...twice weve been here and service and food were awesome 😊
Great food at reasonable pricesThe best Chilie Rellenos in OC. Lovely owner who may have time to chat. you up a bit.
The margaritas are good, the seafood ceviche is great, and the friendly service is amazing.
Best salsa in the U.S., they should sell this in retail....
Fantastic Cadillac Margarita and out of this world machaca! Reasonable prices and the service is always great.
Fish tacos were awful. Just a mush of some kind of fish, topped with raw cabbage and cilantro. Yuck. $2 up charge for sour cream. Attempted to charge $1.50 for water. I dont recommend this place.