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El Portal ico

El Portal
- 117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Mexican restaurant ★4.0 (54)·$10–20

117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA

4.0
Nice little spot in downtown Phoenix. The rice was well seasoned. The beans had a smoky flavor to them which I enjoyed. The green chili was tender and had a nice amount of pepper, which gave it a different flavor than I have had before. I was hoping for better salsa, but it was not bad. The service was very good. The atmosphere was very welcoming and relaxed. - Brandon Pickett
El Portal Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 54 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50

El Portal Introduce

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, El Portal stands as a pillar of authentic and comforting Mexican cuisine for the Arizona community. More than just a place to eat, this restaurant offers a casual, cozy, and distinctly historic atmosphere that welcomes both lifelong locals and curious tourists alike. El Portal is celebrated for delivering not only delicious food but also a genuine sense of place, making it a beloved Mexican restaurant in the 85003 area code.

Specializing in classic Mexican dishes and local specialties, El Portal has earned a reputation for its flavorful cooking, most notably the unique smoky beans and the tender, pepper-infused green chili. Whether you are looking to start your day with a hearty breakfast, grab a quick but satisfying lunch, or settle in for a relaxed dinner, El Portal provides a high-quality experience. The venue’s dedication to 'Fast service' ensures that even during busy times, Arizona diners can enjoy their comfort food without an excessive wait. This makes it an ideal spot for solo dining or for groups gathering in the downtown area.

The food quality is consistently high, often praised for being 'delicious and prepared fast,' with generous portion sizes that make the price well worth the value. Patrons frequently highlight the well-seasoned rice and the robust flavor of dishes like Huevos Ranchero, Chilaquiles, and their signature burritos.

Location and Accessibility for Arizona Customers
El Portal is strategically positioned in a central, accessible part of Downtown Phoenix, making it a convenient destination for anyone in the Valley. The restaurant’s address is: 117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA.

While located downtown, accessibility has clearly been prioritized to ensure a hassle-free visit for all community members. Parking, often a challenge in the city center, is made simple with both free parking lot and free street parking available—a significant benefit mentioned by local visitors who appreciate the convenience.

The facility also ensures comfortable access for every guest with the following accommodations:

  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The premises feature a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a dedicated parking lot area, a restroom, and comfortable wheelchair-accessible seating throughout the dining area.
  • Central Location: Being in Downtown Phoenix, it is easily reachable by public transport and for those working or living near the city's commercial and government centers.

Services Offered
El Portal offers a traditional and accommodating dining structure, designed to provide a pleasant experience for various dining needs, from a quick meal to a leisurely family gathering.
  • Dine-in: The restaurant provides table service within its casual, cozy, and historic setting. It is equipped with comfortable seating for individuals and groups.
  • Takeout: For customers on the go, a reliable takeout option is available, ensuring you can enjoy El Portal’s delicious food at home or at work.
  • All-Day Dining: The menu caters to all major mealtimes, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, making it a versatile choice regardless of the hour.
  • Table Service: The provision of full table service means guests can relax and be attended to during their meal, though customer feedback suggests there may be variations in attentiveness, with one staff member often picking up the slack to ensure good service.

Features and Menu Highlights
The heart of El Portal's appeal lies in its menu and unique ambiance. It is a restaurant that serves local specialty items, providing a taste of the authentic regional cuisine that is highly valued in Arizona.
  • Authentic Mexican Cuisine: The food is known for its depth of flavor, including well-seasoned rice and beans described as having a pleasant 'smoky flavor.'
  • Signature Dishes: Must-try items include the Green Chili (noted for its tender quality and unique pepper flavor) and the Machaca Chicken Burrito, which has been described by customers as 'DELICIOUS!'
  • Excellent Breakfast Options: Breakfast is a major highlight, with substantial plate offerings like Huevos Ranchero with Beans, Potatoes & Tortilla and Chilaquiles & Eggs with Potatoes, Beans & Tortilla. Their burritos, such as the Green Chili and Bacon & Egg, are perfect for a fast, hearty start to the day.
  • Cozy, Historic Atmosphere: The restaurant, which occupies what one review suggests was an old house, offers a unique 'historic' and 'welcoming and relaxed' vibe, enhanced by lovely murals showcasing a diverse community.
  • Beverage Offerings: To complement the meal, El Portal offers a selection of beverages including Alcohol, Beer, Wine, and Coffee.
  • Family and Group Friendly: The establishment is explicitly 'Family-friendly,' equipped with High chairs and a dedicated Kids' menu, making it a great destination for dining out with children. It is also a comfortable meeting point for groups.

Contact Information
For local residents and visitors in Arizona, reaching out to El Portal for inquiries or placing a takeout order is straightforward.
  • Address: 117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
  • Phone: (602) 374-5549
  • Mobile Phone: +1 602-374-5549

What is Worth Choosing El Portal?
For those living in or visiting the Phoenix area, choosing El Portal is an opportunity to experience authentic Mexican food served with speed and heart in a distinctive, non-chain environment. This is a local establishment that truly focuses on flavor and generous portions. The food, with highlights like the uniquely seasoned beans and the flavorful green chili, offers a memorable dining experience that stands out from the competition.

The all-day menu, particularly the comprehensive breakfast selection, provides flexibility for any schedule. The combination of a 'nice quiet vibe' with the convenience of free on-site parking and fast preparation makes El Portal a practical and appealing choice for the busy Arizona local. It's a place where, despite minor service inconsistencies, the quality of the food and the welcoming, historic ambiance ensures a satisfying visit. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for great portions of delicious, fast, and authentic Mexican comfort food in Downtown Phoenix.

El Portal Food & drink

  • Burritos (Breakfast)

  • Green Chili
  • Veggie
  • Breakfast Plates

  • Huevos Ranchero with Beans, Potatoes & Tortilla
  • Chilaquiles & Eggs with Potatoes, Beans & Tortilla
  • Breakfast Burritos

  • Bacon & Egg

El Portal Details

  • Service options

  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Serves local specialty
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Quick bite
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Children

  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking

El Portal Photos

El Portal Picture 1El Portal Picture 2El Portal Picture 3El Portal Picture 4El Portal Picture 5El Portal Picture 6El Portal Picture 7El Portal Picture 8El Portal Picture 9El Portal Picture 10

El Portal Location

El Portal

117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA

El Portal Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 244 user reviews.

red chilipricesbreakfastsalsamenudoburritobeans and ricemuralssonoran enchiladasto establish

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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