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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Address: 117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
- Phone: (602) 374-5549
- Mobile Phone: +1 602-374-5549
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 Location
El Portal
117 W Grant St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
El Portal Reviews
red chilipricesbreakfastsalsamenudoburritobeans and ricemuralssonoran enchiladasto establish
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Nice 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.
January 25 · Brandon PickettSmall restaurant nestled on the corner. Very clean. Unfortunately when I walked in I wasn’t sure if I should wait to be seated or sit anywhere. After waiting for someone to acknowledge me I finally sat down but it wasn’t long before someone came to serve me. My server was a young lady, she was not rude or anything just seemed a little unhappy to be there today. She didn’t check on me but once after taking my order and serving my food. I was there for about an hour dining alone. However there was another gentleman that continued to check on me before she got around to her first visit after serving my food. The food was delicious and prepared fast. Higher prices than expected but for the amount of food it was worth it. Nice quiet vibe.
February 16 · Samantha AndersonThe food was not only tasted but also had good quality. Strong recommend.
March 26 · Cheng YaoGreat, family owned, amazing food and the owners are always very friendly and involved with their community ❤️
October 01 · Dee EssThe food was so good and the service top shelf. I had an opportunity to talk with Earl the owner great guy super sweet gentleman.
June 07 · Mike Baca
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