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Home > Restaurants > Cafe el Portal

Cafe el Portal

174 Elizabeth St., New York, NY 10012
nr. Spring St.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-226-4642 Send to Phone

    Order Online

  • Price Range: $$

    Key to Prices and ratings

    Upscale
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  • Reader Rating:

    9.0 out of 10

      |  

    3 Reviews | Write a Review

  • Cuisine: Mexican
View Slide Show
Photo by Gavin Thomas

Hours

Mon-Sat, noon-11:30pm; Sun, closed

Nearby Subway Stops

6 at Spring St.; J, M, Z at Bowery

Prices

$6.50-$14

Payment Methods

American Express

Special Features

  • Delivery
  • Lunch
  • Take-Out
  • Online Ordering

Alcohol

  • Full Bar

Reservations

Accepted/Not Necessary

Delivery Area

Canal St. to Houston St., Allen St. to Broadway

Profile

“Homemade Mexican food" states a sign on the door of this tiny treasure, a serene oasis in the middle of overrun NoLIta. And they’re not kidding. Authentic Mexican dishes range from roasted corn to fish tacos to cactus burritos to the most delightfully delicate chiles rellenos. The charming light green painted café also offers such scrumptious concoctions as goat cheese quesadillas, and the sangria is sweet and hearty. Dishes are inexpensive, so feel free to sample, and don't forget the divine desserts—try the wondrous tres leche cake that puts even the best tiramisu to shame. — Amy Zimmer

Note

Resrvations are only accepted from Monday through Friday.

Recommended Dishes

Cactus burrito, $10.50; roasted corn, $2.50; chiles rellenos, $15

9.0 "Highly Recommended"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10		 Write Your Own Review
100% Would you go back?
100% Would you take a date?
33% Would you take kids?
33% Would you go on business?
33% Would you go on a special occasion?
Food: 9.0
Service: 8.0
Décor: 9.3
Value: 10.0

Fantastic

Lorena from | Posted on 10/19/04

Overall Rating: 9 (Highly Recommended)
Food: 9
Service: 6
Décor: 10
Value: 10

This place is a hidden gem. The food was GREAT. Margaritas-YUMMY!! You have to check it out for yourself-even if it's just for a margarita and chips-n-salsa.

And the Mexicans said "OH MY GOD!"

Gnewey from | Posted on 7/14/04

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)
Food: 10
Service: 10
Décor: 10
Value: 10

I was with a few Mexican friends. And they were thrilled with the real "local" delicacies/cocktails that are rarely served here. We loved the food, the hearty portions, the great staff, the price. A small casual place, usually a wait, but worth it.

Read All 3 Reviews >>

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