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oChef » El Ausente – Las Vegas
El Ausente - Las Vegas
Photo from El Ausente
El Ausente at a glance
Las Vegas Downtown East
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#55 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#3 Mexican Restaurant out of 20 in Las Vegas
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
205
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Warm hospitality
- Comfortable setting
- Genuine cuisine
Frequently criticized
- Food variability
- Neighborhood concerns
- Service hiccups
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in Las Vegas’s Downtown East neighborhood, invites you to discover its charm. Step into El Ausente, where you’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a delightful escape. You can enjoy a range of authentic flavors, from small plates to hearty meals, all crafted to transport your taste buds.
Overview: Introducting El Ausente
El Ausente offers a genuinely warm experience, often highlighted by its family-based service and a clean, cozy atmosphere. Many patrons appreciate the authentic flavors of the Mexican cuisine, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in the food quality and a few isolated service concerns. The surrounding area has also been mentioned as a point of consideration, though the interior maintains a welcoming feel.
Good
7.6
out of 10
205
Reviews
78.5%
Satisfaction
40
negative
4
neutral
161
positive
El Ausente garners a respectable overall score of 7.6, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 78.5%, reflecting a largely content clientele.
This assessment is based on 205 customer observations, with a significant majority of 161 positive remarks compared to 40 negative ones. Diving into specifics, Service leads with a score of (8.1), frequently praised for its friendly staff.
Food follows at (7.5), often described as authentic, though some experiences suggest inconsistencies. The Ambience also scores (7.5), noted for its clean and family-oriented feel, while Value (7.4) is considered fair for the portions received.
What people like
- Friendly, family service
- Clean, cozy atmosphere
- Authentic Mexican food
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Sketchy surrounding area
- Occasional service issues
For those seeking a genuinely warm and welcoming dining experience with a home-style feel, El Ausente is certainly worth considering. The emphasis on friendly interactions and a clean setting often leaves a positive impression.
With a solid recommendation score of 7.9, it suggests a generally satisfying visit. While the food can be a highlight, be mindful of potential inconsistencies.
It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of a comfortable, authentic meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Ausente
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its clear theres a lot to love here! With a solid score of 7.5 and a strong customer satisfaction of 75.6%, many diners rave about the authentic Mexican food and home-cooked style dishes. Positive feedback, accounting for 90 out of 119 opinions, frequently praises fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas.
However, not all experiences are perfect. The 27 negative opinions mention some concerns, with a few finding the food bland or noting that recipes changed from previous visits. Some also felt there wasnt enough meat in certain dishes or that dried up beans were an issue, alongside comments about small portions'.
Food
119
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Home-cooked style
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Food was bland
- Recipes changed
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThis is one of my absolute favorite dine-in spots in Vegas, feeling like a home away from home. The atmosphere is family-style with nice music, and the food is amazing. The owners are so nice, and the place is clean and cozy.
- chips and salsachips and salsa were freely provided
- Mexican foodThe staff is incredibly helpful, and the food is simply amazing. It's a clean restaurant that serves legit Mexican food.
- authentic Mexican foodauthentic Mexican food, was off the hook
- carne asadaDon't underestimate this place based on its location or size! The lady chef has been there 17 years and makes the best horchata, chicken birria tacos, carne asada, and salsas. It's a hidden gem restaurant that supports a local Vegas family-owned business.
- cheese enchiladasI ordered the chicken flautas and cheese enchiladas. Muy bueno
- guacamoleGuacamole was out of this world
- shrimp cocktaillove the shrimp cocktail
- American and Mexican beerAmerican and Mexican beer is sold there
- Carne Asada ChimichangasLove there Carne Asada Chimichangas. I haven't eaten anything else because its so good!!!
Frequently criticized
- foodFirstly, be aware that they do not serve liquor, so don't be misled by the menu. More importantly, the food was not tasteful at all; it was bland and did not resemble the pictures on the menu. It was definitely a no for me.
- beansdried up beans
- avocadoThe chimichangas were over fried, with not enough meat and too much bristle and dried-up beans. The toppings were also minimal, with just a pinch of brown avocado and a teaspoon of sour cream on the outside. While the service and atmosphere were rated a 4, the food quality was a significant letdown at a 1.
- beans and ricethe beans and rice were unseasoned
- blandit’s bland
- bristletoo much brissel
- carne asada burritoI ordered the carne asada burrito and it wasn't good
- carne asada tacoscarne asada tacos were not edible
- chimichangasTheir chimichangas are over fried
- eggsThe eggs were over medium
If you're looking for a spot with generally well-loved, authentic Mexican food and a home-cooked feel, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few past diners have noted inconsistencies or changes in recipes, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! It seems like this place really shines here, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a fantastic 85.7% customer satisfaction. Many folks, 36 out of 42 comments, rave about the friendly staff, awesome waitresses, and how the owners make you feel right at home.
They even appreciate that you dont feel rushed! However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows for everyone. A few experiences, 6 comments to be exact, mention rude service, issues with reservations, and feeling poorly treated.
While these are fewer, they highlight areas where consistency might need a little polish.
Service
42
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Attentive owners
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Reservation issues
- Poor treatment
Often praised
- serviceThe recipes have been changed, and it was tastier when the previous owners were here. The service remains friendly, though.
- staffthe staff, who were extremely friendly
- ownersThe owners are so nice and pleasant
- waitressThe waitress made me feel right at home
- waitresseswaitresses are awesome so friendly
- Loyal customerHave been a Loyal customer now for 3 years!!
- ServiceService was excellent
- don’t rushthey don’t rush you to eat
- employeesthe employees are really nice
- family-based servicewonderful family based service
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice both were lacking
- cookThe cook came out insinuated that I was lying
- reservationMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I attempted to make a reservation by phone, but the lady hung up on me. Upon arrival, the food was described as nasty horrible.
- treatmentTo be treated like some low life
- waitressThe waitress charged for the full meal anyway
Overall, if you value a warm welcome and attentive care, you're likely in for a treat here. Just be aware that a small number of guests have encountered some bumps, particularly around reservations or perceived rudeness. For the most part, though, the service is a definite highlight.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5, with customer satisfaction at a strong 78.8%. Many guests rave about the `cleanliness` of the `restaurant` and `restrooms`, often describing a `pleasant atmosphere` that feels `family oriented` or even just like home. With 26 positive remarks out of 33 total, its clear the `inside` has a welcoming `vibe`, sometimes featuring `music` or `Karaoke` for a good time.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few guests, 6 to be exact, expressed concerns about the `surrounding area`, describing the `neighborhood` as shabby or rough. This external factor even led some to question the `kid-friendliness` of the location, suggesting it might not be ideal for families despite the warm `inside` atmosphere.
Ambience
33
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Super clean interior
- Cozy, family vibe
- Fun music/Karaoke
What people don't like
- Rough neighborhood
- Kid-friendliness concerns
Often praised
- cleanlinessThe establishment was very clean
- atmospherea family style atmosphere, always nice music, clean and cozy
- restaurantRestaurant looks nice from the inside
- KaraokeKaraoke people, I had a blast
- bathroomsIt's a great hole in the wall type of place. The food is excellent, and I was pleased to find that the bathrooms are clean, as is the rest of the establishment. I highly recommend giving it a try; you'll love it!
- family orientedvery family oriented
- felt just like homeThe staff was very friendly, and the restaurant was super clean. This was the perfect find, and it's now my new favorite spot – it truly felt just like home.
- good spotReally good spot I would recommend it
- good timeIt's very family oriented, and they truly treat you like one of their own. The food was good, and I had a good time overall. The Karaoke was a blast, and I had a blast in this place.
- hole in the wall type of placea great hole in the wall type of place
Frequently criticized
- areaIn a area that looks shabby
- Kid-friendlinessI wouldn't bring kids to this place
- NeighborhoodNeighborhood is rough, I won't lie
- neighborhoodRuff neighborhood
- surrounding areaThe surrounding area is pretty sketchy
If you're looking for a spot with a genuinely clean, cozy, and family-friendly `inside` vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the `neighborhood` might not be the most appealing, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at a good 81.8%, many diners rave about the great price and reasonable price for their meals. Youll often find mentions of "lunch specials" being well-priced, making it feel "not expensive" for the quality you receive, based on 9 positive remarks.
However, its not all perfect. While the food prices are generally praised, there's a slight hiccup when it comes to alcoholic drinks. One customer noted that these beverages can be a little pricey, suggesting that while the main dishes offer good value, you might want to budget a bit more if you plan on enjoying a few cocktails.
Value
11
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good meal value
- Affordable lunch
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Pricey alcoholic drinks
Often praised
- acceptable priceBuenos platillos por un precio aceptable
- better priced Mexican foodIn a sea of better priced Mexican food, it's hard to justify giving this place more stars. My experience was disappointing as both the service and food were lacking.
- great priceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed their delicious home-style Mexican food, which was also offered at a great price. They also have a decent selection of domestic and imported beers available in bottles.
- lunch specialsLunch specials are well priced for amount of food
- not expensivenot expensive compared to other places
- priceThe atmosphere was also a highlight, rated at 5. It's a very fair price for what you get, making it an excellent destination for breakfast off the strip.
- price'sprice's are reasonable
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- reasonable priceThe food was amazing, especially the salsa. It's authentic Mexican food with a great vibe, all at a reasonable price. I enjoyed it for lunch during a dine-in experience.
Frequently criticized
- alcoholic drinksThe alcoholic drinks are a little pricey
If you're looking for delicious food at a fair price, especially for lunch, this place is definitely worth a try. Just keep in mind that while the meals offer great value, your bill might climb a bit if you indulge in their alcoholic beverages.
How are the prices at El Ausente?
You’re looking at roughly $25 per person – reported by 26 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice spread. While the average hits $25, a good number of guests find options in the more budget-friendly $11–$20 range, showing there’s something for various appetites and wallets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in Las Vegas.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant, especially with the variety of spending options available. It seems like you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Ausente
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Love This Place!
I love everything about this place. The staff is super friendly, and the food tastes great. Thank you for existing!
I absolutely love the chicken soup.
- staff10
- food9
- chicken soup10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Mexican Food, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food, particularly the chilaquiles, flautas, and machaca, which were all very good. What's more, it was not expensive compared to other places.
- authentic Mexican food9
- chilaquiles9
- flautas9
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrible Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I attempted to make a reservation by phone, but the lady hung up on me. Upon arrival, the food was described as nasty horrible.
The service was also rude and bad. I strongly advise against visiting this establishment.
- food1
- service1
- reservation1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Polite Staff, Poor Food Quality
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the staff were very polite, the food needs work. The beans and rice were unseasoned, and the milanesa was the cheapest cut of meat I've ever encountered.
The restaurant is located in a bad area, which cannot be fixed by the establishment itself. However, they can improve their food, which would likely lead to increased business. I wouldn't bring kids here due to the presence of "ladies of the night" outside.
- staff9
- food2
- beans and rice1
- milanesa2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Hidden Gem with Amazing Food!
This is one of my absolute favorite dine-in spots in Vegas, feeling like a home away from home. The atmosphere is family-style with nice music, and the food is amazing. The owners are so nice, and the place is clean and cozy.
Don't underestimate this place based on its location or size! The lady chef has been there 17 years and makes the best horchata, chicken birria tacos, carne asada, and salsas. It's a hidden gem restaurant that supports a local Vegas family-owned business.
You're guaranteed to keep coming back after trying it once. It's great for families, kids, romantic dates, work gatherings, or decompressing with coworkers. The vibes are very relaxed and comfortable, always warm and friendly!
- atmosphere10
- food10
- owners10
What El Ausente offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is El Ausente accessible for all guests?
Yes, El Ausente is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for every visitor. This makes it a welcoming spot for everyone in Las Vegas.
What dining options and meal times does El Ausente offer?
El Ausente provides a comprehensive dining experience throughout the day. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Table service ensures a pleasant and relaxed meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment for El Ausente?
El Ausente has a good overall score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 78.5%. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (8.1), Food (7.5), and Ambience (7.5), finding the Value (7.4) also fair.
Is El Ausente known for its authentic Mexican cuisine?
Yes, many customers praise El Ausente for its authentic Mexican food, with specific mentions of dishes like carne asada, chicken birria tacos, and guacamole. However, some experiences note occasional blandness or inconsistencies.
What should I know about the atmosphere and location of El Ausente?
El Ausente offers a clean, cozy atmosphere described as family-oriented, making guests feel at home. While the interior is well-regarded, some patrons have noted that the surrounding area can appear a bit rough.