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oChef » El Norte – Las Vegas
El Norte - Las Vegas
Photo from El Norte
El Norte at a glance
Las Vegas Centennial Hills
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#74 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#5 Mexican Restaurant out of 20 in Las Vegas
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
481
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Clean environment
- Fast service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Small portions
The restaurant, El Norte, is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in the heart of Las Vegas’s Centennial Hills neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food.
It’s a fantastic spot if you’re looking for a quick bite or small plates, especially with its lively Sports highlight. You can easily grab a seat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Overview: Introducting El Norte
El Norte offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating its inviting atmosphere and commitment to cleanliness. The efficient service and quick preparation of food are frequently highlighted, making it a convenient choice for a satisfying meal.
However, some guests have expressed concerns regarding the perceived value and occasional inconsistencies in service attitude. While the food itself is often praised for its flavor, specific portions or menu accuracy can sometimes detract from the overall experience.
Good
7.3
out of 10
481
Reviews
70.3%
Satisfaction
117
negative
26
neutral
338
positive
El Norte achieves a respectable overall score of 7.3, with customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 70.3%. This indicates a generally positive reception from diners, based on 481 opinions, comprising 338 positive remarks against 117 negative ones.
The balance leans favorably towards a good experience. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.9) are clear standouts, consistently earning high marks for their quality and appeal.
However, Service (6) and Value (5.5) present a more mixed picture, suggesting areas where the restaurant could enhance its offering to match the strengths of its culinary and environmental aspects.
What people like
- Flavorful, varied food
- Clean, inviting space
- Efficient order delivery
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Perceived high prices
- Small portion sizes
El Norte presents a compelling option for those prioritizing tasty food and a clean, welcoming setting. While the culinary offerings and atmosphere are strong draws, be mindful that the value proposition and service consistency might not always meet expectations.
With a recommendation score of 7.6, El Norte is worth considering, especially if you’re seeking a quick, satisfying meal where flavor takes precedence. Just manage your expectations regarding pricing and occasional service nuances, and you’ll likely find a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Norte
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.9 score and a good 77.2% customer satisfaction, diners frequently praise the great food and fresh ingredients. Out of 289 comments, 223 rave about the tasty and juicy marinated meat, highlighting a consistent positive experience.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 50 comments noting some downsides. Some found the food to have no flavor, while others encountered dry meat or soggy dishes. There were also mentions of items being salty, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
289
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
50
negative
16
neutral
223
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Tender, flavorful meats
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Lack of flavor
- Dry or salty food
- Soggy items
Often praised
- foodI ordered the street tacos, cheese quesadilla, and beef flautas. All were fantastic! The food came out quick and the customer service was great.
- FoodFood was awesome
- California burritoThe California burrito, fish taco and taquitos were all amazing
- Mexican foodI also really enjoyed the rice and beans. It's my favorite place to get Mexican food, and it's super close to my house. The service and people are nice too, and it's very clean as well.
- beansThe staff is super friendly and the food is phenomenal. I don't know what they put in the beans but they're so good. Highly recommend the al pastor street tacos, my favorite.
- fish tacoThe California burrito, fish taco and taquitos were all amazing
- fish tacostheir shrimp tacos and fish tacos best I’ve had here in Vegas
- portionsthey’re generous with the portions for sure
- shrimp tacostheir shrimp tacos and fish tacos best I’ve had here in Vegas
- street tacosEl Norte Taco Shop in Las Vegas is truly a hidden gem! During my recent visit, I found that their menu offers a wide variety of options, but my focus was on their delectable street tacos. The juicy carne asada filling, paired with the fresh tortilla and the flavorful combination of onions and cilantro, made for an unforgettable taste experience.
Frequently criticized
- foodvery salty. I like salty foods, but this was a bit extreme
- meatI ordered the street taco combination, and the portion was very generous. The food wasn’t bad, just nothing special, and the meat was noticeably salty. Overall, it’s okay for a quick bite, but not something I’d go out of my way for again.
- Carne Asada friesCarne Asada fries, which tasted more like a cheeseburger
- carne asada friesI don't think I'll return because the menu was not accurate online. They added thousand island sauce to their carne asada fries, which didn't make sense. Additionally, the price was high; three tacos plus the fries cost almost $40.
- menuthe menu was not accurate online
- nachosHad the nachos, and everything looked and tasted like cafeteria food
- riceMy experience at this taco shop was incredibly disappointing due to the extremely small portion sizes. I ordered a 2-item combo, a quesadilla and enchilada, and was shocked to receive only two tiny triangles and half an enchilada, along with less than a scoop of rice. For $17.
- soggy tortillasame thing soggy tortilla and completely falling apart
- 2 item comboGot a 2 item combo. Quesadilla/enchilada.They gave me 2 tiny triangles and a half of an enchilada and less than a scoop of rice
- Birria Tacos shellBirria Tacos weren't the crispy shell I was anticipating
If you're craving flavorful, fresh Mexican fare with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might occasionally lack seasoning or have texture issues, so choose wisely!
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Many diners have experienced genuinely friendly staff and quick service, with 62 positive remarks highlighting how easy ordering is and how fast food comes out. Guests often praise the excellent customer service, noting a welcoming atmosphere and efficient food preparation speed, making for a smooth experience. On the flip side, the service can be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6 (average) and customer satisfaction at 55.4%.
Some of the 46 negative comments point to subpar customer service, rude staff, or a bad attitude from employees, occasionally leading to issues like incorrect orders or a perceived lack of common sense.
Service
112
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
46
negative
4
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick food delivery
- Excellent customer service
What people don't like
- Subpar customer service
- Unfriendly, rude staff
- Incorrect orders
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this great taco shop was excellent. The service is excellent every single time, and the food comes really fast. I will definitely be eating here really frequently.
- staffThe juicy carne asada filling, paired with the fresh tortilla and the flavorful combination of onions and cilantro, made for an unforgettable taste experience. The efficiency of the staff in taking and delivering orders, as well as the inviting atmosphere, further enhanced my overall dining experience. In conclusion, El Norte Taco Shop is the perfect spot for a satisfying, quick lunch.
- ServiceService is always fast!
- foodMy experience at this great taco shop was excellent. The service is excellent every single time, and the food comes really fast. I will definitely be eating here really frequently.
- customer serviceAll were fantastic! The food came out quick and the customer service was great. My only gripe is that the side portions of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo are rather small and are gone before you finish the dish they came with.
- peoplethe service and people are nice too
- Customer serviceCustomer service was awesome
- copssaw the cops getting their food there too
- experienceThe food is consistently outstanding, and the staff remains incredibly friendly and welcoming. Whether we dine in or opt for takeout, the experience is always seamless. We love experimenting with new menu items each time, and we're never disappointed; the quality shines through in every dish.
- food preparation speedamazed at how quick he and the folks were at preparing our food
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service/consistency gets horrible
- customer serviceMy issue is the customer service that I have repeatedly received
- business! Now they just lost my business and my $40 that I usually spend there because of his mood. Thankfully, there are other spots that happily fulfill my order.
- employeesI normally spend $16-25. I suggest to the owner to have their employees be more welcoming. When I came to pick up my food, the lady who helped me didn’t say anything, so I had to start the conversation.
- staffWhen the shop first opened, the staff was friendly, and the food prices were great. Now, they don’t even thank you for your order. I went in today 05/02 to pick up some $15 fajitas only to be ignored.
- Customer serviceCustomer service simply isn’t there.
- attitudebut a trashy attitude
- cashierCashier however was this one lady that acted like a 16 yr old girl though
- closing timeclearly close at 9pm not 8:30pm
- common senseA complete lack of common sense
If youre looking for a quick bite with potentially great service, this spot could be a good choice. Just be aware that while many have excellent experiences, theres a chance you might encounter some inconsistencies or less-than-friendly interactions.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a winner, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.3%. Based on 39 positive remarks out of 48 total, guests frequently praise the spot for its cleanliness, welcoming atmosphere, and overall great design, often calling it a hidden gem with good vibes and ample seating and parking. However, its not all sunshine, as 6 negative comments point out some areas for improvement.
A few folks felt the atmosphere wasnt ideal for dining in, with one noting the dining room was dead silent and another questioning the overall vibes, suggesting the place hasn't quite established its full ambiance yet.
Ambience
48
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and welcoming
- Positive vibes
- Ample seating/parking
What people don't like
- Quiet dining room
- Unestablished atmosphere
- Mixed dining vibes
Often praised
- atmosphereThe juicy carne asada filling, paired with the fresh tortilla and the flavorful combination of onions and cilantro, made for an unforgettable taste experience. The efficiency of the staff in taking and delivering orders, as well as the inviting atmosphere, further enhanced my overall dining experience. In conclusion, El Norte Taco Shop is the perfect spot for a satisfying, quick lunch.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanThe space is very clean!
- cleanlinesseverything was clean and welcoming
- placeThe place was very clean
- ParkingPlenty of parking
- designClean and open design
- dining/bathroom areaDining/bathroom area clean
- favorite placesone of my favorite places here
- great placeOverall great place
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredoesn't exactly have an atmosphere established yet
- VibesVibes don’t lie.
- dining roomdining room was dead silent
- open signthe open sign is on
If youre looking for a clean, welcoming spot with generally positive vibes and ample parking, this place is worth a visit. While a few found the dining atmosphere a bit quiet, the overall sentiment suggests its a solid choice for a pleasant experience.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the price-to-quantity/quality reasonable, often highlighting affordable prices and generous portions. Customers frequently mentioned getting the best bang for your buck, especially given the quality. This contributes to an overall score of 5.5, placing value in the average range, with 43.8% customer satisfaction, suggesting a mixed experience based on 32 customer observations.
However, the value proposition isnt without its challenges. Several guests noted that prices on their website didnt match actual prices, leading to unexpected charges. Concerns about overpriced food and feeling that it was a waste of money for what was received were also common, with 15 negative observations indicating room for improvement.
Value
32
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable prices
- Good price-quality
What people don't like
- Website prices inaccurate
- Food feels overpriced
- Value not met
Often praised
- priceThey were amazing with great flavor. The portion size was big, making it great for the price. I also noted that the service and atmosphere were rated a 5 out of 5, and the food was also rated a 5 out of 5.
- pricesReasonably priced especially for the quality
- PricePrice is on point as well
- best bang for your buckBest bang for your buck
- foodSuper affordable food as well
- price per personThe food overall was a 5/5. This was a great dinner experience with a price per person between $10–20.
- price-to-quantity/qualityprice-to-quantity/quality was reasonable and adequate
- reasonably pricedThey were reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceexpensive they need to give us more meat on whatever we order for the price
- PricesI normally place a pick up order and really enjoy the food. Prices have gone up consistently, yet the service is sub par. When the shop first opened, the staff was friendly, and the food prices were great.
- Uber Eatscharge 2+ dollars extra
- actual pricesdon’t match what their actual prices are
- foodOverpriced foods
- food pricesgreat food prices. Now
- price rangemediocre food at this price range
- pricesPrices feel a little high
- prices on websiteprices on their website don’t match
- waste of moneyWaste of money
If youre looking for generous portions and potentially affordable prices, you might find some good deals here. However, be aware that some customers feel the food can be overpriced, and there have been discrepancies with online prices. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so check current prices carefully before you commit.
How are the prices at El Norte?
On average, you’ll spend around $17 per person – from 95 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, it’s clear that most diners keep their tabs right around this average, with prices clustering heavily in the $11–$20 range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
See how this spot stacks up against similar restaurants in Las Vegas.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant, especially considering it’s in Las Vegas. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Norte
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
3
Inconsistent Service Ruins Good Food
I don't usually have a problem with this place; the food is really good and usually always nice. However, today was different. I went in to get a breakfast burrito, which they stop serving at 1 PM, but it was 2 PM.
They've made me one in the past after the time limit, so I thought it would be okay. Apparently, it depends on which cook it is and what kind of mood he's in! Unless he owns the place or is a manager, then I understand, but because of his mood?
! Now they just lost my business and my $40 that I usually spend there because of his mood. Thankfully, there are other spots that happily fulfill my order.
Won't be back for a while. Also, they weren't even busy!
- food9
- other spots8
- breakfast burrito2
- cook1
- business1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Overpriced and Poor Quality Food
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the food to be overpriced for the quality. The meat was dry and the rice was hard.
The pico mix was disappointing as it lacked tomatoes and was just a load of onions. The place definitely needs a menu revamp. While the food came out fast, it was at the trade-off of quality and their poor choice of ingredients.
I will not return.
- food2
- meat2
- rice2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Second Visit
I decided to give this place a second chance, and unfortunately, I should have reconsidered. My experience was quite disappointing. I ordered the carne asada, pastor, and chicken burritos, but they were completely flavorless.
The nachos also looked and tasted like something from a cafeteria. It was a disgrace and a very mediocre representation of Mexican food. I cannot recommend this place.
- carne asada2
- pastor2
- chicken burritos2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Salty Food, Great Service and Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was okay. While I enjoy salty foods, the dishes were a bit too salty for my liking, which was a bit extreme. However, the service and atmosphere were excellent, both receiving a perfect score of 5.
The price per person was between $10–20.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- price per person6
- food3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Surprisingly Moist and Flavorful Beef Flautas!
I generally find that when I get beef from a small Mexican restaurant, it's dry or bland, or both. However, I ordered the beef flautas here, and I was surprisingly pleased! They were so moist and flavorful.
I wish I had ordered more 😆. I can't wait to visit again and try more of their dishes! ❤️
- beef flautas9
- moist and flavorful10
What El Norte offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is El Norte Taco Shop accessible for everyone?
Yes, El Norte Taco Shop prioritizes accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests in Las Vegas’s Centennial Hills. There’s also usually plenty of free parking available.
What dining options are available at El Norte Taco Shop, and is it suitable for families?
El Norte Taco Shop offers extensive dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with comfortable seating. It’s also great for kids, providing high chairs to accommodate families during your visit. You can choose from dine-in, takeout, or delivery options.
How does El Norte generally rate as a dining spot?
El Norte holds a 7.3 overall score, with 70.3% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.9) and Ambience (8.1) are well-regarded, though Service (6) and Value (5.5) show room for improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at El Norte?
Customers frequently praise the flavorful food, especially items like street tacos, California burritos, and fish tacos, noting generous portions for many dishes.
Are there any common concerns about dining at El Norte?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding the perceived value, mentioning that prices can feel high for the portion sizes, and there are occasional inconsistencies with service and staff attitude.