El Cerrito Mexican Cuisine
9 N Main St, Ambler, PA, 19002
El Cerrito Mexican Cuisine Menu
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Address :
9 N Main St
Ambler, PA, 19002 - Phone (215) 367-5892
- Website https://elcerritoamblerpa.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Les S.
I guess a number of the reviewers haven't been to an authentic place. First, the tortillas aren't fresh - they are out of a bag. I don't pay premium prices (even if not overly expensive, easy to spend 15-20 for two) for cheap tortillas. It is true that one cannot expect the typical commercial toppings (i.e. lettuce, tomato, and so on). They are very plain, which is the classic way, and they do have accompanying bottles of nice salsa. But here is what really upset me. They have tamale specials on the weekend. I had two last week and loved them. Very authentic! And at 1.50 each, just as I remember...true Mexican peasant food (and I mean that in the nicest way). So today Saturday at noon, I made a special trip for tamales. Unfortunately, I had already forked over money to Ambler's parking meters (so offensive) when I walked in, and the sign was there - tamales. So, surprise when I ordered and the girl said she didn't have any. Oh, they did have the other "special" all ready - all $12.00 of it. You had to get three of whatever it was, and I didn't want to spend that much for a taste. It's also annoying - but common - that one has to get THREE fish tacos. Now, my husband (not a fish eater) agreed to eat one last time, so I could get them. But, if you are alone, you are out of luck unless you want to eat three and spend $11.00. Plus tax. Plus drink. You could argue that I should have called, but I do expect that at noon on a weekend that some place will have their advertised weekend items available. So I had to leave without eating. My husband thought the steak taco was very mediocre last time. Totally plain, NOTHING except two packaged tortillas (double wrapped) and a small portion of just-okay chewy meat. We thought the tacos at El Limon were a bit tastier, but so sad they don't have tamales. More about that in another review.
(2)Chris d.
Like the other posters, I really wanted to like this place. I stopped in to give it a try the day they opened and all I could think was the owner needs to go to El Limon and see how this is supposed to be done (I had been to the one in Conshy and the one in Ambler just opened). First, I only ordered three tacos and was the only one in the restuarant. They must have prepared 5 takeout meals before mine, as it took almost 15 minutes to get the tacos. When the food arrived, the tacos were dry and bland. And even the provided sauces did little to help, as they had minimal flavor as well. I really think any of the local burrito chains are offering up much better quality food than this place. It's too bad really, as I was hoping for another good resaturant in Ambler. If things don't change quick, they won't be around long.
(1)Michele K.
El Cerrito is a fabulous little gem! Food is authentic - fresh, flavorful, and portions generous. I had the burrito with slow roasted pork, which was fantastic (not sure what the previous complaint was about, my pork was delish - smoky, flavorful, juicy). El Limon pales in comparison to El Cerrito, which I found to be pricier and not nearly as good. Ambiance quaint and comfortable. Wait staff attentive and cheerful, very knowledgeable of food. Owner also very attentive and eager to please; 50% off coupons given to us. We will be back!!
(5)Beenash S.
Great little place in Ambler. The food is good. Service is good. It's a little pricier, but everything tastes so fresh and not greasy. The atmosphere is awesome! It's definitely a nice little date place where you can actually see the people you are with because it's not dark, and hear your conversation because it's not incredibly noisy with loud music or tons of people. Definitely coming back on a regular basis to try all their menu items.
(4)Catalina C.
Service was slow, they looked shorthanded, but both servers I spoke with were very friendly, and the chile rellenos were absolutely delicious, a large serving for a very good price. I would go back.
(4)Bill K.
This review is based upon a meal for 2 on 5 Dec '14, when it was still called El Jefe. We started with the CHIPS & GUACAMOLE, which we enjoyed & would get again. Out mains were the SHRIMP SPECIAL (which was bland) and the STEAK MOLCAJETE (which was tasty & nicely served in the attractive molcajete in which it was prepared). Since this first visit, I've returned for another molcajete preparation, which I also enjoyed, despite the fact that the 'chorizo' in it looked & tasted like a Ball Park frank. (Although the food served at El Limon is also good, the decor & ambiance here is far superior.)
(4)William G.
Pretty much the best Mexican food around. Been going here since it was El Jefe. Went there today for my birthday and right at the door was my favorite Al Pastor!!! A home made roasting spit where a giant Mexican gyro type thing was rotating. My wife loves the quesadillas and the guac is fresh made and as delicious as can be. When you go to an authentic Mexican restaurant you have to expect to wait for your food.....they just don't eat at the light speed we Americans are used to. But El Cerrito is a nice change.....very efficient and your food comes out in normal American time. I look forward to going again and again
(5)Boniface C.
I was curious about this place as I have been to el lemon a few times already. I decided to try there Al pastor here, the place was empty and I knew that this was not a good sign for it being prime lunch time. I was seated and I ordered the Al pastor. From looking at it it was on the small side and came with only one wedge of lime for 3 tacos. I do like that they had the pineapple topping that I associate with Al pastor. Time to taste, it was okay as it didn't have that spice taste associated with Al pastor. I will say that the service was decent.
(3)Jasmine K.
I'm extremely disappointed. Someone told me to try the new El Cerrito because they thought it was great. I went because I love Mexican food. Well, I don't love El cerrito. I ordered a carnitas quesadilla and it was 90% pork fat. Maybe they're from a region of Mexico where that is what they eat but I have never had anything like it before. I took my first bite into one of them without looking and the texture of all the fat in my mouth made me gag. I tried to pick all of the fat out and it was still so greasy that I couldn't eat it. I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1 because my husband ordered chicken enchiladas and said they were ok. He said he much prefers El Limons enchiladas but they were edible. I was shocked that the rice on the side was mixed with canned or frozen veggies. No me gusta El Cerrito.
(2)Never F.
I am am so happy to report that el cerrito is a-ok. Thank god that other Mexican place up the street had pissed me off for the fourth time in a month (rude service to locals, up charging for salsa they put in bottles for you to squeeze as much as you want while you dine in, fighting bw a manager and help I witnessed, not delivering on weekends... Depends on the day?, and the final straw keeping me on old for 5 mins three separate times while I called to order pick up)... We hung up the phone and called el cerrito. Prices are right and the food was delish. We are particular about Mexican food and this place will continue to get our business. Knowing they have a pastor spit makes me realize they are an authentic legit place! Welcome el cerrito!!
(4)Rachie T.
I miss the old El Jefe. This was my favorite place to go but the food went downhill and I feel bad but I don't wanna feel cheated by giving them my money when my last few times in, my food has been less than mediocre. I do not like the new cooks. And they completely changed their chorizo. It's gross and chewy and is more sweet. Isn't chorizo suppose to be spicy? I feel bad because I'm so friendly with the staff, and I want to give them my business, but I've been less than thrilled with them lately. Portions are way smaller, so I stuck with tacos. Then the cooks started overheating the tortillas to the point they are so dry, I can barely choke them down. Get some better cooks please. Otherwise, I doubt I will be back.
(2)Stephanie A.
Changed name to El Cerrito~ new interior design~ FABULOUS!! Delicious, great prices and super friendly `bilingual spot in Ambler for Dinner & Lunch! fantastic authentic Mexican Dinner with the fresh ingredience Cactus in a spicy Lava pot, which kept us warm despite the 20 degree temps. Lots of Vegetarian options~will makef food muy caliente as well! Nachos, plentiful and delish! Like eating at Mamacitas house! Located off the beaten track in Ambler Worth the detour!
(5)Michael G.
Meh, nothing special. Wasn't terrible but our food didn't have much flavor. They also need more than one server on busy nights--he was working hard but totally overwhelmed and our meal suffered as a result. I am not in a particular hurry to return.
(2)Gabby T.
went here because I got a gift card to El Jefe for this past christmas then I realized it had changed to the El Cerrito once I got there. Luckily they still let us use the gift card, but it was a waste of money. Went with my boyfriend and we both got the carnitas tacos which were horrible. We took two bites then couldn't eat anymore and completely lost our appetite. The carnitas were just all fat. It was so chewy and the absolute worst pork I've ever had. Reading another comment on here, realizing that obviously is just how the pork is made here. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because I had the guac which was very good, and since we only tried the pork I didnt get the chance to try their chicken or steak, but I'm a little scared to at this point.
(2)Chris A.
This is my family's favorite Mexican restaurant. The guacamole is awesome, and every dish we've ordered has been great. I'm a big fan of the alambre, but I've had the quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas. Everything is hot and fresh, and the service is good. The drink selection is limited as are desserts. The desserts were good and seem to vary depending on when you go. I'm not an expert on authentic Mexican, but everything I've had has been delicious.
(5)Sam T.
Food is good, drinks are pricey!!! Went here last night with a friend. It has cool Mexican decor and a little taco bar to sit at if you're just grabbing a bite. The waiter was very friendly and happy to explain anything on the menu. He made us some strong margaritas & mojitos, too! We got chips and guacamole to start. The chips looked and tasted like they were made in-house but the guac didn't taste as flavorful or fresh as some other places. The salsa was also kinda goopy. The presentation of the food was beautiful, though, and my main course of chicken enchiladas was very good. The Oaxaca cheese they use is different. It hardens quickly so I pushed most of it off. Overall the food was good, though. However, I had a groupon and it was still expensive!!! The food prices are reasonable but because the drinks aren't on the menu I think he just charged us whatever he wanted: about $10 a drink! Be aware of that!
(3)A M.
Very nice dinner out with the family. Good ambiance, solid food and good service. Guac and hot sauce were home made and above average. We are relatively new to the area and have now tried both Mexican places in ambler. Found this place to be better than the one one on butler pike - nicer ambiance and slightly better food. The one on butler pike was more crowded and I can't figure out why.... Not a special occasion restaurant. But this will be in the rotation. And love that the byo option keeps the check low.
(4)Rachel S.
El Jefe changed ownership a few months back - and so I thought I would give it another try. I was pleasantly surprised. The space has a bit more ambiance now - the prep area no longer has blatant food handling errors, and the food I ordered was pretty tasty. I would give this place 5 stars now if the food didn't seem a bit overpriced still. The decor and service does't warrant the price they charge for Mexican basics. You can get most things for a few bucks cheaper at other restaurants. This place is almost literally in my backyard - and I will be back.
(4)Typhanie Z.
I think this place probably gets overshadowed by El Limon, since they're pretty much across the street from each other. El Limon is on Main Street, while this place is on one of the side streets in Ambler. However, I think this place is just as good as El Limon, albeit in a different way. We ordered the pestor Torta and the pestor burrito and were very happy with both. The prices are comparable to El Limon, but because El Jefe has specials such as 15% off of $40 and buy 1 burrito, get the 2nd half off, and it is set up more like a take out place, and there's no tip even if you eat in (I'm assuming because there was no place to leave a tip on the receipt), El Jefe is probably cheaper. I loved the flavoring of the pestor (marinated pork). I think they do a better job than El Limon there. In terms of sauces, El Limon has the advantage. Their green and red sauces, I think is better than the ones at El Jefe, and there are people who go crazy over El Limon's Mole sauce (however, I'm not a big fan of). El Jefe, on the other hand, wins on flavoring and overall composition of the dish. For example, if you get a burrito from El Limons, it's covered in sauce. If you take the sauce away, I don't think the burrito is as flavorful as El Jefe's, whose burrito is served naked, without any sauces. Plus, you can pick up El Jefe's burrito and eat it, whereas, El Limon's burrito would fall apart if you did that so you have to eat it with a knife and a work. The Torta is a great sandwich. In addition to the meat, you also get chipotle (or jalapeno if you prefer) peppers, avocado and onions, served on a Mexican role, which has a crunch crust and a soft inside. The bread is just the slightest bit sweet, and the texture is just perfect. It's the first time I've had a sandwich like that I'll definitely be back for more. I would definitely recommend El Jefe's. It's a place to try for something a bit different, but just as good as El Limon.
(5)Luis P.
I love this place! I'm here at least 1-2 times a week. They're steak tacos are so delicious and have a great taste. In my opinion, this place is better than El Limon. They're food is of better quality and they have good prices as well. As soon as you walk in, you can tell this place is an authentic Mexican restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant over El Limon.
(5)Jill P.
Great Service, kind and courteous and if you aren't sure what to try they will let you know what to get to suit your palate. Also offered to make vegetarian! I tried the nachos and was plentiful to share, Delicious!!
(4)Boo S.
Great authentic food! Wonderful complementary salsa and pico. Really good guacamole. 3 of us got the evening's special of shrimp burritos- huge and wonderfully flavored. She got the lava bowl of beans, chorizo, asada, cactus leaves, rice...he really enjoyed it. Awesome free margaritas in request, too. Will definitely be back!
(5)Socorro R.
Well, this USED to be a good authentic Mexican restaurant. The staff was friendly, the food was fresh and tasted good. I don't know what happened. I did see a sign that said under new management. Well the new management doesn't have a clue.. I always used to get pork burritos. Well, no more! The pork I got was at least a few days old. It was cold, hard and greasy. Like they pulled it out of the fridge and just stuck it in there. Thought I'd give it another chance, and got some steak tacos. What a disappointment! Meat was flavorless and the tacos were dry. So dry! What a shame! This used to be a good place. I was so happy to finally find a good Mexican restaurant so close to home. I guess it's El Limon from now on. Hey New Management, hire back your original cooks and staff. They knew what they were doing. You keep up with what you're doing and you'll be closed within the year.
(1)Jackie D.
My fiance and I had dinner here tonight. The food was authentic and tasty, and the portions were very plentiful! Price can't be beat either. I had the chicken quesadilla and he had the chicken enchiladas. We also got the chips/salsa and a steak taco- all very tasty!
(4)Jenny D.
Tasty food, excellent service, and fun additions like complementary margaritas and coffee drinks.
(5)Christopher D.
Had three tacos from El Jefe.. carne asada, chorizo and carnitas tacos. Accompanied by cucumber, and radishes. The meats were lightly seasoned, there was no salsa or sauce provided with the tacos. These are adequate tacos but not the type that make me want to run back for.
(3)Pat H.
very disappointed. Husband did not feel well after eating the fish. One waiter for the restaurant. Specials outside, but waiter only knew one of them and not able to tell us about it. Would not think about going back.
(1)Douglas D.
I really wanted to like this place. I have it two tries before reviewing - first last week and then this week. Last week I got three tacos. I thought they were well priced and was looking forward to the variety of meats: one each of carnitas (pork) al pernil (marinated spiced pork) and one chorizo (spicy Mexican sausage). I didn't mind waiting 15 min for the tacos and happily took them home to eat. Well, it was very disappointing. I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the three meats. All were gray chunks with little flavor. I think I could distinguish the chorizo but there was almost no spice. The tortillas were very disappointing too -- so soggy that they wrapped each taco in two tortillas since one was broken through each. The salsas were good, if a little generic. The second visit we tried to get the fish tacos (my favorite) but they were out of fish. I was a little irritated at the lady taking my order who said I should have called ahead -- I DID call ahead, attempting to get takeout, but after 12 minutes on hold gave up and drove in to order. I stead I got the sandwich -- cemitas poblanos. It was ok but all the flavors were muddled and hard to distinguish. I wouldn't say it was bad, but it definitely wasn't something I'd seek out again. Ambler is a small town blessed with a range of wonderful culinary choices. I was hoping El Jefe would add a lovely little taqueria to that list, but in my opinion you're better off elsewhere.
(2)Jason W.
Delicious chicken burrito along with pork and chicken tacos for the Woman. Everything prepared with care, service was very nice. Great casual eating.
(4)t s.
I was looking forward to a great lunch and was disappointed with its mediocrity. The service also disappointed. When I walked in, I was the only patron there. There was one employee visible, behind the counter and on a cell phone. He kept talking, made no eye contact with me, was ending his call but I stood for a while before it actually ended. I considered leaving. I placed my order. I then was asked if I were eating in. I said yes and was told to sit anywhere. Others who came in after me were seated at a table and then given a menu. The complimentary salsa and chips were delicious. Very different from the norm and yummy. The chicken tacos were OK. Not bad but not something special. I would not go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)Steve C.
My girlfriend and I recently ate here. We shared nachos, a steak taco, a chicken taco, and a steak burrito. For starters, I actually ordered a carnitas burrito but I had already eaten half of it when I realized we got a steak taco and pork burriro, not the other way around. Oh well. The steak was decent. A little overcooked. It came with rice, black beans, etc inside. The overall flavor was a little bland. It wasn't any better than what you can have a 16 year old make you at Chipotle. The tacos were very mediocre. They were literally just chicken and steak with a little cilantro on top. No queso fresco, tomatoes, pico, guac, etc. They were extremely bland, with very little spice. The nachos were pretty good, though I'm not certain how "authentic" it is to top them with nacho cheese, and for $9 I can get the same thing in a more comfortable sit-down restaurant. Speaking of the prices, this is probably the most expensive taqueria in the world. The tacos are cheap, but $13 for a quesadilla? $14 for fish tacos? Get real. If you're in the mood, spend a few bucks more and go to Cantina Feliz or Tamarindos, or even drive 10 minutes to Plymouth Meeting and go to the rooftop taco truck at Whole Foods (3 tacos for $6, and they actually have flavor). I cannot recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(2)Lindsay S.
Stopped in for take out. Could not believe the place wasn't packed. So happy with the food. Was fresh and not greasy. I have tried both places in ambler and while I hate to compare them I did think this was the better of the 2 by far. I would like to see them make it and they will be getting my repeat business for sure based upon service and fabulous food. We had the nachos, el pastor quesadilla, chicken taco and a steak taco-all very good. Will be spreading the word to my friends.
(5)