Best mexicain restaurant in town. We tried every other mexicain restaurant and this one was by the far the best one. The service was amazing and the food !!!! 10/10 I would recommend.
Incredibly disappointed in this establishment. I have worked in full capasity in the restaurant industry for way over 25 years...NEVER have experienced such poor guest service. We arrived at El Gato at 5 minutes before close, after our flight being canceled and sprinting based on great recommendations. We were turned away at the hostess stand in some shock but still decided to give our business to them and grab a margarita before close. We were ignored by the bartender, and then eventually KICKED out because we "offended" the hostess with our questions on why we couldn't be served? I can't believe the service I received from this establishment...never in my experience have I ever treated a customer nor seen a customer treated so poorly. Arent we reliant on guests for the success of our establishments? The tables were full, menues still down and food coming out of the kitchen. 9:00 is close right, any evening in my restaurant 9:00 is closing for seating...kitchen closes appropriately from there, otherwise lock the doors.
I was at the Burlington establishment last Thursday. I'd like to note that our sever was wonderful, attentive and friendly. However, I ordered a fish taco and ended up getting violently ill for 8+ hours. This was the only thing I ate that day so I'm positive it was from the fish taco. My friend, who ordered 2 different tacos and ate the chips and salsa with me, was fine. This was one of the worst experiences of my life. By the time I was able to make a call to let the restaurant know they were closed for 2 days. I hope nobody else got sick!
I think El Gato has the most authentic Mexican food in Vermont. Love the chips & salsa, margarita’s & all the food. Nice friendly staff and it has a great vibe! I want to feel good when I go out for dinner and El Gato is a young happy place to enjoy friends & food! I’ll be back this week with my crew for Wednesday Margarita Day!.
Average Mexican food. Average service. Average decor and cleanliness. Nothing really struck me about this place. It passed everything with about an 80%. Nothing really wrong either, just nothing worth telling people to go out of their way for.
Being greeted with a friendly hostess to the server at the table taking beverage orders in less then ten minutes was unreal and the place was full of people. We had six in our party and all six people absolutely loved the meals. Zero complaints and I love that we have an option to go to the Essex location or the downtown location. Theresa the owner is one of the hardest working ladies I have ever known. She cares about her staff and that’s why I never see a lot of turnover in her staff, she knows how to treat them well and makes it a fun place to be employed. Congratulations Theresa as you have NAILED IT!!!! Bonnie
I had a great experience at El Gato Cantina! Hard to find excellent rice & beans but El Gato knows what they are doing. Fun staff and we all loved the authentic salsa & mole sauce! Ok I have to say don’t miss the margaritas because they are so good. & relaxing! The art work on the walls and in the bathrooms are really beautiful my favorite is Frida Kahlo! We’ll keep going to El Gato for the best Mexican Food.
Great food and margaritas! You can’t go wrong here if you like authentic Mexican food. The homemade salsas we’re delicious and the staff was awesome?
Went out to eat here a little while ago and have not gone back since. Everything was so incredibly over salted it was inedible. I told this to our awesome waitress who replaced my food with something that was just as salty, unfortunately. I paid my tab and left.Also as someone who used to work in the service industry- DO NOT SEEK EMPLOYMENT HERE!!! The owner has gained quite the reputation around Burlington as being tyrannical, abusive, & penny pinching. I’ve heard about people not getting paid for months, & the owner chasing down former employees to their NEW JOBS the point of harassment. Perhaps the owner should take advantage of the many mental health facilities that the city has to offer.
I have eaten at El gato many times and find the food, drinks and staff amazing. If you haven't tried the tamales you're missing out, as well as the pasole! I also love the free chips and salsa with the yummy margaritas!