El Santo — Restaurant in Downtown

I recently left a review for El Santo after dining there, noting that while the food was delicious and the ambiance enjoyable, I was disappointed with how a minor issue with the dessert was handled. Specifically, a charge of 50¢ for an additional container of dulce de leche when we requested one, as the small portion provided was not sufficient for two people sharing.

The owner’s response to my review was surprisingly defensive, focusing more on justifying the charge than addressing the broader concern I raised. It’s not about the 50¢—it’s about the principle. When dining out, especially at a place known for its quality, guests appreciate gestures that show management cares about the overall experience, rather than strict adherence to charges that feel unnecessary in context.

Unfortunately, the tone of the response has left me feeling that my feedback wasn’t taken constructively. While I thoroughly enjoyed the food, the attitude displayed in the management’s reply makes me hesitant to return. It’s important for any business to take critical feedback positively and see it as an opportunity for growth, rather than as something to defend against.

I hope the management at El Santo will consider this perspective and use it to enhance their approach to customer service.

Previous review: I recently dined at El Santo with a friend, and overall, we had a pleasant experience. The ambiance was vibrant, and the food was flavorful, with the appetizers, entrees, and drinks all leaving a positive impression. We each spent around $60, which felt reasonable for the quality of the food and drinks.

However, I was a bit disappointed with how the dessert situation was handled. We ordered the churros, which were delicious and perfect for sharing. The dish came with a small container of dulce de leche as the dipping sauce. Unfortunately, the portion of sauce provided was quite small, especially considering we were sharing, and when I requested a second dipping sauce, I was informed that there would be a $0.50 charge. I understand that costs need to be managed, but it felt like a bit of a surprise, especially when sharing is encouraged.

It would have been a more guest-friendly gesture to offer an additional sauce without charge, particularly given the context of a shared dessert. Little things like this can make a difference in the dining experience.

Overall, El Santo is a good spot for Mexican cuisine, but I hope they consider being more generous with their condiments in the future.

More stars would have been selected, with regards to the food...

I remember this is my first restaurant back from the second shut down of COVID and I went in with a reservation, as one does more often now because of COVID. The place was STILL packed when we arrived, with each table filled with their own bubble; instead of being placed beside another table, we were seated in their little out cove with my party of 4 friends. The hostess was extremely nice and you can totally see that "smizing" action, she was totally working it.

I was looking forward to a cup of Horchata, but because of COVID they didn't have Horchata, which was what I was looking forward to, but instead I ordered a Jarritos, tamarind flavour. I wasn't planning to drink that night since I drove. For those who don't know what Horchata is, it is a sweet rice cinnamon milk.

We started off with the Ceviche as we waited for everyone to get ready to order for the night. I have been searching for a good ceviche place my whole life in Vancouver, and this place was not it. I was a little disappointed, and looks like a proper ceviche place wasn't going to happen. Oh and note, their portion from Ceviche to Tortia Chip ratio was perfect.

I ordered a plate of Brussel Sprouts on the side for everyone to share too, and it wasn't that good. I might have wanted something better from it, but it was just ok. Would not order again.

Each of my party ordered 3 tacos each since it seemed like they only had the tacos that night. I realized they were not prepared at all that night, but it is okay since we are during a period of the pandemic. I had the Lengua (Beef Toungue), Pollo (chicken) and the Barbacoa. The tongue was diced into smaller pieces and I felt like they could have just sliced it instead to still give a proper texture, but it is okay, it is their style. The Barbacoa is perfectly spiced, and extremely smooth, braised to the perfection. And the chicken was surprisingly different, it could be their haberno salsa, which gives it that delicious bite, but it wasn't that bad.

Overall, the night went ok and I had a fantastic time seeing all my close friends again over some delicious tacos and a small...

Although Vancouver is not well-known for Mexican cuisine, we have a select few in and around the city! El Santo is a great spot to try a variety of Mexican dishes, from your classic taco options to your larger plates.

For starters, we got the guacamole and tortilla chips, pan de elote (skillet cornbread, jalapeño jelly), and coles de bruselas (fried brussel sprouts, sikil pak, charred jalapeño vinaigrette). Of these three, the cornbread was the winner, especially with the tangy flavour of the jalapeño jelly! The other two appetizers were fairly good, but I wouldn’t say anything particularly impressive.

Now for tacos, we got the pescado (beer-battered BC ling cod, avocado lime crema, shredded cabbage, tomato, scallion, salsa verde), lengua (poached beef tongue, onion, cilantro, salsa roja, lime), and the barbacoa (braised beef cheeks, marinated chilis, salsa roja). All of them were great, and each come with a unique salsa to pair with the meat)!

And finally, for the large plates, we had the chile relleno (poblano pepper, panela cheese, green rice, salsa ranchera), pescaito frito (Masa-crusted whole perch, mezcal chipotle glaze, herb-infused rice, tortillas), carne ahumada (leek ash rubbed Wagyu flank steak, red pepper & habanero demi-glace, roasted cherry tomatoes, confit potato, fiddleheads, mesquite smoke), and the enchiladas suizas (braised Fraser Valley chicken, Oaxaca cheese blend, salsa verde). The chile relleno is like a lasagna-like dish, really highlighting the poblano pepper, a delicious one if you are looking for a vegetarian option! The perch and steak were both lovely, and had great flavours. The only main dish I would not recommend is the enchiladas. Unfortunately, the chicken was quite dry, and overall, fairly bland.

Overall, a nice spot for a large group, and I would say you can’t go wrong...