Escondite Vieux Port — Restaurant in Montreal

A Mexican Culinary Delight with Vibrant Ambiance

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Escondite in Montreal, a Mexican restaurant that left me thoroughly impressed. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the appropriately themed decor, creating an immersive and lively atmosphere that set the stage for a fantastic dining experience.

Let's start with the food—the star of the show. The Al Pastor dish at Escondite is an absolute gem. Simple in its presentation, it boasts a remarkable blend of complex flavors that truly highlight the essence of Mexican cuisine. The tender marinated meat paired with the subtle spiciness and smoky undertones creates a taste sensation that is nothing short of extraordinary. It's without a doubt one of the best dishes I've had the pleasure of savoring.

Another standout from my visit was the guacamole and chips. The guacamole was fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavors, perfectly complemented by the crispy and flavorful tortilla chips. What made the chips truly stand out was the special seasoning—adding a delightful twist to this classic appetizer. It's a combination that elevates the experience and keeps you coming back for more.

Escondite also impressed me with their drink offerings. The variety and quality of their beverages were exceptional. Whether it was a classic margarita or a specialty cocktail, each drink was expertly crafted, delivering a delightful balance of flavors. The bartenders clearly know their craft and take pride in serving up refreshing and satisfying concoctions.

The service at Escondite was attentive and friendly. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and provided helpful recommendations based on personal preferences. They were also prompt in ensuring our glasses were never empty and went above and beyond to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions.

The only reason I didn't give Escondite a full five stars is due to some minor inconsistencies in portion sizes and pacing of the dishes. While the overall experience was excellent, there were a few instances where the portion sizes seemed slightly inconsistent, and the timing between courses could have been better coordinated. However, these were minor issues that did not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Overall, Escondite is a culinary gem in Montreal that beautifully captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. With incredible dishes like the Al Pastor, excellent guacamole and chips, and a wide array of delectable drinks, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful dining experience. The vibrant and appropriately themed decor adds an extra layer of charm, transporting you to the heart of Mexico. Despite a few minor hiccups, my time at Escondite was a memorable one, and I will gladly return to indulge in their delightful offerings.

Note: Please check the restaurant's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their menu, opening hours, and any COVID-19 guidelines that may...

If you’re in the Old Port of Montreal and craving some fun, vibrant Mexican food with a creative twist, Escondite Vieux-Port is definitely worth checking out.

We stumbled upon this spot while wandering the cobblestone streets and were drawn in by the playful vibe, colorful decor, and upbeat music. The interior is eclectic and cozy, with Day of the Dead artwork, quirky details, and a lively but chill ambiance that makes it feel like a hidden gem.

Now to the food — overall, it was very good, with a few standout hits and a couple of misses depending on your palate. The tacos are the star of the show. We tried a variety (the Gobernador, Pollo Frito, and Camaron), and each one had its own distinct flavor and presentation. The shrimp tacos were my personal favorite — crispy, fresh, and packed with flavor.

The guacamole and chips were solid — not mind-blowing, but fresh and satisfying. We also ordered the queso fundido, which was ooey-gooey indulgence, especially when paired with the chips. The Mexican street corn (elotes) was delicious and charred just right.

Drinks-wise, the cocktail menu is creative, and the margaritas are well-balanced with a little flair. Great spot for a round of drinks with friends or a date night.

Service was friendly but could’ve been a bit more attentive. It got busy during peak hours, so there were some small delays in checking in and getting the bill, but nothing major.

Prices are fair for the area, especially given the quality and portion size. Definitely on the trendier side, but not overly pretentious.

All in all, Escondite Vieux-Port is a fun and flavorful stop in Old Montreal — a cool vibe, bold flavors, and a solid addition to the Montreal taco scene. Would definitely return to try more...

If you want to be verbally abused, laughed in your face, sworn at and basically experience the worst customer service you can… go to this restaurant. I have never in my life been so extremely disappointed, disrespected and angered after enjoying what was suppose to be a nice dinner for my mothers 80th birthday. The supposed “manager” got in my face and began laughing when I was addressing a situation with him regarding his short blonde Asian waitress. Said waitress yelled at my daughter for standing in the restaurant and telling us if we didn’t order food then we would have to go sit in the bar because we began having a few drinks first. When I tried to talk to her about her customer service skills and how she should properly address customers, she began raising her voice and swearing. When I spoke to the “manager” he smugly was standing with his arms crossed, not listening to what I was saying and trying to speak over top of me the entire time. When I asked what his name was, he refused to give it to me and then proceeded to ask for my personal information. When I had asked to speak to the general manager he said “fuck off” walked away and told another one of his employees “you deal with her”. Which this employee also claimed to be a manager and stood like a bouncer in front of me and was ignoring everything I was saying to him.

We of course didn’t order any food, I paid for the drinks at the bar with the lovely bartender and my family and I left. My poor daughter left crying and my mother was so disappointed she had such a horrible experience for her birthday dinner.

Whoever owns this restaurant should definitely consider some new hires if they want to keep customers...