El Limon Chestnut Hill — Restaurant in Philadelphia

My review may be more detailed than usual yet every aspect is fair to mention in every way. See something, say something.

First, the capsulated version: we were there for two hours, which was longer than average. The tables turned at a good pace and everyone seemed happy. The atmosphere is laid back and the service is great.

First time. Dined in with a colleague after work. The location is like a picture from past times per the large portrait of Freda Kahlo and the old/historic train stop right next to it. That stood out right away. Street parking. The inside is very casual yet quaint which blends perfectly with the surroundings. It’s small and comfortable. The colors are vivid. The outdoor dining is a different experience: an outside side entrance: it’s open air, large, nicely appointed; tastefully yet casually decorated with the complement of the quaint live picture of the old suburban train station right next to it. It’s really a nice view and a great choice for a spring/summer/fall dining/event experience with capacity for a large group.

About adult beverages, we found out alchohol is not sold here. Observed a couple who seemingly knew and came with their own bottles of wine. We’ll be prepared next time :).

The menu is colorful and detailed. There are plenty of options.

The kitchen is open and very clean (I walked up to the staff to say goodbye and noticed right away:).

Let’s talk about the food: It is uniquely fresh and delicious. Seasoned with love. No joke. Every item we tasted was to die for from the pico de gallo to the tortillas, the yummy guacamole, the two meats Alambre, and the triple quesadillas that come with rice and beans. The meal portions are generous. While the sides are on the small side, they are paired by quality in every sense. The desert was deliciously prepared and exquisitely presented.

And about the service and the staff? Let me tell you, the staff treat you like family, like a house guest yet very professionally. They seem authentically interested in rendering us and others great service in a warm yet respectful atmosphere with the sole intention of taking care of the customers.

What a pleasant experience. Worth...

Cilantro, cilantro, cilantro! Yuck! Otherwise 5 stars! I’ve frequented two other locations before this one opened in Chestnut Hill, (Norristown and Flourtown). I go because the food is tasty and authentic (to my knowledge) and the prices are great. My biggest gripe is the overwhelming taste of cilantro! Cilantro in every dish I ordered tonight. The barbacoa tacos are amazing except for the cilantro. In the past, I’ve had the barbacoa loaded nachos, burritos, and enchiladas because it’s delicious, but this time I couldn’t enjoy them. I thought my tacos would be basically plain, but they were loaded with onions (which I like) and tons of cilantro which I picked out. But then both the salsa and the guacamole were also overwhelmed with cilantro. I’m one of those people who just tastes soap. I barely ate any of the salsa and guacamole and was really disappointed because I love them normally, but obviously I can’t pick out the cilantro. My only other suggestion would be that the toppings would be individually selected. I typically order my tacos supreme but I can’t digest the cheese. So, I’ve made that mistake in the past and had to pick out both the cheese and cilantro. (If you thought I used a lot of cilantro, I think I’ve made my point)

On a lighter note, their service is prompt, prices are just right, and I’m glad...

I just visited El Limon to try out the newest eatery at the top of Chestnut Hill. I LOVED IT. I had a ground beef taco and a shrimp fajita with a very delicious, soothing frozen strawberry margarita! The portions were great! I have leftovers of the fajitas. Everything was bursting with flavor, with fresh ingredients you could see/smell/taste and enjoy. The side condiments of sauces were potent with HEAT. I couldn't take the red but I liked a smidge of the green- salsa verde? Anyway, its separate so you control the amount of spice. The containers were great and did not leak or mix & mush when I took my leftovers home. The price was right! I got lots of food including the large cocktail for LESS than $20. I sat indoors because of the extreme heat. The dining room was clean, small yet spacious enough where I did not feel cramped. GREAT air conditioning. Cool festive music. The FRIDA ART is epic! The server and the cashier were friendly and welcoming. I can't wait to return to try out more items on the menu. I hope other visits will yield similar...