El Merkury
2104 Chestnut St, Philadelphia
(267) 457-5952
Recent Reviews
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I wasn't too impressed with what I ate. I did love my salad. I totally recommend their Salads. They are lovely and the restaurant is really cute.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Basically run by a chef, you can only order by ordering with the touchscreen. The food will be brought to your table by the chef.
I am not familiar with Guatemalan food but the way it is served, gives it a streetfood or foodtruck vibe.
The papusa is great and what you can get is full of flavour. You see quite a few locals and Latin American people enter during lunch.
The ambiance is great with colourful walls and Central American Music. It is a great pitstop place if you are exploring the city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pupusa \u0026 Tostada Combo, Pupusa \u0026 Taquito Combo
Good churros and good elote.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
This was a great restaurant!
This was my first experience with Guatemalan food. I enjoyed the cheesy corn and the beets were bursting with flavor. Definitely want to go back to try their famous churros.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The tostadas and pupusas were lacking flavor, the hot sauce we paid extra for was bad, the guacamole was more of a salsa than a guacamole (not what we were looking for), and most of the sides besides the rice were lacking. On top of this it was expensive given everything it lacked.
We had a good experience here because the setting and atmosphere is amazing and the food looked amazing (half the taste comes from the eyes), but everything else was just okay.
I think the first frustration I had was when the combo meal started at $13.5 but then once you add the things you want (I’m talking choosing a protein, not adding any extras) it immediately goes up by $.75 and then by $3.5. I’d rather it start higher so you know what you’re getting into.
Anyway that didn’t really scare us away, and the food looked like it would be great so we continued on. When we got the food likewise it looked amazing, and it was a lot of food (we later agreed we would have much preferred smaller serving and smaller prices). After this the experience dropped off, it was cool having a tostada and a pupusa, but they didn’t taste that incredible. I compared this to chipotle with my partner after and we agreed that each ingredient at chipotle tastes better than here, and chipotle is less expensive.
Overall it was a lovely lunch, but I don’t think I’d come back, I’d rather try somewhere else.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
I would get married here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I ordered the papusas and came back for a refund/exchange for a different menu item very shortly after biting into one. I asked for pork, which was advertised on the menu as having cheese, refried beans, along with vegetables. When I confronted the staff, they told me it doesn't come with those items. I pointed out what the menu stated and they proceeded to tell me they ran out of those ingredients. If that was the case, that information should have been disclosed to me beforehand. I’m not sure which one of the statements was true… shady. But regardless, I very kindly asked for a refund or an exchange for something (of lower price, still resulting in their profit) and was told I needed to speak to the boss who wasn’t present, nor was I able to get into contact with unfortunately.
The Guatemalan food here is absolutely delicious. This is a go to for meals that are quick, fresh, & flavor packed. They are incredibly consistent and we’ve never had a bad meal.
Personal favorites are the pupusas, tostadas, soft serve w/churro, and tamarind drink.
What I love is the choice ..with pupusas I can go veggie with locoro or beans & cheese, vegan with jalapeño & black bean, or a meat protein and they are all delicious.
With the tostadas it’s also a huge variety for meat lovers, vegetarian, or vegan. I’ve had at least 4 of the 5 options here and haven’t been disappointed.
Lastly, you need to leave room for a churro and soft serve … we love this drizzled with hot Nutella. At only $8 it’s a bargain for the quantity and quality.
Another thing that makes me want to support them more is their sustainability. All the cutlery, plates, down to the straws they use are compostable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elote Loco Street Corn
This may be my new favorite spot in Philly! Ordered catering for a large group (25 people). The food was fresh, bright and delicious. The churros were gone within 5 minutes :) The guacamole, made more traditional Guatemalan style was authentic and bright. The roasted carrot salad was equally delish with a bright fresh dressing. OMG. I can't wait to order again (or go in person!)
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Churros, Elote Loco Street Corn
Restaurantji Recommends
Great tasting pupusas and tostados.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pupusa \u0026 Tostada Combo
Dietary restrictions: Everything that is not a churro is gluten-free
Food: 5
Their taquitos have changed my life.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dietary restrictions: Amazing place for gluten free food!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pupusa & Tostada Combo, Tostadas
Excellent food and service. Portions are generous, so grab some friends and try a little bit of everything.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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