El Gato Cantina Essex
$$ • Mexican, Vegan, Vegetarian
Hours:
4 Park St, Essex Junction
(802) 662-4334
About El Gato Cantina Essex
Customers' Favorites
El Gato Cantina Essex Reviews
My daughter’s favorite restaurant. Food is great, people are great, we love it here.
My wife and I haven’t been here for a while always enjoyed their enchiladas. Got them tonight and the beef was probably the most tender and flavorful it’s been in many years really good meal, waitress was really good and the at-tentative but not always in our face, great experience.
Really excellent dining experience! We went on a Tuesday for my birthday dinner. Combo plate 2 with Chile rellenos and vegan taco. Both were delicious, especially the Chile rellenos. Complimentary chips and salsa we very tasty too. I also had one spectacular house margarita! Our waitress was attentive and went above and beyond. I’m looking forward to returning to El Gato. Superb!
Menu
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 4 - 9PM |
| Wednesday | 4 - 9PM |
| Thursday | 4 - 9PM |
| Friday | 11:30AM - 9PM |
| Saturday | 11:30AM - 9PM |
| Sunday | 9AM - 9PM |
El Gato Cantina Essex offers a mix of experiences for diners. The restaurant features a vintage atmosphere with tin ceilings, although some reviews noted that the space could be improved, citing it felt a bit cold and overly bright. The service receives praise, with staff being described as friendly and accommodating, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
The food is generally viewed as good, with particular highlights including the Chicken Burrito, which many found amazing, and the Chorizo Burrito paired with home fries, described as "the bomb." The Tres Leche cake also received compliments for its deliciousness. Some diners mentioned that certain dishes, like the steak taco, may not have met expectations, with one reviewer noting it resembled a beef quesadilla instead. The pozole was recommended and appreciated, especially on a cold night.
For those looking for a lively atmosphere, the restaurant transforms in the evening with Latin music and dancing, creating a fun environment despite a smaller crowd. While opinions on the food varied, the overall experience at El Gato Cantina Essex seems to provide a relaxed setting with good service and enjoyable dishes, making it a suitable choice for Mexican food lovers.