El Gato Cantina Essex

We came here for the Valentine’s Day fixed price meal. The service was overall good. The restaurant atmosphere could be improved upon. It was a little cold and the room felt too bright. The food was overall mediocre. The rice too dry, the sauces could be tastier and smoother. The tres leche cake was delicious. We came back for the latin music and dancing later that night and that was fun. They cleared out the tables to make the dance floor. There were only a few couples but it was a lot of fun.

Very good Mexican food with a calm atmosphere and good service. The building is vintage with tin ceilings and a classic, but kind of an odd shared entrance necessitating multiple signs to get you on the door instead of hgf adjoining restaurant. The shredded chicken in the taco was quite uniquely flavored and very pleasant - perhaps quite lime forward? The beef taco meat was a little over-flavored to my taste - my tongue interpreted it as over salted, but perhaps a different spice. I had to ensure I was getting only small bites of the beef to avoid it being unpleasant. Otherwise all wax very good.

First time in. Amy welcomed me immediately and made sure she gave me her attention and helped me pick one of my new favorite margaritas. Florita, a jalapeño infused tequila with a strawberry puree. I had one of their special steak tacos and a chicken burrito. Huge portions that I couldn't finish. Chicken burrito was amazing, steak taco may have been a mix up as it was more like a beef quesadilla, but still amazing.

Easy easy, we got a table right away, drinks were great, I wanted brunch my friend wanted lunch, Sunday deal worked out perfect for us!

Staff was very accommodating to us needing to change tables for child friendly seating. Staff recommended the pozole, which I got and it was perfect for the cold night. I also sampled some chicken quesadilla from the kids menu and I would recommend that too. Food was delicious, staff was friendly and present; not smothering.