Welcome to El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant And Bar
Located in the heart of Elizabeth, New Jersey, El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant And Bar serves as a vibrant destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Mexican culinary traditions. Situated at 746 Carlton St #752, this establishment has become a recognizable part of the local dining landscape, offering a welcoming environment where community members and visitors alike can gather to enjoy well-prepared meals. The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the appreciation of classic flavors, utilizing traditional preparation methods to bring the spirit of Mexican gastronomy to the local neighborhood.
Stepping into the restaurant, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that balances casual comfort with a lively energy. Whether you are planning a relaxed lunch, a family dinner, or an evening out with friends, the space is designed to accommodate a variety of social settings. The focus remains consistently on providing a genuine dining experience, where the quality of ingredients and the dedication to hospitality take center stage. By maintaining a commitment to consistency and flavor, the team at El Nacho’s Cantina strives to ensure that every guest feels at home from the moment they walk through the doors.
What Makes Our Experience Unique
Authentic Culinary Approach: We prioritize the use of traditional recipes and techniques that honor the diverse culinary heritage of Mexico, ensuring that every dish reflects a deep respect for authentic flavor profiles.
Community-Focused Atmosphere: Our location on Carlton Street serves as a hub for the local community, providing a warm and inviting space that is perfect for celebrations, casual gatherings, or simply enjoying a quality meal in good company.
Dedicated Service Standards: Our team is committed to providing attentive and friendly service, aiming to create a seamless dining experience that makes every guest feel valued and well-cared for throughout their visit.
A Balanced Dining Environment: We offer a versatile setting that transitions effortlessly from a relaxed daytime atmosphere to a more spirited evening vibe, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.
A Commitment to Quality and Tradition
At El Nacho’s Cantina, we believe that great food is the foundation of any memorable dining experience. Our kitchen team works diligently to maintain high standards of preparation, ensuring that the essence of our menu remains true to its roots. We understand that our patrons value both consistency and the excitement of discovering new flavors, which is why we focus on refining our offerings while staying faithful to the core elements of Mexican cuisine. By sourcing quality ingredients and paying close attention to the details of every plate, we aim to deliver a satisfying experience that keeps our guests returning.
Beyond the food, our identity is shaped by the relationships we build with our customers. Being part of the Elizabeth, NJ community is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are proud to contribute to the local culinary scene. We invite you to visit us at 746 Carlton St to experience our hospitality firsthand. Whether you are a long-time fan of Mexican cuisine or looking to explore new culinary horizons, our doors are open, and our team is ready to provide you with a meal that is both comforting and memorable. We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing our passion for great food with you.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Live music
Serves local specialty
Sport
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Paid parking lot
Plenty of parking
Valet parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Menus
Photos
Reviews El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant And Bar
Hema K
16-06-2026
Attended one of their Themed Weekend Brunch as a group and we had a blast..!! Great party vibes with live music and dance, and one the entertainers was simply amazing. She had a wonderful attitude and made all of us feel involved.
Drinks and Food all tasted good and the service was quick. Bachelorette Night was the Theme, so you can imagine how the Drinks and Food was shaped 😀
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
USD 30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Sherry Maria
08-06-2026
I have been here a few times. Today will be my last. I bought a meal for $53 dollars, took 2 bites, and asked it be wrapped. When the bill came I realized I never received my leftovers. The waiter said he threw it out and that he would make … More
Mayra Torres
07-04-2026
This was my first time and my friend 2nd time. Samuel was our waiter and he did an awesome job. We came around Brunch time. We were the first guest in the building I think. The place was clean and the music was lovely. We enjoyed our time and Samuel was very attentive. We will definitely ask for him again. They do have different events going on.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
USD 20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes
Rick
27-02-2026
My brother visited the restaurant a few times and wanted to celebrate our niece’s birthday. Our host, Carol, was incredibly kind and attentive. Our waitress, Paola, and John were exceptional, providing exceptional service. The drink bar, “Baril del Chavo,” was well-done. The combination of my favorite drinks was just right and delicious. The Birria pizza was also delicious. Kudos to the chef, bartender, and everyone who works there. We hope to see you again soon. Thank you!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
USD 10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Special offers
Happy hour, Weekday specials, Weekend specials, Discounts on specific items, Combo deals / set menus
Cassie Arizmendy
24-01-2026
From the moment i walked in it was like a party. The music and lighting it was a perfect setting for amazing food. Our server Franco was absolutely incredible. The food... 10/10 everything was bursting with flavor and hit all the right … More
Maira Almonte
05-01-2026
We were the first ones there. The place has a lot of potential! I’m excited for when it’ll start to get busier. I ordered the chicken and waffles and it came with a raisin and strawberry syrup that was AMAZING in flavor. The waffles were also made with cinnamon which was so good. I didn’t take a picture of it but my man ordered the tostones of shrimp and that was also so good. Or had a slight sweet taste to it and I couldn’t figure out what sauce made it like that. He also ordered a breakfast burrito that he enjoyed very much. Our drinks were also good. I had the mimosa flight and he had a mango frozen margarita (forgot the name of it). The aesthetics of the place is also very nice. They have a parking lot as well so you don’t have to worry about finding parking. I’m definitely coming back!
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
USD 100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Special offers
Happy hour
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kilsy Abreu
26-12-2025
I visited this Mexican-themed restaurant for the first time with my family. We went early, so we were seated right away with no wait, which was great. However, it did take a while for someone to come over and take our order. … More
Dr Enjoli T Sidonie
15-12-2025
Attended the Mommy N Me Brunch today celebrating my baby 2nd birthday. We had such a fabulous time! Great interaction full of games & festivities for the kiddies as well as enjoyable for adults. We had a great time and definitely recommend. Will attend more events. Thank you for a fantastic Mommy N Me Brunch! More
Julie Ullisse
12-12-2025
I choose on a Monday night to find a nice spot near home for a quick bite and drink, soon as i walked in my waited Juan was extremely helpful and attentive. Not only was my food fresh and well made but the drinks are worth it as well. If … More
Travon De Loatch
30-11-2025
Valet service is terrible , it’s $5. I went on a rainy day tipped the valet at the start of the service $10. $5 for taking it $5 for delivering it back to me. Once I was leaving he tried to act like I never gave him any money at all, how … More
Main Wolf
24-11-2025
Hands down one of the best family events I’ve ever been to.
El Nacho absolutely nailed it. The atmosphere was fun, welcoming, and genuinely … More
Sreeni Sharma
28-10-2025
Loved the drinks ( except big mama margarita wasn't too impressive).
We ordered some veg appetizers, coconut shrimp and hot wings.
The dj was doing a great job while adding flavor to the ambiance.
Will ho back mainly for the drinks and probably will try the entrees too 😀 … More
S N
26-10-2025
Unfortunately I need to chime in & agree with a lot of the 1 star reviews here, Unfortunately food was cold, didn't receive utensils/napkins etc all the items to set a table, my food was overly salty and cold, for 5 people we spent over … More
Alondra Cruz-Campos
04-09-2025
I really wanted to love this place because the atmosphere is beautiful, but the food and overall experience were honestly really disappointing. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, this is definitely not the spot.
The wait times were ridiculous. One appetizer came out about 40 minutes after we sat down, while the rest didn’t arrive until our entrees came out. At one point, I asked our server about one of the missing appetizers and was told it would only be “a few more minutes.” We ended up waiting another 25 minutes for it after already waiting so long in the first place. While the staff was attentive in checking in, they didn’t seem concerned at all about how excessive the wait times were.
The food itself was honestly terrible. Most dishes tasted overwhelmingly salty, like that was the only flavor being used. The shrimp wasn’t seasoned properly at all, and several items we ordered didn’t even match what was described on the menu. The molcajete was probably the biggest disappointment — it tasted more like random barbecue thrown together than an authentic molcajete. There was no real molcajete sauce or authentic flavor to it whatsoever.
Overall, the atmosphere is the only thing this restaurant really has going for it. If you’re looking for authentic food, quality dishes, and a good dining experience, I unfortunately would not recommend this place.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 40–50
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Moderate noise
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Valet
Sam
03-09-2025
We visited this location on a Thursday, the atmosphere was amazing ! The drinks and their happy hour were great! Our server Victoria was amazing, super sweet and helpful. Very kind and patient with us as we were indecisive. Will be returning to this location! More
Inez Gomez
29-08-2025
Just left and this place is nothing like it used to be. I understand completely why its become a drink hangout Because that was all that was good, our drinks. Not one plate was good and thats crazy. $50 for a picadera that came out looking like mixed DOG FOOD, even worst the chicken, shrimp and steak came out tasting like they threw it all together with old bay shook it and threw it all on the same plate. The tostones were old and fried like 3 times over and tasted like it! The chicharrón Nachos were another mess....the cheese was the only thing they got right, because the tablespoon of guac in the middle and the sprinkles of picó covered the 5 nachos out of the 30. Then my sons $40 churrasco was over cooked like 3 times over. My poor 6 year old had to chew and pull just to swallow. Even worst was the waiter CAMILO was sooo rude and when we complained but didnt send the food back, he was super rude and said we should have looked at the pictures better. Then proceeded to say they had a new chef.
The manager was in shock and took care of the issue as soon as he saw how rude our waiter was to us. I will absolutely be posting this everywhere because in an economy where im paying good money (expensive) for my food and experience I expect good service and good food! If you cant do both, then get a food truck or nightclub.
Camilo should be fired!!!!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
USD 100+
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3
Group size
5-8 people
christie brala
28-08-2025
I saw this place had so many reviews on our road trip and so I was interested. Was not disappointed! The corn was delicious and I got a coconut margarita. I also got the veggie crazy burrito and my bf got the burrito bowl and we both loved them. Good music playing. I could see this place being fun on the weekend too.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Karan Maniar
23-07-2025
Disappointing experience overall.
The food was subpar, especially the vegetarian options. Several dishes tasted overly sour, and the chimichangas were extremely dry and didn’t appear fried at … More
Dhanisha Clervoynat
04-06-2025
This was my first time here the food was amazing Juan greeted us with the upmost politeness. He was very professional. He checked in on us and made the experience very enjoyable. 10/10 recommendations to the restaurant and Juan as your waitress 😝😝😝😝😝 … More
Kecia Ruiz
19-05-2025
The food is amazing. I’ve been here 2 times previously I really didn’t care for the food then. Margaritas were always very good. I tried for the 3rd time today and wow. They have really stepped their game up. Jonathan was our server for today and he was the best. He took great care of us. I will definitely be back!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reviews El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant And Bar