Name: El Cortez Bar & Grill
Address: 28971 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677, US
Telephone: (949) 495-4808
Rating: 4.4

El Cortez has been recognized by the City of Laguna Niguel as a "Historic Landmark" and has been serving Mexican cuisine to south Orange County for over 30 years! In 1971 Jose & Molly Franco opened their first restaurant in Santa Monica, California using traditional family recipes, passed down from a region centered around "Los Altos" in Jalisco, Mexico.

In 1985 "El Cortez" opened it's doors in Laguna Niguel, California. We are honored to share our traditional Mexican cuisine to the local community in an effort to offer Mexican hospitality and fun family experience.

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Reviews (10)

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Michelle Hummingbird

Dec 20, 2021

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Very good authentic Mexican food, atmosphere very warm and friendly staff. I want to say Kaylee The hostess with the most so adorable. She’s turning 15 tomorrow and she’s working today and she’s working tomorrow and and she wants to (saving up for a little mini coop) 🤗 has such a contagious smile sweet spirit. God bless her. I would go back just to say hello to her. Again the food was very good but the staff was the best… h
Happy birthday Kaylee!!! (I hope I’m spelling your name right)

Rafael Santanna

Oct 22, 2021

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Such a good ambience. The Cadillac margarita is awesome. I had the Chile verde for lunch, very good. They are busy for lunch but the restaurant is big so no lines. They still have the outside seating, which is very good for them. Lots of locals but families too.

Dave Pratt

Oct 02, 2021

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The margaritas are great, my favorite dish is the Chile verde, today I had the Garlic Shrimp and was amazing.

Keith Rosier

Aug 16, 2021

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Carne Asada wet burrito is really good. Follow that with the deep fried ice cream desert. The salsa is a little too hot for enjoying with chips. They used to have a lower spiced salsa in addition to the regular. I'll ask next time.

Eye Sea

Jul 21, 2021

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Love their salsa, margaritas and smothered burritos! Saturday evenings has an entertainer, a singer with a very sweet and beautiful voice. Reasonably priced and always friendly service. Family Mexican dinning.

Nathan Smith

May 17, 2021

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Always a good meal at El Cortez. Family owned and operated. Some might call it heavier food, rich and oily, but I balance it out with rice or a fresh salad, throw in a frozen drink, and it’s a great evening out with friends or family. Love the murals painted on the walls of tropical beach scenes.

Sue Fens Er

May 14, 2021

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The food there is delicious!!! Everything is fresh & authentic!!! Had a lady there playing guitar & singing. Great atmosphere! Griselda, our waitress, did a fantastic job!! Definitely going back!

Jolene Holmstrand

Jul 19, 2018

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This place needs a face lift. The food is pretty good. The salsa is nice and spicy!

Spektrum

Jun 24, 2018

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Staff was nice. Food was decent. Took an hour to get our food. Ordered the chicken and steak fajitas for 2 it was mostly veggie fajitas not even for 1 person. Very disappointed at this restaurant.

Melvin Mullings

Jan 02, 2018

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My friend was getting a haircut in the same Plaza, so I decided to check out EL Cortez. Glad I did! Pretty quiet on Thursday at 2:45pm, but it's also fairly big, so people are able to spread out. I recommend the Molly Cove area, as I liked the view of the street and trees. Food was delicious and reasonable priced (got the combination plate w/ two fish tacos), and service was excellent. Also I recommend the pomegranate margarita - light on ice.