Escondite delivers a vibrant exploration of contemporary Mexican street food culture through an extensive selection of artisanal tacos and curated Latin American small plates. The menu emphasizes bold flavor profiles by pairing premium proteins like slow-cooked carnitas and crispy baja fish with house-made salsas and fresh, zesty garnishes. Diners encounter a high-energy environment characterized by eclectic decor and a prominent focus on agave-based spirits. The kitchen demonstrates technical precision in balancing traditional preparation methods with modern culinary flair to ensure every dish maintains structural integrity and authentic taste. Signature items like the charred corn esquites and complex mole variations highlight a commitment to regional diversity. This establishment prioritizes consistent ingredient quality across its entire taco-focused repertoire, providing a dynamic sensory experience that defines the essence of modern urban taquerias through meticulous preparation and robust seasoning.
Overall, Escondite earns praise for bold flavors and a creative Mexican menu that features standout tacos, fresh guacamole with chips, and well balanced margaritas, set in a lively, stylish atmosphere that many call a hidden gem in Old Montreal. Tacos are frequently highlighted as the star, with several varieties delivering strong flavors, while portions are sometimes described as bite-sized and prices can feel high for what is served. Service receives mixed opinions, ranging from attentive and friendly to slow, crowded, or occasionally unfriendly during peak times, and a few experiences note dietary accommodation issues. The outdoor seating and vibrant vibe contribute to a fun night out, whether for a casual drink or a full dinner, and overall the consensus is that Escondite is worth a visit despite some inconsistencies in portions and service.
Ich habe noch nie so einen überforderten Service erlebt. Wir haben zB einen Aperol bestellt und der Service hat 35 Minuten gebraucht um zu merken, dass es keinen Aperol mehr gibt. Beim Essen war es genau so. Wasser wurde uns auch nicht angeboten. Wirklich enttäuschend..der Laden war noch nicht mal voll.
I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share my experience after a very disappointing visit to Escondite on May 22nd.
I've been to this location many times over the years, & it has always been one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Montreal. I've even brought friends visiting from out of town because I've consistently enjoyed the food & atmosphere. Unfortunately, this visit was disappointing on multiple levels.
We had a reservation for 7:30 PM. Upon arrival, we entered through the restaurant as we had done during previous visits & were told by the employee at the door to go back outside to the patio. When we went to the patio, the hostess told us that we should have entered through the restaurant. The conflicting directions were confusing, & the interaction itself was not particularly welcoming. Rather than making us feel like valued guests, it felt as though seating us was an inconvenience.
The most concerning issue occurred when we ordered a virgin cocktail. We specifically requested the non-alcoholic version & confirmed it with our server. However, the drink that arrived contained alcohol. As someone who has never consumed alcohol, I found this extremely disappointing & concerning. Mistakes can happen, but what was equally disappointing was the lack of a sincere apology or any effort to make the situation right. The drink was simply taken back & replaced, with little acknowledgment of the seriousness of the mistake.
Finally, the food quality was noticeably below the standard I've come to expect from Escondite. One of the reasons I've returned so many times is because of the consistently good food, but this visit felt very different. The overall quality was disappointing, & the meal simply did not reflect the level that had made this restaurant one of my favorites.
I am not a picky customer, nor am I someone who regularly leaves reviews. However, between the confusing arrival experience, the incorrect alcoholic drink, & the decline in food quality, this was by far my most disappointing visit. I'm sharing this feedback because I genuinely enjoy this restaurant & hope these issues are addressed so that future guests have a better experience.
Excellent food & cocktails! Great choice of tequilas & mezcals also. Passing time in their terrasse is wonderful i highly recommend stopping by when in old port
10/10 restaurant for nice meal & fun drink!! The Birria Taco was so very delicious, perfectly tender meat & amazing overall!!! Our service was outstanding with our drinks arriving perfectly with our dishes, even on a game night😁!! I will definitely be coming back for more!!
Wonderful place in Old Montreal! Recommended by another patron, & it did not disappoint. Our waiter (Camille) was very kind, & food/drinks were delicious. Highly recommend!
This place is a mess, poor service poor customer service. The food is mediocre for the prices they are charging. Also this was the first restourant i have even been that the food came before the drinks which were late more than 20 min. Avoid, its not worth it.
May 27, 2026
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The food had a lot of flavor, but the portions are bite size. Short staffed, staff in a panic. After you get your first serving you are forgotten about.
Came to have some food & cocktails with my mother, great service from Camille & the whole crew, he was friendly & had attention to detail with a great attitude. Wonderful service will def come back.
The food was good, the tacos were pretty small but tasty. Our main complaint here was the service, especially in terms of their dietary restriction accommodations - we wanted to share the Alambre & Birria tacos between two people but one of us is lactose intolerant, so we asked to have one taco from each portion without the cheese & they said it is not possible to do so, so we either remove the cheese from both or we keep the order as is. Our server was unfortunately not very friendly
First bad review I've ever left. Possibly the most off putting service I've ever had. It wasn't slow, but it did make me want to flee that place asap. Our server must have spoken 6 words all night, none of which included'are you ready to order?' To take our order, she simply leaned over our table with the POs machine & stared at me. The ambience made me think twice about whether or not to get the food. The tacos were not the worst I've had, but certainly below average. Pro tip: if the bartender looks 17, don't order a mojito.. it will be 70% booze (& somehow both tequila & rum)
