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.
Escondite is widely celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, creative Mexican and Asian fusion menu, and standout cocktails, particularly the margaritas. Many guests praise the delicious food, especially the tacos, guacamole, and unique gyoza nachos, noting that the decor and overall vibe make it a fantastic destination in Old Port. While service is frequently described as exceptional and attentive, some diners report inconsistencies, citing issues with long wait times, occasionally rude staff, or challenges with dietary requests. Opinions on portion sizes and value are mixed, as several visitors feel the dishes are quite small and expensive, though the majority appreciate the quality and lively setting for social gatherings.
If you're in the Old Port of Montreal & craving some fun, vibrant Mexican food with a creative twist, Escondite Vieux-Port is definitely worth checking out.
We stumbled upon this spot while wandering the cobblestone streets & were drawn in by the playful vibe, colorful decor, & upbeat music. The interior is eclectic & cozy, with Day of the Dead artwork, quirky details, & a lively but chill ambiance that makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Now to the food - overall, it was very good, with a few standout hits & a couple of misses depending on your palate. The tacos are the star of the show. We tried a variety (the Gobernador, Pollo Frito, & Camaron), & each one had its own distinct flavor & presentation. The shrimp tacos were my personal favorite - crispy, fresh, & packed with flavor.
The guacamole & chips were solid - not mind-blowing, but fresh & satisfying. We also ordered the queso fundido, which was ooey-gooey indulgence, especially when paired with the chips. The Mexican street corn (elotes) was delicious & charred just right.
Drinks-wise, the cocktail menu is creative, & the margaritas are well-balanced with a little flair. Great spot for a round of drinks with friends or a date night.
Service was friendly but could've been a bit more attentive. It got busy during peak hours, so there were some small delays in checking in & getting the bill, but nothing major.
Prices are fair for the area, especially given the quality & portion size. Definitely on the trendier side, but not overly pretentious.
All in all, Escondite Vieux-Port is a fun & flavorful stop in Old Montreal - a cool vibe, bold flavors, & a solid addition to the Montreal taco scene. Would definitely return to try more of the menu!
Moi & ma conjointe hier nous nous sommes arrêtés, & que dire des tacos. C'était vraiment délicieux, c'est de loin les meilleurs tacos que j'ai mangés de ma vie! Ambiance très calme & paisible à côté du vieux port & le service était impeccable 👌. Je le recommande vraiment & nous allons y retourner c'est sûr & certain. 🙂
The restaurant is very nice on the inside & our server Diego was incredibly helpful & kind. He was the only good thing about this experience. The taco portions were ridiculously small (however small you think, make it smaller), all the food tasted frozen & was not fresh. Thank you so much Diego for the exceptional service & being so kind despite the awful food. If you are reading this, turn around before it's too late.
Food is excellent, BUT you only get a little food for a very expensive price. We also felt extremely rushed, as they gave us all our food (appetizer & entrees) at once, & gave us our drinks (which we ordered at the same time) after our food arrived. Waiter also began taking our plates away before we were finished, & rushed to give us our bill once we finished our food (we still had most of our drinks to finish). It's a nice atmosphere for the Old Port, but you have the trade off of an expensive meal for little food, & being rushed out of there.
