People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Still the BEST Mexican food in town. Delicious food, great service, and we didn't have to wait for a table. Yum! ”
“ We love this place. This was my friend Meredith and my favorite place for girls' night. Sizzling platter is amazing. The nachos are great and Thursdays are half priced nacho night. Also the staff is fantastic, especially that Gabriel kid. ”
“ El Gato’s margaritas are some of the best margaritas in the Burlington area. Under new management El Gato is bringing great options, like this birria ramen, to VT. Always fresh ingredients and great flavors! ”
“ On thursdays, nachos are half price but they brought me a haystack at least 8 inches high. It was unbelievable and I should have brought two friends to help me eat it. Not to mention it was delicious along with a house brewed ale. The perfect late afternoon lunch. And I brought more than half of it home for the next day or two. Love this place! ”
“ We have lunch here whenever we are in Essex Junction, usually once a month. It is such a nice, bright space, with excellent, friendly service. The food is always top notch. The chips and salsa are about the best I've had anywhere. The grilled fish tacos are my personal favorite. And the Coca-Cola from Mexico with real sugar is a special treat. My husband explores more of the menu and is always happy with his meal. He has to eat GF and there are plenty of options. (Their margaritas and other cocktails look great, but we've only been at lunchtime!) There are lots of great restaurants in Essex Junction, but this is our favorite. We got an extra holiday treat on our visit this week, a jar of the delicious salsa to take home, and a gift certificate to be used by January 21 as a holiday bonus. These special touches make El Gato an extra special place. ”
“ Great little Mexican restaurant in Essex Junction. Large menu with a variety of traditional Mexican dishes as well as many taco option including beef tongue, barbacoa, carne asada, etc. The chimichanga was huge and was good flavor. The Tuesday night taco special has 4 tacos which is great if you like variety... The fried fish tacos (pescado tacos) were fantastic - perfectly crispy fish which went well with the slaw and other toppings. The chicken tacos are a little too sloppy with running juices all over (tortilla should have been doubled up), but the barbacoa tacos had great deep slow roasted beef flavor. Their draft beer selection is not huge. I enjoyed their Mexican lager and they also have Fiddlehead on tap, but the 8 price for a pint is a little high compared to all other restaurants in area. Overall a great Mexican restaurant for the Burlington area as not many options. ”
“ The house salsa tasted fresh with a hint of garlic, and the chips had the perfect level of salt without being greasy at all. The Birria tacos were delicious! They paired nicely with the El Gato Suave cerveza. Our server was super attentive, and the food came out fast. ”
“ So nice to come back! Our daughter worked here while she was in college. Enjoyed fresh margaritas, good tacos, enchiladas and chimichangas. Yum! ”
Menu
El Gato Margarita
US$8.00Skinny Cat Margarita
US$11.00Agave Nectar Margarita
US$11.00Elderflower Margarita
US$12.00Fresh Fruit Margaritas
US$10.00
About
El Gato Essex
Welcome to El Gato Essex, a beacon of culinary delight nestled in the heart of Essex Junction, Vermont. Located at 4 Park Street, this vibrant eatery is renowned for its exciting twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Whether you're a local or just passing through, El Gato promises an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the palate and warms the heart.
The moment you step into El Gato, you are greeted by a bright and inviting atmosphere that sets the perfect backdrop for a casual meal. The friendly service, highlighted by staff who genuinely care about your dining experience, enhances the already enticing menu. Customers rave about the delightful ambiance and prompt service, making it a cozy spot for everything from a lively girls' night out to a relaxed family lunch.
One of the standout features of El Gato is its impressive margarita selection. Offering unique options like the El Gato Margarita, infused with jalapeño or orange, and the Skinny Cat Margarita that incorporates fresh lime and a splash of seltzer, each drink highlights the fresh ingredients that define the restaurant’s ethos. For those with adventurous tastes, the Agave Nectar Margarita serves a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, showcasing a blend of Sauza Gold and Grand Gala, while the Elderflower Margarita adds a floral twist to the classic cocktail experience.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at drinks. El Gato excels at delivering a menu packed with authentic dishes that cater to various palates. The sizzling platter, a customer favorite, is a feast for the senses, and the famous nachos, especially on the irresistible half-priced Thursdays, are oversized, loaded, and utterly delicious. Dishes are crafted with fresh ingredients, and you can taste the care that goes into every plate. The birria ramen is a noteworthy new addition that has garnered rave reviews, proving that El Gato isn’t afraid to innovate while staying true to its roots.
Each visit brings surprises, like the compliments of house-made salsa or a jar to take home, enhancing the unique experience. The loyal customers, from Lisa Crispin to Carlos Neira, express their love for El Gato and their favorite dishes, showcasing a menu that pleases every type of diner. With options for gluten-free patrons and vibrant beverages, every meal is a celebration.
In conclusion, El Gato Essex is more than just a restaurant; it's a community hub where great food, excellent cocktails, and warm service come together. After indulging at this lovely establishment, you’ll find it hard to resist returning for another round of their delightful fare. Come experience the heart of Mexican cuisine in Essex Junction, where every meal is crafted with passion and respect for flavor.
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