Johanna Wassermann
We like this place so much that we had our wedding reception here! The food is consistently delicious, they were extremely responsive and flexible vendors, and the margaritas were amazing. We look forward to continuing to celebrate memorable moments at El Rey (though hopefully no more weddings! ) Thank you to Andy and the rest of the team who helped!!!
… moreAlexa Coronel
El Rey is easily one of my favorite spots in Arlington. The vibe is laid-back but lively, perfect for a night out with friends or a casual date. The drinks here are excellent—crafted with care and consistently balanced. Huge shoutout to Heidi behind the bar—she’s not only super friendly and welcoming, but she also makes some of the best cocktails I’ve had in the area. You can tell she knows her stuff and genuinely enjoys what she does.
The whole staff is great, the music’s always on point, and the atmosphere feels like a little escape without having to leave the city. Definitely recommend grabbing a seat at the bar and letting Heidi mix you something—you won’t be disappointed.
… moreRachel Boyell
Love this spot so much! Great atmosphere to grab tacos and watch a game (tons of TVs). My favorites are the queso dip, guac, al pastor tacos and carne asada burrito.
Also worked with them to do a private event at Filling Station (right next door connected space) and it really couldn’t have gone any better. Andy made sure every detail was covered. Guests raved about the food and pricing was straightforward and reasonable.
… moreAllison Faul
Great spot for happy hour (Sunday-Thursday 11-7)! We ordered margaritas, nachos and al pastor tacos. The tacos were exceptionally delicious and the nachos were a little “soupy” but still good. There’s both outdoor & indoor seating, plenty of it, and you can seat yourself. The best part was the service – it was extremely fast and friendly! We were greeted immediately with water & menus, shortly after for our order and our drinks & food came out within minutes.
… moreNelson
First restaurant I’ve been to where you don’t really have a waiter, you seat yourself, scan the QR code and order from the phone. I didn’t like that you can’t just leave the tab open and pay at the end. You have to fully pay each time and add tax/tip which can be annoying if you want to order more drinks. Food was good, the quesabirria my friend really liked. Birria taco was okay. The fish taco was pretty good. Carne asada taco was eh and the DC and Al pastor were both good
… moreLinda A.
The food here is simply delicious! The service was also fast. We ordered and paid through the QR code so we didn’t do too much interactions with the staff, which is completely fine with me. Nevertheless, they came by a few times to make sure all was well. I also appreciated this. It was pretty empty when we went and that was wonderful. It has both outdoor and indoor seating and we chose outdoor seating. Overall, delicious food for a good price
… moreEmily Nguyen
HUGE fan of the pay per taco style. I really enjoy being able to tailor my portion sizes depending on my hunger level. Definitely coming back just for that (and, of course, the delicious baja fish taco )
… moreIgor at SKVLTD MEDIA
Excellent spot for tacos, tortas, and of course some happy drinks! Awesome staff make your visit a great experience and the menu reflects that perfectly. Kudos to the chefs!
… moreRichard
They are doing a great job with Covid guidelines.
Urban, chill, street-style ambiance. Lots of space, TVs, and colors.
Huge bar with a great selection of tequilas.
Quick service and big portions. Close to authentic Mexican food. New and clean.
Take-out works great.
I recommend this place. Coming back soon!
… moreRee A
El Rey Restaurant in Ballston is a hidden culinary gem that captures the essence of authentic cuisine with a modern twist. Nestled in a cozy corner.this restaurant offers a delightful ambiance perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.
The menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that tantalize the taste buds. From traditional favorites like their signature tacos to innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients, each bite at El Rey Restaurant tells a story of passion and creativity.
The service here is impeccable, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to ensure a memorable dining experience. The ambiance strikes a balance between relaxed and upscale, making it ideal for families, couples, and friends alike.
Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through Balstone,El Rey Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates exceptional food in a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend trying their [Birria ].
… more