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El Burro

 
 
81 Main Road
Green Point

Cape Town
Western Cape
 
021 4332364
Email:
Website: http://elburro.co.za
 
Restaurant image
El Burro is considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in Cape Town.  Their goal is to always serve fresh Mexican style ingredients, sometimes ingredients directly from Mexico. 

The vibe is very cool and the decor is very "Dawn of the Dead."  If you don't feel up to eating a full meal, El Burro has a large bar section so you can get your Tequila fix.

twitter: @_El_Burro

Open:
Monday - Saturday 12:00 - 23:30

For the El Burro menu please click on the menu tab above.
 
 

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Mexican
     
    14 reviews
Add your rating
El Burro 4 out of 5 based on 14 ratings. 14 user reviews.
 
Price Range: Reasonable
Seating: 30+
 
  • Licensed
  • Child Friendly
  • Accept Credit Cards
  • Corkage
  • Take-Aways
  • Parking
 

Recent reviews

 
 
EL BURRO
10 June 2013
Dear I am glad you enjoyed your meals with us. To address your margarita Jug concerns, I think it best to explain the costs behind it: The frozen jugs contain 13 (not 16.5) shots of Olmeca Blanco tequila. That is nearly half a bottle. At R132 a bottle, my cost there is R57.20 on tequila alone. We use only freshly hand squeezed lime juice and organic Agave Syrup instead of triple sec. Both methods are used in Mexico. The current pricing on limes is R30p/kg (year round average is about R48, but lets use R35 for your sake now). Average 10 shots a kilo, at 20 shots in a Jug, the costs here is R60. Agave syrup is R95 per 750ml; add in 10 shots, your cost here is R31.60. Total cost value (excluding Rent, Barman wages, Ice machine electricity, water and maintenance) is R148.80. The standard mark up on cocktails is 300%, so in theory the Jug should be charged at R446 per jug! But we only charge R220. The cost price of using Don Julio or Patron Blanco would push it up to R264 a Jug. So using those tequilas, I would be making a loss. This is simple mathematics. When making frozen margaritas you have to use a lot of ice in order to achieve the fluffy frozen texture and look that people prefer. The problem then lies in that the mix is then diluted somewhat. There is a fine line when trying to achieve the frozen texture, if you add too much lime/tequila/liquid you end up with a liquidy slush. People then confuse this with being watered down. If you try the margaritas shaken on the rocks, then they are actually very strong. As to the accusation that we are watering them down, that is unfounded. We are completely owner run, with one manager who helps us run El Burro as passionately as we do. I would never allow watering down to occur. We put our life savings into El Burro and to think I would risk all of it by cheating customers would be ridiculous. If I do find that was the case on the day of your visit, then disciplinerary action will be taken. There is a strong chance that you misheard the manager on duty, the girls are supposed to tell you when you order your first Jug what the costs are. Not after. I apologize if this was not done. The Jugs have now been listed in the menu to avoid any further confusion. I do hope explaining it in more detail has given this issue more clarity. If you have any questions at all, you are welcome to email me on nic@elburro.co.za or call on 021 433 2364 Best Nic
5 El Burro
 
Sue
10 June 2013
Joe you are really missing the point here. We normally go a table of 4 and we always order the jug of margarita. The complaint is that it has been watered down and it must be. If 2 people had 30 tots they would not be able to stand!!!!
1 El Burro
 
Joe
10 June 2013
Been eating here regulary for the last 2 years, if not longer. The food is authentic, fresh, innovative, and prepared well with just enough zing to make you happy. As for the whiners regarding their jugs of margarita mix, I've never once seen it being served in jugs. I always start my meal with one of El Burro's traditional margarita's served over ice, the tequila is topnotch quality not rotgut, and the balance between fresh limejuice and salt always, but always perfect. Perhaps the blokes moaning about their "watered-down"drink should pass this place by, go directly to Ultra Liquors around the corner for their preferred tipple, and pick up a McDonalds happymeal along the way.
5 El Burro
 
 
 
These reviews reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The comments cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of 24.com, Media24, Internet users in general or the public as a whole. Food24 actively encourages restaurant owners to exercise their right to reply.
 
 

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El Burro

 
EL BURRO
10/06/2013 03:35
Dear I am glad you enjoyed your meals with us. To address your margarita Jug concerns, I think it best to explain the costs behind it: The frozen jugs contain 13 (not 16.5) shots of Olmeca Blanco tequila. That is nearly half a bottle. At R132 a bottle, my cost there is R57.20 on tequila alone. We use only freshly hand squeezed lime juice and organic Agave Syrup instead of triple sec. Both methods are used in Mexico. The current pricing on limes is R30p/kg (year round average is about R48, but lets use R35 for your sake now). Average 10 shots a kilo, at 20 shots in a Jug, the costs here is R60. Agave syrup is R95 per 750ml; add in 10 shots, your cost here is R31.60. Total cost value (excluding Rent, Barman wages, Ice machine electricity, water and maintenance) is R148.80. The standard mark up on cocktails is 300%, so in theory the Jug should be charged at R446 per jug! But we only charge R220. The cost price of using Don Julio or Patron Blanco would push it up to R264 a Jug. So using those tequilas, I would be making a loss. This is simple mathematics. When making frozen margaritas you have to use a lot of ice in order to achieve the fluffy frozen texture and look that people prefer. The problem then lies in that the mix is then diluted somewhat. There is a fine line when trying to achieve the frozen texture, if you add too much lime/tequila/liquid you end up with a liquidy slush. People then confuse this with being watered down. If you try the margaritas shaken on the rocks, then they are actually very strong. As to the accusation that we are watering them down, that is unfounded. We are completely owner run, with one manager who helps us run El Burro as passionately as we do. I would never allow watering down to occur. We put our life savings into El Burro and to think I would risk all of it by cheating customers would be ridiculous. If I do find that was the case on the day of your visit, then disciplinerary action will be taken. There is a strong chance that you misheard the manager on duty, the girls are supposed to tell you when you order your first Jug what the costs are. Not after. I apologize if this was not done. The Jugs have now been listed in the menu to avoid any further confusion. I do hope explaining it in more detail has given this issue more clarity. If you have any questions at all, you are welcome to email me on nic@elburro.co.za or call on 021 433 2364 Best Nic
5 El Burro
 
Sue
10/06/2013 03:02
Joe you are really missing the point here. We normally go a table of 4 and we always order the jug of margarita. The complaint is that it has been watered down and it must be. If 2 people had 30 tots they would not be able to stand!!!!
1 El Burro
 
Joe
10/06/2013 08:58
Been eating here regulary for the last 2 years, if not longer. The food is authentic, fresh, innovative, and prepared well with just enough zing to make you happy. As for the whiners regarding their jugs of margarita mix, I've never once seen it being served in jugs. I always start my meal with one of El Burro's traditional margarita's served over ice, the tequila is topnotch quality not rotgut, and the balance between fresh limejuice and salt always, but always perfect. Perhaps the blokes moaning about their "watered-down"drink should pass this place by, go directly to Ultra Liquors around the corner for their preferred tipple, and pick up a McDonalds happymeal along the way.
5 El Burro
 
Dale
07/06/2013 03:51
We have had the same experience as LJ at El Burro twice. The food is not bad, but the cocktails are seriously watered down. We were also given the same excuse about the crushed ice. Be warned...
1 El Burro
 
Dave
06/06/2013 11:33
Love El Burro! Great Service, Amazing Atmosphere, Brilliant Food The food will probably surprise first timers, as its not the usual greasy mexican that SA is used to. This food is fresh, tasty and inventive, and from what I understand, authentically mexican. Also, TEQUILA!!!
5 El Burro
 
LJ
04/06/2013 02:24
Wondering where to go for lunch, this weekend past, I suggested El Burro in Green Point, as I had a great experience the last time I was there.. As the waitress inquired about our drinks order, my companion suggested margaritas, which made perfect sense, seeing this is a Mexican restaurant. We asked her if they made the margaritas frozen & in jugs, to which she responded that they most certainly do. With the starters and a jug ordered, we settled in. The starters & mains were great, and we proceeded to order another jug. When the bill came, I saw to my amazement, (and horror), that they charged us R420 for 2 jugs of frozen margaritas. (Keep in mind that these jugs were NOT 5 liters each, and the drinks were NOT made with Don Julio or Patron tequila.. In fact, these drinks were pretty weak, considering most of the volume consists of crushed ice!) When I voiced my utter dismay about the amount charged for the ridiculously little amount of alcohol received, I was promptly informed by the manageress on duty, that the correct measurements were followed and that we in fact consumed 33 shots of tequila. And that they encourage their waitresses to only inform their guests about the price of the jugs after the first one! (which never happened by the way) Now, either me and my companion are raging alcoholics, or there are some serious discrepancies here. There are 30 shots of 25ml in a 750ml bottle.. this means we allegedly polished a whole bottle of tequila in 2 hours! If this was the case, we probably would have needed "el wheelburro" to leave the establishment. Gritting my teeth, I paid, and with dark mutterings, we left. So, in conclusion, rather order 4 bottles of wine. You will know exactly where your money went, and at least you'll have the hangover to prove it. The experience left a sour taste in my mouth...pun definitely intended!
1 El Burro
 
cara pratten
03/03/2013 08:12
We visited El Burro during January and were extremely disappointed at just how average the food was. I dont think the chef is at all challenged in having to prepare a few fillings for ready made burritos and tacos. The menu is overpriced in relation to the simplicity of the dishes. Wont return.
1 El Burro
 
Sandi
03/01/2013 09:50
Had another fantastic dining experience at El Burro on 28th December. Great service and the food was amazing, as always. The "Build you own" fish tacos are to die for!
4 El Burro
 
Charlie
20/12/2012 01:01
My husband and I came to your restaurant a week or so ago and had the most awesome evening! We didn't make a reservation, but the managers managed to make a plan for us even though it was a busy night. The staff's recommendations on food and wine were spot on, service was great and there was a fantastic atmosphere. Although the food did take some time, with the complimentary nachos and yummy salsa washed down with a divine, juicy bottle of wine we didn't even notice. perfect for both a date night or a big party of good friends! Thank you! We'll be back :)
5 El Burro
 
Diane
04/07/2012 03:27
Food, Service and Atmosphere totally awesome. Will DEFINITELY make a turn to El Burro again.
5 El Burro
 
theresa
28/06/2012 02:04
food always good and priced reasonably. friendly staff. everyone i took there loved it and has been back
4 El Burro
 
Tessa
28/06/2012 12:13
The best paloma's in SA in Cape Town!!!
4 El Burro
 
Sam
27/06/2012 10:47
Had supper here a couple of weeks ago.The food was awesome. Our waitress Sharon was very helpful. Have to agree with a previous review though about the noise.
4 El Burro
 
Ryan
26/06/2012 03:29
@Don - Yes, Don; don't be a dick. Most restaurants in the CBD and surrounds are closed on Sundays. Don't bother leaving a rating if you've not been to the restaurant. No one likes 'spiteful' Do your research & book in advance for a 'special occasion' next time
4 El Burro
 
 
 
 
These reviews reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The comments cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of 24.com, Media24, Internet users in general or the public as a whole. Food24 actively encourages restaurant owners to exercise their right to reply.
 
 

 

 
 

 

 

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