El Limon

We finally tried this place a couple of weeks ago after driving by it on an almost-​daily basis after having relocated to the suburbs. It is totally delicious and great, with great prices. We will definitely be regulars at this place.

Absolutely terrific! It is the type of Mexican every neighborhood needs. Basic, no frills setup. You are not showing up here for a romantic dinner. You show up here for the food. All of which was spot on. The Pastor tacos were amazing. The salsa’s were super. All of the sides — rice, beans, guacamole were all terrific.
This is the place to go for authentic Mexican. Solid service. Inexpensive.
It can get crowded. May have to wait for a table, but moves quick.

Too noisy for me. The food is less than average. No atmosphere… won’t be back.

Very good place. Pretty authentic. Burritos are huge! They give you one complimentary margaritas with your meal!

So I walked by this place the first time and it was extremely crowded and I thought hmm it must be amazing why people are dying to eat here. I came back a few hours later with my BF & we were seated right away. I ordered a shrimp burrito w/​chipotle sauce and mole sauce on the side. Omg! It was massive, I may have been consuming a small child lol. The burrito was packed with all sorts of goodness and well seasoned. I could only eat half at the time but it was worth every bite. I will definitely be going back very soon.

While I enjoyed my meal here (tacos el pastor and carnitas), I got sick by the time I got home. It lasted for 2 full days which was unpleasant as I was traveling overseas. It was the longest 8-​hour flight ever. Later a friend told me he knew of more people who got sick after eating here.

I fell in love with El Limon’s Conshy location and I really couldn’t be happier that they have expanded to so many locations. These folks have the right idea– make good food at affordable prices. And their success shows this formula is working for them!
Got a chance to visit their Ardmore location recently. I’m actually really glad this location wasn’t here when I was student in the area 10 years ago… Forget about Freshman 15, I would have probably gained a Freshman 30!
Like others mentioned, this used to be a Subway and the owners didn’t spend a ton of money on new décor– this is not that kind of place and that is ok. I’d rather have a great priced, delicious meal and sacrifice ambiance. The food is very consistent with the Conshohocken location– I ordered my usual– vegetable burrito with tomatillo sauce. Amazing! I couldn’t really tell you much about the rest of the menu because I can’t resist this dish.
I’m really glad they expanded to the Main Line– I hope this location is a success for the great team at El Limon. I sure will be visiting whenever I’m in the area.

Do you guys hear that? Shhh be quiet for one second and listen. Oh that is the sound of boards being put up at Chipotle a few doors down. Chipotle you might as well pack it up, call it a day, because Ardmore West Shopping center is in need of a new tenant.
Simply the best, authentic Mexican meal you can buy in the burbs. What is even better they are literally about a half of a mile from my parents house in Ardmore. I discovered El Limon when I was working in the Conshohocken/​Norristown area a while back.
I would go there at least twice a week, where they knew me as «El Jefe de Gringos». It does sound bad, but it really isn’t I didn’t mind it because we joked around a lot. I’d receive a complimentary margarita (these are free) or taco from those guys so it worked out.
Where else can you experience a freshly made dishes with those ingredients, herbs and spices hitting your taste buds like a kid to a piñata? Mind you we are in the suburbs, we are leaving Philly out of this. Like I had mentioned prior, this is the best spot to really enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
I could go on about their ridiculously over stuffed burritos, tamales that will have you moaning or those flavorful tacos, down to the authentic dishes like Sopes. I could even mention the Mole that will have you saying «Holy MOLE» you are good, or let’s bust out a Torta and let me see if you can try to hold back some kind of enjoyment.
I could go on, but I’ll leave that up for you to try. I am happy to see El Limon here on the main line, I’ll surely be a regular, and maybe I can get those freebies again.
Go in and enjoy, you’ll be satisfied.

We went a second time, in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, a little later into the early evening, and while the food was once again good, we got a rude surprise of sorts about halfway through the meal.
In my first review, I had compared El Limon to restaurants in the Norristown area, noting that one doesn’t always feel entirely welcome in «neighborhood» Mexican spots. Noise levels in many of them are insanely high, something that I’ve attributed to cultural differences and the sub-​30ish age of many of the employees and customers.
El Limon seemed like a welcome change, but it went to an insane decibel level on our second visit, as soon as the kitchen staff decided to entertain themselves with thumpy, jumpy, accordion and horn-​drenched Norteño music blaring out of the ceiling speakers. Our conversation at the table pretty much ended, as did the enjoyment. I mentioned it, in Spanish, to the manager on the way out the back door, and he seemed almost defiantly unimpressed by my observations about the noise and the customer experience.
It’s a shame, really, because the food is quite good. Perhaps we’ll head up Lancaster Ave. and see if the atmosphere is more relaxing at the Bryn Mawr location.

It’s delicious and very convenient easy parking delicious food at low prices will definitely be back for more

First time here. Thank you Unilocalers for another great recommendation. With parking behind the store and out on lancaster avenue it’s easy to get here, even a bus stop out front, a train station a few blocks away, so everyone can get here.
Started off with salsa, guacamole, and chips. Chips were fresh made, I saw them frying them. Salsa and guacamole were delicious too. Salsa had a little kick. Guac was chunky and creamy.
Tacos are $ 2.50 ea a la carte. I couldn’t decide so I had 4 — chorizo, carne asada, tinga (marinated chicken) and al pastor, each was delicious. Wife had three al pastor enchiladas with the green mole sauce.
This was a delicious dinner and all the food was $ 32 including side orders of rice and beans too.
Did I mention free margaritas. Pretty ordinary but the price was right after all.
Simple. Done well. No frills. Interesting to see senior citizens, families (multi generational), folks like the wife and I in our 40’s, college kids and even groups of high school kids having a cheap Friday dinner.
Can’t wait to go back. This was lovely.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this little restaurant tucked in a corner of Lancaster Ave. I’ve seen the lines, however, and had an inkling that it was likely something special. I wasn’t disappointed. My sister and I had fajitas and enchiladas respectively. The mole on the enchiladas was to die for, rich, thick and smoky. My sister’s shrimp fajitas were perfectly cooked. The service was delightful, wonderful staff who were genuine and helpful. Overall, a five star experience!

Seriously, who doesn’t love El Limon? You come here for one thing only: cheap and delicious food – AND THEY SATISFY.
The tacos are $ 2.50 each and they are fabulous. Honestly. I feel like I could just end the review right here. In short: the Tinga and Carnitas are the way to go. For an extra $ 0.25 you can make the tacos «supreme» which is just a simple way of saying they’ll add all the good stuff (sour cream, cheese, etc.) on top. The salsa is great. The guacamole is YUM.
The service is also awesome. Everyone is friendly and, it’s true, it can be a little slow at times, but only because it’s packed at peak dinner hours. I will also add that knowing how to speak Spanish goes a long way here!
One other thing: El Limon has awesome catering options. I ordered a few taco trays ($ 45 each) and the rice and bean trays (which could feed an army) and fed 45 people for around $ 4 per person, AND had leftovers. Unbelievable! The cashier even helped me carry everything to my car during their dinner rush.
I am a happy and proud regular here. Bring your friends, bring your parents, bring your date, cater a whole event, WHATEVER. You’ll be happy you did. Enough said!

Steven B is right, the atmosphere is lacking but I didn’t come to a place like El Limon for the atmosphere, I came for the cheap eats that are authentic! Do not throw some tacky paintings on the wall just to add 4 bucks to my burrito.
Wait staff is super friendly and happy to recommend items, haven’t been led astray yet.
I’m super happy with every item I have gotten, Burritos, Nachos, Tacos… all home runs. The meats are well seasoned and cooked to perfection. I’ve had the Tinga and the Al Pastor… so tender and flavorful!
BYOB is a huge plus! This place is almost always packed which means the food is fresh and you can really taste it! Bravo El Limon, Bravo… you are doing it right on so many levels.

This really is the best Mexican on the main line! The price is right, 2.50 for tacos! Food is super fresh and made to order. I had the grilled chicken tacos special style with tomatoes, lettuce and cheese (no sour cream for me) and they were great by themselves but even better with the supplied sides of salsa and salsa verde.
There is no special ambiance but who cares? You’re not coming here for a 20 year anniversary dinner, you’re coming for some good food with friends!

Long long ago there was a time where McThrill saw the potential in opening up an authentic Mexican Restaurant in the Main Line due to severe lack of them that the area has been plagued by for the past several decades. But due to the surge of Chipolte & Tex Mex options, spots like Tired Hands & Rittenhouse Deli catching onto the idea with their taco options, and places like Bestio and El Limon moving in; it stands to reason that he probably should have been much more silent with his idea.
But so long as neither of those places matched his idea 100%, and it leads to him oftentimes being flustered by the number of solid taco and burrito options that are around here now; McThrill has learned to get down to its movement and its guacamole filled gusto. And out of all of the options that have emerged, I’ve been able to dub El Limon the spot that delivers it best! And even though this spot doesn’t look like much, it’s one that delivers and lives up to the authentic representation that the other El Limon locations live up to.
The one true to this spot is that it being built within a spot that used to be a former Subway sandwich shop does significantly hamper its style and atmosphere. But after coming out of living in within South Philly for so many years I’ve learned that some of the best and most authentic Mexican food can be found within the biggest hole in the walls. And in its own legit way it lives up to that type of reputation.
With each of them pricing in at $ 2.50 a pop; it’s near impossible not to go a few selections from their stacked taco menu that’s loaded with chorizo, al pastor, carnitas, veggie, and other options and add on a plate of chips w/​guacamole for good measure. But its pretty easy to find yourself craving fajitas, tostadas, enchiladas, huge burritos, and other options. But whatever you do you should try to save room for some dessert since they also make an incredible flan and tres leches cake.

Steven B’s top five tips for enjoying an amazing meal here. Trust me, I know these things.
Tip #1– THERE IS NO ATMOSPHERE! The owner took over an old Subway, painted the walls, and called it a day. There are no decorations. The tables and chairs are nondescript. Your dreams of a romantic Mexican dinner are dashed before you enter,
Tip #2 — DO NOT COME HERE FOR THE FREE MARGARITAS. Yes they are free but remember the old adage, «You don’t get something for nothing,» The ABV is .1%. Drink them to wash down amazing food or pay for a soda. You are NEVER going to get wasted here. Reminder, this joint is BYOB.
Tip #3 — EMBRACE DIVERSITY — Don’t plan on discussing the current presidential campaign with the wait staff. The wait staff here is young and friendly and fully capable of taking your order with no mistakes but English is a second language, if you would like to order in Spanish; you’re in the right place,
Tip #4 — SAUCES. If you order anything other than the amazing tacos, your dish is likely to be sauced. They have a HEAVY HAND here. If that is a problem they will be happy to serve your sauce on the side.
Tip #5 — MOLE. The mole here is incredible with layers and layers of flavor. The foodies would say that the favor profile was off the charts! If you are into it, this is the place.
You can drive five minutes down the street and have a Mexican chain experience, if you are looking for amazing food at ¹⁄₃ the cost, this is the place!

The Reverend Dr. Steak and I took a nice stroll up the «Pike» on a lovely Friday night and ended up at El Limon. The place was hopping, with almost every table filled. A good sign.
First thing we noticed: It was warmer inside than outside, which is only a welcome sensation in the winter.
Second thing we noticed: Dirty. Seriously, I know you’re busy but there was no attempt to sweep the tile floors ever by anyone. Little bits of chips and tomato and lettuce all over.
We were seated promptly at a two-​top along the ‘main drag’ passageway for servers to get from one area of the restaurant to the other. Seeing as how it was busy people were passing by us very regularly. Our server came and we ordered two different kinds of burritos. We were offered margueritas and gladly accepted, they were very good. They got empty and we waited for someone to either offer a refill or something else to drink. And waited. And waited. We counted 12 times people passed us by, including 4 times when we attempted to flag, before someone showed up with the drink refill offer.
We ordered the chips and salsa. Salsa was lovely, chips were overdone, we thought. Burritos, on the other hand, were excellent and saved the experience. Flavorful. Fresh, tomatillo sauce was perfect. This is the stuff of a good burrito.
Service was minimal, even as the place emptied out.
I struggled here between 3 and 4 stars. Ultimately, I went with 3 because the only true rockstar element was the burrito.

With the exception of their tortilla chips (which are way too thick for me and didn’t appear to be salted), this place is really good! I had a chicken tinga taco topped with onions and cilantro which was good, although the chicken was a little dry — no bother — I just squeezed some lime juice on there. I really enjoyed the pork carnitas sope — a nice helping of really flavorful, juicy pork on top of, according to the menu, a homemade corn tortilla (which was really more of like a little corn cake thing), along with some refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream. It was sooo good — definitely getting it again next time I go. Their salsa (pico de gallo style) and guacamole were both perfect. But those chips though… :(
Service was friendly and quick. Oh, and as another reviewer mentioned, their toilet is so low to the ground that it made me laugh — it is definitely toddler-​sized! Anyway, can’t wait to go to El Limon again — hmmm… maybe this week!

Great spot for a quick, tasty and well-​priced meal! Every time I have driven past this new spot, I notice the cheesy sign but I also see it filled with happy-​looking diners, so my sister and I decided to try it out. We wanted a snack between lunch and dinner, so we each ordered one taco — for just $ 2.50!
The steak in my taco was chewier than I would have liked, but the toppings and salsas brought a nice overall taste. The service was fast and friendly. Can’t wait to return for a full lunch or dinner. Highly recommend! What a great addition to the Ardmore area.