El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant and Bar

- 746 Carlton St #752, Elizabeth, NJ 07202

For New Jersey diners seeking a vibrant, authentic, and fun-filled Mexican and Tex-Mex dining experience, El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant and Bar in Elizabeth is a must-visit destination. More than just a place to grab a meal, this establishment is a large-scale entertainment venue that successfully combines exceptional dining with a lively bar and a full calendar of engaging events. It caters to a wide audience, serving as a dedicated Mexican restaurant, a lively bar, and even offering specific menus for breakfast and brunch, ensuring a dynamic experience no matter the time of day.

El Nacho’s Cantina distinguishes itself in the local food scene by offering a deep menu that extends beyond standard Tex-Mex fare. While the foundations are firm—with Titos Nachos, Burritos, and Quesadillas—the menu also features authentic Mexican staples like TACO BIRRIA and unique, flavorful items such as Camarones Al Ajillo, Toston De Chicharron, and the massive MOLCAJETE DE MARISCOS. This variety ensures that whether you’re craving a classic Asada taco or a specialty seafood dish, your taste buds will be satisfied.

The atmosphere here is a major draw. The space is noted by local patrons as being "HUGE" with beautiful ambiance, taking full advantage of the real estate to host a variety of performances and themed nights throughout the week. This combination of great food, great drinks (including a stellar selection of cocktails and beer), and a lively, trendy setting makes El Nacho's Cantina an ideal spot for a night out, a festive brunch, or a casual, flavor-packed dinner.

Location and Accessibility

El Nacho’s Cantina is conveniently situated at 746 Carlton St #752, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA. Its location is a significant advantage for New Jersey residents, often described as being right on the 1&9 corridor, which is excellent for visibility and travel access across the region. The size of the establishment is notable, giving it the capacity to host large crowds and events.

Accessibility is a priority at the Cantina, ensuring all guests feel welcome. The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking lot, wheelchair-accessible restroom, and specific wheelchair-accessible seating options. Parking is made simple with the convenience of both a free parking lot on-site and the added luxury of valet parking, which eliminates any stress about finding a spot, especially during busy weekend events or peak dining hours. Furthermore, the establishment welcomes pets in its outdoor seating areas, adding another level of local convenience.

Services Offered

The range of services at El Nacho’s Cantina is designed for maximum customer satisfaction and flexibility, reflecting its status as a full-service restaurant and bar:

• Dine-in: Offering comfortable seating, table service, and a lively atmosphere, this is the best way to experience the full Cantina vibe, especially during live music or themed events.
• Outdoor Seating: A fantastic option for enjoying the New Jersey weather, especially for patrons who wish to dine with their dogs, as pets are allowed in this area.
• Takeout: Convenient service for ordering ahead and picking up Mexican favorites to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Partnering with delivery services to bring the Cantina's full menu directly to homes and offices throughout the Elizabeth area.
• Catering: Professional services are available for special events, bringing the flavor and fun of El Nacho’s to private parties and gatherings in the New Jersey region.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, and brunch reservations are specifically recommended due to the popularity of their weekend events, allowing guests to plan ahead and secure their spot.

Features / Highlights

El Nacho’s Cantina shines through its extensive features, which elevate the dining experience into a full-fledged social outing:

• Exceptional Bar Program: Known for a great beer selection and creative cocktails, the Cantina features incredible signature drinks like the Big Mama Margarita and various frozen options including Passion Fruit and Mango. Happy hour drinks and food are offered, making it a great local spot for after-work socializing.
• Live Entertainment & Events: A major highlight is the constant rotation of events, including live music, themed nights (such as R&B nights on Fridays mentioned in reviews), Salsa Events, Lucha Libre Brunch, and social activities like Hookah & Paint, making every visit a unique experience.
• Dining Flexibility: Serving all day, the Cantina is popular for Lunch, Dinner, and especially its themed Brunch options. They also offer late-night food, catering to the late-night crowd.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The Cantina is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and considered a Transgender safespace, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, including families and groups.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond Mexican/Tex-Mex, the menu includes Comfort food, Healthy options, Vegetarian options, and even Organic dishes, showing a commitment to diverse dietary needs. They also serve small plates, perfect for tasting and sharing among a group.
• Authentic and Unique Items: The menu features unique items that serve as a "local specialty," integrating elements beyond typical Mexican food, such as Mofongo De Mariscos and Toston De Chicharron, appealing to a broader palate in the diverse New Jersey community.

Contact Information

For bookings, reservations (especially for brunch or group events), or to inquire about the weekly event schedule, New Jersey patrons can reach the Cantina using the following information:

• Address: 746 Carlton St #752, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA
• Phone: (908) 355-0077
• Mobile Phone: +1 908-355-0077

What is Worth Choosing

El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant and Bar is worth choosing for New Jersey diners who value an experience that goes beyond a simple meal. While the food is undoubtedly central—with satisfying options like the flavorful Carnitas tacos, the pleasant surprise of the fish tacos, and huge platters like the Picada Northena—the atmosphere and event programming are the key differentiators. This establishment successfully provides a trendy, cozy, and vibrant setting, making it suitable for a quiet dinner but exceptional for a celebratory outing.

Patrons are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the special offers, such as the noted Taco Tuesday deals with discounted tacos and margaritas, which provide a great way to sample the menu and the highly-praised cocktail selection. The staff, as highlighted in customer reviews, is attentive and professional, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience. The availability of diverse dining options—from quick bites to late-night food, and the essential comfort food to healthy choices—means there truly is something for everyone.

For families, the presence of a dedicated kids' menu and high chairs ensures a comfortable visit. For groups, the large space, capacity to accept reservations, and lively atmosphere make it an ideal gathering spot. When you choose El Nacho’s Cantina, you are not just choosing Mexican food; you are choosing a comprehensive, unforgettable piece of Elizabeth, NJ’s nightlife and dining culture, complete with live entertainment and an inclusive, high-energy environment.

El Nacho’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant and Bar

746 Carlton St #752, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, USA