ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Harlem
Master Critic Review
El Porton Mexican Restaurant & Bar
8.2
El Porton is a longtime Mexican standby near Columbia where steak fajitas, oversized burritos, and frozen margaritas draw students and neighborhood regulars late into the night. The room feels like a compact lounge, with Frida Kahlo art, loud music, and strong value on combo plates and drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fajitas El Porton, California Burrito, Guacamole Tostada
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Mexican bar where fajitas and margaritas anchor long, affordable nights.
Who should go: Casual groups and students craving hearty Mexican with margaritas.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or late-night hours for full energy.
What to order: Fajitas El Porton, California Burrito, Guacamole Tostada.
Insider tip: Ask for the largest margarita size if you’re sharing at the table.