Tale of the Tape: El Rey
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Stephen Starr’s El Rey has taken possession of the old Midtown IV Diner on Chestnut Street but the diner DNA is very much still visible.
The Name
- El Rey means “The King”
- The name was inspired by name of a town in the 1972 Steve McQueen film, the Getaway
- It was the name of the Mexican town where American fugitives were hiding
The Space
- 1970s vibe
- The diner booths remain as does the counter area
- Decor is made up of found objects from flea markets of Mexico and Los Angeles
- Artwork from prison artitsts
- There is no public access to the Ranstead Room from El Rey
The Food
- Former Xochitl executive chef Dionicio Jimenez is in the kitchen.
- Where Starr’s El Vez features a culinary twist on Mexican cuisine, El Rey offers more authenic Mexican
- menu represents Puebla and Vera Cruz regions of Mexico.
- Menu highlights:
- Chile en Nogada  – Stuffed poblano pepper, ground beef, almonds, dried fruit, walnut sauce
- Tacos Arabes – Lamb tacos
- Short Rib Torta
- Ceviche
- Prices range from $5 to $25
- Check out the dinner, lunch and brunch menus below
The Drinks
- It is a beer and tequila bar
- Draft Beers
- Yuengling Lager
- Summit Great Northern Porter
- Boulder Single Track Copper
- Southampton Double White Ale
- Victory Hop Devil
- Beer is available by glass or pitchers
- 17 Tequilas
- Shots range from $8 for Milagro Blanco to $25 for Don Julio 1942
- Cocktail highlights
- Tamarind Margarita
- Michelada
- There is a collection of wines available by the glass or bottle.
- You’ll have to go out and around to Ranstead Street if you want a cocktail.
El Rey
2013 Chestnut St
215-563-3330
More on El Rey
Seventies Style Mexican Diner to Open [KYW 1060 (Audio)]
Photo and Menu Time at El Rey [The Insider]
Menus
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