El Padrino Restaurant

Finally, a hidden gem I've been searching for. These are the hidden spots that make the search worth while. Expect authentic Mexican and Salvadorian food. We were stuffed after ordering enchiladas and papusa and taco dish. To find it you'll have to go park at the back which is where the entrance is. As mentioned it's a hidden spot. Go out of your way for authenticity.

My daughter came and picked me up for dinner. She wanted tacos and there was a new restaurant on 17th she wanted to try. It was Il Padrino. Now, the outside may not be enticing but once you get inside, you are transported to somewhere south of the border - the US border!! The restaurant is small with three booths in front of the bar, some stools around the bar, and two booths in the upper part behind the bar. And, despite being hidden away, it is a very busy place!! The first time we went, we were the only people seated. The owner and his wife chatted with us a bit. He was very friendly and explained the menu and the food items. There are many choices. The Pupusa, a Salvadorian specialty, is a must try! There are several awesome combination plates to try. We choose the #3 with 2 Papusas and 2 tacos. We also ordered some taquitos. Later, we saw some glasses of Horchata being served. We were excited as we love horchata but it is difficult to find some that isn't a powdered drink. We quickly ordered two glasses. We were in heaven with the first sip. Just the right amount of sweetness and cinnamon. Yummy!! When the food arrived, we were in awe! It looked so delicious! We dug right in. Now it is hard to say what was our favourite. We both loved the tacos! They were the reason we came after all. But the papusas were delish especially when eaten with the 'coleslaw'. Very refreshing. But, for me, I really enjoyed the tacquitos. They were crispy flutes of goodness! The dipping sauces added to the tastes. There was a green sauce which was a bit milder than the red sauce, but both were great. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The authenticity of the food really took you away from Calgary! But, the owner's concern for his patrons was a true passion, I am sure. He was very attentive, friendly and 'a really nice guy". With his wife's authentically delicious cooking and his Salvadorian hospitality, this place will flourish! ***. It has been just over a week since I first went to El Padrino and, already we were back. You know when you have something so good, you just had to have it again. I wanted tacquitos and horchata so badly, we went again. But, strangely, we did not order tacquitos but we shared an order of shrimp and chips and another order to tacos. The shrimp and chips were so fresh and tasty! The shrimp were in a light batter that did not over power the delicate flavour of the shrimp, which were big and plump. The chips were homemade with just the right amount of salt on them. It was served with a sour cream dip which had quite a kick to it. Delish!! The tacos are served on two corn tortillas with onion and cilantro. We chose chorizo but they have lots of meats to choose from. These were fresh and tasty. Of course, we both ordered a horchata. Again, a very good meal. The owner had to do his weekly shopping but he stopped by to thank us for coming again and to say his nephew would look after us. His nephew, about 14, is already a great host! I guess he learned from his uncle! Needless to say, we will be back. Really soon!! Thanks again for a great time!

Nice little spot tucked away in the NE serving very tasty Salvadoran dishes! The staff were friendly and jovial and helped us understand the food we were unfamiliar with! It's a little dark inside but the kind and welcoming staff and delicious food more than make that up! Check it out!Food: 5/5

Incredible food, the most friendly and fun waitress, and all around wonderful experience. We enjoyed the yucca, chiccarones, plantain, fried Tilapia, pupusas, taquitos, and tacos. Go with a big group with big appetites so you can try lots of the menu items!Recommended dishesPupusas

Came here on Friday to try their pupusas and it was amazing! Also tried the beef tongue taco, it was delicious and very tender. Amazing service; Letizia was very helpful. Highly recommend Food: 5/5

Forget the Mexican restaurants downtown, if you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall with amazing food at great prices then look no further. Just the right amount of options on the menu with Mexican and Salvadoran dishes to choose from. The staff is great and very kind. almost didn’t want to write this review to keep it a secret but they deserve the business.

Unbelievable El Salvadoran pupusa and tacos!! Great service, great cook! Thank you Anna and Martita! Will certainly come back. My son and I truly enjoyed our meal.

Amazing food! We had the beef tacos and the taquitos dorados, both were super good. Wait was about 20 minutes for food. They’re located behind the building were the parking lot is, and there’s lots of available parking. Lots of great options, we’ll definitely be going back

We came on a Saturday afternoon to eat and once we ordered were told constantly that items we ordered were out !! The gave the items to uber eat instead of giving to the customers being present. 80 % of their menu was out already!! No kids menu!. Never coming back here. Don't waste your time coming here!!

They have the best pupusas. Their salsa is D salsa, other places water down the tomato salsa but not them. They have good combos and they have always been friendly. Well this has been my experience.Food: 4/5