El Compa

4.8 (95)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Mexican

1889 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H8

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly
Vegan-friendly

El Compa, The Friend, serves up the best of Mexico's street food in the Hastings Sunrise neighborhood.
With fresh guacamole and authentic Mexican flavours, we are all about authenticity, simplicity and - above all - delicious tacos.

Come to El Compa for friends, tacos and mezcal. What more do you really need?

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

There’s more to explore

Discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Scan the QR code to discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Open app

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(604) 428-7975
Website
http://www.elcompayvr.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Pablo Diego
Catering
We can cater any size event in any location. You can email us at hola@elcompayvr.com
Private party facilities
At El Compa, we bring the vibrant energy of Mexico to life for your special occasion. Whether you’re planning a celebration, intimate wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or a gathering with loved ones, our space offers the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories. We can accommodate up to 30 guests seated or 50 guests reception-style.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
1889 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H8
Neighborhood
Hastings / Sunrise
Cross street
Victoria Dr/ Powell st.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus stop 50496
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 95 people are saying

El Compa reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8

4.8 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

95 Reviews

M
Marisol
Vancouver1 review
5.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very tasty, they brings Mexican taste. The best tacos are cochinita, asada, rajas con queso. The sauces are really good. We will back for sure.
Is this helpful?
M
Myriam
Vancouver1 review
5.0
Dined on June 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What an amazing experience! The food and drinks were amazing and the staff was so kind. The vibe is wonderful and the prices are hard to beat. We will be coming back soon!
Is this helpful?
R
Rica
Vancouver1 review
5.0
Dined on June 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This unassuming spot in East Vancouver just made it to our rotation list. It's super cute and simple inside. You won't find the usual banderitas and loud reggaeton music blaring, the hanging plants were nice and adds a touch of freshness to the space. We went on a Monday for the All-You-Can Eat Tacos which they used to only serve on Mondays, but it looks like they serve it everyday of the week they are open nowadays. If you reserve you only pay $30.00 but if you walk-in it will be $35.00. I tried the Cochinita, Asada, Pollo Con Mole, Rajas Con Crema and Jamaica tacos and I enjoyed each of them. The jamaica stood out for me as I only use jamaica for making agua fresca. I'm sure the vegetarians would enjoy the jamaica and the Rajas con Crema. My favourite is the Cochinita and Asada. Overall, we will return to this place to enjoy their tacos and practice my Spanish. I hope that this place will keep getting better!
Is this helpful?
C
Carlos
Vancouver1 review
5.0
Dined on June 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This was a great find! As a fellow Mexican that's long been hurting for a good taste of home El Compa definitely knocks it out of the park. Me and some friends came in for their All-You-Can-Eat taco special and every taco hit impeccably--particularly the cochinita and rajas. That said, the quality of the food was good enough that it warrants paying regular price for them if it means they can keep up with the quality. Our server Jorge did a fantastic job and was very friendly though a little overwhelmed as they seemed understaffed. Truly good and genuine Mexican food is hard to find in Vancouver, restaurants either don't last or find themselves with the need to change up their menu and the quality dips so this is one that I recommend everyone rush to support so that they can keep up the good work.
Is this helpful?
A
Abbe
Edinburgh5 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 30, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lovely dinner with friends. Really enjoyed the margaritas and especially the hibiscus flower tacos.
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa Gold
Vancouver2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was so delicious and service so helpful. The space is gorgeous.
Is this helpful?
A
Alan
London7 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Food was very average. We were the only customers but were not made to feel welcome. Zero hospitalty.
Is this helpful?
K
Kelly
Vancouver1 review
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My sons treated me to Brunch on Mothers Day. They raved about the spectacular flavor profiles, great portions and authentic menu items. Brunch is available on weekends. We had chilequiles, enfrijoladas papas churros waffles with chocolate sauce, cafe de olla, and they make amazing salsas to top off the scrumptious cuisine. Our waiter explained carefully, the origin of the recipes and ingredients. At the end I received a very touching Mothers Day Card from El Compa. It's an easy spot to miss along Powell St, by Victoria, but worth seeking out. Your nose and taste buds will forever be grateful! 10/10.
Is this helpful?
A
Abraham Gold
Vancouver1 review
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Being born and raised in Mexico, it’s great to find a place that feels so close to home. The asada tacos and frijoles are outstanding. Would also recommend the jalapeño margarita and hibiscus mezcal. Finding “pasta” ice cream was a very nice surprise too. Overall would recommend and I’ll definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
A
Anna
Vancouver5 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food! We went for brunch and it was delicious and good value.
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Mexican, Traditional Mexican, Mexican / Southwestern
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(604) 428-7975
Website
http://www.elcompayvr.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Pablo Diego
Catering
We can cater any size event in any location. You can email us at hola@elcompayvr.com
Private party facilities
At El Compa, we bring the vibrant energy of Mexico to life for your special occasion. Whether you’re planning a celebration, intimate wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or a gathering with loved ones, our space offers the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories. We can accommodate up to 30 guests seated or 50 guests reception-style.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
1889 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H8
Neighborhood
Hastings / Sunrise
Cross street
Victoria Dr/ Powell st.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Bus stop 50496
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

El Compa

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Beverages

Mexican CokeCA$7.00

JarritosCA$6.00

SquirtCA$7.00

HorchataCA$6.00

JamaicaCA$5.00

CoffeeCA$4.50

CokeCA$3.00

Diet CokeCA$3.00

Cocktails

Margarita FrozenCA$12.00

Margarita RocksCA$12.00

Jalapeno RitaCA$14.00

CantaritoCA$15.00

Luz de FuegoCA$10.00

MisticoCA$14.00

Beer

CoronaCA$8.00

Modelo EspecialCA$9.00

Negra ModeloCA$9.00

PacificoCA$9.00

Lager Slow HandCA$9.00

Pale Ale Strange Fellows 16 ozCA$8.00

MicheladaCA$3.00

Corona 0%CA$6.00

Local SeasonalCA$9.00

Beer BundleCA$25.00

Wine

Pinot Gris - Red Rooster GlassCA$14.00

Cab Merlot - Red Rooster GlassCA$14.00

Spirits

RyeCA$12.00

VodkaCA$12.00

GinCA$12.00

Flights

The flightCA$38.00

Brunch Drinks

Mexican CoffeeCA$4.75

Regular CoffeeCA$4.00

NA ClamatoCA$7.00

Orange JuiceCA$4.00

Pineapple JuiceCA$4.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Additional information

Permanently Closed