El Cid: Not Your Momma’s Margaritas (But Brad’s Momma’s Margaritas)
Just off Winchester Road lies one of Lexington's many streets lined with chic boutiques and businesses, busy breweries, and a few restaurants that are making National Avenue one of our city's newest hot spots. El Cid sits on the corner of National Avenue and Walton Avenue and whether the colorful lights illuminating the outside igloos draw you in or the hope that a margarita might transport your mind & spirit to a warm tropical paradise, this is one spot you don't want to miss.
The outdoor igloos feel appropriate for a cold January night, but when they are aren't available, settle in at the heated bar located on their cozy first floor and get ready for an experience.
El Cid feels like a festive Mexican bar on Cinco-de-Mayo with its bright decor and green and white florals that drape over and around the bar.
Not only does the Art Deco vibe feel young, fresh, and a little edgy (think Instagram photo-op spot) but their bar area boasts multiple TVs — prime for cheering on the Cats.
Lunch and dinner are expected, but every brunch lover in town will be happy to know that El Cid has you covered. The $.99 Sunday mimosa special is the perfect way to start a Sunday, but Brad, El Cid's dynamic bartender, might just convince you to stay a little longer and try one of his signature margaritas. Brad’s recipes were passed down by his margarita-loving mom and he named his creations after songs by popular 90’s band, Sublime.
Naturally, it's too difficult to choose between “We Don’t Practice Santa Rita” and “Caress Me Down”, so we recommend ordering both! Twist our arm why don’t yah, Brad.
Brad wastes no time getting to work — limes, lemons, and oranges are freshly squeezed and muddled. The rim of the margarita glasses coated in your choice of salt or tajína and when a jalapeño garnish is requested, Brad will check your preferred pepper temperature before splitting open a fresh dark green jalapeño to plop in your freshly made margarita. El Cid is known for their margaritas but they are famous for their tacos. Spicy & sweet margaritas can be partnered with creamy chorizo queso, freshly grilled shrimp street tacos, savory pulled chicken fajita tacos, and made-fresh-daily guacamole topped with pickled onions and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. But the menu certainly doesn't stop there.
Between El Cid’s fresh ingredients, memorable service, and eclectic ambience it’s no surprise that they are gaining quite the following in both of their locations (S. Limestone & National Ave.).