We really enjoyed this place. Food was good. Service was good. Margaritas were good! Food is pretty typical mexican, but they serve black beans which were tasty. This place was less pricey than other local places, and less crowded. Went on a Friday evening and no wait! We will definitely make this our regular mexican place.
(5)
Paul C.
Zapata is a modest, family-run restaurant that has been open for many years. It is popular, and appeared to have a loyal following of "regular" customers. We dined just after 5:00 on a Friday night. The dining room was moderately crowded, and our party of five was seated immediately. Service was friendly and efficient. Our orders came out shortly after they were placed. Zapata offer a variety of soups and that caught my attention. I decided to try the Seafood Soup. The soup is described as shrimp, scallops, and fish. It was a hearty soup that included rice, the seafood mentioned, and topped wtih avocado slices.The broth was tasty, and I liked the fresh advocado slices. There were small peices of meat (maybe pork) that was tough to chew. The shrimp and scallops were cut up into very small peices. I thought the soup was just okay. Overall I thought Zapata was good, but not outstanding. It was very similar to many other Mexican restaurants in town.
(3)
Marshall M.
This is the best Mexican food in town, especially for the price. Their CoronaRitas are matched by no other.
(5)
Chris J.
Lunch with the Wifey on Thursday. Salsa was bland, but asked if had spicy salsa. Brought a Habanero based salsa that was hot and we liked. Too hot for most, but perfect mixed with mild. I had Chile Relleno with cheesy beef mixture. It was a mound of meat with a half chile on top. Not a stuffed Poblano like I prefer. Good seasoning on meat. Black beans, rice and tossed salad. Beans were flavorful. Wifey had chicken flautas. The chicken was well seasoned and rolled in crispy fried corn tortillas. Large portions for lunch. Washed it all down with a pitcher of lime margaritas on the rocks. Neon green, but great taste with perfect amount of alcohol. Prices are cheap compared to other restaurants in the area.
(3)
Will L.
Zapata was one of the last Mexican joints in town that I'd yet to try out. When I found myself craving a taste from south of the border, I was luckily blocks from from from this stop. It's located in a small strip mall on the Hoover-Pelham border. Parking is ample, so that's one less thing. We were quickly and kindly seated. Our margarita (on the rocks) order came out quickly... maybe too quickly. These definitely are the pre-made margaritas that almost glow bright green. Not terrible, but not what I hoped for. We decided to share fajitas and beef floutas. Both were good, but the fajitas were the better option. The floutas just seemed to be a bit too greasy. I was sold on them because they came with a spicy sauce. Sadly, the sauce didn't have a ton of flavor. Over all, Zapata is a totally acceptable Mexican Restaurant. While I won't make a special trip, I'd totally dine here again when I'm nearby.
(4)
Jen M.
Stopped in the area overnight and found this place on Yelp. Seems to be locals and travelers alike. Good salsa, delicious margaritas and can't beat the prices. Service was great. Overall, very happy with dinner.
(4)
Sara C.
Your basic Mexican food can be found here. It's nothing fancy but you can get a lot of food at a good price. They have been in business for 15-20 years in the same spot so they must be doing something right. Inside is super-clean and tidy. I recently visited with a group of nine gals and they kept our drinks filled and and the chip bowls full. Service is swift and friendly. Our group ended up being the last table there but they didn't try to rush us out the door.
(4)
Gordon K.
I have eaten at many Mexican food restaurants in Birmingham, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, San Diego and the Los Angeles area. Well, I have tried some in Manhattan and Long Island, also. However, the NYC area is not known for great Mexican food. Zapata is mediocre at best. The food is too salty and does not stand out. Zapata is like so many of the numerous other Tex-Mex restaurants now in the area in that it relies on salt and grease instead of fresh, flavorful ingredients. The food is not terrible, but it is not worth a visit, either. There are much better selections in town. The service was efficient and friendly and the salsa was good, although too watery. Prices are moderate to inexpensive. Sales tax here is 8%.
(2)
Roy R.
Six of us had great meals here at a very good price today. Fish special was superb. So was fajita plate. Give this place a try. You'll be glad you did.
(4)
CJ B.
It's the salsa people. The salsa is what makes this place a Pelham staple. Decent margaritas too
(4)
Terje D.
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in town and our go-to place when we are in the mood for big margaritas, spicy salsa, great guacamole, grilled beef and shrimps. The fajitas here are excellent, well flavored and tender. It's one of the few places that serve shrimp chiles rellenos, and their fried seafood tacos are great too. Mountains of food, very reasonably priced in a friendly, home-style atmosphere. What is there not to like?
(5)
Sneha P.
Great fresh mexican food and very friendly service! Many vegetarian options.
(4)
Dawn G.
Hands down-best Mexican in town!!!!
(5)
Charlie S.
This is really good mexican food. It's never too crowded at lunch and the service has always been speedy. I love the burrito relleno lunch dish, and the salsa they give you when you arrive doesn't seem like it came from a can.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Anna M.
We really enjoyed this place. Food was good. Service was good. Margaritas were good! Food is pretty typical mexican, but they serve black beans which were tasty. This place was less pricey than other local places, and less crowded. Went on a Friday evening and no wait! We will definitely make this our regular mexican place.
(5)Paul C.
Zapata is a modest, family-run restaurant that has been open for many years. It is popular, and appeared to have a loyal following of "regular" customers. We dined just after 5:00 on a Friday night. The dining room was moderately crowded, and our party of five was seated immediately. Service was friendly and efficient. Our orders came out shortly after they were placed. Zapata offer a variety of soups and that caught my attention. I decided to try the Seafood Soup. The soup is described as shrimp, scallops, and fish. It was a hearty soup that included rice, the seafood mentioned, and topped wtih avocado slices.The broth was tasty, and I liked the fresh advocado slices. There were small peices of meat (maybe pork) that was tough to chew. The shrimp and scallops were cut up into very small peices. I thought the soup was just okay. Overall I thought Zapata was good, but not outstanding. It was very similar to many other Mexican restaurants in town.
(3)Marshall M.
This is the best Mexican food in town, especially for the price. Their CoronaRitas are matched by no other.
(5)Chris J.
Lunch with the Wifey on Thursday. Salsa was bland, but asked if had spicy salsa. Brought a Habanero based salsa that was hot and we liked. Too hot for most, but perfect mixed with mild. I had Chile Relleno with cheesy beef mixture. It was a mound of meat with a half chile on top. Not a stuffed Poblano like I prefer. Good seasoning on meat. Black beans, rice and tossed salad. Beans were flavorful. Wifey had chicken flautas. The chicken was well seasoned and rolled in crispy fried corn tortillas. Large portions for lunch. Washed it all down with a pitcher of lime margaritas on the rocks. Neon green, but great taste with perfect amount of alcohol. Prices are cheap compared to other restaurants in the area.
(3)Will L.
Zapata was one of the last Mexican joints in town that I'd yet to try out. When I found myself craving a taste from south of the border, I was luckily blocks from from from this stop. It's located in a small strip mall on the Hoover-Pelham border. Parking is ample, so that's one less thing. We were quickly and kindly seated. Our margarita (on the rocks) order came out quickly... maybe too quickly. These definitely are the pre-made margaritas that almost glow bright green. Not terrible, but not what I hoped for. We decided to share fajitas and beef floutas. Both were good, but the fajitas were the better option. The floutas just seemed to be a bit too greasy. I was sold on them because they came with a spicy sauce. Sadly, the sauce didn't have a ton of flavor. Over all, Zapata is a totally acceptable Mexican Restaurant. While I won't make a special trip, I'd totally dine here again when I'm nearby.
(4)Jen M.
Stopped in the area overnight and found this place on Yelp. Seems to be locals and travelers alike. Good salsa, delicious margaritas and can't beat the prices. Service was great. Overall, very happy with dinner.
(4)Sara C.
Your basic Mexican food can be found here. It's nothing fancy but you can get a lot of food at a good price. They have been in business for 15-20 years in the same spot so they must be doing something right. Inside is super-clean and tidy. I recently visited with a group of nine gals and they kept our drinks filled and and the chip bowls full. Service is swift and friendly. Our group ended up being the last table there but they didn't try to rush us out the door.
(4)Gordon K.
I have eaten at many Mexican food restaurants in Birmingham, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, San Diego and the Los Angeles area. Well, I have tried some in Manhattan and Long Island, also. However, the NYC area is not known for great Mexican food. Zapata is mediocre at best. The food is too salty and does not stand out. Zapata is like so many of the numerous other Tex-Mex restaurants now in the area in that it relies on salt and grease instead of fresh, flavorful ingredients. The food is not terrible, but it is not worth a visit, either. There are much better selections in town. The service was efficient and friendly and the salsa was good, although too watery. Prices are moderate to inexpensive. Sales tax here is 8%.
(2)Roy R.
Six of us had great meals here at a very good price today. Fish special was superb. So was fajita plate. Give this place a try. You'll be glad you did.
(4)CJ B.
It's the salsa people. The salsa is what makes this place a Pelham staple. Decent margaritas too
(4)Terje D.
This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in town and our go-to place when we are in the mood for big margaritas, spicy salsa, great guacamole, grilled beef and shrimps. The fajitas here are excellent, well flavored and tender. It's one of the few places that serve shrimp chiles rellenos, and their fried seafood tacos are great too. Mountains of food, very reasonably priced in a friendly, home-style atmosphere. What is there not to like?
(5)Sneha P.
Great fresh mexican food and very friendly service! Many vegetarian options.
(4)Dawn G.
Hands down-best Mexican in town!!!!
(5)Charlie S.
This is really good mexican food. It's never too crowded at lunch and the service has always been speedy. I love the burrito relleno lunch dish, and the salsa they give you when you arrive doesn't seem like it came from a can.
(5)