El Zarape Menu

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  • Paul P.

    The afternoon I stopped by the restaurant had a less than refreshing scent. The cleanliness of the location was also questionable. The wait time was also a bit long and was even extended when my number was not called. I had a custom egg, bean and guacamole burrito. The tortilla seemed doughy or not thoroughly cooked, the guacamole had very hard unripe chunks of Avo in it and the eggs tasted a bit off too. I use to frequent the location quite often being a neighborhood local but I sure was disappointed to return.

    (1)
  • Jim C.

    I must have eaten like 50 burritos from this place since I've lived in SD. Actually, let me do some mental math. Probably more like 60. My go-to burritos is the California burrito. The meat is tender and tasty and I love the guac sauce inside. The house burrito, which is chicken mole, is also great. I also like the tostada and the tortilla soup. The breakfast burrito was a thumbs down, though. It's cheap and there are 2 outdoor tables if you need to bring your dog. The tiny bathroom is a little grody.

    (4)
  • YiMin A.

    Awesome vegetarian burritos and other options! We love the Nachos or Fries Supreme - which you can substitute soy/veggies for the meat. Delicious! The restaurant is a little dark and crowded, but a great place for fast good Mexican food!

    (4)
  • Catherine D.

    Just as 4 stars says "Yay! I'm a fan." Always will be my go-to Mexican "fast food" spot. It's at a straight 4 stars and no more because 1) the famed lobster burrito will never return and 2) I've had even better tacos elsewhere. (Example: their fish tacos are pretty plain Jane). But I love the carnitas here, the shrimp/scallops are always seasoned well, their rolled tacos are fresh (not frozen) and I could drink their green sauce by the bucket. I try avoiding coming during rush hours (meal times, late night drunk eats), but I never mind the wait. Everyone I take here likes the food (including my Dad, who always eats twice here per visit and has to order food to-go when flying out of San Diego.) If you are in the area, go here... NOW.

    (4)
  • DJ S.

    I just moved back to the states after 3 years in Guadalajara Mexico so if I have to compare it to the food there I'd give it 2 stars but since we are in the states I'll boost it up a little The first time I went I got the carne asada with tortillas rice n beans and was pretty disappointed just blah but this time I got a scallop taco and the shrimp burrito. The scallop taco was pretty awesome big size delicious seriously if i hadn't ordered that scallop taco I prob would've given it 2 stars. The shrimp burrito was well.. The shrimp was great but it had NO cheese, spices, rice, beans, or anything! Idk if that's how they just make them or what but I would have enjoyed it such much more with some guac or lettuce SOMETHING. The shrimp was perfect but wtf just shrimp and a tortilla? I'll give it 4 stars because I see potential if I can get them to put some guac, lettuce and some style on the burrito I'll be down with them 'cause all the Mexican food I've tried here so far is pretty shit besides kikos place

    (4)
  • Simon D.

    Great burritos!! Best since moving to CA from CO two years ago. I had the chili relleno, and my partner the el azteca-wow. Really good flour tortilla and fresh, tasty ingredients. The egg batter on the relleno was soft and recently cooked. Only downer was the dark seating in the back-fortunately we found a table in the front window. Back in San Diego? We'll stop again.

    (5)
  • Matt C.

    A large selection of semi-fast food burritos tacos, and other Mexican dishes. Top notch ingredients with a focus on seafood. I recommend the shrimp and fish burrito, and the calamari burrito. If you want to ingest 1500 calories in one sitting, get a chimichanga. I haven't had anything from there I didn't like. 5 stars.

    (5)
  • James H.

    Surf and turf burrito for breakfast? Sign me up. A great way to kick start your morning in beautiful San Diego!

    (5)
  • Jason M.

    Really Great Chicken Mole Burrito. Will be back for more.

    (4)
  • hunt h.

    Its good ...

    (4)
  • Melanie Q.

    If you love tortillas, this is the place for you. The burritos here are made with tortillas that are way too big for the amount of filling you get; as a result, your burrito will be about 30% filled with the excess tortilla. In short, too much tortilla and too little filling.

    (1)
  • Gary R.

    I've been to El Zarape a couple of times. It's one of those Mexican spots that is good for satisfying the urge. Is it the best representation of Mexican cuisine in San Diego? Likely not. Nevertheless, it serves its purpose when you're taste buds are craving some of those distinct Mexican flavors. I've had the Scallop Tacos and, just recently, the Combination #3 plate that consisted of the Surf and Turf Burrito and Fish Taco, rice and beans.. El Zarape's Surf & Turf Burrito was delicious, filled with a generous amount of shrimp and tasty carne asada. It really hit the spot. The Fish Taco, however, was not as enjoyable, having a noticeable oily taste that was a turn off for me. That aside, the combination selection was huge and I walked away stuffed to the gills, all for around $9. Very reasonable, in my opinion. Their chips are lackluster, unfortunately; I fear they come right out of a bag. They make up for it, somewhat, with a huge salsa bar. Anything bathed in a delicious salsa goes down with ease with me. El Zarape is a popular spot in the neighborhood, seemingly always busy. A University Heights institution. The most impressive thing about them is a menu that features a robust selection of seafood options. It's rather impressive. In spite of the busy atmosphere, they offer an average-sized dining space that has enough seating where it's usually not too difficult to snag a table. Even with some of the minor foibles I've encountered, El Zarape meets my approval.

    (4)
  • Justin A.

    I just had dinner here before going to Small Bar. I was appaled at the cleanliness of this place. While waiting for a meal, the person that took my order went to add new salsa to the salsa bar. He combined the old salsa with the new salsa, not only that, but he used the handle of the ladle to empty some of the old salsa in the new salsa pan. The same ladle that multiple people touch over the course of a day. Gross! If this is what management does, I can't even imagine what goes on in the kitchen! The guacomole also tasted like paste. I lost my appetite to eat anything else.

    (1)
  • Bill C.

    My god, the scallop burrito is a dream incarnate (incarne-ate?). Eating this thing was the closest I have come to a religious and/or sexual experience with food, which is saying a lot given how much I enjoy my burritos. As the other reviewers have noted, the scallop burrito is a little small, but I think that's in line with the rest of their food (all the burritos were smaller than the SD standard). Plus, the scallop burrito is comparably priced and scallops are not cheap! There is plenty of other cheap fare on the menu to fill you up. I wasn't very impressed by the bites I had of the food ordered by my friends who accompanied me. The surf and turf burrito was just ok (and a little small as a mentioned above), and the fish taco tasted about like the ones from Rubios. The scallop burrito is worth the trip here. Get here early for dinner though, the place is small and the line gets long quick!

    (5)
  • Kalyan P.

    These are to me, the best fish tacos in San Diego. They're perfectly breaded and the hot salsa is a perfect complement to their white sauce (which is probably the star of the show) . While they're tasty they're also cheap, 99 cents! So every bite feels like tasty larceny. And the portions of fish that come in these tacos is nothing to sneeze at. It's definitely a hole in the wall, and lacks ambiance. But it's not about what the place looks like that counts to me, especially when it comes to Mexican food. For me it seems like an inverse equation, the nicer a Mexican place looks the more likely they are trying to distract you with shinies to keep your mind off of the quality of the food. So on that logic train, we're pulling into the Garish Color Station which probably means El Zarape is the best food on Earth. Ok, it might not be the best, but I love the food, and to deal with the ambiance problem I call ahead. I order to go, pick up my food and head to the Zoo, just a few miles down Park Drive. I've seen some people complain about the service which shocks me. They always take my order quickly and in a polite and friendly manner. They've learned what I'm going to order and always joke around with me. So head to El Zarape, whenever my girlfriend is in town it is always our first stop so she can get her fill of Mexican food. So girlfriend-approved! Give it a shot.

    (5)
  • Noah S.

    Check the daily specials for the best deals not giant size portions, but quality is the best and unique combinations you won't get at normal taco shops i say avoid the tacos if you are hungry, they are too tiny for the price

    (3)
  • Lloyd S.

    Was just ok. Had the surf and turf burrito. Tortilla was tasty it was made with but innards just ok. I was not amazing as others posted. Carne asada inside was chewy and not much taste, decent amount of shrimp. Maybe a bad day? Might try something else next time. Chips came with it, they were ok. Salsas just ok

    (2)
  • Yan N.

    Came here after a couple drinks at the small bar next door. With over of thousand reviews, an average of 4 stars, I had high expections. Got a fish taco and a carne asada burrito. How disapoointing! The fish taco was bland, and so did the burrito. Tiny portions too! Won't come back again, not that great.

    (2)
  • Brian H.

    Am I missing something? I really wanted to like El Zarape, so much so that I went back three times hoping for it to "click" for me. Each time I ordered something different to get a fair sampling from the menu (calamari burrito, vegetarian burrito, aloha burrito, carnitas tacos). Each time, however, I left feeling underwhelmed and slightly grossed out. Don't get me wrong - I'm down for an occasional "dirty" Mexican meal (think Taco Express), but El Zarape actually feels dirty to me. But, more importantly, the food doesn't taste fresh. I'll be sticking to Mariscos in South Park.

    (3)
  • Rachel P.

    El Zarape is the best. I love the chile relleno burrito, the el zarape burrito, and you definitely can't go wrong with the $1 fish tacos... Wash it all down with some horchata or Mexican beer, and you'll be on heaven too!!

    (5)
  • Jo A.

    I'm in love with their shrimp burrito! Delicious ! I think their fish tacos are a steal for a buck but the fish portions seems to vary. But Hey they're $1 so I'm still happy. Just be prepared to wait in line during peak times.

    (5)
  • Warren B.

    The carnitas, potato taco and shrimp tacos were pretty good. They were nothing special considering the amount of insane Mexican food available in San Diego though. Unfortunately, they were the highlight of our meal. The guacamole served was not fresh or homemade, but rather some sort of pre-made, pre-packed paste that was obviously pulled out of someones freezer. It looked like it was squeezed from a tube. Then the nachos that it came with had a type of velveeta nachos cheese, the kind you get at a movie or baseball game. And to top it off, their hot salsa was anything but. Had to use an entire ramiken on my taco to even taste a bit of heat. To sum it up: average tacos, horrible guacamole paste, bad quality cheese, and a lacking salsa bar.... I'll gladly go to any shop around the corner in San Diego and be served fresh, quality Mexican food.

    (2)
  • Jessica H.

    My friend who lives in San Diego took me here for my last meal before I flew out. I got the 4 rolled tacos (1/2 potato and 1/2 soy (like soy chicken crumbles)). I also ordered a bag of chips. It was good and I was happy they were willing to mix it up for me so I could try both vegan options. They told me their beans and tortillas were vegan friendly but their rice was not (either chicken stock or lard). I wish they wouldn't have rice on their vegetarian menu if it isn't vegan. That's shady. My friend got the rolled tacos and also a fish taco and loved it. First time I'd seen her eat all week! I also got the jamaica drink. Unfortunately they cheat with the Horchata and make it out of milk instead of rice milk (how it should be made). Oh how I wish it was vegan! The chips were huge and I ate them (along with some to-go salsa) the next day for breakfast. I loved the variety of salsas and the hot pickled carrots/onions. Just like I had when I lived in Mexico. The food is really cheap and certainly good for the price. You can't get vegan yet alone vegetarian rolled tacos on the East Coast so that was a real treat for me. As far as flavor goes though - I have to say I like Pokez better. I like the lettuce/cabbage on top of the tacos and missed not having it here at El Zarape. But glad they have some good vegan options! I wish they wouldn't use so much styrofoam and plastic utensils. So wasteful. =( The staff was friendly and helpful and patient with me with all my questions. Big plus! It gets crazy crowded there so may be hard finding a seat. We lucked out and got to sit outside.

    (4)
  • Sash W.

    Great food. It was delicious. The counter person was rude. He grunted responses rather than speaking. But he was very friendly with the other guy working. I guess we interrupted their afternoon with our business. Tables were filthy, as was the bathroom.

    (3)
  • anita t.

    Ordered the Shrimp burrito which comes with chips- not a lot of chips though. Burrito was very good. The salsas at the self serve bar are very good and was just what the burrito was missing. went on a sunday night. Was busy but our party of four got a table. The place was always busy. I'll go back!

    (4)
  • Christa C.

    Since I moved to San Diego two summers ago and first heard of El Zarape, I signed up the moment I heard "great seafood Mexican food." I arrived to see that the Lobster Burrito no longer existed, but not to fret -- there's a scallop burrito on the menu. I didn't know it at the time, but that scallop burrito would soon become my one true love. It was generous in its scallops, incredibly messy to eat, and tasted like beauty in a tortilla. At some point, instead of saying, "Want to go to El Zarape?" I was saying, "Want to scallop burrito?" Had friends or family visiting from out of town? Took them to scallop burrito. Had a friend who just got dumped by his girlfriend? Comforted him with scallop burrito. If co-workers want to hit up a bar, I'll always throw in Small Bar as an option -- while they have great beer, I have to say, it's secretly because it's in proximity of scallop burrito. "Oh, what? You guys are hungry? Well, luckily there's this great scallop burrito nearby..." I've seen the scallop burrito through many tribulations and trials over the last two years. There were darker times when they were stingy on their scallops for several months, and El Zarape effectively broke my heart. Then, one day, they increased the price of the scallop burrito ever-so-slightly (by about $0.75?), so that they could bring the scallop burrito back to its former scallop-overflowing glory. So worth it. And thank heavens -- you won't believe how many people I texted, "Scallop burrito is back! The scallop burrito is back!!!" A quote from my sister before she came to visit me from Northern California: "I'm so excited for scallop burrito. I mean, you're great, but I see you all the time. You know who I don't get to see that often? Scallop burrito." Long story short: so if you like scallops and you like burritos... El Zarape is for you. PS good carne asada fries too lol

    (5)
  • Seth G.

    Finally tried the much-hyped El Zarape and it pretty much delivered. Their California Burrito is one of the best I've had, but also made me finally realize I'm totally over the concept of California Burritos... sure, french fries inside a burrito sounds delightfully decadent, but almost every time I've had one the potato flavor overwhelms everything else, at the expense of the Carne Asada, cheese, beans, guac, sour cream, etc, and that's a crime, I tell you. Regardless, the burrito was excellent (for a Cali-Rito), my fried fish taco was also excellent, and the bite of my friend's Shrimp Burrito I tried was great as well, plus all of it was uber-cheap. So the place lives up to the hype, even when you eat it an hour and a half after you ordered it after a concert in a park. I'll just never order a California Burrito from there again.

    (4)
  • Kyle K.

    Awesome 'americanized' Mexican fast food. Chile Relleno burrito is original. California burrito is great. Their salsa roja is the best. Some staff is cool. Don't be bothered if someone's order from behind you in line is called before you. It's just the way they speed things up. It probably means your order takes more time to make.

    (4)
  • Kenneth J.

    Let's be real, San Diego is the So Cal Mex food mecca, so 4 stars here is 5 stars any other city I've been to. Bottom line, a lot of competition north of the border!!! But food is 5 Star, location and size is rated low, unless you just happen to be strolling around. Tight and small location. But good and taste is unbelievable , try shrimp burrito , carne asada 'anything' , surf in turf burrito, ummm chorizo con webos, veggie menu is on point according to vegan friend... Anyways, bottom line is it taste good!! But if u just like size, this isn't the spot for u, but quality and taste is guaranteed!

    (4)
  • Melissa N.

    Small hole-in-the-wall place, but sooo delicious! - Vegan friendly! [you may have to ask questions/ask for no dairy/etc, but you vegans get me, right? ;) ] - Great neighborhood, right next to small bar! - Parking comes and goes, but it's expected, so don't fret! - Patio seating if you're in the mood for some sun during brunch. - Cheap prices -- always a plus! - Your order number is announced over the speakerphone so you don't have to awkwardly wait inside. - The lines may get long during primetime (dinner/lunch) but it's worth the wait! My carni friends and veggie friends love this place, you should definitely try it out!

    (5)
  • Elaine G.

    this place is amazing when you are drunk!!! but otherwise, it's not worth the HYPE. in the past year every single friend and myself who has gotten food here has been highly disappointed due to many mishaps. 1. I ordered a carne asada burrito and there was HALF a lemon in the middle of it. (picture in yelp) guess the average size was actually a lie because a quarter of the burrito was lemon not meat 2. on 4 different occasions my boyfriend or friend had the sour cream forgotten 3. the flavor of the rolled tacos is bland and leaves an oil type aftertaste 4. they charge about $3 for a single cookie sized paper bag 5. twice I've said a BLACK bean and cheese burrito and they give me a REGULAR! (wonder if there's a price difference) 6. today my friends waited an obscenely long time for their order... they checked and were told it wasn't ready yet.. checked again 10 min later and they were told their order was never put in. even if I can walk there, I now choose to travel further for better quality and service!

    (1)
  • Himalayan M.

    Food is good at this place but i have had lot better Mexican food other places for sure so giving three stars only.

    (3)
  • Brianna S.

    They have good red sauce and the food is OK. It's a tad expensive for what you get. Be prepared to wait for food as this place is usually packed. As for the low review, I have ordered here many times and never been given what I ordered. Perhaps they like adding surprise guacamole or giving you the completely wrong burrito, but over the course of 2 years it gets old. Good drunk food, if you aren't picky.

    (2)
  • Erica P.

    Many times over the years I've dropped by El Zarape post Bourbon Street dance party. LOVE the 99 cent fish tacos, potato tacos, veggie burritos and the yummy salsa bar! Service is friendly but the place can get pretty packed on late Friday/Saturday nights. PS - I'm a firm believer that there is some kind of magic in El Zarape's horchata - if you're on the edge - order it! You may just prevent that hangover! ;)

    (4)
  • Conor M.

    Every time I go here I remember why I should make the trip out to Normal Heights more often. I've never been disappointed by the food here, and I try to take anyone wanting Mexican food in SD to El Zarape. The $0.99 fish tacos are delicious, and a better deal than some places offer on "Taco Tuesday". And for $0.99, they make a great side to any other meal (if you have enough room for a little more food that is). The Pork Chile Colorado is one of the best pork dishes that I have ever had. The spice level is perfect, the pork is tender and flavorful, and the rice/beans mix perfectly with it. It really is a perfect meal. The only complaint I have, and it is a very minor complaint, is the seating. There are two tables by the door that all but block entry if someone is sitting there, and there are 4 tables in the other room that take up any space to walk. If there are a lot of people eating, getting into a seat can feel almost impossible. While it shouldn't deter folks from going, I can understand how it looks daunting. All in all, do yourself a favor and go. It is worth every penny (and it won't cost you to many of them)!

    (4)
  • Xuankieu T.

    Love their shrimp taco and burrito. Glad I visit here after reading the good yelp review. Fish taco are $1 a piece and it's yummy. I didn't give 5 stars because their carne asada fries wasn't as great as I expected, or maybe I was too full on the shrimp tacos. The man who took our orders was very nice and patients while we decide on what to order for the family. Wish they have more tables to sit at though

    (4)
  • Chantal F.

    Best burritos in my opinion! Im partial to their shrimp diabla, I'm hungry for it now! I also recommend their wasabi shrimp, its pretty zesty and different, mmmm satisfying. I have also had the carne asada burrito and their chili rellenos all very tasty! Not to be confused with their sister restaurant because they don't compare, go here.

    (5)
  • Gabrielle C.

    I love this place. Everything I've picked off the menu has met and surpassed my expectations. Fish tacos, chicken rolled tacos, and whatever else my inebriated alter ego deems delicious has never failed to please.

    (4)
  • Keith K.

    Really really good food. High quality ingredients, but still get the authentic taste of Mexican Food. Tortillas are perfect, hot sauce is fantastic. HUGE portions. I like the decor, place is always clean when i come in whic is amazing since it's always slammed. Small venue but not ghetto. Veggie Burrito is excellent. Highly recommend!

    (5)
  • Kim Z.

    I can't believe I wasted 5 years of living in San Diego before I tried this place out. The shrimp burrito is amazing. It's the perfect size and not too cheesy or overwhelming; not the typical monstrous burrito you get at most Mexican joints around here that leave you feeling like you can't breathe or sit down for the next couple of hours. There is a generous amount of shrimp in the burrito and the sauce that comes with it is delicious. Can't wait to come back and some of the other menu items!

    (5)
  • Megan S.

    What we ordered: Surf and Turf burrito, California Burrito, Shrimp Taco, Carne Asada taco. SO delicious! Everything was cooked perfectly, and had the perfect amounts of pico, guac, sour cream, etc. Nothing was too overpowering. Their salsa was really good, as well (particulary "hot"), but I was a little dissapointed that there was almost nothing left when I went for some. Prices are on the cheaper side of medium, $23 for all that food and drink. My only problem was parking! Not the restaurants fault, just be prepared to search for a few minutes and you'll probably have to walk a block or two. Four stars, only because the cashier overcharged me by a few bucks at first, and the salsa bar was a little messy and almost empty. I will definitely go back.

    (4)
  • Andrew J.

    They don't have lobster burritos/taco this past weekend I went. I heard they don't have it on menu anymore. This plaice is really dirty. It feels like they never clean this place. There was lids and containers floating on the salsas which are really nasty. The service was really bad which was fine because what can you expect from a quick service taco place. The scallops burrito was decent but it need more ingredients. I got food poisining the other day so I probably wouldn't come back.

    (3)
  • Kerri K.

    Omg so good! Had the carne asada fries and calamari burrito. The carne meat was very tasty, it had a hint of butter, and perfectly tender. I never tasted carne like it before. The calamari burrito was fresh! The lettuce was actually dark leaf and not the ice berg which is usually in burritos. There was also slice tomato and chipotle. Very very good. I am excited to try more off the menu. Also I came around 5pm and was able to find plenty of parking!

    (5)
  • Amy C.

    Saw the reviews of lobster tacos and burrito and decided to come try it out on a random Tuesday..sadly...they stop doing anything lobster :( so my friend and I ordered some 99 cents fish tacos, scallop taco, calamari taco, salmon taco. Their tacos are not the cheapest except fish tacos but they are decent size and worth the price well at least the ones i had. Scallop taco is A-mazing. decent size (for a taco) of a nicely seared scallop. Fried Calamari was not bad also. They give a good amount of seafood in their tacos. salmon taco was really good and fish tacos were alright but i mean they are only a dollar. We both like their tacos a lot! I will def be back to try some more of their food!

    (4)
  • Danny N.

    I was looking forward to trying the lobster taco, but they didn't have it! So I settled for a scallop taco, it was okay. 3.50 for a taco, a little too much! The place is good and the tortilla is good but a little too overpriced!

    (3)
  • Misha T.

    I don't know if they no longer have lobster burritos period, or just were out of them the night I was there. I tried asking the guy about this distinction in as many different ways as I could but the only answer I could get was "no" which is not helpful. But hey, the scallop burrito isn't a bad consolation prize. It comes with a tasty cream sauce and the scallops tasted reasonably fresh and not too rubbery.

    (4)
  • Jessica W.

    This restaurant is an anomaly which would only ever occur in this neighborhood: a cheap hole-in-the-wall taco shop meets vegetarian-friendly meets seafood joint; and all with a unique and maybe even slightly gourmet twist to the recipes. I am a huge, huge fan. They feature a nice selection of seafood items. We're not just talking 'fish tacos' - they do have those too for $1 and they are nomtastic btw - but they have shrimp, calamari, scallops, mahi mahi, salmon, and more available in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, you name it and all at shockingly reasonable prices. Vegetarian options? They've got the standard cheese enchiladas and chile relleno burritos (yum!!!), but they take it a step further and offer things like soy burritos and marinated veggie burritos and potato (or soy) rolled tacos. All my veggie friends love this place because there are so many featured options and not just the typical one or two token meatless dishes. However, have no fear, carnivores! Not that you'd feel deprived or miss your meat at all by having any of the above, but guess what: Their meat selections are equally as diverse and delicious. They've got great grilled chicken and carne asada, pork chile, machaca, you name it... in just as many unique styles (chicken caesar burrito?hello!). My list of favorites here include: (Lobster burrito would be in this #1 spot, but they stopped carrying them *sad panda*), Calamari Quesadilla, Chicken Fajita Burrito, Shrimp Burrito, Fish Tacos and the Chile Relleno Burrito. But everything I've had here is excellent, and surprisingly non-greasy given the type of cuisine. And the top of the list: The salsa picante. It's pure smokey roasty tangy, slightly sweet, spicy goodness. I wish they sold it by the bottle. I can think of only two flaws and neither of them are with the food: 1) The customer service is a bit iffy. Don't get me wrong, I haven't yet had a messed up order (although I have always ordered straight off the menu) and they aren't outright rude, but they just seem disinterested and not very friendly. I work in customer satisfaction so have a higher standard than most... does it stop me from coming back? No. But it's annoyed me enough times to mention it. 2) It's really crowded inside. It's a small place to begin with and it's pretty common for there to be a line out the door. For this reason I don't eat in and always do takeout, but even so I usually feel awkward and like i'm bumping into everyone/being in everyone's way while trying to get my salsa/napkins together and trying to find a place to stand where i'm not being bumped into or blocking someone's way. But for me, putting up with those two minor inconveniences is worth it to get such delicious, satisfying food at such a bargain price.

    (4)
  • Tim D.

    Came here with a friend that's a local, on their recommendation. After some really depressing Mexican food in Phoenix and on the way from there to San Diego, I was really hoping to find something good. This place is very decent for CalMex. I had a beef and chicken enchilada, and a bean tostada. My wife had the Carne Asada fries. After trying one of the fries, I realized that while not strictly Mexican food, I should have gotten the same. The tostada was exactly what it should have been. The enchilada sauce was passable, but I wish it had been thicker, and that there had been a touch more of it. The refried beans were good. It's a small place, and there's relatively few tables, but it was consistently busy when we were there on a Sunday afternoon. If you stop in, get the carne asada fries. The guy behind the counter was right, they're the best I've tried.

    (4)
  • Mare P.

    This place was bookmarked on my places to visit in San Diego for a few months and finally got around to trying it out today. I don't know if it's because I grew up in the Mission District in San Francisco, but I was highly disappointed with my visit today. My family and I ordered the fish tacos, Carne Asada burrito, scallop burrito and rolled tacos. *Fish tacos- you get what you pay for. I didn't eat half my fish taco since the fish was flavorless and the sauce was very watered down. *Carne Asada burrito- mediocre. But probably one of the better items we tried today. *Scallop burrito- The ratio was off with fillings. Not enough scallops and way too much tortilla. There were no beans and rice in the burrito; only tomatoes and sauce. *Rolled tacos- one of the dishes known in SD was awful here. The flavorless chicken/ beef, the tortilla had an aftertaste (maybe it was the oil it was fried in?) and the flavorless packaged guacamole smothered on the tacos made it one hot mess! *salsas- watered down! I hate to do give such a negative review. But this visit to an establishment that has nearly 1900 reviews was a disappointment. Having a meal this bad left us in a sour mood all day. This is not authentic Mexican food and freshness doesn't seem like it's their priority. You will be more satisfied going to Chipotle. We really should have turned away when we saw a bunch of "best awards " from Aol that are 10 years old on the front door.

    (1)
  • Sean-Michael M.

    Shrimp burrito, chicken Caesar burrito, carne asada fries with nacho cheese. Everything is good here.

    (5)
  • Jason W.

    One of my bestest friends ever used to live a block behind El Zarape a few years ago. Before I moved up to the Bay Area, her and I spent a lot of time ordering take-out and walking over to pick it up. It's a cute hole-in-the-wall sort of place which looks more Old Town'ish than Robertos. The menu is extensive and offers an amazing vegetarian selection as well as some more regional dishes in addition to all the favorites. This time around I ordered a grilled fish burrito and picked up a bunch of plastic containers of the spicy, red sauce which has a charred taste to it and is more flavor hot than heat hot. The burrito was amazing! Tons of fresh grilled fish, avocado, white sauce, and cabbage in a really tasty tortilla. I think if they'd grilled the burrito it would have made it even better! I may ask them next time. Super good food, speedy service, friendly people, and reasonable prices. Winner!

    (4)
  • Betty H.

    Late night munchies Pros: - awesome salsa bar - fish tacos - indoor and outdoor seating - .99 fish tacos on tuesdays - fast service Cons: - parking - poor seating arrangement Overall: 3 stars. Solid mexican place but I've had better authentic mexican food from other places (luche libre, vallartas) El Zarape is definitely good considering the location. Came here around 1am, and it was packed but they were extremely fast. Their tacos are good and even better when you come on taco tuesday! Also had their cali burrito which was just average to me. I've had better cali burrito. El Zarape just doesn't pack their burritos and is pretty small compared to other places. They do however have an extensive seafood menu. Next time I'll give this place another chance and will try the surf and turf or lobster burrito!

    (3)
  • Angela W.

    I used to have an extreme love for El Zarape many years ago. Unfortunately, the lobster burrito has left the premises and that was the beginning of their downfall. -When an establishment discontinues a dish that was their claim to fame, patrons will complain. It's that simple. We want the lobster tacos/burritos/quesadillas back! -1 star. -Subpar service. They take your order in a half-assed manner and are not very pleasant while doing so. I'm not asking for a fake grin and a, "Welcome to El Zarape! How may I help you?" but the least you can do is take your patrons seriously. They clearly do not care for their customers nor the quality of service they're producing. -1 star. -Inflated prices and decreased portions. This is a pathetic way of taking advantage of your customers. The proteins in the tacos and burritos are minimal. I believe the only thing that has stayed the same size are the rolled tacos. But those have always been fairly small. Go for the beef and top those suckers with guac if you must dine here. -1 star. -The salsa bar used to be phenomenal. I stress the words, "used to be" because it is now nothing but a ghost of the past. Watery, flavorless salsa should be a crime. -1 star. I've had the most amazing Mexican fare in various parts of Mexico and El Zarape simply does not compare. San Diego is famous for having some of the most fantastic Mexican food in the nation. However, it may be wise to save your energy, money, and tastebuds by going elsewhere, especially since a taco joint can be found on every street corner of San Deezy.

    (1)
  • Spoiled K.

    We were on our way out after our trip to San Diego, and we needed something to go, or we needed a place where we could take our little Chihuahua since we had already checked out of the hotel. We found this little gem through here (yelp), and all the wonderful reviews. First of all, let me say how much I loved San Diego, and really liked this neighborhood. When we ask if we could sit outside with our dog, they said yes with no hesitation. The food was fast, and it was so delicious. It was authentic, and it was so good. The prices are so reasonable, and the food is as authentic as it gets. I will definitely be back to this little gem whenever I go back to "Sandy Eggs!" So, if you are looking for authentic Mexican food at a really good price, this place is a must!

    (5)
  • Jane S.

    Slowly but surely, I'm becoming a Mexican food snob, all thanks to the abundance of taco shops characteristic of San Diego. Now when I first arrived here 5 years ago, I had barely had a burrito (always opted for the burrito bowl at Chipotle) and had no idea what a torta is, let alone what a good one tasted like. At first I was reluctant to branch out and opt for Mexican food. And having a best friend in San Diego who shared my hatred for Mexican food (yes I know hate is a strong word...) made it easy to pick any other food over Mexican. Given the above, me giving a Mexican restaurant 5 stars is pretty big. We had a cheese quesedilla, potato rolled tacos (weird to stuff carb in a carb, but that's what makes it so awesome), and a surf & turf burrito, which I loved. And I don't ever "love" burritos. Just take my word for it. If this place got me eating a burrito, then it's good.

    (5)
  • Ashley J.

    So many reviews ....all I can say is yes go here, listen to everyone else. I say get the chicken, I don't like the Carne asada as much....I really like the chicken ceaser burrito and the chicken strips one. The fish tacos are good too. My bf loved his burrito . Ill come back to this spot, a lot of options on the menu for a very reasonable price. It gets crowded here, I'd suggest coming at an odd time or bringing it home to eat.

    (4)
  • Arthur I.

    Yuhu pretty good. Had the Supreme Burrito, but should come back there to try others.

    (4)
  • Yuanjia Z.

    This place was very popular, just like any highly reviewed places in SD. We got there around 10 or 11pm and we still waited for 30 minutes to get take out food. The place was packed and you probably won't be able to find a seat there. We ordered the shrimp burrito and the california burrito. I would highly recommend the shrimp burrito - it was very well done - soft, moist, but still got big chunks of shrimp. The california burrito was only ok i thought. We also tried some of the tacos. We ordered mahimahi and scallop tacos. They were very average I have to say. They don't have that complexity and the kick that I had when eating their burrito, not recommended. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Very friendly staff.

    (4)
  • E F.

    Came in for an early lunch today with a friend and our 2- 4yo boys. The man working the cash register had a poor attitude. He seemed annoyed by our questions and our presence. Thankfully the food was good even if the service wasn't.

    (4)
  • Samantha W.

    I decided to give El Zarape one last chance since it use to be my favorite Mexican place. Once again the place had an overpowering smell of dirty bathroom. I wanted to throw up from the smell. I ordered a simple breakfast burrito "supreme". There was nothing supreme about it. It was 90% tortilla which was chewy and weird. Inside was just eggs and cold potatoes. Wtf? I asked for a side of guac and sour cream. The sour cream was basically water?? I was too afraid to try it. Lastly, the service was crap. The cashiers seem to be super bored and unhappy. This review makes me very sad because this place use to be great. Never again.

    (1)
  • Peter D.

    A friend and I had come here for lunch one day and we both ordered shrimp burritos. I had a date later that night... A few hours after eating my burrito my tummy began feeling a little strange. I thought nothing of it, really. A few more cramps happened, but again I didn't think it was serious enough for me to cancel my date. Finally, while driving to meet my date, the cramps turned into full-blown (pun intended) - okay, I won't go into detail; this is already TMI. Long story short, I had to find a restroom. QUICKLY. I thought maybe my stomach just wasn't used to eating food like that anymore, but I had told my friend about what happened and THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIM! Aside from that escapade, the cashier was rude. That's mainly the reason for the one-star rating. Parking can be tough also. Most likely be prepared to park and walk here.

    (1)
  • Elizabeth A.

    Although not the best Mexican food I've had, El Zarape is pretty good for the price and quality. I would say if you are looking for the San Diego experience of Mexican food, this place is for you. I personally prefer street tacos style Mexican food, but El Zarape is a nice alternative. The menu is pretty extensive and offers a nice variety of options for the adventurous foodies out there looking for something different. - California burrito: My usual go-to item on the menu. It's packed with a generous amount of guacamole. - Scallop tacos: The scallops are perfectly cooked and flavorful. I highly recommend it for you scallop lovers! - Carne asada quesadilla: This makes for an awesome drunk snack. - Fish tacos: For $0.99, it's definitely a winner. - Fajita burrito: Almost too flavorful to the point it overwhelms the tastebuds - Carne asada torta: Probably the only time I've ever really been disappointed with my food. They skimped on the meat and there just wasn't much going on in the torta.

    (4)
  • Ed H.

    I can see the potential of why this place is so popular with the HUGE menu selection. I really wanted to try other dishes, but I was on a mission to get a California Burrito seeing as how I don't get to visit SD that often and that's what I crave every time I go down. The California burrito itself was underwhelming and nowhere near as divine as some place like Santana's. Definitely will give this a try if I'm in the area again but for other bites.

    (3)
  • Chris R.

    Very 'no-frills' restaurant, but who needs frills when you have tacos as good as theirs? Will definitely be back

    (5)
  • Allison L.

    As a homegrown San diegian, this place is one of my favs! Food is authentic and reasonably priced. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Willie T.

    I shed tears of joy and savour every. frickin. bite of my food here. I always get the #13 combo and die happy from a food combo. It's my favorite Mexican place here in San Diego so far. So far I've had the carne asada burrito, the chicken burrito and the calamari, I recommend all of them! 99 cent fish tacos are worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (5)
  • Cynthia L.

    When my big bro told me he was taking me to get a lobster burrito, I almost peed my pants. I mean, first, I've never had a lobster burrito and second, to have a good lobster burrito in San Diego (aka the mecca of Mexico next to Mexico) was beyond exciting, esp since we don't have anything like that in D.C. SO when we went, the cashier told us they stopped making lobster burritos because (and le looked like he was annoyed for saying this for the umpteenth time): the lobster was costing too much. I almost cried. So we opted for a shrimp burrito. The shrimp was amazingly seasoned and covered in this warm, creamy sauce. And big pieces of shrimp, not itty bitty ones. The tortilla was hot, soft, and fresh! Food party in my mouth! I had to resist the temptation to order another because we were on a food-binge elsewhere. I'm told the scallop burrito is just as good, but I'm not a fan of scallops. About 4 varieties of difference salsas you can choose to add to your food at the condiment bar. It's a more of a fasterant. I can't wait to come back!

    (5)
  • Brenda I.

    Why is the guacamole so runny? That's a little bit of a turn off to be quite honest. I like my guacamole thick and chunky. This guacamole was a bit too squeeze bottle for me. My overall satisfaction of this place really falls at 3 1/2 stars. I'm a sucker for chalk board menus. It makes me feel like you like to keep their menu updated and innovative. The last couple times I've visited El Zarape I've ordered the California burrito and rolled tacos. It is enough to satisfy a craving, but honesty not the best in San Diego. I have given the Hawaiian burrito a whirl and it's a little too sweet for me, but I do love the idea behind it. Maybe I'll ask for the light sauce next time? The potato rolled tacos is made up of my favorite things in life. Potato (in any form, really) deep fried in a taco! YUM! The salsa bar can get kinda grimy. You might wanna spend some time cleaning that up from time to time. I do love the location and the restaurant decor. It a great place for locals to get there Mexican food fix!

    (3)
  • Joshua M.

    It's like someone took your favorite taco truck and made a restaurant out of it.

    (4)
  • Joseph Y.

    El Zarape, reviewed so many times on Yelp and supposedly such a acclaimed Mexican food restaurant in the heart of University Heights. Unfortunately for me, I think this place is super meh. Out of all the places I've seen on Yelp, this has to be the most highly overrated restaurant that I've been to in San Diego. So many people claim that this place is great and such a good tasting taco shop but I totally think otherwise. First off, lets start with the place its self. There is literally no parking for this place if you come during non-metered parking hours. The place its self is very small, very limited seating, heck its limited standing room. It was almost impossible to fill up some salsa to go, because there was so many people crowding the place. Constantly bumping into people just trying to get some damn salsa. The salsa bar its self is very underwhelming, and kinda nasty. The thing was dirty and littered with carrots floating in the salsas and obviously where people dropped salsas in the wrong ones. I tried each of the hot sauces, they are very bland compared to most Mexican places, very watered down salsa. The selection of this place is the only reason I gave it two stars. They have an excellent selection of different Mexican dishes. They also offer a lot of vegetarian choices and they have black beans and other semi-healthy options compared to other taco shops. The food quality its self is very horrible. I ordered a California burrito (a staple icon of San Diego) and some rolled tacos with beans and rice. Sysco tasting beans and rice, I swear the beans came out of a can, they HAD to. The beans its self lacked any type of seasoning or flavor, and was just covered in crappy white cheese. The rolled tacos looked pre-made, did you guys get them from Costco and drop them in a deep fryer? They were exceptionally small to boot, what a cheap. The guacamole that was on top of these things was watered down greenish sauce. Getting onto the burrito its self. The tortilla shells tasted worse than store bought Mission brand tortillas, if you guys make these in your kitchen, I would be ashamed. They had that preservative texture to them, not the powdery or fresh type of texture you get from other taco shops or Mexican stores. Biting into the burrito was a surprise though, the ratios of meat/cheese/fries was pretty good. Too bad it was covered in nasty tasting guacamole and sour cream. The meat was seasoned pretty damn good and the french fries had the correct texture of crisp to them that you expect from a California. But the burrito was a huge let down, and its size was nothing worth how much you pay for them (7 bucks). Overall, I would seriously just stay away from this place. If they pride themselves on fresh or quality food, they're complete liars. I know for a fact the stuff they are dishing out has to be some of the cheapest pre-made stuff they could find. The real terrible thing about this place is that so many San Diegans have rated it high, that tourists actually think this place represents San Diego style taco shops. I know you University Heights / North Park folk don't like leaving your area, but seriously, Colimas is right down the street.

    (2)
  • Elizabeth S.

    holy cow. I lived in Hillcrest last year and this place was a go to, but after today i felt the need to write a review. I got the soft shell crab burrito (new item!) to go for lunch and it was sincerely magical. The seafood was perfect and the whole burrito was an amazing mix of flavors and textures - fresh crunchy creamy soft. Dont' skip the salsas, they are incredible! Also, hats off to the guy working the counter. The people in front of me (two of them, a group of girls and a dude with a dog) were INCREDIBLY rude and he handled it like a pro. Guy walked in with a tiny white dog who was CLEARLY not a service dog. Cashier asks him nicely to take the dog outside. Guy argues and says it's a service dog, cashier asks him to take the dog outside again and guy argues that he's not allowed to ask him about anything else, only whether or not it's a service dog (partially true). Tiny dog continues to trip people with leash in crowded restaurant during lunch service... Super annoying. Technically a place of business is allowed to ask what service the dog performs outside of its normal behaviors but can't ask what the dog is a service dog for. It was really obvious that this dog was not trained by any standards. I know that these days there are service dogs for any number of not immediately visible conditions (PTSD, anxiety, etc) but COME ON. Then in group of girls in front of me, one girl ordered two burritos and there was some sort of mix up where he put in an order for a single burrito with extra guac. Girl (who didn't bother to check what she signed) got annoyed and ended up canceling the entire order after cashier kindly pointed out that she paid $7 for what she thought was two burritos. Then they entire group proceeded to loudly make fun of the cashier when he inverted two numbers he was calling. Real classy ladies. That guy needs a raise.

    (5)
  • Shanika L.

    The place is small and the waiting area can get crowded when there's a lot of customers. Also word of warning, the bathroom door doesn't close, which I've seen many people awkwardly and forcibly try to close it. However, I like it's cosy feel and the menu is extensive. The corn tortillas feel fresh and are so thick that you can enjoy is taste and not worry about your taco falling apart. They offer awesome vegetarian options too!

    (5)
  • Julia N.

    Look, the food is fairly good but it takes 20 minutes to get your order, the tables are sticky, and the parking situation sucks.

    (4)
  • Ricky C.

    I really love El Zarape. I've been coming for a few years now. Food-wise, I'm rarely disappointed. The burritos are great and their lentejas (lentil bean soup) was really good. However, the service here is crappy much too frequently so I'm docking a star.

    (4)
  • Rachel W.

    The food here has gone downhill... 7 (or so) years ago, this was my go-to Mexican food restaurant, but I don't live nearby anymore so I haven't been there in years... until today. I went back and was so excited for their delicious food, and after waiting 20 minutes for my shrimp enchilada and fish taco, they gave me the wrong kind of enchilada and a gross fish taco. I had to wait even longer for my shrimp taco, which contained overcooked shrimp and an unpleasant-tasting enchilada sauce. The chips were pathetic. My 3 year old daughter's bean & cheese burrito kid's meal was the best thing we were served :( My stomach hurt all afternoon. Never going back there again! Too many good Mexican food restaurants in San Diego to suffer through another El Zarape meal. I would have been better off at Rubio's.

    (1)
  • Vincent H.

    Scallop burrito-oooooooooohmygoodness this is so good! Perfectly cooked scallops with cheese oozing everywhere and delicious juices pooling at the bottom of the burrito. This is the item to get when you're here. Get it to go on a Sunday (cuz you won't find seating) and head over to the Hillcrest farmers market for a Sunday fun day!

    (5)
  • Elvi T.

    Went here with a few of my friends and was pretty disappointed. The food tasted rather bland/dry to me... We ordered the scallop burrito and a few tacos. The service was fast and the guy at the counter was friendly, but the food was not up to par with the reviews on here.

    (3)
  • William E.

    Been getting take out here for over a year, with no plans to stop. Solid, fast, convenient Mexican food with an extremely courteous and hard working staff. Disappointingly, the burritos have declined in quality: while they're still very good, I've recently noticed the filling-to-tortilla ratio has decreased to a point where it's no longer an enjoyable dining experience. California burritos used to be my go-to meal from El Zarape, but from now on I'll be ordering this staple from the competition.

    (3)
  • Wendy M.

    Food was mediocre, drink tasted nothing like what the server described, and to top it off my bag got stolen inside. Unsatisfied customer.

    (1)
  • Patricia Patti P W.

    I can't write anything new here than what is already Yelped on here. It's popular, as is every place in North Park, South Park and this area in particular. I went in here for breakfast this morning because I didn't want to dump major coin at my favorite places like Antique Row Cafe or at the Adams Ave Grill, both delicious, so I was cheap today because I knew I would be spending 300.00 on auto repairs. It was slow and quiet because they had just opened. I ordered an breakfast burrito that had eggs, tofu, tomatoes and jack cheese. I tried to eat that burrito but it ATE ME. Lordy that mother was huge. I ended up cutting it in half and scraping out the insides. Their salsa is delicious and freshly made. The hottest salsa tasted amazing on my food. The total cost of this wooly mammoth of a burrito was only 4.00. It's officially after 4:00 pm today and I still haven't eaten, I worked out for an hour doing spin class and I am still not hungry. When I get laid off, I will be eating here for breakfast everyday because for 4.00, I won't need to eat until late at night. Fantastic! I can't wait to try their fish. I love their menu, lot's of great items and tons of vegetarian choices.

    (4)
  • Joe A.

    This place is all hype. I'm not sure what the stellar reviews are but I imagine it's mainly the drunkards stumbling in from Small Bar. I had parked outside and called in my order as the lines there are always ridiculous. I initially wanted a lobster burrito but the dude that answered the phone said something to the effect of "we're out of lobster" to which I replied, "...like for the day or forever?" "we don't serve lobster anymore" he mumbled. I advised him he may want to have somebody update the website since they have about six or more various menu items with lobster in the title. He seemed to give little to no shits about it. I proceeded to order a California Burrito, The #7 and three chicken rolled tacos w/ cheese and guacamole. Dude said it'd be ready in about 10 minutes. I asked for a price and he said, "about $15 or $16". Very well. I head in after 5 minutes to wait in line thinking my food would be fresh from the kitchen by the time I paid. Alas this was not the case. The bill came to about $20 and when I get my food I'm disappointed to find out how mediocre it is at best. The tacos from my wife's #7 were soggy and gross. The tortillas seemed to be pulled right from the Guerrero Tortilla bag and shoved straight into the styrofoam box. The beans and rice were what I imagine the Nazis would have fed to prisoners of Auschwitz had the Nazis been Mexican. The rolled tacos looked more like bite-sized Mexican lumpia half the size of their container. My Cali Burrito was tasty enough, I'll admit, however the tortilla was stale and wrap into itself so as to take up the majority of space (see attached photo). The salsa bar was pretty gross and messy. The "spicy" sauce was mild at best and tasted like it was laced with ketchup. I think it was tomatillo or something. I definitely will NOT be eating at this place again. If you want 5 star quality food at a ridiculously cheap price I recommend you walk about ten yards to the right and treat yourself to Bhan Thai! Or even closer head into Small Bar and get yourself some of their excellent bacon macaroni!

    (1)
  • Stefanie C.

    My roommates love this place, but perhaps I'm just blind to its glory... Or haven't ordered the right thing. I was craving a scallop burrito, but it was a little disappointing. I felt like I was mostly eating tortilla and was surprised when I actually came across a scallop! It wasn't bad though, just nothing special. It was missing that something extra. In the meantime, my roommate is downing his fish tacos one by one... So maybe I will try those next time since they seem to be popular. I love that their menu is very plentiful. It was a difficult not to change my order last minute, but I told myself I wanted to tackle more of the menu on future visits. I have hope! Also, their salsa bar is freaking delicious. Their mild, medium, and hot labels are pretty accurate. I would honestly come back just for the salsa. Anyways, I didn't have the best experience here, but I know it has potential so I'm definitely coming back.

    (3)
  • Lucille C.

    Nothing has something so simple, tasted so extraordinary. As many items as there are on the menu, I always get the same thing-potato rolled tacos. Theyre just the right amount of soft and crunchy and the salsa is to die for!

    (4)
  • Orr R.

    Awesome burritos. Makes me so sad to live on the East Coast. Wonderful even as leftovers; a testament to their quality.

    (4)
  • Michael U.

    Items sampled include: Rice Pudding Shredded Beef Taco Polo Taco Fried Fish Taco Calamari Taco Located in University Heights, El Zarape seemed like a can't miss "locals" spot and approaching the small restaurant the space seemed legitimate - an authentic hole in the wall feel, not dirty or run down, with a short line and a menu hand written on the wall and a staff whose English was just about as good as my Spanish. Having just finished snacks from Carnitas' Snack Shack and with the restaurant fresh out of lobster for the oft-raved lobster tacos and burritos our decision to order lightly was made quite easy and choosing four tacos plus a rice pudding to be divided by three people the tasting was a few bites each with each protein fresh and tender, tortillas light with just a bit of chew, and the tomatillo salsa bright and lightly acidic. Perhaps not the destination taco shop that is Oscars' in La Jolla, but a whole lot better than majority of the taco shops nationwide...and the rice pudding is probably the best ten quarters you can spend in San Diego.

    (3)
  • Allie S.

    I love this taco shop! Surprised I haven't reviewed it before?! My favorite burrito is the wasabi shrimp burrito. Fried shrimp, and almost Caesar salad type mix in there and a wasabi sauce... Yum! They have a good salsa bar and a ton of other cool and innovative food options...

    (5)
  • Igor L.

    Amazing!

    (5)
  • Melanie R.

    Tonite since its Adams ave root fest night stopped in at the bar to have a drink. I've watch the bartender male , Shortening the alcohol in the drinks !!!! He would float the alcohol on top of the drinks In the past I've worked as a bartender. I counted his pours he was doing 3 second counts, when a full ounce is 4 seconds. & YOU don't float alcohol on top of already mixed drinks, he didn't even Mix it! Or stirred it!!! 1 margarita he didn't even pour alcohol in it& sent it off. Someone order 3 extra large lime margaritas , & each one , He floated the alcohol with a 3 count that's 1/2 a shot glass Worth of alcohol with the rest of it mix. So buyer beware!! Watch the bartender if he floats your alcohol send it back , he's ripping You off!!! Or if it taste like mix, because he didn't add the alcohol . I sat there & watched this happened & couldn't believe it! The owners watch him do it & of course was ok with it!

    (1)
  • Rachel C.

    Love this location. For whatever reason, the menu here has more veggie options than the location on Adams. It's a little smaller on the inside and you order at the counter, but I like the food better at this location. I had the rad veggie burrito and it was the burrito of my dreams. So good! The burritos are really large so you might want to take half home for dinner. When i want a great burrito that is also semi-healthy - this is my first choice.

    (4)
  • Michael D.

    California burrito had the perfect cheese to meat to guac to fruits ratio. Perfection in a tortilla.

    (5)
  • Gwynevere P.

    Super bummed that the Lobster Burrito is no more. I settled for the shrimp burrito instead but found it too wet and soggy and I definitely should have asked to have rice/beans added as I was still hungry after.

    (3)
  • Christiane D.

    Oh you haven't been to El Zarape yet? Well if you need to put an item on the "To Do" list, this small, quaint Mexican food place is #1. While it's not very big and has the tendency to be jamming around lunch or dinner time, it's worth the weight in amazing tastiness. I have yet to have a bad thing from here. Everything from tacos to burritos to spicy carrots to salsa, NOTHING is bad. They have an array of salsas, peppers and spicy to munch on while you wait for your food, but don't fill up because how else are you supposed to enjoy your Surf and Turf Burrito or fish tacos? They bring the food out promptly, it is always hot with great flavors and they have all the traditional Mexican drinks along with beer, wine and soda to accompany your food. Again, it does get busy around peak times, so if you don't have time, you may get frustrated, but I will tell you it's worth it. I have brought several people here and not once had a bad thing said :) They are also open late night as well to solve those drunken munchie needs. They do take credit card and street parking is only what's available.

    (4)
  • Kristi G.

    While on search for the best "healthy" Mexican-style food joint in San Diego, El Zarape marks itself as one of the top on my list. They have a large, yet not so overwhelming, menu. Their prices are reasonable, one or two dollars more than what you would expect from a fast food Mexican place. They also list separately their vegetarian options! The steamed and marinated veggie burrito is my favorite. It contains only marinated veggies, which at first I thought it was strange. No cheese, no salsa, nothing an ordinary burrito would normally consist of. I figured I would just lower my expectations and think, "Hey, at least I'm being healthy." When I took my first big bite, I was basically blown away. Even my meat-on-everything boyfriend was impressed with how delicious this was. I also tried the Azteca burrito (not vegetarian). I can't exactly recall the type of meat it had, but it also had nopales (cactus) and it was amazingly good, especially when mixed with their beans. If you decide to try stuff on this menu, I would highly recommend trying anything that contains their beans, be it black or refried beans. They are extremely tasty.

    (4)
  • Jenny L.

    Shrimp burrito was pretty tasty. I was so hungry before an evening flight and ordered a quick burrito to-go. I also recommend their veggie burrito. I initially tried to order their lobster burrito and was told they have stopped selling lobster. I think it's probably not the best place you could find in San Diego for Mexican food, but I am really thankful I live close to an overall great place. The three stars is not a reflection on their food, but more for the environment the workers create. It's not the friendliest place, and it's probably the main reason why I feel reluctant on going back. So note that before stopping by, it's a great place to quickly pick up some cheap Mexican food and quickly dash out.

    (3)
  • Matt C.

    This is called a yelp-update review. Which fish tacos are better, SBB&G or El Zarape? Answer: SBB&G. They are tastier, thus El Zarape gets 4 stars, SBB&G holds strong at 5.

    (4)
  • Tristin E.

    Alright- I live a hip skip and a jump away from this place and I am also a vegetarian. After seeing the reviews and looking at the menu I was stoked that they were vegetarian friendly!!! I generally just get the potato tacos and they're good, a little bland but nothing that some hot sauce can't fix. Their nachos: you can get the same thing at Taco Bell. It's tortillas and cheese sauce, that's it. Their guacamole is like water, which I hate. You would think a Mexican restaurant would have real guacamole but whatever, I can deal with it. It's just around the corner. But what I cannot get past is the service. I feel like I am such a pain in the ass to them by just being present. They don't even acknowledge your presence and I somehow always feel like I need to apologize for burdening them with my patronage when I leave there. I don't expect red carpet treatment but a little appreciation for being a friendly neighborhood customer would go a long way for them. If you live in the area- I highly suggest ordering from Rays on El Cajon Blvd. they are the nicest group of people and their food is spectacular. I work near there and eat there regularly and they give me free beverages or chips and salsa every time I go because they recognize I am a return customer who gives them my hard earned money on a regular basis. THAT is service.

    (3)
  • Jason Y.

    I am now a fan of lobster burritos. El Zarape is a place where I can promise you, you will need a GPS to find it. Maybe even the NSA to help you. The parking is on the street and nearby residencies, so have fun with that. But I suppose the food is worth the haggle. --WHAT SHOULD I ORDER-- 1) Try the lobster burrito. 2) Message me back saying how it changed your life. 3) For burrito fans, try the Fish burrito if you arean't fan of shellfish and get plenty of salsas to go with your burrito. 4) As for tacos, the fish tacos are only 1$! Amazing, but you have to kind of wonder what ingredients are going into a fish taco for a dollar. Nonetheless, The Shrimp Tacos were my favorite because it wasn't soggy, or left drenched in oil. --WHAT IS THE PRICE-- Expect each person to pay about 7$ - 12$ at the end of the bill. Source: I been here about 5 times since 2009.

    (5)
  • Allison C.

    Another 5 stars for El Zarape. My review is apt to disappear into the sea of raving compliments, so let's keep it brief: you've a menu to serve dozens of different cravings, diets, and tastes, and all the items are a cheap, yummy deal. I love me some VEGGIE SUPREME BURRITO, which, if I recall, just adds potatoes to an already amazing burrito. CARNITAS, however you have them here... in a burrito, tacos, etc... they are seasoned great and taste big in flavor. LOBSTER MEAT can run out quick though, and there are days when they don't serve it because they want customers to have fresh options. My friends and I have NEVER GONE WRONG with a meal here. Heads up on the popularity, as that means there is rarely an empty table! Be quick on the draw, or do as I do - camp out on the sidewalk and chomp down.

    (5)
  • Kumari B.

    Best damn burritos in San Diego...no contest. The only burrito place in town where I'm actually willing to gamble and try new things on the menu. When I'm not feeling adventurous, I usually go with the chile relleno burrito, the carne asada supreme, or the veggie supreme. Doesn't matter. I'm totally addicted. Any time friends or family visit from out of town, I take them here and they end up going back multiple times during their trip. If you're looking to eat there, then it's probably best not to go during peak hours. The dining area is fairly small (even with outdoor seating) and fills up fast. Best bet is to call ahead and take it to go.

    (5)
  • Rob L.

    This place was recommended by a local server who claimed this was the best burrito ever. With almost 1600 reviews, an average of 4 stars, and a price range of just one dollar sign, we all expected great Mexican food. While going to this place in University Heights on a Friday night, this restaurant is located near a few bars and a suburban area, though parking was scarce for some reason. When we finally got a spot and walked up to this place, it looked like a small restaurant, though we were ordering to go, so that didn't matter much to us, though beware if you're dining-in at this place. Our cashier did not smile, look at us, or say "thank you" to us at any point while we were there, so we were already disappointed with the lack of customer service. This was confirmed when we wanted more information about their burritos, as the cashier didn't bother to go into any detail. We ordered the scallop, surf and turf, and house burritos from the huge menu. The scallop burrito was small, not much in it besides scallops with a weird white sauce. The surf and turf had 3 small shrimps, some shredded beef, some nacho cheese sauce, and 3 layers of tortilla wrap. The house burrito was simply not memorable, which was disappointing since it was their signature dish. Overall, a very underwhelming experience considering how our server earlier in the day hyped up this place as the best ever, along with the nearly 1600 reviews average 4 stars on this site. Even though we only paid $20 for our food, we still felt like was overpriced for the amount of actual food we were able to eat. We will not return to this restaurant again.

    (1)
  • The P.

    Food was great for the price. Salsa wasn't that hot and I love really hot salsa. If you can't take hot sauce/salsa, don't eat Mexican food. It's a "raison d'ettre". It's like not putting salt on pretzels, it's just insane. I don't think I could stand Mexican food without spiciness. I don't want ketchup, I don't want some weak chopped tomato concoction, I want something really authentic and spicy. Make a weak version for Gomer Pile, but for god's sake, also make a spicier version. Portions were price right for the price and so was consistency. Customer service is not really existent here with a constant line of hungry students trying to get the cheapest food that money can buy. You basically have to kill someone to get a table. There will be 10 people waiting to grab the same table. Because of this, people arrive early and if they see a table, someone grabs it and sits there for 20 minutes waiting for their food, instead of letting someone who just got their food eat at that table. Completely ridiculous. This place needs to convert to bar/bench seating so that one person doesn't hog up a table for 4. Parking sucked, had to walk 4 blocks to eat here EVERY TIME WE ATE. When you are traveling, you are not sure where it's good to eat so you eat at the same place so that you can have consistent quality and not a diarrhea mishap. Wait time was 20-30 minutes after you placed your order. Not recommended if you are in a hurry or need to eat at the restaurant.

    (2)
  • Jando S.

    San Diego embodies some of the most wonderful assets California is known for: - Beaches - Great weather - Laid back lifestyle - *Incredible Mexican food.* El Zarape (Za-Rah-Pay) is among the latter, and one of my favorites, which says a lot considering how many quality Mexican eateries the city has to offer. A Zarape/Sarape is a Mexican shawl ( goo.gl/zCSeU ) typically worn by men, a national symbol of the country and is usually bold and beautiful. El Zarape the restaurant is remarkably similar: an interior that is small yet inviting with food that is both beautiful and bold. One tidbit for all first timers, this place makes arguably the best fish tacos in SD. The fish tacos are indeed of superior quality. Even people who think they know a good fish taco are sure to enjoy this version. The fish is fresh and is dressed to perfection, resulting in a savory bite and a hell of a first impression. It's no wonder San Diegans spoiled from growing up with this stuff can never appreciate other fish taco concoctions, or even the poor souls who think Maui Tacos is the real deal. I promise, the rest of the seafood heavy menu is worthy of all appetites. Typical items like a monster breakfast burrito, queso quesadillas, and carnitas anything, are just the icing on the cake. Even better are their lobster burritos, calimari quesadillas, and scallop tacos, which are all show stoppers in their own tasty way. A delicious meal awaits each and every person who is willing to take a chance. There are no rules for their extensive (and constantly growing), reasonably priced menu, just try something that sounds nice and it will probably end up being fantastic. Lobster burritos and fish/scallop tacos are worth their weight in gold and cannot be missed. I wish there was an El Zarape in my neck of the woods.

    (5)
  • Cassie G.

    Tasty neighborhood taco shop grubs! The menu is extensive and the quality is obvious. The salsa bar has super yummy salsa. Would give 5 stars but the people who run the cash register seem really unhappy with their lives.

    (4)
  • Pamela M.

    Discovered this little gem while trying to figure out what to have for lunch. I had the scallop burrito which was delicious! There's definitely a lot of menu choices to choose from so I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find something that will appeal to your taste buds. :) Will definitely be coming back to try some more of the items off the menu.

    (5)
  • Bill O.

    Outstanding food. Surf and turf burrito, Aloha burritos were excellent. Shrimp and scallop tacos were great. The best fish taco for .99 you will ever find! Salsas were also excellent. Very limited seating....three 4's and a couple of 2's inside so not for a large group, but great for 2 to 4. Best Mexican food I've had to date in sandiego! Prices are very reasonable.

    (5)
  • Mike G.

    Had the carnitas plate and the pulled pork plate. They were ok. Would eat there again but would not go out of my way to go there.

    (3)
  • Brian E.

    Solid taco shop. The $1 fish tacos were reasonably big and crispy. Pretty unbeatable at that price. Also ordered a scallop taco. The scallop wasn't fishy at all and perfectly cooked. Enjoyed the sauce that was lightly drizzled on the scallop taco. Would have liked to see a little more scallop. Not a lot of seating and a very below average salsa bar.

    (3)
  • Lisa F.

    Their food is pretty damn good! I love their shrimp burritos, HOWEVER I feel like they've been skimping on the shrimp lately and it's now more tortilla than it is filling. This is a shame because the burritos are bomb but they were even better at one point. Their beef rolled tacos are also super delicious, just make sure to avoid the guacamole and have them melt the cheese over the tacos to make them perfect! Keep up the good work guys, just handle ur skimping on the shrimp plz. For this reason i'm still giving you 4 starz because your foods delicious, oh and the salsa is really good too. In fact, the roasted salsa so good I once saw someone bring in a tupperware container and filled the whole container up with salsa. Obviously that was super cheesy but it just goes to show how good it is.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :8:00 am - 11:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No

Categories

Mexican Cuisine

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.

El Zarape

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