Now I have to admit something right off the bat, we've been to El Zarape 3 times since I've started this blog about 6 weeks ago. The first time I brought the camera, but forgot all about it when it was time to eat. The second time I didn't even bother to bring the camera, period! Well this time I made sure to bring the camera, and displaying extreme self-control, even managed to take some pictures.
This little hole in the wall, features fresh, flavorful Mexican food. In what must be one of the best bargains in San Diego, the Fish Taco's here are just 99 cents, yes, 99 cents.
The fish tacos are always fresh with a crisp batter, and moist in the interior. Though it usually comes with a white sauce, we order it without it, and use a good amount of the smoky hot sauce. It's a taste and texture delight that totally blows another "famous" San Diego's chains soggy, gloppy, fish tacos out of the water! Oh, and did I say, just 99 cents every day!
Today I ordered the Shrimp Chimichanga, basically a deep fried burrito. This was filled with a generous amount of large shrimp and topped with Sour Cream and Guacamole. Very crunchy, with shrimp that had been sauteed before being rolled in the tortilla, this is a favorite of mine.
My only, slight complaint with El Zarape, is that the Guacamole is a bit "over-processed" and tends to be runny and bland, but everything else is "spot on", and scratches all those little "gastric itches" (OK, let's call them cravings).
We also had a shrimp quesedilla($4.99), easy on the cheese:
Crunchy on the outside, with great tasting shrimp and fillings inside, topped off with some spicy hot sauce is the definition of what mmm-yoso!!! is all about. This was alot of food, but we managed to finish everything.
El Zarape boasts a huge
menu with everything from soy burritos and vegetarian offerings to "don't tell my cardiologist" loaded carne asada fries. El Zarape is another one of those "places" with a regular spot on our rotation. I may not know much about Mexican Food, but I know what I like, and I like this place.
Parking can be an adventure, so I recommend going to the end of Park Blvd, finding a space and walking half a block. Service can be slow at peak times with a line forming out the door. So be like us and go early, and often!
El Zarape Mexican Restaurant
4642 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 692-1652
Open Daily 10 am-10 pm
The best burritos in San Diego town I definetly recomend this place to anyone that likes great food.
Posted by: EL TIGRE | Friday, 10 November 2006 at 01:07 PM
los tacos de pescado son muy famosos asta Washington fueron a darr.
Posted by: Veronica Hernandez | Tuesday, 11 September 2007 at 09:50 PM
This page was sent to me by a friend in Chicago, and he asked if I knew El Zerape. Told him I ate there once, and never again. They make nachos with that cheese dip slop you get in a movie theater or a stadium. Ugh. If you want to try the real deal, check out Mama Testa on University Ave (less than a mile from El Zerape, next to the Alibi bar). Huge menu of tacos, and I've never had a bad meal....
Posted by: joe | Friday, 21 September 2007 at 07:55 AM
Hi Joe - Welcome, I am sorry to say that I do not know about the nachos since I have never had them at El Zarape, nor would I ever think of having nachos there. A comparison between Mma Testa and El Zarape in not a good one.....one is a San Diego Taco Shop, and the other claims to serve authentic regional Mexican Tacos. El Zarape is good for fish tacos...they are 99 cents, and worth 99 cents.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 21 September 2007 at 01:26 PM
i've been here before and LOVE IT!
wow! the food is amazing!
nachos, 99cent tacos! you name it! and the staff is the best in San Diego, PERIOD!!!
everytime i visit SD, i make a point to eat here! its just too good!
Posted by: j o | Thursday, 31 January 2008 at 09:25 PM
Nice, I am going to have to try this place. Always love to find new taco shop's. Thank for the headsup!
Posted by: things to do in san diego | Sunday, 02 March 2008 at 12:28 PM