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El Zarape
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Seafood Mexican, Seafood [Edit]
4642 Park Blvd(between Madison Ave & Spalding Pl)
San Diego, CA 92116
Neighborhood: University Heights
(619) 692-1652
- Hours:
Mon 8 am - 11 pm
Tue-Sun 8 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1225 reviews for El Zarape
Review Highlights
"The lobster burrito is awesome and is $7ish."
(in 255 reviews)
"Oh El Zarape, your fish tacos make my mouth water."
(in 316 reviews)
"Your tasty salsa bar is unparalleled."
(in 154 reviews)
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1224 reviews in English
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Review from Alex P.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2012
Okay, great place. Horchata, salsa, tortillas, location, interesting music choices sometimes, all get A+
the only reason I would take off a star is because its not really my ideal mexican food? which is totally personal and me being picky but for real. the lobster burrito IS delicious BUT it could use more flavor and the combo of cheese and lobster and white sauce, although yummy was a bit much? I like it a little more fresh. I hear the chile relleno is awesome, i had the nopales, also yummy. freshness aside, the price is right. this WILL satisfy your mexi-craving. Go. Ive gone now too many times. -
Review from Leonard L.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/5/2012
El Zarape
SD: University Heights
Saturday February 3, 2012
Four Stars
Open Late, Fast Service, and Delicious Food - Couldn't ask for anything else. The Two Beef Taco Combination for $7 was just a thing for a late Saturday night. The Beef was moist and delicious.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/4/2011
El Zarape
SD: University Heights
Thursday/Friday February 3/4, 2011
Four Stars
After closing down small… Read more »
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Review from Felix S.
2/3/2012
Carne Asada Chips!
Came here after a night out drinking. Don't really remember much but i do remember the taste of those carne asada chips. When i took the first bite I knew i had died and gone to heaven. Every bite was an orgasm in my mouth and pants. They filled my plate up with everything and to the top.. Ahhhh so tasty. The staff is really friendly from what I remember. Can't wait to go back.
Get Carne asada chips and add green salsa. The Best! -
Review from Peter P.
Get the LOBSTER BURRITO! It's frickin' delicious and only $6.50. If you want something cheesy, get the lobster quesadilla. It's the same price, but not as good as the burrito and falls apart as you eat it.
The rolled tacos with guacamole and cheese are also amazing. Get the beef ones. Only wussies get potato! Just kidding. I tried both and the beef was much better.
Pass on the fish tacos. While they are super cheap ($1 each), you get what you pay for; a dinky piece of fish and lots of cabbage.
Carne asada nachos were HUGE but tasted just okay. I don't like that they use nacho cheese sauce instead of all shredded cheese. It's not as good and makes everything really soggy. Perhaps request shredded cheese only, but it may cost more.
The salsa bar has a decent selection. The avocado salsa is good. The hot red salsa has a good kick and had me sweating. Open late! -
Review from Ed K.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2012
You can't beat 99 cent fish tacos
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Review from Guapalena C.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/1/2012
Holy Crap, the Camarones a la Diabla (Spicy Shrimp Burrito) murdered every other taco, enchilada, or Mexican food derivative in a 50 mile radius.
If you like spicy, trust me, it is better than an orgasm.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/4/2012
My favorite taco shop in the county.
Everything is RIGHT.
They have 3 salsas- a salsa fresca-ish one… Read more »
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Review from Dalat N.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012
Lobster Burrito, ZOMG! Scallop Burrito ZOMG! #NoWords.
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Review from T T.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2012
Great lobster burrito, fish tacos & soup - can't go wrong with anything on their menu really. I haven't had anything that i didn't like. Prices are reasonable. They also have a few beer on tap, so that's bonus. Parking in this area could be a bit tricky. I think this is as good as Mexican food gets for me, without driving all the way to Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista or to Tijuana.
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Review from Jessica H.
Hyde Park, MA
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. -
Review from Bobby l.
1/22/2012
Their lobster burrito is off the hook! the best $7 I've ever spent. You're getting a good amount of lobster in a burrito that isn't filled with ewy fillers (ie lots of beans or rice).
The rest of the menu is nearly as good and their avocado salsa sauce is sooo good!!
Highly recommended for anyone visiting San Diego! -
Review from Fiona W.
Santa Clara, CA
1/21/2012
So one day this past weekend I was CRAVING carne asada fries and yelped the closest place that had delicious carne asada fries and I'm SO glad I came HERE. I ended up ordering a lobster burrito, fish taco, and OF COURSE HORCHATAAAAA!!!!!!! I love horchata. Anyways, the lobster burrito... mmmm I'm salivating just thinking about it. It's the only burrito I've ever finished in one sitting, well I was dying of hunger when I ate it, but the lobster pieces were huge and delicious. My other friend ordered a breakfast burrito and carne asada fries. I thought the carne asada fries were delicious! Sigh, I'll miss you El Zarape. Please build a location in NorCal preferably in Santa Clara so I can enjoy this everyday. Every. Day.
Con: Fish taco. I ate two bites and I just wasn't impressed. I've had way better at non-Mexican places to be honest, I just felt it was too dry.
What I would order next time: Carne Asada fries, lobster burrito AND HORCHATAAAA. -
Review from Lakwanza W.
West Covina, CA
1/25/2012
This is coming from a non-local.
The area seems kinda sketchy. Then again that's the first time I ventured out of Downtown SD. As for the establishment itself, I was expecting a some dirty hole in the wall but it looked like an acapulco inside with over the top mexican decorations, which isn't bad. The space was TIIIIIIINY + long line forming = I felt pretty cramped.
The lobster burrito and carne asada fries were pretty damn good, but I was expecting bigger portions. Woteva -
Review from Lauren K.
San Diego, CA
1/25/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Generally I'm not a huge fan of fried fish tacos but they somehow become a lot more tasty when they only cost a dollar.
El Zarape is my favorite late night food spot. It is within walking distance from our apartment and on the same block as Small Bar. Not only are their fish tacos extremely cheap and delicious, but they have quite a variety of items on their menu. I haven't tried much, as I have only lived here for a little over a month, but I can vouch for the fish and scallop tacos. The chicken tacos were not too shabby either but chicken can get boring. I hear great things about their lobster and shrimp burritos and plan on trying both very soon. -
Review from Amanda L.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2012
99 cent fish tacos... and they're BOMB!
I get three and I'm stuffed. Don't forget to grab the spicy salsa from their free salsa bar and a few extra limes to squeeze over the tacos. They are quick, they are open late night which is great to quench your Mexican food urge for those drunken nights stumbling out of Bourbon. But really... lunch, dinner, midnight snack they always do the trick.
Also, the place is small but it has plenty seating in and outdoors, cute decor and easy set-up. Definitively a go to place, can't wait to try their Lobster burrito. -
Review from Linda S.
Rowland Heights, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Lobster Burrito
Yes the baby lobster may taste a little like shrimp, but they are not cheap at all with it! The burrito is stuffed with lobster so you can taste the seafood sensation.
It's open till late and that is always a plus! -
Review from April B.
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
3.5 Stars.
I've been to lei lounge sooo many times and did not know this was here! After the Chargers game we stopped by to try their famous "lobster burrito" I was reading all the reviews on the way and everyone said this was a must try! I lovvvvve lobster!!
We got in and it was packedddd! Plus the place is tiny! It was dark and cold so no one was sitting outside, but we eventually got a table by the door :( The prices aren't bad for burritos esp for the lobster. I think it was about $6. Plus you can order combinations. I ended up getting the lobster burrito w. a shrimp taco. I knew I wasn't going to be able to finish the taco I don't know what I was thinking. The reviews convinced me I needed to try both! lol.
Lobster burrito was good and they weren't shiesty with the lobster which is good! BUT!! there was waaaaaay too much tortilla. I had to rip off half of the tortilla because the burrito was too thick. Then the burrito was so small. So i'm torn between giving this place 4 or 3.5 stars. I took my shrimp taco to go and ate it the next day so can't really give a review on it because it wasn't fresh, but the taco was still good at least.
It's a great spot but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. Only if I was in the area.Listed in: Mexican Food!
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Review from Meagan H.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012
I LOVE this place! Lots of variety, and the workers are nice. It is great to pick up food from here and take it over to Trolley Barn Park. I really like the shrimp tacos.
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Review from Lindsay J.
Santa Monica, CA
1/9/2012
Loved this place and found through Yelp when visiting San Diego.
The fish tacos are a great deal though aren't the best thing on the menu. For a buck, you can't beat it. Nothing on the menu is overpriced. Can't get that in LA!
The best thing we tried was the Pork Chile Verde! Amazing!! The beans and rice were good as well. The nachos looked good, but didn't try.
Love the salsa bar. The guac was creamy avacados (mixed with other stuff ) so skip getting an order of that. -
Review from allen m.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
These guys could make a brick burrito and it would taste fantastic.
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Review from Jando S.
12/30/2011 9 photos
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 (http://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. -
Review from Armonster v.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2012
I've stopped into El Zarape several times with coworkers after finishing a late night shift, the place is usually pretty popular even late at night but the food service is always prompt and good. They have an open salsa bar and drink fountain what's not to like? it does tend to be a little packed for seating sometimes and there is only 1 shared bathroom, other than that is a pretty cool late night eat spot.
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Review from Samuel H.
1/1/2012
El Zarape, you've won my heart over.
After visiting some of San Diego's gorgeous beaches, we decided to eat here after reading so many favorable Yelp reviews.
Fish Tacos: At $0.99/taco, you get a HUGE amount of freshly fried fish juxtaposed with a creamy salad inside a soft taco. SO GOOD and so cheap! Definitely flavorful and worth the price.
Lobster burrito: At only about 7 bucks, our party got this massive burrito stuffed with cooked lobster and you could tell the lobster meat was cooked to perfection because it was soft and flaky. The entire burrito was big enough to divide between 3-4 people.
Carne Asada Fries: YUM. Perfect amount of fries with steak and none of the two were too dry. I would come here for this, the burrito, and fish tacos only.
Place is kind of crowded at night, so it's best to get here kind of early if you have a larger party. Has a quaint and awesome decor. Chips are good and fresh and salsa isn't really that spicy, so if you're like me and can't take the heat sometimes, this place is perfect for you. -
Review from jim d.
San Diego, CA
1/12/2012
You know how, after having some awesome Mexican food, you always feel a little gross? Well, El Zarape is the only place I've ever eaten Mexican food that I LOVED, and didn't feel that way. Their food is so so fresh, with high quality ingredients.
We take friends that in town to this place, so that ought to tell you something. WHen we have friends that want good SoCal Mexican food, we take them here.
Now, DON"T go to their other location... for some reason, that one is expensive and not good. Thankfully this one has stayed totally awesome.
Highly highly recommend! -
Review from Rosemary T.
San Diego, CA
1/31/2012
Simply the best fish tacos I have ever eaten. The place is always packed, which should tell you something right there. It's a tiny little spot and easy to miss, but worth looking for!
Excellent food and excellent value. -
Review from Ashley H.
San Diego, CA
12/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love this place!!!! Potato Rolled Tacos are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! The green sauce is the best sauce I've ever had!
I will go back over and over again! -
Review from Patricia F.
San Diego, CA
12/29/2011
Thx Diego!
Just ate it up with my family, no napkins, whaty-what??? I wiped on my clothes, headed to CVS for paper towels! LOL! -
Review from Courtenay S.
San Diego, CA
12/21/2011
Absolutely love this place!!! So good, I moved closer to it. ;) I've been coming to this location (NOT the same as the one further East on Adams!) for over 3 years now and I love everything about it. The food, the staff, the decor... all perfection. The House burrito, otherwise called the Chocolate burrito because of the mole, is my fave.
And they're open so late! Great after-the-bars stop. -
Review from Chris B.
San Diego, CA
12/27/2011
Excellent, great quality products put into every bite. I've eaten plenty of taco shop Mexican food and this is in a class of it's own. Being a recently converted vegetarian makes El Zarape even more legit, why?
1. Veggie Supreme Burrito, excellent
2. Potato Rolled Tacos, fried potatoey goodness
3. Chile Relleno Burrito, made me a believer.
4. California Burrito w/Soy, stuffed
The only thing I've had on the menu that wasn't a hit was the Nopales Burrito, and it was pretty good until about halfway through when the Nopales just became overwhelming. I think I'll try it again but add rice and beans and it'll be up there with the rest.
For Carnivores, I used to get the Fish Taco($0.99 all day, everyday), my buddy Casey swears by the Carne Asada Burrito, add grilled Chicken to the Veggie Supreme Burrito and the Grilled Chicken Nachos are uh-mazing.
Just remember, after 5:30pm or so there is ALWAYS a line. So bring your patience and be ready to take it to go, because this place is pretty small and tables are hard to come by...
Oh, and their Salsa Bar is great! Mild, Medium or Hot all good... -
Review from Dean M.
San Diego, CA
1/18/2012
every time after eating here i want to stretch my arms out wide and shout out "SUCCESS!!!" I love me some 99 cent fish tacos, steamed and marinated vegetable burrito with guacamole, more tacos...any taco...their salsas are great and i NEED to mention their RICE! holy moly...its one of the best rice I've had from a Mexican restaurant. Even Aziz Ansari has been here haha...i don't know what he thought about it...but im sure he thought it was great!
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Review from Jon G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/30/2011
After I had moved away from San Diego, and would come back to visit, my friends began raving about this El Zarape place, claiming that their carne asada was superior to none!
Well, I said, Let's see about that! Afterall, Ive had much good carne asada in my day!
So we shot on over, and it wasnt super crowded that day, and wow, it was amazing! Great asada, great beans, great salsa bar, what else could I ask for? nothing!
So Ive made it a point to make it back there whenever possible. I am a Mexican food fiend, so I can never get enough!
Aside from that experience, I have also ventured to try a number of dishes including the shrimp burrito, and the lobster burrito. Both very fine choices! And my meat eating and vegetarian friends like this place and the sit down restaurant over on Adams, so it's a great place everyone can agree on going to. We even made a point to bring some of our friends from France over there to have a taste of what Mexican food is all about, and of course they loved it! Though the French usually cant handle anything spicy, since French food is stews and cheese and butter and such... But anyway, point being, everyone loves this place!
It does get crowded, and parking sucks, but hey, what are you going to do? -
Review from Paulina Y.
Irvine, CA
1/23/2012
creamy, delicious lobster burrito for $7?! a miracle!
fish tacos for a dollar and a huge menu with interesting seafood delights such as scallop tacos and calamari burritos are great, but i must say the lobster burrito and amazing prices are what make this place a winner, not to mention that the spicy salsa they offer at the salsa bar is good to the point that i considered drinking it...(:
definitely a place i will need to re-visit if i'm ever in the san diego area! -
Review from Anri T.
San Diego, CA
After reading good reviews on Yelp, my husband and I decided to try out this little shop the other day. We got #3 which is Lobster Britto and Shrimp Taco.
The way they cook seafood is just perftct. It's not like you're eating "some shellfish" but a big piece of lobster that seasoned just right. You really gotta try it bcz it's so hard to esplain how awesome it was.
Minus one star for having no staff who cares about keeping the place clean. Very dark inside and outside tables have some leftovers from the privious people. ew -
Review from richard t.
San Diego, CA
11/23/2011
Two words: Lobster burrito
The best, freshest, and tastiest
Warm sauteed LOB, White creamy sauce, say cheese!!!!
Where are you going to get a better deal for $6
Do it! -
Review from Ernest B.
El Cajon, CA
1/20/2012
Hmmm, what can i say? read a review from my favorite taco shop saying this place was better. Im sorry Mike H, I'll stick to mine. I had the carne plate and a beef taco. NO and no. Not terrible, just average taco shop food. Im starting to think it has something to do with all the bars around here. Drunks will love anything!
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Review from Claudia A.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been meaning to come to El Zarape for years and somehow it just had never happened until the night of my birthday.
After a Tuesday night of celebration sangrias, my friends singing Happy Birthday in metal version, beers, and the disappointment of Hamilton's closing their cafe, we went on an adventure for delicious food for drunks and we found El Zarape.
Greasy California Mexican goodness. I particularly appreciated the nachos with melty actual nacho cheese and not shredded monterrey jack cheese. I slurped my horchata and I forgot what else I munched on, I just appreciated that they were open and we were received with open arms to a wide array of food porn for drunks. -
Review from Sophia G.
1/11/2012
Great food. Great service. Strong margaritas. Tuesday tequila nights. Loud, live, foot-tappin music on weeknights. El Zarape- you had me at first bite (ok- in all honesty replace "bite" with "tequila shot"). Fun place to hang out with friends if you're looking for a saucy place to grab a drink and dinner. Will be back!
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Review from Robert R.
San Diego, CA
1/17/2012
Overpriced and over-hyped. You're better served going to your favorite taco shop. Got the lobster burrito and 4 rolled tacos. Neither was impressive or worth the money. This review is 1.5 stars, but I adhere to the principles of basic math, thus the 2.
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Review from francine g.
Las Vegas, NV
By far one of the best Mexican food joint I have ever tried and to top it all off the price is on point.
When my coworker and I arrived we were greeted by the cashier; next to the cash register there it was the menu. The menu had so much items to choose from. I ate with my eyes instead of what I can actually finish. As much as I wanted to try everything on the menu I decided to get the number 2 which was the lobster burrito and shrimp taco with a side of rice and beans. The lobster burrito was a decent size and my was it delicious. They were not shady with their lobster I counted 5 pieces in my burrito. The shrimp taco was amazing too! I also ended up ordering a tortilla soup since it just sounded yummy especially with the cold weather. By far one of the best tortilla soups I have ever tried and it was only $3.50.
As for the decor it's not that great but the food makes up for it. -
Review from Joe L.
Irvine, CA
1/11/2012
lobster burrito: saucy, cheese, lobster= yes sir.
fish taco: pretty standard mexican style fish taco, 99 cents= win.
try the SAWCES. the spicy one is not so spicy and is really good.
total cost= 8 dollars, with a full tummy. will come again when in the area.
the area is kind of small though, you can't really sit a large group. that's the only thing holding this place back to 4 stars. -
Review from Kate J.
San Diego, CA
11/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Judging by all the other positive reviews, clearly this goes without saying... this is the BEST taco shop in the North Park/City Heights/ Hillcrest area, and I have tried most of them!
As for a menu recommendation, where do I start.... please try the shrimp diabolo (I'm not sure how to spell it) burrito, I beg you!! It is so delicious, and has just the perfect level of spice.... that is according to my spice acquired tongue! The regular shrimp burrito is delicious, and although the lobster is sometimes a bit gritty, i would recommend this, too.
The restaurant is in my old (and favourite) neighbourhood of university heights, which is worth a visit in it's self. Wonder round all the local independent shops, and if El Zarape is full (which is usually the case), then take it to go and sit in Trolley Park, under the basking california sun.
Please make a visit here, you will be very pleased you did.
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