El Zarape Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Cypress

I found El Zarape after driving by it several times while out in the work field for my 9-5. I just so happen to work with restaurants (not this particular one… yet?) as a vendor and decided to stop and take a peek inside during one of their busy lunch days. The authentic-appearing restaurant looked packed with an atmosphere of customers enjoying themselves.

Earlier this evening my wife and I drove by it again while simply being out and about on a Saturday evening, and we decided to stop and review it for our food and travel blog Discovering Hidden Gems. After a brief wait upon adding our names to the waitlist, we were seated in a nice booth near the entrance,. The Mexican music playing in the background and decor added to the authentic-vibes.

This family-owned restaurant is the real deal, including a generous selection of menu items and margaritas along with some original offerings. The service was outstanding with employees and an owner checking in on us just the right amount of times with warm and welcoming smiles. Their sincerity and desire to please their customers shows through their genuine personalities.

Food quality? Hot, fresh and flavorful is the best way to describe it. My wife being a fan of both chicken mole and chicken flautas, well, let’s just say I didn’t get to choose this round! Haha. Their chicken mole enchiladas are worth bragging about and the chicken flautas delicious, though I think they are known for their family feast-sized burritos.

Can’t wait to go back to try other menu items including their tacos. Definitely give El Zarape a try if you’re even remotely close to the area. Even if you aren’t, I’d say it’s worth the drive and give it 5 Stars. I would suggest checking to see if they take reservations since it’s not a huge restaurant, but we got in at just...

Due to Covid, we understand that El Zarape closed for a time and is now doing take out. We’ve supported and patronized this restaurant for many years; food is terrific. They stipulate on their website that they offer and perform curb side orders. The past three times that I’ve attempted to order curbside they claim that they’re short of staff. I’ve sat parked all three times attempting to order curbside as they answer the phone which I could see, hardly any patrons in there all three times. This is wrong, I have a portable oxygen machine and have no issue paying an additional fee for curbside service that they claim on their website that they offer. They need to take this off their website, plain lazy of them and lack of respectful service. Disappointing that they don’t honor what they claim especially in these...

Very friendly and kind Staff. We are not familiar with Mexican Food. So I asked a waiter which dish he recommended.

Both of dishes are very good, however portion was sooo Big. This is the reason we tried one dish just as tasting then we brought it home. So I recommend when you order more than two dishes, it is very important that you had better order one dish is suitable for bringing your home because of its portion. :D

I don't know Spanish Language so I can not tell the plate name but I recommend a plate that grilled meat on the Spanish Rice. It is sooo tasty then I tried frying rice for reheating before our eating. Our son liked it very much so he ate all.

Anyway, this restaurant is sooo popular so around 18:30 many people wait outside even...