Zócalo Midtown — Restaurant in Sacramento

Considering the popularity that "Zocalo" has gained over the years, there isn't much else to add that hasn't been mentioned in the 2000+ Google reviews that this Sacramento-based restaurant has experienced. Having been opened since the mid-2000's, this was the first (of 4 Zocalo locations) to open with the others being in Roseville, The UV (Howe/Fair Oaks), and Folsom. This one is located in the heart of Midtown Sacramento directly on Capitol Ave. and adjacent to 18th St.

I've been to this particular location at least a dozen or so times. They have consistently set the bar high by offering an upscale Mexican food experience with their progressive menu, amazing tequilas, and over-the-top ambiance. And when I say amazing tequilas, their "Blackberry Margarita" is a real crowd-winner here as that has always been my go-to drink of choice. The interior itself is set on a grand scale with elaborate architecture, comfortable booth seating, ambient lighting, and even a live Mariachi band (on select evenings). The outdoor seating is just as impressive with comfortable seating and large umbrellas to keep the sun out.

During my most recent visit which was during the evening of Sunday 7/3/2022, my party and I elected to wait for a table outside since Sacramento was given a gift with below-normal summer temperatures. After providing my number, they texted me in less than 30 minutes. Once seated, we were given iced waters in a carafe with complimentary homemade tortilla chips, salsa rojo (red), and black bean dip. From the time we arrived which was around 6:05pm, we got seated around 6:40pm while getting our food right before 7:00pm.

Since I was trying to keep the carbs on the lower side, I narrowed down my selection by going with their "Carne Asada Bowl" (priced at $20). This bowl included a very generous portion of seasoned Carne Asada, seasonal vegetables, Davey's pinto beans, cilantro lime rice, jack cheese, crema, and guacamole. It is topped with a chile puya sauce, queso cotija, and pico de gallo. Finally, the bowl includes a side of black beans and cilantro lime rice. I completed my order with an iced cold Modelo beer. As I mentioned from the previous paragraph, my food came out in less than 20 minutes; not bad for a Sunday evening with quite a significant amount of customers.

As far as my bowl, they do not skimp on the portions here. So much to a point where I actually could not finish everything. One thing about Zocalo's and they loaded it up with meat! Now that's a huge win-win in my book. The varieties in this bowl really made every bite unique and different. And their cilantro lime rice, now this is light, moist, and delicious. I think for being an upscale Mexican restaurant, they do it right here since everything is farm to table. Prices are on the higher end of the spectrum but that's to be expected with rising food and fuel costs.

All in all, "Zocalo's" in Midtown is an above average restaurant with excellent customer service, a beautifully and stunning interior layout, and a progressively effective menu. Is it the best? Not by any means since I prefer the smaller hole-in-the-wall places but still a nice place to take a date, throw a birthday party, or just meet for Happy Hour (which are weekdays from 3-6pm). Not to mention, they also offer a nice Brunch menu and a menu made exclusively for kids. Hours are respectable being opened Sunday through Thursday from 11am-9pm and Friday/Saturday from 11am-10pm. My rating for Zocalo's, a...

Update:

Since my last review, I’ve been to brunch here to celebrate my graduation and more recently for a business trip. Happy to report that the quality of food and service are still top notch.

I love chilaquiles and the ones here were pretty good. I have a go-to chilaquiles place in San Francisco that is my gold standard, and the ones here at Zocalo are close. The chips were tossed in a red sauce, and the plate also included the cilantro rice, black beans, and scrambled eggs. My only critique is that I’d rather have more chilaquiles and take out the rice and beans. I also got the blackberry margarita sub vodka and that was delicious!

Recently, I got a pretty big lunch of the the potato flautas to start and mole enchiladas. I also got a virgin blackberry margarita. It was so much food, though they did give me a generous helping of chips and salsa. I had plenty of leftovers for dinner. The mole enchiladas were so delicious! I wish I could bottle that sauce.

Service was welcoming and friendly. When I found out I was going to travel to Sacramento months ago, I knew that I was going to dine here. And I will continue to do so whenever I’m in town.

——————————————————————- I was in Sacramento for business and Zocalo was one of the places my boss recommended to me. I’m very lucky my boss is a fellow foodie because this place was excellent! It was so good, I went twice during the week I was in the area.

I went for happy hour the first night of my stay to take advantage of sampling their menu while keeping costs down since I don’t get much back in reimbursement. I ordered a virgin mango margarita, fish tacos, and the potato/spinach flautas. Everything was delicious! My only issue was that the liquid from the salsa made the dishes soggy, though I will note I was taking pictures and videos. So maybe I need to dig in faster. I have a feeling the happy hour fish tacos are smaller, but I’m glad they were because I was stuffed by the time I finished the flautas. Each plate came with two each. And the mango margarita was so refreshing on such a hot day!

The second time I went I ordered takeout because I had a separate evening class that I needed to prepare for after a day of working. I ordered the trio of enchiladas and cilantro rice. The trio came with an enchilada in a red sauce, one with a green sauce, and the final one with mole. Out of the three, I preferred the mole. But they were all yummy! The mole had so much depth in flavor. At first I found it to be slightly sweet, and then it turned savory as I progressed through the dish. I will be ordering that again! I also liked the cilantro rice. I am one of those people that think cilantro tastes weird. The rice was full of cilantro flavor, but I was able to eat it. I won’t order it again in the future (I just wanted to try it and I’m glad I did). But if you love cilantro, you will enjoy this rice.

Service was friendly! It did take awhile to get a table, but I know they were busy because I can see the to-go bags piling from online orders. One of my colleagues went the next day and she said the place was packed! I’m not surprised because the food is really good.

I would love to come back, even if I had a craving for just chips and salsa, which were also really good. I definitely want try more of their menu, and I hope to get the...

Zocalo: A Vibrant Taste of Mexico in the Heart of Sacramento

For a truly captivating dining experience that transports you to the lively streets and sun-drenched courtyards of Mexico, look no further than Zocalo in the Sacramento Valley. This beloved local favorite has carved out a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional service, and, most importantly, its delicious, regionally-inspired Mexican cuisine.

From the moment you step inside, Zocalo enchants with its stunning decor. Intricate details, warm lighting, and a bustling energy create an ambiance that is both sophisticated and inviting. Whether you're settling in for a festive dinner with friends, a romantic evening out, or a lively brunch, the atmosphere at Zocalo sets the perfect stage.

The menu is a delightful exploration of Mexican culinary traditions, offering a refined take on classic dishes alongside innovative creations. Expect to find expertly crafted tacos filled with flavorful meats and fresh toppings, rich and complex enchiladas, and standout entrees that showcase the diverse flavors of Mexico.

Their guacamole, often preparedสด at your table, is a must-try, and their handcrafted cocktails, particularly their margaritas, are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

But Zocalo is more than just great food and a beautiful setting. The attentive and friendly staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience, adding a personal touch that makes diners feel genuinely welcomed.

Whether you're a long-time Sacramentan or just passing through the valley, a visit to Zocalo is a must. It's a place where the spirit of Mexico is celebrated with passion, flavor, and undeniable style, leaving you already planning your...