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 solid four stars.