El Zarape Mexican Eatery — Restaurant in San Diego

This place was truly terrible. The front of house staff was courteous enough I guess, but the food was one of the worst i have ever experienced from a Mexican restaurant. I mean, maybe it is my fault for ordering a burrito at a place that isnt a taco shop, but i expected a place that would charge me nine dollars for a bean, rice, and cheese burrito to at least put in a little effort. When i got my food, my girlfriend said her cheese enchiladas were good, but the rice inside my burrito was pretty cold; and on top of that, the burrito was 90% rice. The only cheese i found in the burrito was at the bottom of the burrito with the two tablespoons of beans. It is probably my fault for asking for something that isnt traditionally on the menu, but i figured that slapping some refried beans, some bland Mexican rice, and some cheese into a tortilla wouldnt be that difficult. I was throughly bummed by my experience. I would have given this place one star, but my girlfriend enjoyed her food so there is that. It truly sucks that i found such an awful place to eat in san diego. I had such high hopes, and this place failed to meet any of them. Oh well i guess. Life moves on. Oh! And the hostess at the front was extremely unhelpful. She stood there while i was carrying all this stuff and holding the door open whike my girlfriend pushed the stroller for her daughter out. Maybe i am expecting slightly too much human decency out of people in this day and age, but i would like to think that if someone is having some kind of difficulty you should try to help them out, especially if it is something as easy as just...

the food is absolutely fantastic.

we came on a busy friday night while live music was happening in the back bar area. it was pretty full, but we were able to be seated in a 2-seat table without a wait. it was a margarita kinda night, and their fancy margarita with mini bottle of grand marnier in a holder was definitely the way to go. great flavor and pretty good deal considering how much you get.

i got the Pulpo A la Diabla (octopus in chipotle and tomato sauce which i highly recommend. there was a bit of confusion in me pointing to it on the menu and inquiring if it was really hot (because there is a hot icon on the menu) and our server thought I wanted the shrimp equivalent of it. I was confused and did take a bite of it before I realized it was the wrong item...so i can attest to that being very tasty too. however, i am glad i spoke up and had my correct item prepared because it was much more delicious to me and a more unique choice - you can get shrimp anywhere. and these guys know how to cook octopus! so tender, great flavor.

portions are large and i saved about 1/2 as leftovers. but probably I spoiled my appetite a bit with the delicious complimentary chips and salsa. overall very happy with our meal and made it better that they participate on mogl so you can earn cash back. if im ever craving some real sit down mexican, this is the place ill be going.

on top of that, happy hour DAILY from 4-7! that includes weekend and most of the soft tacos...

If I could give this place a 4.5 I would. Great Mexican food. I ordered the fish taco and the Kalimari Burrito. Unfortunately when I went, they didnt have enough Kalimari left from the day to fill my burrito so the cashier kindly came over to inform me and said they could fill the other half with whatever else I wanted in order to make up for it. I chose the mahi mahi fried and it was honestly such a delicious combination with fresh lettuce and tomato. Ive never had a kalimari burrito before and I definitley dont regret it. I was very pleased they offered that alternative rather than short changing me on the Kalimari without telling me. The fish taco was one of the better fish tacos I've had in San Diego. Definitley worth trying and very flavorful. Their salsa/chile was really well made. Must try all 3 they have. Will definitley be making a...