Lately, the weather has been crazy here in Georgia. It'll be thunderstorming & pouring one second, sunny the next second and then hailing later on. It's VERY strange, if I might say so myself. Because of the hectic, unforeseen weather schedule, it makes it extremely difficult to plan get togethers with friends, especially mini road trips. I hope I don't see rain for a while~
On to today's post! Before I moved to Duluth, my family and I used to live in Norcross, a city about 15-20 minutes away from where I live now. Before the Gwinnett/Duluth area became "the scene," Norcross used to be the happening place. So many great memories here, it's always nice to go back home and feel welcomed no matter where I go, gotta love that Southern hospitality. Anyways, as I was gazing through my Scoutmob app, there was a deal for a restaurant called Zapata, located inside Historic Norcross-a little town filled with unique restaurants, cute stores, and even British sweets & treats. A week or so ago, my girlfriends and I were craving some authentic Mexican food and after seeing this deal, we planned out a day where we spent the whole day shopping and eating in the town we all grew up in, which brings me to Zapata's Taco & Tequila Bar.
Let's get started:
♕Sign on the windows. Restaurant named after Emilio Zapata Salazar, one of the leading figures during the Mexican Revolution
♕Blackberry Margarita to get the party started off right
♕La Rosita (Strawberry) Margarita
♕Standard chips and salsa
♕Maya Combo #3 ($8.95): Marinated and grilled flank steak served with a fresh green salad with cilantro lime dressing and queso fresco crumbs, tortillas, and a side of rice and refried black beans
♕Interior of the restaurant
♕Exterior shot of the restaurant from the outside
♕FOOD (4.5/5): The drinks were AMAZING and HIGHLY recommended! Each margarita was handcrafted with real agave nectar (which is extremely rare these days with all the pre-mixed stuff out there), high quality tequila and all-natural fruit flavorings. Between the two we selected, strawberry and blackberry, both were pretty darn delicious and had that real fruity flavoring to them, not artificial whatsoever. Amongst our choices, the waiter also mentioned a jalapeno margarita, in addition to a mango one amongst many others. I already know which one I'll be getting next time. All the flavors sounded so tantalizing. The way the drinks are presented themselves are very nice as well, adorned with a thin round slice of lemon and a sugary/salt rim, YUM! After we put it our orders, we were immediately brought over a basket of freshly fried tortilla chips and salsa. Although they were pretty standard, the freshness of them paired extremely well with the salsa-I ate my weight in these alone. Our table ordered a variety of lunch items, from the mole enchilada, to the taco plate and more. Everyone really enjoyed what they ordered and would definitely say that this small restaurant in Norcross is above many of those outrageously priced Mexican restaurants in Atlanta, and the prices are extremely affordable and pleasant. For the dish that I ordered, the Maya Combo #3, the steak itself was super tender and delicious, not to mention enormous.It was incredibly easy to cut into and was very enjoyable. The rice was your standard rice, but the refried beans (which I've never been a fan of ever) were just okay, nothing to rave about (but only because I don't like beans in general). If you aren't a fan of beans either, just ask to sub for extra rice. Also, underneath the steak was a bed of field greens mix. Unfortunately, I think they may have forgotten the salad dressing since there was no flavoring to them, but ASK for their housemade sour cream-IT IS TO DIE FOR! Oh my goodness, after that special sour cream, it was heavenly. The warm tortillas + steak + salad + rice = perfect mini tacos. Everything was fantastic, just make sure to ask for that sauce and rice instead of those beans.
♕SERVICE (5/5): Simply fabulous! Our waiter, Jamie, was very pleasant, attentive and friendly. He was knowledgeable abut the various dishes they offered, in addition to the drink choices. Although his English was a bit difficult to understand with his accent, he definitely tried his best. Our water glasses were continuously filled, we were asked how our meals were and if we needed anything, brought additional items when needed, all with a smile on his face. Also, he had no problem splitting our checks, and not to mention, he was some great eye candy as well. Great service all around, it made the entire experience so much more fun, not only for us, but for him too, to be serving an entire table of lovely females.
♕DECOR (5/5): It's not your run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant, the interior of the restaurant is beautifully decorated with dark wooden tables, bar area, chairs and more. The bar area is always very pleasant and so many drink choices are available. Although not pictured, the kitchen is always semi-open, meaning it's not really an open kitchen, but if you walk by it, you'll be able to see the chefs preparing the food, as there is a counter where dishes get placed. It's definitely a great place for a casual date with friends and family, not only do you get a great atmosphere, but also great drinks, awesome food and an enjoyable time.
Overall, Zapata has become a pretty solid choice for me for authentic Mexican cuisine. They have your typical dishes like enchiladas, tacos and more. Their tacos are pretty darn tasty as well! I need to come back SOON and try their specialty, mocaljetes, which are soup-like dishes filled to the brim with various seafoods and meats, and adorned with cactus leaves on the side. The table next to us ordered it, and I immediately started drooling. From the atmosphere to the fantastic service and food, I'll definitely be back here more often! If you don't live in the Norcross area but love authentic Mexican, I'd make the trip out here fast! Even with the Scoutmob deal (which is now expired I believe), I've found a new favorite restaurant not too far away from where I live.
Here's the physical address: 15 Jones Street
Norcross, GA 30071
Have a great day,
-Sandy
FTC: I was not paid or compensated for this review, all reviews and opinions are my own.
If you'd like to invite Bella Vivere to cover & share your restaurant's media events, tastings or parties, feel free to shoot me an email at bellavivere@gmail.com-Thanks!
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