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Closed due to <a href="http://snipurl.com/t7il4">fire</a>. Zocalo offers contemporary Mexican food on Main Street.
The drinks are good - and they have a great selection to choose from.
Great service.
The food is good. Absolutely delicious, prepared well, served nicely, and it's the kind of comfort food that you've never tried before. I loved it.
But the prices reflect its 'corner of B/W and Main' location - it didn't seem worth it to me.
The only thing I DO have to say (and this is the hallmark of a good restaurant)... is that though it's been a few weeks since I was there, I can remember the food, and I crave it.
So there.
Came here with a friend as we were both craving ceviche. I hadn't been but had been told by others it's good. I figured they should a ceviche since they're a latin restaurant - they did so it was perfect. We were in a bit of a rush so ordered right away, it came out nice and cold. Refreshing and perfect for sharing around 9 bucks or something. I had a beer and she had margarita, they were on special there was some sort of mix up with the drink but was rectified right away. We had come from a long walk prior to eating and I was terribly thirsty, I pretty much slammed my water and the server noticed, we joked about our walk and I said that since i'll probably be dowing waters to leave a jug or something she said that she didn't mind filling my glass and to chug away, she was really nice and like I said incredably attentive. Still slightly peckish we orderd the bean tacos to share. Also really good and someting around $8. All it was were beans but seasoned, queso fresco and a lightly dressed salad, i think it came with salsa. Delicious. We were there for a little over 30 mins. In and out. The food was great, the place was full for having a small space, the music was great and the service awesome.
It's a perfect place to come and share a few plates, there entree menu looked good too from what i remember reading, but be warned this isn't 'tex-mex' crap that most people eat, it's a take on latin american dishes done on tapas style. I'll definatley check it out again.
My husband and I visited this new funky-looking Mexican restaurant to celebrate a Friday night. We were both hungry. The ambiance was okay, but nothing to write home about. There was a live DJ, but for what purpose (other than an excuse to charge more) i do not know. We shared a pitcher of guava margarita, which was nothing special.
The most disappointing and shocking thing was the tiny portion sizes. I ordered the Ceviche, which looked like a few table spoonfuls of salsa served with 2 chips. My husband had the chicken taco and the queso salad. I am a petite 5'2 asian, and still found my portion was not enough to feed my cat. My husband is an active, 6 ft mountain climber, who needed a decent size meal. The final bill came up to over $50 and we were starving. We asked to speak with the manager about this, and she gave us a condescending lecture on the meaning of "tapas" - even though nowhere on the menu or on the restaurant was the word tapas posted. We left and went straight to a second restaurant to have a REAL dinner.
Don't go to this place if you actually want to eat.
So... a group of us friends went for a casual night out to catch up and celebrate a birthday, I'd heard this was a funky little place so I wanted to check it out. From the website it looked hip and popping, and different from the usual laid-back Vancouver fare so I was excited to experience it. Well... though the ambiance is very cool with the blue walls and funky lighting & decor... there was no live music our night and the restaurant was basically empty, with only a few other tables gathered, and coming in and out for salads, drinks, or dessert. Our waitress seemed confused, and at first I thought it was because we were taking too long to decide and I felt bad for her, but then when we finally started making our orders, she would make strange faces and seemed pretty flakey. I'm sure she's nice enough, it was just weird. I actually asked her if what I'd ordered was okay, as from her expression you would have thought there was something wrong with it. We ordered 4 plates to share between the 4 of us, and asked her how big the portions were to see if we needed a 5th - I didn't even think it would be an issue - but she made it sound alright and told us to wait and see, so we did. Well the food came, and everything was TINY! 5 Prawns for $10? A palmful of ceviche for $9, two half skewers of sirloin for $10, and maybe 10-15 mussels for $9 - for 4 girls, that's not dinner. Everything tasted good enough, it's just that's about all each of us had - a taste. So when she came back, we asked her what the biggest most filling plate was on the menu, and we got that. 30 minutes later, she came out with a little bowl of what looked like chili, with 3 tiny tortillas on the side, and then brought in an extra separately, to round it out. I was really annoyed. I don't know if she was trying to give us one of the most expensive things on the menu, or if that's honestly the largest plate, but if it were me and I knew my customers were looking for something more substantial, I'd warn them it's still not what they're looking for, to avoid disappointment. All in all, not bad food, and we really didn't spend all that much, but I've never eaten someplace with portions so tiny, and left hungry. I hope at least it's a good night out when there's live music. And I know we're not supposed to compare, but there's a mexican place on Robson who's burritos are the size of my arm, for the price we paid for 5 shrimp. This is more of an appetizer/tapas place, don't go for a filling meal.
I've heard about a lot of good eats down Main st. Fair prices and solid taste are usually the reasons on this otherwise dinghy street. Having said so, I'm not sure where Zocalo would fit the bill here.
First, the food. I give them credit for presentation, but it doesn't save the lack of distinctive flavor. I had the chilaquiles, by the way. It felt as though only line cooks were working tonight, and only wrapped foods turned out well. Anything more complicated overpowered my tastebuds with spiciness, the predominent flavor in this quaint joint.
Sometimes, I can be forgiving of culinary weakness if the service is admirable. Sadly, this was not the case. The waitress who served my table made it clear that unless we ordered quickly, our business would not be appreciated, even though the place was half-empty. I spied 2 employees boldy fooling around, ignorant of hands raised in the air for help.
I had wanted to order dessert, but felt fed up. My advice is to order something wrapped, such as the bean burritos, if you frequent this restaurant. Anything that does not sound familiar or high risk should be avoided.
I heard on the radio this morning that a fire on main and broadway has destroyed this restaurant along with kishu island, slickety jim's and a coffee lounge. This is so sad because these restaurants have been landmarks on main street. I hope they can recover soon! Best wishes to all those affected.
Went to this restaurant a couple of days ago for a friend's bday...was NOT impressed at all...the plate sizes are appy/tapa size with entree prices...some of the couples thought they'd get 2-3 plates and share...when they got their food there was probably enough for 1 person...many of them had a order a 4th dish...for example, the chicken mole was I think $12 and all it was was one tiny drumstick and small thigh with sauce...I paid $25 for my meal...$12 for a small piece of mahi mahi and salsa/sauce &$3 for a small circle of mexican rice...the only good thing about my meal was the dessert...had the crem de leche, or something like that...definitely flavorful, it was also small, but the price was around what you'd normally pay for a dessert $6...
I WILL NEVER SET FOOT IN THIS RESTAURANT AGAIN...
Was there a few times and had a decent experience every time. I've noticed that they are more busy every time especially on an evening when a live band is playing.
Place is tight and will often have to move for passer-by's and waiting staff. Kind of feel like you're on their way and the table in the middle is not supposed to be there in the first place.
Food is different from the conventional Mexican cuisine, very refreshing.
Servers are accommodating and have positive attitude.
I was so excited when this place opened up, I convinced a group of friends to go because the menu looked amazing. I was sorely bummed out by the food. If you have had good quality mexican before you might find this food to be a disappointment. I had the mole chicken and it was so bland, and the chicken tasted rubbery. The ambiance is okay and the music makes up for a lot but it just wasn't enough...which is too bad, we sorely need good mexican restaurants in vancouver.
I was headed out for a night of music at the Biltmore and thought I would try a neighbourhood restaurant. Wow, I sure couldn't got wrong with this place! It was packed on a Friday night, so I was seated at the bar. The bartender was friendly and attentive. I had to turn in my seat to enjoy the live spanish music coming from the front of the room. I had the 'best dish in the house' - the Tinga - and enjoyed every morsel. And I LOVE the death-themed images of Mexican folk art that decorate the place.
The service was quite good and the Margaritas were even better. The entertainment was AAA+ (Spanish Classical Guitarist)
When it comes to the food this is what I would call "Fusion Mexican Cuisine", the problem is that did not fuse with me at all. The appetizers that we ordered were relatively tasteless. I could not detect the garlic in the garlic prawns, there was a cut up chipotle pepper on top of the prawns that was flavourless, the queso fundido appeared to be not a lot more than ground beef in cheese.
The mole chicken was quite possibly the most disappointing mole that I have ever had. I lived in Mexico and I do consider myself a pretty good judge of Mexican food.
The ambiance was great and there heart is in the right place. I think they need to hire a Mexican cook who really knows how to make the sauces and they will be onto something.
Vancouverites are finally beginning to discover that Mexican food is so much more than tacos & enchiladas. Zocalo, along with a few other more traditional eateries, are helping to educate the local public, and for that we should be thankful.
We happened upon Zocalo just by chance, and were pleasantly surprised. First, let's start with the margaritas - estupendo! The best I've tasted in the city - lots of fresh lime, not too sweet, and the tequila you can actually taste. Our ceviche wasn't a huge portion but it was entirely satisfying. The chicken mole with plantains & grapefruit on the side was tasty, although the mole could have been a little richer & spicier. The coco de flan was the most heavenly flan I've enjoyed in any Mexican restaurant - here or in Mexico.
Combine the good eats with excellent service, good music, & unique decor - and you've got a winner here. Hasta pronto!
I went to Zocalo for the first time for a fundraiser.
I thought the atmosphere was nice and cozy.
The blonde server was VERY VERY attentive.
There was a huge crowd of people and I didn't feel neglected by her.
The food did take forever to arrive but I am pretty sure it was because of the event going on and the fact that everyone pretty much showed up at the same time. But I had a bowl of spicy peanuts on the table that lasted me till the food arrived.
The alcohol selection was great. The menu suggested good food pairings for the wine which was nice. I ended up trying the white wine sangria. Very refreshing. And then after had Patron tequila... the only tequila worth drinking.
The food selection was a bit limited for my liking, but what was on the menu seemed appetizing. To eat I decided to try the Chicken Mole.
I've never had Chicken Mole but it's now my new favourite food.
The vegetables on the side were done to perfection. The chicken was so perfectly juicy that it might have tasted good without the sauce. But it's such a great sauce why would you?
I went to Zocalo at around 5:30 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I saw that they were supposed to have food and drink specials today and that's why I went. When I first stepped in, I thought the place looked pretty chill, with a little edgy decor. The music was a little too loud though. The server was okay; she just led us to the table and got us our menus. I asked her if there were any specials for Cinco de Mayo and she said that there wasn't any, which was strange, considering the posters on their walls read that there would be food and drink specials today. So we just stuck to the main menu.
Food :
Ceviche - pretty good! the fish was firm but still had very soft edge to it. There was a lot of lime in the dish but was very good with the combination of avocados and other condiments.
Queso Fundido - it's like a brie cheese dip except much smaller in portions compared to the fried tortilla chips (which were very good, by the way). The dish itself was very good but it was too small to please our hungry appetites. The salsa on the side seemed pretty silly as the amount was too small to be eaten anyways.
Sirloin Skewers - WARNING: if you eat nothing but tender steak or red meat, DO NOT TRY THIS DISH! I don't actually mind lean beef but the sirloin was too tough for me to chew properly. The vegetables, on the other hand, were cooked to perfection and I was very happy with them.
Chicken Taquitos - Very good except the portion was wayy too small! Two big spring roll sizes. The guacamole was quite good and the dish itself was excellent overall.
Drinks:
White Trash Margarita - okay. wasn't too exciting. can't recollect anything special about this drink.
ginger tequila sunrise - AWESOME! the orange flavour was very intense in this drink but you could still feel the tequila's presence. GREAT!
dessert:
pastel tres leches - great dessert! you can really taste the different milk between the layers. the only issue would be that the cake is a little dense ( i like moist cakes) but it's amazing how moist it is!
Overall, pretty good. It is a pretty good place to check out. However, I don't know if I'll be returning. The ambiance was below my expectations. The only thing that really really impressed me was the dessert.
I wanted to celebrate my birthday at a Mexican restaurant, so I googled "Mexican Restaurants Vancouver" and Zocalo popped up. I didn't know what to expect since neither I nor my friends had ever been there before. I made reservations a week before for 10 and everyone showed up at 7pm. The place was steady... not overly busy, but all the tables were full. I was quite surprised by the ambiance. It was a really nice place to chill and talk with friends over drinks. There were some really spicy peanuts on the table, but you know they are hot because of the huge chili peppers in the bowl.
Drinks were quick. Water for everyone and almost every time my friend put her glass down, the server was prompt to fill her glass.
Everyone ordered at the same time, but half the table got their food and the other half had to wait a loooooooong time for theirs. I ordered two dishes (ceviche and queso fundido), my bf ordered one (chicken mole) so that we could share all three. What little food I got was amazing. Whilst in Mexico, I searched for ceviche like this. The cheese thing was awesome--- a ramekin filled with brie cheese and sausage. For $12, my bf got two sad little pieces of chicken in mole sauce. Very good, but I ain't no model. I need food. For the prices, I thought that they would be entree sized meals, not tapas plates. My friend got a tiny piece of mahi mahi that was spicy spicy. Another friend got their tingas and they were big and good.
Half the table ordered desserts and they were wonderful. Not once did I feel rushed to finish up and get out of there. When it came time to pay, there was a little confusion with the bill... I think there's music on Friday nights... There was a guy with a computer in the corner setting up... but we left before he started.
Overall I had a good time: I wasn't stuffed, but felt I should stop somewhere else for more food. Our server was very helpful despite the bill snafu. She answered all our questions and made some good recommendations. I might go back--- I really liked the food, but I can't get over the price for portion size.
I'd gotten quite tired of "Mexican" restaurants in Vancouver that served Southwestern or Tex-Mex instead of real Mexican, but I no longer have to make real Mexican myself when I get the hankering.
We went for lunch (only one other table was seated when we arrived), and started with the queso fundido, which was excellent, though a bit small for the $8.50 price tag. We then tried to order four tacos, but our server told us it wasn't like ordering several tiny tacos from a taqueria (which is what I was expecting, with a $6 price tag); each taco plate comes with two tacos, rice and brothy black beans. So we went with the tinga and pork carnitas, accompanied by lime margaritas. WOW! The preparation on both was as authentic as I've ever had (or made!). The beans were AMAZING, so much better than the brown-black "refried bean" paste you get from less authentic places.
Dessert was the flan de coco and the pastel de tres leches, both of which were good, and would have been better value for quality at $1-$2 less.
Overall, I was happy to find such great, soulful Mexican in Vancouver, but sad that it had taken me so long to find it. I will definitely go back, and recommend it to friends who know, and crave, authentic Mexican.
Buon provecho!
Went to Zocalo's last night with 4 other friends. Tuesday nights before 8:30pm is half price appetizers! The food took a little longer than desired but it was really good so it made up for the fact it took a little longer. Everything tasted fresh and good. The sangria was really yummy too! It was really dark in the restaurant and the dark walls made it even seem darker but the artwork was neat. There is also a live DJ as well.
Went with a group of girlfriends for dinner and drinks and we really enjoyed ourselves.
The option of having any of there specialty cocktails by the pictcher is great, not to mention the mojitos were fantastica (much better than Havana's on Commercial)
Food was surprisingly reasonably priced and portions were great for my group of girls.
Service wasn't specatular but it was attentive. Good selection of dessets. We enjoyed the chocolate fondue,, although it tasted slightly burned, but who cares, chocolate, fruit and angel food cake what more do you want.
Loved the band. Would definitely go back.
Recommended for a hot day when all you want is cold pitchers of creative drinks and some fantastice appetizers and ambience.
Went on a double date there in the Fall with some good friends. Awesome, lively atmosphere as soon as you walk in. You instantly feel that it's Friday night. All the staff were really attentive and on their game. We were greeted promptly and luckily only had to wait about 10-15 minutes for a table.
We had a pitcher of mojitos which was so minty and delicious! We tried tons of different things from the menu, about three courses worth, and honestly, everything was delicious. Also, try the special tequila service they offer!
Had such a good time and will definitely be back.
I must say... everything I have tried at this restaurant is amazing. My personal favs are the Tinga, Mussels, Prawns and Queso Fundido. Not to mention the best damn margaritas in the city. I especially love going Thursday nights when the solo Latin guitarist plays. They have a great band that plays weekends too! Zocalo has become one of my regular spots because I just can get enough. Try the Tinga, you'll definitely go back.
A must.
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