Stopped in for the first time last night with my girlfriend. This is one of her favorite spots, so I was excited to try it out. She got three tacos combo and I got a pastor taco, beef enchilada, and a chicken flauta combo. Food was excellent-very flavorful! Both meals came with rice and beans, as well as complimentary chips and salsa. We will definitely be back. read more

I stopped in here for an after work margarita and appetizers. The margarita was good but a little syrupy. We ordered guacamole and it was OK but the portion was smaller than I'd expect based upon other restaurants I've been to and ordered guac at. We had the queso fundido that was basically just melted cheese and chorizo. It was good but nothing that I couldn't make for myself at home. The tortillas that came with it seemed really fresh though. The chips and salsa were quite good! Our service was extremely slow even despite the place not being very busy at all. My co-worker had to leave at a certain time and we were worried that we weren't going to be able to order the food in time despite being there for over an hour. The prices were decent. We paid $25 for a half pitcher of margaritas. I'd definitely give this place another try for dinner but make sure you aren't in a hurry to get anywhere! read more

Bad plase for sure I ordered 4 tortas steak and two tacos there was almost non of the meat on the steak we had the worst taste on pastor meat not to mention the rudeness read more

My family and I have been going to El Zarape for 30 years! The food is FANTASTIC. Their fajitas are superb and they have the best salsa I've ever tried. If you want a smaller meal you can't go wrong with a taco or two. If you like margaritas be sure to give their's a try. It's the best margarita I've ever had. 15/10 recommend! read more

Excellent service with friendly employees. The music was at an appropriate level and authentic. The food was extremely good with reasonable prices. If your looking in Wheaton for a cozy overall good restaurant this is the place. read more

I can't figure out why the reviews are so low on this place. It may not be an over the top dining experience but the food is legit! The enchiladas are fantastic and their warm salsa is what dreams are made of. This is our go to family spot for some good old fashioned Mexican food! read more

El Zarape is one of the most underrated restaurants around the neighborhood. Warm salsa dip, homemade mole and menu with a wide variety of choices. My picky-eater son told me "they have good food" and would finish up everything on the plate. Service, atmosphere and presentation of food is awesome. My family loves the experience. read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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The fajitas and margaritas to go are a new family favorite at our house. Great food and staff at this local restaurant! Thanks ElZarape!

Every Friday evening, they have a couple of excellent specials. Definitely try the carnitas or the el Zarape enchiladas with jalapeño cream sauce. Our go to for a quick dinner in the neighborhood. read more

Zero stars isn't a choice! I wanted to order takeout for my birthday dinner. The place was empty with only one table occupied outside. The manager swore twice in front of me while ignoring me. I told him why I was leaving without ordering, He told me that he wasn't swearing at me and it is his 1st amendment right. He said he was busy on the phone with the owner. He further explained that he was doing 60 things. He treated the teenager working there very poorly. I felt so bad for him. No apology to me for the wait or the swearing, by the way! I see poor yelp reviews complaining about him, one even has a picture. I'm not sure why he is still there! read more

Minimal wait for a table, quick and professional staff, fast and delicious food! Great Friday night out! read more

El Zarape - The chicken torta and mini chimichangas - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Looking for FOOD POISONING? Here's your go to place: El Zarape. Ordered their food for take out the other night for a family birthday celebration during quarantine. As usual the food was decent. However, my entire family got FOOD POISONING from the chicken tacos not long after consuming. Still in bed sick currently. Will NOT go back. read more

Hot, fresh & tastey! Enchiladas, guacamole & margaritas are a hit! The service is cheerful & the chips & salsa are perfect!!

Was there yesterday and had a very good meal. The staff member I spoke with was very friendly. Would definitely go back you have to experience youself to enjoy it Thanks Sylvester read more

Love this place! My family have been regulars here for years and enjoy every time we go. Food and drinks are both so good!

Very bad service. Called to place a carryout order and the manager told me "no, we're too busy... call back later". Why do I want my dinner after dinner time? Won't ever be going back here. read more

El zarape is one our neighborhood favorites!! When indoor dining closed again right on my birthday I knew just what to do. We ordered take out for my family celebration and it was perfect and delicious. They went the extra mile to make me feel special and even gave me a birthday card and treat! If you are hungry order from them, they won't disappoint!!! read more

This is a tasty Wheaton eatery! Very cozy and warm. They give you two different sauces upon arrival (with chips), which I love because I like some heat, but not everyone does, so that caters to different palates. I had the mole enchiladas, they were good. The portion was plentiful! I enjoyed the maragrita(s) the most! An interesting note, there is a mural on the dining room wall that appears to be the start of a cock fight, at least that is what our table decided. Going in to make your own interpretation of this art is worth the trip! read more

El Zarape - ? - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Definitely not impressed with the food here. Called in an order for take out and even had them read our order back to us. Brought it home and it was wrong. Asked for a steak quesadilla with meat and cheese only but got all the peppers and onions. Also ordered Chili Con Queso and got whatever this bland thing was. Steak was cooked fine but definitely will not be ordering from here again. read more

El Zarape - Definitely NOT chili con queso like I ordered. No idea what this is. - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Absolutely the worst Mexican restaurant I've been to and I've been at many in the Chicago area. They wouldn't allow us to pay separately cause they said they wouldn't make any money. The tacos are gross to they fall apart and have terrible bagged cheese on them. read more

Place has gone downhill. Quality of food is poor, used to give free chips and salsa, now there is charge. Owner has a terrible attitude. This business does not belong in Wheaton. read more

I have lived in Wheaton for a good portion of my life, but I never had El Zarape for one reason or another. Well, that ended very recently. Came here about 7:15 for a date. Restaurant is very small and intimate. There were a few other parties when we arrived. The venue was super cold! Usually not an issue for me, but even I was a bit cold. My lady friend was not wearing sleeves, either! The owner actually offered to turn down the A/C, but it was after we had finished. Good effort, I guess? Anyways... to the food. We both had our minds set on the fajitas. I went with Steak, she went with Chicken. Both came with a side of rice and beans, as well as sour cream and salsa fresca (which contained avocado, and was great, by the way). I also ordered a side of guacamole for us to share. She went with flour tortillas; I had the corn variety. Great portion size! The lady didn't finish and had to get a surrender box. I, of course, finished the job with room to spare! Food was great; steak was not too tough, good seasoning/spices, and overall, a solid meal. Lady also ordered Sangria. Total was 37 dollars, which seemed a bit pricey, but I will pay a bit more for a small, local business as such. I will definitely return for another meal! read more

Does really matter if the food is good? Does it really matter if the waitress is extremely nice and unbelievably honest? Lost my cell phone, She (I think her name is Marisol!) found it in the parking lot, we were one of the last customers at night. She found it, took it home with her and when I realized that I didn't have my phone with me, I called my number, She answered and agreed to meet me at a fast food place late at night. We did and She handed me my phone with smile. Her face glowing with pride of honesty and decency. Having said that, the owner!! manager!! is equally opposite, obnoxiously repulsive, belligerent, bully and disrespectful. If I ever go back again it will be only because of this wonderful waitress. If she is not there, I will just turn around and leave. After writing my review I looked at other reviews and so many have similar experience. This is sad, very sad that this is actually happening in a restaurant to so many people. I am not going back to this place again. read more

Our family loves El Zarape! The food is consistently good-the staff very friendly! We've tried most items on the menu, but a few favorites are the steak fajitas, guacamole, and fish tacos. We highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Love the mole chicken enchiladas! They are the best around. Also enjoy the guacamole and salsas. I wish they would open in naperville. We would eat here every week if we could. Everything that we have ordered has been topnotch. read more

The food is very good. Love the bean dip but was extremely disappointed with the service tonight. I called for takeout and was told they aren't doing takeout right now they are too busy to call back in 30 minutes. Sorry, while I appreciate being busy the tone was rude and it didn't sound like they cared about my business. We took our business elsewhere. Not sure when we will give them another try. read more

Just ok. Beef filling for enchiladas is bland. Virtually no cheese in the cheese enchilada. Highlight was the 22 oz Negra Modelo draft.

El Zarape has been my go to place since it's been open. The quality is always fantastic, the service is great and the prices are good. My favorite dishes are the chicken tacos longy style, seafood enchiladas, chips and mild salsa (fantastic!!!!) And basically anything else I ever tried. Always will be back as long as they stay open!!! read more

The best Mexican cantina style restaurant in the western suburbs, our visiting friends regularly ask for El Zarape as our meeting spot for dinner! Quite simply the Mexican food and drinks in the area! read more

This place is so great! They have the best salsa and great service. I have been coming here for years and I highly recommend it! I love the al pastor tacos with jalapeños on the side. Definitely give this place a try! read more

Large portions! Friendly waitress and plenty of chips! Exactly what you want in a good Mexican restaurant. Seems very authentic. Great decor and quick service. I would recommend if you're looking for some good Mexican food. And beware the burrito is MASSIVE! Seems like a cool place to get a few coronas too! read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

This dude has forgotten his Mexican heritage! -charging for extra plates -charging for another basket of chips -charging 'market price' for guac (c'mon, it's not nearly that volatile) -must buy food with drinks (even at the bar) -terrible al pastor -horchata is almost entirely made out of sugar C'mon man! read more

What has happened to this place? This used to be one of our favorite authentic Mexican places to go to. The food was always good, the service spot on and the atmosphere, small but quaint. About 2 years ago, we had a bad experience whereby the food was below par. We attributed it to it simply being an "off" night for them. We went back a few months later and the same thing. The food was bland (the frijoles were actually runny), the drinks were watered down, it took forever to get our waters tapped off and the prices for the portions of food were high. At that time I said I was done but unfortunately, tried it again a few months ago. Simply a sad experience because this place used to be very good. I don't know, but I wonder if there are new owners in the last few years? I won't go back until they pay me to try anther meal with them. read more

VERY RACIST! Came here to get tacos. I order 2 tacos and asked them to give me another taco because it had a big chunk of meat in it and I just wanted it cut up he told me no" I said ok please refund me he then told me never to come back. They treated me differently because I'm black please stay away from this place read more

Interesting and correct comments. I have witnessed on several occasions the owners surely arrogant attitude. He seems to be jacked up on something given his mood swings. Food is mediocre, very salty. Lucky to be the only true sit down mexican food establishment in the neighborhood. read more

Food was very bland, I had ground beef tacos. The small cheese quesadilla was good...I believe chihuahua cheese, but I can make that myself. They brought out the wrong enchiladas to one of the people in my party. The margaritas was really tasty...but way too expensive for what they deliver. I used to come here when I was little and this was just a disappointment. Too costly for everything and no where near the quality I would expect for the price. read more

Pitchers and 1/2 pitchers of margaritas! When you find a spot that serves good alcohol in Wheaton you have to spread the word! This place is cozy with about 15 tables. Service is very attentive, yet the atmosphere is very casual. They have a parking lot that fits about 8 cars. Usually there isn't a spot to park here, but there's plenty of street parking. The margaritas are GOOD. We got 1/2 pitcher of the grande and I could taste the alcohol and not that sweet stuff that is usually poured on. You get the salty tortilla chips and 2 containers of salsa, one is mild and one is spicy, when you sit down. For dinner I got the chicken fajitas with black beans and rice. Normally you get refried beans, but they let me substitute with no problem. Hubby had the Carne Asada ala Tampiquena and his skirt steak was perfectly cooked. They had tons of authentic Mexican stuff on the menu and it was hard to choose. They also have authentic Mexican sodas. It wasn't the same as being in Cancun, but it was MUCH better than some of the other "authentic" places. We split a fried ice cream for dessert and lingered for a long time without being hassled. We drive by this place all the time and had never checked it out. It was a nice surprise! read more

Almost passed it by on the way to another restaurant and decided to stop in. We are glad we did. Excellent chips, the salsas were good (the warm mild sauce was almost creamy -yum!). Basic margarita was OK, I had the Patron Margarita rocks+salt, much better. Daily special pork carnitas were like pork fajitas, but slow-cooked, not grilled - wonderful, juicy, meaty with excellent sides. Fish tacos also on special were great. Excellent FRESH coffee, and good friendly service. My only beef is with drink prices. I thought the entrees were fairly priced, but the menu did not show drink prices. The Patron Margarita was $12, a regular $8. Seems more of a downtown Chicago price. A bottle of Bohemia was a much more reasonable $5. Booze seems a little pricey. Our food was $28, drinks were $40. But was good. I would definitely go back and drink beer. Negra Modelo! read more

Not bad food just VERY overly priced. I got the enchilada mexicanas meal and there was hardly any meat and way too much mole sauce. Heads up if you want guacamole on the side it's an extra 2.25 for a tiny cup. The waitress was really nice on the plus side. My husband had the longly tacos which were good but they are not longly they're shorty. And the beans are soupy. read more

Great atmosphere in a tiny little restaurant in downtown Wheaton. It's a tiny little place located on a street corner, with a tiny little parking lot. While the food is nothing extremely out of the ordinary, it's tasty, and the chips and salsa are great. The salsa itself is rather spicy, and the enchilada sauce given for dipping as well is perfect if spicy is not your thing. The entrees come with beans and rice, so you leave feeling full. The price is just right for me, and I'm not rich, so not sure where the gripes with the prices came from. I love the fact that the owners are very nice and that they decorate the heck out of the place. Every month has a theme and the curtains and tablecloths are changed to fit the theme. Halloween has little pumpkin curtains and July has patriotic themes. I think they make them themselves and it adds to the place. The restaurant itself is quite small (one little room), and rather dark inside, but, again, the owners make up for this by adding a lot of charm to the decoration. For dessert, make sure to get the hot sopapillas (fried dough) with the chocolate dipping sauce and whipped cream. Those are at least 75% of the reason I go there! SO tasty. Overall, a nice dining experience that is not super high-class (though it's clearly not meant to be), with tasty food and a nice dining environment. A+! read more