Zocalo
Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 249-7576
- Cross Street:
- Piedmont Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Margarita 2007, Margarita 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 10:30am-10pm
Editorial Review for Zocalo – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
This wildly popular cantina calls to mind a tropical open-air market in some faraway land. Splashes of primary colors and rough-hewn planking combine with a ceiling full of upside-down wicker baskets and breezes from overhead fans to create the south-of-the-border atmosphere. Meals arrive on wooden boards or in the pocked volcanic rock of a molcajete. Servers are attentive, but harried.
The Food
In spite of some concessions to American tastes, the kitchen generally turns out authentic Mexican dishes. Avoid the Tex-Mex favorites and go for the velvety mole poured atop a tender chicken breast, or shrimp tacos served with piquant avocado sauce. Poblano soup is fiery and creamy, while black bean cakes are crisp and addictive. Corn tortillas are fresh and chewy, bearing little resemblance to the mealy versions found in supermarkets. Desserts are less noteworthy--better to get your sugar rush from one of the sweet, potent margaritas.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe one-of-a-kind selection of 150 premium tequilas is the backbone of the stellar margarita menu. Try the Zocarita or the Tamarita, a tamarind-flavored margarita.
Save MoneyThe lunch menu is affordable. Most dishes are $5 to $6--and guaranteed to be ready in 20 minutes or less.
Where to SitOn busy nights, the front bar makes for a good hangout and great people-watching.
What to EatOrder the tableside guacamole--prepared fresh right at your table. Also check out the Sunday Brunch, served every Sunday 10am-2pm, with a combination of Mexican and American dishes and drink specials.
User Reviews for Zocalo
04/24/2008 Posted by chrismm78
Despite being in the center of Midtown and driving past this restaurant daily, this was my first visit to Zocalo. However, this visit almost did not occur due to reading the previous multiple bad reviews. My visit was quite pleasent, and you get exactly what you go for: standard mexican food and good margaritas at a decent price. I am not sure what the patrons before me who were not impressed expected for a $10 a plate mexican restaurant? I visited on a nice weather day, and the restaurant, which resembles an off-the-beaten-path mexican beach cantina, had all of its windows open for the evening breeze. Me and my dining partner started with a pitcher of house margaritas ($25), and an order of the homemade guacamole ($6), both of which were good. I had the chicken mole ($12), and my partner had the pork enchiladas ($12), again, both of which were good. My only complaint is the "first basket of chips on the house" policy. When I drink margaritas I like to eat chips, and have never ran into a mexican restaurant that charges a per basket fee ($1.50). All-in-all, I would definately return to Zocalo; good food, good margaritas, and within stumbling distance home!
Pros: Potent margaritas
Cons: Rather small, can fill up quick
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
01/17/2008 Posted by notintoreviewsbut
I've been to the Zocalos in Grant Park and I've always had a great experience. It is more casual than the Midtown location but it's good food at a reasonable price. I went to the Midtown location and I was very disappointed. I paid a dollar for lettuce to go on my tacos...Do I need to say more because I can. I could talk about the service and the attitude of the manager. I wouldn't recommend it. The margaritas are pretty strong but that's typical of any regular Mexican restaurant and they won't be as expensive. I don't mind paying more if the food and service are good but I spent $30 on so-so tacos and two margaritas (not including tip), Don't do it-
Pros: Convenient (located at 10th and Piedmont)
Cons: Poor service, over priced, valet parking that has to be validated, so-so food, not worth it at all
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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