Zapatista

The Scene – Slow-turning fans, amped-up mariachi tunes, black-and-white photos of Latin dudes with curled mustaches--not to mention a menu of more than 50 tequilas--create a festive, margarita-happy atmosphere. The large dining room with rustic wood seating and tapestry-backed half-booths emanates a conversational hum. A hibiscus-lined outdoor patio is ideal for people-watching, and the large bar to the right is perfect for post-work banter. – – The Food – Oaxacan-style eats pepper this menu with a fine chorizo and poblano-accented queso fundido and limey guacamole…

Read full featured review

Editor's Tips

Parking:: Finding a parking spot here is challenging, so either valet or take public transportation. The Roosevelt El stop is just a two-block walk.
What to Drink:: A festive drink menu includes souped-up margaritas like the Azul y Oro, a blue margarita with Gran Gala orange liquor and La Revolucion with grenadine and chile piquin. An extensive tequila menu boasts more than 50 choices, which range from $6 to $39.

Write a Review

User Reviews (32)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“The atmosphere is kid friendly!” “enjoyed the menu variety, the decor and the staff!”
dessert	50.0% positive	“highly recommend the carna al sada steak, the guacomole with jicama, and the chocolate soufle dessert, yum!” “The food was cold, the waiter kept forgetting about us, and, never brought the desert we ordered.”
drinks	50.0% positive	“The food was delicious, the guacamole - out of this world, the drinks were tasty and effective.” “She never came back to give us drink refills but when it was time for the bill she brought it quickly and it had athe added gratuity that she didnt deserve because of her poor service.”
food quality	85.19000053405762% positive	“nothing interesting about the food whatsoever.” “The tacos tasted stale/ old and the food was not tasty at all.” “The food was not at all good.” “The food was cold, the waiter kept forgetting about us, and, never brought the desert we ordered.” “Everytime (except once) the food has been pretty good.” “Great time, great food.” “the salsa was ok with a smoky flavor and the chips were pretty warm, so that was promising.” “The food was delicious, the guacamole - out of this world, the drinks were tasty and effective.” “This is a place where you know you can get a delicious authentic meal that is truly Mexico!” “highly recommend the carna al sada steak, the guacomole with jicama, and the chocolate soufle dessert, yum!” “The food is very good but the comfort of this resturant is why I go.” “The fajitas, tacos, even the burritos are excellent.” “Needless to say, my mom and I left the restaurant and went to eat a fabulous meal next door at Exposure Tapas.” “Mediocre food, horrible service” “If you love Mexican food, you have to go to this restaurant.” “The chicken was tasteless.” “The service was amazing and the food was great.” “Wonderful food!” “The fajitas and burrito with the creamy chipotle topping was delicious.” “Great food, so so service” “Anyway, if you are looking for good mexican food, head over to Pilsen.” “This is by far the best mexican food my wife and I have ever had.” “Aside from the food, the lively crowd and tasty margaritas gave the restaurant a somewhat festive vibe.” “Friendly staff, good food, decent value” “The steak fajitias are DELICIOUS!” “the food was excellent, the ZAPAS appetizers is a great choice.” “The food was good and fresh.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“enjoyed the menu variety, the decor and the staff!”
overall	100.0% positive	“We've also brought along a few other couples as it's a great place for groups as well as couples.” “My husband & I live in the S.Loop and thought we'd found a great new mexican place.” “It's sad because we live in the neighborhood and were really excited to have a good mexican place close by.”
return potential	0.0% positive	“will NEVER recommend this restaurant to anyone or return because the service was horrible and this is definately not a family restaurant!”
service	52.63000011444092% positive	“This place is just another trendy mexican restaurant with bad service.” “Mediocre food, horrible service” “Service was friendly and very good.” “We went again last night with some friends and again, the service was horrible.” “However, the response I received from the manager was unacceptable.” “No apology for the poor service.” “Great food, so so service” “She never came back to give us drink refills but when it was time for the bill she brought it quickly and it had athe added gratuity that she didnt deserve because of her poor service.” “Our server warned the chef was a stickler when we tried to order the mini-taco appetizer for my 4 year-old daughter's entree.” “Friendly staff, good food, decent value” “Yes, the service is mediocre and you will often have to remind them twice of a request and the restaurant is noisy.” “The service was amazing and the food was great.” “enjoyed the menu variety, the decor and the staff!” “will NEVER recommend this restaurant to anyone or return because the service was horrible and this is definately not a family restaurant!” “The service was friendly and efficient.” “The food was cold, the waiter kept forgetting about us, and, never brought the desert we ordered.” “The service was friendly and good.” “The atmosphere is kid friendly!” “we sat and waited forever even though they weren't that busy (i think our waiter had a huge section and was overseated even though the restaurant wasn't really hopping).”
value	100.0% positive	“Great value and a welcome addition to our South Loop neighborhood.” “we sat and waited forever even though they weren't that busy (i think our waiter had a huge section and was overseated even though the restaurant wasn't really hopping).” “Friendly staff, good food, decent value”
wait time	0.0% positive	“Service was slow even though the place was not crowded.”

05/16/11

Great Chicago Mexican Food

by MikeyHarper at Citysearch

I went to Zapatista simply because I love Rage Against the Machine and their many references to the EZLN Zapatista Army in Mexico.

Anyway I went and tried the Carne Asada Enchiladas and they were Excellent!

The interior was very nice and seemed like it would be very cool to bring a group of people. I recommend checking it out and you should read up on the Zapatista Army :)

helpful (0) not helpful (0) comment share

05/10/11

Great Little Resturant in South Loop

by barbntodd at Citysearch

We have recently moved to South Loop and Zapatista has become one of our favorites. We have teenage daughters so its nice to go out for a dinner that appeals to all of us. Sophisticated enough for the grown ups and flavorful enough for the ones who think they are grown up. Food was excellent with a great variety.

helpful (0) not helpful (0) comment share

12/06/10

Chicago's Best Mexican Food

by MVP Chiropractic at Citysearch

I love the atmosphere and the food. Great place to go in the south loop.

helpful (0) not helpful (0) comment share

07/28/10

Sunday Dinner

by slparks01 at Citysearch

My Wife and I were very excited on Sunday, July 25 to use our last of 4 Groupon’s that we purchased for Zapatista. However, when we arrived for dinner at 4:30, we were met with a sign on the door that stated that Zapatista was hosting a private party from 3pm until 10pm. I called on the following day to speak with the manager (George) at Zapatista to determine if it would be okay if we used the Groupon the next business day. George told me that he would not authorize the use of the Groupon after I politely explained our circumstances. He was very rude and unprofessional as he told me that he didn’t care if we patronized his restaurant again. My previous experiences at Zapatista were excellent, but I do not plan to dine at this establishment again! I believe the manager of a restaurant sets the expectations of service for the staff. Is this the way a valued patron should be treated?

Pros: Tasty Food + Great Location
Cons: Management - No Respect for Groupon Users

helpful (0) not helpful (0) comment share

06/13/09

No service for me

by ladibugg765 at Citysearch

My mom and I attempted to eat dinner at this establishment earlier this evening. I live about a block away from the restaurant and this was my first attempt to dine there. Unfortunately, the staff ignored our presence. I am African American and when my mom and I stepped in we waited to be helped. The hostess proceeded to help a Caucasian individual who came in after us. My and mom I stepped up to the desk to make sure they knew we were waiting and another hostess proceeded to help another Caucasian individual who came in the restaurant after us and stepped up to the desk after us. At that point, I asked to speak with the manager. I was surprised to learn that the manager was standing behind the desk the whole time. I explained to him that we had been waiting to be seated and two individuals who came in after us were helped first. The manager looked at me like I was crazy and simply said do you need something. No apology for the poor service...nothing. I was stunned. People can make honest mistakes and it is possible the hostesses simply were not paying attention. However, the response I received from the manager was unacceptable. Needless to say, my mom and I left the restaurant and went to eat a fabulous meal next door at Exposure Tapas.

helpful (0) not helpful (0) comment share

Write a Review

See more Zapatista reviews

Zapatista

Hours:

Price:

Category:

Payment Methods:

Restaurant Special Features:

Cuisine:

Smoking Permitted:

What People Are Saying About Zapatista

Jennifer Olvera

Contributor

Editor's Tips

05/16/11

Great Chicago Mexican Food

by MikeyHarper at Citysearch

05/10/11

Great Little Resturant in South Loop

by barbntodd at Citysearch

12/06/10

Chicago's Best Mexican Food

by MVP Chiropractic at Citysearch

07/28/10

Sunday Dinner

by slparks01 at Citysearch

06/13/09

No service for me

by ladibugg765 at Citysearch

The Details on Zapatista

Place Categories:

Things To Do Nearby Zapatista

Lists In Chicago

Recent Reviews In Chicago

More Info

Contact

More Navigation

Partner Sites: