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    El Zapata

    4.4 (43 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Zapata Takeout or Delivery

    El Zapata Photos

    Business Info

    EL ZAPATA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Zapata

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    Aguachile

    Very disappointed with the food from this restaurant. We ordered chorizo tacos and aguachile and the shrimp in the aguachile was completely raw and not cured by the lime juice. Eating raw shrimp is dangerous and yet the restaurant argued with me that this was their typical presentation. Additionally the chorizo in the tacos did not appear to be properly cooked. The reaction from the restaurant on my displeasure with the food left a lot to be desired as they insulted my knowledge of Mexican cuisine in their dispute. Pictures below for you to use your own judgement when getting food here.

    Dried out and flavorless pork tacos
    Tara J.

    Ordered takeout and I must say I'm a little disappointed. Ordered the steak/shrimp/chicken fajitas, the side guacamole and 2 pernil tacos. Fajitas were over filled with this red sauce shrimp was over cooked, chicken was tasteless and the steak had no flavor, rice had so much sauce that you couldn't see the rice and beans and the veggies were so soft. The pork in the tacos was old and flavorless and the guacamole wasn't good. Service in the restaurant was good. However very dissatisfied with the quality of the food. Probably won't patronize this establishment again.

    G H.

    Omg love the food and service.. everything was great and the prices are even better.. will definitely be coming back soon.

    Guacamole
    Tiffany L.

    How have I lived in Middletown for 1.5 years without ever coming here? I have no clue but I won't be making that mistake anymore! This is the best authentic Mexican food I've had in a very long time. Everything tasted fresh and homemade, from the guac to the tacos to the molcajete to the flan. The molcajete has so much meat in there I think it would be ideal to share amongst a group or for two people to split if you're not ordering anything else. Prices are extremely affordable. We even got drinks and our total was still less than $50. We'll be back soon!

    Chicken tacos
    Marly C.

    This restaurant always has tasty tacos. This time I ordered one shrimp and five chicken tacos(see image) totaling $18. The shrimp tacos are well seasoned, but the chicken are a bit plain. Despite the plain taste, the tortilla, onions and cilantro make the whole taco really tasty. The restaurant doesn't look like much and it's a bit small, but the food makes up for it. I recommend it for tacos.

    Ceviche
    Vivi Z.

    Never ever have I ever had such amazing ceviche in my life. Every time I come to Middletown to visit my boyfriend, I would make him take me here for their ceviche. Their food in general here is super cheap and super good. I've never had a bad experience here. Their ceviche is soooooo fresh. Their shrimp is chewy and they're not skimpy on avocados either. I could eat this all day and night if I lived in Middletown. I super duper highly recommend trying their ceviche out. It's like heaven food no matter which season you eat it in. The service is always good here. If this place goes out of business, I don't think I can live anymore because their ceviche is too good to be true. I'll be visiting Middletown again next month and I already told my boyfriend I need to come here.

    The best place to enjoy Mexican food. Clean and fresh Very wonderful place, cozy and friendly
    RevDominick R.

    One of my family's and I best place to eat. The food is always prepared when order. Warm fresh and delicious.. Small place but comfortable, very clean including restrooms. It does get packed but they will be as quick as possible. Staff is extremely friendly and after a while you become Familia. You could get hooked.

    beef tacos (L) and shrimp tacos (R)

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    10 months ago

    Great Food, reasonably price. Highly recommend. Drinks are delicious, best place around, my favorite.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    A Little gem in the middle of downtown Middletown. Order her all the time. Taco taco taco

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing traditional Mexican food a great prices. Clean and the staff is always friendly.

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    The best tacos de lengua ever! Food is delicious and inexpensive. So worth going here.

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    4 years ago

    Nice atmosphere and good food , loved the mole con pollo very good . Nice waitress wished I lived closer to eat there often

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    6 years ago

    A random stop off the road and a growling belly led us to this culinary amazing ness. Everything was delicious!! Everything! And so cheap!

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    3 years ago

    excelente servicio, en comidas y bebidas

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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Yum! Good chow, good service, good portions, reasonably priced. Double thumbs up for guacamole. This place is the real-deal.

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    8 years ago

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    House of Birria - Quesa birria taco

    House of Birria

    4.5(29 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    I always have great experiences here. Showed up at 11:30 with a party of 10 and no reservation…read more They were quick and happy to accommodate us. This was our first time here for brunch. Some of us got coffees which took a bit but they were delicious. Definitely worth the wait. They have a good kids menu too. We got the frychos with chorizo as an appetizer which I've always loved but everyone at the table enjoyed them. Although I have my regular favorites I decided to try something off the brunch menu and I'm glad I did. I got the chilaquiles with green sauce and carne asada. It was very good. My only complaint was the steak wasn't cut up but that could be a personal preference. It tasted great. My husband got the breakfast torta with chorizo and really liked it. My mother in law got the breakfast omelet and she's very picky but loved it. The service was great the entire time. She even took a group photo for us at the end.

    Food Prices were fair for the times we are living in Mexican…read morestreet corn( in New York we say Elotes) Burned . Not grilled burned like it was held over the open flame on a gas stove. That's what it smelled like as well Quesabirria tacos were good however they do not dip the tortillas before grilling and they use one tortilla per taco . Consommé served warm ( not acceptable it must be hot) Shrimp taco had very overcooked shrimp. Seasoning barely noticeable ( one tortilla so it fell apart when I picked it up) Original spicy torta: this restaurant does not have or use refried beans for tortas . They didn't give me a meat option they said oh we made a birria torta we thought it's what you wanted. They offered to swap it but if you are familiar with chefs and cooks you just no thank you and take it. According to the staff they are a California style restaurant? I've seen California tortas and they are the same as New York. The protein options did not include Milanesa style chicken or steak Very nice very clean restaurant. The young lady who took the order comped us a lime Aqua Fresca and a sample of churros in hopes we will return. I made no complaints as the order was to go. Birria flavor was good although lacking in thst clove cinnamon aroma.

    Photos
    House of Birria - Entry to restaurant

    Entry to restaurant

    House of Birria - Another view of the Mexican Street Corn( Elotes)

    Another view of the Mexican Street Corn( Elotes)

    House of Birria - Birria ramen!!

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    Birria ramen!!

    Frontera Tacos & Tequila - Huevos Rancheros

    Frontera Tacos & Tequila

    3.5(196 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    My wife and I went to Frontera for dinner tonight, and as always, it did not disappoint. This place…read morehas become one of our go-to spots, and they continue to deliver a great experience every time. We were seated right away when we arrived, which was a great start. Our waitress, Angela, was awesome--friendly, attentive, and on top of everything without being overbearing. We were quickly brought chips and salsa, and our drink order was taken. My wife ordered a margarita, and I went with a mango iced tea, which was really refreshing. We decided to skip appetizers this time and went straight to our entrées. My wife ordered the chicken Milanesa sandwich, which she absolutely loves--it's a staple for her whenever we come here. I ordered the combination platter with enchiladas suizas, a gringo taco, and a chicken quesadilla. Everything came out hot and tasted great, just like it always does. I also asked about one of the tequilas and ended up ordering a shot, which was a nice touch to the meal. Between the food, drinks, atmosphere, and excellent service, the whole experience was fantastic. Frontera continues to be a reliable favorite for us, and we'll definitely be back again--as usual.

    Lots of vegetarian options. Many vegetable and fish options you VERY rarely see at Mexican…read morerestaurants. Very nice place. Hot sauce bar is the BOM. Food and drinks were great and the place has a very fun ambiance. HIGHLY recommended.

    Photos
    Frontera Tacos & Tequila - Our table

    Our table

    Frontera Tacos & Tequila - Steak Quesadilla

    Steak Quesadilla

    Frontera Tacos & Tequila - Passion fruit margarita

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    Passion fruit margarita

    San Cristobal

    San Cristobal

    4.1(24 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I was not expecting this place to be packed on a Sunday night, but there was live music, so maybe…read morethat's why it was crowded? We waited over 30 minutes after we ordered our food (enchiladas, not complicated). Our drinks weren't refilled and the food was good, but not great. I'm from Texas, so maybe my expectations are too high for New York State. If this is heralded as the best authentic Mexican in Middletown, then I'm definitely skipping any Mexican food the next time I'm in town.

    Seeking a warm meal with good friends after a long weekend, we found this highly rated restaurant…read moreon Yelp. Everything about this restaurant is fantastic. On the outside, it has that small town, dark northern tavern vibe. On the inside, it's lively and brightly decorated with gorgeous carved & painted furnishings, many featuring the saint for whom the restaurant is named. The crowd told us we'd made the right choice--this is a popular place with locals for good reason. The horchata is delicious. All the foods we ordered were amazing and generously portioned. I ordered the longaniza con papa taco, a friend ordered the chilaquiles, and my partner got a combo plate with a taco, enchilada, and chile relleno. We were very pleased with all of our selections--and I heartily recommend the longaniza. Our server was, given how busy the restaurant was, prompt and very kind. I really appreciate how friendly this restaurant is.

    Photos
    San Cristobal
    San Cristobal - Menu

    Menu

    San Cristobal - Delicious, fresh and authentic food. Friendly staff and quick service. We feel we've found a gem.

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    Delicious, fresh and authentic food. Friendly staff and quick service. We feel we've found a gem.

    Alondra's Cuisine - Salsa & Chips

    Alondra's Cuisine

    4.5(26 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Every plate is served with a side of pride... MEXICAN PRIDE…read more Food is well seasoned, prepared and plated. The food is also well portioned from salsa and chips to dessert. Don't forget to visit the dessert and cafe station located at the entrance or the well stocked bar at the rear of the restaurant. Front staff functions like a well oiled machine... front staff is welcoming, friendly, accommodating and menu knowledgeable. They also are very attentive to the tables and simultaneously maintain the appearance of the restaurant and their work stations. The entire establishment expresses their MEXICAN PRIDE. The decor and vibe of this restaurant is extremely inviting and makes you want to stay and enjoy with your friends, family or that special person. There is an abundance of seating and there is also an area to accommodate medium/large groups for special occasions or company events. No outdoor seating is available. Street parking is your only option. Middletown is lucky to have this little gem of a place. Yummy Tummy!

    Stopped in this place one day after work to meet up with some friends and I'm so glad I did. This…read morewas the first time at this establishment and I have to say the food was absolutely delicious. The service was great as well. Parking could be a pain in the butt, but I managed to find a parking area around the corner if you're in this area, definitely stop by, because you won't regret it.

    Photos
    Alondra's Cuisine - Decor of dessert and cafe station.

    Decor of dessert and cafe station.

    Alondra's Cuisine - Well prepared and plated Enchiladas de pollo (chicken enchiladas with mole sauce) con mole served with rice & beans.

    Well prepared and plated Enchiladas de pollo (chicken enchiladas with mole sauce) con mole served with rice & beans.

    Alondra's Cuisine - Decor of proud Mexican heritage and culture.

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    Decor of proud Mexican heritage and culture.

    El Zapata - mexican - Updated May 2026

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