El Zarape is popular around here. It's the restaurant that usually have a few people waiting to be seated outside. A few visits ago, I declared the chili colorado as my favorite. My family enjoys their machaca, chile verde, breakfast tacos and the bean and cheese burrito from the kids menu. The inside is on the smaller side but still plenty of seating. They have benches just right outside the door so you have somewhere to sit as you wait. Inside, you can hear a mixture of music, chatter, and the movement of the plates. With glass doors and large glass windows on one side, the restaurant is well lit naturally during the day. Service has always been pleasant. Staff is friendly, helpful, and efficient. read more

El Zarape - Breakfast tacos (available on weekends from the breakfast menu. I'm unsure about the weekdays) - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

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Wow, it's been years since I came to this place last maybe 15 years or more anyway finally came back after the new renovation. Service was great, Enrique was amazing. The food was also good, very satisfied customers the only negative was dessert today they only had flan. I wasn't a fan but hubby was:) Thanks Enrique see ya next time!!! read more

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I can't believe I haven't tried El Zarape sooner! To start, the service is super friendly and attentive. The restaurant is on the smaller side, but I came on a weekday and got seated right away. You get complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was a little watery in my opinion, but I appreciated the spice level. For my entrée, I ordered the Chimichanga. It was MASSIVE. It came layered with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. The tortilla was perfectly fried and the filling was flavorful. I loved the entire plate and I dream about ordering it again. read more

El Zarape - Chimichanga Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

My family used to come in from out of town in assisting we go to El Zarape. However, the food is not what it once was. The last couple of years beans have tasted like they came out of a can. They may not have, but they sure tasted that way. And we used to order pints of beans at a time, simply because they were so good. The last time we went, a couple of weeks ago, we took home the leftovers and tossed them within a day or two because it just wasn't the same. Used to really enjoy their Chile Rellenos... they don't even use the same peppers that you're supposed to use to make them with let alone stuff them with the Mexican cheese. Have a long nose, but they were chopped up pieces of what appeared to be Anaheim Chilli inside of some sort of a deep-fried egg thing. I say this because we've made them at home and know how to make them and we have them at friends' homes. We used to love them from this place! No more! Everything has changed since they built their new place. We do go to the old place more often for a variety of reasons most of all because it's quieter and we can actually have a conversation, but frankly, I don't want to go back here again. It's just heartbreakingly disappointing. Not a fan of the new, harsh lighting. Most people don't notice these things, but it does bother me. I like a little more ambience than bright white lights. The salsa was so hot this last time. For some reason, this year jalapeños have been much hotter. There's been no thought to this assuming everybody wants flaming hot/spicy salsa. I don't mind it but many people that I bring always ask for the "milder version" lol not happening here! Yes, very disappointed after coming here since they opened many years ago, when I was still in college. I thinking it's time to find a new place. I weary of coming back and being disappointed. Thankful for the many years of truly great food, but, my favorite foods are no longer there. Well, they're still serving them, but they are just not the way they used to be, sadly ... read more

This is the old location before the new one was open. We stopped by here for a bigger party and got a chance to sit in small booth that were separated, but still together. It looks like they remodeled it and moved some things around. It looks fantastic as they opened up the area. I happen to know the original owner Cell, who works out at the gym with me. His children now run the area and it is a very good restaurant. The food is excellent. They have some wonderful lunch options if you do come inside and the portions are humongous! Swing by and give it a try read more

El Zarape - Carne Asada (steak) - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

Someone recommended this spot to me, and it did not disappoint! Was craving Mexican food, specifically enchiladas. They have six different enchilada offerings, but I was having a hard time deciding which one. Thankfully, our server let me know that I could get one enchilada with red sauce and one with green sauce. Apparently they serve this dish for brunch, but it's not on the dinner menu. I ordered the Enchiladas Rancheras because I wanted my enchiladas topped with sour cream and guacamole. One enchilada had the bell pepper red sauce, and the other had their green tomatillo sauce. You can get your enchiladas with cheese, chicken, or beef. I chose chicken, and the enchiladas were so good! All of their enchilada plates are served with Spanish style rice and refried beans. Our server had recommended the Carnitas Jalisco dish which has lean chunks of deep fried pork. It's served with guacamole, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, along with rice and beans. On the side, you get a chose of flour or corn tortillas, or both! This dish really surprised me! I tried some of it, and I'm definitely getting it as my main entree next time. The deep fried pork is tender, flavorful, and has a perfect amount of crispiness. Mix it all together with the ingredients and wrap it in a tortilla, and you have perfection! I can definitely see why this dish is popular! They also serve complimentary chips and salsa, but be warned, the salsa has a pretty good kick to it! The heat definitely builds the more you eat it. They will also refill it for you! read more

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Hello Fellow Yelpers This was my first and certainly not my last time at this delicious restaurant. While it may be small and a bit hard to find, don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant. Service A+ Food hot,fresh and very generous portions. Ah, the house margarita was very tasty. Remember to do random acts of kindness as it will make everyone feel wonderful Happy Yelping and please follow me for more awesome reviews read more

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Local spot with very good service and large portions of yummy food. I ordered take out so I only interacted with 1 person but she was very nice! The red sauce was a little bland but very with the salsa. read more

El Zarape - Carne Asada Burrito (wet) with red sauce and cheese - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

The food was good. Hubby enjoyed the breakfast burrito with bacon. I just wish there were more options without onions The inside was very small, but clean. read more

El Zarape - Bacon breakfast burrito - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

Quaint little gem in a strip mall in Cypress. Been awhile since we've been here, but we were at Los Alamitos Race Track, and it's less than 2 miles away, so let's revisit shall we?? There were 6 of us and spoiler alert, we had a great meal filled with great stories. I had the chili Colorado burrito, perfect and large portion. Wifey had bean and cheese burrito with additions inside, yummy. Friends had the chili verde burrito. Another friend had the Carnitas Jalisco. All were fabulous. Our server was amazing as always. Go here, enjoy yourself. read more

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We decided to try something different for Sunday night dinner. We arrived and there was a 25 minute wait and it was very crowded. This is a lively place where locals come. It felt like everyone knew each other. The waiters were very friendly and attentive. Chips and salsa were brought right away and without asking more salsa brought to the table to finish our chips. My wife had the green enchiladas which she really enjoyed, my daughter had the battered fish tacos which she loved and I had a combo of crispy taco, cheese enchilada and chili rellano. I enjoyed mine, but I felt the sauce could use a little spice,it was a little bland for my taste. Not a show stopper, just my preference and I'm sure many feel differently and love it judging by the crowd at the restaurant. All in all a nice Sunday dinner. read more

Food was great! The people are friendly. It's on the small side. No large parties there. A couple of tv's to watch sports. All & all we would go back! read more

Phoned in an order of chicken fajitas to go. It was ready within 15 minutes. It was a very large portion. The chicken breast was cooked perfectly and it came with an assortment of bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Loved the rice and beans as well. Never disappointed with the food quality and friendly service at El Zarape. read more

The food is as we remember and the staff!! Always above and beyond great service! Glad to have them back and to be in this comfortable place! read more

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My family and I wanted to try a new place since we were in the area. Unfortunately I would not recommend this spot. Probably the worst Mexican food I've tasted thus far. The shredded beef flautas tasted like just beef soaked in water. It was so nasty. No seasoning whatsoever. My kid had the bean and cheese burrito kid meal and it basically was a Tina's microwaveable burrito. He took one bite and made a face of disgust. I don't blame him. My husband ordered the bacon breakfast burrito. He ended up throwing more than half away. Overall, the food was just not good. Super disappointing. read more

My family and I have loved this restaurant ever since we found it in 2012. We're so happy that they've expanded into another location to accommodate their growing popularity! They are a family-owned restaurant that never disappoints. They had to shut down this original location for a year or so due to much needed renovations in the kitchen. But I'm very happy to say they are up and running again like new! It's almost like they never left bc the food is still phenomenal and still reminds me of my childhood. Our family was very happy with the food we indulged in, including the kids! They had a quesadilla with fries, but beans and rice are optional. Then, we had the Albondigas and the Pozole soup, which were both very fresh! So yummy! My partner had the Zarape Arroz con Pollo, and it might be his new fave. Cheers to the original El Zarape! read more

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I was one of the first customers in line for their soft re-opening on Thursday night. It felt so good to be back here. I love the new location, but I've been coming here since I was a kid, so it was like coming back home. Food and service was incredible as always. Love the new updates to the decor and overall vibe of the place! See you next week! :) read more

El Zarape - Tepa Enchiladas, Combo Fajitas, L-8 El Rey, Fresh Guacamole and Chips - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

I sat at the bar and ordered there famous Margarita. Then I ordered the Pork chili Verde. It was good not excellent. I love their chicken vegetable soup but wanted something different. The service was excellent. I have been there many times and always excellent service. read more

Yum yum yum! The salsa served with the chips was amazing--so flavorful! The chips themselves were a little on the stale side (maybe from the day before), but everything else was great. The service was wonderful--everyone was so kind and attentive. The restaurant is cozy, bright, and colorful, and the food was delicious! Our whole table loved their meals. read more

El Zarape - Chorizo skillet! - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

This restaurant is amazing. I have been coming here for years. If you eat here you are supporting a small business and a family who puts everything they have into this. The family and workers care for the restaurant, the food, and most importantly the customers. Can't recommend enough! read more

They are back folks! Come on in and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and service just the way you remember it! read more

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The food there is superior compared to many well liked Mexican restaurants! Homemade flavors in their sauces and an excellent mole that I have yet to find!! Service is top notch both times we went even with a busy night crowd. And our food came out perfect!! It's very nice, welcoming, open and has a lovely covered patio too ! read more

The ambiance is welcoming. The service was courteous. The noise was average and allowed for conversation. The food was not authentic Mexican food at all. The chile relleno was decent, but the rest of the food was not good. First of all, the way food is served, in my opinion, is disgusting! BUT we were there, and we were hungry and willing to try new places and believe it or not we kept an open mind. But no, one must really not know about Mexican food to like this place. I tried everything, but the more I looked at the plates the more disgusted I was. The prices are high too. Try at your own risk. read more

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Best Mexican food in Cypress! So happy this location reopened and worth a visit. Started with a margarita and guacamole with chips. Ordered my favorite chicken enchiladas and the only main entree item I order since it's so good! Service was great and my favorite local restaurant! read more

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Super impressed with this place! It's no easy feat, but they have my new favorite Michelada! It's sooo damn good here. I got the 3 crunch tacos--both the ground beef and shredded beef. I prefer the shredded, but both were delicious. Chips and salsa were fantastic, with a real kick. The only downside was the beverage selection. My friend wanted a Mexican Coke, but they didn't have it. Then he asked for a Jarritos, and they didn't have that either. Finally, he asked for Horchata, and they didn't have that. They definitely need to work on their Mexican beverage selection. Other than that, I can't wait to go back for my favorite Michelada and try more of the food they offer! read more

El Zarape - Great atmosphere - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

Service was excellent, but the food was not good. I visited this place about 6 years ago and the food was great freshly made.

Dishes tasted very healthy - I'd go there again. Service was excellent - very friendly staff! Ambiance was cozy, not very spacious but felt homey. read more

Nice atmosphere, great food and drinks. Our server Monica was excellent! Highly recommend this place.

Food was so good.... Service was amazing Anonymous person paid for our dinner so thankful Must say it was a good Sunday read more

This restaurant is reopening in September 2025 FINALLY! While I've enjoyed the new restaurant in Los Alamitos, it lacks the warmth and charm of the original restaurant on Ball road. VIVA the original El Zarape! read more

Local favorite. Everyone in Cypress & Los Al talks about this place. Amazing customer service always. I'm not a fan of their margaritas BUT I am a huge fan of their Palomas. After trying out a few dishes my recent go to dish is the El Zarape Arroz con Pollo. Highly recommend this dish and adding beans. They definitely changed their chips. Their salsa is good. The restaurant isn't big so it's always packed and you'll most likely have a wait. No outside seating. read more

El Zarape - El Zarape Arroz con Pollo. I added beans. 10/10. - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

The food here cannot be beat. I had a chili Verde plate and my dining partner had a burrito. I don't remember what kind. The salsa and chips are delicious and easy to fill up on. The drinks are well-made with a nice tequila selection. The service is stellar, and all tables are well tended to with friendly faces. The whole family has worked here at one time or another. Sal and his family have made this a Cypress landmark. Nicely decorated and comfortable inside. I'm looking forward to them opening their new location. It's called El Z and it's a tequila bar and a kitchen. I believe it already opened last Thursday. Make sure not to miss these Cypress Staples. read more

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The food where was very flavorful and filling, I can't wait to try the drinks next time. The bar looks amazing and it seems like they make a nice strong drink. Ask for the habanero salsa if you want something with a kick. There will probably be a little bit of a wait as this place seems popular but it's worth it! read more

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We usually order their Big Sal wet burritos to go for events at home. The burritos are usually pretty good and our family tends to like them. After our son's soccer game we were all hungry and were not too far away. We said let's eat in this time. So we decided to go. The hostess said about 45 minutes so my wife went to pump gas and come back. It took her about 30 minutes and they gave us our table, so they exceeded the wait time. I believe they were just waiting for more staff to open the last seating area. The owner and wait staff all seem to know all the usual customers Los Gringos. LOL! We seemed to be the only Mexican family at this Mexican restaurant, with Mexican decor, Mexican music blasting, and still we felt out of place. LOL. GO FIGURE. I felt so out of place when everyone else around us was getting drinks. Chips and salsa. Refills. And yet we were the only table not being waited on. Hmm The older gentleman who appeared to possibly be the owner finally came to our table and asked, "where's your drinks"? Ummmm good question. No one had asked for drinks. So he took our order. Another long wait for him to take our order. Luckily the food didn't take long to arrive. Food was piping hot. And was pretty good. My son got chicken enchiladas Rojas. My daughter got asada nachos. My wife got chiles rellenos. And I got a chile verde wet burrito. The food was not bad. Had good flavor, except for the canned refried beans. Come on Mr Zarape. Bake some fresh beans. It does not take much effort. We never ever eat canned beans. So this part was disappointing. Minus 1 star for the not so attentive as all the other people around us service. And 1 star for the canned refied beans. Other than that. Not bad. read more

El Zarape - Chile verde burrito - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

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Unfortunately the Ball location is closed for remodeling. The Katella location is amazing though. Great food & service. read more

Yesterday we had dined El Zarape. We ordered the a Grilled Carne Asada and Enchiladas Rojas with 2 cups of Albondiga soup. On the menu it say $4.00 with meal, but the waiter charged $6.95 each. I told him I think you over charged me, but he said the $4.00 was only for combos. After we left the restaurant I checked their menu and it said $4.00 with the meal we ordered. Contacted the restaurant, but did not receive a response. He overcharged us a few months ago. I let it go last time, The food good, but be careful when you receive the bill. read more

El Zarape - El Zarape menu in Cypress. - Mexican Near Me - Cypress, California

This Mexican restaurant is behind Baskin Robbjns so it's hard to find when entering the plaza. There's no Yelp check in so sign in and wait (party must be present before seating). Inside is very inviting and it's busy during its peak times. So it's like any typical Mexican restaurant that has burritos, tacos, enchilada and fajitas. Sodas are fountain. What stands out is the 6lb burrito (catering only). However, the Big Sal Burrito is the second biggest burrito that can be order anytime. How bug? It covers almost the entire plate as a wet burrito. I was very impressed Overall, food is very good and attentive service. I believe we met the owner or manager that day and was very outgoing yet hardworking guy. He likes talking to the guests...especially it's regulars. I recommend on giving this place a try read more

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Good food. Good atmosphere, good service. Cute little place. Clean & new. Expensive as hell.

Ordered to go. Place is a little small but gives a nice homey vibe to it. Food portions are amazing and taste fantastic. Staff was attentive and brought the food out to me when ready. read more

Love this place reopened... It's right around the corner from our house and really has a great grandmother's kitchen feel. Found out. They also have Lalo on deck... What's not to love?!? read more