Add another favorite to the list. The borracho beans great! Some of the best I've had. The one cup serving came with the lunch fajitas. I must say I was expecting the lunch portion to be small, but it would have been plenty for two. Why spend the extra money for extra food when you could be adding on a margarita instead. And what fun! The rice came in a pyramid shape. It's the little things that make the experience. The made from scratch tortillas and guacamole were good. The grilled onions were amazing though. Really good seasoning. The best thing about the lunch fajitas is that they separate the onions from the chicken. I usually eat veggie fajitas and my wife eats chicken fajitas. This makes sorting out a bit easier. We had another fantastic waiter. Still lovin' this some El Zarape. Year ago: Carlos and our waitress did and excellent job yesterday. Carlos' was personable with us and the children, and our waitress was friendly as well. Chips were good. House salsa was okay. I prefer grilled salsa, but this was still good. Not too watery, sticks great to the chips. Ask for the hot salsa though. It's green and has tomatillos in it for a little bit different flavor. If it's too hot for you, just mix the two salsas together. The chicken fajitas for 2 was huge. It could have fed all four of us with leftovers to take home. If you have two mega hungry people though, this will do the trick. It comes with two full plates of rice, beans, guacamole, pico, and lettuce in addition to a shared plate of chicken fajitas. The tortillas were good, appearing to be made in house. The kids orders were large as well. No one's going hungry at El Zarape. The cheese sauce on the kids bean burrito was really good, but it was the waffle fries with spices that were amazing. The extra touch was sending us away with another bag of chips and tub of salsa. It was all good, but my favorites were the guacamole and waffle fries. Nice interior decor, patio, and clean bathrooms. This is now our favorite Mexican restaurant in Fort Smith. Thank you El Zarape, Carlos, and waitress for a great experience. read more

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Javier, the guy serving us seemed nice at the beginning of our visit. However, he made flirtatious comments with me and called me honey, which I found quite unprofessional. When I asked about the menu, to see if I could get the Speedy Gonzalez in vegetarian, he said no, not available/only in beef, and that the only vegetarian options were the salads. Umm, I turned the menu around and lo & behold there were spinach enchiladas. Ok, ordered that. He later was passing by our table and I asked again, if it would have been possible to get the Speedy Gonzalez in vegetarian, he said, yeah, you could've tried. I was like WTF. So he went in the kitchen to "check" if he could change the order. Basically what he did was pretend to go inside the kitchen and ask because he showed up under 1 min later saying no, it's too late, the order has already been placed. Next time, ask me if you would prefer vegetarian. What a rude person. He was clearly angry with us for asking questions because he kept skipping our table when we asked for service after that. Then he tried to sweet talk us with a "homemade tortilla" for free. Definitely not returning to this low-class service place. Super fake. And yep, I didn't bother to tip either. read more

We arrived just after 11am and was seated immediately. The chips arrived shortly and I like their salsa, not too salty. My wife ordered the lunch chimichanga and I ordered the lunch beef burrito. Both plates were plenty of food for lunch or supper. We were craving a frozen margarita and previous reviews led us there in hopes of the cool treat. Unfortunately, they were cleaning the machine so we settled for on the rocks. Service was top notch. Decor inside is very nice. Clean. We'll be back to try the frozen and check out their fajitas! read more

The food is well made but the service is sub par. The wait staff cannot manage large crowds. read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Been here a few times now and it's definitely my favorite Mexican food in town. I've lived in Dallas for the last several years and that town is blessed with some very good Tex-Mex. I'd been a couple other places around Ft. Smith and hadn't been impressed, but had some friends suggest El Zarape. Excellent food and excellent service. I've had a couple renditions of their fajitas and tasted some of their other dishes. It's all been good to me. El Zarape is our go-to for Mexican food in Ft. Smith. read more

One of the worst experiences we have ever had going out to eat. We used to take our friends and family here proud of this Mexican place that was above the ordinary. This is now a low class, poor food Mexican place worse than it even was 20 years ago. The decor is good. The food is awful. Do not go here. read more

Now, let me start off by saying that I have eaten at excellent TexMex restaurants before and in both Mexico and in Texas, which would bring this place to a 3 star in comparison. But, hey, for Ft. Smith, this far north of the Mexican border, this is pretty good! The chips are too thick, the salsa too bland, and there were no black beans.But the cheese enchiladas were good (though I like chili con carne instead of the red sauce; all they had was red sauce and cheese sauce), the margaritas were decent and abundant and cheap, and the churros were excellent. The service became slower as the restaurant filled, but they were very friendly. We will go there af5sin! read more

I have been here a couple of times during my 3 week visit to Fort Smith, AR. They have a lunch special that is excellent and cheap. The food and portion size is really good and fairly fast. They are very friendly and happy wait staff. read more

A very good, authentic Mexican restaurant. I'm here on a Tuesday night after work and sat right down. $3.50 32 oz draft, Ice Cold! Great food mostly all under $10 for dinner and great service. Hand made tortillas every morning. Impressed. I'll be back. read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Good food, food atmosphere, salsa is kind of bland, fast service, friendly service...very popular place! read more

El Zarape - Chicken chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

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Moved from Arizona and was skeptical that I would find authentic Mexican food. El Zarape has quickly become a staple for my family! I've tried many different things. A few of my favorites are the Molcajete, Carne Asada and Enchilladas lunch platter, and the California burrito (feeds 2, seriously). We also enjoy their fresh tortillas and made at the table guacamole. read more

Good food the place is legit. Good portions friendly staff was extremely satisfied and the price was cheap. I will definitely be hitting this place up for lunch while in the area. read more

Not sure about the other reviews or previous place that was el zarape... But this place is great. It is very clean and up to date. It has a nice bar area with 5 TV's,Customer service was on point,The food was great. Came in on accident, grand opening is actually tomorrow. I wouldn't be surprise is in a few weeks it will have 5 stars on yelp. .. read more

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We went back to El Zarape for an early dinner on July 3rd and had a much better experience than our first visit. Food: We started out with the Flautas with cheese sauce; these were AMAZING. I could easily order this as an entrée and be a happy camper. The shells were crisp, the meat tender, and it came on a bed of mango salsa that was pretty outstand on its own. We also got the guacamole again and it tasted quite a bit better than previously. Entrees were definitely a hit this time. I got the Molcajete, which was quite the large portion of deliciously sautéed meat and veggies (careful - it's really juicy and will drip); I would say it's superior to the one offered at Patron's, though the meat and vegetables were cut rather sloppily and still attached in large chunks. My husband got the Enchiladas Habaneras, which he enjoyed, but he thinks they are better at Patron's (and you get a larger portion). Overall, I would say the food was an improvement from our previous experience. Service: Definitely better than our first visit, though I don't recall that we received any refills on our beverages. General atmosphere: it was pretty chill when we went, so noise wasn't nearly an issue. However, the seating - the actual booths - are still an issue. We were seated in a booth that was quite uncomfortable: it felt like a pad thrown over a space with no support underneath (springs or straps). We got up and moved to a table with chairs. Later, another couple was seated in the booth we were in and asked to be moved as well. They definitely need to step up and make the seating more comfortable. Final thoughts: We will likely go back when we are on that side of town or happen to be in the mood for upscale Mexican cuisine. You pay a little more, but you get a little more with it. And definitely try the Flautas! I would give them a 3.5 start review if that were possible as the service and food definitely improved over the last time, but service still needs some tweaking and the seating is damn uncomfortable. read more

Best Mexican food we've found in town! Staff's friendly and welcoming. Our servers have always been ready with jokes and recommendations. Favorite thing so far is the Molcajete: a great mix of meat and veggies (and cactus!) served in a bubbling cauldron. read more

We found El Zarape today and I have got to say, in the Ft. Smith and Greenwood area, this place is by far the best Mexican restaurant around. Don't waste your time in Greenwood. If you live south, make the trip to Ft. Smith to eat here. The steak street tacos and homemade tamales are great! Richard is also a good guy!! read more

Great food. Great service. Guacamole table side was solid. I was pleasantly surprised here in Fort Smith Arkansas to get good Mexican food. I have had better Mexican but for Arkansas this place was solid. read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Great food and excellent margaritas! Love going there for Taco Tuesday! Margaritas are always buy one, get a small one for one cent!

The food and atmosphere is amazing. The food is so filling I can hardly ever finish my plate. I prefer this place over La Huerta any day.

The food is very good, the service was subpar, I imagine they were a little short staffed during lunch. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their food one of them stating they were arguably the best fajitas he's every had. read more

Since its recent renovations, El Zarape has become the top notch place to eat when seeking south of the border entrees and drinks! The costumer service is always on point. The food is as authentic as possible, and they will accommodate to your needs. If you're in Ft. Smith, skip the usual place and definitely grab a bite (and drink) here. read more

El Zarape - "Ceviche" It was good. Fresh. - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

My husband and I loved this place. He ordered the chiles rellenos and I the healthy salad. The margarita was as delicious as our entrees. Staff were courteous and fast. We were simply passing through Ft. Smith and found this gem on Yelp. Lucky for us! read more

Went to El Zarape today Sunday, January 8, 2023 got the chimichanga platter it said that it was deep-fried they need to really deep fry it because it wasn't crunchy at all El Chico is used to have the best chimichanga because it was very crunchy it had flavor the meat inside the chimichanga was absolutely flavorless the rice the Mexican rice I can make it better myself don't expect anything spectacular when you go there if you order the chimichanga plate I didn't order the beans I ordered double the rice well that's I'm really glad that they give you the white OK so they were going to put it on top of the fried chimichanga what's the point if you fry it it is supposed to be crunchy either way it's not crunchy but I asked for the white queso on the side because I figure the rice and Mexican rice would be crap and it was it was dry and it was flavorless there were no peppers no onions and no fresh tomato in the Mexican rice you would think with all the Hispanics that are working there they would know how to create an excellent Mexican rice I guess if I want it good I'll cook it myself but I did end up putting the white queso on the rice which increased the flavor and helped it along but otherwise there was absolutely no flavor in the rice and it was awful there was no flavor in the meat In the chimichanga they had the pico de gallo and guacamole guacamole had no taste no flavor the Pepsi was good and there Was a little bit of a show with the dish that was being prepared tableside with a big fire it looked good it smells good maybe I will go back and try whatever that was but on a scale from one to 10 I think that may be a three would be the best I could do for El Zarape but I will give it another shot read more

I can say that hands down the service is superb. I have not been to a restaurant that made me feel more at home than this place. Salsa is good but not great. The food is good and the stuffed jalapeños are. Stuffed with chicken and are outstanding. It is a mistake to not come here. Don't miss it. read more

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Upscale Mexican restaurant. Beautiful decor. Very knowledgeable and staff. I had the twin soup and I must say not only is it a feast for the eyes but the flavors were incredible. One half is black bean soup with smoky flavor of cumin. The other is a mild poblano creamy goodness. Separately delicious but when you mix it, heaven. I would rate this in the top 5 soups I've ever eaten. You must try it!!!! The chicken flautas were lovely on the plate and flavorful as well. I really like it when the chef understands we eat first with our eyes. Next time I'm in town, I look forward to returning. read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

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I love this Mexican restaurant! Best Margarita in town and the menu option are amazing. Compliments to the chef because every meal I've ever ordered was perfection. Added bonus...the staff are friendly, efficient and provide the best service. read more

The one thing I miss since moving from California is a good Molcahete dish. The big stone bowl filled with beef, chicken, cactus and onions. This place did not disappoint! Service is superb and I'll definitely be going back to try their other dishes. Ask for Antonio when you go and he'll hook you up with some deliciously spicy hot sauce. Beware though as I eat sriracha like ketchup and this sauce made my nose run and brought on the sweats! Hands down, the best Mexican food I've had in the six years we've been living here. Quit reading this review and go!!!! Now!!! Well, part two I guess. Went back to El Zarape tonight with our boys. Needless to say, they LOVED it!!! I highly recommend you also try the Zarape special single. I have no idea how big the double is but can confidently say the single could feed two. Antonio, now Tony to us, was again great and helpful as always. He made the flour tortillas in the morning and served us three helpings by the time we left!!! Just awesome food and people. read more

I've ate here several times now. First of all, exceptional service and the hospitality is above and beyond. The way the dishes are presented is very appealing to the eye. Now when it comes to the food, I will have to say the food is decently portioned or even more than expected at times. As a Mexican, the food does lack authenticity but I totally understand since it has to satisfy the majority. The food, to be honest, is about the same I can get anywhere else in the area. But the ambiance and service is what makes me come back! I tried the tortilla soup today. It was delicious but a bit too salty. It was way bigger than expected so at the end, I was satisfied! Definitely try anything with shrimp while you're here! read more

El Zarape - Tortilla Soup - Mexican Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

A friend took me to El Zarape on one of my previous visits to Fort Smith. Now, I try to go any time I'm here on business. The sopes are awesome, but this time I got the chili verde. Great choice! Simple, but delicious meal. The pork was served with an awesome chili verde sauce, beans and rice. I got corn tortillas instead of flour. The chips and salsa are great and I love their table side guacamole. My waiter this time was over the top nice! Great for a solo diner in town in business. Nice to chat with someone! read more

Good food. Good Mexican cuisine. Hard to mess up Mexican food. If you like Mexican food, they have it!!

They have always been very friendly, great food, atmosphere, and decently priced. We go for almost every birthday

If you want Mexican, this is my favorite. Great food, friendly staff. Close to my house. I just love the staff, started coming here when they first opened, me, my wife, a bunch of soldiers from Fort Chaffee, and a few other locals. After the first month the place was packed! They have remodeled more than once to accommodate the customers, who always come first. TRY IT, YOU'LL LIIKKEE IITTT!!!!! read more

Terrible. Ordered for pick up along with several other orders. I had the torta. Extremely dry. Didn't get correct change and neither did anyone else. When we called back to let them know of the mistake they were very unfriendly. read more

Beautiful restaurant and great staff. Best margarita in town. I love the way the staff interacts with my whole family. My favorite plate are the fajitas. read more

Stopped here on way home from Hot Springs. What a find! Table side guacamole was amazing! Loved the chips and salsa! Pleasant atmosphere, cute decor, good service. Food was made fresh and had a large selection on the menu. Will definitely stop here again next time we are passing through. read more

This was the best experience I had in town! Our server genuinely loves working there and even sat down for a while to talk to us since she knew we were visitors. She recommended great dishes to us (I got the flaming plate) and we had the soups - the twin soup lets you try the tortilla and black bean! Food was great all the way till the end with the cinnamon apple dessert and the indoor decorations were phenomenal. Thanks for having us!!!! read more

A hidden treasure in the Fort. Probably some of the best Mexican food in the area, super funky and cool. Strongly recommend their margaritas, they are the best I've ever had anywhere. Super clean, and their waiters are awesome. read more

We went because of a review on the twin soup. We left thoroughly satisfied. I grew up in Arizona and this is by far the best Mexican food I've ever had. The margaritas were amazing they were so fresh. $2.00 happy hour for 12 oz. and on the rocks you still get 11 oz of wonderful tasting margaritas! I had the volcanic rock dish "Molcajete" which had prickly pear cactus in it. What flavor and crazy good. My husband had chili Verde, with homemade flour tortillas. Out of this world. Christian and Carlos took care of us like family. Please come to Delray Beach Florida. We want a restaurant of your quality there!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! read more

The food was authentic, the environment wasn't. Booths and tables, some customers eating though it was late in the afternoon. They had Halloween decorations everywhere. The food was inexpensive, and the prices were very reasonable. The portions were large and the service was good. Bathrooms were clean. Not a place for healthy eating. Lots of cheeses, creams and heavy sauces; refried foods and deep fried chips (all delicious if you aren't health conscious and don't care about your weight). Free parking in the lot. Pay as you leave, not at your table. Very friendly customer service. read more

It's a shame what has happened to a once amazing restaurant. Ever since the staff and management changeover a year or so ago the quality of service and often of the food has deteriorated significantly. On a very recent visit we found that while our entrees were very good, the service was attrocious, our appetizers were mediocre at best, the cheese dip they served us was cold and they brought the entrees out so soon after the appetizers that we really had no time to enjoy the appetizers. I am deeply disappointed in what was once an incredible place to eat. Good management or the lack there of make all the difference. read more