El Zarape is a cute little place that the owners obviously put a lot of effort into. I can't say I was thrilled about the "cock fighting" implied in one of the murals, but otherwise the overall theme and ambience is pleasant. I had a decent margarita and the food was ok. The chips and salsa were not particularly exciting. I surely would not pay $2 for a basket of chips. Christopher had steak fajitas. The meat tasted good, but it did not come out sizzling, but on a regular plate and buried under a huge pile of grilled veggies. The ratio of veggies to meat was way over the top. The rice and beans were decent, though typical. Nothing was a stand out. I had the Chilaquiles with steak. The steak was pleintiful and very tasty. The chilaquiles were very soggy, and although the flavor was not bad, it kind of turned me off because it was like mush. I would not order it again. They seemed to do some things well (like steak), but other elements of our meals ranged from ok to fair. The guacamole side I ordered was average. I am glad I did not get a full order. Christoper opted for fried ice cream for dessert. He said he it was mediocre and that he had much better at other places. As we do not live in Wheaton, we will not be back to this place. If you are a local however, and sort out the food items they do best, you can probably put together a decent meal. read more

Have been going to this place for over 20 years. Have never had a bad experience. In fact when ever possible we take folks there that have not been there for. Took my wife there on our 2nd date. Been back many times over the years. Still the best MEXICAN food yet!!!!!!!!! read more

Tried the Carne asada, spinach quesadillas, Mexican fried potatoes, cheese enchiladas, with a large side of mole. The prices our well out of step with quality of food. Service was excellent but could not make up for the prices. The $17 dollar Carne asada was no better than some $9 Carne asadas I've had. The Mexican potatoes were flacid and a little oily. Decor is festive and colorful. Seating is limited but tables clear fast. Right next door to Gino's East. read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

So two starts is Meh, I've experienced better. I would like to say that I have experienced better here before. My most recent experience was not that good. The food was really salty and covered in cheese, not in a good way. The service wasn't very attentive and our server seemed not to understand what we actually ordered. read more

El Zarape - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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I came here last week with my family and it was very disappointing! The waitress was not very smart she messed up the Taquila drink order twice! and the food order too. This place has the best Mole for sure! Home made and really flavorful. I noticed that everything was very different this time around. I think I won't go back, I have a feeling they are hurting and they are also under staff..Kinda sad but they do have really great Don Julio Margaritas and the best Enchilada with mole sauce. The service is bad, very slow and the food is still good but who know what's going to happen. read more

The food is just sad. Weird cheese product, strange looking beef, gloopy, no flavor. It's not very expensive and yet felt like a waste of money. They don't understand food. The service is unpleasant. The manager is surly and made our table feel uncomfortable several times (angrily asking if we had ordered and glaring). Our waitress did not bring refills on water or the overpriced, small, club soda I ordered. I wonder if there is some encouragement of gimmick in their management culture (see Superstore: "Shots and Salsa"). The decorations are kitschy and odd. Save yourself the trouble. Go elsewhere. read more

Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the western burbs. The drinks are tasty, consistent and well portioned. The food is amazing I always select the El Zarape Enchiladas and they are fresh, tasty and well presented. read more

Yum! Had an impromptu lunch here recently and enjoyed it very much. I initially thought the taco lunch special was really small and meager, but the portion actually turned out to be just right. I was full by the end of the lunch. This is what I call a good "utility" Mexican joint -- good tacos, good nachos, my favorite Jarrito (tamarind!) Nothing too fancy, nothing too horrible. A great place to stop if you're just coming off the highway and don't want fast food. If I found myself in Wheaton again anytime soon, I'd definitely eat there. read more

This is the good Mexican restaurant in downtown Wheaton. I grew up around here, and this is a reliable place to get very good Mexican food at a reasonable price. In addition to the regular menu items, I highly recommend taking a look at the daily specials. There are often some very, very good things on here as well. read more

It's probably the best of what's around, but I still wouldn't recommend it. Food was bland, prices were pretty steep for what you get and they charge for extra anything - including to split a meal. Like I said in my tip, skip it and make the trek to Pilsen or Little Village... read more

My brother and I went here in remembrance of our father passing away. Our father loved tequila, and we wanted to do a shot in his honor with an extra shot on the table that was for him. The manager let us do a shot at the bar in honor of our dad, gave us top shelf tequila, and comped it. The meal was great, and the kindness was appreciated more than this yelp review can express. My brother and I are customers for life now. Thank you. read more

I agree with all the other reviewers that commend the owners with the great service, nice decor and cleanliness. But really what brings people in is the food. The chips were oily and the salsa was either bland or too hot. After we finished the basket, being charged $2 for more chips was not reasonable and very off putting. We ordered a tostada, enchiladas, tacos and a burrito. So we had quite a variety. None of the food was good. It was very bland. The beans and rice were tasteless. If a Mexican restaurant cannot make tasty beans and rice, then it can't make anything more complicated is my opinion. For what we paid, the quantity was good, but the quality of the food and the taste was missing. read more

Quaint space downtown Wheaton adorned with colorful Mexican decorations. Received the usual chips and salsa when we sat down....came with a red salsa and another salsa (brownish-red) that was delicious!!! Ordered the combo (pick 2) and got a taco and enchilada. Came with beans and rice in the side for $11. It was a good portion and there was a lot to choose from the list. Also the service was FAST! Got our food 5 mins later. One downside, the beer (tecate) was $5 for a can and the price wad not posted on the menu..so be careful! read more

El Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

I've had a lot of authentic Mexican food in my life. I must say the food is very good, and quite unique in comparison to other Mexican restaurants. It actually tastes closer to homemade food than anything else. I like the chile relleno and the cheese enchiladas. The refried beans are delicious, but as a warning to anyone who eats halal or kosher, I used to taste pork in it, though now I don't taste it anymore. It may be wise to ask if the refried beans have pork in them. The chips and salsa they give you are very good, though the "mild" salsa isn't spicy at all (possibly to suit the tastes of the inhabitants of central Wheaton). The only complaint I have is that I received my food a little cold once, but this is one out of at least 20 times that I've been here. The service has always been very good and the manager has always been very polite and friendly. There's no time any waitress has been rude. I'm not a huge fan of the price range, but what can you expect from a place in downtown Wheaton? Luckily, they do give you a lot of food. Unfortunately, this isn't your local taqueria, a lot of the dishes are set up to fit the tastes of central Wheaton (which has to be among the least culturally diverse Chicago suburbs). The general ambiance is pretty nice. It's definitely a step-up from the other non-American restaurants in downtown Wheaton. It's also more pleasant than your typical taqueria, while still maintaining that Mexican feel, but it's not like being in one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants. The one thing is that there is somewhat loud music at times, but this is no surprise to anyone who goes to Mexican restaurants frequently. Overall, I've had great experiences and the food is definitely good. I definitely recommend this place. read more

C'mon folks - El Zarape has consistently followed COVID guidelines, kept its customers (and staff) safe, maintained the staff through the worst of the shut-downs, and continues to turn out the only homemade mole in town! Further, the "jug" (1/2 gallon) of margaritas, the well-packaged carry-out and the attention to making the dining experience as friendly, local and familiar as possible is appreciated. Patronizing local family businesses - and being a patient, tolerant customer - is the quickest and best way to move us all forward in 2021! Just in time for Cinco de Mayo! read more

Real authentic mexican food!!! Cute little restaurant. I had the carnitas special, yummy. My hubby had a huge burrito! We have been looking for a really good mexican restaurant for a while. Busy little restaurant. The do charge for a 2nd basket- $2, but no biggie. We just can't get over how good it was- it was not that chainy-american mexican restaurant like uncle julios- if that's the type of food you like - don't. Come here. This is real mexican food. read more

My husband and I just moved from the city and this is our favorite Mexican restaurant. The salsa, margaritas and ceviche is on point. So glad to have this close by! read more

Better than front street. Do yourself a Favor and order the longy tacos. You will be happy all over read more

Terrible service. I was ignored for fifteen minutes with out even given water at that time. They were more concerned about taking orders of those who came in after me. Also the place smells. If you want good Mexican food, just go the extra few miles to Glen Ellyn for much better service. read more

Great mexican food. I been to places all over the Chicagoland area this one is one of my favorites the owner is always working the restaurant and everyone is nice and their salsa is like none other I've ever had always good !! read more

Food was great, but we had curbside pickup due to Covid. The owner brought the food out, but kept his mask on his chin not covering his mouth and nose. Disappointed with this. read more

El Zarape is a great little find, that is, if you enjoy authentic Mexican food and ambience. My boyfriend and I found this restaurant driving through downtown Wheaton looking for something that looked appetizing. As we walked in, I smiled because this was exactly what I had in mind. The painted mural, various Mexican decor, as well as the sound of today's pop hits (en espanol, of course). We were promptly served by a friendly waitress who took our drink order and brought chips and salsa. Chips seemed to be homemade, but the two salsas definitely were. The mild salsa was warm (in temperature) and had a tomato base. The spicy salsa was chunky For my meal, I ordered the two chicken enchilada combo plate. It came with rice & beans (I chose black beans). The enchiladas were excellent! Homemade tortilla wrapped around shredded chicken topped with a flavorful red sauce. My boyfriend opted for the two (beef) taco lunch special. Looked pretty basic, but he seemed to enjoy them. Overall, our meal was very enjoyable. I mentioned that I would like to come back again to enjoy a margarita or two. The only thing I would like to see in this restaurant is a salsa bar, (similar to Salseria in Elmhurst). That would be enough to bump my rating up to 5 stars. read more

This place deserves 0 stars. When I came in to this restaurant to eat the past couple times I felt I was not welcomed there. The owner just sits there on his phone all day and looks like he does not want to be there. The service is very poor. One incident when I was there, I told the waitress to replace the beans on my plate with fries and waitress said it was fine. The owner comes and approaches me with serious, non emotional face and says he will not be able to substitute beans for the fries I requested. I told him last time i was able to do that and waitress said it was fine. He called me a liar and said that never happened. At that point I stop arguing and said if I can have just a side of fries and I will pay extra and owner said no. After that I have never went back. There is poor management, service, and average food. The owner's attitude is what made my decision not to come back ever. If you want authentic Mexican food I will suggest going somewhere else. read more

until there's an attitude change, we won't be spending our money here. we are happy to support other local mexican restaurants that appreciate their customers and their business. read more

Love this place! El Zarape has delicious mexican food. My favorites on the menu are the chile rellenos and the chicken fajitas. They have a warm (temperature) salsa and a spicy salsa. One downside- if you want more than one basket of chips you have to pay (sometimes they make us pay and other times it's not on our bill... not sure why). Try this place and you won't be disappointed! read more

I took my aunt and uncle from Colorado, whom are convinced good Mexican food can only be had in the Southwest. They loved the food, non-franchise authentic feel of the restaurant and friendly service. I frequent this restaurant because it is so convenient when I get off the train. The service can be too quick. Tell your waitress if you don't want your meal served within ten minutes from ordering. The owner seems to be always on site and is very responsive to feedback. read more

The owner of this restaurant is disgraceful. Wheaton deserves so much better. My family comes to this restaurant only because it is in the neighborhood and we want to support local businesses. The food is not very good and is overpriced. When we tried to explain our dissatisfaction with the margaritas which were tiny, way too syrupy and too expensive, the owner told us he didn't need our support. He told us this with many other patrons nearby. Ok. Never coming again. Hopefully Wheaton will have another Mexican restaurant soon. read more

We love the food, but last time we went there for pick up noone was wearing a mask. We will go back once things settle down or we hear about a new policy. But we LOVE the Margarittas and Food. read more

The wife and I enjoyed a nice dinner at El Zarape. The service was friendly and the food came out quick. The chips and salsa are some of the best I've had at a Mexican restaurant in quite a a while. We both had the enchiladas and were very pleased. The enchiladas were great but the rice and refried beans were also top notch. To round it out, they have Modelo on tap! We hadn't dined in downtown Wheaton in a long time and we'll be back as we enjoyed ourselves and the food at El Zarape. Definitely worth a visit!!! read more

Just finished lunch here with a party of 6. Just before our food comes out, the owner wanders out and goes table to table to see how things are. He arrives at our table and sees one member of our party has a "Love Trumps Hate" button on her purse. He proceeds to tell us that he is voting for Trump because Hillary is "a liar and a crook." I was dumbfounded. He goes on and on spewing the hate normally found on far right wing blogs. I have never seen a restaurant employee, much less THE OWNER, delve into an unsolicited political discussion with the patrons. It left me with a serious case of indigestion. So if you are on the far right politically, this is the place for you. If you are not, be prepared for a political tirade with your Mexican food. And very pricey for Mexican food lunch... two plates of tacos and two drinks came to $55 with tip. read more

My family went here tonight and when we tried to put our name in with a nice female server but then the owner abruptly said no. We were taken aback and left the restaurant. As soon as I stepped out I was so bothered by his behavior and decided to approach him. When I went in I told him that there was no reason for him to be so rude to us. He simply could have told us that there would be a wait time but it was not okay to be so rude. He proceeded to tell me that he "does not have time to be polite." He was getting increasingly agitated stating that there are 7 million jobs and he has to work 3 jobs now and that I would never know or could understand because I don't work in the industry. I tried to respond to him and let him know that I did understand but he continued to interrupt me saying no I don't know. I knew he wasn't going to understand that he never needed to be rude. Sadly, what he didn't know is that I do understand exactly what he is going through because I have very close family that work in the restaurant industry as chefs and work 15 hour days that not only cook but bus tables and even wash dishes due to the current situation. I know these are hard times but there is never a reason that makes it okay to be rude. We came there to support your business but in return we were degraded and violated. You, Sir have no business being in the this business. read more

During the stay-at-home order, we tried to support local businesses and order in food once a week. We have now ordered El Zarape twice and each time it has been phenomenal. All four of us have had nothing but wonderful things to say. They've been friendly on the phone and friendly when we've picked up the food (and extremely appreciative!). The food has been hot even after getting it home and it has all been just delicious. It's been the best take-out we've had! Highly recommend! read more

I really wanted to like this place but the food is poor and the margaritas are barely passable (too sweet.) Fajitas, for instance, should be grilled (and I mean on a flame-grill not stainless steel) and served atop carmelized onions. I was disappointed to see something more akin to Lunch Special #3 at the Chinese restaurant: Beef seemingly stir fried and swimming in oil amongst a sea of green pepper and onion. The Tacos al Pastor were better, but not commensurate to even taqueria level. My date commented that she liked Chipotle food better. I rest my case. read more

I've been eating here for years and never had a problem, love all their food. Their service is very personable, it's an incredible place. Don't be picky, their food is worth exploring, I personally love their mole and their tacos al pastor read more

The manager was rude and disrespectful. I will not go back ever again. He said he normally doesn't seat one person on a Saturday night. More than half the tables were empty read more

Stopped in for a late afternoon snack while waiting for a train. Food was good - nothing special or that made me want to stop by on my next visit. Service was great! read more

Great little place in downtown wheaton. Arrived early on Valentine's Day. Seated right away. Warm salsa which was delicious. Margarita was good. Guacamole was just okay. Enjoyed the mole enchiladas. Will define go back. read more

Perfect traditional Mexican place I have ever been. I can not feel you are in the USA. Meals are perfect and cheap when you are compare other Mexican places. read more

The food is good, the ambiance is casual. The issue is that either the owner or a worker came by to make casual conversation with me while I was waiting for the rest of our party with my two young daughters. He made comments on how "caddy" girls can be and how that isn't how boys are. It was very uncomfortable and inappropriate. My daughters are very young and he was warning me to watch out, it was unnecessary. read more

Remains expensive. The atmosphere is like my kitchen, and music us boring and slow. The food is excellent.