Stopped in here over the weekend after jumping off 95 over to 301 to avoid traffic & based on good Yelp reviews. Cool kinda out of the way location - believe this might qualify as a 'hidden gem' ;) Not a fancy place, but had some great Mexican food! It's was about 2:30 but I was still able to order from the lunch menu, so I sampled the Taco/Burrito/Rice special - not bad at all! Everything tasted fresh & they also had great chips/salsa. Service was great as well. I believe this was a spot-on choice based on the experiences of previous Yelp trailblazers - I'd definitely return if I find myself driving down Hanover Courthouse Rd...heck I'd even jump off 95 at Exit 92 & drive the 5 miles over to to get there! Recommended! read more

El Zocalo - Lunch Combo #2 - Taco/Burrito/Rice - Mexican Near Me - Hanover, Virginia

See all

Amazing lunch today at El Zocalo in Ashland, Virginia! Service was stellar! The food was amazing! Excellent chips and salsa too! The Margarita was excellent! Really great meal! read more

See all

This place far exceeded my expectations. I've driven past it so many times, never stopping to eat. But my husband heard good things about it so we tried it for a weekday lunch. What surprised me was how much seating inside and out. Much more spacious than I thought it would be. It was a little chilly (the mini split unit was right above our table) so maybe bring a sweatshirt or jacket. The food: all fresh and delicious. My husband had tacos. I had a quesadilla. Generous portion sizes. I had enough left to bring home. The wait staff was friendly and welcoming. Our waiter was prompt in taking our order and checking back while we ate. Will definitely recommend this restaurant to others and will return to eat there again soon! read more

See all

This is my absolute favorite Mexican restaurant in Hanover County. Steak and fries is my go-to order. Delicious!

Ok, I loved this place so much that I went back two days later with some friends. Everything was absolutely delicious. My husband had the El Zocalo Burrito and it was amazing!! Of course I had to have some more Birria which was also delicious. My friends had the Chimichangas and a different Burrito (Mex I believe) and she loved it. This is going to be my new favorite place to go with friends for good food and service. read more

1st time for us. I had the Zocalo fajitas and Debbie had the Quesadilla. Both were amazing. Portions were large. Service was fast and friendly. Atmosphere was so nice. It was a little cold so we couldn't sit outside. If you're near the Hanover Courthouse you need to try this place. You won't be sorry. read more

El Zocalo - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Hanover, Virginia

We stopped in for a quick dinner after fishing all day. Even through the restaurant was busy, we were seated quickly. The porch was full so we sat inside, but I could tell that the porch would be a great spot to watch the cars go by while you enjoy a beverage. The food came out quickly as well. The requisite chips and salsa were perfect and fresh, the entrees were also excellent and the portions were large. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. Nice place, we will be back! read more

If you need to decompress from a long day, ride up 301. Wasn't quite sure what I wanted to eat but wanted something new. Sitting on the corner is El Zocalo ( easy accessible by 295 & 95). Since the weather was perfect outside dining was an excellent option. Promptly greeted and seated we ordered Lagunitas beer. The entrees was nachos with beef and chicken & steak enchiladas. Being in Hanover County, I swear the tomatoes & onions was picked this morning. The seasoning, presentation and taste was outstanding. I only found fault that I was not allowed to order off the children's menu. Sometimes appetites are sufficiently satisfied with that size portion or some of us have stomachs the size of an egg ( medical reasons). read more

See all

The food was very favorable. The service is on point with one caviar, when you ask for corn tortilla with the taco de Pollo, they served me flower tortilla and that's a big difference. I still enjoyed my meal but going forward if I was to return, I would insists on CORN TORTILLA instead of flour ones.. The ambience very nice. I came here and a really nice day not too hard not too cool just right and the music was on point. I imagine I was back in La Cabo Mexico. read more

The BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT in all of Hanover County!! Everything is so Fresh, Hot & Tasty!! Well worth the drive to Rt 301 HWY! We enjoy dining on the deck. Service is fast and food is hot!! Better come early as this place fills up fast. read more

Good cooks and best shrimp tacos I've had! Great servers/managers. Great place to unwind.

We finally tired this restaurant. Everything we had was awesome! It's a tad more than traditional Mexican restaurants but well worth it. We live in KW but this will be our go to now for Mexican. So glad we stopped by. read more

Update to our visit a week ago we found the restaurant was empty at 2:30pm. Our service was quite fast and our food was hot. Our party all agreed the food quality was not as good as our previous visit. I'm not sure if they changed cooks or there was some training going on. We will update on our next visit to this restaurant and hopefully it will regain better quality and taste. read more

OMG, I have never had such an amazing fall beverage; it tops even my favorite Starbucks drinks that are only around once a year. OK, so I get off of work late because I'm working at a bookstore that stays open late. I have been stopping by on my way home from work for the last couple of nights because I just HAVE to get some of their "La Manzana" (I think that's it), and it's awesome. The servers are great, and the place is well-lit and in a secure location, so I don't mind going there alone. They even have the option to add some rum into the drink for a small upcharge, and I'm dying to try it with my friend (with a designated driver) because I can just taste the fall goodness! read more

El Zocalo - Mexican Near Me - Hanover, Virginia

We have eaten here several times and the food never disappoints. Great staff also The El Zocalo burrito is the best burrito I have ever had! read more

El Zocalo is a welcome addition to this area of Hanover. Absolutely wonderful food, provided quickly with the most personable service. The waitstaff are so welcoming and friendly. We often go to dinner with our elderly family members who can be very picky and ask many questions about their food. The staff are very patient and have accommodated any request. Dogs are also welcome on the patio. They even bring out water for the pups! We frequent this restaurant and have a great experience every time. read more

El zocalo really impressed me on my first visit there. I went with two of my good buddies on a Friday night and we were greeted with a very friendly staff. We were told we would have to wait 5-10 minutes for our table, but we barely waited 3 minutes. The workers were polite and smiling. They seemed like that wanted to be there, which created an inviting atmosphere. The outdoor seating looked comfortable and shaded for hot summer days, the indoor seating looked a little tight but it is a smaller Mexican place compared to its competitors. Speaking of comparing it to its competitors, it actually matches up very well against them. To start, the chips and salsa were pretty good. I prefer a little more spice in my salsa, but this was serviceable. It was a little watery in my opinion. The white sauce was also serviceable. This one could have actually used more water, it was very heavy and congealed. It still had amazing flavor, which is a big thing I look for at these spots. White sauce is key! As for the queso, it was spectacular. Unlike some of the other Mexican spots in the area, this queso didn't stiffen up after 3 minutes. It stayed pretty liquid throughout the meal, which is really nice. The chips were very room temp and had almost a staleness to them. I wish they had been warmer and crunchier, especially for a busy Friday night. As for the waitress we had, she kept chip and water refills coming by. She checked to make sure we had everything. She was very good. As for the main course, the fried rices were better than any other arroz con pollo in the area. The nailed it on quality and quantity here. As you can see in my pictures, they don't skimp on the meat at all. Speaking of the meat, I was especially happy with the steak. It was tender and packed with flavor. Compared to its competitors, they knocked it out of the park here. The queso was spread evenly throughout the dish as well. The chicken complimented the dish well as well as the shrimp. It seemed very fresh. Speaking of fresh, the birria tacos were absolutely incredible! The crunchy corn tortilla and the juicy birria with the fresh vegetables made for a mouth watering experience that I think everyone should try. These are the best birria tacos I've had in Hanover by far! It was packed with flavor in all aspects of the dish. I will add, the beans were very underwhelming. They lacked much flavor and the cheese was just kinda thrown on top. As far as prices, they are a little higher than the other spots but the quality and quantity is also much better than the other spots. You're essentially paying 2-3 dollars extra per dish for a much better overall dish. It's worth it! If I could give partial starts, this spot gets a 4.4 from me! This is a place everyone should try in Hanover for a family friendly and delicious Mexican meal!! read more

See all

My family and I have been to this restaurant quite a few times so I can say with full confidence that this is the BEST Mexican food I have ever eaten! Great staff, great service, great food! read more

Excellent food and service. It's the best Mexican restaurant in the area. Quaint and quiet little establishment.

Tried El Zocalo on the recommendation of a friend. and this has become our go to place for a Mexican meal. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious. The service is fantastic as well! read more

This was a typical Mexican restaurant. None of the entrees or apps stood out but it was all done properly. The reason I am giving this place 4 stars is based on the amazing flan and the fantastic wait staff and service. If you want good staff and service with well prepared food, give it a try. read more

I've been going here since they opened , and I have never once had a meal that wasn't delicious! The service is amazing, the atmosphere is homey and family oriented and the food is so good!! read more

This little spot off the beaten path in Hanover is great! One of those places you hope to pass by on a long road trip. Everything was good the tacos, the hot chips our of the oven. read more

Stopped for the night at Fairfield Ashland and looked for a place to eat. El Zocolo popped up and decided to give it a try. When I got there wasn't sure but what the heck I'm there let's try. Wow was I really happy. Mexican mojito was really good but the food was authentic and the flan was like my Cuban mother-in-law's with a twist- whipped cream with raspberry sauce. Never would have done this to flan but it was fantastic. If I'm ever by there again I'll dine there and so should you. read more

Horrible wait staff. Was rude and immature. Will not be going back any time soon. Hope they can improve

I ordered burritos deluxe with shredded beef. What I was served was burritos with GROUND MEAT. When I questioned why I got ground meat not the shredded beef I was told that they were the same thing. The waiter was RUDE and they will never see me again. read more

Wow, our 1st time, the food was excellent and service was great. We went there Sunday afternoon and had their lunch special. We will be back. read more

The food here is so very delicious! Very authentic Mexican and beautiful presentation. The staff is attentive and provide excellent service. We loved our meal and will definitely return! Also, the beverage selection is top notch!! read more

So good!!!! The staff is exceptionally nice. We will definitely be back. My picky daughter even loved it!

Stopped here on a whim for lunch. Lunch menu items were the perfect portion size. Had the chimichanga (fried) and it was fantastic.

I've eaten here once before with a girlfriend so I tried to take my husband up for a bite. There were 3 parties inside eating and a large party outside so we went in to be seated. It was 8:10 and they closed at 9. We asked if we could be seated and he pointed to a table and then proceeded to throw the salsa and menu down. He was clearly pissed so we asked what was up and he said they closed in 30 minutes. We were surprised because he could have mentioned that when we asked to be seated. We got up and said that we didn't have to eat there if this was how he was going to be and he insisted that we leave. I've never been talked to like that by restaurant staff and he litterally yelled at us all the way out of the door. I love local spots but I will never give them my business again. read more

high quality mexican food, a fantastic addition to the area. i love the outdoor seating, i always sit on the deck when the weather is nice. great service and great food - try the tacos de birria! read more

Omg! Has the ElZocalo burrito and it was amazing! It's enough for two people for sure. They give you plenty to eat for the money, this will be our go to for excellent Mexican food! read more

El Zocalo - El Zocalo burrito - Mexican Near Me - Hanover, Virginia

Just tried this place out tonight. It was great. Real Mexican food is hard to find. Burritos and Tacos were delicious. The chips and guacamole are a must. Nice and chunky guacamole! The service was fantastic. We are so happy to have found this gem. We will be back!! read more

YUMMMMMYYYYY! generous portions! mezcal margarita medium oversized. we loved the grilled jalapeño appetizer. Tamales were 4 out of 5 stars. Mole made fresh by Auntie was delicious. We will be back! Very family friendly with at least 2 kids under 3 1/2. read more

My family came on a busy Friday and were seated within 15 minutes. Everyone really enjoyed it - the food here is fantastic.

delicious chicken + chorizo burrito! the patron margaritas were fabulous too. avoid the carne asada, it was pretty awful. fast pickup and friendly workers. read more

Great food and fast service!! We enjoyed our meal very much. Don't let the full parking lot from keep you from going in, they are fast.

Great food great service. I love the place and easily the best Mexican food in the Richmond Metro area. Made this account just to rate this place. read more

We were passing through the area and stopped here for lunch. The Lunch Fajitas were excellent and the pico de gallo that came with it was so fresh and exceptionally delicious!! The staff were all very friendly too. I wish they were closer to my home. Next time I'm in the area I would love to eat here again! read more