First, the atmosphere is cute, kitschy, like all American Mex restaurants. It was clean and the people working were nice and attentive without being bothersome. Now to the food: It wasn't bad. I ordered a Helen's margarita, which had pomegranate, the glasses are huge but should be for $10. I also ordered, (which I was super excited about) from the lunch menu the pupusa and enchilada both pork. The plates were huge, the enchilada was good, but the pupusa was really good. I haven't had them since Pupusas Y Tacos Doña Sofia in Framingham closed. I have only complaints, the salsa is weak and there was a small amount of guac on my plate that wasn't mentioned and I'm allergic, but I also didn't tell them. Lesson for next time. read more

The food was your typical authentic Mexican in American. Their salsa and beans were great. There is a $2 up charge on additional chips and salsa. The place is tiny! Service left a lot to be desired. Our waitress wasn't around much and my drink from the bar was never served. The waitress acted surprised when we told her it to worry about it, surprised that it never came out. We enjoyed the fajitas but didn't love them. We would likely look for a different Mexican restaurant next time. read more

My new favorite Mexican place. The Queso dip is made with real cheese and is thick like someone scooped off the toppings of a mexican pizza and it comes with tortilla shells. I call it DIY quesadillas. Tacos are great and always order them fried. They come super crispy and everything I had here so far is great. Also, The drinks are great. Get the Margarita with the mini bottle of champagne in it. Its the drink that doesn't seem to end. If your looking for good tacos in the Marlborough, Framingham, Southborough area don't bother going other places. I have tried many of them and this is by far and away the best. Service is great and fast. Food comes out pretty quickly and you don't need to wait forever to get your check. Only downside is theres no parking so you need to park on the street. read more

When you grow up in L.A., the bar for good Mexican food is set VERY high. We've been to many places that just haven't worked out, which is why I'm so happy to have found Zerape. This place is the real deal: yeah, they have the usual arroz con pollo and carne asada, but also menudo, which I haven't seen a whole lot around here, and options for meats include lengua and tripa. The margaritas are AWESOME. The chile relleno had a serious kick. This was my first time here, but I will definitely be back!! read more

This place was great! By far it's the best Mexican food in Massachusetts! The food was fresh, the beer was cold and the price was great! Our server was wonderful and attentive. The fajita chicken was full of flavor, the beef was cooked perfect with a great taste. We went for Cinco De Mayo, and we'll be back again! read more

So the food is really good and so is the service. However, was trying to go this evening and kept calling and calling , no answer. We check google and says we are open. We drive over and closed. Here is an idea update your site or better yet simply have a greeting when people call saying we are closed. Morons!!! read more

This place is a gem located close to Marlborough's central downtown but just enough steps away to keep it largely unnoticed. It is small with a decent bar and a little outdoor patio. They offer homemade tortilla chips with excellent salsa included with every visit. I've only been for work lunches but the portions are perfect. I've had the fajitas and chimichangas (sp?) and both were perfect. You would have to drive pretty far to find a better Mexican food experience. read more

Great margaritas, they have a good tequila selection and make excellent drinks. The chips and salsa are fresh and taste great also. Service is excellent. Their menu for dinner is not large so they focus on what they cook and make it well. No problems with food allergies. Servers are polite, I really like this place. Parking can be a pain in the ass! But it's worth it.. read more

Very overpriced and pretty bland. Not my cup of sweet tea when it comes to Tex mex. The waitstaff is okay, could be more attentive.

After an awful visit at La Tapatia left us still craving Mexican food a friend recommended Zarape so we figured we would give it a try. So glad we did. The place is bright and colorful. Tables and chairs were festive and fun. Servers were super nice and the chips were fresh, the food was tasty and reasonably priced. I ordered the chalupa. It came with rice and beans and was STUFFED with shredded chicken. We left feeling full, having left overs and the bill was $30. Most importantly it was delicious. It was our first time there, but I'm sure we will be back. read more

Loved the cute ambiance right as we walked in! Fresh chips! Great service. Delish foods that are fairly priced. It was also super fast!

The food is delicious. I am not an expert on authentic Mexican food, but this is definitely some of the best Mexican food that I've had. The service is quick and courteous, the atmosphere is nice and casual. The price is just right. read more

Okay, so Boston isn't known for great Mexican. But this place is outstanding. Friendly staff, great food, very fair prices. The chips and salsa are clearly homemade and both are great. My wife and I both had "trio" platters with rice/beans and enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos and pupusas. $13 per plate and it was well worth that. Color me impressed. We'll be back! read more

This is our second visit and both visits have been mediocre to poor. Service has been absolutely terrible, no friendliness from the staff, and had to keep asking for everything. After a $75 bill, they still charged for chips and salsa that was brought to the table (as customary). Will not be back. read more

Disappointing interaction tonight. Ordered delivery - waited an hour and called the restaurant, they have no one to deliver! Offered a gift card or store credit - had to talk to the manager to get a refund! Refund will be applied in 7-10 days... doubt I'll be back. read more

On a rainy Monday morning on my final day visiting my sister in Mass, we had to decide on a spot to grab some breakfast before we said our goodbyes and headed down the Mass Pike back to Logan. My sister suggested Zarape, a Mexican spot that she says had good breakfast options. Even though they have a big breakfast menu, I don't think that they normally get a big rush, because we were there at about 9-ish and it was empty (but keep in mind, it was a Monday, the weekends are probably busier). But the first thing that hit me was the decor. You HAVE to see the furniture...awesome! I'm sorry that I didn't take a pic of it, but it's big and colorful...that's the best explanation that I can give. I ordered some eggs served with tortillas and beans (I didn't eat the beans because of the 3+ hour flight that I had coming up). They were good. I really enjoyed the coffee, it was perfectly brewed! The staff was friendly and helpful. The only disappointment for me was that they didn't have migas on the menu, and they didn't know what I was talking about when I asked if they could make them...maybe it's a regional thing. All in all, I'd be very interested to visit during dinner hours, I hear that they have great margaritas! read more

Best decision ever to go to this place for a late Sunday lunch. After a tiring shopping spree , my brother and I set out to try this place which was so close to my house. Seemed to be family owned and I saw a lot of Mexican families eating there. Excellent chips and salsa. We ordered guacamole and boy , it was delicious. For the main course I had a chicken burrito with green sauce and I enjoying my dish completely. My brother had enchiladas , those were great too. I really used to like la tapatia in the area , but this place seems to be better than it. And yea, the mango margarita was excellent ! Would go back there with friends and family. read more

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Woah.. Like a few other yelpers.. I'm just shy of 5 stars.. The 'Borough' needs places like this.. Good authentic, Mexican food.. with a full bar. I have only sat at the bar, so service was always great.. Have not tried a margarita yet but will on my next visit. Their combination plates are great.. And are a great way to sample their menu, which is extensive. This place was one heck of a dive bar.. I've been there before.. Yelpers that wish they had been there before the owner died and the place was shuttered did miss out.. For the folks lookin for dive bar action in 'The Borough' check out the Cozy Cafe on Lincoln St.. read more

Very happy with the food here. I always get the trio, not too much of one thing! I might try something else someday ;)

Super nice staff...and great menu...certainly a place to visit...tough parking particularly in the winter with snow banks....

Marlborough is SO LUCKY to have two great authentic Mexican restaurants in town: La Tapatia and this one, Zarape. Way less "Americanized" than any chain restaurant, but still accessible - in my opinion - for those who aren't big food adventurers. The indoor seating is slightly more crowded than is my personal preference, but the atmosphere is great, with a bright clean feel and many artistic cultural touches to make it special. They've recently added outdoor seating which I think adds immensely to the appeal of this restaurant as well. Staff is friendly and service is efficient. read more

We just love place! Family owned/ operated and authentic, reasonable prices, nice serving size, fast service. You are immediately greeted with some awesome salsa and homemade chips once seated. We've been here so many times and yet I can't stop ordering the beef quesadillas. They are always seasoned perfectly. Just go, you won't be disappointed! read more

Muy mal servicio!!!! I was teetering on giving them one star but went with two because the food that we actually got was good and also because I have had a few really good experiences getting delivery from them. I wanted to love this restaurant but after leaving last night I may never come back. We walk in and can pick any table we want. Sit down and the table is sticky and even the chairs had some sticky parts... grossed out.... They are not organized on who takes orders and helps tables. We had 3 different people at our table in the beginning. We got 3 margs that came out quick and were really good. We then ordered the queso fundido - this is not what any other Mexican restaurant serves - their version is a semi cold melted cheese that you can not scoop up with a chip and can barely cut with the butter knife they give you. Speaking of butter knife - we had to ask for silverware 3 times during our meal ( first when the apps came, then again when dinner came and then again when dessert came). We all ordered our main entrees and sat back relaxing and drinking our awesome margs. The food comes out - 1 plus for them is they are not shy on portion sizes. The fajitas, meat wise, could have feed probably 3 people each. One fajita was ordered to have shrimp, sausage, chicken and steak - there were no shrimp at all and the sausage was almost non existent. I ordered a steak entree that was very good - I requested a couple limes on the side which the waitress then brought out three tiny pieces on a cocktail napkin for me - SERIOUSLY on a napkin?! After the food we ordered a fried ice-cream for the birthday girl in our party. The waitress asked if we wanted more drinks and I asked for a water - this never came. When we receive our bill it was really high for 4 people out to dinner at a diveish Mexican place. I was scanning thru it and noticed that they had charged us for the chips and salsa that they brought out without asking us when we arrived! You cannot do that! She did take this off the bill and deduct a coupon we had. But I still feel almost $8.00 for a margarita that is very small and has house brand cheapo crapo tequila in it should not cost that much! read more

This is quickly becoming my go to Mexican Restaurant in the area. OK ya, you can always go to Acapulcos if you want over priced food, Chipolte if you want American Mexican, or Taco Bell if you want dog food. This place is different. First off, don't let the location or the outside appearance deter you. Inside the place is quaint and the service is quick and friendly. They start you off which chips and salsa. The chips were really good but the salsa was lacking. I felt like I should eat it with a spoon because it was so soupy, oh well they were free. So can't complain about them too much. I got the enchiladas and they were fantastic. Generally I don't eat all the rice and beans but I did this time. Next time I go, and there will be a next time. I am going to try one of their sample plates and try one of their margaritas because they have a great selection of tequila. read more

Zarape - Great margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

Went here with friends and family based on a friend's recommendation. The chips and salsa are good with an excellent on the salsa. My fish dinner was the envy at the table. Nice little Mexican restaurant. read more

Zarape - Mexican Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

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After reading lots of great reviews on this site, I was excited to try this place. I went with my husband and brother-in-law. Unfortunately, we all left kind of non-plussed. The place itself is pretty neat; bright, friendly decor with a dining room separate from a bar area. The service was also fine. The waiters were attentive and the food came out in a timely manner. My qualms are with the food. It was just... not that great. Maybe it's because we got our hopes up ahead of time for something fantastically local. I had fish tacos and both my husband and his brother got combo plates. My fish taco meal was fine except the fish itself had that fishy taste indicative of a less-than-fresh product. The combo plates were described as "just okay, nothing special." For drinks, the guys got margaritas and I had a glass of wine. My pour was generous and the wine was decent - no complaints there! The guys said there margs were again, just ok. You could tell that they were made with a syrupy mix of some kind. Just not as authentic as we had hoped. All in all, with lots of other great restaurants in the area (and other Mexican ones to try), I doubt we'll be back. read more

This place is great! Friendly staff. Casual atmosphere. Great for kids or larger groups. Best of all the food is excellent! The salads are fresh with high quality ingredients. Really good fajitas, enchiladas and burritos as well. read more

Zarape's is the absolute best Mexican restaurant in the area. Have been here 5 times and have never left disappointed. One side is a bar and the other is restaurant table seating. It's cozy, well decorated and authentic. The food is very traditional which is exactly what I want from Mexican restaurants. I particularly love the huevos ranchero, huevos con chorizo, tostones (fried plantains) and the rice and beans that accompany many of their dishes. My lunch companions have raved about their burritos and enchiladas. Very attentive service, reasonable prices, extensive menu that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters and they start you off with homemade chips and salsa. What more can you ask for? Zarape's is a hidden gem in a town sorely lacking good local eateries. Keep up the great work. Tip: there is always plenty of free street parking on either side of the street. read more

Omg the best food service...just everything you need in Classic Mexican food. Reasonable prices too. read more

We went there on a Saturday night and the place was packed. After a short wait, we were able to secure a table and peruse the menu. There are plenty of items from which to select. If you like Mexican food, you'll be able to find a favorite or try something different. I had the Chor-Pollo (chicken & chorizo) platter while my partner selected the quesadilla's with a mango margarita. I enjoyed my meal as did my partner. It wasn't the best Mexican dinner I've had, but certainly was delicious and filling. As has been mentioned, it is a rather small place with no parking... so be prepared to wait a little and walk a little. Tip: drop off someone to get in line for a table while the others go to find a parking space on the street. read more

Sad to see this place go down. Service was horrendous. Food disappointing- queso fundido used to be great- now they use a cheap "cheese type product" as filler. Salsa was watered down- asked for fresh bowl- waitress said "well, it'll be from the same batch..." Never got the second beer we ordered- we got the bill, waitress said- "I'll ask the bartender to take it off your bill". Will not be returning- was our favorite Mexican place for years read more

Had another family birthday party at Zarape's. All 18 of us seated together at a great long table ordered off the menu. Super attentive wait staff and the food was all ready and hot at the same time. Delicious!! Thanks and we will be back for more! read more

I am on the fence between giving this place 4 and 5 stars. Like a previous review mentions, this place used to be a hole-in-the-wall dive bar. The husband and I always joked about going to it, but we completely missed the boat on that one. Now it's a Mexican place, and I couldn't be happier. The one thing that distinguishes this place from the other authentic Mexican joints is the impeccable service we received last night. I get that it's a cultural thing. In most foreign countries service in a restaurant is no where close to what Americans expect as standard service. When I go into any authentic restaurant, I never expect a server to come over to my table in under 5 minutes, nor do I expect them to check back more than once throughout my entire meal. No big deal. This place broke the mold on this one. Our server was awesome. She came over a few times throughout the meal to make sure everything was okay. Major thumbs up to that one. She was super smiley/happy too! Husband and I both got combo plates. Him: a chile relleno, a pupusa, a tamale. Me: a chile relleno, an enchilada, and a taco. I think each plate was $12.99 and was served with rice, beans, sour cream and guacamole. It was a Wednesday night so we didn't do tequila. I'll write another review when we go there for margaritas. I promise. The food was incredibly good and came out quickly. We asked for cheese stuffed chiles, but the waitress brought beef instead. I was kinda bummed, but it still tasted good. The pupusa was excellente as well as my chicken enchilada. Chips and salsa were awesome. I would have liked a bit more spice to the salsa, but freshness is the most important. Although I do love me some Tapatia's up the street, this will definitely be our new local spot for Mexican. In reading another review the fact that they do delivery is absolutely amazing! Next time we'll try delivery. read more

I liked everything but the refried beans. They were plain and bland - as was the rice but everything else was terrific! Drinks are awesome - quesedilla's are out of this world authentic food nice environment can't say enough good thiings! Make sure when you go that you are hungry! read more

This place is everything you'd expect from a Mexican restaurant. Decor, atmosphere, music, drinks, food, etc. They have a decent sized menu with plenty of options you'd find at any Mexican spot - burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, etc. Food was good and my margarita was pretty good too. read more

First time here. No wait, and it was dinner time. Atmosphere is casual and colorful, service was excellent. Greeted by a very friendly employee as soon as we came in the door, seated across from the bar at a colorful table with home cooked tortillas and home made salsa. Dinner was fantastic..the refried beans may LOOK gray and boring, but the flavor is amazing. I had the 3 pc combo and a house margarita (which was so big it lasted the entire meal). Great atmosphere, service, food and drinks. I'll come back again and recommend to friends. read more

Zarape - Great drinks and atmosphere. - Mexican Near Me - Marlborough, Massachusetts

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Not great, not bad. I have yet to find the perfect Mexican place East of my home state, but this is about as good as it gets. Great salsa and chips, and margaritas as big as my head. Maybe bigger. What came in between was less than memorable. Took me the whole meal to drink the delicious marg, which is saying something. I am a pretty fast drinker. I'll be back, as long as they keep the margaritas coming. read more

Love this local Mexican restaurant and the colorful decor. Of the Mexican restaurants I've tried in the area, this is the best. It's family owned, and the food is good. My favorite is the carne asada tacos and the homemade salsa. read more

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It's not fancy, but it really hits the spot for generously portioned, authentic Mexican fare at very reasonable prices. The margaritas are the size of your head and the specials are usually big enough to share. The quality is very good, too. The carnitas melts in your mouth and the guacamole is made fresh to order. Service is always friendly and efficient. read more

Got a cheese pupusa and veggie soft taco for lunch. I'm vegetarian and asked about the sides. The refried beans are fine but the rice is made with chicken stock. Hopefully this helps any other vegetarians or vegans reading this. The veggies weren't too soggy like they sometime can be and there were broccolis and mushrooms too which was nice when I expected just peppers and onions. I'm sure it would be all better fresh from the kitchen but it was a decent meal for take out too. read more