El Zarape

El Zarape was quite a disappointment . My wife and I decided on Mexican cuisine while up in Crystal Lake.

We ordered for both of us a guacamole and chip appetizer then I ordered a Chorizo Chimichanga with rice and beans and my wife ordered a Taco Salad and Horchata for both of us.

They came with the complimentary chips and salsa which were probably the highlight of the meal. Our guacamole and chips NEVER came.

As we were eating chips and salsa and sipping on our Horchata which was waaaayy to cinnamon flavored we kept waiting for the guacamole . We drank our below average Horchata and continued to wait.

Soon after our meal came.We never were asked if we wanted refills so we never got any.

My Chimichanga was ok about average but the rice had no flavor at all and the beans tasted like canned refried beans pureed in a blender to a pulp also no flavor at all.

My wife said the taco salad was the blandest taco salad she ever had.

We then asked for the check so we could leave and twenty minutes later it came.

Sorry El Zarape you only get two and a half star's a little below average.

WONDERFUL MARGARITAS HERE!! They make them with fresh juice, not that disgusting fake yellow mix. I could have downed a whole pitcher, but then I wouldn't have walked out of there. They have half pitchers, which is perfect for a couple. We loved what we ordered. Flautas, enchiladas, and carne asada. The steak was so tender and flavorful. We were a little disappointed with this marketing gimmick, because when we sat down, they offered us some freshly made guacamole in a bowl with our chips and we, of course, said yes. Come to find out later, that it was an extra $3.00 on the bill. They didn't tell us that! It was worth the 3 bucks, though. It had cilantro, red onion, and a little bit of sour cream. Even my picky teenager ate it. The restaurant itself is really big, but the flooring is a bit strange - carpet? Not a fan of the interior, but that's kind of par for the course when eating at authentic Mexican restaurants. We're doing a tour of Mexican restaurants in the area, and this place is definitely one of our faves. (First tried it in June 2011)

Some very good Mexican food.