Viva Zapatas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Yummy!  Accidently came upon Zapatas.  What a great Vegas Find!  Food was delicious, service was top notch, and the margarita was yummy!  Some dishes were a little pricy, but you get what you pay for!!  Definiately a repeat visit next time Im in Vegas!!

I think I was the only person in Vegas who has not part-taken from this hidden local gem.  I've heard all great things from everyone over the years but never had the chance to experience it.  

We met some friends there on Friday night.  The parking was a nightmare.  They had a huge section chained off where I believe alot of their customers usually park.  We ended up parking at the 7/11 and our friends had to park across the street in a vacant lot.  There was a 20 minute wait and there were people everywhere inside and outside waiting.  We decided to get a drink at the bar.  The bar is big however every seat was taken.  There were some 2 seat high tables on the side so we decided to grab one and just order drinks at the bar.

So taking a look around I felt like I took one step into Mexico.  Colorful flags draped the ceilings. The décor is fabulous.  I was already sold one minute into the place. There were a couple large parties which occupied a lot of their tables and a lot of their attention...which is probably reason for everyone waiting in the front.

We were finally seated and immediately served fresh chips, salsa and bean dip.  All of it was fantastic.  The warm bean dip was my favorite.  The BF and I ordered the chicken fajitas to share and the tortillas were fresh and homemade.  It was just enough food for us with all the chips we ate! ;).  

Ambiance - Beautiful authentic Spanish atmosphere!  Service - as quick and attentive as they could be being there was a full house and large parties.  Food - a definite score.  And Parking - a bummer but we lived.  Overall good time had by all!  It wasn't just a meal it was an experience!  Totally whole heartedly recommended!

We will be back soon.

Husband and I were looking for a fiesta of flavors- this place was decent, however for the price it was a bit of a let down. The opening snacks of chips and salsa and refried beans were amazing and very addictive. Salsa had good flavor and spice. Then came the complimentary soup that comes with every entrée. This was pretty good as well- at most places it has an overly tomato taste, but it was more subdued here which I like. But nothing to run home and rave about- at the end of the day it's just a little broth with some noodles. Now to the main course:
Tacos de pescado- The fish was breaded and fried served in a flour tortilla. Just because something is fried doesn't mean it has to completely lack flavor. There was absolutely zero seasoning. I had to drench the tacos in the sauce that came on the side in order to get any flavor, and then all I ended up tasting in the end was the sauce.
Beef Fajitas- again the meat completely lacked flavor. We were looking for spice or something and just got overdone chewy pieces of steak. For a $17 entrée we were very disappointed. And the meat to pepper ratio was horrible. There was barely enough meat to make two tacos and the plate was piled high with so much filler- onions and bell peppers.
Overall- these two dishes weren't home runs, but I can see that this place has the potential to produce delicious dishes however I probably will not be returning to find out.