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El Zarape

8802 Reed Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
(252) 354-1120
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Ranked #10 of 19 restaurants in Emerald Isle
Cuisines: Mexican
Good for: Families with children, Bar scene, Large groups, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Bar scene, Large groups, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner
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76 reviews from our community

67% Recommend
    23
    28
    17
    6
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

Our favorite place to eat in EI. Authentic mexican food, great salsa. Fast service, good atmosphere. Great location for walking. Always very busy so you might have to wait for a table.

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See 2 more reviews by Kelly M for Emerald Isle
North Carolina
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 10, 2013

I've only been at lunch, we were served quickly and enjoyed the salsa and chips, then our meal. I like the Speedy Gonzales on the lunch menu. A taco, an enchilada and refried beans. I got the flan for dessert. It was very good. :) :) :)

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Rochester, New York
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 24, 2013

Very delicious, authentic Mexican food. I had just been to San Antonio, TX and had what I though was a very authentic experience. This food and atmosphere was surprisingly reminiscent of San Antonio. The location is great for Sound of the Sea (walk across the street!!) There are other El Zarape locations in the area, too, that I would try,... More

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See 2 more reviews by ch4india for Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle, North Carolina, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 28, 2013

Food is delicious, servings are huge, prices are fair, staff is friendly and entertaining. Try the large beer, you will NOT be thirsty. #1 favorite place to eat. (just don't show up with a party of 12 in the middle of tourist season and then complain that it takes a while to be seated, use common sense please people!)

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Los Angeles, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2013

I've been going here since I was a kid and I LOVE El Zarape. I always order the same meal. It's a little pricey, but what isn't at the beach? I have since moved from the coast to charlotte, and nothing there can compare. The only time I avoid El Z is during tour-on season when all the obnoxious travelers... More

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Emerald Isle, North Carolina
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed January 15, 2013

Simply put, they are out for the $$$$ and care little about the customer. Went in for lunch and when I went to check out, my bill was $13 for A.C.P. and a glass of water. When I questioned the clerk checking me out he said "we are now on dinner prices". I asked what time lunch ended, he said... More

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Waxhaw, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed December 31, 2012

The restaurant is very nicely decorated and they have a really nice full bar. We were disappointed in the salsa...not a lot of flavor. The guacamole left us disappointed, as well. Overall, an average food experience.

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Pittsboro, North Carolina
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 12, 2012

We were looking for an off-season Restaurant and found El Zarape. It's a bit hard to get to but worth it. Lots of locals in the restaurant but we were seated quickly and the food was tasty.

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Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 28, 2012

I love their food and the prices are reasonable. I also love the decor and the menu is nicely laid out. The servers are attentive but I have had some troubles. I make a lot of specific requests and I have gotten different pricing on the same items. I have asked for items by themselves and gotten prices ranging from... More

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See 6 more reviews by Taylor H for Emerald Isle
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed October 15, 2012

From the outside and the decor inside its your typical Mexican restaurant. The food however, is fantastic. The menu is a bit different from others, and it comes hot to the table, unlike some that are lukewarm. The service is prompt and friendly, and they do not hurry you through your meal. I will definitely be back.

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