El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant
| Address: | 129 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA |
| Phone: | +1 321-363-4111 |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–8PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
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Brian P
First, let me say that my wife and I try our hardest to eat local, and we always give the benefit of the doubt to mom and pop places. Okay, so the salsa honestly tasted like it came out of a can or jar, with a few fresh veggies thrown in to brighten it up. It tasted very ketchup-y, and was just missing a lot of the flavors you expect in salsa. The queso wasnt bad, but it wasnt that good, either. When it came out, it was kind of lukewarm -- still pliable, but not really hot at all. For our entrees, my wife got the chimichanga, and I got an order of enchiladas. Her chimichanga wasnt too bad; the guacamole that came with it was actually really good. The enchiladas come as 4 enchiladas with your choice of chicken, beef, veggies, or cheese, and with your choice of red or green sauce -- pretty standard stuff. I ordered 2 chicken and 2 beef. I requested green sauce on the chicken and red on the beef. When the plate came out, the waitress told me that they couldnt do both red and green on one plate, so they did green and gave me a side of red. I was confused at that, but went with the flow. The enchiladas were a step below mediocre. The tortillas were really greasy and wet, like they had been dipped in oil that wasnt hot enough. The beef was what youd expect to get at a place like taco bell. The chicken was pretty dry and flavorless. Also, there was a HUGE layer of melted cheese over the whole thing. Dont get me wrong, I love cheese, but this was a little overboard. The meal came with a side of rice and beans, and a little salad. The rice was okay, the beans tasted like they were fried in the same oil as the fish, and the salad was kind of unnecessary. It was more like a handful of iceberg lettuce with a slice of tomato and cucumber, and ketchup/mayo dressing. Most of this stuff, I would probably be willing to overlook, but the price for the food was pretty high for what you got. With the queso, two entrees, a drink, and a 20% tip, the meal was over $40. I could have gotten the same thing at a place like Don Julios, paid less, and enjoyed it more. FWIW, the waitress was very nice, but the service was pretty slow considering we were one of only 5 tables in the restaurant at the time.
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Sharon Miklos-Thompson
We are very lucky to have El Zocalo here in Sanford. The food is delicious & prepared & served with care byvery nice people. Its not tex-mex, its quite authentic Mexican fare.. Judging by the other diners, it is appreciated for its authenticity. The chicken tamales are best Ive had anywhere.. The tangy tomatilla sauce is perfect counter to the masa & chicken, which is served in ample quantities..the steak tortas, amazing.. Hard to finish half of one! And the beef nachos are outstanding.. Not just a bunch of nacho ingredients thrown on a plate & heated.. These are made chip by chip with delicious slightly spicy beef & ample cheese.. Jalapeños, creama, pickled red onion, pico & guacamole are provided for garnish as desired. Certainly best nachos in central Florida. The menu has a lot to choose from & offers the usual beef, pork & chicken, but also includes fish & shrimp, which we are anxious to try.. The 1st time we went to El Zocalo, we liked it so much we were back the next day. The servers are efficient & personable, keeping beverages topped off & such.. Very nice friendly people. Its easy to find, on the main drag thru downtown Sanford, next to the also wonderful Tennessee Truffle. Happy to see business is good.. Check it out.. We wish them much success!
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Ron Kahler
Absolutely amazing Mexican food. Everything about our experience was outstanding. It doesnt look much like a Mexican restaurant and they have no website or Facebook page but who cares when it is this good? At first we thought it might be a little pricey but the lunch menu is also good for dinner. I had two burritos, beans and rice ($7.99) which were about the best Ive ever had. My wife had a chimichanga and she loved it. They are better than El Paso or Habaneros. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend it.
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Savannah Woodruff
Half the time they dont even have lamb for the gyros which is supposed to be their main thing. The chicken gyros they try to give you as a replacement are absolutely disgusting and a complete waste of money. Also just got a Greek salad which was more of a soggy lettuce soup with no feta or olives... Pretty much seems just like leftover gyro toppings thrown in a box. I will not be getting food from here again.. Think Ill try the other Greek restaurant downtown instead.
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Daniel Coutinho
Just had lunch here and it was GREAT. Had two tacos a la carte, a side of guacamole, AND flan for dessert all for under $10. Complimentary chips and salsa were a nice plus. Everything tasted great and the habanero salsa was perfectly balanced. They had some good-looking salads, but the tacos were calling my name in a sweet, gentle, Mexican accent and I couldnt resist. Recommend this place for sure if youre in downtown Sanford.
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Matthew Icardi
Three stars is for the food. I had a lamb gyro, fries, and a drink. Food wise, Tonys was delicious. My main issue was when we walked in the place had a bit of an odd smell (maybe simply a fried smell? Not sure but it was a bit unappetizing). And some of the tables were a bit messy/not cleaned up. But in terms of gyros, you should stop in.
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angela green
Really really good California style mexican food! One of the waitresses is even from a town near where i grew up in California. Expect quality food in good portions. Kitchen is right in plain view of the dining area. Very clean. Outside seating is available. I had a chili relleno, chicken tamle and cheese enchilda ALL very good
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G.C. Denwiddie
Excellent, fresh food. I wanted to take a picture, but my burrito was so big and smelled so good that I dug right in. Service was also phenomenal from wait staff to chefs. They really care abt preparing and serving great food. Wonderful addition to downtown Sanford. Will be back.
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Heather Everblue
Delicious authentic Mexican food! Horchata is the most flavorful Ive ever had; perfect blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The tacos are wonderfully fresh, and the server (owner?) was friendly, accommodating and helpful. Will return next time Im up this way!
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Rhiannon Kweller
My husband and I have lived in New York and Chicago. We are used to great food and this is the best Mexican we have found in Orlando. Habanero salsa is amazing and the cheese dip. My husband says its the best skirt steak hes ever had!!! Mmmm
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Tara Schweizer
Fresh, Tasty & modestly priced! The avacado salad was as good as it looks. The guacamole was homemade. Its not "high art", but its not greasy cover everything in cheese Tex mex either. Very solid well flavored and clean. We will be back.
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Magic and Games
Is now a Mexican restaurant with wonderful burritos and food is so amazing with wonderful tables napkins and they serve u and customer service is very very astounding I always come here for my breaks and u should too!!!
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Alex Macevicius
One of the best gryos i have had in central florida. Lamb Gryo was great, fries were ok, asked for a cup of water and never got it. I will for sure stop back to try the chicken gryo next time im in the area.
