(Updated 7/21/23) Description and review of Zocalo Midtown, an upscale Mexican restaurant located in the Midtown Sacramento Handle District. NEW: See “Updates” below.
Zocalo, a popular upscale Mexican restaurant, is housed in a beautifully renovated 1920’s building that once housed an auto showroom. High ceilings and the beautiful décor add greatly to the ambiance of the restaurant.
Three friends and I met recently on a weekday at Zocalo for lunch. Two friends had arrived together and were already seated inside when I arrived. They had already been served the complementary chips, salsa and bean dip, and their drink order. If they had not already been settled in I had planned to suggest we dine on the outside patio. I seated myself and it was not long afterwards that the last member of our party arrived.
We were seated in a booth which was comfortable, but not as roomy as the booths in many other restaurants.
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Two of us had not had the chance to get together with the other two for a year – so it was great to have the opportunity to catch up.
Menu/Service Review
Zocalo’s chips are just how I like them – warm, thin, crisp and lightly salted. The salsa was very good – not too spicy. The bean dip is served warm – and it is very tasty.
Two of us ordered the Baja Fish Tacos (beer battered, with chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, and topped with fresh repollo) ($12.50) and the other two ordered the Carnitas (slow-cooked pork shoulder, pork belly chicharron, chile morita salsa, tomatillo pico de gallo) ($12.50).
The portions were huge. The two fish tacos were piled high – and accompanied with cilantro lime rice and black beans. After looking over my plate I decided that this was one of those occasions where the best tactic was to pick up a taco – and not put it down again. That worked very nicely as the tortilla was strong enough to hold together as I rested my taco on the plate while I enjoyed my rice, beans and drink using my other hand.
It had been quite a while since I last had fish tacos at Zocalo. The toppings were good – but the batter on the fish had been applied with a heavy hand and the fish was “soggy” – so not good. I do not recall Zocalo fish tacos having this issue on past visits.
Midtown’s Cantina Alley is my new favorite place for fish tacos. Zocalo may want to take note and step up their game – there is new competition in town.
See related post: Midtown’s Cantina Alley
The Carnitas, also served with cilantro lime rice and black beans, were declared to be very tasty. All of us took leftovers home.
It has always been my experience that the staff and service at Zocalo is attentive and friendly – and our server was both.
Parking
The parking in the vicinity of Zocalo can be challenging – I always leave a bit early and if I am unable to score street parking I park in one of the nearby lots even though it may cost a bit more. Driving around in circles is not my thing.
See related blog posts: Annual Sacramento Restaurant Reviews Recap (2017) and Sacramento Ethnic Restaurants
Updates
(7/21/2023) The 2023 Michelin Guide has named Zocalo as a “recommended” Sacramento restaurant. Congrats Zocalo!
Comments on Zocalo?
Any comments on your experience at Zocalo? Have you recently had their fish tacos?
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It’s been a while since I ate at Zocalo’s. Thanks for the reminder about their great chips/salsa.
Yes, they are one of several places in town with the style of chips I enjoy most – and their salsa stands out.