El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

103 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
(910) 458-5226

Recent Reviews

beverly p

We ordered take out for two. There was enough food for each of us to have two meals each. Will definitely order here again. Food was amazing!

Roving23804889592

Depends on what you get. I got the pollo loco chicken. The chicken was way over cooked, and the sauce was burned. When we asked why the sauce was burned we were told it comes that way. They offered to bring me something else, but that would have taken too long and there were five in our group. The tortillas were only half cooked. We come to every year on vacation, and it used to be one of my favorites. Not anymore. The others in my group thought the food was good.

FireWireDiver

Dining in Carolina Beach during the high season is always a challenge - long waits, noisy crowds and the never-ending struggle to find parking. El Cazador is a popular Mexicann/tex mex eatery that is worth the trip. Yes, you may have to wait - but pop inside, order a cocktail and sit outside during your wait. The do a rather strong "to-go" business so be mindful of the traffic flow. We had a large group - 8 people and the way was under 30 min on a busy Saturday night. Once seated, our server was attentive with water and cocktails. we recommend the home made sangria (which was like a fruit salad with wine - a large goblet filled 1/2 with diced fruit and an ample pour of wine) We also recommend the Frozen Mango Margarita. The interior has some unique lighted metal artwork with a large screen tv mounted center of the room. It was not clear what design message they were sending - but we were here for food not to review the decor The menu is large and what you'd expect - seemingly endless choices of Burrito, Taco and encihiladas. Salsa is served in a tiny carafe that can be poured into individual dishes (cute idea) There are a number of vegetarian options as well. A number of our party ordered the Combo platter - and were satisfied w the portion size. One member ordered the Fajita Quesadilla and the portion was giant. Another member ordered the steak fajitas and there was enough steak for 2 meals. Side orders - the sour cream for $1.50 is actually pretty large portion - so consider sharing if you like sour cream. We did not have dessert but we were also not offered any dessert so I am not sure they serve dessert. The large tv was set to ultimate fighting, while we found this amusing while we waited for our food (it was a long wait) - it may not be the best choice of programming for people who are eating. The method for clearing tables was also interesting - the server wiped down the table pushing the "crumbs" to the tile floor which was already a little slick. There was a birthday at a neighboring table and the staff made a big event out of singing to the birthday girl and donning her with a mexican hat. "A" for effort. Large dinner turnover, we arrived at 630 and left at 9 and people were still waiting to be seated.

419islad

I’ve been going here since I was a new born. I am now 14 and have brought so many friends and family to this restaurant. My family is close friends with the owners. I have an insane amount of deathly allergies and every single time I go there without a doubt they are always extremely careful and very kind to adjust to my needs!!! The staff is incredibly kind and efficient! The food is delightful and tasty! This is a true Mexican restaurant, it will never compare to an Americanized fast food place!! Thank you diego for being so cool!!!

Mr_and_Mrs_Cuddles

El Cazador is extremely tasty, enough that we planned a second trip back to Carolina Beach in part just to go back. This is currently Ms. Cuddles' favorite Mexican restaurant anywhere. We have only ordered takeout. They have an extensive menu with many Mexican favorites, as well as some more creative options. You can order online; the website can be a little glitchy, but it does work. Food has been ready exactly when quoted. Prices are reasonable and staff is friendly. They have quite a bit of seating both indoors and outside. Everything we’ve gotten has been good. We have had chicken mole poblano, a fajita vegetables taco bowl, veggie fajitas, fried fish tacos, carne asada lime and a guac dip. And of course everything comes with house chips and salsa. Chips are crisp and fresh, salsa is tasty but a bit on the spicy side. The chicken mole poblano is rich rather than spicy; you can taste the chocolate flavor without it being overpowering. The chicken is tender and it pairs well with flour tortillas. The veggie fajitas are awesome – zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, onions, all delightfully sauteed and in a large portion. It really is enough for two meals with toppings, tortillas, rice and beans. This place has great food, a nice atmosphere, and reasonable prices – everything you could want in a restaurant just a block from the beach!

ReverendGamer

Our family of 15 visited here on vacation and had a very good meal and overall experience. The restaurant had lots of seating, and we did not have to wait for a table, which was rare for a dinner in June at Carolina Beach. They do offer call ahead seating but not reservations. The staff was friendly and on top of things. It has an extensive menu, and everyone in the family raved about the quality and taste of the food (which was also reasonably priced). We would definitely return here on a future trip to the Carolina Beach area.

screamingscott78

We enjoyed our meal. The dishes were prepared very well and the drinks were generous. We were very pleased.

elyssam32

We love to eat here when we are in the area! The food is good and so are the drinks. Everywhere on Carolina Beach has a wait for dinner, but it seems like this place moves through the line the fastest. We love the outdoor seating and they have high top high chairs, which are great for our baby.

Sandra Brown

good food Great service..

Joe Porche

the service was superb the food delicious and the atmosphere amazing

Anne Sandling

Delicious food. Quick service. Nice waitress. ?

602rebeccak

Average Mexican food but definitely worth the money. The only thing that our party did not like were the Nachos Grande. The burritos enchilada style were delicious and the fajitas were tasty. Portions were large and we had chips left with salsa for days. We got take out.

Lynn M

Very large portions beautifully prepared. We all ordered something different and were very pleased. The sangria and margaritas were also good and generous servings. Chips served at the table were lightly fried with a fairly spicy salsa.

jim1231

We did carry out and enjoyed our vegetarian dinner. While not memorable;e it was good sol9d Mexican. The enchiladas with spinach were dry inside and should have had cheese inside. Chips and salsa were good. Other dishes were good, just not great but this is worth trying.

Henry Breeden

Excellent food and very friendly staff ?

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