Bring Your Appetite For Zapata’s Mexican
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com

Located right across from the former Huntington Townhouse, Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant is a destination for those seeking what have become popular Mexican dishes – tacos, burritos, enchiladas and the like. And once you begin digging in, you’ll quickly discover that Zapato’s does those classics heartily and in big portions without breaking the bank.

Walk into the dining room and you’ll be greeted by visions of the Southwest by way of ornately patterned tiles accenting the tables, artwork on the walls, Mexican flags hanging throughout and references to Mexican Revolution leader Emiliano Zapata, the restaurant’s namesake. For you history buff Foodies, Zapata was a key player in bringing down Porfirio Diaz in 1911, and later joined forces with other generals to defeat Victoriano Huerta in 1914 before being assassinated in 1919.

We got started with crisp corn tortilla chips and mild tomato salsa with just the slightest kick. We then opted for fiesta style nachos ($9.95,) a heaping spread of beans, olives, chorizo, cheese, sour cream and guacamole over tortilla chips. You’ll probably need a fork and knife to get these loaded chips started unless you’re feeling daring, and sharing is a must.

Fresh and thick with chunks of chopped onions throughout, the guacamole stands out, and can be ordered as a side for $9.95. Or, branch out and share a Botana Platter ($14.95) a combo plate of nachos, quesadillas, flautas and chimichangas.

We stress sharing because Zapata’s offers sizable portions and has a value-packed lunch special. For $10.95, you get soup or salad, rice and beans and a choice from 12 entrees. We kept it simple and went for the burrito supreme, which comes loaded with chicken, shredded beef or vegetables. Topped with cheese and a tangy green salsa, this is definitely a fork-and-knife mandatory burrito both due to the enormous size and the toppings. The shredded beef is tender and savory, and the burrito is all beef, so meat lovers will delight.

To go with the main course, we opted for a bowl of black bean soup, a concoction of flavorful broth, a generous helping of beans and topped with chopped, raw white onions for an extra kick.

Planning a dinnertime or Happy Hour visit? Zapata’s prides themselves on their frozen margaritas, so be sure to check them out and pace yourself. With their generosity already established, we can’t imagine they skimp on the adult beverages, either.

Zapato’s Mexican Restaurant
107 E. Jericho Tpke.
Huntington Station
631-923-2513
Atmosphere: Fun, festive Tex-Mex
Cuisine: Classic Mexican
Price: Moderate
Hours: Sunday–Thursday
11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Friday - Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.