Zocalo is a Mexican restaurant that recently opened just south of Main and Broadway. It’s been taunting me – I love Mexican food, and since the Pacific Northwest is not typically known for good Mexican food, I welcomed the addition. I’ve been to Mexico and definitely enjoy an authentic Mexican meal, though for some reason, I hadn’t ventured through Zocalo’s doors until last week. Duly emboldened by a sudden need for mole sauce I grabbed a friend and took the plunge.
Upon entry I was pleased with the intimate and inviting atmosphere. A firework – themed chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and Mexican art lines the walls. The bar has an interesting skull-etched design, and some mellow live music was about to begin. Originally trepidatious, my guard was down, as people able to assemble a lounge like this would certainly serve great meals.
I opened the menu and was a bit upset by the abundance of the trendy chipotle. All the same, I ordered the Papas Diablas for $5.25 to start, and the Chicken Mole Poblano for $15. In due time the potatoes arrived in abundant proportions. I ordered for 2, though this is clearly a dish to be served for 4. The fried nugget potatoes were topped with a light chipotle-based sauce which, though decent, were too dependent on the peppers for flavor.
My entree arrived soon after on a bed of Mexican rice, topped with a traditional chocolate mole sauce with side greens. Unfortunately the famously bold mole flavor had been derailed at some point and ended up being a bland topping for a surprisingly dry breast of chicken.
We paid our gracious server and left somewhat disappointed. Zocalo has a lot of things going for it, namely a great location, decor, and service. Unfortunately the recipes couldn’t step up to bat. Hopefully Zocalo gets into the swing of things and improves the quality of the menu, as I can see it having a lot of potential in the right circumstances, and to its credit, the tequila and mezcal list is quite impressive. Unfortunately though, until things change in the kitchen I’ll be in the west end or kits for my mole fix.
Zocalo
2515 Main St.
604-677-3521
530-11pm Tues-Thurs
530-midnight Weekends
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Stephanie Vacher
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