Zapata’s Grill Mexican Cantina

BBQ and steak are specialties in Texarkana, so my dining options are very limited. Six of us decided to head out for lunch and debated where to eat. Half of the city is under major highway construction. If you think the mixing bowl project was rough, this mess in Texarkana is even worse. If you are on one side of the highway, forget trying to go anywhere on the other side of the highway. I made this mistake-twice-and had the opportunity to pass the Texarkana water tower several times. I felt like a character in European Vacation.  As you can see on the water tower, the Texarkana motto is “Twice as Nice”. Twice as nice as what? Laredo? Texas City? Ok, maybe.

Texarkana Water Tower: Texarkana is Twice as Nice as...Anacostia! Woohoo!

One lunch guest had suggested the Ice House, but she was shut down quickly. Apparently, live animals were sold out of that building in the not so distant past. One member of our lunch bunch just couldn’t see eating in that environment. She said all of those animal particles were still floating around in the air. I thought this was hysterical and I agreed!

We set off for Zapata’s. The parking lot was packed and we had to circle like vultures to find a parking space. The restaurant was busy, but our service was great. They tucked us in to a small corner table. I like having my back to the corner so I can see the shooter when he comes in…so the table was perfect! The meal begins with baskets and baskets of chips. They also deliver large carafes of salsa with individual dipping bowls. They did this even before H1N1 (pronounced “Hinny Virus”, as in bum). Individual bowls are perfect because one does not have to fret about viral transmission routes during their fine Mexican meal.

I ordered the Vegetable Enchiladas. My guests ordered the fish special and the chicken fajitas. My meal was probably the least healthy meal on the table. The vegetables were fresh, but there was a lot of cheesy yumminess slathering those veggies. Those who chose the fish were delighted and admitted they order the same dish every visit. Those watching their waistlines were very pleased with the fajitas. The chicken was high quality breast meat with no skin. The veggies tasted fresh and crisp.

I like Zapata’s. It’s not Rosa Mexicano, but Texarkana is not DC. The ginormus dead animals hanging in the bar are a little over the top, but Texarkanians (???) love their carcasses, so this outsider can hardly complain.

The cost for lunch for 6 with a generous tip: $89. I say go.