El Zarape Carnitas

El Zarape
Park Blvd.

University Heights, San Diego
http://elzarape.menutoeat.com/

A couple doors down from The Small Bar right under the University Heights Archway, El Zarape is a  small comfortable mexican eatery that is a favorite of locals. Extremely crowded due to its well made food, well-rounded menu, good service, and good prices. A bit of a drive for me so I don't go there too often but always enjoy it when I do. Hard to find seats though. Which is a good thing for them, and a testament to their quality. They also have a separate restaurant, and Tequileria, over in Normal Heights, but it has an entirely different menu. Too bad because if they combined the menu of this one with the table service, size, and Tequila selection of that one, they would  be one of the best mexican restaurants in San Diego..

 Carnitas Taco.
Making good carnitas is an art form. Well made carnitas are one of the finest pleasures in life. These are pretty good. Not too dry and not greasy. More on the dry side though.

Onion, Cilantro, Lime. Now we're talking.
I think they typically serve it with Guacamole.
I prefer it without.

Scallop Taco. Lots of cheese and a white sauce. Usually there is not as much cheese and you can actually see the scallops. A pretty good taco. Scallops are tasty. Usually my  Surf & Turf Special would be a Fish Taco and a Carne Asada Taco Combo, at most places. But most places don't make Scallop Tacos. El Zarape also makes a  Lobster Quesadilla that's delicious.

Chile Relleno Burrito. It's ok. Not bad, but not great.
The menu here is vast and we look forward to exploring more options.
Really want to try the Chili Verde and Chili Colorado.

Mild, Medium, Hot.

When visiting El Zarape I like to go to the Small Bar a couple doors down for drinks.
If you are around on a Sunday, get their Bloody Mary and a Breakfast Burrito from El Z.