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Zapatista - Northbrook Reviews List
Zapatista - Northbrook
Zapatista is named in honor of Emiliano Zapata and all his faithful followers, which were called Zapatistas. During the Mexican Revolution early in the 20th century, Zapatistas fought for freedom, equal rights for fair wages and the opportunity to own their own land, much like the American colonists had fought for in the American Revolutionary War. Given the importance of Mexican culture in the United States, we found it necessary to tell this story through our restaurant.
Zapatista is one of Chicago's best authentic Mexican restaurants. Favorite dishes include the made-to-order guacamole and the fajitas which are served sizzling hot in a molcajete or lave stone. The menu also boasts excellent steak and seafood dishes and a seemingly endless list of tequila choices. And our guests will love al fresco dining in late spring through early autumn, with our grand outdoor dining area on the sidewalk.
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81 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 81 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(43)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(31)
- great for outdoor dining(21)
- kid-friendly(21)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- fit for foodies(16)
- great for lunch(13)
Zapatista - Northbrook Reviews List
Review 1 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really good fresh food. will definitely go again"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Poor service
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Brought kids meals 20 minutes before they served adults. Bad idea!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 3 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"very tasty food lot's of choices, good service not rushed."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Small portions, but high quality food."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great and the service was amazing...."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 6 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Will Suit Everyones Needs!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They are extremely accomodating to patrons with different dietary restrictions and needs. We had on eperson with a gluten alergy and another with a problem with spicy ingredients and our meals were custom made to take care of all. Highly recommend this gem that truly places their customers needs first and still shines in doing so."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very much enjoyed a good meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very much enjoyed a good meal and service with good friends."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
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Review 8 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is my favorite Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is my favorite Mexican restaurant."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
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Review 9 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great casual Mexican.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love Zapatista.Easy to get a table.Love the atmosphere.Love the tables in the bar area.Great for kids - family friendly and great for gatherings in general.Great homemade guacamole."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was a good for a last minute
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a good for a last minute get together with a group of friends. Thanks!!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 11 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This Mexican restaurant is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This Mexican restaurant is so unusual because it is a large eating area and very open feel. Most Mexican restaurants are crowded and without this nice ambiance and great service. And we've always loved everything we've ordered."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
must re-visit
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"every time I visit Glenview it is one of the must visit places for me and my clients"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Review 13 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server Minor was outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server Minor was outstanding! Everything was wonderful!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I have enjoyed this restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have enjoyed this restaurant in the past. This time service was very spotty. They are always good with the chips, salsa and water (salsa is very yummy) but we waited a long time before we talked to a waiter and got a menu. Had to flag someone down eventually. We had fish tacos that were really tasteless. (A few pieces of tilapia surrounded by pickled veggies and nothing else...no sauce, no spices. Even the pickled veggies were bland oddly!) I will give Zapatista another try but only because I have had much better service and food there in the past."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
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Review 15 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Happy to see Pibil on menu.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Happy to see Pibil on menu. Have you thought of encouraging front check in personnel to dress sort of businesss-like? This isn't high school."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
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Review 16 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Northbrook location continues
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Northbrook location continues to impress. Great food, service and management."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went for valentines day
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for valentines day dinner and we had good experience .... We ordered steak fajitas and they were really good our server forgot about our guacamole order but he might have not understood what we ordered. We ordered two margaritas pomegranate and mango and they were delicious. So overall good experience not expensive and well come back for some Mexican food."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yummy!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We tried Zapatista with a few friends and really enjoyed ourselves! Loved the atmosphere and the food was terrific. Loved the guacamole, quesadillas & burritos in particular. The Sangria Margarita was truly spectacular! Would definitely recommend it and will be returning."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
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Review 19 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food, iffy service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service is a bit slow when refilling water/drinks. Appetizers often come way too close to when food arrives. The food on the other hand, is delicious."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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Review 20 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Zapatista is an upscale Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Zapatista is an upscale Mexican restaurant with a very warm atmosphere. The margaritas are fantastic, and the staff have been attentive every time we've gone there for lunch or dinner. This restaurant is good for both kids and adults."
Dined on 01/05/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great atmosphere with solid food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The atmosphere and especially the patio is excellent. Wait staff is very friendly. Would recommend asking for recommendations from the staff as some of the food is a bit hit or miss. Overall solid though."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 22 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We always get good food and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always get good food and good service. It is not crowded (though we went late)."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Return again and again
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a fun place with very good food and great service and interesting decor. Zapatista is a place we return to again and again!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Zapatista has become one of our favorite places. Excellent food, upscale Mexican cuisine. We have almost always have great service. They have a private room where local artists display their work. We love this place."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 25 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A must try for all even with kids!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We go here as often as we can especially on weekends & with our kids! The food is delicious & entrees can be split due to their size!! Kids menu is amazing for only $4.99 which includes a drink & ice cream!!!! Wow! The ambiance is typical Mexican style but tasteful and the staff very friendly! We love the bar on weekends to sit at a high top and watch sports and take advantage of the kids menus and the $5 raunch specials...wow!! Great margaritas and beer menu too!!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The service very good. We
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service very good. We had a very friendly waiter who really knew his stuff. LOVED the soup, sauces, salsas...they all had really great flavors. One of us had a steak burrito, the other had the salmon rustique. The simpler and familiar burrito was better and more satisfying than the more expensive entree which was still good, but not quite great. Too full for dessert, but hopefully next time. We would definitely go back!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 27 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Special empanadas were great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Special empanadas were great as were the tamales. They had a special guacamole made with mandarin oranges, but when we got it, it looked like they just opened a can of oranges and threw them on top, whole! I had to cut them up, like they should have been, and mix them into the guacamole. When I did that, it was great!
Waiter was great, very attentive!"
Waiter was great, very attentive!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 28 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have been here a few times
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I have been here a few times for lunch, and what I have found, including my las visit there, is that the derive is to always the best becuase there are so few staff working it seems that there ae mistakes, things forgotten, slow service, etc. I still like it there,but it's a bit frustrating."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sophisticated Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I'm a recent California transplant, so I had serious doubts about Mexican food in Illinois, especially as I lived here before when Baja Fresh was about as good as you could get.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here, starting with the chips and salsa, a step above most offerings. The ceviche was tangy, the chicken empanadas with a mole poblano sauce were like having dessert first. The highlight was the tuna with nopalitos, beautifully presented and delicious. On Sundays, everyone is given a small square of Tres Leches to finish, which was just right.
We'll be back!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2005
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Review 30 for Zapatista - Northbrook
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Didn't like the food and serving
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Didn't like the food and serving main dish (steak) on the deep dish, ridiculous! "Chili's" has more mexician dishes."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2008
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zapatista - Northbrook
Based on the average of (51) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic