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Zolo Grill Reviews List

Zolo Grill

Declared by 5280 as "Absolutely the hottest restaurant in Boulder," Zolo Southwestern Grill has delivered award-winning southwestern cuisine with superior service for over fifteen years. In the kitchen Chef Brett Smith skillfully defines modern southwestern cuisine while bringing the best local, seasonal and organic ingredients to the table.

Behind the bar delicious margaritas are handcrafted and over 150 varieties of tequila are available. Zolo is the perfect place to enjoy a margarita or bloody maria pre-CU game or post movie. Awaken your senses in the warm and inviting atmosphere of Boulder's one and only, Zolo Southwestern Grill.


Online reservations for any size party. Walk-ins always welcome!
See more Zolo Grill details
84 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(84 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 84 reviews
5 stars
(32)
4 stars
(42)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(48)
  • neighborhood gem(30)
  • good for groups(20)
  • hot spot(20)
  • great for outdoor dining(19)
  • great for lunch(18)
Zolo Grill Reviews List
Review 1 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Mothers Day spot

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Love the place, the food is great, the staff is efficient and friendly and the Banana Cream pie is a must."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
0points
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Review 2 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great service - okay food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The service at Zolo is always frieNdly! Warm and efficient. They have great mAnagemeNt. The food is variable. The fish tacos and the duck breast were tasty but extremely greasy as we're the side greens. We felt uncomfortable after the meal. Great service, more attention to food."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
0points
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Review 3 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

One of my favorites!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great drinks - love their margaritas and the best fish tacos anywhere. Great happy hour - try the chorizo stuffed dates and the chips and guac. Love it!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, hot spot, kid-friendly
0points
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Review 4 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I was very disappointed in

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I was very disappointed in the portions of the food for the price! My husband and I both had different fish, he had the Mahi Mahi and I am not sure it was that fish. If it was it was the very end tail portion and so overcooked it was dry and a very small portion for the price, two 1" by 3" very thin strips of fish,1/4" in height!
The Salsa's and chips were interesting but for $9.00 weren't that great!
"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
0points
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Review 5 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is without a doubt the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is without a doubt the most incredible mexican restaurant we have ever been to. It is absolutely worth the drive from Denver just to eat there. However, I wish they would open a Zolo in Denver!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 6 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Zolo always delivers a great

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Zolo always delivers a great meal - love the Zoloritas and the Xmas Enchiladas! Our service wasn't as good as it has been in the past - not bad, but we were never offered second drinks (which I probably didn't need anyway!) Our birthday party for six was outstanding!
thanks!
"
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 7 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Found you with my App

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Never would have found this without my Open Table App and I am glad I had a chance to read the reviews, see the photographs on FoodSpotter and have a good feel for the place before I walked in the door.
The Chicken Enchilada was good more than enough food...though I did start with some chips and salsa.
Everyone was really very nice - great when you are traveling to feel welcome.
Server was "Mikey" and he was excellent and friendly as well
I will return
"
Dined on 03/24/2013
 2006
+8points
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Review 8 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I absolutely LOVE Zolo! It's

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I absolutely LOVE Zolo! It's a good thing it's a 40 minute drive away, otherwise I'd be there every week!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 9 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Zolo Grill has one of the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Zolo Grill has one of the best menus in Boulder. We usually go to Zolo Grill for brunch or dinner. Service is always good and the food choices are awesome. Do not have to worry about parking which is an added plus. In the winter we enjoy sitting in the enclosed covered porch or on the open porch during warmer weather with the georgous mountain view."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
+1point
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Review 10 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everything was great for brunch

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everything was great for brunch at Zolo Grill on Sunday. I was there with a group of 4 people with very different tastes and we all enjoyed it. Thanks!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 11 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Zolo Grill is a good place

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Zolo Grill is a good place but I was disappointed in my last meal there. They forgot the goat cheese on my salad, the side of Tilapia was teeny (cost $7 extra), and the guacamole wasn't as good as usual. The salad I ordered was about 1/3 the size it used to be. The drinks we ordered for the kids were very sour. I hope Zolo is better on my next visit."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
0points
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Review 12 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always yummy and great margaritas.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always yummy and great margaritas."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
0points
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Review 13 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice to have a Southwestern

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Nice to have a Southwestern cafe for the Boulder area. Duck and fish taco dishes were prepared with just the right spice and vegie to accompany."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 14 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Zolo used to be amazing or

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Zolo used to be amazing or maybe it's that there's more places that are really good. I still like it after a hiatus, but it's pricey for what you get."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2007
0points
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Review 15 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Lively scene with great fresh food.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The Zolo grill is a highly energetic gathering place. I really enjoyed the simple, fres h and unique menu as presented. Food service was excellent. Presentation was excellent. There is a good selection of locally brewed beer. I did not look at the wine menu.
I would not rate Zolo's as a good place for groups as it might be too noisy for all to participate in conversation with more than one close person. (I was there between 6:30 and 8 PM on a Saturday night).
"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 16 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Quintessential Boulder dining

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Quintessential Boulder dining experience! Creative, beautiful, exciting food!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 17 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very good!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"For a business lunch, it was great!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
0points
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Review 18 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I've been to Zolo three times

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I've been to Zolo three times in the past 8 months. Each time, the attention to every detail was impeccable. The servers are cheerful but not intrusive - they know when to ask who needs another drink and when to keep walking and try later. They know the menu very well and make thoughtful recommendations. Plates are so appealing and beautifully presented. And oh, the food! I had the chicken tamale special, and friends had some of the other dishes. My friend's pork loin was cooked perfectly. My chicken tamales came with braised greens that were tender, but still bright green and with some toothsome bite - perfect! It can get fairly noisy when the place is full, which is often, but it's not unpleasant. Be sure to try the house margarita!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
0points
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Review 19 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Zolo has a nice vibe and menu.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Zolo has a nice vibe and menu. They have some awesome happy hour deals (try the sopes!). The food is always tasty, especially the chicken enchiladas with smoked cheese. This may not be the place to go for a celebration, though. We went for a birthday, and if this is the case I usually include a comment stating such when I make a reservation on Open Table. The majority of places do something, and other restaurants almost always at least make sure to say Happy Birthday. Not so this time - there was no recognition of the special occasion, and we were given a table that was so awkwardly placed that it seemed like an extra piece of furniture that needed to be moved out of the way. This was probably the quickest celebration meal ever."
Dined on 02/19/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
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Review 20 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The place was jamming with

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The place was jamming with wait list out the door when we came in at 6:00 pm on a Saturday night. Thankfully we had made reservations and were seated immediately."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
0points
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Review 21 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

You can never go wrong with

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"You can never go wrong with Zolo!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 22 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Fun Atmosphere

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We liked the food a lot and the atmosphere was fun and lively. The service was a little slow to refill our drinks, but we enjoyed our experience overall. Nice place for a date night."
Dined on 02/07/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
0points
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Review 23 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I love the food at ZOLO.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I love the food at ZOLO. Decadent while still healthy. Love the happy hour appetizers and the nightly specials. Coin margaritas are the best."
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 24 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Zolo Grill is one of our favorites.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Zolo Grill is one of our favorites. Never disappointed by the food or the service - Outstanding!! Great Zolorita!!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Zolo is a treat

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The special pork belly tamales were a treat! Lots of GF options. Wait staff is knowledgeable and appropriately attentive!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 26 for Zolo Grill
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great meal!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. the flat iron steak was cooked perfectly and loved the sweet potato fries. The sundae brownie is enough for 2 people and was delicious."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2009
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Zolo Grill
Based on the average of (58) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic