El Zapata 3 Restaurant Introduce
For diners in the New York region seeking a truly authentic, vibrant, and full-service Mexican dining experience, El Zapata 3 Restaurant in Chester, NY, stands as a local culinary destination. Far more than a simple eatery, this restaurant offers a rich cultural and gastronomic journey, with a menu dedicated to traditional Mexican and regional specialties that appeal to both locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is frequently highlighted as a major draw, featuring a colorful and cozy interior that embodies Mexican pride and culture, making every visit feel like a festive occasion.
The culinary philosophy at El Zapata 3 is one of authenticity and variety. The menu is expansive, ranging from classic Mexican comfort food staples to elaborate, show-stopping entrees. A deep dive into the menu reveals dedication to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods, ensuring that diners experience flavors reflective of true Mexican heritage. The restaurant positions itself perfectly for various occasions, being equally popular for a casual Lunch, an engaging Dinner, or a fun night out, thanks to its excellent bar offerings and lively setting.
Testimonial evidence strongly suggests that the establishment excels not just in its food but also in its hospitality. Customers often praise the friendly and attentive staff, which contributes to an overall feeling of being "catered to" and valued. While located slightly "in the cut of the plaza," this hidden gem rewards those who seek it out with a high-quality dining experience that is both reasonably priced and bursting with flavor and "love," as one happy patron remarked. This blend of authentic food, exceptional service, and inviting ambiance makes El Zapata 3 a highly recommended spot in Orange County, NY.
El Zapata 3 Restaurant is conveniently situated in Chester, a charming village within Orange County, NY, and offers excellent accessibility features for all patrons.
- Address: 69 Brookside Ave # 213, Chester, NY 10918, USA.
- Accessibility: The restaurant demonstrates a strong commitment to accommodating all guests by providing a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
- Parking: Guests benefit from generous parking availability, including a dedicated Free parking lot, as well as Free street parking and general On-site parking, removing any barrier to enjoying a meal here.
While noted as being in a less visible part of a plaza, the central location in Chester, coupled with the ample and accessible parking, ensures that the restaurant is a practical choice for Groups, Families, and visitors exploring the area, including tourists near attractions like Legoland.
El Zapata 3 Restaurant provides a full spectrum of dining services, enhancing its position as a go-to spot for authentic Mexican cuisine in the Hudson Valley region:
- Dining Flexibility: Guests have the choice of a relaxing Dine-in experience with comfortable Seating and full Table service, or the convenience of quick Takeout.
- Full Bar Service: A major highlight is the fully stocked Bar onsite, offering a wide array of drink options, including Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Hard liquor, and Cocktails. The positive feedback on the Great cocktails and Great beer selection suggests a strong focus on quality beverages, particularly their popular margaritas.
- Catering: The restaurant offers Catering services, allowing patrons to bring their authentic Mexican favorites to large gatherings and events.
- Meal Offerings: The menu covers full meals for Lunch and Dinner, in addition to quick options like Small plates and Quick bite dishes. The menu also includes a variety of Dessert items like Flan, Churros, and 3 Leches Cake.
- Atmosphere and Planning: The venue offers a Casual and Cozy atmosphere, is popular among Groups and Family-friendly crowds, and Accepts reservations, making group meal planning simple.
- Child-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is Good for kids and provides High chairs, along with a dedicated Kids' menu, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.
El Zapata 3 stands out among local New York dining spots due to its commitment to authentic Mexican culture and its comprehensive hospitality features:
- Exceptional Bar Program: The venue is widely praised for having a Great cocktails menu. Customer excitement surrounding the frozen passion fruit margarita and others confirms that the bar is a significant, high-quality feature. They are known for unique and giant margaritas that enhance the dining experience.
- Authentic Specialty Dishes: The menu features high-end Mexican cuisine often overlooked by casual spots. The La Mamalona "Molcajetes"—volcanic stone bowls filled with meats, seafood, and special sauces—such as the Molcajete Cielo Mar Y Tierra, are a standout feature that delivers an impressive and traditional presentation.
- Extensive Mexican Menu Depth: The menu offers full sections for Puerco / Pork (like Carne De Puerco En Adobo), Pollo / Chicken (like Pollo Zapata and Pollo En Salsa De Chipotle), and Seafood / Mariscos (including Camarones A La Diabla and Ceviche De Camarones), showcasing true variety beyond standard fare.
- Vibrant Atmosphere and Culture: The interior ambiance, described as "beautiful inside" and full of "so much culture," features colorful murals and decor that transport the diner, creating a lively and welcoming setting often enhanced by Sports viewing and occasional live music.
- Attentive Service: The personalized and sweet service, highlighted by customer shout-outs to staff members like Andrea and Mary, confirms a high standard of attention that makes customers feel genuinely "catered to."
To arrange a visit, place a takeout order, or inquire about reserving a table at El Zapata 3 Restaurant, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 69 Brookside Ave # 213, Chester, NY 10918, USA
- Phone (Primary): (845) 610-3818
- Mobile Phone: +1 845-610-3818
For New York diners, choosing El Zapata 3 Restaurant is choosing a complete, authentic, and high-value Mexican dining experience. It's an establishment that has successfully combined the complex flavors of Mexican cuisine with the full-service hospitality expected in the region. The commitment to providing authentic dishes, such as the regional Molcajetes and varied Enchiladas (e.g., Enchiladas De Mole and Enchiladas Suizas), sets it apart from more Americanized options.
The highly praised bar is a significant draw; the excitement over the frozen passion fruit margarita and other unique cocktails makes it a perfect destination for evening dining or celebrating a special occasion. When seeking a balance between high quality and reasonable pricing, El Zapata 3 delivers consistently, as noted by satisfied customers.
Moreover, the comprehensive accessibility features, including parking and wheelchair accommodation, coupled with the family-friendly amenities like high chairs and a kids' menu, confirm its status as an inclusive, community-focused restaurant. While the food may be authentic, the convenience is entirely New York, with credit cards and debit cards accepted for easy payment. El Zapata 3 is worth choosing when the craving is for authentic flavor, a vibrant atmosphere, and service delivered with genuine warmth and care.
El Zapata 3 Restaurant Menu
Vegetarian
- Quesadillas Vegetarianas (3) $14.94
Flour tortillas loaded with beans, mix of vegetables, bell pepper, and cheese.
Puerco / Pork
- Carne De Puerco En Adobo $24.94
Pork meat in special sauce.
- Chuletas A La Casa $28.69
Pork chop with onion, green peppers, and tomato.
- De Mi Rancho A Tu Rancho $33.69
Pork chop, beef, chicken, chorizo, fried onion, and cactus.
Desserts / Postres
- Fried Ice Cream $8.69
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- Tiramisu $8.69
Coffee flavored dessert.
- Churros $8.69
Fried warm dough tossed in cinnamon sugar.
- Flan $8.69
Silky vanilla custard topped with a caramel sauce.
- 3 Leches Cake $8.69
Sponge cake soaked in 3 kinds of milk.
Soft Drinks
- Coca Cola $3.69
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Sprite $3.69
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
- Diet Coke $3.69
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
La Mamalona "Molcajetes"
- Molcajete Cielo Mar Y Tierra $38.69
Steak, chicken, shrimp, fried fish, onions, cactus, fried cheese, and special sauce.
- Molcajete Estilo Jalisco $33.69
Steak, chicken, pork, shrimp, fried onions, cactus, fried cheese, and special sauce.
Camarones / Shrimp
- Camarones Zarandeados $26.19
Butterfly shrimp.
- Camarones Empanizados $26.19
Breaded shrimp.
- Camarones Al Ajillo $28.69
Garlic buttered shrimp.
- Camarones El Rodeo $28.69
Shrimp wrapped in bacon.
- Camarones Zapata $28.69
Shrimp, onion, mushrooms, special heavy cream sauce, and chipotle sauce.
- Camarones A La Diabla $26.19
Spicy. shrimp, onion, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, and spicy red sauce.
Tacos
- Combo Taco $17.44
Served with rice and beans.
Appetizers
- Ensalada De Nopales $14.94
Tender grilled cactus paddles, onions, cilantro, tomato, jalapeno, tropical cheese, and lime juice.
- Nachos $18.69
Crispy nacho chips topped with your choice of meat, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, jalapenos, guacamole, and sour cream.
Pollo / Chicken
- Pollo La Calle $26.19
Grilled cactus, grilled onions, and cilantro.
- Pollo Campecino $31.19
Spicy. stuffed chicken wrapped in bacon, topped with shrimp, onions, mushrooms, heavy cream, and spicy chipotle sauce.
- Pollo En Salsa De Chipotle $24.94
Onions, mushrooms, and chipotle sauce.
- Pollo En Crema $24.94
Onions, poblano peppers, and sour cream.
- Pollo Zapata $28.69
Onions, mushrooms, shrimp, special heavy cream sauce, and chipotle sauce.
- Pollo A La Plancha $23.69
Grilled chicken.
- Pollo Vallarta $26.19
Fresco melted cheese, green sauce, onions, and mushrooms.
- Milanesa De Pollo Empanizada $23.69
Breaded chicken.
- Pollo Jalisco $26.19
Fresco melted cheese, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms.
- Pollo Ranchero $26.19
Spicy. onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and red spicy house sauce.
- Pollo En Salsa Verde $24.94
Onions, mushrooms, and green sauce.
Enchiladas
- Enchiladas De Mole $21.19
Chicken or beef enchilada and mole poblano sauce.
- Enchiladas Suizas $21.19
Chicken or beef enchilada topped with cheese and green sauce.
- Enchiladas Rancheras $21.19
Chicken or beef enchilada and red sauce.
- Enchiladas Puerto Vallarta $23.69
Shrimp or crab meat enchilada and green sauce.
- Enchiladas De Vegetales $18.69
Chicken or beef enchilada with green sauce and vegetables.
Variedades
- Huaraches $16.19
One long fresh corn dough patty served with your choice of meat, cheese, sour cream, refried beans, onions, lettuce, and avocado.
- Mega Quesadilla 12" $18.69
Fresh corn dough tortilla, cheese, and your choice of meat.
- Super Burrito $19.94
Large flour tortilla, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and our special sauce with your choice of meat.
- Super Quesadilla $26.19
One 12" flour tortilla with cheese, chicken, steak, onion, green peppers, tomatoes and mushroom with a side of sour cream and guacamole.
- Chilaquiles $18.69
Tortilla chips dipped with green or red sauce, topped with your choice of meat, onions, avocado, queso fresco, and sour cream.
- La Chancla $17.44
Handmade tortillas with oaxaca cheese, cilantro, onion, guacamole, and hot sauce with your choice of meat.
Fajitas
- Fajitas Mixed $31.19
Chicken, steak, and shrimp fajitas.
- Fajitas De Pollo $26.15
Chicken fajitas.
- Fajitas De Camarones $28.69
Shrimp fajitas.
Botanas
- Botana Fiesta Mix $22.44
Nachos, mini chimichangas, mini quesadillas, and guacamole.
- Botana 5 De Mayo $33.69
Grilled tropical cheese, bacon wrapped shrimp, chicken, steak, and stuffed jalapenos.
- Botana Del Mar $27.44
Shrimp, octopus, red onions, and avocado.
Seafood Appetizers
- Coctel De Camarones $18.69
Mexican shrimp cocktail.
- Aguachile Verde $22.44
Spicy. raw shrimp cooked in spicy green sauce and lime juice.
- Ceviche De Camarones $19.94
Shrimp marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.
- Aguachile Rojo $22.44
Spicy. raw shrimp cooked in spicy red sauce and lime juice.
Seafood / Mariscos
- Mojarra Chapala $33.69
Fried red snapper topped with sauteed vegetables and our special red sauce.
- Mojarra Al Mojo De Ajo $31.19
Fried whole red snapper.
El Zapata 3 Restaurant Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Parking
El Zapata 3 Restaurant Photos










El Zapata 3 Restaurant Location
El Zapata 3 Restaurant
69 Brookside Ave # 213, Chester, NY 10918, USA
El Zapata 3 Restaurant Reviews
mexican foodmargaritahorchatakaraokebartenderenchiladasquesabirriasalsafajitastequila
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Found this gem by typing in “best Mexican food near me.” Honestly, Google did not lie. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by both Andrea and Mary. I was torn between who I should talk to. The food was amazing! Literally amazing and reasonably priced. Don’t get me started on the margaritas. I had a frozen passion fruit margarita, and I’m not typically a drinker, but today was that day. I loved it. I happy danced the entire time I ate. Andrea was our server. She is really attentive and sweet. I didn’t even know who made our drinks until Mary walked up to us and asked us personally how the drinks were. I felt so catered to. You can feel the love there, so much culture, and authenticity. I only know their names because I asked and could not leave without wanting to put a good word out. It is unfortunate that they are in the cut of the plaza, which makes it hard for anyone to see. I really hope people see this review and the reviews they have , which are amazing and share what a wonderful place this is.
August 02 · Christina VegaThe place looks beautiful inside but I wish the food could be as nice. The food was good but not 5 star worthy. It was a bit underseasoned and felt just overcooked and soft ... if you're craving mexican its still a good place to visit but having eaten at many restaurants of this kind for me its just missed the mark. I've seen that they do have amazing drinks and heard people talking about them with excitement but unfortunately we have not had any as we were traveling back home quite far.
August 18 · Marcin MojekThis place is the best Mexican Resturant I've ever been too, and I've been to a lot. Big place, big bar, great atmosphere, and super friendly down to earth staff. Definitely a hidden gem, the place is never too busy but it's so good that it should be packed at all hours. I've been working at West Point, and I'm from out of town, so happy I found this place, walking distance from my hotel. The food is so authentic, awesome drinks, giant (and super strong) Margs and Cheladas, and some super cool variations of drinks with lots of cool toppings. The bartender "G" will take take awesome care of you (and the girls that have served me were stellar as well), ask G about his brothers home made Mescal, better than anything you could ever buy off the shelf! And take his word about how good their house tequila is. Also, tuesday is $1.50 taco night, tons of delicous choices. I believe drinks are half off too on taco tuesday! Anybody who has had a poor experience here must of been a stroke of bad luck, and I highly urge them to give it another shot! Can't say enough good things!
July 01 · William Van BruntThe food was amazing, the prices are affordable! But the service. The service was worthy of 5 stars 5 fold! Inside is beautiful and the owners know exactly how to make each customer special! Recommend 10/10 if you are taking the trip to LEGO land or the castle! 💯💯
August 27 · Angelz garciaMy husband wanted to try this place since it had such great reviews and since it's hard to find an actually good mexican restaurant in Orange County we decided to give it a try. UNFORTUNATELY it was a big disappointment just like i knew it would be. Why people are giving this such high ratings is beyond me. The servers are friendly and the place has your typical kitschy mexican decor. But I go to restaurants for the food and this place just wasn't good at all. I had a vegetarian dish that was extremely bland and was just a bunch of chopped up veggies thrown into a zucchini smothered with cheese, tasteless and regrettable. My husband had some tacos with rice and refried beans and also said the dish lacked flavor and salt. So I really don't understand how this place has such great reviews. In my opinion they must not be honest or maybe they had too many margaritas 🤔.
September 18 · Loca Died
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