Zapata’s Introduce
Welcome, fellow foodies of Ohio! Are you in the mood for some fantastic Mexican food that’s both authentic and exciting? Look no further than Zapata’s, a local favorite that has been making waves in the Westerville area. This isn't your average Mexican restaurant; it's a vibrant food truck that brings big, bold flavors right to your neighborhood. Located in a convenient spot in Westerville, Zapata's has earned a reputation for serving up some of the most delicious and fresh Mexican dishes around, with a special focus on their standout birria. Whether you're a longtime fan of birria tacos or curious to try a unique fusion dish like birria ramen, Zapata’s offers a culinary experience that’s worth seeking out. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this local gem, from its menu highlights to its location and what makes it a must-visit spot for anyone in the Columbus metro area.
Zapata’s operates as a food truck, which gives it a dynamic and welcoming vibe. While it may not have the traditional brick-and-mortar dining room, it provides a unique and enjoyable way to grab a fantastic meal. The setup is simple: you walk up, place your order, and watch as your food is prepared fresh right before your eyes. The convenience of a food truck means you can get incredible, restaurant-quality food without the fuss of a formal dining experience. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or for grabbing some delicious takeout to enjoy at home. The friendly service and the palpable passion for great food make every visit to Zapata’s a positive one.
The culinary journey at Zapata’s is deeply rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to experiment. Their menu is built around high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes, ensuring that every dish is packed with authentic flavor. For locals in Westerville and beyond, Zapata's has become a go-to spot for those craving genuine Mexican food that stands out from the crowd. The fact that it's a food truck also adds to its charm, creating a community feel where people gather to enjoy great food together.
The community in Westerville and the greater Columbus area is known for its love of diverse and delicious food, and Zapata's fits right in. It provides a much-needed option for high-quality, authentic Mexican cuisine that's accessible and a true local find. In an area with many dining choices, Zapata's distinguishes itself by focusing on a specific culinary tradition—birria—and executing it with expertise and passion. This specialization is a major reason why so many people in Ohio have come to love and trust their food. They're not trying to be everything to everyone; they're simply trying to be the best at what they do, and many would argue they're succeeding.
Zapata’s is conveniently located at 596 S Cleveland Ave in Westerville, Ohio, 43081. This is a great spot that’s easily accessible for residents of Westerville, as well as those traveling from nearby areas like Columbus and Dublin. Being situated on a main thoroughfare like S Cleveland Ave makes it easy to find and get to, whether you're heading there specifically for a meal or just passing by. The food truck’s location often provides ample parking nearby, which is a major plus for anyone looking to make a quick stop. Its presence in this specific part of Westerville means it's a key part of the local dining landscape, serving a community that appreciates its presence and unique offerings. For those in the Ohio area, knowing a reliable, delicious food option is just around the corner is a great comfort, and Zapata’s fills that role perfectly.
The accessibility of the location is a significant factor in its popularity. It’s not tucked away in a hard-to-find corner; it’s right there for the community to enjoy. This strategic location allows people to easily grab a meal during their lunch break, on their way home from work, or as a weekend treat. The fact that it's a food truck also means it can sometimes move to different locations for special events, so it's always a good idea to check their social media or give them a call to confirm their current spot if you're unsure. However, its consistent presence on S Cleveland Ave makes it a dependable choice for locals.
The services offered at Zapata’s are straightforward and centered around providing an exceptional food experience.
- Takeout and Walk-Up Service: As a food truck, Zapata’s is perfectly set up for convenient takeout. Customers can simply walk up, place their order, and receive their food to enjoy on the spot or take home.
- Catering: While the primary service is walk-up orders, many food trucks, including Zapata’s, offer catering options for local events, parties, and gatherings. This is a great way to bring their delicious food to a larger audience.
- Online Ordering/Delivery: Based on customer reviews, Zapata's is available on popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats. This allows customers who live in the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy their food without having to leave their homes, greatly expanding their reach and convenience.
- Freshly Prepared Meals: A core service is the commitment to preparing every dish fresh to order. As noted by a customer review, the food is often "extra fresh" and piping hot, a testament to their dedication to quality and freshness.
Zapata’s shines with several key features that set it apart from other dining options in the Ohio area.
- Exceptional Birria Tacos: The birria tacos are a major highlight and a reason why many customers return. They are described as "crispy and juicy and cheesy," with a rich and flavorful consomé on the side. This is a must-try for any taco lover.
- Unique Fusion Dishes: Zapata’s isn't afraid to innovate. Their birria ramen is a great example of a creative fusion dish that offers a new way to experience birria. It’s an interesting take on a classic concept, appealing to adventurous eaters.
- Authentic and Flavorful Consomé: The consomé, a traditional beef broth served with birria, is consistently praised for being "super flavorful." It's a key component of the meal and a sign of authentic preparation.
- Friendly and Prompt Service: Customer experiences often mention the good service. The team at Zapata’s is known for being welcoming and efficient, making the ordering process quick and pleasant.
- Community-Focused Experience: As a local food truck, Zapata’s provides a casual and community-oriented dining experience. It's a place where neighbors can connect over a shared love of great food.
For those looking to get in touch with Zapata’s, you can find them at their primary location or contact them by phone.
Address: 596 S Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081, USA
Phone: (614) 535-8170
In conclusion, Zapata’s is a fantastic choice for locals in Ohio, particularly those in the Westerville and greater Columbus area. Its commitment to serving high-quality, fresh, and flavorful Mexican food makes it a true culinary gem. Whether you're craving their celebrated birria tacos, are feeling adventurous and want to try the birria ramen, or just want a quick and delicious meal, Zapata's delivers. The food truck's convenient location and straightforward service make it an accessible option for everyone. It's the kind of place that embodies the spirit of local business—passionate, dedicated, and a key part of the community's fabric. For anyone in Ohio looking to support a local business while enjoying some of the best Mexican food around, a visit to Zapata’s is highly recommended. It’s more than just a place to eat; it's a local experience that you'll want to come back to again and again. Its reputation for fantastic food and friendly service precedes it, making it a reliable and exciting choice for your next meal.
Zapata’s Services
Special Tacos
- Adilitas Special Tacos US$11.50
3 fresh corn tortilla tacos, topped with steak, chicken, bacon, green peppers, onions, and cheese
- Pepe's Special Tacos US$11.50
3 tacos, topped with steak, pastor, and cheese
Street Burritos
Each. Your choice of meat. Choice of Meat: Chicken, Steak, Pastor
- Street Burritos US$10.50
A flour tortilla, stuffed with rice, black beans, lettuce, cheese sour, cream, green peppers, pico de gallo, and ononin
- Street Burritos with Zapatas Style US$13.50
A flour tortilla, stuffed with rice, black beans, lettuce, cheese sour, cream, green peppers, pico de gallo, and ononin. Deep fry smothered with our homemade cheese sauce
Quesadilla
Each. Your choice of meat. Choice of Meat: Chicken, Steak
- Quesadilla US$7.00
A grilled flour tortilla stuffed with cheese
- Veggie Quesadilla US$7.00
A grilled flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, onions, greens peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and pineapple
Tortas
Each. Choice of Meat: Breaded Chicken, Steak, Pastor
- Tortas US$11.50
Mexican style sandwich stuffed with mayo, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, refried beans, avocado, and chipotle sauce
- Hawaiian Torta US$12.50
Mexican style sandwich stuffed with breaded chicken, ham, mayo, pineapple, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, refried beans, avocado, and chipotle sauce
Drinks
- Water US$1.25
- Pepsi US$1.25
Zapata’s Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Dining options
- Lunch
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Zapata’s Photos










Zapata’s Location
Zapata’s
596 S Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081, USA
Zapata’s Reviews
food truckbirria tacospricespicyburritoramensteakconsomebeef brothchicken street tacos
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This food truck is in the running for one of my top birria tacos. I can tell they made it extra fresh because I could barely hold the plate from how hot it was. The consome was super flavorful and the tacos were crispy and juicy and cheesy. The service was also very good. My only gripe with this place is that they had two menus, with one listing the tacos for $16, the other $16.50, and then I got charged $17. I believe in transparency so this was very frustrating. Hopefully, the owner sees this and adjusts the menus accurately.
July 14 · P ReviewsI was looking for a good Asian Ramen or Pho in the Uber Eats app, only to find nothing within 5 miles of my Eastside-Suburban neighborhood. Boo! I kept scrolling until I happened upon a fusion option and enthusiastically placed an order for a Birria Ramen Soup and Cheese Quesadilla. It was an interesting dish, like I think I liked it but felt like this probably wasn’t something that should be consumed in volume. At one point, I wondered if “soup” was code for oil. I understand the concept of Consomé but it was super oily, I had anticipated more beef broth, if that makes sense. I ended up preparing some thin pasta to help stretch out the oily mouth-feel. And added a beef bouillon to it to pull out the flavor. The spice in the soup was well balanced. Great idea… execution just wasn’t entirely there for me.
September 29 · Paula CarterFast, friendly service. The street tacos were delicious. I had them with pastor at the recommendation of the employee taking my order and would definitely get them that way again. I didn't have to wait long and chatted with the worker while I waited. Glad I tasted the sauce rather than pouring it all on as I'm not someone who does a lot of spice so a little went a long way for me :)
June 12 · Stephanie WhiteselThe birria tacos were bursting with flavor, and the meat was incredibly tender. The consommé that came with it was the perfect complement, rich and savory. The service was prompt and friendly, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be coming back for more of these mouthwatering tacos. Highly recommended!”Esta auténtica birria en Ohio es simplemente excepcional. ¡No te la puedes perder!”
October 14 · T ERTURKZapata's food puts chipotle to shame.Ordered this for delivery.Chicken Tacos and Steak Quesadilla were delicious. If I found myself out here for work will be ordering again.
December 16 · Bentham Clay
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