Viva Zapata’s serves up authentic taste of Mexico

Stepping inside Viva Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant is like being transported to the heart of Mexico. From its dim lighting to its colorful lights and banners surrounding the cantina or bar, its festive and relaxed atmosphere will not disappoint. Inside the North Las Vegas restaurant, Mexican relics and revolutionary photos of the Zapata era adorn the wall with sombreros and rifles hanging next to them. Those who sit next to the bar will have a chance to watch a live musician on the weekends, though the music can be heard from anywhere patrons choose to sit.

The restaurant is named for Gen. Emiliano Zapata, who led the Liberation Army of the South during the Mexican Revolution. While the rustic decor is in itself a reason to visit the restaurant, the authentic Mexican dishes and top-notch service are what makes it stand out. As its motto states, “We fight for land, freedom and good food.”

Crisp tortilla chips are severed as soon as guests sit down with a complimentary traditional soup called soupa de fideo.

Inside its 12-page menu, patrons can choose from an array of botanas or appetizers, which include fresh guacamole dip ($8.50), prepared in front of customers with jalapeno, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice. Nopalitos, or fresh cactus ($8.95), are grilled with onion, tomato, cilantro and jalapeños and served with flour or corn tortillas. Unique salads combinations are also served, from the dinner salad ($4.50) made with crisp lettuce, Pico de Gallo topped with shredded cheese and dressing, to the carne asada mixed greens salad ($12.95) mixed with cilantro, lime and vinaigrette topped with crispy onion rings.

Meat specialties include pork dishes and USDA Choice meat plates ranging from $12.95 to $19.95. Traditional meat plates are featured under Especialidades de Lengua (beef tongue), which are cooked four ways and start at $16.95. Of course, what type of Mexican restaurant would it be if it didn’t feature tacos? Fish, carne asada, lengua, al pastor and shrimp tacos range from $12.95 to $14.95. In addition, a variety of egg, chicken, seafood and steak plates is offered.

The filete de salmon ($17.95) is cooked in the patron’s style of choice and includes vegetables on the side.

The restaurant also caters to vegetarians with specials including vegetable enchiladas, vegetable burrito, avocado tacos and vegetable fajitas. The vegetable fajitas ($13.95) are served on a sizzling plate with rice, beans, sour cream and guacamole on the side. The dish includes flour or corn tortillas.

Every dish is large in portion to ensure that no one leaves hungry.

Drinks range from $1.95 to $3 and include coffee, iced tea, milk, soft drinks, juices and traditional Mexican drinks tamarindo and horchata. In additional, a full bar is available.

Lunch specials are served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, which include a beverage and one refill. All dishes featured under the lunch specials are served with rice and beans, and most include homemade tortillas.

Viva Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.