John “Ponce Mahal” Lester

Viva Zapato. A name that sounds catchy. But can just as easily be overlooked. And if you look closely, it appears like an old Vegas term Viva Las Vegas. A place in time where food tasted authentic. A casa where service felt genuine. A cantina with a combination as exciting as the wild west. Where you exit feeling as satisfied as a smooth southern saloon.

+4

Char Pino

We discovered Viva Zapatas 20 years ago! Today we came back after all of this time. Still the same delicious food, and service!! The chips, salsa, bean dip, sopa de fidello sooooo good. Not to mention the main dish, absolutely delicious! Any time we come to Vegas, this restaurant will be on our list!

Vonnie H

OMG! I’m still full from eating lunch there earlier! Their lunch special is so affordable and such a good portion. I got all of this for $12.50 with a free drink refill. The staff were friendly. Checked on me occasionally but not overdoing it. Perfect place for a solo lunch or even with friends/family. Don’t pass on this. Must try.

B Fam Travels

Incredible flavors and authentic vibes! The salsa alone is worth the trip: fresh, vibrant, and just the right amount of heat. We had the vegetarian tacos, beef taco and a cheese enchilada, and all were absolutely delicious. You can tell everything is made from scratch with care. Great service, cozy atmosphere, and truly satisfying food for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!

Tenacious Dame

Went in on a Saturday night around 10 and thought the place would be packed. It was actually calm and quiet and very nice. Love the dimmer setting and all the beautiful Mexican decorative touches, plus of course a little Zapata history here and there. Staff were all very friendly and attentive. I ordered flautas, and 2 modelo micheladas to eat in, and ordered the Chile relleno & cheese enchilada plate to go. Everything was hot, fresh, and so delicious. Flautas were especially yummy with their crispy tortillas and amazing juicy tender chicken inside, topped with some cilantro, onions and tomatoes... So flavorful. It came with rice and beans on the side, plus some sour cream and guacamole. Highly recommend trying this restaurant out.

LOVE by Janelle Cardenas

𝕍𝕚𝕧𝕒 ℤ𝕒𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕒𝕤 𝕄𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕟 ℝ𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕦𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕥 & ℂ𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕒 📍3826 E Craig Rd North Las Vegas,NV 89030 From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to another era, surrounded by captivating antiques from the 1900s. The heart of Viva Zapatas lies in its dedication to fresh, homemade ingredients. Their home made tortillas & their recipes inherited from multi generations. are a testament to this commitment. Owner Lorenzo and his exceptional staff, including Karen, Alex, and Carlos, ensure every guest feels like family. The drink menu is a vibrant celebration of flavors, featuring the refreshing El Botanico (cucumber, lime, and a hint of intrigue), the tangy Fresh Tamarindo, and the unforgettable Blueberry Margaritas bursting with fresh blueberries. The culinary adventure continues with the appetizers. The Pulpo Estilo “Viva Zapatas” is a must! A whole octopus, cooked to juicy, tender perfection, adorned with a spicy special sauce and served with potatoes. The Gorditos de Camaron offer a delightful crunch, with shrimp, tomatoes, onions, and a touch of jalapeño nestled in a deep-fried tortilla, topped with cheese and served with guacamole. For a comforting start, the Sopa de Fideo is a warm embrace in a bowl. The entrees are where Viva Zapatas truly shines. The Carnitas a la Coca-Cola estilo “Morelos” is a revelation. Tender carnitas simmered in a Coca-Cola sauce infused with Pasilla chiles, fresh garlic, black pepper, cloves, and Lorenzo’s mom’s secret spices. It’s a dish that evokes memories of home and tradition. The Lengua en Pipian, my fav here, features fresh beef tongue sautéed in a special green mole, a nod to Aztec culinary heritage. And of course, the Birria, a rich and flavorful stew, is a testament to the restaurant’s authentic roots. We had the pleasure to have both goat and beef! To conclude your meal, the Flan is the perfect sweet ending. 🍨 Also, keep an eye out for their future girls’ night! It sounds like it’ll be an event you won’t want to miss!

Gopika Manniath

Great place, great ambiance. You can tell the people who work at the restaurant are happy. Fun live music, food felt authentic and fresh. Quantity is on the higher side for those who don't eat a lot. The place is better for larger groups. We had the fresh guacamole for appetizers, which was made live at the table and a Avo taco plate, which included rice and beans and a soup. Overall taste of the tacos were okay-ish. I would go back for more. Wish they had more vegetarian options.

+3

Jonathan Medina

This is one of the most impressive local Mexican restaurants. The service is always nothing short of spectacular, courteous, and very nice. The food is always a 10/10 and you always end up taking some home anyway because they have the best chips and salsa with beans. Plus they serve you a great fideo soup to start. Overall it is and will always be our go to spot whenever we want some great food. Shout out to our server Gerardo for the excellent service!

dorrej nosnibor

What an atmosphere! I was here a year ago and forgot to review!!! It was happy hour when I arrived so there was live music ! It was incredible. The place was busy.. I am not sure why I feel happy and at peace being at a a restaurant where the staff and a majority of the customers were Spanish . It’s was such a wonderful and relaxing dining experience. The food was delicious. I order the fish tacos (Tilapia) they were larger and they were delicious. I ordered the same thing a year ago. The tacos were just as great now as they were then. I should also mention 3 different people asked me how I was doing and asked if I needed anything. Definitely coming back when I have a delivery in Las Vegas. For the truck drivers. This place is in walking distance from the North Vegas Pilot truck stop.

Joseph Flynn

So I’m at the truckstop and I’m hungry for Mexican food. I look on Google maps and I find this wonderful restaurant. Great prices and great food. Very friendly staff. A “must eat” at place. The enchiladas are awesome. Sat at the bar and Ms. Karen took great care of me and made me feel welcomed. I will be coming to this place regularly when I’m in town. Oh, LUNCH SPECIALS!!! Cost me $17 with tip :-)

Dana Carrasco

Everything about this restaurant was great. Great service, Great food and Great atmosphere, also very clean. So far the best Mexican food we've had since living here in Las Vegas. A must try is there fried ice cream. Highly recommend. Great job . We will be back. Tried Viva Zapata's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina on a whim. Saw the good ratings . So happy we did.

+2

Parish Goynes

The food was fantastic, but the atmosphere was dark and service was great.

Nathan Hillman

Amazing find! Great menu with so many options. Traditional, authentic Mexican food. Great atmosphere, and service. Wish I lived closer to come here more often. Had one of the combinations (a section on the menu) which was so good. Good drinks options including some nonalcoholic beers too.

Service was nonexistent, wife and I ordered the 3 al pastor taco plate and the al pastor was flavorless, and super chewy. Waited over 30 minutes for our food, and the place was nowhere near full. Got my daughter a children’s quesadilla and fries, the quesadilla was disappointing. The kept refilling our sodas, so I guess that was cool. Don’t recommend. They asked us if we wanted to go boxes and we respectfully denied, food was not worth boxing and taking home.

BAMA__BAILEY

One of only two times in my life I've been unable to eat the food. Got the 3 beef taco plate and the tacos were filled with nothing but large pieces of cubed fat. Waiter didn't understand enough English to communicate the problem so I gave up.