Zapoteca

Interesting Mexican fusion food. I had the shrimp and whitefish enchiladas and they were ok. The poblano sauce had a cinnamon taste almost like a mole’ but not really? We also had the Rellano which was good not awesome. Ceviche with whitefish was average too. Chips are great but a cup of salsa is $ 4. ??? Weird.

I got a craving some some good quality Mexican food so my girlfriend and I decided to try this place out. I called in and made a reservation just in case. When we arrive at the restaurant we we’re about 5 minutes early for our reservation. We then waited for about 15 minutes even though I had called and made a reservation to avoid waiting. On top of that, the «waiting area» is basically in the doorway, having to constantly move out of the way for anyone who needs to go anywhere.
We were then seated and the first thing I notice is dried salsa on my menu, which makes me start to look around the restaurant. I begin to notice the walls are dirty as well as the floors and basically everything has a layer of dirt on it. Even after all these signs we still decide to order food. I got a steak cooked medium rare, don’t remember what my girlfriend got.
I cut into my steak, it’s cooked perfectly, however, it’s completely cold. My girlfriends food was hot so I decided to send it back and have a new one cooked. Then they send the manager over to ask me what’s wrong with my meal even though I already told the waitress and it was being dealt with. I wait another ten minutes and finally get my meal, hot. I then cut into my steak and wouldn’t you know, medium well almost well done. By this time the waitress didn’t even come over to see how my now second steak was nor did the manger. When she finally comes to see how we are doing I tell her my steak was over cooked this time. She basically looks at me says okay and then walks away. The steak was taken off my bill but needless to say I will never go back here.
So if you like poor customer service, food, and a dark dirty atmosphere then this is the place for you, otherwise I would suggest trying another one of Portland’s many other fine restaurants.

This is simply a review for the happy hour. A friend of mine met up for the happy hour specials, $ 5 margaritas and discounted appetizers. I got the blood orange margarita, which was awesome (and I may have ordered one or two… or three!). As appetizers we got the salsa trio and the guacamole. The guacamole was just ok, much chunkier than I am used to and not nearly as flavorful as it should have been. The salsa trio is something I do not recommend, two out of the three salsas were served hot (very strange, not my cup of tea). They give a ton of chips however, which is nice not to have to ask for more. Overall, the drinks were awesome (and cheap) and the service was good, but the food much less so.

There was nothing memorable about my experience at Zapoteca. Although not impolite, our server was very «one note» which was un enthusiasm. The menu lacks options for vegetarians which I think is absurd for Mexican food. Even Taco Bell has more options.
What I do remember is that we literally couldn’t touch our entrees because we were so full. That literally never happens to me. We had the salsa trio, (which were warm, weird), and the chiveche trio which basically just tasted like already cooked seafood mixed with salsa. The stuffed peppers and cheese were good as a small appetizer but very very heavy.
We ordered the Caesar salad and seafood (enchiladas I think?) and neither were good. We had to take them to go because we were so unexplainably full and tried them the next day and ended up throwing them out. Seafood and cheese don’t mix anyway (definitely not what I ordered). For $ 110 plus tip, definitely not worth it. Mexican food is best served fresh, cheap, and simple. Look elsewhere.

They used to be great, but it’s all downhill over there for last 6+ months or so. It’s just become somewhat of a «weird» place where the quality of your order is akin to «Russian roulette». Sometimes you live and all is good, other times you drop a hundo on mediocrity and your brains are all over the wall. Maybe check out the happy hours and go from there. It’s too bad, used to really love this place and would recommend it to friends coming to Portland, no mas

I’s probably give this a 2.5.
Let’s start with the positives, yeah? It’s a place with a really great vibe and décor. I went for brunch, and it was nice and bright. The staff was very friendly; Shannon was particularly personable. We ordered some salsa and guac as an appetizer– and both were actually quite good. The salsa was unexpectedly warm, and quite tasty. Also, I liked that there was a nice variety of menu items, some lunch-​y and some breakfast-​y.
Now for the negatives…
Glasses at our table were not clean. There was lipstick on one of them, and my best friend actually asked if It was mine just to double check. However, I had not taken a sip yet.
Perhaps I didn’t make the right choice in ordering. I picked the fish tacos :(Let me say that they were beautifully presented. They were so colorful and delicious looking, but when I took a bite… it was as disappointing as when you have a cold and your taste buds aren’t working. There was just zero flavor. There was no apparent seasoning on the fish, and there was nothing moist (no sort of sauce of any sort) topping it. There was some cilantro and cabbage-​type topping, but it was very dry and flavorless. I asked for salt, pepper, and hot sauce to try to salvage them… but I was unable to do much for them. I took a bite of my friend’s black beans, and they were pretty good… so I ordered a side of them. They were, unfortunately, the best part of the entrée.
The service was prompt in the beginning, and then tapered at the end.
I really wanted to like it here, but what I ordered was just a flop.

I really like this place. This is a small, upscale Mexican place that really pays a lot of attention to the details. I could tell when I opened the exterior door to find a curtain to keep the winter wind from the patrons in the closest tables, that this place was a little unique. The menu kind of reminds me of the likely more well-​known chain Cantina Laredo but this menu is a little more eclectic and has less variety. I chose the Carnitas and it was wonderful. The presentation was great comma coming to the table and what looked like a solid slab of meat however it was so tender that the slab crushed with your fork to out it on the tortillas. The chips and salsa must be purchased but they have six varieties of salsa and when I told the waitress my preference she recommended one that turned out to be exactly what I like. This place is expensive. One drink, chips and an entrée came to almost $ 45 for one person but it was well worth it.

I love coming here for brunch. Crab enchiladas are amazing and so is the sangria! The guacamole is also fantastic. Although I’m raving about their brunch I think they also have a good dinner but I love the brunch!

Other than the appetizers and the margaritas the food lacks quality. It is not worth the prices in any way.
This is my review on some of the food items I ordered.
Duck empanadas (app) — for ten dollars I felt a little gyped on only getting two instead of three but to be fair the apps say «small plate» and it was filled with very tasty duck so all in all if I went here again I would order this. But not to share, which is what it says on the menu, that it should be shared.
Cashew salsa and chips: even if you like cashew butter don’t suffer it. That is basically what it is with a bit of a kick to it. I ended up switching it out with another salsa which was fine. But you also only get a hand full of chips which are not good for sharing. I have had better salsa at places that give it to you for free and refill it for you if asked.
The chocolate cake desert: hard as a rock. Enough said.
On a positive note the waitress we had was very attentive, and friendly. I appreciated her hospitality.
That’s all I have to say. I might return if asked by a friend but not buy choice.

Checked out a few sites for references about this place, and reviews were all great. My wife and I had reservations and were seated quickly, away from the door (my request).
Our server (Tim) was wonderful, very helpful, and attentive without hovering. We had a few happy hour apps, including the very notable whitefish ceviche, which merited ordering another serving! The different salsas were amazing, each with its own nuance and flavor characteristics.
We chose to order a number of small plates, so that we could get a good sampling of the fare. Tim made some great suggestions, and we loved everything! Really. No low points. The Margarita Suprema was just that — supreme. No bar mix here!
The only negative was the horde of people we had to fight through to leave, ’cause the place was under siege! Tip — get there before 6:00 PM (when happy hour ends) and when the place becomes super-​busy!

We went by on a Saturday night. Unfortunately my wife didn’t make a reservation so we had to wait quite a while. We wound up just grabbing a spot at the bar. The trio of salsas we had were all very tasty. The enchiladas I got for my entrée were a little boring but not bad. I would go back to try one of their tequila flights for sure.

I’d like to preface this review by saying that I’m from the Bay Area of California, where I eat Mexican food almost every day.
About eight days into my New England trip, I felt as though I might shrivel up and die if I didn’t get Mexican food into my system, stat. I begrudgingly searched for a taqueria or restaurant in my next destination of Portland, ME, though I’ll admit that I certainly did not have high hopes for finding a decent spot. The best rated joint was Zapoteca, and although I usually don’t venture into yellowy-​orange Unilocal review territory, I was desperate, so I decided to peruse some of the reviews. The first bad review I saw said something about how the drinks were good, but she preferred the food at Taco Bell. I chuckled and felt intense sympathy for that poor soul. Then I had an idea: I would type in «California» and «Mexico» and see what came up. Alas, there were two reviewers from both of those locales. Both gave the restaurant 5 stars, calling the food «authentic» and «bursting with flavor.»
So I went, and it. was. amazing.
We had the three salsas, guacamole, ceviche trio, carnitas, and enchiladas mariscos. All salsa were delish, but the salsa rojo was the highlight of the three. The guacamole was extremely fresh and flavorful, and the scallop ceviche was absolutely insanely buttery, and fresh (I wasn’t a huge fan of the lobster and fish ceviche, though… not at all bad, just not to my tastes). The carnitas and enchiladas mariscos were perfect.
I’ll end my review with this: before I dared to try Mexican food in New England, I texted my boyfriend back in California, «I’ve decided to go out to Mexican in Maine. Am I crazy?» After dinner, my updated text read: «just had quite possibly one of the best Mexican meals of my life. WTF.»

Ive been to this spot twice. Once last year for brunch and just recently for dinner. My brunch was a much better experience then the dinner. Brunch we got to sit outdoors, it was a tight squeeze but the staff were accommodating. Drinks were great, I got the huevos rancheros and it was excellent.
My dinner experience not so great. The reason I chose them was that they accept reservations for large groups, which is hard to find in Portland. Our waiter was horrible, I felt bad for the guy. When you tell a waiter you want to order and he says he’s going to check on other tables and then come back that’s kind of an issue. For apps we got the ceviche trio and guac, both were great. I got the chicken enchiladas, immediate heart burn. They were smothered in sauce it was overwhelming. Overall not a bad spot, but I’m not dying to go back next time I’m in Portland. If you do go, go for brunch!

Absolutely delicious Mexican dinner. Top quality tequila margaritas. Fantastic service by Libby who you can trust for menu recommendations.
Be adventurous.

My boyfriend and I dined at Zapoteca when it first opened, and while I don’t remember it being that memorable, I don’t remember it being as bad as it was when we went back in March.
We started with a guacamole, which they forgot to bring for us, when we finally got it, it was maybe 5 bites top, for $ 9. It was bland, and mostly just chopped avocado. Next I had the Cesar salad with pumpkin seeds, but they were out of pumpkin seeds. The salad was bland, like it wasn’t even seasoned. My boyfriend had the Sopa Azteca which he enjoyed. For our dishes we had Enchiladas Suizas De Pollo and Enchiladas De Cangrejo Y Camarones. Both were very underwhelming. The sauce of the chicken enchiladas was the only saving grace.

Really 3 stars for the ambiance and 4 stars for food and service.
Ambiance: We came on a Saturday night and it was pretty loud (the neighboring table of adults were banging their spoons on the table) and cramped. The bench seats weren’t comfortable. Not a good place to bring kids late night.
Food:
The kid was feeling sick so we had to woof down the drinks (Margarita and Tequila Old Fashion) and get food for take out: Lobster taco cooked in duck fat — yummy., Carne negro — tasty, and chicken and cheese — standard.
Service:
Natalie was great. She was very understanding of the sick kid and helped to expedite the take out.

This review is entirely based on the two items that I get here, the Flan Duo and the La Tradicional.
The Flan Duo offers one traditionally styled serving of vanilla flan and one pumpkin. It can easily be a shared dessert. or it’s light enough for one if you didn’t overindulge in earlier courses. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it’s a cold, custard-​like dessert. It’s typically a circular shape with a light, almost graham cracker crumb sort of base, very thin, then with a thicker, spongy custard layer and a thinly layered caramel-​esque layer on the top and usually dribbled around the base. If you have a nut allergy, this dessert is served with them so be aware!
The La Tradicional is Zapoteca’s traditional margarita which price wise is equivalent to the flan, (about $ ⁹⁄₁₀), but if you want an excellent margarita, is well worth it.
Tip: The drink is cheaper during Happy Hour by a couple bucks!
As a solo visitor who hasn’t lingered long, the service has been just what I needed to get in and out quickly and efficiently.
This is my half-​way home stopping point if it’s been a particularly long day for one, or both, of these treats! Enjoy!

We arrived in Portland on a super cold Friday night and Zapoteca was close to the hotel so we thought we would give it a try.
I started with the Cucumber Guava margarita, which was really good. We decided to get the guacamole and three of the salsas. We couldn’t decide between the many choices so went wih the waitresses suggestions of the Roja, the Naranja (Asian) and the Anacardo (cashew). The Roja was good and more of a standard salsa, although it was served warm. As far as the other two, I would never consider them to be salsas. The cashew wasn’t bad, but I didn’t care for the Asian one.
The Guacamole was great and possibly the best thing I ate while I was in Portland. It was more chunks of avocados, which was a surprise, but there was so much flavor packed into it! It was spicy and tart with plenty of tomatoes and cilantro. I wish I had taken a picture because what I received looked nothing like the picture Steff D posted and I can see where her guacamole would have been bland. Maybe they’ve made improvements?
I decided to go with the Pork Enchiladas which were super spicy and flavorful. The picked red onions were a nice touch, but the beans were salty to the point of being inedible.
Service was great! I believe Natalie was our waitress. At the end of our meal we started talking about wines and she brought a bottle and glass over for me to try her favorite wine they served.
Make no mistake though, this place is pricey. I didn’t mind because I was on vacation and enjoying myself, but if I lived in Portland I wouldn’t necessarily be a regular here because of the prices.
I’d stop by again if I were in the area.

*updated for brunch*
I loveeeeee their food. I have dreams about their guacamole and margaritas.
First thing’s first, make a reservation for dinner. If you don’t you will be waiting forever, or worse, end up playing musical chairs with the bar to score a seat there. I don’t mind sitting at the bar, it can be busy there too so you’ll end up trying to grab the bartender’s attention to plea for more guacamole.
Speaking of guacamole. It’s my favorite. It’s fresh, chunky, spicy, and delicious. We always have to ask for more chips though because the guac/​chip ratio is off. We usually head here for just drinks and an appetizer, so I haven’t had a chance to try many of their menu items. I have tried the Enchiladas De Cangrejo Y Camarones (crab and shrimp enchiladas) and the Relleno De Quinoa Y Frijoles Negro (stuffed poblano pepper) and both I absolutely loved.
Their watermelon habenaro margarita and ramolita are ah-​mazing. A perfect combo of sweet and spicy, just two and I’m pretty much knocked out. I wish everything wasn’t so pricy, but alas, this is Portland. Regardless, this continues to be one of our favorite spots.
*** And brunch was delicious as well! We ordered a mimosa pitcher for $ 15 to start, it filled both our glasses halfway three times so it’s definitely worth it. I opted for the Huevos El Bajio and the squeeze ordered the Carnitas Puerco Y Huevos. My plate had so much flavor variety I couldn’t cope. The chipotle agave glazed bacon was sweet, salty and crunchy, the red chile potatoes were crunchy and spicy, probably some of the best home fries I’ve ever had. There were beans, eggs, avocado, corn cakes, and even a salad all spread across my plate. The portion wasn’t huge, but there was enough of each side for me to be satisfied with all the flavors. We will definitely be back for brunch!

I went in for happy hour on the recommendation of a co-​worker. My friend and I sat down right away and we’re able to order. During happy hour their margaritas are half off. I believe they’re all made with silver tequila as well!
I ordered the Pom blueberry margarita and my friend ordered the watermelon. We also ordered an appetizer each. I got the guacamole and she got just chips and salsa. The guac and salsa were also half off!
The Pom blueberry marg was delicious and had just the right amount of flavor. I tried my friends watermelon and I was not a fan of the pepper (habanero maybe?) that was added to it.
Her salsa was alright, nothing too amazing. My guacamole was good, but nothing super fantastic. It seemed to be made with a lot of avocado, but with chunks which was an interesting take. There were not many chips so I asked for a refill which was free.
The service was very good and that’s why I gave them three stars. The woman who waited on us was small, petite, and had curly blonde hair. She was very attentive and friendly.
The entrees were expensive and the apps were just alright. I’d maybe go back for happy hour $ 4 margaritas and $ 4 guacamole, but that’s it.