Viva Zapata

Viva Zapata!
When I first moved to El Monte summer 2015, I was sad and hungry. I was sad because I didn’t know anything or anyone or anywhere! I was also sad because I ONLY saw PHO every other block, so my options for foodie adventures were limited.
Thank God for Unilocal.
I was able to find restaurants just minutes from my new residence, and I came across this gem on Garvey. When I walked in, there was a very large picture menu on one of the walls. I didn’t like that there were no prices because I had to ask «How much is.» Several times. I was annoyed but the cashier wasn’t. (Whom I later found was the owner) She recommended popular items, so I finally made my order and awaited my food.
The seating is outdated benches, about 6 of them so seating is limited. Definitely not a place for large groups or groups period. The place is relatively small, but good for lunch if there’s not a lot of people. Most orders are carryout because of this. It works!
The first thing I ever purchased here was a carne Asada wet burrito. I don’t know exactly what was in the salsa sauce, but it was incredible (Mind you, I am a huge critic when it comes to salsa). I actually ate all of it with the chips provided before digging into the actual burrito. It was that good! The burrito itself was delicious, the meat was well seasoned. The presentation surprised me.
I found myself sitting at the same bench several times throughout the week. The food is definitely good. It wasn’t like at huge Mexican restaurants of fast food. It was definitely homemade, super authentic. The owner and her husband did everything, and it seemed they took pride in their food. It didn’t feel like I was going to a restaurant, it was more like I was visiting someone and they were making me dinner. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
They are so accommodating, and try to make you feel right at home. I once asked if they sold «Gorditas» and the owner said it wasn’t on the menu but she could make them for me. She did! And they were amazing! (See picture provided)
Aside from the usual Mexican staples, combination plates, seafood, and typical dishes, they also have some great tacos! They are not only just one dollar, they are filling and delicious. There’s actually two types of tacos. The $ 1 ones (small) and the $ 2 ones which are made with hand made tortillas, yum, and they’re huge!
Additionally, there are chips and snacks available for sale at the front counters, along with bottled beverages. So if you order a drink like a coke, it will be a can soda, no refillable fountain drink.
The service is excellent, but of course it is only the owner and her husband. Setting is outdated and remotely quiet. And I don’t like the menu not including prices, I actually remember the owners husband overcharging me a couple times on items I had already purchased several times at a different price. This shouldn’t occur, so make sure to confirm prices before making an order. Other than that, the prices are actually great.
I recommend this spot to anyone in El Monte craving a homemade Mexican meal. Not only is the food good, the prices are just as good! I seriously loved everything I tried. I can’t wait to visit El Monte soon and sit at that same old bench!
Viva Zapata!

I would highly recommend this great restaurant I was very pleased just celebrated my son’s birthday and had catered some top of the line home made tasting food I was very pleased with the service from day one the lady (owner) was very attentive and available all the time over the phone when needed for any questions, the quantities were perfect, the prize was very reasonable compared to other places the service was on time, cleanliness was a 10+ it was delivered freshly made to the location of my kids party (at a local park) I had ordered 2 types of food that came with Mexican homemade rice and home made beans it also included green and red salsa, along with tortillas cilantro/​onions and lemons all in perfect portions I must say they make the best BIRRIA it was so tasty we had also chicken fajitas my guest were all happy well fed and so where we. I wouldn’t think twice placing another other at Viva Zapata. Anxious to try their other dishes thank you again .!

Loved it!!! So delicious and authentic. YUMMMM and then some! Real Mexican food with real Mexicans. Can’t beat the prices either! Can’t wait to come back!

Another great hole in the wall in the city of El Monte! I was first introduced to Viva Zapata by my boyfriend and loved it since. I was pretty much sold after finding out they had posole: P keep in mind I haven’t had a hearty bowl of authentic soup since my Hispanic neighbors moved to Fontana :(As I was saying. Viva Zapata had me at «yes, we have posole.» Lol. The soup was rich in flavor and large enough to share between two people. I like that they don’t try to rip you and give you just soup and hominy. I got three large chunks of meat in my soup, and caught myself sucking the bone trying to get every ounce of meat off LOL.
I also ordered their carne asada tacos which cost… *drumroll* … Wait for it… $ 1. Yup, you heard (or read) correctly. Each taco will only cost you $ 1. What a deal! Especially since they don’t try to cheat you and give you petty amounts of beef. And an even better deal considering the fact that King Taco charges a whooping $ 1.25/taco. Although the tacos here are a little on the greasy side, I don’t mind :)
Viva Zapata is seriously a hidden gem. If you’re ever in El Monte, do yourself a favor and check out Viva Zapata!

Amazingly great hole in the wall for Mexican food… tastes like it is fresh from a home kitchen… home-​made tortillas, etc… have eaten there several times, ordering different items, and have always come away full and happy… items cost so little that I always leave a huge tip out of guilt… great place if you love true Mexican food!

I work a few blocks away and happen to stumble upon this place while looking for something new for lunch.
This place is run by an older gentleman who knows how to cook.
It’s good delicious food at a very reasonable price. $ 1 taco all day, they are good sized taco with very flavorful meats. I come at least once a week.

Came here thinking this place was still Uruguay Café, anticipating to try their sandwich. According to the lady at the counter I’m a year too late. Nevertheless, I decided to try their food since I was already inside the restaurant.
This is a small little place with about 4 tables max. I ordered the Bistek con Camarones togo. Waited for about 20 min for my food. When it finally came out it was piping hot. As I begin to dig into my food back at the office I notice they make their own tortillas which is a plus. I love fresh hot tortillas. The beef was a bit chewy but it’s because of the cut. Overall, the beef and generous amount of shrimp was well seasoned. The sauce was had a little kick (I prefer more) to it but perfect to dunk your tortillas in if you don’t want to use it as a wrapper.
It would be a good idea to call in your order in advance since they are made to order so you don’t have to wait a long time for your food.