Zocalo – Mexican
Zocalo pulses with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched plaza, inviting guests to linger over a sophisticated tapestry of shared plates and bold, coastal flavors. The kitchen masterfully balances heat and texture, pairing the smoky char of Spanish octopus with the delicate crunch of golden cheese fritters and the zesty brightness of chili-steamed mussels. It is a sensory celebration where rustic tradition meets modern elegance, creating an atmosphere perfect for spirited conversation and communal discovery.
201 East Main Street, Charlottesville VA 22902 https://zocalo-restaurant.com/Rating: 3/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian, keto, low-carb, vegan, mediterranean, pescatarian, sugar-free, plant-based, whole30, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, clean-eating, high-fiber, atkins, south-beach, anti-inflammatory, low-cholesterol, weight-watchers, volumetrics, low-fodmap, carnivore, detox, alkaline, tlc, raw-food, aip, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free, pegan, macrobiotic
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Wednesday
- 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
- Thursday - Friday
- 5:00 PM - 26:00
- Saturday
- 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 26:00
- Sunday
- 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the flavorful shrimp tacos, which are frequently celebrated for their fresh taste and stand out as a highlight of the mix-and-match taco selection. Guests love pairing the chicken tinga and beef barbacoa options with the complimentary Zocalo Foods habanero hot sauce, noting that the bold flavors and generous portions provide a satisfying experience. The casual setting is praised for its value, particularly when guests enjoy premium protein options like shrimp without additional up-charges.
Menu
Appetizers
- Spanish Octopus - $22: paprika miso sauce, crispy potatoes, chimichurri Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
- Chili Broth Steamed Mussels - $18: ancho chili, cilantro, grilled baguette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Spicy Tuna Tartare - $17: red corn tostadas, cucumber relish, pasilla-negro vinegar, lime crema Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Raw-Food
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts - $16: salsa negra, panchetta, black garlic gastrique, manchego cheese Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, High-Fiber
- Pan Con Tomate - $15: manchego cheese, spanish olive oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Vella Jack Cheese Fritters - $13: raspberry chili glaze, pecans, chives Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Trio of Artisanal Cheeses - $20: house-made crostini Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Papas Bravas - $15: spicy tomato sauce, chipotle aioli, paprika, cilantro, jalapeño Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Roasted Beets - $14: pistachio gremolata, whipped ricotta cheese, citrus segments Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Lectin-Free
- Corn & Clam Soup - $13: potatoes, carrots, celery, cream, crispy bacon, garlic croutons, cascabel chili oil Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Salads
- Spinach Salad - $15: masa fried oysters, chipotle remoulade, warm cider bacon vinaigrette Dietary tags: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Seasonal Kale Salad - $15: seasonal roasted vegetables, smoked farro, queso fresco, lime tahini dressing, crispy potatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Caesar Salad - $14: garlic croutons, shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Arugula Pear Salad - $14: spanish goat cheese, red apples, spiced pecans, balsamic glaze Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Tijuana Caesar - $13: romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, garlic croutons Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Main Courses
- Drunken New York Strip - $40: whipped potatoes, grilled asparagus, chipotle demi-glace Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Grilled Salmon - $34: green chili + goat cheese couscous, smoked pico, cascabel cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Key Lime Free Range Chicken - $30: black bean rice, avocado salad, chili arbol vinegar Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber
- Chili Dusted Sea Scallops - $38: fried soft plantains, sauteed spinach, carrot-vanilla sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Shrimp Risotto - $37: gulf of mexico shrimp, manchego risotto, spinach, cherry tomato, white wine sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Seared Duck Breast - $35: manchego + caramelized onion bread pudding, bacon braised swiss chard, chipotle port compote Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Black Bean + Corn Relleno - $27: smoked tomato grits, smoked pico, cilantro buttermilk honey Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Poblano Pasta - $28: homemade tagliatelle, roasted poblano pesto, pan seared mushrooms, sherry vinegar, manchego cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pan Seared Cauliflower - $26: agave, coconut yogurt, date-lemon gremolata, pickled red onions, asparagus, arbol chili glaze Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan
- Baja Fish Tacos - $18: alaskan cod, beer batter, green cabbage, avocado, baja white sauce, smoked pico, valentina hot sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Queso Fundido Hamburguesa - $20: chorizo beef patty, monterey jack cheese, guacamole, poblano aioli, served with fries or house salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Fried Chicken Sandwich - $20: brioche bun, paprika buttermilk ranch, buffalo sauce, pickle chips, butter lettuce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Ribeye Steak Sandwich - $22: caramelized onions, mushrooms, piquillo peppers, manchego cheese, chipotle aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Zocalo Bowl - $16: arugula, black beans & rice, pickled red onions, guacamole, corn salsa, queso fresco, cilantro buttermilk honey sauce, fried tortilla strips Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
Brunch
- Benedict - $22: crab cakes, two poached eggs, cascabel hollandaise sauce, brunch potatoes and side salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Huevos Zocalo - $20: black bean rice, chorizo, fried eggs, corn tortillas, queso fresco, pickled red onions, charred tomatillo sauce, sour cream Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Oaxacan Omelette - $18: oaxacan cheese, epazote, topped with avocado, tomato sauce, crema, served with house salad and brunch potatoes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Spanish Breakfast - $22: scrambled eggs, manchego cheese, spanish chorizo, roasted tomato, applewood bacon, brunch potatoes, local apple cider bread Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Carne Asada Con Huevos - $25: drunken new york strip, two cage free eggs, shishito peppers, chimichurri, chorizo black beans & rice Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Americano - $20: two eggs any style, applewood bacon, brunch potatoes, side salad, local apple cider bread Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Stuffed French Toast - $16: tres leches, banana-mascarpone cream, fresh berries, pecans Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Chorizo Sausage Gravy - $18: homemade biscuits, two sunny side eggs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chicken & Waffles - $22: fried chicken breast, sunny side egg, honey butter, chili arbol glaze Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Avocado Toast - $18: local apple cider bread, avocado puree, spanish olive oil, manchego cheese, two poached eggs, brunch potatoes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
- Healthy Start - $17: organic coconut yogurt, homemade granola, seasonal fruit, coconut flakes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
Sides
- Local Apple Cider Bread - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Brunch Potatoes - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free
- Applewood Bacon - $6 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Chorizo Black Beans & Rice - $6 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Two Cage Free Eggs - $6 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- One Biscuit with Jam and Honey Butter - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Grilled Asparagus - $6 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Manchego Risotto - $6 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pumpkin Muffin - Single - $3.5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Pumpkin Muffin - Half Dozen - $18 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Pumpkin Muffin - Dozen - $35 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Desserts
- Zocalo Carrot Cake - $12: white chocolate sauce, tropical compote, whipped cream ganahe, coconut flakes Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Trio of Housemade Sorbet - $10: seasonal selection Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol
- Mexican Chocolate Bread Pudding - $10: vanilla + cinnamon ice cream, caramel sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Crema Catalana - $10: vanilla egg custard brûlée, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
Beverages
- Summer Sandia - $14: espolòn tequila blanco, watermelon, mexican pepper reduction, lime, cilantro
- Pineapple Basil Breeze - $14: pineapple infused rum, lime, pineapple, agave, basil
- Mojito - $13: bacardi, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water
- Margarita - $13: tequila, house marg mix, triple sec, Grand Marnier
- Spicy Lady - $14: maker's mark, agave, lime, mango or blood orange, muddled jalapeno
- Amarillo Ginger Mocktail - $8: pineapple, lime juice, ginger beer
- Hibiscus Lavender Lemonade - $8: hibiscus syrup, lavender, lemonade