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Te amo, Zaragoza!

I still question myself why it took me so long to find this gem in my own neighborhood! Shame on me! I discovered Zaragoza when else but Cinco De Mayo! I originally thought I was going to a bar, but suprise! It was a bodega. Now why, you ask, would I be hanging out in a bodega on Cinco De Mayo? Well, because inside this bodega is a magical place that takes you right into the heart of Mexico where you can find mouthwatering Mexican fare.

I know it looks really sketchy and misleading but step inside and you wont regret it. The sketchiness adds to the appeal of the place. Beyond the grocery store you will find a couple of raggedy tables with an jukebox right behind thats older than your great grandfather. Then the server will then come out to put two small bowls of sauces on the table: one green and one red. Then she will come back to take your order, but wait, she looks like she changed clothes. No, they are twins! So very random, I know.

I always order the burrito here. It is so delicious and amazing I just can’t stop. They have your usual meats like chicken and beef but they also have specials so sometimes they offer lamb or another type of gamey meat. After the painstaking wait, one of the twins serve me my gigantic burrito covered in red sauce on one side and green sauce on the other side and cheese right in the middle. What does that make? A Mexican flag! Fantastic!

 Dont feel bad about tearing this flag apart, you wont be sorry. Inside is ooey-gooey goodness. Meat so tender submerged in rich, thick, flavorful sauce surrounded by tender Mexican rice and beans and all the fixins that come with an authentic burrito. Close your eyes while you take a bite and you will almost feel like you really are in Mexico City eating from a food cart in the streets.

If you are lucky like my friends and I, they will give you free shots of tequila combined with Jarritos which is a Mexican soda. Yummy! I heard that the tacos here are also incredible so are the tortas. I have yet to try those because Im always drawn to the burritos.

Another random thing about this place is that there is always a Calico kitty running around everytime you are there. The act acts like Zaragoza’s official mascot. I think it gives the place even more character and makes it more endearing. If you truly want an authentic taste of Mexico, put down that taco from the taco truck and walk to the East Village. Finding this place is like finding my one true love… Zaragoza, where have you been my whole life? I think I’m in love.