More and more grocery stores with a small counter-service restaurant inside are popping up in Madison. One of the latest is Zavala’s Market & Taqueria, located near Woodman’s on the west side.
In this case, the grocery store section is very small, limited to just a few shelves, which leaves room for more tables for dining in. All orders are placed at the checkout counter.
The menu appears bigger than it really is, as each of the nine items has a lengthy description. For example, the taco salad ($10.99) takes up one-third of the sign menu.
Tacos come with your diced onion, cilantro, lettuce, cheese, sour cream (I held everything but the onion and cilantro) and your choice of meat for $3 ($3.50 for tripe or tongue).
- The pulled pork was tender and tasty, though a tad bit salty.
- The asada was cut into very small pieces and as a result, was tough.
- The tripe carried a strong grassy taste but was still enjoyable.
The gordita ($4.50) was crispy and fresh. It’s stuffed with refried beans and queso fresco and your choice of meat. I’m glad I chose the lengua, as it was tender and plentiful.
I had my eyes set on the empanadas ($11.99 for three), which are surprisingly topped with queso fresco, sour cream, lettuce and salsa, as well as the quesadilla ($10.99), which comes with refried beans and Mexican rice. Unfortunately, a missing ingredient (which was never named by the restaurant) led me to wait for more than an hour for my order before it was canceled.
Huaraches ($12.99), sopes ($4.50) and other forms of tacos comprise the rest of the menu.
Zavala’s Market & Taqueria is open every day for lunch and dinner.
