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The dishes are thick with cheese and sauce at this always-popular West Village weekend party spot. Buxom waitresses occasionally don bandilleros filled with shots glasses and wander around the restaurant/bar plying them on the mostly business-suited, young clientle. The décor is unmissable, with its giant, spilling margarita perched precariously outside on the roof. The guacamole and margarita pitchers are the main draw here.
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Margarita doesn’t have the word 'grin’ in it, but if it did El Parador would be guilty of putting it there. Aside from the jumbo drinks, this neighbourhood staple has been serving up classics like shrimp tacos with pico de gallo and chicken mole poblano since the 1950s. The fact that it’s in need of a face-lift only adds to its charm and the service is friendly, but slightly south-of-the-border speed.
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The garden seating out back is a big draw during the sunny weather; as is the large, open bar/dining area up front throughout the rest of the season. The chile rellenos are a popular favourite and the menu benefits from mixing it up with traditional Spanish dishes like paella. Lots of friendly locals can turn a quick dinner into an all-night margaritas and chips at the bar conversation.
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The bar is a gathering spot for locals and tourists that want to meet locals, while the dining room serves up some of the best Mexican food in the city. Dishes like roast pork braised in mole poblano and chicken roasted in tequila and pineapple keep them coming back. A large selection of seafood dishes, often overlooked in Mexican restaurants, adds to Zarela’s uniqueness.
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