El Zarape Taqueria (4236 Madison Ave., right next to Highway 80, Madison Ave. exit) is not only a great choice for starving and low-budget college students, but also has a real Mexican atmosphere.

The restaurant’s outward appearance suggests fast food, but setting foot in the establishment changes that first impression. The “Zarape” is the traditional Mexican blanket, draped on men’s shoulders. The walls are decorated with hanging zarapes and some traditional Mexican ornaments, decorations that only add to the charm of the restaurant.

“I decorate this store imagining a country house in Mexico,” said Claudia Ramirez, the manager of El Zarape. “The orange wall is pretty similar to traditional tropical Mexican style, which appeals to the people’s passion.”

Even the glasses in the restaurant are imported from Mexico. “I’ve never seen this kind of container,” said Collin Yong, a senior majoring in computer science at Sacramento State. “It makes me feel like I’m eating in Mexico (and) having a vacation.”

Unlike fast food factory-dry meat, El Zarape Taqueria has very tender and juicy meat, with tasty Mexican seasoning. The food is fresh cut everyday and canned food is banned.

Eight kinds of breakfast burritos populate the menu, full of nutrition and the combination of various ingredients (like steak, cheese, potatoes and eggs). Meat lovers definitely shouldn’t miss out on this deal. At $2.75 (served from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), these burritos will keep you satisfied for most of the day.

An item unique to the restaurant is the Cheeseburger Mexican Style. This burger touts creamy, rich avocado and a special sauce exclusive to El Zarape. Ramirez thought the item was a good idea for customers who are not as familiar with true Mexican tastes.

The quesadilla is a very popular item in the restaurant, made on a tortilla with thick melted cheese, succulent chicken or beef and guacamole. The guacamole’s homemade taste comes from a recipe by Ramirez’s father, who established the business 10 years ago.

Employees in the restaurant are always concerned with customer satisfaction: as soon as the customer pays at the counter, their food is served quickly and – best of all — there are no tip calculations.

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