Zócalo Midtown Sacramento Taco Tasting for Food Bloggers

If there is one thing Sacramento does well, it is tacos. Case in point, see my Sac Taco Guide here!

So when I received an invitation to celebrate National Taco Day at Zócalo in Midtown Sacramento, I immediately marked the date on my calendar.

A group of us local food bloggers gathered for an afternoon dedicated to tasting some of Zócalo’s most popular tacos while enjoying handcrafted cocktails, great conversation, and one of the most beautiful restaurant spaces in Sacramento. As someone who has spent years exploring Sacramento’s food scene, I was excited to return to one of Midtown’s most well-known Mexican restaurants.

Here’s a look at everything we tried and why Zócalo continues to be one of my favorite restaurants for tacos in Sacramento.

Celebrating National Taco Day at Zócalo

Walking into the Zócalo location on Capital Ave always feels like stepping into a resort. The high ceilings, oversized chandeliers, tropical plants, and warm lighting create an atmosphere that is both elevated and welcoming.

For National Taco Day, the restaurant welcomed several Sacramento food bloggers for a special tasting event featuring a variety of tacos from their menu. Instead of ordering one entrée, we were able to sample several different taco styles side by side, which made it easy to appreciate just how diverse their menu really is.

The staff greeted us with a lineup of beautiful tequila cocktails while we mingled before the tasting began. It was the perfect way to kick off an afternoon centered around tacos.

One of the Most Beautiful Restaurants in Midtown Sacramento

I’ve eaten at Zócalo before with friends, but this visit reminded me why so many people recommend it for date nights, celebrations, and happy hour. The restaurant is full of thoughtful details.

Large palm trees divide the dining room into cozy seating areas. Oversized wrought iron chandeliers hang from the high ceilings. Sunlight pours through the front windows during lunch, making the entire restaurant feel bright and inviting.

Even before the food arrives, it feels like an experience. Whether you’re sitting at the lively bar or enjoying a booth with friends, the atmosphere makes you want to stay awhile. If the weather is cool outside, you can also opt to sit outside on the patio.

Starting with Signature Cocktails

No celebration at Zócalo would be complete without trying one of their cocktails (they can also make you a mocktail if you request it).

We were welcomed with beautifully presented tequila drinks featuring fresh citrus, chile-rimmed glasses, and colorful garnishes. Every cocktail looked just as good as it tasted.

One standout was a vibrant blackberry margarita that balanced sweet fruit with fresh lime and tequila. It paired perfectly with the tacos and set the tone for a fun afternoon.

If you’re visiting during happy hour, I highly recommend trying one of their seasonal margaritas or specialty tequila cocktails.

Taco Flights for Everyone to Share

One of my favorite parts of the event was being able to sample several different tacos from across the menu. Rather than committing to one style, we enjoyed a variety of flavors, proteins, and toppings all at once.

Every plate that arrived looked completely different from the last. Some tacos featured slow braised meats topped with crema and fresh herbs. Others were piled high with crispy vegetables, colorful slaws, avocado, and fresh pico de gallo.

It really showcased how much variety Zócalo offers beyond traditional tacos.

The Braised Beef Tacos Were a Favorite

The braised beef tacos quickly became one of my favorite bites of the afternoon.

The beef was incredibly tender with rich flavor, while the toppings added freshness without overpowering the meat. Finished with crema, cotija cheese, and herbs, every bite felt balanced and satisfying.

If you’re visiting Zócalo for the first time, these deserve a spot on your order.

Fresh Seafood and Chicken Tacos

The tasting also included seafood and chicken tacos that each brought something different to the table. The seafood tacos were light and refreshing with bright citrus flavors and crisp vegetables that complemented the fish perfectly.

The chicken tacos had a smoky seasoning paired with creamy sauces and crunchy cabbage for plenty of texture. I appreciated that none of the tacos felt overly heavy, which allowed me to try every variety they served us.

Creative Vegetarian Options

One thing that stood out during the tasting was how thoughtfully Zócalo approaches vegetarian dishes. We had a food blogger with us who was strictly vegan, so Zócalo made sure to provide her options.

Their vegetable tacos were anything but an afterthought. Fresh greens, roasted vegetables, peppers, corn, avocado, and house-made toppings came together to create tacos that would easily satisfy even meat eaters.

It’s always nice to see vegetarian options that receive the same attention to flavor and presentation as the rest of the menu.

Every Plate Looked Photo Worthy

As food bloggers, cameras came out almost as quickly as the tacos. Thankfully, Zócalo makes photographing food incredibly easy!

Natural light fills the dining room during lunch, while the restaurant’s elegant décor creates beautiful backgrounds for food photography.

Every taco plate arrived carefully plated with vibrant colors, fresh herbs, sauces, and garnishes that practically begged to be photographed before anyone picked up a tortilla.

If you enjoy documenting your meals, this restaurant is full of Instagram-worthy and TikTok moments.

More Than Just Great Tacos

While tacos were obviously the focus of National Taco Day, the experience reminded me that Zócalo is much more than a taco restaurant.

Their menu includes enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, salads, appetizers, and an impressive tequila selection.

The restaurant also has one of the most inviting patios in Midtown Sacramento, making it a great choice throughout the year.

Whether you’re meeting friends for happy hour, celebrating a birthday, enjoying brunch, or planning date night, the atmosphere makes every visit feel special.

Planning Your Visit to Zócalo Midtown Sacramento

If you’re planning a visit to Zócalo Midtown Sacramento, I recommend making a reservation online, especially if you’re visiting for dinner, weekend brunch, or during happy hour. The restaurant is one of Midtown’s most popular dining destinations, and tables can fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Lunch during the week is usually a little easier if you’re hoping for a quieter experience or better natural light for photos.

Zócalo is also a great choice for families. The restaurant offers a dedicated kids menu with child-friendly favorites, making it easy to bring little ones along without sacrificing a great meal for the adults. Whether you’re planning a casual family lunch, date night, or dinner with friends, the welcoming atmosphere works for just about any occasion.

If Midtown isn’t convenient, you’re in luck. Zócalo has several locations throughout the Sacramento region, including Midtown Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, and University Village near Sacramento State. No matter which location you visit, you can expect the same colorful atmosphere, handcrafted cocktails, and extensive menu that have made Zócalo one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Sacramento area.