Cincinnati Magazine
February 19, 2021
Mezcal and modern Mexican street food in the heart of Bourbon Country. That was Alex Rodriguez’s vision when he opened Zapata Cantina in downtown Covington last fall. And while there’s no shortage of local options for margaritas and tacos, Zapata Cantina’s take on Mexican cuisine stands apart from the crowd.
Photograph by Chris Pasion
Order an Oaxaca Old Fashion or Negroni Especial from the menu of smoky mezcal–focused cocktails to wash back a spread of fresh ceviche and chips or one of eight innovative taco options. Our favorites are the Del Mar (tempura shrimp with candied pecans and honey chipotle sauce), the Revolucion (Impossible meat with potatoes, cheese, and avocado), and the Alejandro (a Hibiscus flower birria with rice, guac, and radishes) all of which are served on freshly made corn tortillas.