There’s a good reason that El Sarape has four restaurant locations. The food is authentic and delicious, and the service is consistently inviting.
When the Mexican restaurant first opened in Olympia in 1979, its owners believed that local and fresh foods shouldn’t be hard to come by. With that philosophy in mind, they have since opened in Tumwater, Lacey and Shelton as well. The chefs and team at each location are dedicated to providing customers with tasty food and quality service. El Sarape uses locally sourced grass-fed beef and free-range chickens.
The menu is extensive, from appetizers to quesadillas to sizzling fajitas. Diners will recognize most items on the menu, but they’ll also see a few special traditional dishes and dishes that present new flavors to a well-known cuisine. Chile a la Tinga is a traditional dish with a chicken- and olive-stuffed poblano pepper served with fresh salsa and jalapeño dressing. Baked Avocado Fries are spiced up with seasonings and lime juice and dipped in panko batter before baking to deliver a perfect crunch to each bite.
The street tacos are another part of the menu that can’t be ignored. Each one is topped with fresh onion, cilantro and cotija cheese. The Tinga street tacos are filled with shredded chicken cooked in a chipotle pepper salsa. The owners suggest pairing these tacos with a Cabernet Sauvignon from the wine menu.
Each restaurant location can accommodate families and large groups, even up to 50 people. Secluded booths are ideal for dates, though bar seating is also an option.
Besides bringing the authentic and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to the community, the restaurants host several events a month. Enjoy live music, trivia nights and tequila tastings, among other happenings. JORDAN MARIE MCCAW
El Sarape