Belmont Shore is becoming the epicenter of elevated Mexican cuisine as Zarape Long Beach becomes a reality. The West Hollywood-based taqueria, owned by Oneismo Mendez, will be “high-end but casual, not cheap but not outrageously expensive.”
So what will Zarape Long Beach be all about?
Zarape Long Beach will be taking over the former Rubio’s space at 2nd Street and Roycroft Avenue. While the fast casual Baja-inspired chain had a presence in the Shore for nearly two decades and its lease was technically running through to December, new leasing signs appeared in May of this year luring in new tenants.
“We’re hoping to be up and running within eight months,” said Stefano, a representative for Zarape. “That all depends on permitting, the remodel, inspections, and so forth. But ultimately, we just can’t wait to introduce ourselves to Long Beach.”
Zarape runs the full gamut when it comes to its menu, stretching from Oaxaca and Puebla to Jalisco and Veracruz in terms of offerings. Mole negro. Pipián sauces. Camarones a la diabla. Pescado Zarandeado. Oaxacan-style clams and plates of green mussels. How will it compare to the nearby Viaje and the upcoming South of Nick’s? That is yet to be determined.
Will Zarape Long Beach have a full bar like its West Hollywood location? Hopefully.
“We really want to incorporate our signature margaritas and cocktails into the equation,” Stefano said.
Zarape is known for its cocktails, where happy hours rule the day with $10 margaritas and Palomas. (And this on top of a solid food offering during happy hour, with plates of carne asada fries, queso fundido, and camarones a la diabla make for an easy late afternoon gathering.)
“It’s easy to understand why he wants to have a full bar,” said Heather Kern of the Belmont Shore Business Association. “I can’t say for sure if he will have any problems with that—L’antica da Michele was successful, so I believe they will be too.”
Belmont Shore’s renaissance continues
Belmont Shore is rapidly changing and has rapidly changed—especially across the past two years, where a slew of bigger, largely Los Angeles-based brands have opted to open up locations along the famed business corridor. And that includes Zarape. It is a larger reflection of the post-pandemic need to get out, favoring walkable outdoor spaces of insulated indoor ones.
North Hollywood-based Republic of Pie and Kauai-based taro donut shop Holey Grail both recently opened. There is an extension of Orange County’s Ribbro opening while Angel’s Share, which quickly took over the former Taphouse space, has already opened up shop. The Win~Dow, Venice’s smash burger concept birthed in 2019 in a parking lot, has officially opened its first Long Beach location in Belmont Shore in the former Archibald’s space.
The neighborhood has seen incredible popups like The Godmother offering handmade arancini balls and neighborhood leaders creating walking tours.
Then there’s been Goodies. There’s been Candified. Le Macaron. Breakfast Republic. Foodologie. Nick the Greek. Louie’s. Northern Cafe. Sushi Nikkei’s second location in the city…
The list goes on—as does the renaissance.
Zarape Long Beach will be located at 4702 E. 2nd St.
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