Zuzu Handmade Mexican Food

My husband and I frequently eat at Zuzu's in Clayton. We go mostly on the weekends because of the distance (we live in Wildwood) and the usual week-day limited parking in Clayton. ZuZu's is very casual and you order at the counter. They bring the food to your table and the service is usually very quick. They do give you a basket of chips (no charge) and a small cup to pick your choice of salsa at the salsa bar. There are three different types of salsa (differentiated by temperature) at the bar, as well as condiments such as: red onions, diced jalepenos, chopped cilantro, lemon and lime wedges. They will refill your basket of chips, at no charge, if you go up to the counter and ask. They will also give you several cups for salsa if your prefer a variety while you wait for your food. Typically, my husband and I get a platter which includes 2 sides. The sides include the usual rice and beans (refried or black) as well as a a choice of a room-temperature corn salad or roasted potatoes. The corn salad has become our absolute favorite and on my platter I always choose the corn salad for BOTH sides. My husband has tried many different things such as the enchilada platter, the taco platter, and the fajitas. He has never been disappointed. I stick with the bean and cheese burrito platter. It is remarkably good. The burrito is filled with beans, rice and cheese and there is always enough left to take home. (The salsa bar also has small containers and lids so you can pack a little salsa for your leftovers!) The people there have always been very friendly...and if it's nice outside they do have a small covered patio with tables and it's a great spot to people watch. Cost: For the two of us with drinks and platter dinners, right at $20.00. more

Zuzu's is only a few blocks from my office, and I've been there twice for lunch with some work friends. It has a casual atmosphere, with plain lunchroom tables and chairs and a high, open ceiling. You order first at the counter and take a number before sitting down to enjoy your chips and salsa. As a connoisseur of Mexican cuisine, I found the food so-so. The enchilada sauce doesn't exactly taste like any other enchilada sauce I've had. As a matter of fact it tends to have a suspicious Italian flavor. The black beans are good, although I tend to prefer the more traditional refried beans, but the rice is not very spectacular. I've made better mexican-style rice at home. I also wished for a little sour cream or guacamole (which you can get as a side, but doesn't come with the meal). Service, again, is ok. The prices are maybe a bit high for the quality of food, but not outrageous. Do get there early, because it fills up at lunchtime! Overall, it's a pleasant place to stop for lunch, but not outstanding if you're looking for good Mexican food. more