A new dining option will be joining the pool of excellent Covington eateries this fall.
Zapata Cantina, a modern Mexican restaurant, is slated to open in early September, just south of Madison Avenue’s burgeoning strip at the corner of Madison and Eighth streets.
The cantina will offer a contemporary take on tacos and street food, featuring small made-in-house dishes, which includes their handmade two-toned tortillas.
In addition to eats, Zapata’s beverage program will put mezcal and tequila on the mainstage, and will offer a twist on popular bourbon cocktails.
“We wanted to be a part of Covington’s entertainment and restaurant boom. We loved the spot right on the corner of Madison and 8th street simply to bring more visitors and neighbors deeper into the city of Covington instead of only the riverside,” says Alex Rodriguez, co-owner and general manager of Zapata Cantina, in an email interview.
Mexican or Mexican-inspired cuisine is no stranger to the Covington neighborhood, with “epic” taco, tequila and bourbon joint Agave & Rye just a few blocks north of Zapata Cantina; mezcal bar and Latin street food eatery Frida in MainStrasse; and several beloved hole-in-the-wall spots like Taqueria Cruz and Gutierrez Deli.
But Rodriguez says his restaurant will stand out from the rest. “We love all our neighboring options, but what sets us apart is our devoted quality into our food. We want to share our rich culture into this evolving growing community,” he says.
In addition to their indoor dining space and bar, the restaurant will feature an outdoor patio.
Follow along on Zapata Cantina’s Facebook page for opening updates.
Zapata Cantina, 801 Madison Ave., Covington.
This article appears in The Burger Issue 2020.