When Zapata’s first arrived in Suzhou, it made an effort to be just like its older brother in Shanghai. That place has always been down and dirty, with loud music, and security guards that definitely earn their pay by making sure that the crowd behaves itself. Apparently, the residents of Suzhou just don’t have it in them to make trouble. Having said that, over the last few months Zapata’s has made changes accordingly, and those changes are going to keep coming as winter picks up. There is a new manager, a new menu, and new attitude. Zapata’s has always had some of the best specials and themed nights and that hasn’t changed. Last month on a cold afternoon, they held Suzhou’s first annual chili cook off. About a dozen teams came out to compete for the judge’s prize and the people’s prize. We are not exaggerating when we say it was the best meal available in town that day.
These days the music is rarely as loud as it is in Shanghai, but people haven’t quit dancing, and the cocktails are still the best to be had in Suzhou. Many of them just can’t be found in any other bar. You can still dance on the bar if that’s your thing, but the new Zapata’s is more family friendly, especially if you’re on the second floor with comfortable sofas and large tables that are just right for a meal with friends or family. Having said that, Zapata’s still continues to hold court over every other bar, in town, when it comes to wild parties.
We can all agree that during the sultry summer months, Zapata’s is one of the best places to catch a cool breeze. Their frozen margaritas don’t hurt either, but it’s winter time now, and it still remains a great place to sit outside because, this winter, Zapata’s is going to have outdoor heating. Now you’ll still be able to enjoy those lakeside views on the first floor patio or second floor balcony. Apart from the good drinks and setting, there is the food. Zapata’s has always had some of the best Mexican food in town, but they’ve expanded the menu. If you aren’t in the mood for Mexican food, you’ll find other dishes, but we can’t recommend the pizza enough. It sets the bar for every other pizza in town.
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