Photos: Sneak preview of Zia Taqueria, coming to West Asheville in March

Jason Sandford February 11, 2013

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Owner Kevin Grant and team are hard at work at the Haywood Road space, ripping up old tile, refinishing the floor, fixing up the landscaping, re-doing the patio and considering the question on many minds: What’s going to happen to the fence?

The fence stays, according to Grant. But he’s making changes, including taking out the chain link on one side. He hopes to separate his eatery from neighboring Calvary Baptist with some planters, allowing pedestrian street access from the church side.

Parking will never be a problem, as the Zia property comes with two parking lots, one in front and a hidden one on the side.

Property owner Justin Scarborough hoped to avoid a corporatized renter, according to Grant, and was happy to find an indie eatery that had proved itself in Charleston and wanted to expand with a second location, a neighborhood eatery in Asheville.

Grant plans no events at Zia, just food seven days a week for locals of all ages, from high school students after school, to couples drinking date-night margaritas, to families dining out for taco night, he said today.

Grant hopes to open Zia Taqueria Asheville on Friday, March 1, but has not yet set a definite opening date. Look for a March opening–just in time for patio weather.

Zia Taqueria is at 521 Haywood Road in West Asheville, next to Calvary Baptist and across from TomKats.

Check out our original post here: Zia Taqueria moving in to former Delores & Jose location in West Asheville

Photos taken today, including a preview of margarita options and the menu:

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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8 Comments

yeppers March 10, 2013

Sad to say, I went here a few nights ago and the food was across the board bad. Got several different things and none were ok, even down to the rice and beans : ( which were vastly oversalted. Salsa–not good. Guacamole–not good.

I know sometimes new places can have off nights in the kitchen, but I think the problem lies in the recipes and the quality of the ingredients, and also the fact that they seem more interested in being a novelty margarita spot with food as an afterthought. Honestly, even Neo Burrito is much better.

If you are looking for authentic, delicious Mexican, try Puebla on Patton Ave. They have incredible, affordable food. And I promise I don’t work for them, ha ha. I just don’t think spots that put way more effort into being trendy than having decent food stand much of a chance in West AVL.

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Harry Sax March 9, 2013

Looks nice, but still tastes like dog food. And I get cheaper dog food at a bunch of other places

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Arida February 20, 2013

Love the fence, gives is that nice Spanish atmosphere– but where is the green chili? who ever heard of New Mexican food with out green chili? (Tho some silly folks do choose red.)

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Mae February 18, 2013

You should hire Delores & Mina to make burritos & texas tacos, they are & always will be the best, real mexican food. They cooked what their mother cooked them growing up. That’s what most people ate there when they came but I am looking forward to giving you a try since you are very close & your menu looks really good. Glad it’s another Mexican restaurant that cares about the food that is going to be in the building.

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Leslie February 17, 2013

Thank you Kevin… Much closer to my current location. GOTTA TRY THE BARBACOA… Favorite place moving closer!

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Ed Kizer February 12, 2013

Pretty surprised they are keeping the fence. Its a major eye sore and would seem to serve up some pretty poor fung shei for a business looking to grow. That said, I’m willing to give it a try.

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