Wes K.
Yelp
We really enjoyed the trip to Zavala's. You need to order a little bit of everything to get the full experience. We had brisket, sausage, ribs, and the highlight of the meal the sloppy Juan taco. The taco was amazing. Don't miss out on one (or more) of those. They also offer tortillas and fresh pico. The pro move is to order enough brisket and sausage to make your own taco with some fresh pico.
I've had some great BBQ around the country and Zavala's is one of the best. I've learned enough about high quality BBQ to know the best are true art forms, so picking the best is somewhat arbitrary, but I would say Zavala's is up there with the best. The sloppy Juan is something unique that makes me want to go back.
My Standardized Yelp Ratings
5 stars - This is for a place that I see as one of the best at what they do (steaks, sandwiches, BBQ, seafood, etc). 5s are for places I've been several times (typically) at least and never had an "off" experience. The food quality, service, price and atmosphere are all going to meet or exceed expectations.
4 stars - This is for a place that is good, I would drive a little out of the way to go, and the food and service is good, but maybe not amazing. Also for me, this could also be a great place that serves Pepsi products - automatic 1 star loss - bad management decision.
3 stars - This is for a place that I view as standard. Nothing special, nothing lousy, not a place you'd avoid like the plague, but a place that is not one you really look forward to either.
2 stars - This is for a place that had something go wrong or something perpetually wrong. The food and or service is likely consistently suspect here (they probably serve Pepsi too).
1 star - I can't see wasting time writing a review on a place that gets a 1 star. This is for a place that should consider closing.