When you enter this place a nostalgic Route 66 and a casual Western Roadhouse atmosphere surround you. We were sat in the large rear dining room that features a long wall mural of a thundering cattle drive rendered by painter Raoul Middleman.

The menu carries all the typical Tex-Mex items you’d expect, as well as interesting combination of southern specialties such as chicken-fried steak, blackened catfish and shrimp and grits.

We started off with some margaritas, salsa and West Texas Cowboy Nachos-topped with spicy Texas chili, 
chili con queso, guacamole, sour cream, black olive, pico de gallo and 
jalapenos ($8.95). They were messy but good. The salsa had some heat but wasn’t too hot (they say its never the same each day since they make it themselves).

For dinner my husband had the Giant Jason’s Belly Buster Burrito- seasoned ground sirloin, roasted corn
relish, black beans, jalapenos, topped with 
chili con queso ($8.95). It was very big and he barely finished it. I didn’t taste it but it said it pretty tasty (above average).

I had Carnitas Ranchros- Slow-cooked pork marinated in oranges,
garlic and other top secret roadhouse spices, sautéed with scallions and cilantro, served with flour tortillas, rice & beans, sour cream and pico de gallo ($13.95). This was very good and was up on the top of my list for the best Carnitas.

Overall, this place was pretty good- above average but not 5 star. The food is served quick and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. It is very family friendly and welcoming. Next time I would love to sit next to the window during nice weather when they have them open and people watch. This place is a good place for a bite to eat before or after a movie at the Senator Theatre. I will be going back.

We love rockabilly music and culture, and we love Mexican and Tex Mex food. We love 1950s Americana, and we live in the same neighborhood as Zen West.

What could go wrong?

Well, in the 10+ times we have visited Zen West, a lot has gone wrong. The best meals are forgettable, and I wish we could forget the worst meals. Unfortunately, our most recent visit to Zen West was probably our worst ever, in the two years that we have foolishly been going there (no one to blame but ourselves!).

On our most recent visit, we were seated fairly quickly (weekday night). That was the last thing that went right. Our server was friendly, but could not remember our drink order (write this down…..1 margarita, 1 water), and had to take our drink order three times. The third time, we also ordered our food. The waiter asked how I would like my steak cooked (remember that), and I replied “medium rare.” (not as important to remember, sadly).

We got our drinks around 25 to 30 minutes later, and the food (two salads) an additional 30 minutes after that.

Imagine my surprise when I see my roughly 4 oz julienne steak, extremely cooked, gray, and rubberized……..and COLD…OK….room temperature. Definitely not “medium” anything, let alone “medium rare.” We also ordered the “Chalupa of Great Fortune,” which looked like a firecracker had gone off on the plate, and was also room temperature. We looked at each other and sighed – we’d been had again!

Our waiter returned (around the 90 minute mark) and looked at our uneaten food, and asked how the food was. I replied, “Honestly, it’s pretty bad tonight. I know it’s not your fault.” He graciously offered to get the manager, which was a nice surprise.

The manager showed up on the scene and was nearly yelling at us, accusing us of lying about the cold food, and asking us repeatedly, “What would you HAVE ME DO? I don’t understand!” I then brought up the overcooked steak (which was sitting on my plate), and she screamed, “WE DON’T COOK MEAT TO ORDER!” I mean, OK, that’s fine, so why did the server ask me how I wanted it cooked?

So at that point, the manager was spiraling out of control so we said, “Uhhhh…..check please, crazy woman!” Then she changed her approach and said, “You know, it is VERY busy in here tonight” (looking around at empty tables and empty bar). I repeated..“Check please.” She stomped off and returned……15 minutes later!!!! We were getting up to leave when she arrived!

The manager did not offer to comp us drinks, dessert, and certainly not our whole meal. This clearly will be our last meal at Zen West! Back to Nacho Mama, Holy Frijoles, and all the other reasonable Baltimore Tex Mex options!

We’ve had Tex Mex, Texan, Tejano, and Mexican food throughout the United States and northern Mexico. While the food is not nearly the worst we’ve had, Zen West provides one of the worst dining experiences of all time.

Just look at the cool artwork all over the restaurant, and pretend you’re at a good Tex Mex restaurant in Houston or San Diego. Click your heels three times….