Seattle is known for its many diverse offerings; Pike Place Market is a bustle of people, while the hip Belltown offers streets filled with galleries and cafes. Mexican cuisine is no exception to the Emerald’s City list of places to visit.
Whether you crave a classic Mexican dish or looking for more innovative flavors, the best Mexican restaurants in Seattle cater to all palates, offering unique atmospheres and culinary delights. From traditional taquerias to more modern establishments, Seattle’s Mexican restaurants promise an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more.
The 15 Best Mexican Restaurants in Seattle:
- La Carta de Oaxaca
- Mezcaleria Oaxaca
- Tacos Chukis
- El Quetzal
- Fogón Cocina Mexicana
- La Cocina Oaxaqueña
- El Camion
- Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar
- Taqueria Cantina
- Poquitos
- Fonda La Catrina
- Taqueria El Asadero
- El Puerco Llorón
- And more …
1. La Carta de Oaxaca
Nestled in the lively Ballard neighborhood, the family-owned La Carta de Oaxaca serves authentic Oaxacan dishes, with the matriarch chef Gloria Perez at the helm and 3 generations of women serving delicious foods.
Must-try menu items include the succulent tlayudas Mexican pizza, the house specialty savory mole negro Oaxaqueño, and tamales enveloped in corn husks.
Although La Cart de Oaxaca has a newer and trendier hotspot in the Queen Ann neighborhood, El Mezcalito, nothing beats the original restaurant in Ballard, featuring face brick walls decorated with black and white pictures. It provides a warm, rustic, and intimate ambiance, this restaurant transports diners straight to the heart of Oaxaca.
Neighborhood: Ballard
Address: 5431 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone Number: +1 (206) 782-8722
Neighborhood: Queen Ann
Address: 2123 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98119, United States
Phone Number: +1(206) 216-4446
2. Mercado Luna
Mercado Luna is situated in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, renowned for its extensive mezcal collection and delectable cuisine. Savor their mouthwatering enchiladas suizas, flavorful pozole verde, and rich mole coloradito.
The restaurant’s charming decor and vibrant atmosphere make it a delightful spot for a memorable meal. You can enjoy a delicious meal downstairs after having had a few sweet, punchy-tasting margaritas on the rooftop bar.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 422 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 342-0506
3. Tacos Chukis
The original Tacos Chukis was opened in a tiny upstairs space in Capitol Hill in 2011 before it expanded over a few years to include a friendly Tacos Chukis in the Central District, Beacon Hill, and South Lake Union.
The ambiance is laid-back and colorful. You can enjoy their signature tacos al pastor, bursting with marinated pork, pineapple, and cilantro, or savor the tangy and spicy salsa verde on their tacos de pollo asado.
Tacos Chukis is a local gem that never disappoints, tucked away amongst other stores. It has been mentioned in Thrillist for several years, along with Eater Settle and Seattle Metropolitan.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill,
Address: 219 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 905-8537
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Address: 1608 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144, United States
Phone Number: +1(206) 971-2440
Neighborhood: South Lake Union,
Address: 832 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 518-9025
Neighborhood: Central District
Address: 2215 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 973-7994
4. El Quetzal
Tucked away in Beacon Hill, El Quetzal offers a taste of homemade authentic Mexican flavors. The term quetzal in ancient Mexican symbolized freedom and wealth.
Indulge in their delectable tacos de pescado, enchiladas verde, and carne asada, for a delicious lunch try the traditional sandwich, pambazo.
This quaint rustic-chic restaurant, with colorful murals and a warm atmosphere, creates a welcoming setting for a truly satisfying dining experience where you are treated as family.
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Address: 3211 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 329-2970
5. Fogón Cocina Mexicana
Fogón Cocina Mexicana, located in the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, combines traditional Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Explore their menu featuring standout dishes like the zesty ceviche de Pescado, the flavorful Camarones a la diabla, the robust mole poblano, and the spicy Chile Colorado.
The restaurant’s modern decor, bamboo tables and benches, and lively ambiance enhance the dining experience. It also features a very cool tortilla-making station.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 600 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 320-7777
6. La Cocina Oaxaqueña
Nestled in the Capitol Hill, La Cocina Oaxaqueña showcases the culinary heritage of Oaxaca and delivers authentic and traditional Mexican food.
Delight in their house specialty mole negro Oaxaqueno, a complex sauce served over tender chicken or pork, or savor the traditional tacos al pastor, marinated pork with a spicy chile-pineapple sauce, or enjoy a spicy bowl of fish soup with the caldo de Pescado.
The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality add to its appeal, and it has a delightful alfresco seating area for those hot summer days.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 1216 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 623-8226
7. El Camion
El Camion, a beloved food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar, has multiple locations throughout Seattle, including North and West Seattle, Sand Point, and Roosevelt.
Sample their mouthwatering plato Mexicano, spicy and flavorful burrito mojado, or the satisfying loaded plate of El Capitan nachos.
El Camion is an essential stop for Mexican street food enthusiasts. Each truck is festive, and the vibrant out-seating decorated area makes it the perfect quick pit stop for authentic Mexican food on the go.
Neighborhood: North Seattle
Address: 11728 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 367-2777
Neighborhood: Roosevelt
Address: 6319 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 468-5691
Neighborhood: Sand Point
Address: 4529 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 779-0244
Neighborhood: West Seattle
Address: 9250 45th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136, United States
Phone Number +1 (206) 659-0236
8. Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Situated on Capitol Hill, Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar is a trendy establishment offering a modern twist on classic Mexican cuisine inspired by Pacific Northwest ingredients. It is operated under the Heavy Restaurant Group.
Relish their savory homemade chorizo tacos, savor the delicious beer-battered rockfish, or enjoy a sweet dessert of churros and oxalate chocolate.
The vibrant atmosphere and stylish decor make Barrio a popular spot for socializing and indulging in delicious fare. Their assortment of house margaritas sets the mood while you are mesmerized by the display of three hundred bottles of Mexican spirit.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 1420 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 588-8105
9. Taqueria Cantina
Taqueria Cantina has two trendy spots located in Belltown and Downtown Seattle.
It celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food. Tantalize your taste buds with their hot skillet of queso fundido, crispy quesadilla, and satisfying chimichanga.
The restaurant’s energetic ambiance and lively music create a festive setting for an enjoyable meal.
Neighborhood: Belltown
Address: 2630 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 995-8588
Neighborhood: Downtown Seattle
Address: 89 University St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 624-1539
10. Poquitos
Poquitos is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located on Capitol Hill, known for its delectable cuisine and lively atmosphere. It has become a go-to spot for Mexican food enthusiasts.
Poquitos captures the essence of a traditional Mexican cantina with a lively ambiance, colorful decor, and vibrant music.
The menu features enticing options such as the Baja-style Fish Tacos, made with crispy beer-battered fish and tangy slaw, the flavorful tuna ceviche, and the popular spicey barbacoa tacos, with braised beef.
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 1000 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 590-5039
11. Fonda La Catrina
Situated in the vibrant Georgetown neighborhood. The skeleton artwork of the La Calavera Catrina is a ubiquitous character, depicted by Jose Guadalupe Posada, a Mexican cartoonist illustrator associated with the Day of the Dead.
Savor their tender cochinita pibil tacos, indulge in their mouthwatering chiles relleno, or try their flavorful comalito.
Fonda La Catrina’s has an industrial chic décor. A vibrant mix of Mexican artwork with a funky storefront and the warm, welcoming service create an inviting dining experience.
Neighborhood: Georgetown
Address: 5905 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 767-2787
12. La Palma Family Mexican Restaurant
The beloved Mexican eatery, La Palma, is located in the North Queen Ann neighborhood. Established in 1977, this family-owned restaurant has served authentic Mexican flavors for over four decades.
The menu boasts a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including their famous Chile Relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and topped with a savory sauce. Another must-try dish is their flavorful Carnitas; choose between chicken, tender pork loins, or juicy beef.
La Palma’s warm and inviting atmosphere, with its rich history, offers guests a taste of Mexico. Their commitment to quality and delicious cuisine makes it a preferred destination among locals and visitors alike.
Neighborhood: North Queen Ann
Address: 3456 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 284-1001
13. El Grito Taqueria
El Grito Taqueria is a vibrant Mexican restaurant in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. This neighborhood gem captures the essence of Mexican street food with its flavorful offerings, complete with a lively bar.
The menu features an array of delicious tacos. Another standout dish is the tender Carne Asada Burrito,
The restaurant’s historical roots trace back to the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century when El Grito or The Cry became a powerful rallying cry for independence.
Their vibrant flavors and lively ambiance evoke the spirit of celebration and camaraderie.
Neighborhood: South Lake Union
Address: 234 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 659-4552
14. Plaza Garibaldi
Plaza Garibaldi is a renowned Mexican restaurant in the Lower Queen Ann neighborhood with a rich history dating back to 1991. It was named after the iconic square in Mexico City, known for its vibrant mariachi bands.
The restaurant’s menu offers a diverse fill of true Mexican dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. One highly recommended dish is the super spicy torta ahogada, and a close second option is flavorful enchiladas poblanas.
The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with its delicious food, make it a fantastic destination for experiencing the vibrant flavors and spirit of Mexico right in Seattle.
Neighborhood: Lower Queen Ann
Address: 129 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Phone Number: +1 (206) 397-4088
15. Los Agaves
Situated in Pike Place Market, Los Agaves delights diners with its authentic and comforting Mexican cuisine. All the ingredients are sourced from the Pike Place market itself.
Indulge in their flavorful carne asada, savor the robust flavors of their huarache, or try their delicious loaded torta sandwich.
It’s the perfect meal on the go when visiting the market and stocking up on fresh produce. The restaurant’s friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make it a local treasure.
Neighborhood: Downtown Seattle
Address: 1514 Pike Pl #7, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Phone Number: +1(206) 504-0202
Check Out The Best Mexican Restaurants in Seattle!
Seattle’s Mexican culinary landscape offers a treasure trove of vibrant flavors and diverse regional specialties. From traditional taquerias to contemporary eateries, these 15 best Mexican restaurants in Seattle invite diners on a delightful gastronomic journey through the vibrant cuisines of Mexico.
