Brian Nagele
If you’re a huge fan of tacos, burritos, carne asada, and guacamole, you’re probably as big of a Mexican cuisine lover as I am.
If you’re visiting or even living in Seattle and are fiending for some delicious, authentic, local-approved Mexican food, look no further.
I have compiled this list of the best Mexican restaurants in Seattle so that you don’t have to search too far. Everything you could dream of is here, from Baja bites to Oaxacan flavors.
Keep reading to find out where to find the tastiest Mexican food and to learn my personal recommendations for the best options on each menu.
Cactus Restaurants
Multiple locations
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You can find this Mexican restaurant in six locations across Seattle: Alki Beach, Bellevue Square, Kirkland, Madison Park, Proctor, and South Lake Union.
Each location is complete with a beautiful interior, delicious food, and pleasant, laidback vibes. Cactus feels like other Mexican restaurants you know and love but is slightly elevated.
Their menu is contemporary, their decoration is beautiful, and their drinks are exciting. On weekends, Cactus serves brunch from 10 am to 2 pm, so be sure to try that out at least once.
If you find yourself there on a Sunday morning after a night out with friends, you must try either the Churro Waffle or the Tres Leches French Toast with a Mexican Coffee cocktail to wash it all down.
If you go for lunch or dinner, I recommend getting the Carne Asada or the Butternut Squash Enchiladas.
Casco Antiguo
2102 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206-257-1182
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In South Lake Union, between Amazon’s The Spheres and Urban Triangle Park, you will find Casco Antiguo, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Seattle, bursting with personality.
Inside, Casco Antiguo is very modern and casual. It’s the perfect place for families, a solo Mexican night, or a group of friends to catch up and relax for dinner.
They also have a charming outdoor patio with a few tables, which would be perfect for a casual summer night.
You absolutely won’t want to miss out on the Queso Derretido dip as an appetizer and the fresh, homemade, warm Churros as a dessert.
As for your main meal, I recommend choosing the Cochinita Tacos or the Mole Enchiladas. Don’t forget to try the Red Wine Sangria!
Fonda La Catrina
5905 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: 206-767-2787
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You can find Fonda La Catrina near the BFI airport in Georgetown. It’s a very casual, laidback, authentically Mexican restaurant with beautiful traditional Mexican decorations on the inside.
You can also find tasty, Mexican-inspired weekend brunch here at Fonda La Catrina from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
How awesome would it be to have a standing plan to have Mexican brunch with friends every weekend?
If you go for brunch, you must try the Chilaquiles, an authentic Mexican classic. And if you go for lunch or dinner, I recommend either the Pozole or the Carne Asada tacos.
La Carta de Oaxaca
5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-782-8722
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Situated right in the heart of cutesy Ballard, next to the Pacific Fisherman Shipyard, there is La Carta de Oaxaca.
It’s in a romantic neighborhood with cute cafés, restaurants, and the water nearby. Their outdoor seating is beautiful and is decorated with Mexican Papel Picado.
The inside is cute and cozy, too, and a great casual choice for any night of the week. Oaxacan cuisine is some of the most well-loved and highly-regarded throughout Mexico.
So you’ll want to stick with the traditionally Oaxacan dishes when you visit. The best are the Mole Negro Oaxaqueño, the Tlayuda, or the Tamale de Rajas.
Asadero Ballard
5405 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-659-4499
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Asadero, located very close to La Carta de Oaxaca mentioned above, is also found in Ballard and is quite unique. It’s a Mexican steakhouse focusing on authentic Mexican barbecue and wagyu steak.
This Mexican steakhouse has a slightly more upscale feel, with the complexity and flavor of the dishes highlighting this even more.
It’s still laidback here, but you can tell you’re in for an elevated experience right when you walk through the door.
Because Asadero is known for its steaks (“asadero” means barbecue or steakhouse in Spanish), you would be remiss if you didn’t choose the Parilla Sonora Wagyu Steak on the menu.
Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar
1420 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 206-588-8105
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Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar is located in Broadway, between East Pike Street and East Madison Street. Their bar is known for its tequila made from Mexican agave.
This restaurant’s bar is beautiful, stylish, and modern while keeping the casual, laidback energy that we know and love from many Mexican restaurants.
You can also get brunch on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm, but I prefer their dinner menu. The Beef Birria Quesadillas are excellent, and you should try the Vegan Nachos for your appetizer.
The cashew ‘queso cheese’ is delightful. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with any of their authentic tequilas or mezcals.
D’ La Santa
2359 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: 206-709-2222
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D’ La Santa, which you can find in Capitol Hill on the corner of East Miller and 10th Street, is a unique, genuine Mexican experience because it is 100% Mexican family-owned and operated.
The interior is gorgeous and classy, almost giving off a Mexico City feel. It’s casual and comfortable but beautiful at the same time. And like a restaurant in Mexico City, it’s authentic!
When you visit, try out the Tacos de Birria with a Rumchata to wash everything down. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
El Moose
5242 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-784-5568
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El Moose is also located in Ballard, along with La Carta de Oaxaca and Asadero. It’s just next to these other great options, so you have endless delicious Mexican dishes to choose from if you’re in the area.
El Moose is very casual and is perfect for a family weeknight or a friends’ night out on the weekend – anything goes.
This restaurant was founded by a Seattle woman who lived in Mexico for 30 years and learned from the Mexican people during her time there. So you won’t be surprised to learn that the food is fantastic.
Try out the Esquites (Mexican street corn) or the Camarones Enchipotlados (shrimp in a creamy chipotle sauce).
Fogón Cocina Mexicana
600 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: 206-320-7777
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You will find the incredible Fogón Cocina Mexicana in Broadway, near Seattle Central College. Its vibrant green interior and full bar are just a few selling points.
The food is authentic, the vibe is laidback and friendly, and the staff is lovely. Don’t miss out on the Tortilla Soup or the Pollo Asado Burrito; these are two of my absolute favorites every time I visit.
You’ll also want to try the fruity, dreamy Jimador Margarita with pineapple and agave nectar as your drink.
Gracia
5313 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-268-0217
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Where is Gracia located? Yep, you guessed it: it’s found in Ballard, along with the Pacific Fisherman Shipyard, just next to many other great options listed above.
Gracia is small, modern, and has a beautiful outdoor seating area that you cannot miss out on. The hanging lights and abundance of potted plants make it comfortable and cozy.
You could easily make this either a Friday night date night spot or a casual weeknight out with the kids.
Whatever you do, you must order the Pescado Tacos. They’re served with fried fish, fresh toppings, and a tasty, smooth crema.
Since the tacos come a la carte, you can also use the Carnitas and Al Pastor options to round out your meal.
Mezcaleria Oaxaca
422 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
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Mezcaleria Oaxaca is in Capitol Hill and across the street from Rival Fitness. You may also see it referred to as Mercado Luna and various other names, but be aware that these are just parts of the whole restaurant.
This palace is truly unique because the Mezcaleria is a rooftop bar (21+ only) above the food market below.
It’s gorgeous and comfortable up there, and you’ll be happy to either enjoy a drink or two or stuff your face with the Mexican fare available.
I recommend trying the Tacos Dorados de Pollo and the Spicy Margarita.
Agave Cocina & Tequilas
Multiple locations
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You can find Agave Cocina & Tequila in both Lower Queen Anne and Junction. Their two locations are well-placed so that no matter where you are in Seattle, you have delicious Mexican food within your reach.
The casual but visually aesthetic interior is lively and friendly during lunch and dinner hours. You can also choose to sit at one of their few outdoor tables on a nice day or evening.
You will love the unique and delicious Pomegranate & Seafood Chile Relleno on the menu. Plus, finish off your evening with a decadent Tres Leches Cake.
Agua Verde Cafe
1303 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206-545-8570
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Agua Verde is located along Portage Bay in the University District. You’ll find it just next to Fritz Hedges Waterway Park.
The cafe is a delightful, stunning little eatery with great views over the bay when taking advantage of their outdoor seating.
It’s small and cozy and the perfect place for a weekend brunch. But if that’s not your thing, don’t worry.
This cafe is also open for lunch and dinner. When you visit for brunch, check out the Veggie Burrito with a Mango Smoothie.
And if you visit for dinner, give the Baja Burrito a try since this cafe is known for its Baja cuisine. Then, wash it all down with a Prickly Pear Margarita!
Blue Water Taco Grill
Multiple locations
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This delicious Mexican grill is found all over Seattle. You can visit any of its many locations, such as Queen Anne, SODO, Swedish Hospital Campus, or Downtown.
You will love the ultra-casual feel of this place. It’s laidback and relaxing, and it feels like you’re able to be in a part of Mexico.
Their Chicken Enchiladas and Pork Taco Salad are some of my favorite options here.
Most of the food is the classic American-Mexican fare that you’ll find in any given Mexican restaurant, but these two are a bit more authentic and flavorful than normal, and I love them for that.
El Borracho
Multiple locations
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You’ll find El Borracho inside the Pike Place Market, so you already know it has a bustling, lively feel. It’s casual and quick food with a delicious Mexican flare that you won’t want to miss out on.
Next time you find yourself strolling through the Pike Place Market, don’t forget to stop by this gem.
It would be a great place to stop with your vegan or vegetarian friends because the menu is about half meat-based and half plant-based, so it’s a win-win for everyone!
My personal suggestion is to try the Vegan “Soyrizo” Burrito and the Tacos de Tinga de Pollo. Both have an incredible depth of flavor and are apparently some of the most well-loved by frequent customers.
