Seattle’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors; when it comes to Mexican cuisine, you’ll never run out of options!
Whether you’re craving street-style tacos, traditional mole, or innovative Mexican fusion dishes, Seattle has something that will fit your cravings and budget. Here’s a curated list of the top Mexican restaurants in the Emerald City that will keep you fed and happy!
1. Fonda La Catrina
- Address: 5905 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $-$$
- Recommended Menu Item: Pozole–pork and hominy soup with guajillo, cabbage, oregano, radishes, cilantro, tortillas.
Fonda La Catrina takes its menu seriously, firmly believing that food isn’t fuel–it’s an art form! This authentic cantina serves authentic Mexican cuisine from family recipes, resulting in a menu that is packed with flavor, all in a vibrant atmosphere.
Browse their menu to find authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. If you’re craving a taste of the seaside, you only have to walk a few steps next door to El Sirenito, which focuses on coastal Mexican cuisine and Mezcal (over 92, to be exact!).
2. Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar
- Address: 1420 12th Ave, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $-$$
- Recommended Menu Item: Carne Asada
This trendy and upscale Seattle Mexican restaurant has a stylish interior and lively bar scene right in the heart of Capitol Hill. Any meal on the Barrio Mexican Kitchen & Bar menu (try the Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Cake taco!) is nicely complimented by one of their adventurous agave-based cocktails, which they take pride in crafting.
If anyone in your party has dietary restrictions, Barrio even offers vegan tacos to round out the menu. Stop by for happy hour if you want a taste of Barrio at a nicer price, for shrimp ceviche, beef birria quesadillas, or their Taco Tuesday special! Don’t forget to finish off your meal with crispy golden churros, freshly fried to perfection.
3. El Camión
- Address: Multiple locations; check the website for details
- Price Point: $
- Recommended Menu Item: El Capitan Nachos–an absolute mountain of chips smothered with cheese, black beans, your choice of meat, salsa verde, pico de gallo, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapenos.
The first taco truck on the list for food to go! El Camión brings authentic Mexican street food to the streets of Seattle, serving up a realm of Mexican staples like delicious fish tacos, house-made tamales, carnitas burritos, and baja quesadillas at affordable prices.
El Camión (there are multiple locations across Seattle, so be sure to double check their site) is perfect for a laid-back bite in between sightseeing stops around Seattle. Prepare your stomach for epic portion sizes, and enjoy!
4. La Carta de Oaxaca
- Address: 5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $$-$$$
- Recommended Menu Item: Tlayuda – A large, crispy tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, avocado, and your choice of meat or vegetables–like a Mexican pizza.
La Carta de Oaxaca is a Ballard institution (although there’s also a location in Queen Anne) known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine and vibrant flavors.
The food at this beloved neighborhood gem starts with the matriarch–recipes at La Carta de Oaxaca have been passed down from three generations of the La Carta women and are packed with the flavor and finesse that you’d expect. Every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, from their handmade tortillas to their lengthy tequila menu.
5. D’ La Santa
- Address: 2359 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $
- Recommended Menu Item: Carne en Su Jugo–succulent beef stew roasted in its own juices, pot beans, and chunks of grilled bacon in salsa verde.
D’ La Santa serves dishes from various regions of Mexico, with recipes dating back to 1821 and featuring traditional seasonings courtesy of Grandmother Maria Taide Sahagun. Meals at D’La Santa are a feast for the eyes as well, as everything is served on their 100% handmade clay dishes!
6. Pancita
- Address: 5501 30th Ave NE, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $
- Recommended Menu Item: Brisket Suadero Taco–with bell pepper salsa, salsa verde, white onion, and cilantro.
Previously named Pair, this Seattle Mexican eatery looks at Mexican food from a whole new perspective, integrating unexpected ingredients to give classics a new spin. Pancita is a pop-up turned incredibly popular restaurant that seduces diners with its ambitious menu. Inspired by the chef’s travels in Mexico City, Pancita continuously delights Seattlites–make reservations to avoid disappointment!
7. Maiz Molino
- Address: 2325 6th Ave, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $$
- Recommended Menu Item: Chile Au Jus Costilla–Braised short rib over heirloom masa grits.
Maiz Molino translates to “corn mills”–so you know this restaurant is all about the masa! The restaurant works closely with small-scale farmers so that only ethically sourced and flavor-packed food ends up on your plate (you could eat the tortillas plain, and they’d be packed with flavor!). They’re open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, so you can fit in a visit here any time of the day, no matter your schedule!
8. Tacos Chukis
- Address: Multiple locations
- Price Point: $
- Recommended Menu Item: Mulita Adobada–A cheesy authentic taqueria favorite with adobada pork, Monterrey jack cheese, cilantro, onion, salsa, and guacamole sandwiched by two corn tortillas.
Tacos Chukis is a popular spot known for its delicious and affordable tacos. This is a great option if you want to order some Mexican food takeout and get cozy at home, as well! With homemade tortillas and flavorful staples, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your taco (or burrito or torta!) cravings without breaking the bank.
9. Sal Y Limón
- Address: 10 Mercer St, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $$
- Recommended Menu Item: Enchiladas Michoacan smothered in a sauce made of dry chiles and filled with cheese, served with a thin slice of steak, beans, and potatoes.
Hidden in the heart of Lower Queen Anne lies a hidden gem of a Mexican restaurant. The Sal y Limón menu is bursting with flavor, and the owners have over two decades of experience opening satisfying restaurants across Seattle.
This family-owned and operated restaurant makes you feel at home (especially when you taste their homemade tortillas). Don’t forget to try their famous Ultimate Margarita!
10. Taco Street
- Address: 1500 W Bertona St, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $
- Recommended Menu Item: El Monstruo Burrito–over 2 lbs of meat wrapped up with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
Once a street cart, Taco Street has expanded to two locations across the Puget Sound. It offers authentic Mexican street food with a focus on quality ingredients and bold flavors originating from the Chihuahua region of Mexico.
Time your visit for Taco Tuesday, where you get five street-sized tacos for a steal! Taco Street also builds community around its food, with weekly events like car shows, live music, and Latino night markets. Whatever you order, wash it down with one of their signature, colorful Agua Locas!
Eat and Stay in Seattle
These ten delicious Seattle restaurants will help you experience the best tastes of Mexico in a range of settings.
Whether you’re craving traditional favorites or innovative twists on Mexican cuisine, you can choose your own adventure in cozy neighborhood taquerias, trendy upscale eateries, or anything in between. Bring your appetite and get ready to dig into Seattle’s best Mexican restaurants!
Book your stay in Seattle today! From Mercer Island to the Seattle waterfront, our vacation homes offer all the essentials and, of course, great proximity to the PNW food scene!