As vibrant and multicultural as Seattle is, unlike other big cities in the US, it’s not really known for its Mexican food. That is probably because you might not know where to satisfy your cravings for authentic Mexican dishes. However, there are plenty of must-visit restaurants serving up the best pozole, tamales, tacos, baked queso, churros and much more!
From homey and small taquerias to elegant and innovative spaces, expect to find vibrant colors, fresh and tangy flavors and tantalizing aromas. We promise, these Mexican restaurants are to die for!
1. Agua Verde Café
This place is the perfect combo between amazing Mexican food, mouthwatering cocktails, and incredible views. Agua Verde Café is located on Portage Bay, and it works as a paddle club/restaurant. Start your dinner with an elote, follow it with a sweet and spicy Guajillo glazed roast chicken and wash it all down with a prickly pear margarita.
Agua Verde Café opens everyday and only accept walk-ins. Enjoy some of the best Mexican-inspired dishes in Seattle and check out their Agua Verde Marina Cantina added down by the water on the east side of the Café, and take in the stunning views of the waterfront.
🇲🇽 1303 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105
2. Poquitos
This beautiful Mexican restaurant is sophisticated and youthful. The design of the spaces matches perfectly with the incredible curated menu and drinks. Poquitos dishes up sustainable meats and seafood, their creations are surprisingly authentic and delicious! Don’t forget to try out their shrimp ceviche, enchiladas suizas, and incredible margaritas!
🇲🇽 1000 E Pike St. Seattle, WA 98122
3. Tacos Chukis
These famous tacos are amazing and so cheap and you can get them from four different locations in Seattle. If you’re looking for bursting Mexican bites that are so nostalgic that they take you back to your last trip in Mexico, Tacos Chukis is the place to go. Enjoy incredible adobada tacos with grilled pineapple, and smoky flavors, or savor a delicious nopal asado topped with meat and house-made guacamole, add a beer or a horchata, and enjoy!
🇲🇽 4 Locations
4. Casco Antiguo
This authentic cocina and cantina serves some of the best ingredients in the PNW. Since its inception in 2014, this spot in SLU prides itself on using in-house fresh ingredients, from the salsas to the margaritas, every dish is balanced and authentic.
Casco Antiguo is usually crowded and the cantina doesn’t take reservations. They work on a first-come, first-served basis, but you can always get a beer or a refreshing cocktail from the bar in case you have to wait for a table. What’s more, check out their incredible Happy Hour as well, everyday from 3pm to 6pm.
🇲🇽 2102 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
5. La Cocina Oaxaqueña
This restaurant serves simple, homemade, southern Mexican cuisine. Oaxacan food is based on staples such as corn, beans and chile peppers, Oaxaca cheese and mezcal, and you’re sure to find all of these ingredients incorporated in their Oaxacan dishes.
If you want to have the real, authentic experience, try their happy hour, because it’s a perfect way to score great dishes at a cheap price aaand taste their invigorating cocktails created with top-shelf tequila and mezcal infusions! Don’t miss out on their Mole Negro Oxaqueño, their quesadillas fritas, and Molotes.
🇲🇽 1216 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
See more: Sunset supper at Pike Place Market is returning this August
6. D’ la Santa
This family-owned restaurant serves big authentic Mexican dishes that are totally Instagram-worthy! They’re “a team of brothers, uncles, aunts and daughters serving grandmothers old recipes.” It’s not your typical Mexican cantina—the design is a lot more modern, but all the authentic and rustic flavors of traditional Mexican food are there.
This incredible spot in North Cap Hill serves some of the best steaks in town, their dishes are presented in regional and sizzling pans, perfectly seasoned. D’ la Santa prides itself on serving some of the best traditional food, combining rustic techniques, prime meats, and organic vegetables.
🇲🇽 2359 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
7. Mezcaleria Oaxaca
Head to Capitol Hill, and you’ll find this jewel of a restaurant. Mezcaleria Oaxaca is a Mexican place serving incredible Mexican bites and well-crafted cocktails. Don’t miss out on their tacos and tlayudas, and pair it up with some spicy margaritas, or micheladas.
But honestly, even though nothing beats a good savory meal, their Choncho’s Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches will make your knees weak. A mixture of crunchy and velvety textures, Mezcaleria Oaxaca is also dessert heaven. This rooftop is great for a casual summer evening, and it’s perfectly located in the heart of the party capital in Seattle.
🇲🇽 422 E Pine, Seattle, WA
8. El Moose
Mi casa es tu casa at this authentic restaurant that prides itself in offering home-style cooking you get in Mexico’s markets, fondas and backroom kitchens. Frankly, if you’re looking for the best Mexican breakfast in town, this is the spot. El Moose is the perfect combo between authenticity and originality. Try out their incredible breakfast dishes, like Entomatadas with eggs and black beans, huevos rancheros, and chilaquiles simmered with smoky salsa, topped with cream, and cotija cheese. Don’t miss the esquites as an appetizer, and their smokey margaritas infused with roasted chile.
🇲🇽 5242 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
9. Los Agaves
Founded by Jaime Mendez and his family, this incredible little spot in Pike Place Market is perfect to dine-in, or grab lunch to go. What’s more, Los Agaves also caters for big events and special occasions offering buffet setup, delivery/drop-off and bar and beverages services.
Their dishes are authentic and delicious, and include things like traditional street tacos served with beans and rice, incredible tamales, breakfast burritos, and mouthwatering chilaquiles with two perfectly cooked eggs!
🇲🇽 1514 Pike Pl #7, Seattle, WA 98101
10. La Carta de Oaxaca
Last but not least, La Carta de Oaxaca is one of the best Mexican restaurants in all of Seattle. This authentic place is run by Chefs Gloria Perez and Susana Dominguez. They believe that if you make food with love, it’s bound to come out delicious. This restaurant highlights Oaxaca, a little town located southeast of Mexico City, famous for its amazingly good traditional food.
La Carta de Oaxaca takes inspiration from this place and offers dishes from that particular region. Some of the must-try delicacies are the fish ceviche, mole negro Oaxaqueño, lamb birria, and tlayudas. Share a few dishes, and enjoy them while sipping margaritas and micheladas.
🇲🇽 5431 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
🇲🇽 2123 Queen Anne Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98119