The Matador features delectable, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails along with a highly diverse selection of tequilas. The lively venue proudly boasts a team of chefs, servers and bartenders "that take pride in always delivering a memorable experience," and the existing nine locations will soon be joined by two more Matador outposts in the Seattle area and beyond. The original flagship in Ballard has been open since 2004, proving one of the neighborhood's most popular spots for consistently good food and excellent, friendly service.
Recommended for Mexican because: The Matador features delectable, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails along with a highly diverse selection of tequilas.
Corinne's expert tip: Check out the (two!) happy hour periods that occur every evening and feature goodies from guacamole and cocktails to street tacos.
Taqueria El Gallo enjoys immense popularity on the Eastside, thanks to the kitchen's mastery of authentic Mexican cuisine. Their potent salsa is legendary, and an extensive offering of burrito combinations has folks coming back to popular Redmond outpost for more. Fans of shrimp also relish camarónes à la diabla, which are sautéed and covered in a fiery tomato sauce. Portions are large, so patrons should either show up hungry or be prepared to split their meals. While some define this spot as a charming "hole-in-the-wall," others love the authentic atmosphere that has futbol matches blasting loudly from TVs. Most claim it's worth the trek east!
Recommended for Mexican because: Taqueria El Gallo draws adventurous eaters to Remond to enjoy big burritos and fiery salsa. Not for the faint of heart!
Corinne's expert tip: Got a taste for something hot? Head here for some legendary, fiery salsa!
Moose? In Mexico? This place originally opened as traditional breakfast establishment Café Moose, but the owners eventually began incorporating the Mexican dishes they missed from their 30 years in Mexico. Thus began the evolution to Señor Moose Café. The restaurant specializes in comida tipica, and diners can revel in savory delights taken straight out of Michoacan, Jalisco, Nayarit and Mexico City. A Ballard favorite that attracts crowds from near and far, the venue also features El Milagro, a "miracle" a year in the making-- a bar in the venue's back that boasts an amazing selection of tequilas and TVs for watching sports or other desired shows.
Recommended for Mexican because: Senor Moose Cafe is a Ballard hotspot for delicious breakfast food and Mexican feasts. Be sure to try the award-winning margaritas.
Corinne's expert tip: Come here for breakfast every day till 3 p.m. and happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4:30 till 6 p.m.
What was formerly known as Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen has toned down its name, gained a little more space and become a 21+ only establishment. What hasn't changed, however, are well-proportioned tacos and quesadillas, not to mention unbeatable guacamole and a famous herb-roasted chicken burrito plus, cumin-lime sour cream makes everything even tastier. The eatery also features an array of hot sauces for you burrito (from mild to smoking' hot), and the funky hangings on the wall will keep you entertained while you await your food. Add a house-made margarita or a Negra Modelo, and you've got a great meal. However, if you get a little grief from the servers, don't be put off. It's part of the restaurant's signature attitude.
Recommended for Mexican because: Bimbo's Cantina features funky decor, killer happy hour deals and delicious burritos. The vibe is no-nonsense, and the food is consistently good.
Corinne's expert tip: This spot boasts one of the best happy hour schedules in town: all day Sunday and Monday and from 4 to 8 pm other days of the week.
Known for deliciously authentic Mexican dishes prepared with fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood, Tacos Guaymas earns high marks all around. Well-received entrees include a gigantor carnitas burrito served with a generous portion of guacamole, chile verde (pork with spicy tomatillo sauce), and fried tilapia with pico de gallo. Casual, festive atmosphere (think bright colors!) and great prices also go far to recommend the place. The restaurant has several outposts throughout Seattle (like one in Fremont on Leary Avenue), and the counter-service set-up makes this an affordable and informal option for families and large groups. The Greenlake restaurant boasts great views on sunny days.
Recommended for Mexican because: Tacos Guayamas features a festive, casual atmosphere and gigantic portions of favorite Mexican fare. Enjoy the salsa bar, too!
Corinne's expert tip: This establishment often offers coupons in neighborhood and community booklets and newspapers; be on the lookout for hot deals!
Seattle Weekly readers voted this Ballard hot spot as the "Best Mexican Restaurant" in 2012. The menu consists of flavorful dishes that hail from the state of Oaxaca, and the vibrant venue boasts a communal table as well as intimate two-tops, ideal for a date night out on the town. Popular dishes include the sweet mole negro (served in a tamale or with house-made tortillas), quesadillas fritas, halibut tacos and entomatadas (tortillas that have been folded in warm salsa and topped with thin pieces of steak). Be sure to try the margaritas, too, made from La Carta's impressive mezcal and tequila selection.
Recommended for Mexican because: Seattle Weekly readers voted this Ballard hot spot as the "Best Mexican Restaurant" in 2012; delectable dishes all come from the state of Oaxaca.
Corinne's expert tip: Weekend nights get very busy; arrive early, or be prepared to wait!
An authority on Mexican delicacies for nearly 20 years, El Toreador uses only the finest and freshest ingredients. Tacos, burritos, and chimichangas — they don't get much better than this. Located in Redmond on Leary Way, the restaurats serves delightful Mexican fare plus a full bar featuring margaritas, tequilas, beers and wine (kids indulge in the virgin strawberry margaritas, topped with a spiral of whipped cream). Starters range from nachos and fresh guacamole to taquitos. Combination meals mix favorites like enchiladas and tamales, chimichangas and burritos and tostados and tacos, and they include vegetarian refried beans, spanish rice and coleslaw.
Recommended for Mexican because: El Torreador Mexican Restaurants in Redmond draws loyal fans for its fresh ingredients and consistent fare. Kids love this spot, too!
Corinne's expert tip: Please the whole family; kids love the virgin strawberry margaritas!
Since 1974, this popular eatery has drawn positive reviews, and for good reason, as Azteca offers the region's finest takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. Portions are large, and margaritas can also be ordered especially big, if you're in a festive mood. Choose from starters like coconut shrimp and, for the main affair, a great variety of burritos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and combination dinners. Reservations recommended for parties of 12 or more. While some Azteca locations have recently closed (like those in downtown Seattle), restaurants remain open in spots like Bellevye, Burien, Federal Way and beyond. Kids enjoy the "Little Amigo" menu, while adults come for treats like the Pomegranate Margarita.
Recommended for Mexican because: Azteca brings traditional Mexican fare to a casual, festive atmosphere in locations like Bellevue, Burien and Federal Way. Enjoy hearty dishes and generous drinks!
Corinne's expert tip: Got a birthday coming up? This is a great place to be serenaded and get treated!
Although El Camino is a favorite gathering spot for friends to test potent margaritas, it also serves wonderful Mexican cuisine. The menu isn't extensive, but selections are flavorful and well-prepared. Along with braised pork shoulder and chicken enchiladas with mole sauce, which have earned a faithful following, are seafood options like halibut tacos and salmon with tamarind. Steak tacos are also incredibly popular with patrons, who come to check each other out amid terra cotta tiles and wrought iron detailing. Don't go if you're looking for a quiet eatery and introductory chips and salsa; instead, go for authentic food and a festive populace.
Recommended for Mexican because: Fremont's El Camino draws crowds of loyal returnees, thanks to its tasty dishes and back patio. This place is vibrant and colorful.
Corinne's expert tip: On sunny evenings, the back patio here gets amazing light--just in time to enjoy happy hour!
If zesty food, full-flavored and rich, constantly tempts you, Cactus stands poised to satisfy the craving. You should be prepared to wait a bit when you go, especially during the week at lunchtime when the Amazon employees descend, but the food is worth it! Offerings are consistently good and inventive. The menu is full of well-prepared delights, such as carnitas, tamales, fajitas, and pork steak adobo. You'll also find a great selection of tapas items, which could satiate your appetite on their own. The festive atmosphere adds to the good mood, and the staff is helpful and friendly too. While you wait, try a mojito!
Recommended for Mexican because: Cactus is a chic, hip Mexican outpost in the booming South Lake Union area (with other locations, too). Come for the great food and mojitos!
Corinne's expert tip: The weekday lunch crowds here can be quite large; show up early to get seated quickly!