Neighborhood by Neighborhood: 10 Spots to Try
Taqueria La Fondita, White Center
Don't let the humble look of this White Center food truck fool you, because it has a strong following for its street tacos and carnitas. Its shrimp tostadas draw plenty of attention too. Up north, a second location in Greenwood makes it easy to grab a quick, no-fuss lunch.
Rosticeria y Cocina El Paisano, White Center
Come for the signature roast chicken, rubbed with red chile sauce and cooked until juicy. Stay for the tamales, especially the spicy pork version with its notably moist masa. A grocery store sits right next door, so you can pick up ingredients on your way out.
La Chingona Taqueria, West Seattle
Sitting close to the bridge in West Seattle, this woman-owned taqueria is easy to miss and well worth seeking out. The kitchen cooks Mexico City dishes from the chef's grandmother's recipes alongside burritos and enchiladas. Order the birria omelet, a crunchy fish taco or the carnitas mole built from 27 ingredients, and pair it with a drink made from house-made syrups and fresh fruit. Over on the Eastside, catch its food truck in Bellevue.
El Moose, Ballard
Formerly known as Señor Moose, this Ballard favorite piles homestyle Mexican food onto generous plates. It is open all day, but breakfast is when it shines, with chilaquiles and machaca con papas coming out of the kitchen. Save room for the guacamole, which has fans of its own, and take in the colorful dining room hung with artwork.
Asadero, Ballard
Gather your friends for a splurge at this stylish, meat-focused Ballard spot, known for its Wagyu steak tacos and filet mignon burritos. For dessert, step over to the neighboring café, Valentina's, for Mexican-style mochas and tres leches cake.
Maíz, Downtown and Ballard
Everything at Maíz starts with fresh corn masa made through nixtamalization. Choose a shape, such as sopes or tacos, then pick a guisado, a stewed meat that rotates daily. The downtown location by Pike Place Market shows off striking tile work. For a broader menu, book brunch or dinner at sister restaurant Molino in Belltown, which takes reservations.
Alebrijes Kitchen, Greenwood
Alebrijes came together after a fire damaged Cocina Esperanza in Ballard, when its former owner teamed up with the owners of Smokin' Pete's BBQ. The result is a lively spot in a refurbished house in Greenwood. Start with the chorizo fundido, then move on to the two-taco plate with shredded beef and roasted pork.
Fogón Cocina Mexicana, Capitol Hill
Plan a night out in one of the city's busiest dining neighborhoods at Fogón, a hip Capitol Hill restaurant with a reputation for ceviche and crab enchiladas. Stroll the nearby streets before or after dinner to round out the evening.
El Mezcalito, Queen Anne
Head to El Mezcalito in Queen Anne for its go-to tamales, served with pork and tomatillo sauce. It makes a comfortable choice for a sit-down meal close to Seattle Center, and locals in the neighborhood lean on it for hearty, familiar plates.
Fonda La Catrina, Georgetown
Spend an afternoon exploring Georgetown's studios and shops, then settle into Fonda La Catrina, where a funky storefront serves up flavorful tacos and enchiladas. The quirky setting fits right in with the neighborhood's artsy, industrial character.
Pick a Spot to Fit Your Plans
- Quick street food: Taqueria La Fondita and the La Chingona truck in Bellevue.
- Weekend brunch: El Moose, or Molino in Belltown if you want to reserve ahead.
- Tamales: Rosticeria y Cocina El Paisano and El Mezcalito.
- Mole and regional dishes: La Chingona Taqueria.
- Near the waterfront sights: Maíz by Pike Place Market, close to many Seattle landmarks.
Building a whole day around a meal? Our list of things to do in Seattle can help you fill the hours before and after.
Menus, hours and locations change, so check each business's own website for current details before you go.
