Mexican food seems to be a food kids never tire of. The chips, salsa, guacamole and margaritas for mom and dad, keep families coming back for more. Some might say it’s hard to find authentic Mexican food in Seattle, but we beg to differ. The next time you and your niños have a hankerin’ for some good ol’ Mexican food, check out our favorites listed below.
photo: Eyeliam via Flickr
Mama’s Mexican Kitchen
If you have a thing for Elvis Presley, keep this Belltown restaurant (which has been serving up Seattle families for 39 years) on your radar. Not only can you eat the Elvis Burrito and drink a Blue Hawaii, you can do it all in the Elvis Room, all while you hum Jailhouse Rock of course. Little ones will feel the love with a menu catered specifically for them. Kick back and let them indulge in a virgin margarita while you indulge in some authentic Mexican cooking. Psst! Bring your appetite, the portions are huge.
2234 2nd Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-728-6262
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: mamas.com
photo: Kristin W. via Yelp
La Palmera
Magicians, mariachi bands and Mexican food? Those three M’s are a recipe for success and La Palmera always cooks up something good. The carne asada and aguachiles are some of their more popular dishes, give ‘em a try. In need of a little R&R, they have happy hour daily from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close, margarita anyone? Also be sure to sign up for their loyalty program to score discounts and free food on your birthday.
Everett
1629 Center Rd.
Everett, Wa 98204
425-290-8800
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-12 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
Online: lapalmerafmr.com
Mill Creek
15224 Main St.
Mill Creek, Wa 98012
425-379-5100
Hours: Mon.-Tues., 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Wed., 12 p.m.-11 p.m.; Thurs., 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Fri., 12 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: lapalmerafmr.com
photo: Julie D. via Yelp
Agua Verde
If the view doesn’t get you, the food certainly will. Located on Lake Union behind the University of Washington Medical School, Agua Verde is one of those places you’d like to eat at every day if you could. While it looks rather shack-like on the outside, the restaurant opens to an airy, festively decorated (but not garish) space with a quintessential Portage Bay backdrop. Do not be deterred by the lines outside – this is an order first, stock up at the salsa bar, then find a table kind of place. The food can best be described as “healthy Mexican,” heavy on fresh vegetables like jicama, pineapple and avocado. Their Arroz Verde Con Acelga (rice with kale) served with a small bowl of pureed black beans is a welcome alternative to the refried dishes you typically find elsewhere. Adults will be delighted to find a long list of organic and healthy salads, tacos, seafood dishes and specialty margaritas, and many items can be made vegan and/or gluten-free by request. Los Ninos will enjoy quesadillas, burritos or tostadas for $4–$7. On a nice day, reserve kayaks at the Agua Verde Paddle Club and enjoy a before or after dinner paddle around the lake.
1303 Northeast Boat Street (University District)
Seattle, Wa
206-545-8570
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Happy Hour, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; Dinner, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Closed Sundays in the fall and winter
Online: aguaverde.com
El Paraiso Mexican Grill
You can’t beat a family owned restaurant that not only treats you right, but offers delicious homemade food. Their menu is huge, so even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Come for the low-key casual dining experience, but stay for the handmade, warm tortillas. They even offer online coupons, so check out their specials before you go.
Silverlake
11014 19th Ave. S.E.
Everett, Wa 98208
425-338-7125
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: elparaisomexicangrill.com
Everett
2801 Colby Ave.
Everett, Wa 98201
425-252-6026
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: elparaisomexicangrill.com
Snohomish
1431 Ave. D
Snohomish, Wa 98290
360-568-5406
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: elparaisomexicangrill.com
photo: Madelyn M. via Yelp
El Toreador Mexican Restaurant
Located near Redmond Town Center, this place has all the bells and whistles you come to expect in a good Mexican restaurant. While you peruse the menu, your niños can sip a virgin strawberry margarita topped with a dollop of whip cream while you indulge in something not so virgin. El Toreador is the real deal for traditional Mexican cooking, after all, they say happiness is nothing more than a warm tortilla.
7845 Leary Way
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-883-7570
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
Online: eltoreador.com
photo: Kevin W. via Yelp
Rosita’s Mexican Grill
Never underestimate the power of a homemade tortilla fresh off the grill. You’ll smell ‘em before you even finish parking your car. Your little muchachos and chicas can walk right up to the tortilla station and watch them being made. Fresh tortillas with butter or butter and salsa? Mmmm… you had us at butter. Best part? They’re free! To get the party started off right, don’t miss happy hour from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close.
7210 Woodlawn Ave. N.E.
Seattle, Wa 98115
206-523-3031
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Online: rositasrestaurant.com
Señor Moose Cafè
This is a happenin’ place no matter what meal you need. With menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the ever popular happy hour, Señor Moose serves some amazing Mexican food. Given that it’s located in Ballard, parking may be a little difficult, but don’t let that stop you because here you’ll find authentic items like Esquites appetizer, mole dishes, queso fundido, and guacamole. What could make eating here even more fun? Most menu items state where in Mexico they come from. Delicious food and a geography lesson….. awesome in our book!
5242 N.W. Leary Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-784-5568
Hours: Breakfast 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Happy Hour Mon.-Thurs., 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.; Dinner Sun.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. & Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Online: senormoose.com
photo: Cassie N. via Yelp
Pecado Bueno
If ordering your food at the counter and having it brought out to you is your thing, Pecado Bueno is perfect for a casual family night out. They have two locations to choose from, Fremont or West Seattle. Their complimentary chips and salsa bar is top notch and an awesome way to sample a variety of flavors. Perhaps the best part about this place is how involved in the community they are. To date they have donated over $50,000 and counting, not too shabby!
Fremont
4307 Fremont Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-457-8837
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: pecadobueno.com
West Seattle
4523 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98116
206-402-5107
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: pecadobueno.com
photo: Jon L. via Yelp
Gordito’s Healthy Mexican Food
It’s all about the burrito, baby. Gordito’s is home to the famous baby burrito, aka Burrito Grande. Don’t believe us? Check out the baby burrito photos that line the walls and don’t be afraid to do your own photo shoot to add to the décor. Gordito’s bills itself as healthy Mexican because they don’t cook with lard or oil and they grill their meat which is awesome, but then again, it all depends on how much you eat. Their burritos can easily feed a family.
213 N. 85th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-706-9352
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Online: gorditosmexicanfood.com
photo: Michelle K. via Yelp
El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant
You know when a restaurant puts “family” right there in the title it’s going to be a good place for little amigos. And El Sombrero definitely does not disappoint. This one on Mercer Island gets high points for being uber kid-friendly and families rave about the guacamole and tamales. The portions are huge, think cheese on everything, and the margaritas are always strong. And the best way to end a cheesy, warm meal is of course with fried ice cream. It literally will be the cherry on top.
8451 S.E. 68th St.
Mercer Island, Wa 98040
206-275-4900
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Online: elsombrero2.com
photo: Siripanna L. via Yelp
Cactus
The folks at Cactus have it all figured out. Healthy fresh ingredients, an eclectic modern south-of-the-border style, and plenty of desirable waterfront (or near waterfront) Seattle and Eastside locations. You know a place is good when they have five locations, so expect it to be a bit busy during peak dining hours. We guarantee the wait will be worth it.
Alki Beach
2820 Alki Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98116
206-933-6000
Hours: Mon., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: cactusrestaurants.com/location/alki-beach
Bellevue Square
535 Bellevue Way N.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-455-4321
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Online: cactusrestaurants.com/location/bellevue-square
Kirkland
121 Park Ln.
Kirkland, Wa 98033
425-893-9799
Hours: Mon., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 11a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: cactusrestaurants.com/location/kirkland
Madison Park
4220 E. Madison St.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-324-4140
Hours: Mon., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 11a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: cactusrestaurants.com/location/madison-park
South Lake Union
350 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-913-2250
Hours: Mon., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Online: cactusrestaurants.com/location/south-lake-union
photo: Nina H. via Yelp
Where is your family’s favorite place for good ol’ Mexican food? Tell us in the Comments below.
— Allison Rasmussen & Allison Ellis
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