Where to go for tasty (if not particularly authentic) Mexican food in North Seattle? for Questionland Seattle

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Where to go for tasty (if not particularly authentic) Mexican food in North Seattle?

Does anybody know of a reliable Americanized Mexican restaurant in the Northgate/Phinney/Greenwood area? My normal standby is Jalisco on 65th, so not authentic but also not the dreadful pit of bland and cheesy despair that is Azteca. Anyway, Jalisco has been closed for months due to a kitchen remodel, and I'm jonesing. Can you recommend a sit-down Mexican place that might fit the bill- a menu with the expected items (enchiladas, tamales, taquitos, tacos, etc.) and good drinks, and a space that is comfortable to be in (not packed/super loud)?

Thanks, Q'landers!

Sphinx asked in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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I really like La Botana at 8552 Greenwood Avenue. It's not fancy, and may be too run-down, er, "authentic", for you, but the food's really good. I get tacos or birria (or birria tacos), but they have the standard items as well.

Taqueria Tequila nearby at 85th and 3rd (kittycorner from the Greenwood Market) is similar, a bit more like Tacos Guaymas maybe. Speaking of which, the Green Lake Guaymas is pretty traditional Am-Mex now, since they put in their bar and table-service section.

Mr. Villa's on Lake City Way just north of 80th is terrific.

Best of all, though, in all of the North End, is El Sabor on Aurora just south of Sears and Central Market at about 152nd. Best taqueria in the city limits north of Muy Macho in South Park, sez me. It's probably not the style you're looking for, but the food is muy rico.

Fnarf answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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It's not that I have a problem with authentic, it's just that all too often when I ask people if they have Mexican recommendations for me they say "Oh, well, the only authentic Mexican in the city is blah blah. Don't bother going anywhere else." The condescension was what I was hoping to avoid- good suggestions are wonderfully welcome.

Sphinx commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Here's what you do: you treat every recommendation not as a fixed thing but as another report from the journey towards Mexican-food nirvana. We are all on that journey together. It's not a destination, it's a trip. So just listen to what they have to say about what they saw along the way, and ignore the condescension -- they're just trying to convey their excitement to you, that's all.

In this way even bad Mexican food takes a valid place in the cosmos. It's another thing to learn. You'll never get where you're going, but it doesn't matter as long as you pay attention to what you see on the way.

I get a little religious when talking about beans and tortillas, as you can see.

Fnarf commented about 1 year ago | Report

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I've only known them for their burritos which are huge: http://gorditoshealthymexicanfood.com/

internet_jen answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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My favorite is El Chupacabra on Greenwood and 67th. Great cocktails, delicious food, many vegetarian options, and a kind of punk rock vibe.

Elaia answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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Rosita's on Greenlake is our favorite! It's a block or so behind Super Jock and Jill. The house made corn tortillas are worth the trip alone.

astro answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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If you're willing to venture a teensy bit more east, you might try Mr. Villa on Lake City Way (and about 15th ave). They'll have all your usual bases covered menu-wise, plus a few extras that begin to nod towards some authenticity (beef tongue as a taco option, menudo on weekends...).

tofu oyako answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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Hey Sphinx, you may have to drive down to lower Queen Anne near key arena there is another Jaliscos. However, you could always give El Camino in Fremont a shot, they have rocking Quesadillas although a little on the tiny side and Margaritas are from scratch with salt, delicious! But they also have tamales, enchiladas and tacos...Try their Tostones with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo to start instead of the Traditional chips & salsa!
Good Luck!
ps. I just have to say this because we are talking Mexican food here, La Carta de Oaxaca is delicious, inexpensive and a fun environment. Although it may be a little too authentic/traditional for your request?

Chef Victoria answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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El Camion, the taco truck in Ballard across the street from the Safeway on 15th and Market. Burrito Loco on Holman Road. Señor Moose for brunch. I am tired of La Carta de Oaxaca. For superior Oaxacan fare I recommend La Casa Azul in Greenwood (almost to Shoreline).

CorkDorkForkDork answered in Eating Out about 1 year ago | Report

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