I've been eating at Agua Verde for years and I have even rented kayaks from them. So, I couldn't believe how I've never written up a review since I totally enjoy dining here-- both at their main floor cafe and cool seasonal outdoor Marina Cantina (open during Summer months only). During my most recent visit, I ate here for lunch and ordered their delicious Baja Fish Tacos (Black Cod) with a side of rice and beans and the same one with a side of chips. For drinks, we ordered a Strawberry-Limonata Agua Fresca and a Horchata. Remember to get your choice of sauces at their Salsa Bar. During the day, the Cantina section is typically closed. So, we ate at the main floor cafe with stunning views of South Lake Union. I feel so lucky living nearby because on days like today-- eating lunch on a sunny weekday-- I feel like I'm vacationing on a tropical island. Seattle living shines here, especially on slower days like today when it is not overly packed and crowded with customers. As I enjoyed my food and drink, it was so rejuvenating to soak up the views of the lake and watch the variety of boats, houseboats, ducks and geese floating on the water, and the joyful people below paddle boating and kayaking. Trust me, Agua Verde is a special place! Check it out for yourself. Perhaps not on a super busy time of day. If you get here via car, they've got a paid parking lot, other nearby paid parking lots, or some free street parking if you're lucky. read more

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My steak burrito was mid, but that wasn't the worst part. One employee completely ruined the experience for my party. We were made to wait until our full party arrived to order at the counter, but after a while we just went ahead with 4/6 of our group because we didn't know if the other two were going to make it. There also no line. During the time we were waiting for our group our bags that we placed at a table were moved into the kitchen without our knowledge or consent. My friend had to go into the kitchen to get them! After ordering we sat back down at the same table, and while we were eating an employee comes up to us and harasses us about putting two tables together. Our 5th friend had arrived late, and sat in the table next to ours so we moved her closer to us. The employee was scolding and threatening us which is upsetting because we had initially told her at the very beginning that we were are party of 6! Anyway she ended up leaving us alone and our 6th friend made it later. This level of disrespect doesn't make sense for a place that you order at the counter!! Also that steak burrito wasn't good, it wasn't seasoned. And the chips were beyond salty. read more

Agua Verde Cafe is a great casual spot near the University of Washington with a fun atmosphere and really good Mexican food. The tacos are flavorful, the staff are good, and the agua fresca is definitely worth trying. They have outdoor seating that is pet friendly and happy hour specials are available at certain times. Parking is mostly street parking and can be a little difficult when the area is busy. Great place to grab some good food, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We came here for a celebration and when we called ahead were told the downstairs outdoor dining area would be available after 7p. They don't take reservations so we figured since we called it would be fine. We got there and they were closing it down early because it was slow. The manager came down and offered us an indoor table right away but that wasn't the vibe we were going for and wanted to be outside on a summer day. The food was good and the drinks were fresh. I wish they'd allow reservations for parties of 6 or more. 3.5 stars read more

Agua Verde Cafe - The view of the outdoor area that was closed - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The food and drinks are pretty good but the price is hard to justify. The Quesabirria had good flavor but it was a little dry, and the large chunks of meat made it harder to eat than if they were more shredded. I enjoyed the sauce selection and, of course, the beautiful view. read more

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Wow. What the hell happened to Agua Verde? This place used to be fantastic. It used to be somewhere you actually looked forward to going. Now it feels like everyone working here has collectively decided that providing service is an unreasonable burden. The level of laziness was honestly impressive. Getting anyone's attention felt like applying for a government grant. Nobody seemed particularly interested in checking on us, helping us, or doing much of anything beyond existing in the general vicinity of the dining room. And that's what makes it so damn disappointing. Agua Verde has a reputation from when it actually deserved one. Now it seems to be surviving almost entirely on the memory of how good it used to be. The food can't carry the experience when the service makes you feel like an inconvenience for having walked through the door. There's "casual service," and then there's apparently giving up entirely. If the goal is to make customers regret coming in, congratulations--you nailed it. Agua Verde went from a place I would have recommended to a place I'd actively warn people about. The saddest part is that it didn't have to be this way. It used to be amazing. One star, and that's mostly for the memories and when they have docking space for our boat. #greysonlong read more

The chicken bowl was kind of disappointing. It's pretty bland and i was expecting more cilantro (i forgot to take a photo before ). They have veggies options, or they did for dawg bites idk if they still have it, but it was really good especially for being vegetarian. Overall it's very nice, I've enjoyed their nachos and tacos before, but there def r better mexican food spots. Service is like any other it's a very social spot. I always see friends or even just family eating together, but they can't seat really big groups. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Chicken burrito bowl - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This restaurant is right next to the water so you have a great view if you sit outside. I ordered the fish tacos which I thought were good, the food tasted fresh, not greasy. My wife ordered the steak tacos and to me they were meh. The margaritas were ok, seemed like they were shy with the alcohol. Wasn't much service since you order at the counter. I'll definitely be back though for the vibe alone and I would reorder the fish tacos. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Fish tacos, steak tacos and margaritas. - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

While having family at UWMC, we stumbled upon this great gem on the water front just steps away from the hospital. The vibe inside the restaurant is relaxing and airy. Nice bar facing the water so you can watch the boat traffic sail by. Two great patio areas situated with water views as well. The menu was solid with a variety of options. The food was excellent and the presentation was great. What really set this restaurant apart for me was the staff. Being from California, I have experiences up and down the spectrum. There are a million Mexican restaurants anyone can eat at. Then there are the ones where the staff make the experience exceptional. The staff at Agua Verde Cafe are those kind of people. We enjoyed every minute with them and had such a great time talking about where we and they are from and the food and drinks. Their knowledge was phenomenal. It didn't hurt that they have fresh homemade tortillas to go for sale. I will be going again before I return back to California. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Walk up window to order tortillas to go. You can watch the tortillas being hand made. - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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When the weather is warm the first place I head to is Agua Verde. I just tried their cauliflower tacos which were really delicious, along with their beans and rice. Service was super fast despite it being pretty busy! read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Cauliflower Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

No pics, though we got a chicken burrito with chips, 3 beef tacos with rice and beans, chicken enchilada and 3 fish tacos with chips. Drinks wise, a horchata and 2 strawberry lemonade drink. The food was bland, and the drinks were too sweet. In the past, they'd give free chips. They no longer do that. Loved the view though! It's an order and pay at the counter, grab a number and find an open table type of restaurant. read more

Agua Verde is that bright and lively Mexican eatery you go to for the vibes and the sunset views, especially on a sunny day in Seattle. But a warning; everyone else has the same idea lol. We came as a group of 8 and waited in line for about half an hour. After that we were told it'd be another hour for a big table or we could split up so guess what we picked? Yep we split. Not ideal, but the views of Portage Bay and the food def helped soften the wait. You gotta order up front, get your table number, and seat yourself. Sounds efficient but the kitchen did fumble our order (coz they had us split I guess) we got Baja tacos instead of shrimp, and that was just one of a few mix ups. That said one of the servers was incredibly kind and made sure everything was fixed, so kudos to her. We shared: 1. Vegan Salad: 5/5 Surprise star of the night! Super flavorful and super delicious 2. Mangodilla 5/5 Sweet mango + savory chicken was the perfect combo. Add verde sauce if you want for even better flavors 3. Vegetarian Enchiladas 4/5 Solid dish. It's also served with tasty green rice 4. Guac and chips: 4/5 very fresh 5. Veggie Quesadilla 1/5 Unfortunately a flop. Dry, bland and no flavors I also had the lemonade which was very refreshing The vibe here is def 10/10. It's lively, fun and right by the water. If you can, grab a seat on the patio for sunset views of Portage Bay. Knocking off one star for the order goof ups but I'd absolutely go back!! read more

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Agua verde is such a vibe, especially during sunny days (it's right next to the water so the ambience is always dope). We used to stop by pretty often back during undergrad at UW. Anyways, the food itself is pretty good! I normally get their pollo burrito bowl but opted for something new this time. I've honestly never heard or tried a "machete" before... but yall it is gas! Basically just steak + avo + peppers + cheese in a fried tortilla... like how could ya not like that. The only cons about agua verde = parking can sometimes be difficult just depending on the day + prices are a lil high for what it is. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - *Machete - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I am so sad. I have been a monster fan of Agua Verde for decades. But it has seriously gone downhill! No more grilled fish tacos, now only breaded fried ones. No more mango margaritas! And the nachos were disgusting! I couldn't have been more disappointed. Fake cheese goo over a small pile of chips sprinkled with a few beans and canned jalapeños. The cheese made the chips gooey, and it became glue like within minutes of them putting it on the table. $16 for something that was barely an improvement from what you get at a high school baseball game. And the small side of guacamole? Delicious but the size was a joke - something my son would finish with two chips! So so sad. :( View is still killer and the servers are still nice, so a one star for that. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Pitiful goo they called $16 nachos. - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The views from this restaurant are beautiful. I can't wait to visit in the summer as well. You order at the front and they bring the food to your table. While you're waiting, you can go to the self serve salsa station. I really liked the green and mild red one. I think the other ones were spicy but I didn't try. The brought out the food pretty quickly. I got the nachos & they were so yummy. They put layers of toppings, so you don't have to worry about eating only the top and being left with plain chips. My friends got the vegetarian enchiladas and a mango quesadillas. Both of them were really good, but the mango quesadillas was a unique highlight. My friends also got a fish burrito which he said was the best fish burrito he's ever had! I will definitely be visiting again! Great place, yummy food, and beautiful views! read more

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What a cute place right on the water for delicious Mexican. You order at the counter and they bring it to your table. We started with the chips and guacamole. They even have a salsa bar, watch out for the hot one! I had the pork tamales, a special and my daughter had the fish tacos. All delicious, the chips a little on the salty side. The homemade strawberry lemonade was a sweet treat as well. read more

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We had a wonderful experience! The food quality was excellent, and everything tasted fresh and flavorful. We tried the taquitos, quesadillas, burrito, and Chipotle bowl, and each dish was delicious with generous portions and great ingredients. The taquitos were perfectly crispy, the quesadillas were cheesy and satisfying, the burrito was packed with flavor, and the Chipotle bowl was fresh and well-balanced. It's clear that they take pride in the quality of their food. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for tasty food and a great dining experience. We'll definitely be back! read more

I love the waterfront location, and the food is delicious. I've been many times and plan to go more!:)

Nestled right off the water near the UW campus . There was a line when we arrived at 5p but it moved quickly. You place your order inside and find your seat yourself. Service was super quick. The chicken nachos hit the spot- the chips were nice and crunchy with the cheesy sauce and all the toppings. Chicken was really flavorful. The salad looked a bit small but ended up feeding the two of us with extra left in the bowl. I thought everything was really tasty. I'd def go back again. Tasty food with a view can't beat that. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Chicken nachos - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Actually went downstairs to marina cantina downstairs to sit outside on a beautiful day. Food service out of the truck- fish tacos were great- no need for the extra chips/salsa- big portion comes with dinner. Fun, tasty. Will be back read more

Food 4/5 Service 3.5/5 Ambiance 4/5 This waterfront cafe didn't disappoint us. Amazing vegetarian entry. The salsa bar was great. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Really fun spot!! Good for a casual, sunny day in Seattle. you can order at the window, or sit inside. The wait can be long, but worth it. Definitely, I little pricy, but a good experience. Parking can also be a bit tricky, but you're right on the water, so nice walking area. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - salad, marg, chips, tacos - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This is a joint review for both the restaurant, MARINA Catina, and the paddle club. We came by for partners bday and enjoyed lunch on the deck before going to rent a double kayak which is under the restaurant. Aqua Verde itself we had delicious tacos; *We had rockfish (3) tacos *Carnitas tacos *Strawberry frozen slushy and lemonade Lovely food and great views that look right out into the water. Paddle club, under the restaurant, is by the hour based on which you rent, they offer paddle boards($37?, single kayak($24), and double kayaks($32). Be sure to go to the bathrooms (coded access) and bring a lock if you use the lockers or do a dry bag. Really easy to check out and check back in. Be aware of their hours when you check out so that you don't come back too late. They also offer sunscreen should you need it :). The marina Catina is fully outdoors and easily accessible after paddle,kayaking/time in water, marina Catina is all via QR code for ordering and dog friendly; they have some nice shade and umbrellas for the tables. Lovely way to end a day on the water for sure. read more

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You can't beat the location of this cafe! Right by the waters, you have an amazing view as you dine here. The service is fast and food is pretty good. They have a sauce bar where you can get different salsas. read more

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Don't leave your food to go get more salsa, they will clear your table even if your wife's sitting there. Carnitas street tacos were good but only a single tortilla each, I like when places have two. Hold up better.Their salsa's ware amazing, wish I could have finished my food and had more. Lima Margarita was good. Pricey for what you get but it's Seattle, still wanted to stay and have another drink but table was cleared. read more

Jordan was tending and she shared good places to explore in Seattle since I'd left 29 years ago and things change, right? The tequila options here rival those in Austin as Alana had just left there yesterday and LALO reps were out in force. Cute spot - seating outside was ample, nice views. Service was spot on. read more

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I really hate how hyped this place is. I really don't think the food here is that good. But... the people, the vibe, the colors, the water in the background is pretty dope. As you walk in, there is the counter to order. You can grab a seat first or order first. I suggest looking at the menu first because the line is typically long in this place. After you order, you get back to your seat but first stop by the middle bar to grab your salsas. I love spicy and none of them are terribly too hot. The place is always bustling. Food generally comes out within 20 minutes. So you won't be starving for too long. The drinks comes fairly quickly. None of the drinks or food stands out. The servers are always chill. They seem to just drop plates and go about their business. There's a ton of people always here so they still busy. Sometimes I sit on the patio in the main section or I go around to the back which is down the stairs and around the corner. That location is called marina. But they are affiliated. They have a really nice view of the marina and it's open seating and open air. That's a good photo opportunity for your IG or Yelp if that's your thing. Menu is the same. Drinks are in compostable cups. I think it's okay. You can probably find better Mexican in the city. But for a happy hour with colleagues, this is a good spot for that read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The food was pretty good, but very overpriced for counter service. Ambiance would have been nice if there had been any available tables on the patio, but there were not, so we had to sit inside. I paid $14.50 for a small glass of margarita that was at least 80% ice. read more

The Nacho's has cheap cheese that was runny and tastes. Poor qualityall around. I had not been here since new ownership. Very disappointed

I wasn't super hungry when walking by... my bad but I HAD to get some homemade corn tortillas and a hibiscus(Jamaican) agua Fresca, it was PERFECT and really hit my snacky spot for the day. I'm from out of town, but I'll be coming back for more for sure while I'm there area! The menu looks amazing people were very friendly, especially the young man that took my order. SUPER cute little place, with lovely outdoor seating read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Corn tortilla - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Carnitas Taco When dining in everything after ordering at the front is self service. Nice view outside of the river and pretty breezy. The beans are pretty bland and watery so I would suggest going for the chips as a side instead. Tacos itself were okay, enjoyed the sauce on top. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Free parking across the street on weekdays. Very busy. More room in the Cantina. Perfect hang out spot on a nice day by the water. I can vouch for the margaritas and the roasted corn. Excellent dishes. I appreciate the fact that it has so much room in the back for large groups and love the vibe. read more

$15 for guac and salsa is actually a robbery. Quesabirria was ok. View and service was the only thing nice about this place read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Food was delicious, service was great and the vibe was really fun. Loved the patio overlooking the water. What a great little gem! Highly recommend! read more

Agua Verde Cafe - Prickly Pear Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The service here is extremely slow. I sat at the bar waiting for over 20 minutes waiting patiently to order a drink. Bartender never looked up at me while cleaning and stocking glasses. Two other women walk up and sat down across from me and had drinks in minutes. The place was NOT busy. A lot of things go through your head like just be patient to - do they not see me? Well then I spoke up and just said Wow and then he asked what I wanted. . Zero apologies. Food is ok not cheap. Basically it's order at the front - premixed drinks and tip like u were waited on. read more

I genuinely cannot remember the last time I felt this uncomfortable dining somewhere. The food was fine, but the atmosphere completely ruined the experience. I believe the manager's name was Jessie, and watching her verbally harass and belittle staff in front of customers was honestly disgusting. No employee deserves to be spoken to like that while just trying to do their job. It made the entire atmosphere awkward. read more

Loved their strawberry horchata and the fish burrito was really big and filling, which was great coz our other order, the fish tacos, was kinda small in comparison. We didn't care much for their coffees, but all in all it was a wonderful dinner experience. The view was spectacular. It's the best part for me. read more

The views of this place is gorgeous, and that's why the food is slightly pricey too. I got a pollo burrito which was solid and delicious, but expensive for what you are getting. Service wasn't the fastest, there was a bit of a wait. Their salsas are good, my favourite is the brown and then the green salsa. read more

I had the Baja tacos and they were DELICIOUS. Nice thick avocado on each of the three, perfectly fried black cod and the chipotle aioli was a perfect topper. The service was fast and friendly, and deck seating was ideal on a beautiful day in Seattle. read more

Agua Verde Cafe - You had me at Baja tacos. Delish! - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I just finished dining at Agua Verde. Everything tasted wonderful. What was especially wonderful was the staff. I was greeted very warmly, seated well, and looked after. When my order came back incorrectly, I had ordered no cheese on my burrito, the staff was immediately helpful and getting it back to me in minutes. Additionally, they comped my burrito and I didn't ask for it. I had worked at restaurants for years so I know mistakes happen easily. It was a lovely evening on a difficult night and I really appreciated it the thoughtfulness. read more