This is halfway between a regular texmex restaurant and a tiki bar. The physical bar itself takes up a big proportion of the front dining room due to the layout of the building (long and skinny). The back dining room is a more "typical" restaurant style. The drink menu is very extensive; they have tons of cocktail options. The food menu is somewhat more limited than the average Mexican restaurant. But, what they do have is quite tasty. The employees are nice and the service is very efficient. Definitely seems like a local haunt for many people both for a drink after work and for family dinner. read more

Positives: workers were kind. cocktails were pretty good--at least I enjoyed mine haha. The taste of the halibut tacos + the mole sauce in particular were solid. They have a salsa bar where you can serve yourself (however chips are not complimentary). Negatives: price, price, price.. super expensive for what we got in terms of quantity and quality. The tacos were tasty but tiny and didn't come with e.g. rice and beans (straight up $27 for 3). The ceviche was lacking in terms of actual shrimp, also $25 or something. The mole was good, but it included two of the smallest chicken thighs in the meal lol, another $27 or whatever there.. Add in chips + guac for $10, plus 3 cocktails... and the total was $175 after tax/tip for three people. And we all left hungry sigh. read more

Solid mexican food! I got the Gringas Oaxaqueñas on flour tortillas and they were very yummy, a friend got the Pozole and it was a really good size! I wish they gave free chips but the guacamole we ordered was also very good read more

El Mezcalito - Gringas Oaxaqueas - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I moved here a few months ago and have been on the hunt for some bomb Mexican food and boyyyy did I find it here. We tried both the carne asada and the el pastor tacos and thought they were both really good!! Especially with the homemade tortillas - YUM. Also got the tamale verde and it was beyond moist and flavorful. The posole was also very delicious and comes with a great spread to dress it up. Next time I'm hoping to try the more of their tamales/ tacos/ and deserts! Service was also really awesome and the staff was friendly and food came out quick. The music playing was also sooo good and the vibes were great. read more

El Mezcalito - Pozole el Tacos al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Not a great experience at El Mezcalito last night. We ordered tacos to go and waited at the restaurant while they were being prepared, yet somehow they were cold when we got them. It was obvious the food had been sitting there for a while. I get it was a busy Saturday night, but a 30 minute wait for 6 tacos and chips w/guac is unacceptable. The servers were nice and helpful but the prices are outrageous for cold tacos. If you're going to charge that much, at least serve hot food, even if it's a to-go order. We love to support local, small business but we won't be going back. This experience was enough to lose us as customers. read more

We were really craving Mexican food and walked into this quirky little Mexican spot near our area. The restaurant is kind of tight inside, but they have several tables and even some outdoor seating. The service was quick and staff were friendly. We ordered drinks and chips and guac right away. The margaritas were tasty and the bottled beer was only $5. The guac was good, but the chips were phenomenal! They had a salsa bar in the back and we were able to sample a few kinds. We gorged ourselves on chips before we even ordered food. Yum. We enjoyed the carne asada plate and tacos. You could definitely tell everything was homemade including the tortillas. Lovely dinner, a little spendy, but the food was great. read more

I would come back. 100% some of the best Mexican I have eaten -- very authentic and definitely not Tex-Mex. Waiter was kind and had good recommendations. The food time was fast. The music was a bit loud but not frat level loud. Chips were hot and guac was fresh. It needs a little salt and citrus. The Gringas were one of the best things I have ever eaten -- I would come back just to eat them. We also got the Enfrijoladas -- the steak was heavenly and juicy and yummy. Tamales with Pork was a normal tamale -- not bad but not notable like the other two. The tamales did come with rice and beans that had a wonderful, yummy, and not too spicy sauce -- that would be yummy with some chips. Lastly, I ordered the Fresa Cocktail. I briefly read the reviews before we got here and someone said they don't skimp on the tequila and I can tell you that that is true. It was very strong -- like tequila with a hint of strawberry. Overall, very good and filling with no leftovers. read more

El Mezcalito - Salsa Bar - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Stumbled upon El Mezcalito on Yelp! We ordered chips and guac, asada tacos, and tacos al pastor. The chips and guac were pricey at $10, but the chips were so good! Piping hot! Tacos were good as well. They have a salsa bar in the back. The space is huge. We came for lunch and it was relatively empty. Parking was a bit difficult to find. Shoutout to Raul for taking care of us that day. read more

Sat at a sidewalk table, ordered tacos al pastor at lunch. Bland. Server did not mention the presence of a condiment bar, so made do with squeeze of lime. read more

Long ago we tried El Mezcalito's sister restaurant La Carta de Oaxaca in Ballard, which we loved for their mole. So now that we're back in Seattle for a weekend, we learned about El Mezcalito and decided to give it a go. It was a short drive from our hotel and it was relatively easy to find street parking. The interior has a nice ambiance and the staff were friendly and attentive. We got an assortment of entrees to share, including their signature mole dish (great flavor, but didn't like the bones), the gringo pork tacos (yum), the carne asada tacos (really good), and the carne asada plate (really good). We also ordered chips and guac (cost was $11, and then chips were unlimited). They also had a salsa self serve station, so we loaded up on that. All in all, we really liked the flavors, but we felt like the price was high for what you get. read more

Local go to spot when I'm In town. Cadillac Margaritas are hands down the best I've ever had.

I will say that the drinks were excellent. The 309 (Sauza, house infused spicy tequila, muddled orange, triple sec, fresh lime juice, Mezcal float) was not messing around with the heat! I ended up preferring the Paloma which helped squelch that fire. Most cocktails were about $13. The food was rather disappointing from a vegetarian standpoint. I went with one of two options: the tostadas vegetarianas, $15 (three fried corn tortillas topped with black beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, crema, queso fresco and avocado). I'm accustomed to the beans being at least warm, but it was all cold. These were very unexciting. There wasn't even any salsa to dress them up. I would not order them again. J. had their house specialty Mole Negro Oaxaqueño, $20, with chicken, white rice, and corn tortillas. He said it tasted good but was literally just a fairly small piece of chicken and some rice. The bar when we came in was packed, but we were seated right away in the back room which was less lively, brighter lit, and had more of a family dining vibe. It would be a good space maybe to reserve for a larger party. Service was busy, but the kitchen was quick. We ordered food and drinks at the same time and actually ended up getting our food first. I don't remember anyone coming back to check on us until our bill arrived. I'd come back for drinks and maybe chips & guac in their bar up front, but I'll make sure I come fed or find someplace with better vegetarian options for dinner. read more

Was out delivering with some co-workers and stopped by for a quick bite. Service was extremely friendly and the food was very good. The chips and guacamole tasted so fresh, we had to order another batch. Rookie mistake and didn't take a photo of the chips. I was very pleased with the Taco Carne Asada. It's the fat man in me saying this but I wish there was more on the plate. However, after eating, I wasn't feeling so bloated and tired like I normally am after a good meal. read more

El Mezcalito - Carne Asada Tacos Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a hidden gem tucked away in Upper Queen Anne. The food is made with the highest level of integrity. They make an excellent Mole and their Tamales are moist and flavorful! The margaritas are excellent as well and if you're a Mezcal fan this is a place to put on your radar! Every time I dine there I meet friendly people and the ownership and team that make it all happen are kind and professional! One of my favorite places in Seattle! read more

Came here after grappa had a super long wait. As we were walking, we passed El Mezcalito and they had a spot so we decided to dine there. It ended up being a great decision! The food was phenomenal and the potions were perfectly sized. I finished everything on my plate! The spicy margaritas are delicious and they have a mild and a really spicy margarita if you like a kick! The ambiance was very well decorated and welcoming. read more

El Mezcalito - Tortilla Chips and Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The best Mexican food in town! It's authentic, delicious and more delicious! Love the ambiance too

The BEST Mexican restaurant downtown period!!! If you love mole, this is place, all other dishes excellent as well. Friendly staff. Raul is the best. read more

One of the best! Great tequila and mezcal selections as well. Love the self service salsa bar too!

I've worked on the hill for years and this was my almost daily lunch spot for a long time. The food has always been good to great depending on what you order. But, I gotta say, this place has gotten prohibitively expensive. I'm a small person, and feel many of the portions sizes are on the just barely too small side. So you're kinda always in that spot of having to choose between leaving a little hungry still, or be willing to shell out $35 for lunch, which gets you 3 small tacos with chips and guacamole, after tax and an appropriate tip. Food is still good, but I'm leaving still hungry today, which is annoying since I just spent $20 for lunch. read more

This was an unexpected pleasure. I stopped in solo and was well served. Generous margarita and the camarones con mojo de ajo was delicious. It was fun to watch the flour tortillas that come on the side being made. Great little neighborhood gem with decent prices. read more

El Mezcalito - Dressed up for the season - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

El Mezcalito is incredible. It looks like a tiny restaurant when you walk by, but they have lots of seating inside and even a back patio. Food is delicious and service was great! read more

Went here for a friend's birthday. My husband and I ordered Micheladas. The server poured the beer into mine, and then poured my husbands which spilled all over his lap (and light colored shorts). He barely whispered a "sorry" and didn't even offer napkins. I ordered a Tlayuda made vegan which was nothing like the real ones in Oaxaca, and was absurdly overpriced (even though all I had was beans, cabbage, tomato and avocado) no chorizo or chicken. Speaking of the avocado, my husband (and myself) was mortified by the lack of freshness of the avocado (see picture). They could have at the least removed the oxidized part to make it look fresh, or for $24 could have used fresh avocado! I love real Oaxacan food but sadly this doesn't come close and was very over priced. read more

El Mezcalito - $24 - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I want my reviews to be honest in spite of Covid's effect on the restaurant world. All restaurants should survive, but my Yelp reviews should help people discern how to spend their money. Thus, not all my critiques are positive, and I choose not to be a cheerleader. The last two times we did take out at El Mezcalito, the food just wasn't as fresh or tasty. I don't know if the kitchen staff is new, or purveyors have changed, but El Mezcalito's moles have tasted stale, and the tamales are mushy. Chile Relleno was a mess. I loved El Mezcalito in the past. The food was fantastic. I sincerely hope the kitchen returns to greatness, and that this drop in quality is temporary. read more

Fresh, hot chips! Salsa bar! Everything I've ever had here is so good. Authentic and fresh and just delicious. The drink menu is so fun! Tahin rims and actually spicy when they say it's spicy. Love this place and can't wait to go back read more

El Mezcalito is a smaller scale restaurant that definitely gives a home like, intimate feel. I ordered the Mole' Negro and strawberry margarita and was pleased with both. My friend, who I met with, was able to order a specialized quesadilla. I was very happy that they were willing to accommodate it for her as it was not on the menu. The staff was friendly and kept an eye on how we were doing as well as making sure to fill up our waters when they noticed our glasses were reaching empty. The only thing I would keep a note on is that the chips and salsa/guacamole do cost $8. So when asked if you'd like the chips and salsa/guacamole, know it's gonna be the extra $8. I was aware of it beforehand from perusing the menu. All in all, my experience was very comfortable and enjoyable. A fun dinner place to have dinner with a friend. read more

El Mezcalito - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I think it was the best Mexican food I have had in the United States. Our service was friendly, and we loved the vibe. We will be back often. read more

After a long journey from CA to help our daughter relocate...we were happy to see a table awaiting us at this local neighborhood eatery. The service was attentive and friendly. The drinks were plentiful and Paloma was delicious. The quaomole and salsa variety with chips were tasty. I ordered the shrimps with ajo and rice and beans...very good. Small tacos and fried tortilla dish good as well. Firepits were available for those choosing to dine around! A nice touch. read more

The food offerings here are generally on the spicy side. The menu is small, and the options feel more authentic than other run of the mill American style Mexican food. It's not Azteca. Enchiladas are not on the menu. You'll find Ponzole and Estofado con Pollo - very good. The service is quite nice and the ambiance is Family oriented. The walls are covered in pictures and Mexican decor. It's a small space in the front of the restaurant with additional seating in the back. The seating in the back makes it a bit more family friendly although seating is close and it may not be a fun place for the little ones. The beans (black and refried) are good. They have a little kick to them and are topped with a bit of crema to cool it down. Carne asada tacos come with everything you want them to - cilantro, onions, and salsa. We also like the guacamole here. It's got tomato's, onions, and cilantro with a decent spicy kick. There are lots of onions in the dishes served here. The food is good, and we would recommend it. If you have an aversion to spicy food, or lots of onions this might not be the right restaurant to try. 3 stars for being solid but not knock your socks off kind of good. read more

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We got the carne asada tacos, the chicken taquitos (x2), chips and guac, and ceviche. Everything (with the exception of the ceviche) had very little flavor. For $100 not including tip, we were very disappointed. Definitely would not go back here. read more

$18 for 2 small taquitos and $17 for a small tamale! The prices here have more than doubled since my wife and I started dining here and the portion size has shrunk considerably. Gone are the lines of people waiting to dine likely because the prices are so high. I like the food and the wait staff are always friendly but I feel ripped off every time I dine here so I won't be back. I miss the days when the family who owned it were present and the prices were reasonable. read more

Came to visit Seattle from LA and wanted some good Mexican food. This place was sooooooo good. Their food, drinks, customer service, all 10/10. The workers are so friendly and always make sure everything is good at your table. The ambiance is great, with the lighting and the music. I got the chile relleno plate and a strawberry margarita and it was so good! I definitely would recommend to anyone coming to visit seattle :-) read more

Will definitely be coming back again. Pasole was amazing. Hard to do in a restaurant, I've never been to a place where every single thing was just mouth watering. read more

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Way too overpriced. Chips were ELEVEN dollars. Almost 70$ just for chips and 2 meals. This isn't even a tourist trap, this is just bar food. Sorry but I'm not coming back. read more

This was one the best dinners we've had in a long time. Service was warm, flawless and abundant. The restaurant's wall art is amazing - and there's lots to see. I thought it was cool in the men's room that there were two little mirrors whimsically attached to the wall (by metal accordian arms) next to the main mirror over the sink. You know those mirrors, the ones that that allow you to manipulate them so that you can see the back of your head. The drinks menu overflows with thirty plus mezcal options, and nearly as many tequila and cerveza choices. Sotol is available. A side note: pulque, tequila and mezcal are all maguay (agave) plant distillations. Pulque is a cheap inexpensive raw form of tequila made from agave sap. Tequila and mezcal are derived from the heart of the agave. Contrary to legend, mezcal does not possess psychoactive properties. Agave distillations are categorized according to how long they've been aged. Blanco has been aged the least, reposado longer and añejo the longest. The longer the aging, the smoother and darker the finished product. The difference between tequila and mezcal is a little more arcane. Per Mexican law, tequila can only be called tequila if it is derived from blue agave, which is grown in the state of Jalisco. Mezcal can be derived from any variety of agave. Still, they're essentially the same liquor. And then there's sotol. It's also made from agave, but specifically from agave grown in Chihuahua. Sotol is the state drink of Chihuahua. Chihuahua is an interesting state. Part of the state is a high elevation plain, similar to Idaho. Yes, this is Mexico, but it snows here regularly in the winter. The plain is farmed and was settled with many Europeans seeking religious independence. As a result, many of homes and buildings here have a European/Western design. The first word that comes to mind in describing sotol is "smooth". It sweetly slips down, not burning like tequila. Sotol at Mezcaleria Oaxaca comes in a little bowl along with two lime wedges. Being inexperienced in the ways of tequila, I didn't know what sequence to use the lime wedges. One wedge was fresh, the other lightly lined with chili and salt. For an appetizer, we picked Chayote con Queso, egg-battered chayote (squash) stuffed with cheese, then fried. It was outstanding, the best dish of the night. I ordered the Barbacoa de Cabrito, or more simply, barbecued goat. The pulled-style meat was delicious. The side was a wonderful saucy corn (or more accurately, cornbread stuffing-like) dish topped with a ribbon of green salsa and another of red salsa. JP liked the pozole, noting that Mezcaleria Oaxaca's pozole is generous with the pork. For dessert we split a dish of toasted plantain strips with a scoop of very good vanilla ice cream. read more

El Mezcalito - Sotol - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Good flavor. Genuinely nice service. Really not that impressed. Pricey. If you're in the Queen Anne area...nice place for a snack. read more

El Mezcalito - Gringas Oaxaqueas - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Another venue for the best Mexican food in Seattle, Mezcaleria Oaxaca is exceptional. Walk past the ktichen and you'll find a host of abuelas stirring enormous pots of mole, making homemade tortilla chips from scratch, and yes, even barbecuing a goat. This place is the real deal. You probably know this if you've visited their Ballard twin, La Carta de Oaxaca. The food is just as fantastic. By all means, order the mole negro with chicken --this entree is a must have plate for any order. There are far fewer crowds and jostled elbows to contend with than La Carta, although there is probably less seating overall. Don't pass on the house made chips. In fact, make them a focal point of your meal. Order the guacamole, order the hot bean dip (yes both) and then stock up at the salsa bar. You won't regret it. The food is really tasty. Legit. BTW, those new to this spot, this is Oazacan food --you are not going to find a burrito in the place. Its okay. Don't panic. The rest of the food is very, very good. Much better than the salty, ginormous burrito you were craving. Coming from San Francisco and the Mission, I take my hat off to Mezcaleria for their amazing food. Its authentic. Its delicious. The heat is fabulous. The corn tortillas are homemade. The atmosphere is fun and visually energetic. On the other hand, prices could be a better value . Still, I'm willing to pay more for quality eats and tasty, tasty goodness lives here. read more

El Mezcalito - Carne asada lunch. $7.50 for three tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We've been regulars weekly at this family owned Oaxaca restaurant and bar for the last 5 years, from date-nights to family-playdates. During this conoravirus-y shelter-in-place times. El Mezcalito is doing HOME DELIVERY (!!) and take-out, as eat-in is temporarily banned. Support your local favourites during this tuff rocky road. read more

There's one thing that makes a Mexican restaurant in my eyes: Good. Chips. Get them. Love them. Guac them. Got the al pastor tacos (three of em). Juicy as hell, yummy pineapple. Service was quick and friendly. Nice atmosphere and can make any cocktail into a mocktail for your nondrinking friends. read more

El Mezcalito - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Started out at 3.5 stars, but slowly lost stars during the evening as I was continually neglected by staff and had to flag someone down every time I needed something. My drink order took forever and I had to remind them about it. No one stopped by to ask me how my food was or if I wanted another drink (I did). After 20 minutes of sitting with empty dishes, I flagged the bartender down to get a box and the check. Chips were great, light and crips. Salsa bar is a neat idea, but it was messy and low on salsas. Guacamole tasted like the premade store-bought kind. I ordered the al pastor tacos, which were not labeled as such on the menu; they're called something else. It had great flavor like traditional al pastor (savory, seasoned pork + pineapple), but was previously cooked meat skewered with pineapple to look like the traditional pig shank spinning over the grill. I imagine it helped with cutting pieces off, but the meat didn't cut off quite the same and was a tad dry. I was asked if I wanted rice and beans (nothing mentioned about that on the menu), and I said yes. When the check came, $7 was added for the rice and beans!!! The two cheapest, easiest things on the menu that were flopped onto my plate out of the vat that kept them warm cost me $7. Rice and beans do NOT cost $7 on top of the entree, which made it $18!! Had the service been good, they would have gotten a 20% tip and this would have been a $50 meal, which seems outrageous for a solo dinner with one drink at a Mexican restaurant. While Seattle may be low on good Mexican restaurants compared to my old home in LA, I won't be back here and don't recommend. The two stars were for the good chips and flavorful tacos. read more

Awesome food and drinks featured during a killer happy hour. The tacos are a highlight and a nice value at only $6 (for three). The quesadilla is incredibly filling and loaded with either chicken or steak. The margaritas are boozy, and they offer a bunch of different options. One must order are their chips and guac. I know it seems like a little thing, but the fresh made chips are really well seasoned and the guac is creamy and delicious. Staff is beyond friendly, Cesar and crew make for an enjoyable experience to go along with the great food. If you're in upper Queen Anne and looking to satisfy a craving for some Oaxacan food, this is the spot for you! read more

El Mezcalito - Happy hour menu...Late night on the right and Thursday only early happy hour on the left. - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington