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    La Carta de Oaxaca

    3.9 (1.4k reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Bars
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    La Carta de Oaxaca Photos

    Business Info

    LA CARTA DE OAXACA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    mole negro oaxaqueño
    Crystal H.

    I've never had a mole before and was excited to finally try it. It was absolutely delicious, it was sweet, smokey, and the pork ribs fell off the bone. Tortillas were included and there was small salas bar. It was very busy but we were able to get a spot on the communal table. The servers were so quick and were attentive in filling water. They gave some recommendations for us since we've never been. They also had the beer Victoria and our friend was so happy to see it being sold here! Rare sight apparently.

    Meredith F.

    Still, after all these years, one of the best restaurants in Seattle! These are hands down the VERY BEST TORTILLAS I have ever put in my mouth! The lady behind the counter rolls them out fresh! She obviously makes them with love! Great people watching on the patio, but their bar area is so cute too! We both got the carne asada plate. I loved the charred chili on top of the steak! Also their guacamole is phenomenal! So so delicious! I like their salsa bar too! The hibiscus drink was a bit sweet but good! Beans were the bomb- I absolutely would LOVE to know how to make beans like them!!! They have an awesome, after 3 pm, drink n food happy hour too! Definitely worth the drive to come here! Of course, YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE!

    Drink menu
    Sara P.

    Great food! Whenever we are in Ballard we eat here. We had early dinner on a Saturday and wished we could have gotten two orders table outside. It was a hot day, and it was pretty hot sitting inside. I had the enmoladas which was delicious. The steak was cooked beautifully and it was very tender. The mole is on point. My husband had the Carnitas Plato. The pork was fork tender and melted in your mouth. I wish I could cook pork that delicious. Fresh tortillas being made constantly by the woman behind the bar. They can't be any fresher. I also like getting my own salsa. We don't have to bug a server for more. Their guacamole is also super great. Yum!

    Entomatadas Rojas

    Im from Texas and actively miss Mexican food from the south and this place met my expectations. I felt like I was back home. My friend and I both had the red entomatadas and both loved them! Will definitely be back. I also had a mezcalerita and it was fantastic!

    Bonnie G.

    Another great meal. I had the birrierria lamb rack. Soooo tender. Delicious seasoning. I wanted a bit more heat and used some if their great salsa. My other had the mole chicken - cant stay away from ordering it. The chips came hot and crisp to the table, all 3 salsas were enjoyed. Also ordered the guacamole because you just have to. A busy Saturday evening and the quality remained high.

    Agua Fresca watermelon
    ThuyVy N.

    Went to this spot on a Friday for lunch and it was pretty busy for being a workday, we grabbed the last outside patio that was big enough to fit our group of 5. The service was very nice and friendly. The outdoor area is so nice and fun and it's a good spot in the heart of Ballard. Overall I thought the food was good and decent, nothing crazy. I thought the al pastor was pretty good and strong in flavor and could've had nicer balance with the veggies and citrus, I think the best dish out of the group was probably the fish tacos as it was much lighter and well balanced. I did really like the agua Fresca and that was the best part and just being able to sit outside and enjoy. 3 stars for the food, 4 for the vibes and ambiance.

    Lamb Birria and Kids Quesadilla
    Madeline D.

    A nice sunny day calls for an outdoor lunch! Tried La Carta De Oaxaca in Ballard today and sat outside! We got the Lamb Birria and the kids quesadilla! The food was 9.5/10, the quesadilla was a nice touch with the lamb birria!

    Tacos Al Pastor
    Brooke B.

    I got the Al Pastor tacos and the tamarind agua fresca and both were excellent! The service was slow likely due to the server/customer ratio being off. My drink didn't come out until I was eating my last taco but I'm attributing that to how busy it was. Overall, I would recommend and would go back to try other menu items!

    Messy yet beautiful action shot--this needs to be repeated.
    Efrain L.

    After my partner became a U.S. citizen, we knew exactly where to celebrate--La Carta de Oaxaca in Ballard. It's our favorite Mexican spot in Seattle, hands down. Word is, the restaurant got its start when Gloria Perez cooked her mom's Oaxacan recipes for a local culinary expert's family--who were so blown away, they helped her open the place. Taste the food, and you get it. It's more than a meal--it's a story, a legacy, and a masterclass in flavor. Everything on the menu is a win, but I keep coming back for the tamales, their deep, complex mole, the lamb that falls apart like butter, and carne asada that's bold and perfectly grilled. The tortillas are made fresh, the habanero salsa brings real heat, and there's a level of care here that's rare--every bite tastes like it came from someone's home kitchen, not a restaurant line. The space walks the line between casual and elegant, and the family-run team makes you feel like you're part of theirs. Honestly, I think they deserve a Michelin star--but even without one, it's one of the most consistently outstanding meals in the city. When we talk about what makes America special, this is it--flavor, heart, and family, all in one place.

    Tracy A.

    I think this is one of the best Mexican restaurants without having to drive to southside. Places in Seattle are overpriced and underwhelming and getting worse all the time. I don't feel La Carta is any more spendy than lesser options in Seattle, and I feel the quality for what you get is much better. Their plate presentation is attractive. The menu and the food are straight forward. While I like some dishes more than others, I feel like I can pick anything at La Carta, and I'm going to like it. Would I get the house specialty mole? Yes. The flan was perfection. Smooth, creamy texture with a light sauce on top and around the plate. This is how flan is supposed to be. We have had margaritas and mezcal drinks and enjoyed all of them. The tortillas are hand made, and you can tell. We have had great service, friendly and efficient. They have a casual and familiar indoor seating area as well as outdoor seating. The tables near the front door are particularly cute in that the meal takes on that cafe feel. La Carta has stood the test of time as well. They started in 2003, so 22 years of celebrating Oaxacan food is a statement in itself.

    Rachel Y.

    We were looking for a dinner spot in Ballard that had space for a larger group without a reservation, and La Carta de Oaxaca was the perfect fit! I ordered the lamb birria and it was delightful. Also loved that we could just grab more salsa as needed from the bar. I also appreciated that they had us wait for our table in an area inside near the bar, rather than outside in the rain.

    Valerie W.

    It's...OK I truly don't understand any hype. Everything is overrated, over priced...it all just lacks... is it bad by any means? Not really. The food is alright, but in my opinion lacks flavor. $14 for (3) small chicken flautas that despite having multiple sauces, didn't have much spice?! Chips and salsa cost extra and again lack flavor. Tacos...fine. Worth the $$?! Probably not. The staff are great Drinks are good Ambiance is lacking. I was surprised by how crowded it gets over the weekends. I just haven't been impressed. Gave it a few tries and don't think I'd return

    Tacos
    Jeff W.

    A staple in our Mexican rotation not just in Ballard but in Seattle. Vibes are good, happy hour is great and their dinner plates are consistently delicious.

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    1 year ago

    Everything was delicious and authentic. Staff was friendly and food was made quickly. I absolutely recommend!

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    6 months ago

    food was excellent and came out super fast even with a semi-full dining room. service was prompt and kind. prices are reasonable.

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    1 year ago

    Holy fuck. Top 3 Mexican places I've eaten. Everything was perfect. Worth every penny.

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    La Carta de Oaxaca Reviews in Other Languages

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    Does this place have a rooftop area?

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    La Carta de Oaxaca - mexican - Updated May 2026

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