After finishing the homemade chicken tamale and the carnitas tacos with homemade corn tortillas, and red/green homemade salsas, I wanted to lick the plate. I swear. As others have mentioned, this is not about chips and salsa, gooey cheese or margaritas. Not sure when that became "expected" - but that is a very Americanized view. This is the real thing. Made by grandmas. Worth a trip or a detour. I didn't want it to end. read more

La Tarasca - Small pozole - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

What a sweet old school restaurant! Delicious food super clean , and very attentive staff.

Some of the best and most authentic Mexican food I've had in the US. I had the Chile Colorado which came with rice, beans, and home made tortillas. The meat was tender and the flavors were amazing. Just the right amount of spicy. Finished with the flan for dessert which was very tasty. Service was friendly, fast, and attentive. I'll be back. read more

I only came here twice while living in Centralia and each time I really didn't enjoy it. The first time was more of an overall let down with the food and the second time was rude staff. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. They do not serve chips and salsa at the table. Instead they serve pickled carrots. Their food is a much more traditional representation of Mexican cuisine. I tried one of their enchiladas and tamales and I just didn't enjoy the taste of either. I think I ate about half and left the rest. The second time we came was with some friends who were expecting the typical chips and salsa and asked about whether we could have some. The waitress nearly snapped our heads off for asking about that and said we don't do that here...if you want that go somewhere else. Well...so we did...right down the street. If you enjoy a more traditional aspect of Mexican food then this is the place for you. But don't expect the usual Americanized add-ons that we are used to. read more

We discovered this restaurant about 12 years ago and deliberately plan trips heading south on I-5 around stopping here for a meal. The tamales, Chile Colorado, and Chile Verde are favorites, but we often try other things. Even the refritos are exceptional. No, there aren't chips and salsa and there shouldn't be- the cuisine is true to the Michocan heritage of the family. read more

How have I missed this GEM for 21 years. I had no idea but a friend recommended it and we'll be back soon. Very real, authentic, with staff who explains history and how they make things. No chips to fill up on, which is WONDERFUL. I had Chili Releno (best I've ever had, and I have them everywhere). My husband had the a pulled pork dish (Pork Carnitas) that was amazing, a signature dish. Amazing home made tortillas. I"m so excited to try something new each time we go. We live in Olympia but venture to Tenino, Centralia and Chehalis a lot because they have some of the best restaurants in WA. read more

Was pretty excited to find such a highly rated Mexican place while driving through Centralia, and it didn't disappoint! The Adobado Taco was delicious. Great mole sauce as well. Great service and you can tell they really take pride in their food and history. Will be back! read more

My in-laws are from Mexico and my husband and I lways say that nothing compares to his mom's cooking. This place really surprised me with how much I loved it! I had one of each kind of tamale and a cheese quesadilla (dipped in the table salsa. It was extremely well priced, good portions, and my husband, our friend, and I all left with full and very happy stomachs. I'm pregnant and have been rather picky about food in the last couple of months so am extremely glad that we stopped here. Any time we're in the area we plan on going back! read more

The food was good, a little pricey depending on what you ordered. I felt comfortable having my little kids there. Note: they did not have any coloring pages crayons etc. so bring something for the kiddos if they are toddler age. Food was served quickly. Their menu was set up a little different than I have ever seen before. I ended up having to order my rice and beans as an additional side. Anything from the Ala carte menu is on the smaller side. They do not serve chips instead they serve a smaller sized portion of seasoned carrots and yummy tomatillo sauce. read more

We drove out of town to come to the outlets. Normally we do fast food but this time I pulled up yelp. This place had great reviews so I thought I would give them a try. My husband had the carnitas special and I had the sopes chicken/ adobada they were so good. Very authentic the carnitas were very juicy . I would stick away from adobada it was spicy. read more

La Tarasca - Sopes de pollo y adoba - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Honest to their roots, and heritage... oh and Mama's recipes!! OMG.... seriously don't worry about NOT getting the pile of chips and salsa pre-meal. The main course will set you at ease. True flavors that I have only experienced in San Diego, but it's a lot shorter of a drive for us to hit this place up from Shoreline! YES, it's soooooooooooo freaking worth it!!! We tried a large portion of the menu, pork, chicken and veggie options. Yes, VEGGIE and gluten free since they only use corn tortillas and speaking of which, there are NOT those crappy rubbery yellow things you find in the store. These were heavenly pillows of unicorn fluff, I don't know how they make them, but for these alone you need to visit! I opted for a couple of pork tacos, tamales, and a tostada, the tostada was made using their homemade tortillas, just imagine them making chips out of these and well, it would be pure magic.... alas I had to press on... tamales were nice and freshly done up, several options, even a dessert one! Pork was well seasoned and the masa was tender and plentiful. The soft tacos were so spot on, I didn't even share a bite, I just inhaled them, you'll have to take my word for it....sans pictures as well...burrrrp.... my bad.... And HOLY MOLE! This was amazing! The Mole sauce was uber rich and dark, nice spice to it, but nothing that would hurt a church mouse, the Mrs enjoyed it and said it was worthy of coming back.... that means a lot in my book. If it's your first time visit, they'll gladly explain the menu, the Pork carnitas are their specialty, I believe that's the same meat used in the Pork tostada, it was delightfully tender and tasty! I really liked the pickled carrots they served up, their salsa was pretty good as well. Great service and the food comes out really fast! Take the time to visit, you'll be very happy! read more

Having recently moved to the area I was searching for some decent Mexican food. I grew up in Southern California and have been to Mexico many times. I know good authentic Mexican cuisine and La Tarasca delivers! You can tell the Ayala family takes great pride in their food. Carnitas are delicious, served with house made tortillas and pico de gallo. The refried beans are some of the best I've ever had. The Pazole and Menudo, so good! But my absolute favorites are their pork or chicken tamales. Moist masa seasoned perfectly, delicious filling. I like mine with their house made red sauce. For dessert, the flan is outstanding, and I don't even like flan! This is the real deal authentic Mexican food. Who cares if they don't have chips and salsa, I sure don't. read more

The best true authentic Mexican food you can get!!!!!

I almost feel like I owe them an apology. We were driving through Centralia and needed a place to eat. We picked this place because of the reviews but when we drove up and saw there "we don't serve chips" sign.. I almost left. If you know me, you know chips is at the top of my list. But nonetheless, we stayed and decided to order. Oh my dear. Didn't even miss the chips! The tamale was out of this world, the sopes, adobadas and chicken tacos are unbeatable. Please. For your sake, if you see this place, GET SOME GRUB no regrets read more

This is HANDS DOWN the best Mexican food in Centralia/Chehalis area. We have come here for years and love love love the authenticity and amazing food. My go to is thee chicken enchiladas and the small cheese quesadillas. Salsas and flan are bomb too!! read more

believe me... no chips, no salsa, no guacamole, no margaritas, AND no substitutions. i wanted to hate this place, but the food was too damn good. carnitas were excellent! If you're hungry in centralia, give it a whirl, be open-minded you American! You can always go to Berry Fields next time for their consistently slightly better than moderate soups, sandwiches and pies. read more

La Tarasca - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Completely over rated. How is this the number one in centralia ? Unknown. No chips and salsa here, instead you get carrots ? My Hispanic friend from MEXICO, just laughed... read more

This place blew my mind. When I took my first bite of chili Colorado, it was like that scene in Ratatouille where the food critic was transported back to the food of his youth. I live in Portland but have definitely made special trips just for lunch. I've eaten there at least four times now and it has always been the same: delicious. read more

There is a restaurant worth stopping at between Seattle & Portland! Don't let the building's appearance scare you off. We were greeted warmly, served promptly and taken care of graciously. The tamales and pork carnitas were fabulous, & the homemade corn tortillas to die for. I don't even like corn tortillas & these were awesome. We also had to try the flan, and my pastry cook husband even approved. The whole meal with two sodas was $36 including tax. Definitely coming back again! read more

La Tarasca - The flan! - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Oh wow what a amazing surprise to find this Jen. They have wonderful authentic food. Must stop here if passing thru. Won't be disappointed.

Horrible, overpriced restaurant!!! They are not half as good as other mexican restaurants in centralia and Chehalis. Very bland not authentic at all and the prices are way too much for the terrible food you get. read more

The food was fantastic, and everyone was so friendly. There's a reason they've been in business over 20 years! The carnitas are juicy without being oily, and the pasole/pazole had great flavor as well. Their homemade corn tortillas were amongst the best I've had anywhere. Will definitely come back and try the tamales. read more

La Tarasca - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

This is all around the most well-rounded Mexican restaurant in Washington state. They don't hide behind free chip gimmicks or try to mix cuisine from different regions and the country. They are strictly from the Michoacán state and their dishes at least seem representative of the fruit from this region. And all of that said--the Mole is drop dead excellent. Chili Colorado is unforgettable. Chili Verde is so good that you literally want a pint of sauce to go. The owners are friendly and will talk to you about the food they make and are very proud of. read more

Authentic food and the staff go beyond what you normally see. We took our two young Grandsons , the waitress was so attentive ! The food was absolutely delicious! We will be back whenever we come back ! You won't regret eating here :) read more

La Tarasca - Pork in spicy tomato sauce w/beans and rice and homemade corn tortillas ! - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Real food! Not your typical americanized, greasy, cheese smothered, mess that is sure to give you gut rot later. This is "real" Mexican food! I would not have put Mexican food as my number one favorite food, until after eating at La Tarasca! read more

really good, not your average Mexican food. if you want authenticate Mexican, this is the place. Colorado was awesome, try their Flan made there. read more

My favorite best home made family owned very friendly Mexican restaurant been eating here for 10 years now.

A year and a half later after leaving the Mexico border I have finally found a place up north with good Mexican food. This is a great building very festive on the inside. The family is very proud and friendly and they definitely deserve the rating they have been receiving this far. Stopping by again and it is still awesome read more

La Tarasca - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

See all

Hands down the best Mexican restaurant I've eaten at in a very long time. I have to admit I was a little skeptical when I saw they don't serve chips at all, but once I tasted the food, let me tell you, I forgot all about those missing chips. They start you off with pickled carrots and homemade salsa, which was a surprisingly tasty and unique little appetizer. We also got a chicken tamale, which was DELICIOUS. Clearly homemade and fresh - flavor and texture was exactly on point. For entrees I opted for the chicken mole and my boyfriend got the carnitas. The chicken mole - outstanding. The sauce was earthy and sweet and slightly spicy and just a beautiful combination of flavors. My beans and rice tasted fresh and homemade too. And the fresh, homemade corn tortillas - amazing. The carnitas were every bit as tasty, I'm not sure which I liked better. Solid 5/5 for the food, absolutely no complaints. I believe I've found my new favorite Mexican restaurant. We will definitely be back and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place! read more

Yum yum yum. Such good authentic Mexican food. Delicious sopas and tacos. Great service every single time. Worth a drive from a Oly any day of the week. read more

Awesome quick service and authentic food. Refreshing to find delicious and wholesome food on the road. And vegan choices too. Highly recommend! read more

Wow! Such delicious and authentic food! The people and the place are adorable, warm, colorful--just impressive! We had the carnitas and tacos de bistek. Both were yum! The homemade tortillas were perfectly turned out--just enough crisp and softness. No chips (and I am a lover of chips!) but didn't care. They serve a fresh relish instead. Everything was incredible. We ended with flan-oy!!!!!! We're going back for the adobado tacos and the mole tomorrow! Although I really want to also try their sopes and all of their soup! Decisions, decisions! read more

I just got done eating here with the ball and chain and kid. It was delicious! I highly recommend the carnitas. My wife got the chile relleno which was also excellent. My kid got a quesadilla with a side of rice and beans that was also great. I was looking for a restaurant that wasn't at the Great Wolf Lodge where we're staying. I'm always up for Mexican food with great ingredients. read more

La Tarasca - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Excellent food! Stopped here on our way down I-5 to Oregon and loved the chance to eat authentic Mexican family recipe food. We met the owner and of course ordered the Carnitas and the Pollo Mole. Best handmade corn tortillas I have had in a long while. read more

Delicious!!! We came here while staying at Great Wolf Lodge - the food was really good. Their tortillas are the best! And those pickled carrots - yummy! P.S. Try their Hibiscus ice tea - you will love it. read more

Amazing Mexican food and drinks! Loved the Tamarindo ( drink) and fresh tacos. The con mole and chicken tamales so great as well

You there were 10 stars, that would be my rating for this restaurant! The family owners stay true to their roots - serving authentic Michoacan food that is to die for. They use their own family recipes, prepared with love and care. This restaurant is better than most in Mexico (have traveled fairly extensively there, so I know.) Where to start? The homemade tortillas are out of this world - freshly home made heavenly goodness. It's worth a trip to this place for the tortillas alone. You'll never forget them, and odds are you will be disappointed from now on with the tortillas you get anywhere else. All varieties of the tacos - pork, beef, etc. are absolutely delicious. Paired with those home made tortillas, just the best. The pork carnitas is the best I have had anywhere, including restaurants in Mexico that specialize in carnitas. Chile Rellenos are unique, authentic and scrumptious. Poblano (not Anaheim) chiles stuffed with queso fresco and fried in egg batter. No sauce on top, which is great because then you can appreciate and enjoy the taste of the chile much better, The daily special is usually a treasured family recipe, unique and delicious. Seriously, you could just go in and order anything blind, no worries, you will be happy with your dish. Staff is friendly, courteous and accommodating for any special needs, e.g. vegan diet, large parties, etc. Centralia is sooooooo lucky to have this restaurant right here in town. It is not only a treasure for our community, but it is worth driving from a long distance to enjoy a meal here. I can just take a lunch break, drive down the street and I'm there (which usually happens at least twice a month, sometimes once a week!) La Tarasca provides you with a truly wonderful and memorable dining experience. You are missing out if you don't try this place, at least once! read more

a lot to like here. great food, fast and friendly service. THE BEST Verde sauce EVER! You could dip anything into this stuff and love it. The pickled carrots are excellent too! read more

Great food, lovely staff, welcoming and clean! We will be back!! We had Carnitas and Chile Riano's - they were both wonderful!

Are you RUNNING to this place right now? Go! Corre! We stopped here because of Yelp and this is a perfect example of why Yelp is amazing. No frills, no un-authentic dishes. This place is run by a bunch of women standing 5 feet tall in authentic Mexican dress and Nike running shoes. They make Michoacán dishes like pork carnitas. The tamales were steaming HOT when they came out of the kitchen. Like I said, strap on your Nikes and RUN to La Tarasca. PS. No chips and salsa (you won't miss them). read more

La Tarasca - One carnitas sope and one tamal. - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington