We took a quick pit stop on our road trip based of the extensive recommendations and online reviews. Colorful, lively interior, staff was friendly enough. We ordered the house specialty, the carnitas, and we found them below average at best (very dry). It was a good size portion but kinda pricey for what it was (around $22.00). The taste of the horchata was good but slightly grainy. Don't anticipate complimentary chips at the table. Salsa and pickled carrots were provided. read more

La Tarasca - Carnitas (house specialty) - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Here's another place that I discovered because of Yelp. I don't make it to Centralia often, but now I feel like I want to visit more often due to La Tarasca. It's not the typical type of Mexican restaurant you see around our area, which is one of the reasons it stands out so much. The food is absolutely fresh and delicious! I ordered ala carte, a chille relleno, taco adobada, and rice/beans. The relleno was fresh and tasty, the taco was amazing. My mom ordered a Chicken tamale and a tostada and we couldn't believe how much chicken the tamale had. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area or passing by on I-5. read more

La Tarasca - Chille Relleno, taquito tarasco, rice & beans. So delicious!! - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

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I can't say enough how amazing this food was. The people there that served us were very attentive to their customers. It was neat to walk in and see all the decor from the region where they're from. read more

La Tarasca - Pollo con mole - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

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Perfect. It's right off the highway which is a plus, but even if you had to go out of your way, go! There's so much to love this might sound silly. But bear with me because I'll talk about the food last. The bathrooms were bright and sparkling clean. Clean bathrooms? The entire restaurant was bright and sparkling clean!!!! The plants were healthy, the decor was what could have been "kitschy Mexican" but it wasn't tired and overdone; the colorful decor had well chosen, adorable items. We're still doing takeout from Covid and thought we might have to eat in the car, but on this gorgeous warm evening, the (sparkling clean) picnic tables out front surrounded by a cute fence (with geckos) and flowers was a delight and actually reminded us of Zihuatanejo! The outside seating is actually reserved for people who prefer take-out and we had the garden patio to ourselves. Inside was pretty full but even still, it felt airy and... clean! The meal: My husband and I shared the Carnitas Plate and each had a taco. Our son had four tacos with beans and rice. As I bit into the adabado taco I said,"this might just be the best bite of Mexican food I've ever had anywhere!" It was sort of sweet and spicy, tender, moist and flavorful. It reminded me of what Mexican bbq might be. The carnitas plate had about 6 large chunks of very tender but not so (over) cooked that they'd become shredded. The flavor actually was quite delicious but had it had a sauce of some kind I think it would have been better. The plate came with rice and beans, and while both were fresh and tasty, neither was exciting or special. It also came with little condiments and homemade tortillas. The tortillas were fluffy and soft and they were so generous we didn't eat them all. The shredded chicken taco was cooked well but pretty boring. The portions were plentiful and in fact we didn't finish all we ordered. We left feeling content, full, but not at all bloated. One reason might be we didn't stuff ourselves with chips and salsa while waiting (as they don't serve chips!) another is they don't fill up the dishes with beans and rice instead of good quality (not fatty) meat. Heads up: they don't have flour tortillas or burritos. What they do have is very authentic and well prepared, and it feels healthy. Oh that adabado!!!! read more

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I was on a drive back to portland and decided to stop for Mexican. I guess everyone expects Chips and Salas but that's not an option here. My friend wasn't happy for the lack but I'm ok, it's just filler. They do give you some salsa and pickled carrots. Like the other reviewers said, food is from Michoacán and the owner tries to bring you her food from her hometown to the next level. I ordered the carnitas plate which were good with three homemade soft pliable thin corn tortillas and rice and beans. Usually I'm not a big fan of retried beans but these were really tasty and the pork was good, a little sweet. I thought the food was pretty good and the service was very efficient. I would definitely stop here again if I'm in the area. read more

La Tarasca - a plate of rice, beans, and meat - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Amazing food and excellent service ... and did I mention amazing food. We went out of our way to come to La Tarasca, based upon a friend's recommendation. We will certainly return any time we are in the area. A quaint and authentic restaurant, with lots of charm and amazing food. read more

This charming family run restaurant has been serving the best mole in the Pacific Northwest for decades. The food has always been consistently excellent, the servers are friendly, attentive, and efficient, and the menu has never strayed from its roots in Michoacán. I have always hesitated to review my very favorite places because, well, frankly, I don't want them to go viral and morph into something else altogether. Some secrets are worth keeping. The Pollo en Mole at La Tarasca is one of my most epic secrets. I'm going to gamble on their track record here, and tell you this secret, because after all these years of reviewing on Yelp, it seems a bit unfair to this family not to shout it to the world. I would drive for many hours just for a plate of their mole (and I have). And if you think I'm just some ignorant gabacha who doesn't know anything about it, I spent a full month in Puebla, the birthplace of this dish, educating my palate. Don't drive past Centralia without stopping here. read more

I would just eat here. The food is great. It ain't Central Valley food. The food is from Michoacán home of Carnitas which is their signature dish. It's true they don't sell chips but chipotle does if that is your preference. The tortillas are the bomb. Homemade and delicious. The rice and beans are legit. Perfectly made like someone might make at home. Not fancy but spiced right and delicious. They staff are friendly and if you are new, they will walk you through their menu and signature dish which is course Carnitas and my favorite. Sorry no picture but I ate them fast. read more

La Tarasca - Carnitas with rice and beans. A Negra Modelo on the side! - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

If you've never had authentic mole then run, don't walk, to La Tarasca in Centralia. All of the food here is wonderful and the lovely people that own and run this funky and friendly place make you feel part of the family from the first instant. If you're on your way to the ocean from Seattle or Tacoma this is an easy place to make a stop for lunch or for some take-out to enjoy at your lodging. The food is top-notch and very authentic Michoacan food and your server will be happy to tell you all about it! Our dishes were served up quick and hot by our server clad in colorful wear from the region. I had the mole which is served cloaking a tender chicken thigh and a side of creamy beans and savory rice. Those help to cool the subtle heat of the sauce but if you like it hot, like I do, get a side of roasted jalapeños too. I loved scooping up the sauce, chicken, rice and beans with the fresh tortillas and cleaned the plate. I felt the burn for an hour after, in the best way! Do not miss this place! read more

La Tarasca - I couldn't resist taking a close-up of the glossy goodness which is the complex mole. - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

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The food was amazing. It is now my go to for Mexico food. The pozole soup, tamale, and carnitas was like the best. Service was incredibly fast. The servers were friendly and knowledgeable about the food they served. The restaurant was clean and nicely decorated fiesta style. read more

Ambiance and service were adequate, but the food is very inadequate. Little to no seasoning no salt pepper. Nothing. The person that took our order hyped up everything to be greatly seasoned and flavorful. The carnitas are the specialty but were very underwhelming. 80 dollars for 3 people and did not deliver half that. read more

We love supporting our local restaurants and give everyone a fair chance, or two, or three! However, the food doesn't compare to the Mexican restaurants of Los Angeles, for example. Everyone has a bad day, but we got mediocre service everytime and frankly the prices are way high. To price might be justified if the taste of the food reflected it. The restaurant is pleasant but you can sit outside ONLY if you order take out. Couple with no chips/salsa it really loses its appeal. read more

La Tarasca - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

We visit La Tarasca as often as we can. The sisters (servers) recognize us every time we visit and know our typical orders. The tortillas are delicious. The tamales have a very good flavor. My favorite is always the rice and beans. The restaurant is small but the food comes quickly. The decor is inviting and it is always a nice experience. We are originally from the Central Valley of CA (near Stockton/Modesto) and our favorite is still in Stockton. However, La Tarasca is one of the best, most flavorful and authentic Mexican restaurants in western WA. They have delicious salsa but I don't think they need tortilla chips to fill you up like the other places do. Their food isn't cheese covered, sauce laden globs of grease. Yes, I do crave that once in a while but not when I want to have a very authentic meal. read more

I don't want to sound like many of the other top rated reviewers but .....excellent! Homemade is the key word, too. Every thing I have tried has been very delicious- like I'd Chile verde and the Chile Colorado. Today I wanted a simple lunch made up of a chorizo taco, a pork taco and their special tamale of the day. The tortillas are homemade and fresh. The salsa was great addition to a quesadilla. Finished off with a perfect flan. Service was friendly with a beautiful smile (eyes) since we are still in this COVID state of mind. A must come back and highly recommended. read more

I thought it was tasty but my honey said it was awful. I got the Carnitas and he got the Enchiladas with chicken. He said his chicken was so dry that he could barely cut it with a knife. I tried a bite, he's right, it was tough as nails. The pork in mine wasn't that bad, I ate it all. He was disappointed that there wasn't any burrito options on the menu and no chips and salsa just those pickled carrots. Again I kinda liked the carrots but he does not like pickled anything. The service was ok. Not the friendliest but ok. The place is small with a line out the door. Our bill came to $54 dollars for the two meals plus some tortillas, no beverages, before tip. He almost had a heart attack when it arrived. So no return visit for us here. read more

So delicious! Amazing food, great service, one of the best dining experiences I had in a while. Perfect road stop between Seattle and Portland read more

La Tarasca - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

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Holy crap, was this place amazing! I've eaten plenty of Mexican food around the US including right across the border of Mexico and this was up there with the best I've eaten. Their mole was so flavorful. Their house made tortillas were also perfection. They made the best hard shell taco shells I've had by far. Really, everything was excellent. My cousin who has been to Mexico said this was just as good. I made sure to come again before I left from my visit with family who live in town. They said people they know drive well out of their way to come to La Tarasca! I could taste why. Even the rice and beans were mind blowing! Do yourself a favor and don't leave without trying the flan! Melt in your mouth creaminess! Only had one other flan that was as good as this one. read more

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This place is legit and probably as good as restaurants in California. There's definitely some regional dishes you may not find in other restaurants. I come here for the Chili Colorado all the time. Very well seasoned and you can ask for it to be real spicy. Hella good. They don't have chips but I think there's an inside joke somewhere lolo. I've been here with groups as large as 12 or with a party of two. It's a small place but I try to get as many to visit as much as possible. You couldn't think a place like Centralia would have such a gem! read more

We came here with high expectations and while the food wasn't bad they didn't really live up to the hype. The place is pretty basic inside. Wouldn't tables wouldn't chairs? Not particularly comfortable? The service is great. The prices aren't bad. I'd recommend the chicken tamales. They were pretty good. The carnitas special that they have a lot of hype about didn't live up to the hype. In my opinion it was pretty pretty dry. Even though they're not Tex-Mex, I think it would be a great idea to consider adding chips and salsa to their table service. The green salsa was very tasty. In my opinion the house may tortillas also very good. Worth a shot but not going out of your way to find it read more

I really enjoyed the food everytime I've been here. The Mole was absolutely wonderful, the owners are absolutely wonderful, and service was absolutely wonderful. This place is a place definitely worth checking out. read more

This place was awesome! My chili verde was so good. The meat was tender and the verde was perfectly spiced! I love leaving warmer than when I arrive. The chili relleno was also really really good but I unfortunately only got to try 1 bite! It will probably be what I order for myself next time! Friendly staff that took time to chat and make sure the experience was enjoyable! Pretty decent selection of beers! Seemed to be Covid concerned still as well which I find to be relieving! Clean inside and the bathroom wasn't gross at all. Overall 10/10 Thanks for the fabulous dinner! read more

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Passing through and took a little detour off the freeway for this spot. We took a little gamble and it paid off. It's a small restaurant but packed with color and very nice people. Having moved from Oregon to Seattle so many years ago I never could find Mexican food that reminded me of my home. Well, I've found it! Everything was delicious and the homemade corn tortillas are just how I remember my mom making. The decor reminds me of all the kitschy things we used to get on visits to Mexico but make the place what it is. Prices are reasonable and you'll definitely have left overs! read more

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Great great great customer service. Food was tasty and the flan and horchata were traditionally made. I would recommend to try this place at least once. We are from L.A and came by to try their gluten free homemade corn tortillas, yummy! My husband is from Michoacán, Sahuayo and the owners are from a nearby Pueblo so it was nice getting to know them. read more

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

Delicious homemade horchata and tortillas. There are outside tables but no outside service. You order to go if you want to sit outside.

Visiting from Central California and found this gem! The environment is causal and family friendly, clean, and staff friendly. My order was Chile verde which was fresh and delicious & tortillas were served hot! My friend had a la cart tacos which she also enjoyed. I was not disappointed by the substitute of usually chips and salsa provided at most Mexican restaurants prior to ordering. Instead there pickled carrots and salsa verde were served which did not disappoint! Glad we came across this spot because it was a pleasant surprise! read more

I have to say..... I deeply fully with every fiber of my being disagree with anyone that gives this place less than 5 stars! THIS FOOD IS HEAVENLY! The carnitas, adobada tacos, the tostadas, the soups are ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. They make fresh, homemade tortillas which are truly divine. read more

I wasn't that impressed. First, they don't serve chips and salsa! For me this was a HUGE disappointment. I was traveling through with my family and we decided on this place because of the reviews. After unloading all of my kiddos I read the no chips served sign on the front door. If it wasn't for having to load all four of my kids back up and find another place I would have left. I LOVE chips and good salsa so this was not a good start. Second, the food was mediocre. I am from the Central Valley in CA so there is an abundance of authentic and excellent Mexican food. I have yet to find a place in WA that compares. I ordered the enchiladas and chicken. The enchiladas were filled with your choice of potatoes or beans which was new for me. I didn't really care for either. I would have preferred a meat or just plain cheese. The enchilada sauce wasn't bad hence the 3 star rating. My chicken consisted of a breast and drumstick. The drumstick was ok but the breast was WAY too dry! My husband ordered the Carnitas, which was their specialty. He wasn't impressed. I think we are just spoiled after having many options in CA. I don't quite see the appeal, but I only ate here once. I wouldn't come back. read more

Such great food. The carnitas were outstanding, the mole chicken was out of this world and not like anything I've had before. We ordered tamales, roasted jalapeños, flan, and horchata and all of it was the best in the northwest. There's no doubt this is a well run establishment by a fiercely proud family that takes pride in their food and their service. See other reviews for pics of food i just dropped this review to get the stars up. Blows my mind anyone would leave less than a 5 star review on this place. Mahalo! It was excellent! read more

Absolutely delicious! Authentic Mexican food made fresh! Homeade tortillas and the chili Verde is mouth watering!!

Not the cheapest place in the world, but super delicious flavors and fantastic service in a small and quaint place - highly recommend.

Homemade corn tortillas ! Great service and very pleasant waitress. Menu had good variety. Don't come expecting the same menus as other Mexican restaurants. They have a very diverse menu. Menudo was outstanding. Do pass up on the flan, it is the best ever. read more

La Tarasca - Counter area. - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

This place is a must! The best Mexican food we've had in a very long time. My husband had the chile relleno and it was fantastic as well. Authentic deliciousness. Get the flan for dessert! Very friendly servers too. read more

La Tarasca - Enchiladas with chicken - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

We both ordered the Carnitas House Specialty. Came with house pico de gallo, rice, warm homemade corn tortillas and homemade refried beans. Pretty much perfect, this place was recommended and I can see why. Warm, friendly service. Will be a regular choice for us from now on. read more

La Tarasca - the interior of a mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

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The food was absolutely delicious! They have the best mole, tamale, carnitas and fresh tortilla. The service was best in class. Can't wait to go back soon. read more

I went here this last weekend with my family who have gluten and celiac issues. The food was wonderful. The dining experience was very authentic and the owner came over and talked about her country and was really passionate about their food. Ordered the Carnitas and my daughter's boyfriend ordered the chicken molle.... My grandson who is not even 2 never eats hardly anything and he devoured the rice and the chicken out of his taco. It was a very fun lunch and we left very satisfied. read more

Had been here in the past based on the recommendation of friends of ours who are from mexico. Once again we were not disappointed. Food was fantastic, the corn tortillas were arguably the best I've had. The chili verde was also delicious. Highly recommend this place if you're in the area or passing through. read more

Amazing!!! Friendly people and amazing food!!! Very fast delivery to your table and amazing food o read more

La Tarasca - Soft chicken tacos with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Centralia, Washington

Simlpy the best most authentic place in the entire Northwest. Family owned since it s opening we are lucky to have such a delightful experience here in a small town. read more

The food was so delicious, and the service was quick and friendly. Everything tastes fresh and homemade, and the restaurant is pretty. If you ever make a stop in Centralia and make your way to La Tarasca, you won't regret it! I ordered horchata, adobada tacos, and the capirotada so yummy! read more

This might be the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. On top of the passive aggressive attitude of the servers I don't think I have ever experienced something as bad as this. 1. No chips served at the table. We asked and the response was as rude as the food! Terrible. 2. The tacos consisting of boiled chicken were wet. The tacos were soggy and lifeless. No flavor. This was Taco Bell on the worse day at best. The taco was dripping with water and the lack of flavor sent the taco spiraling down into the drain. I love tacos and I could not stomach this one. No taste. Zero flavor. Nothing. 3. Ask for a side of rice and beans. You get a spoonful of each and for 4 bucks you can get so much more and better down the street. If you are looking for a Mexican food place while traveling up or down I-5 I would avoid this place like the plague. Its simply terrible. read more