Mezcaleria Oaxaca
422 E Pine St, Seattle, WA, 98122
Mezcaleria Oaxaca Menu
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Address :
422 E Pine St
Seattle, WA, 98122 - Phone (206) 324-0506
- Website https://www.mezcaleriaoaxaca.com/MO_CapitolHill/MO_CHill_home.html
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 12:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Kittiya P.
First visit. Was there for a friend's bachelorette dinner a couple nights ago. I was a little bummed that chips were not complementary. Chips and guacamole was $6. Pricey. I had Tequila Caliente (spicy margarita) and Gringas. Both were awesome. The portion was quite small. I really wanted more food. Kudos to our waiter. We ordered a round of tequila to start. Our waiter was super thoughtful and brought a shot of water with salt and lime for our pregnant friend. He went above and beyond for our group photos.
(4)James H.
What a great location. The food is off the charts and the staff super friendly and knowledgeable. The rooftop kicks butt and is a nice change from sitting inside. Go to this place and no matter what you try you will enjoy :0)
(5)Camille L.
My darling Besty (best brother in the world) took me here for HH to start celebrating my birthday and I always have the best time with him. He takes me to the best places like this and always so generous (love this person So much)! We had our dinner and now up on the roof having our staple drink that we have all the time. He got his Bourbon and coke. I like my Bourbon and whiskey as well but tonight, I got my Margarita since we're doing Mexican tonight. Just he and I... We were the first ones for HH and now, ppl are rolling in. It's really nice here up on the roof on Pine St. Pretty trendy but yet not so expensive. Nice intimate open area with long wood benches and feel-at-home vibe. Super clean! I love it! This place has a full bar and a restaurant in the bottom for intimate dining. Staff, super friendly and have wonderful smile. Next stop? NY City!
(4)Jason J.
One of the best additions to the pine Pike corridor in a long time. With an ounce standing menu down below and even more outstanding rooftop patio deck with great staff you're sure not to go wrong. Rumor has it that they'll be adding a food truck to the top of the roof top since there will be a full selection of different items that are not available in the restaurant itself. The bar staff and the wait staff have always been friendly and always willing to give you a suggestion on a new cocktail or a new item that you may have not thought about on the menu. And even if its not on the menu and they have the ingredients don't go out of their way to make it for you!
(4)Monica S.
Great view from the rooftop, but it definitely needs some better decor! It looks like someone just decided to add a bar on the roof, put a wood stopper in the door, and call everyone up for drinks! The drinks are strong, which is obviously a plus! Overall, not a bad place, but not my favorite in Seattle either.
(2)Jen L.
3 stars for food. minus 1 star for bar staff. At the bar on the roof, the guy, who i guess is a bartender assistant, is arrogant and unhospitable. He took the order and money without making any eye contact and without an explanation, we waited... and waited. We assumed that the other guy was the only bartender and who knows what this guy is here for. After several minutes and no communication, we asked for money back to go somewhere else (as there are several places that make margaritas within 2 blocks . ..and they are better). nope, assistant guy said the drink was being made though we were clear we wanted to leave. For $8 for a poor quality margarita + cocky bartender assistant... pass! not worth it here given the variety of other better mexican places.
(2)Claudine M.
I like this place. I came for HH with some friends the other night and sat in the bar. The bartender was friendly and accommodating and tried to emulate a cocktail I had described to him even though he didn't have all the ingredients. It turned out a little too stiff for my liking, so he took it back and made alterations, and boom. I later spotted a jar of tamarind candy straws in the bar, and I am a huge sucker for these things. I asked for a michelada just so I could have a tamarind candy straw for the night. Happy happy, joy joy. We ordered some chips and guacamole, which were $5 altogether during HH if I'm not mistaken. The chips were so fresh and warm when they arrived! They had the right amount of salt. The guac was okay -- it was simple, nothing special. I like to taste bolder lime and cilantro flavors in my guac, and this didn't have that. They have an unlimited salsa bar, which was needing refills at the time of our visit. We didn't get much out of it, but the salsa roja had a deep, garlicky flavor, which I loved. I ordered al pastor tacos and shrimp tacos. They were both good -- not wow-good, but good. The pork in the al pastor was nice and tender, and I caught a few tidbits of pineapple, but the overall flavor was a little weak. If I'd been able to get enough salsa roja from the salsa bar, it might've helped. Same with the shrimp. The ambience was nice. Music wasn't too loud, and we could talk comfortably. The decor was modern with a touch of cultural Mexico, i.e. traditional beer-jugs and a crucifix. I really enjoyed that. I can't wait to come on the rooftop this summer and just sit there and drink and try more food all evening.
(3)Jessica H.
Word of advice: Don't mess with a girl and her guac. I was given the smallest portion of guacamole I have ever had in my whole life. It was legendarily abysmal. For $5 for chips and guacamole I received guacamole in a tiny ketchup container that was half full. And half of that was diced tomatoes. So upsetting. Never coming back. Not even because they have a nice rooftop area. About a block away at Fogon, for the same price you can get a small dish of delicious, minimally tomatoized guac and chips. Go there and be happy :)
(1)Megan Y.
I visited this place with a large group of friends on a Friday night. There is a large bar with decent bartenders. They specialize in tequila-based drinks (no surprise) as well as some concoctions I've never heard of before. My friend tried the La Oaxaqueña, a mixed drink with a large stick of tamarind in it. Crazy cool but also very spicy. I would stick with the bar side of he establishment as the dining area is always very busy. We waited over an hour for a table, there was 10 of us to be fair, but they were really disorganized with giving us a clear wait time. Food is pretty run of the mill. They have lots of options for Mexican food, but nothing really wow'ed me. The chicken in my quesadillas was a little dry. Also, they do not split checks for a large group which is an inconvenience. Unfortunately, they don't tell you this at the beginning of your order either, so just keep that in mind. We tried to have the waitress charge items to individual cards, but a few of us got double charged or charged for the wrong dishes. Yikes! Overall, I think if they are just a bit more organized on the management side of things, this is a great place to hangout on Cap Hill. It's in a prime location for venturing out to other bars after, too.
(3)Jennie C.
Not too impressed by their rooftop food or service. Expensive and mediocre. Only redeeming point is the sun shining down.
(3)Paul D.
Wow $5 chips and guacamole, holy crap it came with pico...deal of the century you say???!!! What is this "guacamole for ants, it's got to be three times as big!!!" -Derek Zoolander. I think they used a whole 1/16th of a very tiny avocado... Disappointment galore...but get a margarita, descent enough and 100 times bigger than the plastic cup of green stuff they served you!!!! Drinks yes, food no!!!!!!
(2)Christine V.
Really cool environment with big windows that open on sunny days! Small Happy hour menu and they have a salsa bar in the front. I think i'd rather hit up Fogon though. I like their food selection and their Happy hour is better!
(3)Joel A.
Out of all the Latino places I've come across in Seattle, especially at Capitol Hill, this place comes a close second to Fogon. You know you are eating good Oaxacan food when the rice and beans are are just as good as the main course. The margaritas aren't the best, and there is room for improvement. But the aesthetic and food is worth the trip of you crave natural south of the border food like bisteak. Honestly if you say piquitos is the best food on the hill you have no taste. And if your ordering bland food like quesadillas and not trying the more exotic stuff you have an awful palette and can't judge Latin dishes. Fogon and Mezcal are the place to be
(5)Ishea B.
So, I feel completely torn writing this review and putting it online because this is a restaurant I really enjoy and one which I've visited numerous times. With that being said, I know that having honest, well-rounded reviews on Yelp really does help people to choose the restaurant they want to check out. When I was here last week for happy hour, I was ending my meal when I took a bite of my food and bit into a staple. Yes... a STAPLE! An industrial size staple was in my food. I was in complete shock. We showed the staff what happened and they profusely apologized. They instantly said they'd take 50% off of our bill (we didn't ask for anything) and apologized some more. They then went to the kitchen to try and see where it could have come from, but nobody could figure it out. Thankfully my teeth were not damaged, I didn't cut my mouth, or swallow it... but you guys... there was a fucking STAPLE baked into my food. It was such a shock and disappointment that I'll never go back to the restaurant -- not because I don't like the food, but I can't roll the dice with whether or not there will be some foreign item in my food. I know that in the food industry things can happen and I've gone to this restaurant plenty of times with no incident. However, I can't ignore having a staple baked into my food. For that reason I had to update my review to 1 star. The food is still good. The service is still nice... but there is no price you can pay for peace of mind when you're eating... thus, 1 star due to having a staple in my food.
(1)Latifa S.
Oxacan me crazy!! I've been a fan of their original location for a while while now. It only natural that I'd like this place too! Best part about this location? Location!!!!!! Decor is mind blowing! It's all bright and open. For a clusters phobic, their other two locations are simply terrible. Ballard is great but I alway have trouble breathing in there with fumes! Queen Anne- a nightmare! So small, so close, so tight. Did I mention I'm a cluster phobic?? Yea! This place was built for me! Love- mescal bar upstair! The rooftop, the view, few tacos option. They usually don't serve up there but recently they've added a taco or two to accompany your libations. It's so bright and open! Another love- down stairs! Now that it is summer, the floor to ceiling windows are popped open. Sit at the bar area. It's almost like you're outside but on a nicer chair. Service: always fast and efficient! Last night, four waiters ran around to find me the hottest peppers they have in the restaurant! Teehe! So nice :) And when they did find it, they brought them up on a giant plate. And one of them actually ate with me too! Thanks Miguel!! Now food- this is where they lose a star or two for me. Perhaps I'm too used to their Lime Chilli, fish centric menus. This menu doesn't have seafood option for plates. It's all meat! Beef, pork or goat. I don't mind them but I'd really prefer a seafood or two after a few visits! I can always try the camarones in tacos but not the same! Mole- delish! They make the best! Carne esada- fresh and tasty. I can eat the whole plate! Goat stew- I like this. Not love but definitely like! Spicy margarita- yumm! Mescal cocktail- that was bomb! Looks pretty too! Over all, I enjoy this place! Food is made fresh to order almost right in front of you! It can get really busy but nothing a drink or two can't fix that wait time. Why 3 stars? Food factor. They are delish!! Love the good. Not the variety! I wish they'd bring the same items from their other places! Lime Chilli shrimp, seafood soup , halibut tacos etc! Then it would be a 5 stars all around!! But it's still worth a visit or 5! Rooftop bar, great cocktails! Perfect for Seattle Summer!
(3)Jackie T.
Service is incredibly slow here. If only the food was worth the wait. There was not a lot of flavor in the dishes we ordered. The chips had been salted but still had little flavor. My soup was served hot but was lacking any seasoning. Underwhelming experience.
(2)Jenni M.
We stopped in for late night happy hour last night. The happy hour prices seem to be some of the best on Capitol Hill. I had a $4 margarita on the rocks which was ok, nothing special. The chips and guacamole were on point - hot fresh chips and nice salty avocados. The salsa bar was fun but I've had better salsa before. I ordered the carne asada tacos which I enjoyed. The meat was nice and tender. The limes that came on the plate were dry so there wasn't much to squeeze onto the meat. The plate was $5 on happy hour and came with two tacos which was perfect for a late night snack. My fiancé ordered the taquitos which he said were ok but he liked the carne asada better. The spot is cute and has nice decorations. The staff was friendly. We will come back for a late night snack for sure!
(3)Tarlon K.
Yummy yummy! Tourists: Broadway is a popular street with a lot of great restaurants. This is one of them. The wait wasn't long and it was easy to find. After the chips and guac I was stuffed but the tacos de cameorones were amazing! There were three of them and they were fairly small but filling. It's not very expensive. It's about $8-15 a person just for food
(4)Luchenzo D.
Look, I have to deduct a star right off the bat because they do not offer complimentary chips. You can order a basket of chips and guac for $6, but you shouldn't. You are a sucker if you do. You are the Tootsie Pop and this business is that owl that just bites you and doesn't even enjoy having you. Note: I am not calling for the service staff to lick its patrons instead. I ordered the Tacos Dorados, which are fancier taquitos. The presentation was nice with the plate covered in sauce and drizzled with crema. Taste was good, though I would have liked a little kick to the seasoning or sauce. Not worth the lower food to price ratio compared to an average Mexican joint. It was pretty slow when we dined, and I feel for the server, but it's not quite good form to sit at the bar texting and eating whilst working a shift. They could have been giving me chips & salsa instead. I would have been so happy.
(2)Budy A.
This is one of my favorite Mexican places in Seattle, if you come here expecting giant Tex Mex portions and a plate full of melted cheese you will probably be disappointed. This is authentic Mexican Food, not Tex Mex! There is a big difference between the two. Maybe that's why this place only has three stars. A few words of advice: -Only drink upstairs on the balcony, food isn't as good up there - to reiterate: make sure you eat downstairs where there is a full menu! -the house margaritas fantastic although I wouldn't suggest more than two, they are very strong and this is coming from an experienced drinker -although there are no complimentary chips and salsa, they do have a salsa bar, so you can just order chips and the salsa is free -if you like spicy food and are ready for an adventure, try the goat plate! P.S. The only reason I don't give this place five stars is because the original la Carta Oaxaca in Ballard (same ownership) deserves the full 5 stars
(4)Jared M.
There's not a lot of rooftop bars in Seattle and this place has a pretty decent one. My one downfall is that the service takes forever.
(3)Erica M.
Came here for the first time and LOVED the rooftop bar. We went on Sunday- beers were just $3 each and we were so obsessed with the strawberry margaritas with strawberry salt rim. The Cadillac with the Grand Marnier packed a punch as well. They have happy hour all night on Sunday and from 5-7 on Monday- Thursday and 10pm to midnight from Monday to Saturday night. Great place for a big group on a nice day on the rootop!
(4)Shereen A.
Mezcaleria Oaxaca has a tasty secret. What draws me in second most about this place is the ambiance, not their food. While the food isn't bad, it's just more mainstream and I don't find it to be at the top of my list. I love the big open space, giant windows, awesome rooftop, bright lit photographs, the friendly staff, and decor of this place. Really well planned with not a dull place to look. If you've ever had a Michelada, you'll know what deliciousness I'm about to discuss. In Mexico, depending on where you are, it's made with a sour, fresh tamarind base mixed with tomato and if you choose, a cerveza. My absolute favorite thing about this place is the tamarind straw. A small detail that's not advertised on the menu, just a subtle bonus when you order the drink it comes with. I noticed these in a cup off to the side at the bar on a crowded night. Of course my eyes lit up and I ordered whatever drink I could to get this with. So, when you order a Michelada, you'll receive this straw with fresh tamarind molded around it and a dust of spice. Not only will this compliment your spicy drink (the heat is legit!), the longer it sits in your drink the better. The tamarind takes on this sweet flavor with the most delectable chew. I guarantee if you're a tamarind fanatic like myself (seriously a sucker for fresh tamarind), you'll order 100 more of these just for the straw. I freaking love this. Of everything else I've tried, I like the pescado tacos the best. Has a nice kick and pretty flavorful. Carne asada I found to be quite bland and not spicy at all. Goat curry is decent. The homemade tortillas though, eat those. Of all their locations, I prefer this one the best. All y'all don't come here and eat up all the straws. Leave some for me!
(4)Josh P.
I live very close to capitol hill and have walked by here multiple times. I finally decided to try this place and was surprised with how good the food was. The culture of this place was a bit co fusing at first but I appreciate it now. Its a fancy place with casual attire that has a a self service salsa bar with GOOD salsa, something you don't always find.
(4)zippy d.
Trendy (not the good kind) "mexican" food owned and tan by white folk but at least they have mexicans in the front of hiuse to make it legit. Want guacamole and chips? $8 and you get 2 tablespoons of it, so you can dip the tip of your chip in only. Prices are insane for what you get. Take a one block walk up or down and there are two excellent mexican restraunts owned and operated by mexican americans and authentic and cheap
(1)Marc M.
My first visit to Mezcaleria Oaxaca gave me the impression that I will want to come back and experience even more of what they have to offer. The first thing I noticed about this place is the lively, hustle and bustle atmosphere that manages to stay just on the right side of upbeat and fun. Split into two very distinct sections, there is the dining area which features full tables, window seating, and a counter bar which is where I sat mainly because it features great views of the open kitchen. It was fun witness the line cooks doing their thing and kind of fascinating to watch the young lady whose sole job it was to turn out a never ending supply of fresh, hand made tortillas. When it came time to order, In stayed on the conservative side and ended up with what essentially was 3 food truck style carne asada tacos and 3 mini quesadillas filled with chorizo and cheese. While the flavors in the tacos were outstanding, the extremely miniature size left a little something to be desired. Also, when I first bit into the burritas, the chorizo was a real highlight, but once I get about halfway into the second of the three, I wasn't enjoying them nearly as much. Either something was missing or maybe its just not a dish meant to be eaten by one person. Don't get me wrong, both items were good, they just each had flaws that kept them from really standing out. Earlier, I mentioned how I really want to come back and the main reason is for some of the other dishes I saw being prepared in the kitchen like the pork ribs or the lamb dish that looked pretty amazing. I would also like to come here with a of friends and without my car as the bar area seems tailor made for groups ready to throw down on they drink menu which includes a variety of Mezcals and a few different types of flights which are always great for trying out stuff you may never have otherwise thought of. That being said, I still have a good time by myself and, while the food didn't blow me away, I was impressed with the overall quality of the restaurant and I firmly believe Mezcaleria Oaxaca could become a mainstay of the Capitol Hill bar scene.
(4)Nate S.
Fish tacos were great. Quesadilla Fritas would've been great except that they were fried in soybean oil. Sadly all their food that's fried is cooked in soybean oil. I would've given them 5stars if not for that. Sangria had a great taste and a little kick to it. Late night happy hour starts at 10pm FYI.
(4)Straker C.
I agree with others. Great space and bartenders, but the food is a major ripoff (at least upstairs). We had creviche with rock solid avocados, and the guacamole is so small I couldn't even believe it. To top it off, it's not good (again, hard, chunky avocados). Go for drinks, but eat elsewhere.
(3)Jenn C.
Good food better atmosphere. Strong drinks. I'm sold
(5)Dana R.
The food here is better than at Fogon and La Cocina Oaxaquena but the service is just okay. Our server was not a very good communicator and then I had to go ask him when we wanted things (adding things to the order, ordering additional drinks, getting water) as he was often standing over by the pass talking with other employees. I like the atmosphere -- however, there are more bar-type seats than tables, and the counter at the kitchen bar is very low, so it's easy to wrap your kneecaps when getting on the stool. Nice big windows on east side of restaurant that roll up on nice days. There is a salsa bar (a table) much like La Cocina Oaxaquena, but none of the salsa is on ice here -- its at room temperature. The salsas are much more flavorful and well-seasoned here. My husband and I both enjoyed our meals. We'll be back!
(4)Chryst'l S.
I've noticed several Latin American-inspired spots open up down Pine Ave. recently, and so far Mezcaleria Oaxaca has never disappointed. When you were born and raised in SoCal and move to the PNW, you yearn for fresh Mexican food worthy of your taste buds. I've only tried their prawn tacos, carne asada tacos and chicken mole, but boy do they deliver! The prawns are succulent and fresh and come with some slaw topping that brings the flavors together wrapped up in a homemade corn tortilla. The carne asada tacos are fresh and flavorful. The mole sauce is delicious with the chicken, and I can't stop thinking about the rice! We ate here on a Saturday night and our food made it to us in less than 10 minutes. The drinks deserve their own review. They are delicious! If you're a big fan of tequila and mezcal - and I mean GOOD tequila and mezcal, not the $15 bottle of Jose Quervo you use to get drunk at college parties - then this place is a must. Not only do they have an expansive selection of tequila and mezcal (it's in the name, after all...) but they've got a menu of cocktails for tequila AND cocktails with mezcal! The bartender's marg and chili pep marg hit the spot if you're having "that kind of night." Oh and did I mention there's a free fresh salsa bar? You're welcome.
(4)Candi K.
Been coming here a lot because my gbf keeps wanting margaritas. So of course I can't say no because I'm a lush. They also have a good micholada (sp?) which is beer with tomato juice, other stuff and a yummy sweet tamarind stick that adds spice. Yummy. Their chips and guacamole is good but portions are so small. I love guac. I do love that their chips do come out hot (my other friend burnt her tongue) Lol. I've tried a few dishes but the Carne asada Plato is my fav.
(4)Patrick M.
Good food. Great atmosphere. Actual people from Oaxaca running the place. I'll definitely come back...hopefully soon!
(4)Aaron H.
I dare you to ask Craig about anything related to Mezcal... He was very knowledgeable even when my group of 5 picked his brain, he was unphased, answering all our questions. The service was great and I now prefer Mezcal over Tequila. Best Mexican on the Hill.
(5)Christopher S.
Easily the best sit-down Mexican food on the Hill. Everything I've had has been delicious, from the chips and salsa (Salsa Bar, WOO!) to the chicken, beef and seafood-based dishes (their take on a shrimp cocktail is something else). Ingredients look and taste fresh, service is always super friendly and fast. My girlfriend always comments about how much she loves the servers! If you're looking for super-authentic Mexican, I suggest getting on a plane and heading to Mexico. This is Washington State and the reality is we're going to get Americanized versions of ethnic food. If you want a SUPER tasty meal that's a GREAT value... hit this place up.
(4)Ninette C.
I had pretty high expectations since everyone told me Le Carta de Oaxaca was amazing but even if I came in with no expectations, this place was not a win. My friend and I wandered in here for dinner. The first thing I noticed on the menu is that chips and guac are $6. We passed. My friend ordered a margarita and chicken mole and I got the vegetarian quesadilla and sangria. The food and drinks came very quickly which was cool. So I ordered the quesadilla because they said the tostada was crunchier than the quesadilla. Ummm the quesadilla was still crunchy...way too crunchy. Also, the vegetables listed on the menu are there....as in, they sprinkle a spare amount on top of the cheese quesadilla. The quesadilla didn't cut well and the texture of the whole thing was just off. It also needed more sauce. It turns out there's a self-serve salsa area to the side, but nobody told us so I just tried to spread my sparse white sauce on the quesadilla. Now I know meat is really the La Carta de Oaxaca folks' thing but my friend wasn't impressed by his chicken mole either. He thought the chicken was ok. The rice and tortilla were good. My friend's house margarita was terrible! I never had a bad margarita before until now but there was not enough mix and it tasted rancid. It was so bad we sent it back and he ordered a sangria like me. The sangria was the highlight of the meal- strong, refreshing and not-too-sweet. The downside was that it was $9, making it more expensive than my $8 quesadilla. Another thing I liked about this spot is the ambiance. They had opened all the floor to ceiling windows which was really nice. I like the two bars/open kitchen set up where you can sit all around it. Seems like a good spot for drinks. I didn't notice many big tables so it might not be good for groups. We didn't have the same problems with service as other reviewers, but due to its subpar food, drinks and prices, I'm sorry to say we will not be returning to Mezcaleria Oaxaca.
(2)Karen S.
Best. Chicken. Mole. Ever. Small portions but super filling and satisfying!
(4)Mihai P.
Very good looking place. Food portions are quite small, but reasonably priced. I've been here a couple of times and I can't say I was ever impressed by the food. The rooftop terrace is nice.
(3)Georgie M.
I went here on a Thursday evening for dinner with a friend. In terms of the ambiance place is a much more swankier contemporary iteration of the original Ballard restaurant. It definitely adds onto the ambiance of the place and definitely adds to the energy of the place. The place was bustling with activity and all around me there were lively conversations and people in general having a good time. The food was great and I especially enjoyed the open salsa bar which was a great plus. For food we ordered the carne asada plato - beef steak served over a bed of beans and rice with tortillas, guacamole, and sour cream and the tacos carne asada which were delicious too. For drinks we ordered the the house margarita and the tequila caliente margarita. I especially recommend the caliente margarita. Overall I had a good time dining here and would definitely be back soon.
(4)Kim N.
Oh yes, this treasure could be one of our favorite places in the world. The setting: The bartenders are knowledgable and helpful in treating you with the best selection of Mezcal. A trio of women make the house tortillas, the salsa bar gives you the feeling of home, and the fresh tortilla chips makes me think all is fresh and made to order. Spatial design is welcoming and the open kitchen is intriguing. The guacamole is delicious, and even tho we haven't eaten our main course, I feel compelled to write this yelp review to share the joy ASAP. Check it out!
(5)Suki K.
Nice, finally Cap Hill has a good Mexican restaurant with ROOFTOP. I look forward to spending many summery nights here drinking margarita and eating yummy food. We ordered Enchiladas de Molé and Gringas Oaxaqueñas. Their meat was so well seasoned and tender. My beef was perfectly charred and browned on the outside. And, their sauce. Just heavenly. My boyfriend's food came out with beans. I usually do not go for beans, but theirs was very fresh --- not mushed like mashed potato. I also liked that they warmed up their chips. A nice touch. I highly recommend this place. :) One more plus: it was not busy when we showed up at 7 on Sat. But, I am sure this will change soon.
(5)Maria L.
Great job with the margaritas. I ordered the pork tacoes and they were delicious - wish there were sides included, but they did their job!
(4)John J.
Love their salsa bar, quesadillas, gringas oxaxaquenas, and mezcal selection. Great happy hour that starts every evening at 10 pm.
(5)Lauree C.
Capital hill is seriously lacking in rooftop hangouts for hot weather and I am so happy to have found this place (though I struggle in pronouncing the name). The roof is awesome! A great space to hangout and have some drinks while waiting for a table and rumor has it that they are going to crane a taco truck up there in the corner so you can have bites as well. Kick ass! Those house margaritas will knock you off your feet so beware of that! The restaurant atmosphere is fantastic, they did a great job with the decor and the seating. The service was a little off and on but the food was delicious. They made some mean fish tacos and the rice and bean side was tasty. Side note - the men's bathroom is a bit odd. No doors...I mean no doors at all on the bathroom itself and the stalls. Great experience altogether!
(4)Katy H.
I don't know where to begin here... I actually just wrote a giant review of how absolutely pitiful and atrocious the service is at this restaurant but decided that ultimately for a cheap, quick spot like this, I'm paying for the food not the service. That's not to say that service doesn't matter at all, but I'm giving this space the benefit of the doubt given that they've been open just over a week. My only advice if you're reading this review is to decide what you care about most. And if you're wanting someone to complete simple tasks like refill your water (or hell, just BRING you water) then that might be asking a lot. I came to eat here today and while I absolutely loved the food, I almost thought the Candid Camera crew was going to leap out from the kitchen and tell me they were testing customer patience levels. I could go on and on about how slow, inattentive, and careless the service was, but the food and the hard working people in the kitchen made up for it. I'll definitely stop in again for food but if the service is still as bad as it was today, I'll hit up one of the other Mexican restaurants just a block or two away.
(4)Julie L.
2 and a half stars my arse! This newest Oaxaca is a total 5!!! By far their prettiest, definitely the largest, of their trifecta of uh-mazing and uh-ddictive Oaxaca food restaurants. Gorgeous dining area with comfy seats at both the bar that surrounds the open kitchen and the swankier, more intimate cocktail bar. I love seeing the same familiar friendly faces of the employees that I have befriended with my easily FIVE plus visits a month to one of the Oaxaca's in town. If you have never been to any of these divine Oaxaca's, here are some musts: 1) the chips and guac and a visit or two to their fresh salsa bar 2) a cadillac marguerita...these are pa-pa- powerful so I would go with one per 100lbs of body weight. 3) the mole!, the carne asada plata!, the chicken soup I would say for a lighter meal, pretty much ANYTHING on the menu! I mentioned to an equally enamored with them friend the other day that wouldn't it be awesome if Oaxaca's restaurants were the next Starbucks? one on every block!! Heck yes we said! Welcome to Mezcalaria Oaxaca/Capitol Hill! :-)
(5)Painted Lady X.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the country. Don't understand how the average rating is 3 stars. Does America prefer Tex-Mex to authentic Mexican food? Sad. Eat at the bar and order a Manhattan with Mezcal. Do it.
(5)Ivan R.
New Mexican restaurant! Gotta try it, right? Yes, but beware of the small-but-tasty portions, the microscopic limes and the inexistent desserts. This is a place for drinks and light snacks, but don't worry, El Fogón is next door to "finish" your dinner and their arroz con leche is to die for.
(2)Kat B.
The Esmeralda is a knockout drink for $10 (all liquor served in a martini glass). The chips are amazing - we got several baskets, fresh and hot. The guacamole is good, yes, but consider getting the pinto beans instead because they are phenomenal.
(4)Chelsea J.
I deliberated about whether or not to write a review. I usually don't like writing a review when I only have visited once and it's a fairly new establishment. However, given that I don't get to Capitol Hill very often (once or twice a month at most typically) I probably won't be returning any time soon. First thing I noticed is the entrance is hard to find. The front door doesn't quite look like a door and the side door was closed so I walked by 3 times just trying to figure out how to get in the dang building. Maybe I'm just challenged. Anywho the entrance is on Pine. The service was pretty atrocious. They weren't rude or anything but the entire hour and a half we were there we had to wait wait wait. I waited a good 10 minutes for my friend while nobody asked if I wanted anything. I did get seated but nobody asked me if i wanted something while I waited (I did). Not even water. Finally when someone came to my table I asked if I could have water and another beverage. Another 5 mins before water came and my arroz con leche followed shortly after. There were 2-3+ people just hanging around the entire time. Just standing not doing anything. At times there were 5 people just dinking around by the bar not doing anything while customers were waiting! So strange. The food was decent. I enjoyed my huevos chorizo dish and the tortilla was very good. Prices are reasonable, too so they're doing that right. Based on our experience I can't tell if the low reviews are fake or if they're actually real. The food is good but the service is dismal. They really need to get it together. If I return I'll update my review but given that I don't come this way unless I'm going somewhere specific and I most likely wouldn't choose this place over the many many wonderful destination-worthy spots on the Hill, I most likely won't be back any time soon. Sorry, Mezcaleria.
(3)Jesse C.
The food is bland at best. No spice. The atmosphere is fine. I told my server my food was not good and he was apologetic which I appreciated but I won't be back.
(2)Ryan G.
Meal was average, but nothing to complain about either. It seems like they have an extensive drinks selection, but for beer, which I was there for, there selection seemed quite limited. Seems like with all the selection on Capitol Hill, I probably could have done better.
(3)Rachel J.
Loved this place! From the modern Mexican decor to the open concept kitchen, it makes a great date night! My date had the Tluypa and I had the carnitas gringas which were made with pork marinated with pineapple. So good! My date's meal was basically a huge Mexican pizza with all kinds of yummy meats. He is a big eater but wasn't able to finish it all! Although dinner was amazing, the best part had to be the house made chips with a salsa bar where you go and choose your kind of salsa...we chose them all! Highly recommend!
(5)Ian R.
Go mez[s]cal! Formerly an auto repair shop, the new Mezcaleria Oaxaca on E Pine St delivers in many ways, and will be a great addition to the already existing optimal bar scene in the area. With a modern look, it is apparent that care and meticulous detail that were applied to the design of this new mezcal-oriented bar. Using a darker, chic look, Mezcaleria Oaxaca serves as an excellent spot for a romantic evening with a date, or with a small group of friends. The bar and restaurant portions of the Mezcaleria are segregated well, as the bar is separated with both a divider and a darker lighting scheme. Sitting on the shelves of the bar - a wide array of mezcals. Available here are the cream of the crops, including Pierde Almas, Leyenda, and Del Maguey. If you're a novice with this fine Oaxacan libation, you won't be upon leaving the Mezcaleria. If pure mezcal is a little too strong for you, there is certainly no shortage of mixed drinks with a mezcal foundation. The bartenders are highly versed in the art of mezcal, so count on elements of creativity and science to shine in your cocktail. But alas, if beer is more your steez, then take comfort in knowing the Mexican classics will be readily available, such as Victoria, Pacifico, and Negra Modelo. The food menu at the Mezcaleria represent some fine Mexican staples, including soft corn tortilla tacos, mole, carne asada, and enchiladas. Any dish that includes meat....well, you're in for a treat (rhyme intended). There is an actual spit in the kitchen for a tacos al-pastor variant! The pork ribs were tender, juicy, and as well- cooked rib meat should, fell right off the bone. I anticipate that the addition of the Mezcaleria Oaxaca to Capitol Hill will represent a success both to the neighborhood, as well as the mezcal brand itself. After all, what Capitol Hill'er doesn't like to drink the good stuff.
(4)Patricia C.
I went to this place last night up to the rooftop deck, accompanied by my service dog. He has gone with me every time prior to last night and never had a problem. However, last night once I reached the bar I was rudely scolded, "no dogs allowed!" When I replied, "he's a service dog," he shouted back, "oh yeah, what's your disability!? We don't allow dogs either way!" After asking to speak with the manager and being denied, he then rudely asked again, "What's your impairment!?"in front of everyone standing around. It was degrading and I was humiliated. I've never experienced such ignorance in any other establishment! After standing there for several minutes he then stated that the bar was close while still serving other patrons. Yeah, this place has a great rooftop, but after service like that I advice people to stay away. The bartenders' name was Craig Williams, and I highly suggest he be removed from this establishment before they have a huge lawsuit on their hands.
(1)Jessica D.
Good food and drinks, decent happy hour, but they are awful with big groups and have bad customer service. Don't think this place will stick around very long. I'd suggest fogon up the street over this place any day.
(2)Jade T.
Eww... yes like a little kid picking his boogers, That's how disgusted I was with this place. Came in with a party of 6 on a Saturday night and we ordered a bit of everything from enchiladas to tacos and the carne asada plate. Everything came with heavy loads of sauce, probably trying to mask the lack of flavor or the fact the carne asada was overcooked so much it was rubbery. The lettuce on my tacos was browning and limp. I sent it back and decided I'd just have a drink instead. I'm all one for a stiff drink but everyone in my group agreed it was way too strong and overpowering. Pure rubbing alcohol grade! The place was Nice to look at, but after roaming Seattle all day and being extremely hungry, this place just didn't cut it. My friend ended up with food poisioning after her meal here. They get half a star if yelp would give me the option to do so. The guacamole and fresh chips was the only thing I could stomach from here!
(1)Patty T.
Came across this gem in Capitol Hill, and was very impressed! It was a crowded night, so my boyfriend and I opted to sit at the bar. The food and drinks were excellent, and was had great/attentive service for our whole meal. The inside ambiance was very lively, with not a table open. It's also a converted garage, so has an interesting architectural motif. The only drawback is that it can get a little pricey... Especially some of the drinks. Maybe it's because they're mostly made of the organic mezcal? But they're very strong - so overall worth it. This place would be a great place for a weekday date.
(5)Jason R.
So to start the food was delicious. No problems with that at all. The experience was just...odd. Maybe I haven't been to Capitol Hill in a while on a Saturday night, but what exactly is it turning into? It was like a behavioral study of awkward tech employees who'd been given alcohol for the first time and tinder dates. Our server seemed over it, as was I. Can you all quit yelling at the person 2 feet from you? Why did you all sit in the dining area? People were just walking straight into the dining room after ordering a drink at the bar. Anyway, I guess if you are looking for hilarious people watching and great food, this is good place to go. If you are an old man like I apparently am and are looking for good food alone, you may want to check out one of their other locations or come during the day.
(3)Michael A.
I really like what they've done with the space, and the food was decent although a bit small for the price, maybe they're trying to be fancy? The bathroom was a bit too open of a design for my tastes, I would never feel comfortable pooping here. Privacy level on par with a dive bar. Next time I'm wanting neighborhood mexi I'll go to Fogon without any hesitation. I'm sorry I cheated on you, Fogon.
(2)Osric F.
Extremely expensive for the portions. Got cold tiny tacos for $10. Ordered two plates for my self and still left hungry. Second time coming here giving a second chance since the first time service was way too long had to walk out. My respects to Fogón
(1)Leland B.
I went here ONLY because the sign outside says ROOFTOP SEATING, so I went and checked it out. I had a Margarita and had some chips salsa. The roof top is cool, but a section of this place is still under construction and THATS THE PART WHERE I WANTED TO SIT. They do have ALOT OF seated covered but it might be a bit OTO much covering, because it takes away from the whole "rooftop" vibe when there is a big roof on the roof top, lol. Maybe when the construction finishes the area where they are working on will be the PRIME rooftop location mainly because that's the corner where its closest to the street and you can actually see people. I do not like the "Freeway Guard rails" they have set up because they are not nice/or clean to Lean against when having a drink and looking down unto the street level. My drink was so-so, wont be ordering of those again, not memorable, and I was served in a plastic cup, which was a surprise to me. Maybe because it was on the rooftop? I ordered chips WHICH WERE $7 FRICCKIN Dollars! and they were thin chips that kept breaking when I tried to use the dip! IT did come with guacamole which was VERY GOOD. And this place has a "Serve your own Pico de Gallo bar and other sauces you can get" And I will tell you this was my favorite experience while I was there. The home made sauces and Pico de Gallo where extremely tasty! However its TOO bad its not complemented with better quality chips, some people may like the chips, but my preference is to have a chip that has strength and wont break under dipping pressure. lol I would only come to this place to enjoy the rooftop view on a nice day. PLEASE FINISH YOUR CONTRUCITON SO I CAN SIT IN THE BETTER PART OF THE ROOFTOP
(3)Kelsey H.
Best spicy margaritas ever! If you have more than two though don't plan on making any good decisions the rest of the day.
(5)Allison A.
Late night spot, good food, service just fine. But there are so many great restaurants near here, I'd head somewhere else first.
(3)Dennis M.
Tuesday night. Table for 3. Intolerable wait. Left hungry. We were immediately seated then the wait began, and it never ended. Actually it did end when we decided to it was time to go. Placed our order, food and drink and then waited, and waited. We noticed the same was happening at other tables so we decided to tell our waiter that a 20 minute wait after we ordered was just too long and that we are leaving. He was gracious and apologetic. We left. Too bad for us we were really looking forward to the Mole.
(1)Joe T.
Cool rooftop deck during the day time, but wished they'd install even a string of lights. I would've stayed for another hour if it wasn't so dark. Food on the roof was good, a lil overpriced. Great drink menu. Is still like to check out the main dining area & full menu.
(3)Vanessa V.
I am surprised by the shortcomings of this location since Queen Anne and Ballard are on point! Great decor, now that the roof deck is finally open that is also a hug plus, but the food and beverages leave a lot to be desired. I ordered a spicy margarita. It came as basically a regular margarita with one sad little chili floating in it. Did not taste spicy at all. There was way too much salt on the rim, so if you try to take a sip from the rim of the glass you get a mouthful of salt. The margarita itself was too sweet and too sour at the same time - it had an overpowering flavor. I sent it back and said that it wasn't spicy and the flavor of the margarita wasn't to my liking. Instead of brining me back a spicier, less sweet and sour drink, they brought a plain margarita which had the same salt and flavor balance issue. Another friend I was with at first thought I was being picky but she too ordered a margarita and had the same issues with it. We both ended up adding water to our drinks and they were palatable then. I could barely drink it without adding several ounces of water. I also tried the shrimp, fish and beef tacos. All of the tacos came smothered in sauce and you could barely taste the protein in them. They are so saucy you can barely pick them up and eat them without getting sauce all over your hands and the tacos fall apart. I am not sure what has happened at this location, but I would stick to QA and Ballard and avoid eating here or ordering mixed drinks. Still a beautiful spot to enjoy the roof deck and have some beers or another item that is not made in house at this restaurant.
(3)Bublz O.
I always walk by on my way home. but its really crowded. On a weekday I strolled in. Sat right next to the cook. Very few customers were there hardly. So i thought I'd give it a try. Got my sangria. ..so strong (didn't finish it)! So I waited for my $9 tacos. Tiny 4 lil tacos. So i asked for more tortillas. They were twice if not 3x the size of the Lil tacos I had. So i ordered plantains - my favorite right. Tough. I was soooo disappointed. Server jus set my food down rapidly and was gone like a shot. Dropped it like it was hot...lol I had2 ask for extra napkins, twice. I like the decor but I won't be back.
(1)Mike B.
Upon seating, we were asked if we wanted something to eat, maybe chips and guacamole? Recognizing the clever power of suggestion in the upsell of guacamole, we bit and said "yes please, both." We ordered dinner and a round of drinks. When the bill came we noticed 2 line items of chips each for $3 in addition to an expected guacamole line item for $3. The food was decent, though the margarita was rough and they can't make mojitos (mint is not something they stock). There are several better mexican places close by. Rating: 3 stars, minus 1 star for the three dollar basket of chips and minus 1 star for the three dollar refill of the basket of chips.
(1)Erin D.
I'm still sitting in the restaurant waiting for my bill. But it's just so bad I have to remember to say something. The food and drinks are absolutely not worth the price at all, and in general just really bad. The atmosphere is nice and service decent--except for them bussing empty plates from under you with extreme haste and no regard for the situation at the table. I should have trusted their reviews. Fish tacos no where near worth the price.
(2)Cesar S.
The food, the drinks, all really great. I had the chicken mole negro which was surprisingly very tasty. If you happen to order the strawberry margarita, make sure you ask for it on the rocks. The reason I'm giving this location a 3 star rating, even though everything consumed there was actually of 4-5star quality, is because of their restroom facilities. We were seated in the party room, and kept getting whips of smells from the restrooms. Why? Because they have no doors! Any odors, are immediately leaked out. Not to mention the lack of privacy. It doesn't matter how artistic an establishment wants to be, when it comes to the restroom section. Please put a real door to close the facilities up. The men's in particular, I understand urinals are a communal thing, but when someone needs to use the actual toilet privacy is, and always should be given. This was a complete design flaw, and I really hope they fix it. Because let's face it, no one wants to use a toilet with a bamboo tassel like curtain as the "door"
(3)Giovanni G.
Having worked in the food service industry for well over 15 years I very well understand its challenges, but nothing can justify the ghastly customer treatment that my party of 6 received. I would normally just leave the experience as simply a bad choice of restaurant for a night out with friends, BUT to find a surprise addition to the charged gratuity in my Amex bill, THAT IS OUTRIGHT THIEVERY! I will be contacting the restaurant and calling them out on this illicit behavior. Watch out for any charges on your credit card bill, from this restaurant, that you did not authorized... it happened to two of us in our party!
(1)James F.
I have been waiting for these guys to open their restaurant in capitol hill and am not disappointed. All the food is great and so are the drinks. I find the reviews about the "bad service" kind of funny because its the same way in ballard and queen ann- I feel like it's part of the dining experience. I was impressed by how much the chefs put into their food. I saw one chef throw out 4 flans before serving us ours because they didn't set correctly and come out properly. The only disadvantage is that they close early on sunday.
(5)Bryan M.
If you can't find the door to this place, then too bad for you. If you want ginormous burritos, go to Gorditos. If you don't want to wait, don't come to a popular, new restaurant on Capitol Hill on a Friday or Saturday. If you want vegetables, go somewhere else. It's that simple people. The food is excellent and they offer dishes not available at their other two restaurants. I come here during the weekday and sit at the bar. There's no wait. The service is fine. I used the restroom once and I'm not emotionally scarred.
(4)Dustin V.
Service was horrible. We had to stop a waitress to ask for drinks when we first sat down. Food was mediocre. And then they gave us a huge bill from another table. When we tried to get our original bill we sat for 20 minutes waiting before I asked for a manager. Then we waited another 20 minutes for the manager to figure out how to charge us the correct amount. Eventually we walked over to the station and asked for our credit card back. The manager said he wouldn't charge us and we left. Total clusterf*ck. I'll never go back. Wasn't worth the hassle of the parking and waiting for everything.
(1)Emily M.
I'm so torn--I want to give this place high marks because I thought the food tasted good and I love its sister restaurant in Queen Anne. But there were just too many negatives to make me want to come back. We got there on a Monday night and were told the wait would be 20 minutes. It ended up being about 40. Throughout the night, the service was really slow. I should add that it's not the staff's fault. Everyone working was practically running to take orders, deliver food, and bus tables. I think they just need more servers and more people in the kitchen. When we finally did get our food, it arrived without tortillas. Looking around at other tables, I got the impression that was normal. When we asked about it, they quickly brought them out to us. The food itself was really good. I had the mole with pork and enjoyed the sauce. Unfortunately, it was really hard to eat. It didn't come with a knife, so I had to use my spoon to get the meat off the bones, what little there was. Most of it was fat or gristle. The portion was already quite small; not including the pork and fat I probably had five or six smallish bites of pork. It's too bad. The food is really good. I just don't want to spend that much time waiting and that much money only to be left hungry. I suppose we could have ordered a $6 basket of chips to help fill us up. Instead we opted to go to Freddy Juniors afterwards and spent the $6 on two sliders and a hefty portion of fries. Five stars for Freddy Juniors!
(2)Joseph C.
I haven't left a restaurant in an angry mood for quite some time. Unfortunately, I decided to try this new mexican place that looks like a great addition to the neighborhood. My first impression: It's a total embarrassment that is not ready for the weeknight clientele of Capitol Hill. Let me elaborte: Drinks - Most Cap Hill folk like to drink. We like our drinks in a reasonable time frame and made well. They were made well, but it seemed to take 1) over 15 to order said drink and 2) another 15 to receive said drink. I could have (and in hindsight should have) walked to Barrio, ordered a drink, and by the time the drinks here were dropped off, I would have been back. Service - We're not super high maintenance, but would it kill you to be friendly. The server in the bar came up to our table, late, saying "What do you want to drink?" No touchy-lovey service here. This didn't chance through the course of the meal. Finally, after being neglected for most of the night, I asked for the check. He grabbed my Amex and then tossed it by my table like a used kleenex at a funeral. Essentially, I didn't feel at all like my business was appreciated, which thankfully there are a myriad of existing (new and established) "cantinas" that have great service and know how to actually treat a customer. This was one of my worst dining experiences in the three years I've lived here.
(1)Jacqueline A.
The hubs and I used to visit these guys quite a bit when we were still living on Capitol Hill! They're a little bit pricey, but overall we didn't mind since the food was so yummy. Lots of pescetarian options! My personal favorite is the Quesadillas Fritas. I personally haven't had any "Bad service", although a waiter did mess up our order once (the mistake was quickly corrected). The outdoor seating area is just gorgeous, or at least it WAS before all the construction started around the area. All in all, this is a good place for a relaxing lunch or weekend dinner.
(4)Christina M.
The last thing Capitol Hill needs is another pretty but lame Mexican restaurant. Seriously, just go to Fogon which is a block up the street - it's not as fancy, but the food and service are far superior. We arrived at the Mezcaleria Oaxaca and were greeted by a very surly, almost angry dude who told us we would need to wait to be seated. OK. Once we got a seat, we were treated to truly awful service by our waiter. I had to flag him down by waving my arms several times to get silverware, water and our check. The "salsa bar" is conveniently located in a corner near jostling drinkers and people waiting to be seated. We waited an hour for our food and it was just awful. I got the Mexican Pizza thing that sounded great on the menu but was basically a stale, dried out tortilla covered unripe tomatoes, hard, unripe avocados and very dry meat. I rarely send food back at restaurants but was tempted to dump this thing but we had already invested too much time in this place. I just left it uneaten and got out of there. I was just talking to a friend today who had an almost identical experience at this place, so I think there are some deep systemic issues. I will not go back. I'm sure this place will be swarmed by bridge and tunnel people (oh wait, they live here now...) who are taken in by the ambiance just like they same to love Poquitos (also inedible). Seriously, skip it and go to Fogon.
(1)TT S.
-5 stars! After sitting there for an hour smelling their deep fryer, we threw down money for our drinks & chips and got the hell out of there. Never did get our food nor did we see anyone else get their's. I've worked in the restaurant biz for 30+ years.
(1)Ajay S.
The food here is fantastic. If you know what to get. Probably avoid the cocktails - not because they are bad - they are fine - but just up Pine you have way better bartenders doing their thing. But the food... Now the food is good. The Barbacoa de Cabritas - Goat stew - fantastic. The mole looked great. Tacos too. Nice ambience too.
(4)Kate T.
I wanted to love this place; it's gorgeous! I arrived with a friend around 6pm on Friday. We sat at the bar and I told the bartender right away that I was considering hosting a birthday party gathering there. He took me on a tour of the 'back room' and ran off to gather information about booking options. It turns out the party room is not currently available for reservations, which is a bit of a bummer, but to be honest I'm not sure I really want to be hidden away in a dark room behind the bar on my birthday. The bartender recommended trying Sunday brunch, but I'm not really interested in showing up with 15 friends only to "wait about 3 hours for a table" (as the bartender said). The food was good, but a bit cold by the time it arrived. My first drink (a strawberry margarita) was fabulous! The second drink I ordered, the "Primer Beso" tasted like an old leather saddle - way too smokey for my tastes. The bartender graciously made me a new drink, but didn't ask about my preferences and delivered a beverage with a giant jalapeño in it and I hate jalapeños :(
(3)Robert G.
Great food and the drinks are a must, but they sure have a kick. but delightful. The service could be better. But it's worth it for sure. Great for a Friday night get together, or catching up with friends.
(3)Damon D.
I love this place. Food is phenomenal. I love a place you can see who is making your food. I ordered the Gringas last time, always amazing but you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. I like they make the tortillas for your food per order. I never mind paying for chips and guac when they make that stuff fresh and you get hot chip and a house-made salsa bar. Staff is super friendly and welcoming, its great to see the same friendly faces from the other locations. The decor is one of a kind in there you can tell there was a lot of effort put into it. All the bartenders know how to pour a great drink, I like that they have one of a kind specialty drinks made from house made roasted pineapple infused mezcal. And the selection of mezcal is untouchable, if you have little or no knowledge of mezcal ask the bartender to educate you, they have an abundant amount of info, background and flavor profiles for each and every bottle. I have been to La Carta de Oaxaca and Mezcaleria in Queen Anne and this place sets the bar high for all the locations. People who give this place low ratings do not know how to appreciate good authentic Oaxacan food. Yes the portions are not ginormous but they are filling and pack a punch of flavor. If you want a giant plate of beans and rice smothered in cheese this is not the place for you. I hear Azteca is more up their ally. Needless to say I will be back time and again,
(5)M J.
Sat at the bar with a group of four. Had an awesome drink presentation from Spence (bartender), his passion for mezcal and cool information about the whole mezcal process made it a neat chill night at the bar. Must stop by and be intertained by the cute bartender.
(4)chelsea d.
14$ for 3 teeny tiny "halibut" tacos? I woke up this morning and was like "wait a second.. There's no way those were halibut.." They were boring and to make matters worse the spicy sauce that sounded good in theory amounted to some type of spicy mayo. My date got that big pizza looking thing you can see in the pictures.. He said the meat was good but the Deli tomatoes and beans and lettuce and whatever else was on that big stale wafer tasting circle amounted to just bizzare garnishes. The dish was odd.. And stale. The pico was good, the chips were less than notable, the service was relatively prompt but a bit hard to understand.. Decent ambience.. Bad food.. The first time I've wrote a review in quite awhile.
(2)Paul S.
Came here for Sunday brunch. This place had a great portion size of food; I was full but not stuffed. The food was more authentic than other Mexican places in the area, and the service was fantastic. The coffee was served with a traditional Mexican flavor to it; it had a slight cinnamon taste to it which I loved. The huevos rancheros were very good! Also, sitting next to the window on this sunny day was to die for; it was gorgeous.
(4)Doston R.
This place is good only for drinks. The food is real bland and tasteless. The drinks are pretty strong and clean - no disgusting margarita mix, which is refreshing . The tequila seems high quality. I just can't get past the food. The service is only ok. Probably won't be back unless dragged by a group of friends and even then I'll pass on the food bit.
(2)Natalie D.
As Yelpers probably know, this is the latest restaurant to open courtesy of the owners of Carte de Oaxaca in Ballard. But don't go in expecting the same quality of food. The Mezcaleria, as it's name would suggest, is clearly focused on its liquor business. The food seems to be little more than an after thought --- either that or the kitchen staff just isn't quite trained up yet. The pork mole negro that made its sister location in Ballard famous, was not edible due to the fact that it's ribs here instead of the tender slow-cooked shoulder meat I've come to absolutely crave. They don't serve it with a knife, and without one you cannot cut the meat, not to mention there's more gristle then flesh on the plate. The Carne Asada in the tacos was undercooked and too tough to chew. I ate one and sent it back. Even the salsa was considerably less tasty than in Ballard. So if a flight of mezcal is what you're after, you'll have fun, but the food is sure to disappoint.
(2)Katie W.
Amazing, gorgeous restaurant - my eyes thank you for what is the best looking new place I've seen on Pine for awhile. Really great food, much like their other locations. I've never been disappointed at any of their restaurants, ever! Also, really good margaritas - like someone else mentioned they are STRONG, so drinker beware. Relaxed atmosphere, no hassle. The boyfriend & I have not had to wait yet. We've gone on week nights, got right in to the bar seating area. Hope adding a good review doesn't change that... Definitely going to be a regular, here. BRAVO!
(5)Anna K.
Excited to have a new place for some unique mexican food, and awesome Mezcal selection. It's still getting its bearings but I'm sure it'll be a gem in no time- and the food is fantastic. I'm looking forward to trying their brunch. Service will hopefully improve with time, and more practice in a large high-volume restaurant.
(4)Jason H.
Not sure why this gets such low reviews. We had a fantastic dinner here the other night at the bar. I had the amazing goat dish - so flavorful with the tortillas and the grits. My wife had delicious enchiladas and we each had a fantastic cocktail. The only improvement I would make would be a bit more guidance on what is going on where. We went up to the roof and couldn't quite figure it out (though it looked like a fun place for a drink).
(4)Paul C.
Had the Pork Mole Friday night. They use rib meat and it was really delicious. Great Strawberry Margarita too! Will definitely go back.
(4)Graham M.
I've noticed that Seattle is not known for its Mexican food. However, this place is a lot of fun and they make some really fine drinks. I generally go for the spicier ones, and they are not stingy with their pours. If anything, this is an awesome place to go after work for drinks and chips. The food is decent, and better than the other places I've been to in Seattle. The service has been generally good. Only one night were they noticeably short staffed, but we stopped being annoyed after two margaritas.
(5)Yelp R.
GREAT food, reasonable prices. We had the Barbacoa de Cabrito (stewed goat leg). It comes laden with mole sauce, rice and beans, and homemade tortillas. Fabulous!
(4)TJ B.
Tried this place out last week and I really enjoyed it. I started out at the bar waiting for a friend. The waiter was very friendly and told me all about Mezcals, which I didn't know much about. He even gave me a free taste. We discussed the fact that they didn't have a Happy Hour, then he pointed out the prices. This place doesn't need a Happy Hour, the prices for food and drink were awesome. The most expensive food dish on the menu was $16. Once my friend arrived we were seated and enjoyed a fantastic, delightfully tasty meal. The service was good, we never needed to flag anyone down. And the chips are super yummy! Freshly fried, mmm.... But, let's talk about the salsa. While I know from eating at the Ballard restaurant, you have to go to the salsa bar and get your own salsa, I might recommend not hosting this next to the front door. Seems like a bad location for several reasons. I will most definitely be back for more awesomeness!
(4)Walter P.
The SPACE is design-delightful. The FOOD is utterly delicious--the mole, the tacos "gringas", and the pozole for example. The service in the BAR is sharp and friendly. BUT the service in the RESTAURANT has been dull, unfriendly, and confused on three of three visits. Too bad! A manager could correct this with a replacement or two, and I hope he/she does before it's too late.
(2)Priyanka M.
Time and again I've expected more from the creators of La Carta De Oaxaca, but they seem to miss with Mezcaleria Oaxaca!!! They nailed it with the location, décor and very refreshing new ambience! I'm a big fan of sitting around the open kitchen and interacting with people behind it. My husband and I took a spot around there to observe what looked good! We went with a sangria, Gringas Oaxaquenas, Barbacoa de Cabrito and another drink which unfortunately I can't remember now. GRINGAS OAXAQUENAS WERE REALLY REALLY GOOD. If I had to come back to Mezcal, I'd probably have the gringas again. Very tasty barbeque pork with cilantro and hot sauce! 3 little tortillas just didn't do it for me, definitely needed more of that!! Now moving on to the Cabrito, it was a goat leg stew. Looking at the entrée, it looked mouth watering, I wish I could say that for the flavor!!! The meat had a smoked flavor with some kick, but I really wanted more!!! Some rice would've been nice for the dish because tortillas were very messy for a runny gravy and just didn't do anything to alleviate the flavor. Basically it was one of those dishes where we ended up putting in a bunch of condiments to make it taste better!!! On the other hand, the sangria was a little too sour for my taste with drinks overall being very expensive compared to other places around! I came for the food, was a little disappointed. I was also hoping for better service and attention but oh well, the place was busy on a Saturday night!!! With a Mexican restaurant opening on the hill literally every month, I'd be curious to try other places before making my way back to Mezcal!!!!
(3)Nellie B.
As a big fan of the Ballard location, I was excited for this place to open up, but find myself disenchanted with the reality. Last night's visit exemplified the numerous problems. Among the smaller issues are the overpriced but very small dishes. I'm normally one who wishes for smaller portions when eating out, but what passes for (and is charged as) a full entree here is more appetizer sized than anything. Value aside, it can be surprising when the food arrives, and also a hassle since most will need to order a second round. The food and drinks are pretty good, but nothing special in comparison to other like restaurants on the hill, where better service and prices are to be found, nor even to the other locations in this chain, which I think is odd. And ah yes, then there's the service. It was dismal. I was there with a small group, and I don't think any of us actually got what we ordered or all that we ordered. We waited for dishes and drinks that never arrived, and those that did came with odd pacing, so no one was really eating and drinking at the same time. Though the waiter wrote everything down, somehow by the end of the meal he had no idea what we ordered and so went round one by one to ask us (so perhaps this was a clue that he knew we had ordered things we didn't receive?). Despite that, the bills were completely random (we all got separate checks, though didn't ask for them). I was billed for two items I didn't get. One I ordered but never got, and one I never ordered. By that time, it was just less of a hassle to pay than quibble. Two final notes: The salsa bar is a pain. It's oddly located in the front where it is crowded, and the dishes are too small and badly shaped. Need salsa for more than one person? Be ready to make several awkward trips back and forth past the bathroom and bar. Want to dip a chip into the salsa? Nothing doing. Only by breaking the chips into smaller pieces will they fit into the wee dish. And that bathroom? Not much privacy. One of us had the pleasure of witnessing a young bulimic throw up her meal. Big picture: Will you have an okay time if you swing by here on the next sunny day when you crave a margarita? Sure. Is this the best place to go on that hunt? No.
(2)Robert R.
Gotta give this place another try. Service was as memorable as a slice of white bread. Ordered the mole, got an ice cream scoop of rice with a sprig of cilantro and a drumbstick with some pretty sweet sauce on it. I think I might be used to the Oaxacan style.
(2)Kevin L.
This place actually just pissed me off. I think it started with the absurdly tiny amount of guacamole they served me. I'm talking enough for 5-7 healthy dips, that's it. Shocked by the amount, my disappointment was compounded by the less than inspiring taste. Let me try to describe as they would on a high brow cooking show. "First, i start with the lowest quality avocados i can find. Then i use them just before they turn bad. I start by dropping them on the floor and stepping on them with my athlete foot infested feet. I find this adds a unique flavor profile..." anyway you get they point. Now on to the margarita. One word, bland. Then came my entree. I ordered the "house special" chicken mole. The only thing special about this lukewarm concoction was the speed at which it came out....Reading between the lines ( and temperature) i would say heat lamp special. All of this below mediocre food was ordered and delivered by 3 separate servers. All of which seemed baffled on who was supposed to be helping us. Net net, this place doesn't not stand up to much better offerings within a very short distance. I will never return.
(2)Nowi C.
The place is good and the service is not the best and I left still hungry. really over price for the tiny portions. This 2 stars meal at a 5 stars price.
(1)C D.
Horrible Passionless Bartender and a sub-par Margarita. We will not return. Considering how much we love tequila and mezcal we were excited to check out this new place on Cap Hill. We showed up on a lively but not packed Friday night. After sitting at the bar for 10 minutes we were eventually greeted by the barback and given menus. None of the Bar Tenders noticed we were even sitting directly in front of them for almost 15 additional minutes. Finally we were rushed into ordering as the Bartender ran off in the middle of us talking not even allowing us to finish our order. Eventually our Margaritas arrived and they were watery and almost devoid of Flavor. My Margarita sat completely full for almost 25 minutes before a different Bartender noticed it and asked if everything was ok (All while our Bartender ignored us even though he was directly in front of us the whole time). This second bartender asked us if he would like mine to be remade and I said yes. We saw him mention it to our original Bartender who you could clearly see rolling his eyes at the request. We saw him defiantly making a new one but this time adding what seemed like 5 shots of tequila and a ton of ice and a dash of mix. Granted we are not college kids and are in our late 30's-early 40's. We are not there to get drunk and serving that kind of pure alcohol tequila is not only devoid of favor(pointless as a cocktail) but irresponsible for a bar tender to serve; how does he think I am going to legally drive home after 5 shots? This margarita was more undrinkable than the first and sat there once again completely full in front of the bar tender with no attempt from him to communicate with us. We even attempted to politely get his attention but were ignored as he ran around like a frantic robot making more and more Margaritas mindlessly. We also noticed no one around us (all who also had margaritas) had finished theirs and were very slowly sipping them. Finally the only attentive one (the polite BarBack) noticed my credit card sitting next to the again full Margarita and asked if we were ready to cash out. I politely asked him if he could remove the Margarita from our total bill and he politely said yes. A this point the rude Bar Tender came over to tell us than I had to pay for his full Margarita, this led to a discussion of why I should not (which I will spare you the unpleasantries of his rude attitude). He did finally agree to remove the cost after letting me know that "I have made literally 50,000 margaritas all the same way, ....I do so many I can do them in my sleep, I'm on Robot mode and we are famous for them. This Margarita is perfect" he said. WOW! At this point we realized the defensiveness of this bartender that has lost any passion or care for his work or customers which is apparent when he is proud of working like a robot and didn't even bother to connect with his customers directly in front of him. We will definitely not come back for the Margaritas here. On a side note the Bar-back did seem to actually care about what he was doing, he was tasting the drinks that the other bar tender was making (as he appeared to be training under him before handing them to customers. We also noticed he was the only one connecting with customers so we hope this new Bar Tender will replace RoboBartender.
(1)Macker S.
Ate here for dinner last night. Those 2 reviews below are obviously from the same dinner party. We had the carne asada tacos, tacos al pastor - called something different on menu though - and some third dish I can't remember the name. For desert we had the fried plantain thatcomes with ice cream. The tacos were excellent, and the asada has an excellent flavor. The fresh chips are BOMB. Not sure if they are complimentary as we bought the ones with guac. I don't eat enough guac to know good from bad, so can't really commont on that. Thriled we now have this restaurant in the hill. It was packed, so don't expect to grab a quick bite. Contrary to the negative reviews below, we had great service and no one was hanging out talkinig. In fact, everyone was scrambling just to keep up. I almost gave this 4 stars because you might need to ask for something on your own, and you won't be pampered like some restaurants where your waiter comes over every 5min, but overall we had really good service, great atmosphere, and excellent food. I highly recommend oaxaca!
(5)Kelsey A.
The only thing that was enjoyable about this dining experience was laughing at how ridiculous the service was. My friends and I waited for over 3 hours and had to ask ten times just to try and get a basket of chips. At one point I had to ask "are you out of chips?" because it took over an hour for them to be brought to our table. I now understand why their salsa bar is self-service--the staff is likely incapable of delivering it themselves. When the food finally came it was cold and flavorless. We understood that the restaurant is new, but it was upsetting how unapologetic the entire staff was for the abysmal service, including the manager. Not once did anyone apologize or offer something to make up for the rude service. In short, if you enjoy having to beg for tortilla chips and a wait staff that thinks that is business as usual, check this place out. Otherwise, if you're like me, you will stay far away from this restaurant and tell your friends to do the same.
(1)Saucy B.
great drinks (most of your bill goes here). very reasonably priced dishes and tasty too...plan on snacky type tacos and treats rather than a traditional entree. good service without attitude. fun atmosphere.
(4)Joe P.
The place looks great, and although you won't catch a smile the food is not bad. Nothing special if you've experienced authentic Mexican before. Highly overpriced on both food and drinks. What they serve the are not dinner plates. They are more like hors d'oeuvres.
(1)Paul D.
Wow $5 chips and guacamole, holy crap it came with pico...deal of the century you say???!!! What is this "guacamole for ants, it's got to be three times as big!!!" -Derek Zoolander. I think they used a whole 1/16th of a very tiny avocado... Disappointment galore...but get a margarita, descent enough and 100 times bigger than the plastic cup of green stuff they served you!!!! Drinks yes, food no!!!!!!
(2)Christine V.
Really cool environment with big windows that open on sunny days! Small Happy hour menu and they have a salsa bar in the front. I think i'd rather hit up Fogon though. I like their food selection and their Happy hour is better!
(3)Joel A.
Out of all the Latino places I've come across in Seattle, especially at Capitol Hill, this place comes a close second to Fogon. You know you are eating good Oaxacan food when the rice and beans are are just as good as the main course. The margaritas aren't the best, and there is room for improvement. But the aesthetic and food is worth the trip of you crave natural south of the border food like bisteak. Honestly if you say piquitos is the best food on the hill you have no taste. And if your ordering bland food like quesadillas and not trying the more exotic stuff you have an awful palette and can't judge Latin dishes. Fogon and Mezcal are the place to be
(5)Ishea B.
So, I feel completely torn writing this review and putting it online because this is a restaurant I really enjoy and one which I've visited numerous times. With that being said, I know that having honest, well-rounded reviews on Yelp really does help people to choose the restaurant they want to check out. When I was here last week for happy hour, I was ending my meal when I took a bite of my food and bit into a staple. Yes... a STAPLE! An industrial size staple was in my food. I was in complete shock. We showed the staff what happened and they profusely apologized. They instantly said they'd take 50% off of our bill (we didn't ask for anything) and apologized some more. They then went to the kitchen to try and see where it could have come from, but nobody could figure it out. Thankfully my teeth were not damaged, I didn't cut my mouth, or swallow it... but you guys... there was a fucking STAPLE baked into my food. It was such a shock and disappointment that I'll never go back to the restaurant -- not because I don't like the food, but I can't roll the dice with whether or not there will be some foreign item in my food. I know that in the food industry things can happen and I've gone to this restaurant plenty of times with no incident. However, I can't ignore having a staple baked into my food. For that reason I had to update my review to 1 star. The food is still good. The service is still nice... but there is no price you can pay for peace of mind when you're eating... thus, 1 star due to having a staple in my food.
(1)Latifa S.
Oxacan me crazy!! I've been a fan of their original location for a while while now. It only natural that I'd like this place too! Best part about this location? Location!!!!!! Decor is mind blowing! It's all bright and open. For a clusters phobic, their other two locations are simply terrible. Ballard is great but I alway have trouble breathing in there with fumes! Queen Anne- a nightmare! So small, so close, so tight. Did I mention I'm a cluster phobic?? Yea! This place was built for me! Love- mescal bar upstair! The rooftop, the view, few tacos option. They usually don't serve up there but recently they've added a taco or two to accompany your libations. It's so bright and open! Another love- down stairs! Now that it is summer, the floor to ceiling windows are popped open. Sit at the bar area. It's almost like you're outside but on a nicer chair. Service: always fast and efficient! Last night, four waiters ran around to find me the hottest peppers they have in the restaurant! Teehe! So nice :) And when they did find it, they brought them up on a giant plate. And one of them actually ate with me too! Thanks Miguel!! Now food- this is where they lose a star or two for me. Perhaps I'm too used to their Lime Chilli, fish centric menus. This menu doesn't have seafood option for plates. It's all meat! Beef, pork or goat. I don't mind them but I'd really prefer a seafood or two after a few visits! I can always try the camarones in tacos but not the same! Mole- delish! They make the best! Carne esada- fresh and tasty. I can eat the whole plate! Goat stew- I like this. Not love but definitely like! Spicy margarita- yumm! Mescal cocktail- that was bomb! Looks pretty too! Over all, I enjoy this place! Food is made fresh to order almost right in front of you! It can get really busy but nothing a drink or two can't fix that wait time. Why 3 stars? Food factor. They are delish!! Love the good. Not the variety! I wish they'd bring the same items from their other places! Lime Chilli shrimp, seafood soup , halibut tacos etc! Then it would be a 5 stars all around!! But it's still worth a visit or 5! Rooftop bar, great cocktails! Perfect for Seattle Summer!
(3)Jackie T.
Service is incredibly slow here. If only the food was worth the wait. There was not a lot of flavor in the dishes we ordered. The chips had been salted but still had little flavor. My soup was served hot but was lacking any seasoning. Underwhelming experience.
(2)Jenni M.
We stopped in for late night happy hour last night. The happy hour prices seem to be some of the best on Capitol Hill. I had a $4 margarita on the rocks which was ok, nothing special. The chips and guacamole were on point - hot fresh chips and nice salty avocados. The salsa bar was fun but I've had better salsa before. I ordered the carne asada tacos which I enjoyed. The meat was nice and tender. The limes that came on the plate were dry so there wasn't much to squeeze onto the meat. The plate was $5 on happy hour and came with two tacos which was perfect for a late night snack. My fiancé ordered the taquitos which he said were ok but he liked the carne asada better. The spot is cute and has nice decorations. The staff was friendly. We will come back for a late night snack for sure!
(3)Tarlon K.
Yummy yummy! Tourists: Broadway is a popular street with a lot of great restaurants. This is one of them. The wait wasn't long and it was easy to find. After the chips and guac I was stuffed but the tacos de cameorones were amazing! There were three of them and they were fairly small but filling. It's not very expensive. It's about $8-15 a person just for food
(4)Luchenzo D.
Look, I have to deduct a star right off the bat because they do not offer complimentary chips. You can order a basket of chips and guac for $6, but you shouldn't. You are a sucker if you do. You are the Tootsie Pop and this business is that owl that just bites you and doesn't even enjoy having you. Note: I am not calling for the service staff to lick its patrons instead. I ordered the Tacos Dorados, which are fancier taquitos. The presentation was nice with the plate covered in sauce and drizzled with crema. Taste was good, though I would have liked a little kick to the seasoning or sauce. Not worth the lower food to price ratio compared to an average Mexican joint. It was pretty slow when we dined, and I feel for the server, but it's not quite good form to sit at the bar texting and eating whilst working a shift. They could have been giving me chips & salsa instead. I would have been so happy.
(2)Budy A.
This is one of my favorite Mexican places in Seattle, if you come here expecting giant Tex Mex portions and a plate full of melted cheese you will probably be disappointed. This is authentic Mexican Food, not Tex Mex! There is a big difference between the two. Maybe that's why this place only has three stars. A few words of advice: -Only drink upstairs on the balcony, food isn't as good up there - to reiterate: make sure you eat downstairs where there is a full menu! -the house margaritas fantastic although I wouldn't suggest more than two, they are very strong and this is coming from an experienced drinker -although there are no complimentary chips and salsa, they do have a salsa bar, so you can just order chips and the salsa is free -if you like spicy food and are ready for an adventure, try the goat plate! P.S. The only reason I don't give this place five stars is because the original la Carta Oaxaca in Ballard (same ownership) deserves the full 5 stars
(4)Jared M.
There's not a lot of rooftop bars in Seattle and this place has a pretty decent one. My one downfall is that the service takes forever.
(3)Erica M.
Came here for the first time and LOVED the rooftop bar. We went on Sunday- beers were just $3 each and we were so obsessed with the strawberry margaritas with strawberry salt rim. The Cadillac with the Grand Marnier packed a punch as well. They have happy hour all night on Sunday and from 5-7 on Monday- Thursday and 10pm to midnight from Monday to Saturday night. Great place for a big group on a nice day on the rootop!
(4)Shereen A.
Mezcaleria Oaxaca has a tasty secret. What draws me in second most about this place is the ambiance, not their food. While the food isn't bad, it's just more mainstream and I don't find it to be at the top of my list. I love the big open space, giant windows, awesome rooftop, bright lit photographs, the friendly staff, and decor of this place. Really well planned with not a dull place to look. If you've ever had a Michelada, you'll know what deliciousness I'm about to discuss. In Mexico, depending on where you are, it's made with a sour, fresh tamarind base mixed with tomato and if you choose, a cerveza. My absolute favorite thing about this place is the tamarind straw. A small detail that's not advertised on the menu, just a subtle bonus when you order the drink it comes with. I noticed these in a cup off to the side at the bar on a crowded night. Of course my eyes lit up and I ordered whatever drink I could to get this with. So, when you order a Michelada, you'll receive this straw with fresh tamarind molded around it and a dust of spice. Not only will this compliment your spicy drink (the heat is legit!), the longer it sits in your drink the better. The tamarind takes on this sweet flavor with the most delectable chew. I guarantee if you're a tamarind fanatic like myself (seriously a sucker for fresh tamarind), you'll order 100 more of these just for the straw. I freaking love this. Of everything else I've tried, I like the pescado tacos the best. Has a nice kick and pretty flavorful. Carne asada I found to be quite bland and not spicy at all. Goat curry is decent. The homemade tortillas though, eat those. Of all their locations, I prefer this one the best. All y'all don't come here and eat up all the straws. Leave some for me!
(4)Josh P.
I live very close to capitol hill and have walked by here multiple times. I finally decided to try this place and was surprised with how good the food was. The culture of this place was a bit co fusing at first but I appreciate it now. Its a fancy place with casual attire that has a a self service salsa bar with GOOD salsa, something you don't always find.
(4)zippy d.
Trendy (not the good kind) "mexican" food owned and tan by white folk but at least they have mexicans in the front of hiuse to make it legit. Want guacamole and chips? $8 and you get 2 tablespoons of it, so you can dip the tip of your chip in only. Prices are insane for what you get. Take a one block walk up or down and there are two excellent mexican restraunts owned and operated by mexican americans and authentic and cheap
(1)Marc M.
My first visit to Mezcaleria Oaxaca gave me the impression that I will want to come back and experience even more of what they have to offer. The first thing I noticed about this place is the lively, hustle and bustle atmosphere that manages to stay just on the right side of upbeat and fun. Split into two very distinct sections, there is the dining area which features full tables, window seating, and a counter bar which is where I sat mainly because it features great views of the open kitchen. It was fun witness the line cooks doing their thing and kind of fascinating to watch the young lady whose sole job it was to turn out a never ending supply of fresh, hand made tortillas. When it came time to order, In stayed on the conservative side and ended up with what essentially was 3 food truck style carne asada tacos and 3 mini quesadillas filled with chorizo and cheese. While the flavors in the tacos were outstanding, the extremely miniature size left a little something to be desired. Also, when I first bit into the burritas, the chorizo was a real highlight, but once I get about halfway into the second of the three, I wasn't enjoying them nearly as much. Either something was missing or maybe its just not a dish meant to be eaten by one person. Don't get me wrong, both items were good, they just each had flaws that kept them from really standing out. Earlier, I mentioned how I really want to come back and the main reason is for some of the other dishes I saw being prepared in the kitchen like the pork ribs or the lamb dish that looked pretty amazing. I would also like to come here with a of friends and without my car as the bar area seems tailor made for groups ready to throw down on they drink menu which includes a variety of Mezcals and a few different types of flights which are always great for trying out stuff you may never have otherwise thought of. That being said, I still have a good time by myself and, while the food didn't blow me away, I was impressed with the overall quality of the restaurant and I firmly believe Mezcaleria Oaxaca could become a mainstay of the Capitol Hill bar scene.
(4)Nate S.
Fish tacos were great. Quesadilla Fritas would've been great except that they were fried in soybean oil. Sadly all their food that's fried is cooked in soybean oil. I would've given them 5stars if not for that. Sangria had a great taste and a little kick to it. Late night happy hour starts at 10pm FYI.
(4)Straker C.
I agree with others. Great space and bartenders, but the food is a major ripoff (at least upstairs). We had creviche with rock solid avocados, and the guacamole is so small I couldn't even believe it. To top it off, it's not good (again, hard, chunky avocados). Go for drinks, but eat elsewhere.
(3)Jenn C.
Good food better atmosphere. Strong drinks. I'm sold
(5)Dana R.
The food here is better than at Fogon and La Cocina Oaxaquena but the service is just okay. Our server was not a very good communicator and then I had to go ask him when we wanted things (adding things to the order, ordering additional drinks, getting water) as he was often standing over by the pass talking with other employees. I like the atmosphere -- however, there are more bar-type seats than tables, and the counter at the kitchen bar is very low, so it's easy to wrap your kneecaps when getting on the stool. Nice big windows on east side of restaurant that roll up on nice days. There is a salsa bar (a table) much like La Cocina Oaxaquena, but none of the salsa is on ice here -- its at room temperature. The salsas are much more flavorful and well-seasoned here. My husband and I both enjoyed our meals. We'll be back!
(4)Chryst'l S.
I've noticed several Latin American-inspired spots open up down Pine Ave. recently, and so far Mezcaleria Oaxaca has never disappointed. When you were born and raised in SoCal and move to the PNW, you yearn for fresh Mexican food worthy of your taste buds. I've only tried their prawn tacos, carne asada tacos and chicken mole, but boy do they deliver! The prawns are succulent and fresh and come with some slaw topping that brings the flavors together wrapped up in a homemade corn tortilla. The carne asada tacos are fresh and flavorful. The mole sauce is delicious with the chicken, and I can't stop thinking about the rice! We ate here on a Saturday night and our food made it to us in less than 10 minutes. The drinks deserve their own review. They are delicious! If you're a big fan of tequila and mezcal - and I mean GOOD tequila and mezcal, not the $15 bottle of Jose Quervo you use to get drunk at college parties - then this place is a must. Not only do they have an expansive selection of tequila and mezcal (it's in the name, after all...) but they've got a menu of cocktails for tequila AND cocktails with mezcal! The bartender's marg and chili pep marg hit the spot if you're having "that kind of night." Oh and did I mention there's a free fresh salsa bar? You're welcome.
(4)Candi K.
Been coming here a lot because my gbf keeps wanting margaritas. So of course I can't say no because I'm a lush. They also have a good micholada (sp?) which is beer with tomato juice, other stuff and a yummy sweet tamarind stick that adds spice. Yummy. Their chips and guacamole is good but portions are so small. I love guac. I do love that their chips do come out hot (my other friend burnt her tongue) Lol. I've tried a few dishes but the Carne asada Plato is my fav.
(4)Patrick M.
Good food. Great atmosphere. Actual people from Oaxaca running the place. I'll definitely come back...hopefully soon!
(4)Aaron H.
I dare you to ask Craig about anything related to Mezcal... He was very knowledgeable even when my group of 5 picked his brain, he was unphased, answering all our questions. The service was great and I now prefer Mezcal over Tequila. Best Mexican on the Hill.
(5)Christopher S.
Easily the best sit-down Mexican food on the Hill. Everything I've had has been delicious, from the chips and salsa (Salsa Bar, WOO!) to the chicken, beef and seafood-based dishes (their take on a shrimp cocktail is something else). Ingredients look and taste fresh, service is always super friendly and fast. My girlfriend always comments about how much she loves the servers! If you're looking for super-authentic Mexican, I suggest getting on a plane and heading to Mexico. This is Washington State and the reality is we're going to get Americanized versions of ethnic food. If you want a SUPER tasty meal that's a GREAT value... hit this place up.
(4)Ninette C.
I had pretty high expectations since everyone told me Le Carta de Oaxaca was amazing but even if I came in with no expectations, this place was not a win. My friend and I wandered in here for dinner. The first thing I noticed on the menu is that chips and guac are $6. We passed. My friend ordered a margarita and chicken mole and I got the vegetarian quesadilla and sangria. The food and drinks came very quickly which was cool. So I ordered the quesadilla because they said the tostada was crunchier than the quesadilla. Ummm the quesadilla was still crunchy...way too crunchy. Also, the vegetables listed on the menu are there....as in, they sprinkle a spare amount on top of the cheese quesadilla. The quesadilla didn't cut well and the texture of the whole thing was just off. It also needed more sauce. It turns out there's a self-serve salsa area to the side, but nobody told us so I just tried to spread my sparse white sauce on the quesadilla. Now I know meat is really the La Carta de Oaxaca folks' thing but my friend wasn't impressed by his chicken mole either. He thought the chicken was ok. The rice and tortilla were good. My friend's house margarita was terrible! I never had a bad margarita before until now but there was not enough mix and it tasted rancid. It was so bad we sent it back and he ordered a sangria like me. The sangria was the highlight of the meal- strong, refreshing and not-too-sweet. The downside was that it was $9, making it more expensive than my $8 quesadilla. Another thing I liked about this spot is the ambiance. They had opened all the floor to ceiling windows which was really nice. I like the two bars/open kitchen set up where you can sit all around it. Seems like a good spot for drinks. I didn't notice many big tables so it might not be good for groups. We didn't have the same problems with service as other reviewers, but due to its subpar food, drinks and prices, I'm sorry to say we will not be returning to Mezcaleria Oaxaca.
(2)Karen S.
Best. Chicken. Mole. Ever. Small portions but super filling and satisfying!
(4)Mihai P.
Very good looking place. Food portions are quite small, but reasonably priced. I've been here a couple of times and I can't say I was ever impressed by the food. The rooftop terrace is nice.
(3)Georgie M.
I went here on a Thursday evening for dinner with a friend. In terms of the ambiance place is a much more swankier contemporary iteration of the original Ballard restaurant. It definitely adds onto the ambiance of the place and definitely adds to the energy of the place. The place was bustling with activity and all around me there were lively conversations and people in general having a good time. The food was great and I especially enjoyed the open salsa bar which was a great plus. For food we ordered the carne asada plato - beef steak served over a bed of beans and rice with tortillas, guacamole, and sour cream and the tacos carne asada which were delicious too. For drinks we ordered the the house margarita and the tequila caliente margarita. I especially recommend the caliente margarita. Overall I had a good time dining here and would definitely be back soon.
(4)Kim N.
Oh yes, this treasure could be one of our favorite places in the world. The setting: The bartenders are knowledgable and helpful in treating you with the best selection of Mezcal. A trio of women make the house tortillas, the salsa bar gives you the feeling of home, and the fresh tortilla chips makes me think all is fresh and made to order. Spatial design is welcoming and the open kitchen is intriguing. The guacamole is delicious, and even tho we haven't eaten our main course, I feel compelled to write this yelp review to share the joy ASAP. Check it out!
(5)Suki K.
Nice, finally Cap Hill has a good Mexican restaurant with ROOFTOP. I look forward to spending many summery nights here drinking margarita and eating yummy food. We ordered Enchiladas de Molé and Gringas Oaxaqueñas. Their meat was so well seasoned and tender. My beef was perfectly charred and browned on the outside. And, their sauce. Just heavenly. My boyfriend's food came out with beans. I usually do not go for beans, but theirs was very fresh --- not mushed like mashed potato. I also liked that they warmed up their chips. A nice touch. I highly recommend this place. :) One more plus: it was not busy when we showed up at 7 on Sat. But, I am sure this will change soon.
(5)Maria L.
Great job with the margaritas. I ordered the pork tacoes and they were delicious - wish there were sides included, but they did their job!
(4)John J.
Love their salsa bar, quesadillas, gringas oxaxaquenas, and mezcal selection. Great happy hour that starts every evening at 10 pm.
(5)Lauree C.
Capital hill is seriously lacking in rooftop hangouts for hot weather and I am so happy to have found this place (though I struggle in pronouncing the name). The roof is awesome! A great space to hangout and have some drinks while waiting for a table and rumor has it that they are going to crane a taco truck up there in the corner so you can have bites as well. Kick ass! Those house margaritas will knock you off your feet so beware of that! The restaurant atmosphere is fantastic, they did a great job with the decor and the seating. The service was a little off and on but the food was delicious. They made some mean fish tacos and the rice and bean side was tasty. Side note - the men's bathroom is a bit odd. No doors...I mean no doors at all on the bathroom itself and the stalls. Great experience altogether!
(4)Katy H.
I don't know where to begin here... I actually just wrote a giant review of how absolutely pitiful and atrocious the service is at this restaurant but decided that ultimately for a cheap, quick spot like this, I'm paying for the food not the service. That's not to say that service doesn't matter at all, but I'm giving this space the benefit of the doubt given that they've been open just over a week. My only advice if you're reading this review is to decide what you care about most. And if you're wanting someone to complete simple tasks like refill your water (or hell, just BRING you water) then that might be asking a lot. I came to eat here today and while I absolutely loved the food, I almost thought the Candid Camera crew was going to leap out from the kitchen and tell me they were testing customer patience levels. I could go on and on about how slow, inattentive, and careless the service was, but the food and the hard working people in the kitchen made up for it. I'll definitely stop in again for food but if the service is still as bad as it was today, I'll hit up one of the other Mexican restaurants just a block or two away.
(4)Julie L.
2 and a half stars my arse! This newest Oaxaca is a total 5!!! By far their prettiest, definitely the largest, of their trifecta of uh-mazing and uh-ddictive Oaxaca food restaurants. Gorgeous dining area with comfy seats at both the bar that surrounds the open kitchen and the swankier, more intimate cocktail bar. I love seeing the same familiar friendly faces of the employees that I have befriended with my easily FIVE plus visits a month to one of the Oaxaca's in town. If you have never been to any of these divine Oaxaca's, here are some musts: 1) the chips and guac and a visit or two to their fresh salsa bar 2) a cadillac marguerita...these are pa-pa- powerful so I would go with one per 100lbs of body weight. 3) the mole!, the carne asada plata!, the chicken soup I would say for a lighter meal, pretty much ANYTHING on the menu! I mentioned to an equally enamored with them friend the other day that wouldn't it be awesome if Oaxaca's restaurants were the next Starbucks? one on every block!! Heck yes we said! Welcome to Mezcalaria Oaxaca/Capitol Hill! :-)
(5)Kat B.
The Esmeralda is a knockout drink for $10 (all liquor served in a martini glass). The chips are amazing - we got several baskets, fresh and hot. The guacamole is good, yes, but consider getting the pinto beans instead because they are phenomenal.
(4)Graham M.
I've noticed that Seattle is not known for its Mexican food. However, this place is a lot of fun and they make some really fine drinks. I generally go for the spicier ones, and they are not stingy with their pours. If anything, this is an awesome place to go after work for drinks and chips. The food is decent, and better than the other places I've been to in Seattle. The service has been generally good. Only one night were they noticeably short staffed, but we stopped being annoyed after two margaritas.
(5)Yelp R.
GREAT food, reasonable prices. We had the Barbacoa de Cabrito (stewed goat leg). It comes laden with mole sauce, rice and beans, and homemade tortillas. Fabulous!
(4)Nowi C.
The place is good and the service is not the best and I left still hungry. really over price for the tiny portions. This 2 stars meal at a 5 stars price.
(1)Chelsea J.
I deliberated about whether or not to write a review. I usually don't like writing a review when I only have visited once and it's a fairly new establishment. However, given that I don't get to Capitol Hill very often (once or twice a month at most typically) I probably won't be returning any time soon. First thing I noticed is the entrance is hard to find. The front door doesn't quite look like a door and the side door was closed so I walked by 3 times just trying to figure out how to get in the dang building. Maybe I'm just challenged. Anywho the entrance is on Pine. The service was pretty atrocious. They weren't rude or anything but the entire hour and a half we were there we had to wait wait wait. I waited a good 10 minutes for my friend while nobody asked if I wanted anything. I did get seated but nobody asked me if i wanted something while I waited (I did). Not even water. Finally when someone came to my table I asked if I could have water and another beverage. Another 5 mins before water came and my arroz con leche followed shortly after. There were 2-3+ people just hanging around the entire time. Just standing not doing anything. At times there were 5 people just dinking around by the bar not doing anything while customers were waiting! So strange. The food was decent. I enjoyed my huevos chorizo dish and the tortilla was very good. Prices are reasonable, too so they're doing that right. Based on our experience I can't tell if the low reviews are fake or if they're actually real. The food is good but the service is dismal. They really need to get it together. If I return I'll update my review but given that I don't come this way unless I'm going somewhere specific and I most likely wouldn't choose this place over the many many wonderful destination-worthy spots on the Hill, I most likely won't be back any time soon. Sorry, Mezcaleria.
(3)Jesse C.
The food is bland at best. No spice. The atmosphere is fine. I told my server my food was not good and he was apologetic which I appreciated but I won't be back.
(2)Ryan G.
Meal was average, but nothing to complain about either. It seems like they have an extensive drinks selection, but for beer, which I was there for, there selection seemed quite limited. Seems like with all the selection on Capitol Hill, I probably could have done better.
(3)Rachel J.
Loved this place! From the modern Mexican decor to the open concept kitchen, it makes a great date night! My date had the Tluypa and I had the carnitas gringas which were made with pork marinated with pineapple. So good! My date's meal was basically a huge Mexican pizza with all kinds of yummy meats. He is a big eater but wasn't able to finish it all! Although dinner was amazing, the best part had to be the house made chips with a salsa bar where you go and choose your kind of salsa...we chose them all! Highly recommend!
(5)Ian R.
Go mez[s]cal! Formerly an auto repair shop, the new Mezcaleria Oaxaca on E Pine St delivers in many ways, and will be a great addition to the already existing optimal bar scene in the area. With a modern look, it is apparent that care and meticulous detail that were applied to the design of this new mezcal-oriented bar. Using a darker, chic look, Mezcaleria Oaxaca serves as an excellent spot for a romantic evening with a date, or with a small group of friends. The bar and restaurant portions of the Mezcaleria are segregated well, as the bar is separated with both a divider and a darker lighting scheme. Sitting on the shelves of the bar - a wide array of mezcals. Available here are the cream of the crops, including Pierde Almas, Leyenda, and Del Maguey. If you're a novice with this fine Oaxacan libation, you won't be upon leaving the Mezcaleria. If pure mezcal is a little too strong for you, there is certainly no shortage of mixed drinks with a mezcal foundation. The bartenders are highly versed in the art of mezcal, so count on elements of creativity and science to shine in your cocktail. But alas, if beer is more your steez, then take comfort in knowing the Mexican classics will be readily available, such as Victoria, Pacifico, and Negra Modelo. The food menu at the Mezcaleria represent some fine Mexican staples, including soft corn tortilla tacos, mole, carne asada, and enchiladas. Any dish that includes meat....well, you're in for a treat (rhyme intended). There is an actual spit in the kitchen for a tacos al-pastor variant! The pork ribs were tender, juicy, and as well- cooked rib meat should, fell right off the bone. I anticipate that the addition of the Mezcaleria Oaxaca to Capitol Hill will represent a success both to the neighborhood, as well as the mezcal brand itself. After all, what Capitol Hill'er doesn't like to drink the good stuff.
(4)Patricia C.
I went to this place last night up to the rooftop deck, accompanied by my service dog. He has gone with me every time prior to last night and never had a problem. However, last night once I reached the bar I was rudely scolded, "no dogs allowed!" When I replied, "he's a service dog," he shouted back, "oh yeah, what's your disability!? We don't allow dogs either way!" After asking to speak with the manager and being denied, he then rudely asked again, "What's your impairment!?"in front of everyone standing around. It was degrading and I was humiliated. I've never experienced such ignorance in any other establishment! After standing there for several minutes he then stated that the bar was close while still serving other patrons. Yeah, this place has a great rooftop, but after service like that I advice people to stay away. The bartenders' name was Craig Williams, and I highly suggest he be removed from this establishment before they have a huge lawsuit on their hands.
(1)Jessica D.
Good food and drinks, decent happy hour, but they are awful with big groups and have bad customer service. Don't think this place will stick around very long. I'd suggest fogon up the street over this place any day.
(2)Jade T.
Eww... yes like a little kid picking his boogers, That's how disgusted I was with this place. Came in with a party of 6 on a Saturday night and we ordered a bit of everything from enchiladas to tacos and the carne asada plate. Everything came with heavy loads of sauce, probably trying to mask the lack of flavor or the fact the carne asada was overcooked so much it was rubbery. The lettuce on my tacos was browning and limp. I sent it back and decided I'd just have a drink instead. I'm all one for a stiff drink but everyone in my group agreed it was way too strong and overpowering. Pure rubbing alcohol grade! The place was Nice to look at, but after roaming Seattle all day and being extremely hungry, this place just didn't cut it. My friend ended up with food poisioning after her meal here. They get half a star if yelp would give me the option to do so. The guacamole and fresh chips was the only thing I could stomach from here!
(1)Patty T.
Came across this gem in Capitol Hill, and was very impressed! It was a crowded night, so my boyfriend and I opted to sit at the bar. The food and drinks were excellent, and was had great/attentive service for our whole meal. The inside ambiance was very lively, with not a table open. It's also a converted garage, so has an interesting architectural motif. The only drawback is that it can get a little pricey... Especially some of the drinks. Maybe it's because they're mostly made of the organic mezcal? But they're very strong - so overall worth it. This place would be a great place for a weekday date.
(5)Jason R.
So to start the food was delicious. No problems with that at all. The experience was just...odd. Maybe I haven't been to Capitol Hill in a while on a Saturday night, but what exactly is it turning into? It was like a behavioral study of awkward tech employees who'd been given alcohol for the first time and tinder dates. Our server seemed over it, as was I. Can you all quit yelling at the person 2 feet from you? Why did you all sit in the dining area? People were just walking straight into the dining room after ordering a drink at the bar. Anyway, I guess if you are looking for hilarious people watching and great food, this is good place to go. If you are an old man like I apparently am and are looking for good food alone, you may want to check out one of their other locations or come during the day.
(3)Michael A.
I really like what they've done with the space, and the food was decent although a bit small for the price, maybe they're trying to be fancy? The bathroom was a bit too open of a design for my tastes, I would never feel comfortable pooping here. Privacy level on par with a dive bar. Next time I'm wanting neighborhood mexi I'll go to Fogon without any hesitation. I'm sorry I cheated on you, Fogon.
(2)Osric F.
Extremely expensive for the portions. Got cold tiny tacos for $10. Ordered two plates for my self and still left hungry. Second time coming here giving a second chance since the first time service was way too long had to walk out. My respects to Fogón
(1)Leland B.
I went here ONLY because the sign outside says ROOFTOP SEATING, so I went and checked it out. I had a Margarita and had some chips salsa. The roof top is cool, but a section of this place is still under construction and THATS THE PART WHERE I WANTED TO SIT. They do have ALOT OF seated covered but it might be a bit OTO much covering, because it takes away from the whole "rooftop" vibe when there is a big roof on the roof top, lol. Maybe when the construction finishes the area where they are working on will be the PRIME rooftop location mainly because that's the corner where its closest to the street and you can actually see people. I do not like the "Freeway Guard rails" they have set up because they are not nice/or clean to Lean against when having a drink and looking down unto the street level. My drink was so-so, wont be ordering of those again, not memorable, and I was served in a plastic cup, which was a surprise to me. Maybe because it was on the rooftop? I ordered chips WHICH WERE $7 FRICCKIN Dollars! and they were thin chips that kept breaking when I tried to use the dip! IT did come with guacamole which was VERY GOOD. And this place has a "Serve your own Pico de Gallo bar and other sauces you can get" And I will tell you this was my favorite experience while I was there. The home made sauces and Pico de Gallo where extremely tasty! However its TOO bad its not complemented with better quality chips, some people may like the chips, but my preference is to have a chip that has strength and wont break under dipping pressure. lol I would only come to this place to enjoy the rooftop view on a nice day. PLEASE FINISH YOUR CONTRUCITON SO I CAN SIT IN THE BETTER PART OF THE ROOFTOP
(3)Kelsey H.
Best spicy margaritas ever! If you have more than two though don't plan on making any good decisions the rest of the day.
(5)Allison A.
Late night spot, good food, service just fine. But there are so many great restaurants near here, I'd head somewhere else first.
(3)Dennis M.
Tuesday night. Table for 3. Intolerable wait. Left hungry. We were immediately seated then the wait began, and it never ended. Actually it did end when we decided to it was time to go. Placed our order, food and drink and then waited, and waited. We noticed the same was happening at other tables so we decided to tell our waiter that a 20 minute wait after we ordered was just too long and that we are leaving. He was gracious and apologetic. We left. Too bad for us we were really looking forward to the Mole.
(1)Joe T.
Cool rooftop deck during the day time, but wished they'd install even a string of lights. I would've stayed for another hour if it wasn't so dark. Food on the roof was good, a lil overpriced. Great drink menu. Is still like to check out the main dining area & full menu.
(3)Vanessa V.
I am surprised by the shortcomings of this location since Queen Anne and Ballard are on point! Great decor, now that the roof deck is finally open that is also a hug plus, but the food and beverages leave a lot to be desired. I ordered a spicy margarita. It came as basically a regular margarita with one sad little chili floating in it. Did not taste spicy at all. There was way too much salt on the rim, so if you try to take a sip from the rim of the glass you get a mouthful of salt. The margarita itself was too sweet and too sour at the same time - it had an overpowering flavor. I sent it back and said that it wasn't spicy and the flavor of the margarita wasn't to my liking. Instead of brining me back a spicier, less sweet and sour drink, they brought a plain margarita which had the same salt and flavor balance issue. Another friend I was with at first thought I was being picky but she too ordered a margarita and had the same issues with it. We both ended up adding water to our drinks and they were palatable then. I could barely drink it without adding several ounces of water. I also tried the shrimp, fish and beef tacos. All of the tacos came smothered in sauce and you could barely taste the protein in them. They are so saucy you can barely pick them up and eat them without getting sauce all over your hands and the tacos fall apart. I am not sure what has happened at this location, but I would stick to QA and Ballard and avoid eating here or ordering mixed drinks. Still a beautiful spot to enjoy the roof deck and have some beers or another item that is not made in house at this restaurant.
(3)Bublz O.
I always walk by on my way home. but its really crowded. On a weekday I strolled in. Sat right next to the cook. Very few customers were there hardly. So i thought I'd give it a try. Got my sangria. ..so strong (didn't finish it)! So I waited for my $9 tacos. Tiny 4 lil tacos. So i asked for more tortillas. They were twice if not 3x the size of the Lil tacos I had. So i ordered plantains - my favorite right. Tough. I was soooo disappointed. Server jus set my food down rapidly and was gone like a shot. Dropped it like it was hot...lol I had2 ask for extra napkins, twice. I like the decor but I won't be back.
(1)Mike B.
Upon seating, we were asked if we wanted something to eat, maybe chips and guacamole? Recognizing the clever power of suggestion in the upsell of guacamole, we bit and said "yes please, both." We ordered dinner and a round of drinks. When the bill came we noticed 2 line items of chips each for $3 in addition to an expected guacamole line item for $3. The food was decent, though the margarita was rough and they can't make mojitos (mint is not something they stock). There are several better mexican places close by. Rating: 3 stars, minus 1 star for the three dollar basket of chips and minus 1 star for the three dollar refill of the basket of chips.
(1)Erin D.
I'm still sitting in the restaurant waiting for my bill. But it's just so bad I have to remember to say something. The food and drinks are absolutely not worth the price at all, and in general just really bad. The atmosphere is nice and service decent--except for them bussing empty plates from under you with extreme haste and no regard for the situation at the table. I should have trusted their reviews. Fish tacos no where near worth the price.
(2)Cesar S.
The food, the drinks, all really great. I had the chicken mole negro which was surprisingly very tasty. If you happen to order the strawberry margarita, make sure you ask for it on the rocks. The reason I'm giving this location a 3 star rating, even though everything consumed there was actually of 4-5star quality, is because of their restroom facilities. We were seated in the party room, and kept getting whips of smells from the restrooms. Why? Because they have no doors! Any odors, are immediately leaked out. Not to mention the lack of privacy. It doesn't matter how artistic an establishment wants to be, when it comes to the restroom section. Please put a real door to close the facilities up. The men's in particular, I understand urinals are a communal thing, but when someone needs to use the actual toilet privacy is, and always should be given. This was a complete design flaw, and I really hope they fix it. Because let's face it, no one wants to use a toilet with a bamboo tassel like curtain as the "door"
(3)Giovanni G.
Having worked in the food service industry for well over 15 years I very well understand its challenges, but nothing can justify the ghastly customer treatment that my party of 6 received. I would normally just leave the experience as simply a bad choice of restaurant for a night out with friends, BUT to find a surprise addition to the charged gratuity in my Amex bill, THAT IS OUTRIGHT THIEVERY! I will be contacting the restaurant and calling them out on this illicit behavior. Watch out for any charges on your credit card bill, from this restaurant, that you did not authorized... it happened to two of us in our party!
(1)James F.
I have been waiting for these guys to open their restaurant in capitol hill and am not disappointed. All the food is great and so are the drinks. I find the reviews about the "bad service" kind of funny because its the same way in ballard and queen ann- I feel like it's part of the dining experience. I was impressed by how much the chefs put into their food. I saw one chef throw out 4 flans before serving us ours because they didn't set correctly and come out properly. The only disadvantage is that they close early on sunday.
(5)Bryan M.
If you can't find the door to this place, then too bad for you. If you want ginormous burritos, go to Gorditos. If you don't want to wait, don't come to a popular, new restaurant on Capitol Hill on a Friday or Saturday. If you want vegetables, go somewhere else. It's that simple people. The food is excellent and they offer dishes not available at their other two restaurants. I come here during the weekday and sit at the bar. There's no wait. The service is fine. I used the restroom once and I'm not emotionally scarred.
(4)Dustin V.
Service was horrible. We had to stop a waitress to ask for drinks when we first sat down. Food was mediocre. And then they gave us a huge bill from another table. When we tried to get our original bill we sat for 20 minutes waiting before I asked for a manager. Then we waited another 20 minutes for the manager to figure out how to charge us the correct amount. Eventually we walked over to the station and asked for our credit card back. The manager said he wouldn't charge us and we left. Total clusterf*ck. I'll never go back. Wasn't worth the hassle of the parking and waiting for everything.
(1)Emily M.
I'm so torn--I want to give this place high marks because I thought the food tasted good and I love its sister restaurant in Queen Anne. But there were just too many negatives to make me want to come back. We got there on a Monday night and were told the wait would be 20 minutes. It ended up being about 40. Throughout the night, the service was really slow. I should add that it's not the staff's fault. Everyone working was practically running to take orders, deliver food, and bus tables. I think they just need more servers and more people in the kitchen. When we finally did get our food, it arrived without tortillas. Looking around at other tables, I got the impression that was normal. When we asked about it, they quickly brought them out to us. The food itself was really good. I had the mole with pork and enjoyed the sauce. Unfortunately, it was really hard to eat. It didn't come with a knife, so I had to use my spoon to get the meat off the bones, what little there was. Most of it was fat or gristle. The portion was already quite small; not including the pork and fat I probably had five or six smallish bites of pork. It's too bad. The food is really good. I just don't want to spend that much time waiting and that much money only to be left hungry. I suppose we could have ordered a $6 basket of chips to help fill us up. Instead we opted to go to Freddy Juniors afterwards and spent the $6 on two sliders and a hefty portion of fries. Five stars for Freddy Juniors!
(2)Joseph C.
I haven't left a restaurant in an angry mood for quite some time. Unfortunately, I decided to try this new mexican place that looks like a great addition to the neighborhood. My first impression: It's a total embarrassment that is not ready for the weeknight clientele of Capitol Hill. Let me elaborte: Drinks - Most Cap Hill folk like to drink. We like our drinks in a reasonable time frame and made well. They were made well, but it seemed to take 1) over 15 to order said drink and 2) another 15 to receive said drink. I could have (and in hindsight should have) walked to Barrio, ordered a drink, and by the time the drinks here were dropped off, I would have been back. Service - We're not super high maintenance, but would it kill you to be friendly. The server in the bar came up to our table, late, saying "What do you want to drink?" No touchy-lovey service here. This didn't chance through the course of the meal. Finally, after being neglected for most of the night, I asked for the check. He grabbed my Amex and then tossed it by my table like a used kleenex at a funeral. Essentially, I didn't feel at all like my business was appreciated, which thankfully there are a myriad of existing (new and established) "cantinas" that have great service and know how to actually treat a customer. This was one of my worst dining experiences in the three years I've lived here.
(1)Jacqueline A.
The hubs and I used to visit these guys quite a bit when we were still living on Capitol Hill! They're a little bit pricey, but overall we didn't mind since the food was so yummy. Lots of pescetarian options! My personal favorite is the Quesadillas Fritas. I personally haven't had any "Bad service", although a waiter did mess up our order once (the mistake was quickly corrected). The outdoor seating area is just gorgeous, or at least it WAS before all the construction started around the area. All in all, this is a good place for a relaxing lunch or weekend dinner.
(4)Christina M.
The last thing Capitol Hill needs is another pretty but lame Mexican restaurant. Seriously, just go to Fogon which is a block up the street - it's not as fancy, but the food and service are far superior. We arrived at the Mezcaleria Oaxaca and were greeted by a very surly, almost angry dude who told us we would need to wait to be seated. OK. Once we got a seat, we were treated to truly awful service by our waiter. I had to flag him down by waving my arms several times to get silverware, water and our check. The "salsa bar" is conveniently located in a corner near jostling drinkers and people waiting to be seated. We waited an hour for our food and it was just awful. I got the Mexican Pizza thing that sounded great on the menu but was basically a stale, dried out tortilla covered unripe tomatoes, hard, unripe avocados and very dry meat. I rarely send food back at restaurants but was tempted to dump this thing but we had already invested too much time in this place. I just left it uneaten and got out of there. I was just talking to a friend today who had an almost identical experience at this place, so I think there are some deep systemic issues. I will not go back. I'm sure this place will be swarmed by bridge and tunnel people (oh wait, they live here now...) who are taken in by the ambiance just like they same to love Poquitos (also inedible). Seriously, skip it and go to Fogon.
(1)TT S.
-5 stars! After sitting there for an hour smelling their deep fryer, we threw down money for our drinks & chips and got the hell out of there. Never did get our food nor did we see anyone else get their's. I've worked in the restaurant biz for 30+ years.
(1)Ajay S.
The food here is fantastic. If you know what to get. Probably avoid the cocktails - not because they are bad - they are fine - but just up Pine you have way better bartenders doing their thing. But the food... Now the food is good. The Barbacoa de Cabritas - Goat stew - fantastic. The mole looked great. Tacos too. Nice ambience too.
(4)Kate T.
I wanted to love this place; it's gorgeous! I arrived with a friend around 6pm on Friday. We sat at the bar and I told the bartender right away that I was considering hosting a birthday party gathering there. He took me on a tour of the 'back room' and ran off to gather information about booking options. It turns out the party room is not currently available for reservations, which is a bit of a bummer, but to be honest I'm not sure I really want to be hidden away in a dark room behind the bar on my birthday. The bartender recommended trying Sunday brunch, but I'm not really interested in showing up with 15 friends only to "wait about 3 hours for a table" (as the bartender said). The food was good, but a bit cold by the time it arrived. My first drink (a strawberry margarita) was fabulous! The second drink I ordered, the "Primer Beso" tasted like an old leather saddle - way too smokey for my tastes. The bartender graciously made me a new drink, but didn't ask about my preferences and delivered a beverage with a giant jalapeño in it and I hate jalapeños :(
(3)Robert G.
Great food and the drinks are a must, but they sure have a kick. but delightful. The service could be better. But it's worth it for sure. Great for a Friday night get together, or catching up with friends.
(3)Damon D.
I love this place. Food is phenomenal. I love a place you can see who is making your food. I ordered the Gringas last time, always amazing but you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. I like they make the tortillas for your food per order. I never mind paying for chips and guac when they make that stuff fresh and you get hot chip and a house-made salsa bar. Staff is super friendly and welcoming, its great to see the same friendly faces from the other locations. The decor is one of a kind in there you can tell there was a lot of effort put into it. All the bartenders know how to pour a great drink, I like that they have one of a kind specialty drinks made from house made roasted pineapple infused mezcal. And the selection of mezcal is untouchable, if you have little or no knowledge of mezcal ask the bartender to educate you, they have an abundant amount of info, background and flavor profiles for each and every bottle. I have been to La Carta de Oaxaca and Mezcaleria in Queen Anne and this place sets the bar high for all the locations. People who give this place low ratings do not know how to appreciate good authentic Oaxacan food. Yes the portions are not ginormous but they are filling and pack a punch of flavor. If you want a giant plate of beans and rice smothered in cheese this is not the place for you. I hear Azteca is more up their ally. Needless to say I will be back time and again,
(5)M J.
Sat at the bar with a group of four. Had an awesome drink presentation from Spence (bartender), his passion for mezcal and cool information about the whole mezcal process made it a neat chill night at the bar. Must stop by and be intertained by the cute bartender.
(4)chelsea d.
14$ for 3 teeny tiny "halibut" tacos? I woke up this morning and was like "wait a second.. There's no way those were halibut.." They were boring and to make matters worse the spicy sauce that sounded good in theory amounted to some type of spicy mayo. My date got that big pizza looking thing you can see in the pictures.. He said the meat was good but the Deli tomatoes and beans and lettuce and whatever else was on that big stale wafer tasting circle amounted to just bizzare garnishes. The dish was odd.. And stale. The pico was good, the chips were less than notable, the service was relatively prompt but a bit hard to understand.. Decent ambience.. Bad food.. The first time I've wrote a review in quite awhile.
(2)Paul S.
Came here for Sunday brunch. This place had a great portion size of food; I was full but not stuffed. The food was more authentic than other Mexican places in the area, and the service was fantastic. The coffee was served with a traditional Mexican flavor to it; it had a slight cinnamon taste to it which I loved. The huevos rancheros were very good! Also, sitting next to the window on this sunny day was to die for; it was gorgeous.
(4)Doston R.
This place is good only for drinks. The food is real bland and tasteless. The drinks are pretty strong and clean - no disgusting margarita mix, which is refreshing . The tequila seems high quality. I just can't get past the food. The service is only ok. Probably won't be back unless dragged by a group of friends and even then I'll pass on the food bit.
(2)Natalie D.
As Yelpers probably know, this is the latest restaurant to open courtesy of the owners of Carte de Oaxaca in Ballard. But don't go in expecting the same quality of food. The Mezcaleria, as it's name would suggest, is clearly focused on its liquor business. The food seems to be little more than an after thought --- either that or the kitchen staff just isn't quite trained up yet. The pork mole negro that made its sister location in Ballard famous, was not edible due to the fact that it's ribs here instead of the tender slow-cooked shoulder meat I've come to absolutely crave. They don't serve it with a knife, and without one you cannot cut the meat, not to mention there's more gristle then flesh on the plate. The Carne Asada in the tacos was undercooked and too tough to chew. I ate one and sent it back. Even the salsa was considerably less tasty than in Ballard. So if a flight of mezcal is what you're after, you'll have fun, but the food is sure to disappoint.
(2)Katie W.
Amazing, gorgeous restaurant - my eyes thank you for what is the best looking new place I've seen on Pine for awhile. Really great food, much like their other locations. I've never been disappointed at any of their restaurants, ever! Also, really good margaritas - like someone else mentioned they are STRONG, so drinker beware. Relaxed atmosphere, no hassle. The boyfriend & I have not had to wait yet. We've gone on week nights, got right in to the bar seating area. Hope adding a good review doesn't change that... Definitely going to be a regular, here. BRAVO!
(5)Anna K.
Excited to have a new place for some unique mexican food, and awesome Mezcal selection. It's still getting its bearings but I'm sure it'll be a gem in no time- and the food is fantastic. I'm looking forward to trying their brunch. Service will hopefully improve with time, and more practice in a large high-volume restaurant.
(4)Jason H.
Not sure why this gets such low reviews. We had a fantastic dinner here the other night at the bar. I had the amazing goat dish - so flavorful with the tortillas and the grits. My wife had delicious enchiladas and we each had a fantastic cocktail. The only improvement I would make would be a bit more guidance on what is going on where. We went up to the roof and couldn't quite figure it out (though it looked like a fun place for a drink).
(4)Paul C.
Had the Pork Mole Friday night. They use rib meat and it was really delicious. Great Strawberry Margarita too! Will definitely go back.
(4)Painted Lady X.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in the country. Don't understand how the average rating is 3 stars. Does America prefer Tex-Mex to authentic Mexican food? Sad. Eat at the bar and order a Manhattan with Mezcal. Do it.
(5)Ivan R.
New Mexican restaurant! Gotta try it, right? Yes, but beware of the small-but-tasty portions, the microscopic limes and the inexistent desserts. This is a place for drinks and light snacks, but don't worry, El Fogón is next door to "finish" your dinner and their arroz con leche is to die for.
(2)TJ B.
Tried this place out last week and I really enjoyed it. I started out at the bar waiting for a friend. The waiter was very friendly and told me all about Mezcals, which I didn't know much about. He even gave me a free taste. We discussed the fact that they didn't have a Happy Hour, then he pointed out the prices. This place doesn't need a Happy Hour, the prices for food and drink were awesome. The most expensive food dish on the menu was $16. Once my friend arrived we were seated and enjoyed a fantastic, delightfully tasty meal. The service was good, we never needed to flag anyone down. And the chips are super yummy! Freshly fried, mmm.... But, let's talk about the salsa. While I know from eating at the Ballard restaurant, you have to go to the salsa bar and get your own salsa, I might recommend not hosting this next to the front door. Seems like a bad location for several reasons. I will most definitely be back for more awesomeness!
(4)Walter P.
The SPACE is design-delightful. The FOOD is utterly delicious--the mole, the tacos "gringas", and the pozole for example. The service in the BAR is sharp and friendly. BUT the service in the RESTAURANT has been dull, unfriendly, and confused on three of three visits. Too bad! A manager could correct this with a replacement or two, and I hope he/she does before it's too late.
(2)Priyanka M.
Time and again I've expected more from the creators of La Carta De Oaxaca, but they seem to miss with Mezcaleria Oaxaca!!! They nailed it with the location, décor and very refreshing new ambience! I'm a big fan of sitting around the open kitchen and interacting with people behind it. My husband and I took a spot around there to observe what looked good! We went with a sangria, Gringas Oaxaquenas, Barbacoa de Cabrito and another drink which unfortunately I can't remember now. GRINGAS OAXAQUENAS WERE REALLY REALLY GOOD. If I had to come back to Mezcal, I'd probably have the gringas again. Very tasty barbeque pork with cilantro and hot sauce! 3 little tortillas just didn't do it for me, definitely needed more of that!! Now moving on to the Cabrito, it was a goat leg stew. Looking at the entrée, it looked mouth watering, I wish I could say that for the flavor!!! The meat had a smoked flavor with some kick, but I really wanted more!!! Some rice would've been nice for the dish because tortillas were very messy for a runny gravy and just didn't do anything to alleviate the flavor. Basically it was one of those dishes where we ended up putting in a bunch of condiments to make it taste better!!! On the other hand, the sangria was a little too sour for my taste with drinks overall being very expensive compared to other places around! I came for the food, was a little disappointed. I was also hoping for better service and attention but oh well, the place was busy on a Saturday night!!! With a Mexican restaurant opening on the hill literally every month, I'd be curious to try other places before making my way back to Mezcal!!!!
(3)Nellie B.
As a big fan of the Ballard location, I was excited for this place to open up, but find myself disenchanted with the reality. Last night's visit exemplified the numerous problems. Among the smaller issues are the overpriced but very small dishes. I'm normally one who wishes for smaller portions when eating out, but what passes for (and is charged as) a full entree here is more appetizer sized than anything. Value aside, it can be surprising when the food arrives, and also a hassle since most will need to order a second round. The food and drinks are pretty good, but nothing special in comparison to other like restaurants on the hill, where better service and prices are to be found, nor even to the other locations in this chain, which I think is odd. And ah yes, then there's the service. It was dismal. I was there with a small group, and I don't think any of us actually got what we ordered or all that we ordered. We waited for dishes and drinks that never arrived, and those that did came with odd pacing, so no one was really eating and drinking at the same time. Though the waiter wrote everything down, somehow by the end of the meal he had no idea what we ordered and so went round one by one to ask us (so perhaps this was a clue that he knew we had ordered things we didn't receive?). Despite that, the bills were completely random (we all got separate checks, though didn't ask for them). I was billed for two items I didn't get. One I ordered but never got, and one I never ordered. By that time, it was just less of a hassle to pay than quibble. Two final notes: The salsa bar is a pain. It's oddly located in the front where it is crowded, and the dishes are too small and badly shaped. Need salsa for more than one person? Be ready to make several awkward trips back and forth past the bathroom and bar. Want to dip a chip into the salsa? Nothing doing. Only by breaking the chips into smaller pieces will they fit into the wee dish. And that bathroom? Not much privacy. One of us had the pleasure of witnessing a young bulimic throw up her meal. Big picture: Will you have an okay time if you swing by here on the next sunny day when you crave a margarita? Sure. Is this the best place to go on that hunt? No.
(2)Robert R.
Gotta give this place another try. Service was as memorable as a slice of white bread. Ordered the mole, got an ice cream scoop of rice with a sprig of cilantro and a drumbstick with some pretty sweet sauce on it. I think I might be used to the Oaxacan style.
(2)Kevin L.
This place actually just pissed me off. I think it started with the absurdly tiny amount of guacamole they served me. I'm talking enough for 5-7 healthy dips, that's it. Shocked by the amount, my disappointment was compounded by the less than inspiring taste. Let me try to describe as they would on a high brow cooking show. "First, i start with the lowest quality avocados i can find. Then i use them just before they turn bad. I start by dropping them on the floor and stepping on them with my athlete foot infested feet. I find this adds a unique flavor profile..." anyway you get they point. Now on to the margarita. One word, bland. Then came my entree. I ordered the "house special" chicken mole. The only thing special about this lukewarm concoction was the speed at which it came out....Reading between the lines ( and temperature) i would say heat lamp special. All of this below mediocre food was ordered and delivered by 3 separate servers. All of which seemed baffled on who was supposed to be helping us. Net net, this place doesn't not stand up to much better offerings within a very short distance. I will never return.
(2)C D.
Horrible Passionless Bartender and a sub-par Margarita. We will not return. Considering how much we love tequila and mezcal we were excited to check out this new place on Cap Hill. We showed up on a lively but not packed Friday night. After sitting at the bar for 10 minutes we were eventually greeted by the barback and given menus. None of the Bar Tenders noticed we were even sitting directly in front of them for almost 15 additional minutes. Finally we were rushed into ordering as the Bartender ran off in the middle of us talking not even allowing us to finish our order. Eventually our Margaritas arrived and they were watery and almost devoid of Flavor. My Margarita sat completely full for almost 25 minutes before a different Bartender noticed it and asked if everything was ok (All while our Bartender ignored us even though he was directly in front of us the whole time). This second bartender asked us if he would like mine to be remade and I said yes. We saw him mention it to our original Bartender who you could clearly see rolling his eyes at the request. We saw him defiantly making a new one but this time adding what seemed like 5 shots of tequila and a ton of ice and a dash of mix. Granted we are not college kids and are in our late 30's-early 40's. We are not there to get drunk and serving that kind of pure alcohol tequila is not only devoid of favor(pointless as a cocktail) but irresponsible for a bar tender to serve; how does he think I am going to legally drive home after 5 shots? This margarita was more undrinkable than the first and sat there once again completely full in front of the bar tender with no attempt from him to communicate with us. We even attempted to politely get his attention but were ignored as he ran around like a frantic robot making more and more Margaritas mindlessly. We also noticed no one around us (all who also had margaritas) had finished theirs and were very slowly sipping them. Finally the only attentive one (the polite BarBack) noticed my credit card sitting next to the again full Margarita and asked if we were ready to cash out. I politely asked him if he could remove the Margarita from our total bill and he politely said yes. A this point the rude Bar Tender came over to tell us than I had to pay for his full Margarita, this led to a discussion of why I should not (which I will spare you the unpleasantries of his rude attitude). He did finally agree to remove the cost after letting me know that "I have made literally 50,000 margaritas all the same way, ....I do so many I can do them in my sleep, I'm on Robot mode and we are famous for them. This Margarita is perfect" he said. WOW! At this point we realized the defensiveness of this bartender that has lost any passion or care for his work or customers which is apparent when he is proud of working like a robot and didn't even bother to connect with his customers directly in front of him. We will definitely not come back for the Margaritas here. On a side note the Bar-back did seem to actually care about what he was doing, he was tasting the drinks that the other bar tender was making (as he appeared to be training under him before handing them to customers. We also noticed he was the only one connecting with customers so we hope this new Bar Tender will replace RoboBartender.
(1)Macker S.
Ate here for dinner last night. Those 2 reviews below are obviously from the same dinner party. We had the carne asada tacos, tacos al pastor - called something different on menu though - and some third dish I can't remember the name. For desert we had the fried plantain thatcomes with ice cream. The tacos were excellent, and the asada has an excellent flavor. The fresh chips are BOMB. Not sure if they are complimentary as we bought the ones with guac. I don't eat enough guac to know good from bad, so can't really commont on that. Thriled we now have this restaurant in the hill. It was packed, so don't expect to grab a quick bite. Contrary to the negative reviews below, we had great service and no one was hanging out talkinig. In fact, everyone was scrambling just to keep up. I almost gave this 4 stars because you might need to ask for something on your own, and you won't be pampered like some restaurants where your waiter comes over every 5min, but overall we had really good service, great atmosphere, and excellent food. I highly recommend oaxaca!
(5)Kelsey A.
The only thing that was enjoyable about this dining experience was laughing at how ridiculous the service was. My friends and I waited for over 3 hours and had to ask ten times just to try and get a basket of chips. At one point I had to ask "are you out of chips?" because it took over an hour for them to be brought to our table. I now understand why their salsa bar is self-service--the staff is likely incapable of delivering it themselves. When the food finally came it was cold and flavorless. We understood that the restaurant is new, but it was upsetting how unapologetic the entire staff was for the abysmal service, including the manager. Not once did anyone apologize or offer something to make up for the rude service. In short, if you enjoy having to beg for tortilla chips and a wait staff that thinks that is business as usual, check this place out. Otherwise, if you're like me, you will stay far away from this restaurant and tell your friends to do the same.
(1)Saucy B.
great drinks (most of your bill goes here). very reasonably priced dishes and tasty too...plan on snacky type tacos and treats rather than a traditional entree. good service without attitude. fun atmosphere.
(4)Joe P.
The place looks great, and although you won't catch a smile the food is not bad. Nothing special if you've experienced authentic Mexican before. Highly overpriced on both food and drinks. What they serve the are not dinner plates. They are more like hors d'oeuvres.
(1)James H.
What a great location. The food is off the charts and the staff super friendly and knowledgeable. The rooftop kicks butt and is a nice change from sitting inside. Go to this place and no matter what you try you will enjoy :0)
(5)Camille L.
My darling Besty (best brother in the world) took me here for HH to start celebrating my birthday and I always have the best time with him. He takes me to the best places like this and always so generous (love this person So much)! We had our dinner and now up on the roof having our staple drink that we have all the time. He got his Bourbon and coke. I like my Bourbon and whiskey as well but tonight, I got my Margarita since we're doing Mexican tonight. Just he and I... We were the first ones for HH and now, ppl are rolling in. It's really nice here up on the roof on Pine St. Pretty trendy but yet not so expensive. Nice intimate open area with long wood benches and feel-at-home vibe. Super clean! I love it! This place has a full bar and a restaurant in the bottom for intimate dining. Staff, super friendly and have wonderful smile. Next stop? NY City!
(4)Kittiya P.
First visit. Was there for a friend's bachelorette dinner a couple nights ago. I was a little bummed that chips were not complementary. Chips and guacamole was $6. Pricey. I had Tequila Caliente (spicy margarita) and Gringas. Both were awesome. The portion was quite small. I really wanted more food. Kudos to our waiter. We ordered a round of tequila to start. Our waiter was super thoughtful and brought a shot of water with salt and lime for our pregnant friend. He went above and beyond for our group photos.
(4)Jason J.
One of the best additions to the pine Pike corridor in a long time. With an ounce standing menu down below and even more outstanding rooftop patio deck with great staff you're sure not to go wrong. Rumor has it that they'll be adding a food truck to the top of the roof top since there will be a full selection of different items that are not available in the restaurant itself. The bar staff and the wait staff have always been friendly and always willing to give you a suggestion on a new cocktail or a new item that you may have not thought about on the menu. And even if its not on the menu and they have the ingredients don't go out of their way to make it for you!
(4)Monica S.
Great view from the rooftop, but it definitely needs some better decor! It looks like someone just decided to add a bar on the roof, put a wood stopper in the door, and call everyone up for drinks! The drinks are strong, which is obviously a plus! Overall, not a bad place, but not my favorite in Seattle either.
(2)Jen L.
3 stars for food. minus 1 star for bar staff. At the bar on the roof, the guy, who i guess is a bartender assistant, is arrogant and unhospitable. He took the order and money without making any eye contact and without an explanation, we waited... and waited. We assumed that the other guy was the only bartender and who knows what this guy is here for. After several minutes and no communication, we asked for money back to go somewhere else (as there are several places that make margaritas within 2 blocks . ..and they are better). nope, assistant guy said the drink was being made though we were clear we wanted to leave. For $8 for a poor quality margarita + cocky bartender assistant... pass! not worth it here given the variety of other better mexican places.
(2)Claudine M.
I like this place. I came for HH with some friends the other night and sat in the bar. The bartender was friendly and accommodating and tried to emulate a cocktail I had described to him even though he didn't have all the ingredients. It turned out a little too stiff for my liking, so he took it back and made alterations, and boom. I later spotted a jar of tamarind candy straws in the bar, and I am a huge sucker for these things. I asked for a michelada just so I could have a tamarind candy straw for the night. Happy happy, joy joy. We ordered some chips and guacamole, which were $5 altogether during HH if I'm not mistaken. The chips were so fresh and warm when they arrived! They had the right amount of salt. The guac was okay -- it was simple, nothing special. I like to taste bolder lime and cilantro flavors in my guac, and this didn't have that. They have an unlimited salsa bar, which was needing refills at the time of our visit. We didn't get much out of it, but the salsa roja had a deep, garlicky flavor, which I loved. I ordered al pastor tacos and shrimp tacos. They were both good -- not wow-good, but good. The pork in the al pastor was nice and tender, and I caught a few tidbits of pineapple, but the overall flavor was a little weak. If I'd been able to get enough salsa roja from the salsa bar, it might've helped. Same with the shrimp. The ambience was nice. Music wasn't too loud, and we could talk comfortably. The decor was modern with a touch of cultural Mexico, i.e. traditional beer-jugs and a crucifix. I really enjoyed that. I can't wait to come on the rooftop this summer and just sit there and drink and try more food all evening.
(3)Jessica H.
Word of advice: Don't mess with a girl and her guac. I was given the smallest portion of guacamole I have ever had in my whole life. It was legendarily abysmal. For $5 for chips and guacamole I received guacamole in a tiny ketchup container that was half full. And half of that was diced tomatoes. So upsetting. Never coming back. Not even because they have a nice rooftop area. About a block away at Fogon, for the same price you can get a small dish of delicious, minimally tomatoized guac and chips. Go there and be happy :)
(1)Megan Y.
I visited this place with a large group of friends on a Friday night. There is a large bar with decent bartenders. They specialize in tequila-based drinks (no surprise) as well as some concoctions I've never heard of before. My friend tried the La Oaxaqueña, a mixed drink with a large stick of tamarind in it. Crazy cool but also very spicy. I would stick with the bar side of he establishment as the dining area is always very busy. We waited over an hour for a table, there was 10 of us to be fair, but they were really disorganized with giving us a clear wait time. Food is pretty run of the mill. They have lots of options for Mexican food, but nothing really wow'ed me. The chicken in my quesadillas was a little dry. Also, they do not split checks for a large group which is an inconvenience. Unfortunately, they don't tell you this at the beginning of your order either, so just keep that in mind. We tried to have the waitress charge items to individual cards, but a few of us got double charged or charged for the wrong dishes. Yikes! Overall, I think if they are just a bit more organized on the management side of things, this is a great place to hangout on Cap Hill. It's in a prime location for venturing out to other bars after, too.
(3)Jennie C.
Not too impressed by their rooftop food or service. Expensive and mediocre. Only redeeming point is the sun shining down.
(3)