La Cocina Del Puerco
10246 Main St,Ste C, Bellevue, WA, 98004
La Cocina Del Puerco Menu
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Address :
10246 Main St,Ste C
Bellevue, WA, 98004 - Phone (425) 455-1151
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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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Jacques I.
It's a small eatery serving authentic Mexican food in Old Main Bellevue. They have four tables for patio seating, which is great for when we bring our dog. And I just learned that they have some beers on tap, in addition to bottled beer. I've had the picadillo, which was good. It had carrots and potatoes simmered with the meat, all on a bed of shredded lettuce. The quesadilla was average. But the carnitas is what I really come here for. It's very tasty and tender, and goes well with the flour tortillas and side of guacamole. It's a nice place to eat at for some quick-service, authentic Mexican food.
(4)Jim B.
We tried this place randomly as we were looking for a Mexican lunch spot in Bellevue. Walked in and immediately felt the authentic feel and the owner was the only one working there. She explained that she brought all the recipes from Mexico 20 years ago and they had been open in that location ever since. Kind of a nice story. Chips and Salsa- You definitey have to pay for it which we are not used to with American style Mexican restaurants. Salsa was OK and guac was good. Chips are actually tortilla wafers that you have to break apart. Pork Burrito w/rice and beans- First off I really appreciated the authentic beans and rice. You just can't get that at the standard American/Mexican joints which is most of them. The burrito was very good and large. I was a little disappointed that they were out of carne asada burritos which is what I initially ordered. Price for burrito plate, chips and salsa, and a drink came to over $18 which is a little high, but standard for the area that this restaurant resides in (Main St. Bellevue). Parking is definitely a challenge as well. I would go back here, especially if they had carne asada burritos.
(3)Krista T.
Thanks to Peach delivery for introducing me to La Cocina Del Puerco. I'm tempted to give them 5 stars, but since I've only tried one dish so far, I'll give them a 4. I ordered the #7 Carnitas and ate the entire dish in about 4-5 minutes. This says nothing about the portion size, and everything about the bangin' flavors in this dish, and my inner fat girl taking over my body. The shredded tenderloin pork was cooked perfectly; melt in your mouth deliciousness. Rice had a nice little flavor going, as did the beans. You'll get about 3 corn tortillas with your plate as well. I look forward to stopping by and trying more of their dishes. The #7 Carnitas was certainly a great introduction!
(4)John O.
Three and a half stars. If I were evaluating it against other steam table Mexican restaurants, it would be five stars. The concept of serving food that has been prepared in quantity and sitting in containers on a steam table, waiting to be served cafeteria style is limiting. While its fine for soups and stews, meats and vegetables suffer degraded quality. They do their best to overcome their limitations. In fact, they are better than many made to order places. Their fresh made corn tortillas are usually very good, and they use them to make tiny tacos. The meats for the tacos carne asada, carnitas, and chicken. The carne asada doesn't like standing around cooked - its often over done and dry. The chicken is stewy - pulled meat in a broth. The carnitas is tender pulled pork that is tasty, but lacks the crunchy flavorful outside layer that I crave.
(4)Ren G.
Sweet little place with excellent Mexican Coke. I ordered something with a flat crispy tortilla topped with guacamole and beans and lettuce, but somewhere in there the beans got left off (or I read the menu wrong?) and it was really kind of like eating a lettuce covered taco shell with enough guac to feed an army. The Mexican rice was not bad at all, which is impressive given that I usually hate any kind of rice with seasoning. It was tender and warm and just flavorful enough to complement the strong taste of garlic in the guac without being bland. My main complaint here is that the place isn't very creative or vegetarian friendly, but I think most people would probably not be bothered by that. What you get here is VERY plain very authentic Mexican food. A little quirky, but very homey. Not something I enjoyed, but my co-workers seemed to like it well enough, and if you like meat, chances are, you'd like it as well.
(3)Joedda B.
Authentic food with personal service, can't go wrong with this restaurant. Love the fact it's family owned and not a corporation dictating the menu and flavors. The ambiance is friendly and 'local' so if you're in the mood to feel at home try this yummy place.
(5)Steve S.
Best Carnitas north of Old Town Mexican Restaurant in San Diego. They cook from scratch and the food is just the way it should be if you were eating in Mexico or Southern CA.
(5)Joey M.
Been coming to this place since I was 5. It's an authentic Mexican food gem which doesn't get the business it deserves. I give it a 5 star bc the food is unbelievable and the burnt creme is addicting(20 years addicting). Try this place out. You don't regret it.
(5)Melanie S.
I'm not sure why this place is getting the ratings it is. I was rather disappointed because the reviews rave and the food doesn't live up. The service was good. It was a very non busy sunny Monday afternoon and the place was empty except one person. Didn't take too long to get the #2 carne asada taquitos. I figured it would be a decent helping of food for $11, far from it. The plate was tiny and the rice and beans took up the entire plate. I don't think I'm too set on coming back here, but the food was decent so I won't knock them too many stars.
(3)Jeremy C.
I tried La Cocina Del Puerco many years ago, but didn't return since I was not initially impressed with the atmosphere and didn't think much of the food - mainly the lack of fried foods such as crispy flautas or chimichangas. But recently I figured I'd give it another shot despite the 3 star Yelp review since it's so close to my house. Boy am I glad I did! As many reviewers mention, the signature dish here is the carnitas (pork). They come with rice, beans and tortillas and are cooked perfectly. I usually order extra tortillas since they provide a generous helping of pork. Just don't come here expecting things like fried tacos, flautas or the like since I don't believe they have a deep fat fryer. I also have to mention that the gentleman that has helped me the past few times has always been extremely polite and willing to provide great food recommendations. The other downfall at this point is the rather limited parking due to all of the construction nearby. This makes getting to-go orders a bit more challenging, but it's totally worth it!
(5)Alison G.
My parents used to eat here back in the day so when my mom and I were in the area, we decided to give the restaurant a go! It was around lunch time and there was a decent line when we arrived. Ordered #1 - the three tacos (I forgot the name...) - in pork! My mom ordered the same thing but with 2 chicken tacos and 1 pork one. They are served with a radish, green onion, rice, & whole beans! Perfect portion size for $10 something. The rice was fluffy, pork flavorful but not too salty, and beans not overcooked. We also ordered the burnt cream. This meal tasted authentic and definitely hit the spot. The service here was kind and welcoming. It's a little slow because they have a couple people cooking/preparing the food, and another at the register/busing tables, but still great nevertheless.
(4)Fei Z.
Yes, they have signs not to take the salsa in the water glasses, and yes they have rickety metal chairs and tables, but this is hands down the best carnitas you can get in the Puget Sound area, and that for me makes the minor eccentricities non-issues. If you're going here for the first time, get the #1 (tres carnitas tacos) and bask in the glory. (For the record, although the signs say order by number, I have never had a problem ordering whatever crazy custom order I have in mind without any numbers except count of tacos.) I come here every week and get lunch, and then I order dinner on the way out, all carnitas. The owners are always friendly, and I've never had a problem with the service. If outstanding pork is your thing, look no further. If you're going to complain about salsa cups or the Dos Equis guy cut-out, take some tequila shots, relax, and then give it a go.
(5)Jo F.
Terrible service! The old lady(owner) doesn't know what customer service means...she is probably tired of doing this kind of job...feel sorry for her
(1)Brian C.
A couple of things to understand. This place is not Taco Bell and it is not Azteca. I know that is what most of the people in the area think is Hispanic food. If you are used to the chain Mexican American restaurant like the ones above that basically pour sauce all over your food like a tv dinner than you probably should go there. I usually get mine to go, I always ask for extra salsa and never have an issue. I also get the carnitas and a relleno. Now I will admit it a few years ago this place was a little better and the place is a bit pricey but if you are in Bellevue and you don't want chain Mexican food this place is a good bet if you have a few cold ones at home. With a couple of beers at home its 4 stars.
(3)Katie S.
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. The food is all saugy and and oily and salty. Mexican food is not hard to make, this place truly proved otherwise. I'll never be returning or recommending this place. I wonder how they afford downtown Rent when they are out basics like avocados and guacamole. this food is truly vomit worthy... #illpass
(1)Krystyn H.
Disgusting, overpriced flavorless crap, served by an overworked moody employee. The atmosphere was cheap, seating and tables dirty and uncomfortable. Next time I will just go to Chipotle. I will never go back. I make better food at home.
(1)Melissa C.
I love Cocina Del Puerco! I usually do takeout and have never had any issues. The #2 and #8 meals are my go-to (both carne asada, the former with the meat already sliced and put in soft corn tortilla tacos, and the latter has the slab o' meat with soft tacos on the side). I've always found my interactions with the staff there to be quite friendly. I ask for two salsa cups and I get them, no issues. Also, I pay with my credit card and have never had a problem except when the machine is down (maybe that's happened once). I think the food tastes great - it's authentic Mexican instead of the Americanized versions we have North of the US/Mex border. The beans and rice are both well-seasoned, the carne asada has a nice char, the pico has a little spicy kick and the hot salsa provides a healthy dose of heat. I did get a half order of guacamole last time I visited. It was a little heavy on the lime, but still quite good. However, my complaint is that they placed it over a healthy bed of lettuce, so I thought I got more than I actually did. After a few spoonfuls, I ran into lettuce and was disappointed. And yes, they are a little pricey, but it's Bellevue and (I think) good quality.
(4)Cailee L.
If you are at all a foodie do not eat here. I honestly wish I could get my money back because I was so disappointed by the service and my bland meal. Absolutely no flavor and drenched in oil. Felt sick for the rest of the day. The place was also a mess when we went in. Very disappointed, do not recommend.
(1)Leigh F.
Two stars = Meh. I've experienced better. Sounds about right!!! I really thought this place was cute inside and the decorations were fun. That's about all of the good things I have to say. Service was fine, but the food was just BLAH. I've had better "Mexican" food at Azteca, lol. Just because there are people of Latin descent cooking and serving the food here does not make it good or authentic. I had the carne asada plate with a side of guacamole, and a coke in the bottle. This cost me roughly $20, plus tip. I get that it's Bellevue, but considering the fact that they're trying to put up this whole cantina-style charade the price is a rip off, because really, I could've gone down to a legit and authentic Mexican taco truck in White Center and paid $12 for the same order and had my mind BLOWN by the level of deliciousness. Lol, and they tell you to take like... no more than two little cups of pico de gallo or any other sides. Whaaaaaat?! I was not enthused. I won't be back. That's all.
(2)Jenny K.
Didn't blow me away. The salsas were good but my main dish, the carne asana burrito, didn't blow me away. The carne asada was well cooked and seasoned but everything else was boring. I could've flavored it up with sour cream and guac but chose to save some money and finish eating as it was originally prepared. For a $13 burrito I expected better taste and unlimited access to the salsa bar. Salsa bar is limited to two cups. Great location but food could've been better tasting.
(2)R P.
It is the best Mexican food in all of Bellevue; however, it does have cons along with the pros. This is a very upscale area and with that usually comes more expensive places to eat. Though it shows one $, I would say its more about $$. I come from Las Vegas, NV and Mexican food/restaurants are on every corner. Everything from your typical sit down atmosphere to a dirty little taco stand. Prices down there are a lot cheaper. I'm used to paying $5 at most for a Carne burrito...here it was $11. The food is pretty good. It's not dirty greasy food that you seek after a night of drinking (no Chorizo burritos!!!). The beans and rice were some of the best I've ever had. The tacos I had were also very good along with the pico de gallo on top. The burrito was so-so from them. Service was extremely fast and friendly as well. Not a single issue there whatsoever. So if you are in the Bellevue area and want Mexican food, then this is the place for you. Don't be the chump that goes to Taco Time or Chipotle!
(4)Andrew K.
Tough update here. My last review (2010) gave 5 stars and I'm generally pretty tight on my praise. I've been in at least 20-30 times since my last review and things have slowly been changing for the worse. Biggest things for me: * "Only take two salsa cups" turned into "here is your salsa cup" * I bring in three people, drop $40 and am reminded there is a "one-punch policy" on the frequent eaters card * Almost always, the final step on a restaurant death spiral - "We've transitioned to cash-only. There's an ATM at 7-11." Just kills me. I love the carnitas and the tacos. The lady that runs the place is great/nice and the place is so kitsch, it's cool. That said, it's sad to see a place having to tighten the belt so much to hit profit margins.
(3)Carrie H.
After visiting Bellevue Square we were ready for dinner. Unfortunately none of the places in the mall was quite what we had in mind. During my normal consultation with Yelp we decided to try La Cocina Del Puerco for the first time. We are still newbies to this area so we follow the directions to nearby Old Bellevue. Parking proved to be an exercise of speed, patience and pure luck and keep in mind this was on a Tuesday Night! After circling several blocks near the restaurant we found no open street spots and parking lots with signs posted threatening towing. Finally I found the nearby Chase Bank's empty after hours parking lot with signs encouraging patrons of neighboring business to use their deserted, but well lit lot after 6pm. How nice of them!! We walked to the restaurant and grabbed a couple paper menus and a highchair for our two year old. After a few moments the employees informed us we must order at the counter, which we were aware of because of previous patrons on Yelp. We were just trying to figure out what to order. The Hubby ordered the #9 and an Appetizer Sampler plate. We got there after 8 or so and they were out of the Guacamole that everyone on here raves about. I got the #2 which is the two Tamale Plate with rellano sauce soaking the Tamales. Our oldest dined on the Kid's Quesadila and our two year old wasn't too hungry and so she snacked on tortillas that came 3 for a $1 and some chips that went with the salsa. The tortillas were good, but tiny, they are NOT average size. Hubby was very happy with his order. The Chile Rellano was very obviously made with a very high quality pepper as it was thicker than what he normally gets elsewhere. However it was very good. He sampled all three types of tacos and they were the star of his meal. He was a bit disappointed in the very small tortillas and the small amount of taco filling. The taco meats were cooked with the veggies and that added alot of flavor, but made it impossible for purists like myself to get a meat only taco. The chips and salsa were sort of odd because they fried one of the tiny tortillas and you had to break it apart to eat it. The salsa had a good amount of heat to it even for a Texan like my hubby who enjoys some heat. The kid's Quesadila was simply a larger tortilla with Monterey Jack cheese on it. My Tamale dinner was the most authentic since leaving Texas for us. I got the Rellano Sauce poured on it and it was a tad bland in my opinion. If i return I plan to get Tamales without the sauce as I feel it took away some of the tamale flavor from what little amount of pork filling mine had. They do sell Tamales individually for $4.75 EACH!!! The employees were very kind and were happy to explain the items on the menu. BOTTOMLINE: Order the tacos, don't expect a ton of food and finish your meal off with a Burnt Cream. We might show back up in the future but not for a full meal, I realize the rent in the middle of Old Bellevue's Money Pit shops is probably enough to cause an average person to suffer a stroke, but good quality or not, this place is a tad overpriced for my happiness unfortunately. For our meal before the Burnt Cream, our total was $47 and some change prior to tip. We paid separately for two Burnt Creams and it was almost $7!
(3)Wendy P.
First and most important. Fantastic tamales! Get them!!! Second, I agree the meat dishes are good and very authentic. I love that the beans are not oversalted. I like that it's not an Americanized, smother everything in melted cheddar, sour cream and guac place. The decor did not bother me, in fact I enjoyed having cheerful colors to look at. It's simple home cooking/diner type food, not haute cuisine, so I see no reason they should be expected to serve it on espresso stained chairs and linen tablecloths. However it looks like they're trying to branch out to a few less authentic things and are having trouble with that. I had a shock with the veggie burrito--the guy warned me (and I do mean WARNED... he had a sort of "are you sure you want this crap" tone and demeanor) that it was "just beans, rice, cheese, salad, pico de gallo." I said fine, expecting that the aforesaid ingredients would somehow be made to work well together thanks to savvy seasoning. Um... not so much. It was about 8 cubic feet of plain unseasoned iceberg lettuce tossed into the burrito along with the same rice and beans that are served as sides. There may have been some cheese in there, I did not notice because I was too busy feeling aggrieved about all this dry lettuce. Guys, if you are not feeling the veggie entree, if it makes you die a little bit inside to have to make this meatless fare for the granola crunching, tree hugging demographic, please realize you don't HAVE to do one. In fact, not having a veggie dish at all is better than having one which is miles below the standard of the rest of your food. If you must make a veggie entree but can't see your way to serving a gooey mess of oversalted cheese-drenched sour cream-logged Americanized slush, I respect that, I really do. But then at least make an effort. I don't know, cook some fesh veg? Or at worst, why not just stick to a simple bean and rice affair with decent seasonings and leave out the chopped iceberg crap?
(4)Alice C.
If this is the best Mexican food available in Bellevue... REALLY sucks for the people who live in Bellevue. This little corner joint offers the usual stuff you'd find in most Gringo Mexican joints (tamales, chile rellenos, tacos, tamales, rice/bean sides, and chips and salsa), but the band just isn't worth the buck. Portions are on the small side for the money- I'm totally for paying for quality food, but this was barely on the "meh" side of mediocre. Two tamale combos (two tamales, rice an beans on the side) were $11 each, and along with two drinks and a side of chips, myself and my dining companion dropped $35. $35 for food which had obviously been sitting in a steam table for a solid couple hours- my rice was crunchy, and the top layer of my beans hard, thick, and gluey. There's also weird little signs on the salsa bar and self service cutlery/cup area specifying how you have to pay for salsa, salsa that's portioned onto plates will add $2 (minimum) to your meal, and water glasses can't be used for salsa- if they're having issues with people freeloading the condiments, either figure out a different way of serving them of have cutlery and cups be behind the counter. Seeing all the finicky signs was a bit of a turn off. The service was nice enough, I supposed, and it's nice to see a smaller independent place in the heart of restaurant chains and overpriced steak houses, but it wasn't worth it. The Gringo Mexican on Capitol Hill is better, in roughly the same price range, and made when you order it and actually decent to good tasting.
(2)Matthew Y.
Have to tell you, I've had a lot of Mexican food over the years (I lived in Mexico City for a bit), some of it good, some of it great, but this place was the worse I've ever experienced! So many things just wrong, but basically here it is: 1. Overpriced food that tasted like soggy crap. I would say that it was sitting on steam tables from the night before. 2. Tiny portions for the price. 3. The chips and salsa-OMG! They cooked two corn tortillas and put them in a basket and charged me for them! Come on, can't even serve up traditional chips? 4. Service was weak, so not what I would expect in Bellevue (or any other city for that matter). I could go on and on, but from what I've already read, it's been covered. Come on guys, your place is embarrassing!
(1)Nikolai N.
I hate the fact that this place is going down hill. I used to love this place and came here often in high school. But the last time I came here I came down with food poisoning. Now I know there are the skeptics who are going to say that I could have gotten sick anywhere, but I narrowed down the suspects. This was the only place I ate the day before my symptoms arose where I did not eat the exact same thing as another person who was with me, and I was the one who got sick. So think what you will but I will not come back here again.
(1)Christina L.
The food is better than Azteca, but the staff are rude, not helpful and grumpy. Ordering food is like inconveniencing the staff.
(1)Morgan P.
I have been eating here since 1985. Yes it's been open that long. I have fond memories of going and getting the 4-x with guacamole since childhood. I recently took my daughter there to have lunch with her grandfather, who used to take me there as a kid. Sadly, as I grew older, the food and service are have become much less than a chain fast food restaurant delivers. I will not be visiting this restaurant ever again. Here is what I didn't like from my recent visit in no particular order; -No milk or options for kids. I went to 7-11 for milk for my daughter. All i got from the ancient looking white male behind the counter was a shrug. -No real menu for kids. I shouldn't have to go to 7-11 for a hot dog. -I had trouble getting the two line cooks to understand that I wanted guacamole on top of my meal, not as a side, they actually argued with me a bit. These were adult white males, nothing was lost in translation. They just simply didn't get it, even though they put guacamole on my fathers meal right in front of me. -There is virtually no salsa available. You get a SINGLE 2 oz plastic cup for your salsa. -There was virtually no flavor in my meal. Not a hint of spice, no cilantro, no peppers, no cumin - nothing. I could have been eating cardboard and not have been able to tell the difference. -Ballroom dance music does not add to the ambiance of a very small Mexican restaurant. Play Mexican music! I really don't see the value in going there except for nostalgia. There are taco trucks that blow this place away. The food doesn't taste good, the ambiance is totally off, its expensive, and the staff don't appear to care one bit.
(1)Rebecca F.
Definitely a go-to Mexican food place if you're near downtown Bellevue at lunch. I REALLY wanted a tamale and ended up finding this place and my husband had been there with co-workers and said it was okay, so we gave it a shot. Everything was *fine* but nothing was really spectacular. The tamale seemed okay and even came with rice and beans, but it just didn't seem really special or as good as the tamales I used to buy from my students in California...
(3)Food Physicist D.
A delicious fixture of Old Town Bellevue. We've been coming here for over 20 years. Don't expect to have your typical "endless supply of chips and salsa" and then your entree arrives under a "ton of melted cheese" experience.. This food is guaranteed to be light, authentic, fresh and definitely flavorful every time. Pay no attention to the rickety folding tables and chairs.... All of the energy is put into their wonderful cuisine. With an ever changing Old Town, it's nice to know that this little gem is still as wonderful as ever. A must visit.
(4)Paul M.
One of my favorite mexican places around. This is old school traditional. Solid flavors, light on the "american" things like cheese and deep fry (most dishes have hardly, if any cheese at all, they just don't use it in mexico like we do here). This is the kind of home cooking you would get south of the border; just pure great flavor.
(5)Jon R.
Best pork tamales I've had in my life. And those tamales are the best Mexican food I've had since moving up here from San Francisco over five years ago. Anyone who complains about anything here must have not had the tamales.
(5)Lisa S.
Very good guac chips are bland. Also I am vegetarian and not many options for me to have here
(3)Mandy K.
Hmm where to start? Ok, I'll start off by saying that I was really apprehensive to go to this place. It's a little sketchy... the crazy decor with random piñatas and old party decorations, mixed with the unstable metal tables and wobbly chairs, not your typical type of restaurant for Old Bellevue. I must say this place is pretty authentic. I asked for their suggestion on what to order. They recommended the Carnitas (pork). It was a hit. The pork had an amazing flavor and just melted in my mouth. Mixed with the rice and beans and the homemade tortillas (yes, they are small... but I didn't mind, because you don't end up overeating like you tend to do at Mexican restaurants!), it was amazing. One downfall is their salsa. Not very impressive. I don't mind that they don't serve chips. Most authentic Mexican restaurants don't serve chips and salsa. Plus, saves on calories :) I highly recommend this place. Don't go here if you are looking for greasy, extra cheesy, refried beans, type of place.
(4)Carson L.
If your idea of Mexican food is bland watery tomato slop this is your spot. Terrible food made by rude white ladies. If you have any respect for your tastebuds go elsewear.
(1)Shana O.
Thank you, La Cocina Del Puerco, for fueling yet another Larry David moment. Awful service and food at a steep price (price based on what you get). Little notes everywhere reminding you to "only take what you need" of their mediocre salsa, among other things is quite annoying. If you, La Cocina Del Puerco, are concerned about customers overusing your salsa, put your preferred quantity of chips and salsa out on the table. Which brings me to my next point: Charging a dollar for three crusty Old El Paso tostadas and calling them "chips" is not cool. Putting beans on my plate when I asked you not to when placing my order and then being a jerk about removing them also not cool. Hello, I'm allergic! Oh and the three silver dollar sized tortillas they give you with your carne- a joke! I started laughing when I saw them. Seriously? I'm regretting not taking a picture. If you like feeling welcomed and you like great food, I'd advise to stay away.
(1)Gavin N.
Came here about two weeks ago on a rare sunny Sunday. We were craving some food, wanted to be outside and drink a beer...so why not hit up La Cocina Del Puerco (geez that's a mouthful). Anyway they place feels cozy, you basically walk up order from a set menu on the wall, a couple beers or a bucket...and sit anywhere you like. The place is pretty cozy and the service was quick and friendly. As for the food quality, it's definitely a little less in quality compared to some other sit down Mexican restaurants around the area as well as portion size. The prices also are a bit high for what you get, but again by no means is it expensive. I think the big thing about this place is it's very casual, and it's the self-service type Mexican food can be just what you need at times. Nothing like sitting outside with a bucket of coronas on a warm day. I don't think I'll be coming back for dinner any time soon, but next time I'm in Bellevue park on a sunny day and craving some beer and/or food...I'll definitely stop by. ~G
(4)Chris C.
Awesome cheap eat. Way better than Chipotle or Qdoba. I especially like the pork taquitos, tamales and carne asada. Puercos combo is a good choice. Very casual but I like the vibe.
(5)Laural B.
Oh man, I moved to Bellevue in December and saw this place on our many drives back and forth to Seattle. The ambiance is awful, the service is indifferent, the prices are a little steep (although for the block, probably the cheapest), but the food, oh man, the food. You don't have to go to Yakima, or SF, or the Yucatan, just this crappy little corner cafeteria. There's one other Mexican place in Bellevue that can compare, although I ate at it 10 years ago so I forget any other details. Get the pork, ok. The other stuff isn't bad but I'd murder for more of that pork. (Yes, the opposite of Johnny Depp.)
(5)Stephen C.
Simple, plain, fast, satisfying.
(4)Tracy Z.
A Mexican coworker took me there, and since then I fell in love with this place. Try the Pork dish, it's so authentic that my friend approved it. He said it's comparable to how his mom prep the pork. I haven't tried other dishes yet, but my friends are not crazy about other dishes vs. the pork. It's a 4.5 star :)
(4)Wickerlady V.
this place looked very good from outside, in the charming old bellevue downtown. Inside, it looks like a classic taqueria- ok ambience, but they have outdoor seating on warm days. We went here sunday afternoon hoping to have some margaritas and grab a quick bite. Our bad, but the place only serves beer. That's ok, we love beer. The chips and salsa were quite tasteless, and we found the entrees to cost more than what you expect at a taqueria. But it's the location, I guess. I rely on mexican food a lot since I'm a vegetarian, and it's always a safe option. But everything at the taqueria has chicken broth. No go for me. I'll be sad not having tried out the place.
(2)Steve S.
I work near this place so we go here fairly regularly. I love Mexican food, but I'm hardly that knowledgeable about it and what is truly authentic. I've been to a couple of hole in the wall places in Mexico south of Arizona and the food all seems very familiar. Every time I've been it the owners are back there cooking and serving up the food. It all seems very authentic to me and I have nothing but good things to say about the food. Go for the pork if you can, that is their specialty and they do a great job of it. It's a step up from Azteca down the street from here. Portions are a little small for similar Mexican restaurants in the area, but that's fine with me. I don't need to eat more than I need. I eat at Ooba's in Woodinville a few times a month and I would have to say that Ooba's food is a notch better than this and a little more innovative. I thought the decor was authentic compared to what I've seen in Mexico and it didn't bother me like other reviewers. All my colleagues love this place and it seems very popular. Things that turn me off are the skimpy salsa servings. You are only allowed to little cups. Not sure why, most Mexican places allow you unlimited salsa if you choose. Two little cups is more than enough, but where most places are giving it out essentially for free these guys put a limit on it? Then there is the issue with the credit cards. There are signs all over the place about not accepting credit cards. I own a small retail business and if I didn't take credit cards it would sink me. Nobody carries cash anymore. Deal with it guys. It's the way of the future...
(4)I M.
It is okay, but definitely not worth the cost. They charge you for the chips and salsa. Ridiculous! Used to go a few times a year, but will never go again.
(2)Blake B.
I moved from to Seattle to LA a few months ago and mexican food is what I miss the most. La Cocina Del Puerco has saved me from a serious depression... it is hands down the most authentic mexican food in the area. To address some of the other reviews: The portions are small only when compared to some of the other "mexican" restaurants in the city which throw 1/2 a pound of cheddar cheese and sour cream on top of you plate to cover up the poor quality of their ingredients.... The staff is friendly and too the point. They aren't going to tell you jokes or hold your hand as you order, but they smile and are helpful if you have questions. Furthermore, I feel that the quality of the food warrants the slight price increase... you won't feel bloated and greasy after eating here. It is serious mexican food, not tex-mex so it makes sense to me to see a bit of a bump up in $ for the quality of the food you are getting. Try the carnitas or tamales. You won't be let down.
(5)Kevin G.
We drive past this place every day, so decided to hit it for dinner. I suspect this is more "authentic" Mexican food than we usually have - maybe that's why we didn't like it. Anyone can wrap pre-cooked chicken in a tortilla with lettuce and call it a burrito. However charging $10 is a rip off. The "red sauce" is very watery and flavorless. The killer for me? The sign on the register that informs you that if you put salsa on your plate, its an addition $5. The place just did not feel customer friendly and the flavor just wasn't worth the hassle.
(1)Jamie V.
Tamales!! Finally came here after my coworker suggested it. I must say I may have found my new favorite "authentic" Mexican restaurant. Mainly because this is the only place I can find a decent tamale! I was a little shocked to see that you order at a counter and watch them put your plate together (kind of like how you see food places at food courts) but who cares if the food that they serve tastes so good! I love me some tamales so I'm happy this place is so close when the craving kicks in. Don't come expecting a large menu and dishes smothered in cheese like at Azteca. This place has maybe 15ish dishes. The decor is very "Mexican party" with a ton of pinatas and mexican beer banners hanging from the ceiling. I'm docking a star because the table furniture could be better (our table was lopsided and there was a curve on the top that made it feel like my dish wasn't level) and no free chips to dip in their delish salsa.
(4)Randy N.
I always try to return to La Cocina Del Puerco when I'm visiting from Connecticut. The carnitas tacos with the fresh corn tortillas are amazing. I wish that I could get Mexican food this good in CT.
(5)Beth M.
Unfortunately, I was quite dissapointed upon arriving. I am not a fan of ordering at a counter and then sitting. The food was sitting in warming containers. The taste was decent, but certainly wasn't as satisfying as I was hoping. Salsa was good and the guac is really good...main dishes were sub-par. No return visit for me.
(2)Tristan R.
I tried this place twice and it fails to lure me back in. First time, they were out of the carne asada tacos that I longed for! I finally got to try them and it did not wow me like I was hoping. Its one redeeming feature that it is pretty cheap for what the other options are around here. They sadly have a near-monopoly for non-chain Mexican food so I will count my blessings but would welcome other options. I will say that it has redefined my definition of the word "casual". The metal card tables and chairs, beer decorations, and pinatas is a welcoming juxtaposition to everything else in Old Main. I admire their guts but not their food which does not stand out to me.
(2)Charlie L.
First off what Mexican place does not have guacamole...crappy food, crappy service and bland food...do not go here waste of calories and money!
(1)Sean V.
sari but it was ok divey and empty mexican resty.i.ll give it another shot the food was ok. me and kj headed there for a quick bite and it was overpriced too nice neighborhood too.
(3)Elizabeth C.
While I am a fan of Chipotle and Qdoba because they're easy to get my hands on, Cocina is so authentic and so good, I can't help but love it. The burritos are enormous, and the rice is amazing. In addition, they don't throw sour cream and cheese at it so I can imagine that the burritos at Cocina are healthier and less fattening. However, because they put so much emphasis on authenticity, it's a lot less "have it your way." In other words, don't ask for sour cream, because they just won't do it for you.
(4)Sarah M.
3.5 stars seems to be the going rating for my reviews...but I'll round up to 4 and here's why: My parents came here a week ago and gave it RAVE reviews. I thought I'd come back and try it for myself to see what all the hype was about. I love the fact that everything here was so warm and fresh! I started with a half order of the guacamole with GIANT tortilla chips which was wonderful! So fresh and yummy. I had the carne asade burrito...the steak was a little burnt for my taste, but still managed to be good nonetheless. I loved how they put refried beans into the burrito...maybe that's standard, but it was delicious. The portions were very hearty and filling...I guess the burrito is advertised as being a big meal for a reason. I think that this place would be great for a Cinco de Mayo celebration! I loved the vibe...and got a great seat outside so I could watch the busy streets of Old Bellevue.
(4)Sirio B.
The most authentic Mexican food you can get in Bellevue, hands down. Reading some of the reviews here I can understand that some people haven't grasped that real deal Mexican food tastes quite different than your average Americanized fare. You won't find fajitas, chimichangas or any other dishes you'd commonly expect from a Mexican restaurant here. The food here is earthy and the flavors are very bold. People commented about the strong cheese at least once in the 1 star reviews but its common fare to have crumbly queso fresco on Mexican food down South. I really enjoyed the Chili Relleno and the Tamales and the atmosphere is great here. The food tastes fresh and delicious, and is a nice departure from other Mexican restaurants. If you're here with a group, remember to get their beer buckets. The decor is super colorful and kitschy. Give this place a shot if you're looking for a different type of Mexican.
(4)Momiko S.
My fiancee took me here tonight....FINALLY, after talking about it for many months. And now I can officially say.. I DO... love Mexican food! The Good: FAST, Large Portions, Easy Menu and Super Yummy! Salsa is fresh! All you can have and in 3 different levels of HOTness! Guacamole is mega Fresh, large chunks of green avocados! I got #5 with the ground beef with beans and rice - Perfect Combo! The Bad: Probably the chairs, I tried moving them back but they folded on me :). And Music was kinda loud. My favorite Mexican Restaurant! Will go back and bring friends and fam.
(5)Jennie D.
If you've seen the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld, well, that was my overall impression of the "service" as it is called at other, better, establishments. There is a large sign that instructs the diner to order by number. I ordered a number 1, and my partner asked for a large burrito. Oh no, they are going to kick us out if you act like that! He was instructed to order by number, which was a 19. Then we were told to move on...Um...to where? To pay or what? So we went down to the cash register to pay. The guy asked us what we had ordered, and I replied a number 1 and number 19. The stern woman in the food order area said 18 and 19. My partner heard that and asked if they meant our order. The guy at the cash register said our order was number 18. Hmmm..... The salsa bar has many little signs instructing the diner not to take too much, only take two cups, no refills, more than two cups is 25 cents, etc. When your food is ready, another guy yells to you, and you go get it from the food order area. And there is a tip jar next to the cash register. We were given an 18 and 19. When I said that I ordered a number 1, the woman insisted she heard a number 18. 18 sounds nothing like 1. Perhaps if you did not insist on people ordering only by number, you would have heard that I wanted the taquitos, not the burrito, but those two words may sound the same, too. The food was healthy. No cheese. I hate green peppers, and my burrito was filled with them. If they did not add the large onion garnish, perhaps they could afford to let people eat more salsa. The food was also bland, which is probably why people want to add more salsa to the food. The inside was kitchy, and dirty. If you want overpriced food without any frills (or free chips), this is your place.
(1)Timothy H.
I love this place! It feels like you step out of Bellevue and into Mexico. Very authentic, and the quality of the food is good.
(5)Dianne U.
This is a delightful place to dine. The food is more authentic than any other Mexican restaurants in the area, and the atmosphere is charming and fun. You could spend an hour just looking at all the delightful items hanging from walls and ceilings. The meals are tasty and plentiful, and the owner and staff are pleasant. Their guacamole is the best I've ever had. Despite what other reviewers have said, I have only heard Mexican music and nothing else in the dozens of times I've been in there. If ballroom music was playing, then it must have been a fluke. They will give you as much salsa as you ask for, although they do start with two cups per person which is usually just about right. Ask for more and you will get it. They do have a children's menu that offers child-friendly Mexican food, but there aren't burgers or hot dogs for the kids. If you are eating at La Cocina Del Puerco, it will be Mexican food as advertised. Try their yummy chile relleno and leave room for the burnt creme. It's similar to, but not exactly like, flan. It's better...a creamy and delightful way to end your meal.
(5)Kyle S.
Awesome food at a decent price. If you're looking for a mexican restaurant where you sit at a table and eat chips and salsa before your food comes out, skip it. But if you want some of the best carnitas you can find, definitely check it out!
(4)Jaimee B.
The food was wonderful and the menu was simple but still had verity. I love the friendliness of the staff and charm of the place. If you don't like good down home cooking this place isn't for you. I'll be happy to eat what you don't.
(5)Anna G.
I agree that some things have gone downhill lately, but I LOVE their carnitas tacos. They are way too expensive for a taco, but I pay anyway. I don't usually like rice served in Mexican restaurants, but their's is delicious. I'll keep going.
(4)Rudy J.
Cheap Mexican with not so cheap prices. This place looked authentic but it was lazy in execution. Beans were ok, rice was ok, tamales were not bad, salsa was great and they had my favorite beer , carta blanca. But the prices were way too high for the quality of food and all the signs made the place seem even cheaper but not in a good way. If there is no dining experience, then the food better be damn good, I got neither.
(2)Katie V.
I have been avoiding this place for many years, because I thought it looked kind of sketch. Just tried it this week and it is soooo good. I definitely recommend the Tamales! And my friend swears by the pork tacos. They make the food very quickly. You can eat there in the restaurant. Plenty of space there to sit with friends. Great light and lots of windows. A fun, eclectic atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If you need advice for what to order, they will tell you what's good! I just ate there a few days ago and I think that I am going bak today for lunch. Try it!
(4)Heather W.
It was one of those nights. I needed Mexican food STAT. Melted cheese, beans, rice, veggies, guac, salsa....it was an emergency. To make matters worse, I was in DUN DUN DUN..................................Bellevue. OH shi.... I yelped extra quick. I had an hour to consume the mexican...where to go where to go. Casa Ds is good but I didn't want a burrito baby kicking in my belly during my meeting. Everything else was too far away...must try La Cocina Del Puerco. Food was fast, I was pleased with that. $7 for guac and chips not so pleased with. Overall it ended up being a highly expensive meal for just me and the junior. Oh well, it had to be done. Easily the worst guacamole I've ever tasted in my life. I'm not even sure there were real avocados in it. It tasted more like the green salsa/sauce from guyamas (which is good, but not guacamole). Chili Relleno was fine, the rice and beans were fine, but I won't seek this place out in the future. I'll make the drive to crossroads or just suck it up and test the elasticity of my stomach with a burrito from Casa Ds.
(2)Ilya P.
Food appears authentic, atmosphere is great. Wish the hours were a little better, otherwise, it's one of my personal favorites in Bellevue.
(4)Karen S.
I love this Mexican restaurant. Hands down the best Mexican food I've tasted in the Seattle area. My husband and I drive from Seattle to Bellevue just to eat here. Their tamales are delicious! If you're in Bellevue, stop by and check them out. We're going there tonight for dinner on our way to the mall. I deducted one star for their hours, they are sometimes closed during times I'd expect a restaurant to be open, but it's not too often.
(4)Kristy S.
Gotta agree with Vanessa D and Kristopher C. Best Mexican you will find on the East side - if I am uniformed, PLEASE let me know. Very authentic, NOT Tex-Mex. The little corn tortillas are made from scratch and grilled there. Staff - all Mexican. Puts Chipoltle (yick!) to shame. And, while the tables/chairs may be slummin', the bathrooms and everything about the place is SPARKLING CLEAN. I swear, you could fry an egg on the Ladies Room floor.
(4)Corey S.
Ok, so we've been trying and trying to find good Mexican food since we moved here in late 2010 (still really haven't found much....), and I heard rave reviews about this place. Well, we won't be back. Granted, the food wasn't too bad, but the prices were ridiculous (I've NEVER had to PAY for chips at a Mexican restaurant). And the service was odd... it was like the girl behind the counter was confused, and the one who knew what was going on was hiding in the back and when she did emerge she wasn't very pleasant. And it was pretty empty while we were there, so the locals must not flock there for dinner... Good luck La Cocina Del Puerco - let other folks help pay your inflated downtown Bellevue rent.
(2)Ka T.
Like many others, the décor of the place drew me in. The atmosphere is pretty nice, and there is a dining area outside. I like it because it is nice place to people watch. The flavor of their meats and salsa is pretty good. However, it isn't the only the flavor, the warmth is just as important too. The food stays in a warmer, and despite the taste, the food needs to have a higher temperature. The beans and rice for sure wasn't hot enough. Plus the downside is how much the food cost for a mexi joint. I understand it is Downtown Bellevue, so I guess it is fair eating for a DT Bellevue price. 2.5/5
(2)Andy R.
Great authentic Mexican food. Friendly people and wacky atmosphere. I love the guacamole too.
(4)Bruce S.
Cheap Mexican food should be cheap. This place is cheap looking but the food was expensive and bland. Don't bother wasting your pesos here.
(1)Miona H.
Went here for lunch today with a few co-workers based on a recommendation. It was pretty good. I'll post my summary/thoughts in a list fashion. GOOD: -food was served quickly -service was prompt and friendly -clean! always a plus -food was filling (I had the picadillo) BAD: -very cold (felt like they had the AC on?! but it was 40 degrees out?!) -a little overpriced -portions a little small (co-worker complained tamale had very little chicken in it BUT at least it was all white meat)... However, small portions leads me to last but not least: -no leftovers = sad chihuahua :( To be fair, I am somewhat comparing this to a couple other non-chain Mexican restaurants in the area that have a similar price range/atmosphere. I pay $10 at those places for lunch and usually end up with leftovers whereas I paid $11 here for lunch and had no leftovers. Would we go back? Only if someone else was paying. Food was good.... but bottom line was portions to price didn't add up for us!
(3)Nicola L.
Here on Labor Day for a quick bite. This place seems to be authentic, interesting the mismatching tables and the uncomfortable chairs. I got the carnitas plate and John got the puercos combo (both good, but I liked John's better!). I don't go to Bellevue often, but if I am there and in the mood of good Mexican, yes, I will go back there!
(5)Todd L.
Good, authentic flavors in most dishes. Some are a miss - my chile relleno was awesome. On the bummer side, they prices are pretty high for the serving size and they'll charge you extra for additional salsa. Neat place but probably not as cool as the original on the market steps.
(4)Toby T.
I live about 2 blocks from this place and was really hoping to love it; however, that was not the case. The food here is bland, not particularly great quality, and just not satisfying. The best part about my burrito was the green onion on top. If I just wanted a green onion, I would have eaten one from my own fridge!
(2)Mike W.
If you've ever been to Mexico or Spain, as I have, and you enjoyed the local food as opposed to the tourist spots, as I did, then you'll quickly realize why "La Cocina" is a popular place in Bellevue, and one of my favorite Mexican places to eat. This has been poorly reviewed on this site, and I'm not sure why. True, if you're looking for your generic "American/Mexican" fare (like Azteca, Las Margaritas, etc), you won't find it here. However, if you're looking for an authentic experience, right down to the aluminum chairs and "open air" type of feel (summer only), then this is the place. The food is great, the atmosphere authentic, and it really is worth the hassle of finding parking.
(4)howard g.
i love this place!! great decor. awesome food. the carnitas have allways been a big hit with everyone i go there with. as for the rest of the menu it looks good but i allways allways get tacos. the service is fast and very friendly, i can see it getting a little slow if busy though. portions are ample even for my tapeworm of a stomach. only complaint is the dinky little salsa bar, please hook it up i need salsa!! i hope this place never goes away, it adds some reality to a otherwise posh area.
(4)Eric H.
Haven't been there in a couple of years, but I always liked it: tasty, probably not too fattening, possibly even healthy. Surprisingly expensive.
(3)Gary N.
Best tamales on the Eastside.
(5)Mr. F.
From the outside, this restaurant was very appealing. Walking in, the tables and decorations and tiling all looked quite authentic. That's where my good experience ended. The person making my food clearly did not speak English. I ordered a burrito, and he just started putting things in it, not bothering to ask if, for example, I'd actually like wilted lettuce inside my burrito. And then he put a war-ration portion of chicken in the burrito. On top of the burrito, he put what looked like tomato water, which was supposed to be what is normally a thicker red sauce in pretty much any authentic Mexican restaurant I've frequented. He handed the plate to the woman working with him and she put even MORE of the red water over the top of the burrito. Maybe they could save time and just dip it into a bucket of water next time? When I moved down to the register to pay, I asked if chips came with the $9(!) burrito. No, they don't. So I decided to pay for chips. She grabbed four 4-inch round crunchy tortillas and put them in a basket. I broke off a piece of one, put it in my mouth, and instantly I knew it was stale. I said, "This is stale." She smiled and laughed and said, "Yes!" I thought there might be a language barrier issue, so I said, "Old." I then asked when they were made. "Maybe this morning," she said uncertainly. "Do you have any fresh ones?" "No," she said smiling. $11 later, I had on my plate a burrito soaked in red water filled with strikingly little meat with a side of stale tortillas. Delightful. I would rather have had three gallons of gasoline and gone hungry. So I got the plate to the table. I took a bite of the beans. Guess what? They were luke warm. About a 2 on a scale of 10 in terms of heat. I took it up to the counter and asked, "Do you have a microwave? This is not hot." The guy said, "Not hot?!?" He went into the back room and (I'm guessing) put the meal in a microwave. He brought it back out. Unfortunately, they don't make microwaves that heat food AND make it taste good. Puerco could certainly use such an invention. The food was not good. Everything about this place was disappointing to me. And I will never ever return.
(1)John V.
I've been here about ten times for lunch. Genuine but simple fare. Not much vegetarian. Rudimentary tables and chairs, but nice atmosphere. Nice view of Main St out big windows. Best deal by far in Old Town Bellevue.
(3)Bill W.
Our family likes this place, but it's not your typical "chips and cheese" Mexican restaurant. It's not that I mind a good enchilada with refried beans and rice with cheese melted over everything (Tres Hermanos, Kirkland would be my first choice for this kind of Mexican food), but in our family with adult children, "Main Street Mexican" wins every vote for a place to do a Mexican food rendezvous. In my limited experience the best Mexican food in the Seattle area may be served up from trailers, but our Bellevue restaurant on wheels has left its 140th location. Anyone seen them? LCDP doesn't serve typical trailer Mexican, but it is similar in that it is a small operation that's looking for a niche in a market dominated by Americanized restaurants. To begin with, I'm not sure LCDP even has cheese on the premises. Their dishes feature slow roasted chicken or pork - tender and tasty topped with a rich tomato broth with onions and peppers instead of cheddar and jack. The pork stands alone in my favorite dish. I think the menu board just calls it "carnitas." This is the best way to get a good portion of their best meat, and then you can stuff a tortilla with pork, very good pico de gallo salsa, and rice and beans if you so choose. Yes, their food does come out of large heated serving trays, and no, they don't have more than maybe two dishes that feature food hot off the grill. Also, some of your old favorites may be missing; not only don't they have cheesy enchiladas, they don't even have enchiladas. Now you've been warned and hopefully informed. If you are curious enough to try a different kind of Mexican food, give the pig (puerco) place a try. You may find out why they have a lot of regulars who have long since forgotten the oddities like metal chairs.
(4)Suzy K.
we went because we had a coupon for it. Total came out to $24 for a burrito (suppose to have chicken), and a plate of (very bad somethings), one sm.basket of flat chips, and 1 diet soda. When my friend opended his burrito, it had a couple of shreds, that he thought it was something else. He went back and told them there was no chicken in it...the lady looked over at the owner, an asked her something, where she took the plate and added more. I ordered a combo plate where there was my hard chile relleno...obviously the chile was undercooked. I like my chile relleno where I can cut it with my fork...i had to use a knife for this one. They also seem to sprinkled some stinky parm like cheese all over the food, which ruins it. I saw employee doing some counter and table work, then didnt wash her hands to help serve food to someone. PROS: nice corner location. casual dining. fresh homemade variety of (4) salsas, no charge. CONS: food might be authentic, but not the best. Too EXPENSIVE for what you get. Portions could be larger.
(1)Marcin P.
Got a carne asade burrito. The rice on the side was incredibly salty and liberally sprinkled with what tasted like kraft parmesan. The burrito itself was also sprinkled with it, and the insides of the burrito were super salty as well. Very disappointing.
(1)Ingrid G.
This place is so unfortunate. We went there last night, and it was so cold inside, even sitting next to the heater, that I couldn't finish my beer. The decor is great - which is what drew us in. And the people working behind the counter were nice enough. But the food was atrocious. I'm no food pro, but I did live in Mexico City for two years, so I can say with some authority that I know what authentic Mexican food should look and taste like. Husband's food took forever, which is was a bummer, because you're supposed to get your food from the counter, so he was hanging around standing for an eternity. When his carne asada tacos finally came, they were fatty, not very well cooked, and served with cold beans and rice. It cost over $9, and was not a quarter as tasty as something we'd find at a taco truck. My food experience was equally lamentable. I ordered a dish called healthy-something, and it was essentially a gigantic bed of shaved iceberg lettuce, topped with some pico de gallo, and chicken cooked with the gelatinous skin still hanging on. I am not exaggerating when I say that it was the worst thing I've eaten in years. We were so glad to come home and eat something edible.
(1)Vanessa D.
i was reading the past reviews of LCDP and was shocked to see it score so low. first off, this is as authentic as you're gonna get in this area. it's bad enough that they probably altered the original recipes to fit within the confines of health-conscious diners (as many are in bellevue). the flavors are all balanced, unlike many "mexican restaurants" that slap some canned refried beans on the side, nuke up some uncle ben spanish rice, and cover it all up with a thick layer of melted cheese. you might as well go to costco and get some microwave burritos, nuke em, open them up on a plate and call it a day. but the meat is flavorful and the portions are perfect, the smaller handmade tortillas are tasty, and the tamales are spanking good! my faves are the tamales and the chile rellenos in particular. plus, you get to get your food right away (cafeteria style) and is easy for quick lunches. i have no problem with eating on metal tables and chairs. i lived in many places (including mexico) and have experienced enough to know that restaurant conditions can get so much worse... it seems pretty trite in the big picture, but to each his own, i guess. minus .5 star for the prices alone. $7-$8 dollars for large guacamole? WHATT? is it made from a magic avocado? if i ingest it, will i have a special power or something? how weird! if LCDP offers the ambiance and food presentation of downhome food, the prices should reflect that as well. still, though, the prices are market-competitive so it's fair and still affordable. to be fair, i'm giving this 4.5 stars for the eastside ONLY. in the bay area, LCDP would only get a 3.0-3.5.
(5)Sarah C.
Whilest I agree that they don't smother their food like some places, the base product leaves much to be desired. I also hadn't been here in several years, and was very disappointed with the quality of the food. I ordered a taco salad, which had way too much water in the meat and the flavor and sogginess left me wishing I'd gone to Baja Fresh... I'm not a fan of metal chairs and tables either.
(1)Sam H.
I hadn't been here for a few years, so I went on a group lunch with a new employee at work. It was... salty and kinda gross. The meat was tough and served up buffet-style. It tasted like bad corned-beef hash. Anyway, I doubt I'll go back for QUITE a while.
(2)Jonathan B.
I am really stunned, reading all of these other reviews (pretty much all of them fellow Eastsiders, which further cements a stereotype that seems to grow each passing day). Am I naive enough to expect superficial yuppies to be irritated by metal chairs or argue about the authenticy of a food they've probably only had from Azteca or Jaliscos? Not at all- what surprises me is the number of people who say "the decor of the place brought us in"- what the hell is that?!! Are you a foodie or an interior decorator?!! Why do you even have a Yelp account- obviously you don't care about things like flavor, craftsmanship or quality of food.... It's a free country, but DAMN is that a shallow way of looking at something as primal as food. My experience was radically different- I had the #1, which is Tres Taquitos, made with Carnitas. That is seriously the best pork I've ever had that did not come off my smoker in the backyard- I'm not exaggerating. They also serve Bohemia, which is one way of determining if a Mexican restaurant really cares about quality (okay I'm biased, but Bohemia really is my favorite Mexican beer available to export). The beans were very flavorful, as was the rice. The verde sauce could have used more heat for my money, but still had a little punch to it. Also, since when is $8.79 for three tacos and a full plate of rice and beans expensive?!! This is friggin' Bellevue, people- most of you yuppies will spend half that much on one over-flavored coffee drink sold to you by an enormous corporation! The product put out by LCDP, on the other hand, was food that was scratch made with quality ingredients and obvious skill- and the portions were big enough that the baseball sized corn tortilla could barely be closed around the pile of meat. All that to say, I thought it was one of the best lunches I'd had in a long time- I guess I'm just going to need to be more demanding, picky and superficial if I can consider myself a real Eastsider.
(5)Kristopher C.
nice hole in the wall mexican joint. you order at the grill and pay at a register down the ways. kind of reminiscent of some taco joints in san diego and tijuana where all they serve is grilled meat( head, tongue, steak, chicken, pork, etc who knows) nobody speaks english and its cheap. this place was pretty much the same thing except theyre portions are american sized and kinda pricey for plain mexican food. the whole decor of the place was a kind of throwback to what friday's would be in latin america with the whole tongue rolling deal. the people were really nice. the carne asada was skirt steak, like the real steak, not the cheapo carne asada youd get from a taco truck in LA or a tacos el gordo in TJ. were talking serious cowboy a1 steak. not great for burrito-ing or taco-ing but delicious none the less. the beans werent refried but had that cooked all day long taste to them, very tasty. the rice wasnt over done either. my order of 3 tacos came with the rice n beans and a garnish of green onion that would have tasted better grilled. i also had a bite of the carnitas burrito. which was very good. but whats up with their tortillas.. their tortilla dealer's makin a killing off em. the tortillas they make their burritos with are just enough to shape into a burrito but thats it. hes keeping the extra and selling it back to them as soft taco tortillas. no overlapping tortilla so you cant pick up the sucker. once its folded thats it, until you attempt to pick it up then it dissolves on our plate into a motley crue of veggies, meat, tortilla rice and beans.. anyways its a cozy little place just outside the heart of all that is good and beautiful with bellevue. ill definitely go back to try their other fair. the people here had great smiles and they serve coronitas too which is an extra plus cinco puntos, guey
(4)danielle s.
hands down best mexican food on the eastside! carnitas are extremely good(in fact the only edible version that i had while living on the eastside for two years)....super clean restaraunt,friendly staff,cold beer,excellent salsas,and made in front of you"mexico city style" food! also very kid friendly!!!
(5)