Cocina Esperanza
3127 NW 85th St, Seattle, WA, 98117
Cocina Esperanza Menu
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Address :
3127 NW 85th St
Seattle, WA, 98117 - Phone (206) 783-7020
- Website https://www.cocinaesperanzaseattle.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
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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Paul R.
Wonderful family run, local restaurant. Great specials. Highly recommended.
(3)Emma A.
I love this place! This is one of our go to places in Ballard. It is not as greasy as a lot of other Mexican cuisine and the quality of food is really good. It tastes like you are having a meal in someone's home rather than a restaurant. Love the chill vibe and they makes really great margaritas. I love the cucumber one personally! Also A+++ for being in the location of the old Gob Shoppe!
(5)Sara H.
Big portions of delicious food. More than enough for one person to share. Kids meals are also enormous. Some reviews mention no hard alcohol, but we have no found that to be the case (margaritas are decent but not amazing). All food has been tasty. Of special note is that the vegetarian options are chock full of fresh veggies. Also love the grilled potatoes served with all entrees.
(4)Sita K.
Good spiced sangria, casual/cozy atmosphere with nice lighting, ample servings (too much for me though) and good service! Highlight = the potatoes that come with most meals were delicious. Really well cooked and spiced!
(4)Cami G.
After eating at just about every sit-in Mexican establishment in the north end of Seattle, I realized I was missing one. Cocina Esperanza! It was quiet and the patrons were sparse, namely because it was 5:30pm and quite honestly, who eats dinner at 5:30pm? Today that was me. Ordered the chicken soft tacos, boyfriend ordered the pork enchiladas con mole. We were satisfied; both with the portions and the authentic flavors. The wait staff are very friendly and happy to serve you. Missing one star because the prices are a little high (though I'm sure their rent is, too), and because the chips and salsa are probably the worst I have eaten at a Mexican restaurant. We're still happy we went and if we shall return, it'll be 5:30 again and we won't request chips and salsa.
(4)Kayla H.
I absolutely love this place! This is our go-to when my boyfriend and I are craving Mexican food. I have never had a bad thing on their menu - and really, I've probably tried near everything at this point. But the sangria is definitely a must. It's nice that it's tucked away from all the hustle and bustle that has become of downtown Ballard; its super cozy, family owned, and I love that we are always greeted with a familiar face.
(5)C.J. M.
This place has some interesting and delicious food. It's a little more expensive than some other nearby family style Mexican spots, but it's a nice for a weekend evening, and I expect the prices keep it from getting too crowded.
(4)Carla M.
Just stopped by for take out and was in love with how good everything smelled when I walked in, delicious! Ordered a shredded pork quesadilla and some chips and salsa (since I read comments about it) to go. It was all really delicious, came with a touch of cabbage slaw, pinto beans and their savory potatoes. Even after I finished my meal, the aroma coming from the empty container was irresistible. Definitely going back for this and to try their other dishes. Their salsa was very interesting, there was a definite tang and some cream to it, perhaps even a little Olive oil. I'm buying a jar of this next time. Downsides? Can really only think of a couple and they aren't even about the quality of the food. 1) I wish they were open on Sunday and Monday and 2) seemed slightly pricey.
(4)D W.
Great neighborhood restaurant. I have never had to wait for a table. The food is really good. I love the veggie tacos. They have tons of fresh veggies.
(5)John S.
Best Enchiladas on the planet!
(5)Nick H.
Cocina Esperanza serves great Mexican food in this sleepy Sunset Hill neighborhood! I love their crab sincronizada entree--which if you're not familiar is kind of like a quesedilla. With crab. Lots of it. And not that fake crap. My fiancée and her sisters love the enchiladas, which looked quite delicious. The veggie enchilada comes with a nice mixture of vegetables, including kale. If you're a kale fanatic, order this. I'm disappointed they don't have hard alcohol, and the acoustics weren't great--so if there is a family with an obnoxious child it gets pretty loud. However, overall the atmosphere is pretty chill. Plusses: - parking - great sangria Minuses: - no hard alcohol! - families with loud kids
(4)Paul R.
We enjoyed this place. Delicious Mexican beers (Bohemia por favor), super tasty halibut tacos, and a nicely marinated and grilled carne adada made for an excellent meal. Reasonable prices and big portions too. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the service: it was very good. Very friendly waitress with a great sense of humor. We'll be sure to return the next time we're in town.
(4)Matt R.
The food is excellent and reasonably priced- but they are seriously understaffed. On a Friday night when they were packed with a wait out the door- there were only two servers working. The lack of servers made it tough to get a drink or place any orders. Our meal took forever. The food is GREAT though. Our party of six all ordered different plates and everyone had good things to say. My point is- just about anything on the menu is going to be good. The standouts were the Chile Relleno (baked in the oven- not fried and filled with meat instead of cheese). The Chicken Mole special was terrific- as were the Shrimp Tostadas. It is true that they use store bought chips and tortillas. It is what it is. They've caught some flack for it- they don't have a fryer- but with the kitchen so close to the dining room, and the restaurant being so small- if they had a fryer you'd smell like you'd just worked a double at McDonald's after enjoying dinner. Store bought chips is not a deal breaker for me and I plan on going back.
(4)Shelley M.
I finally made it to this restaurant and I can't believe it took me this long! First of all, the food: Delicious. Like someone mentioned on here the menu is small but it doesn't need any more. Highly recommend this neighborhood gem.
(5)Valerie S.
It's almost cute when businesses don't have websites in 2014. It's cute until I need to write a review, and I can't find a banner to help promote them, and I can't find a menu online to confirm that they have tequila. Which means that when I go with a friend for a Tequila Tuesday (#67), I find some great Mexican food, but not a drop of tequila in sight. Luckily, they have sangria, which as we all know is an acceptable substitute in dire situations where tequila is hard to come by (like dining alone in Brighton for Tequila Tuesday #37). And as I say, there was also pretty amazing food. The salsa was totally delicious on the house-made chips, and I continued my epic quest to eat all of the camarones in Seattle by scarfing a delicious shrimp quesadilla with pinto beans and home style potatoes. But wait, is it home style if they're not the home style my mom makes? Anyway, they were cubed potatoes with special seasoning and a bit crispy; a unique yet enjoyable side dish. Dinner was, on the whole, quite good, and very tasty when enjoyed with a nice glass of sangria.
(4)Laura N.
I'm a huge fan of this place. Delicious chicken verde enchiladas make me happy. Friendly servers make me happy. Sangria pitchers make me happy. House specialties make me happy (try the yummy sausage appetizer...). You get the point. I am a huge fan of their homemade salsa, tortillas, and all the varieties of hot sauce to try. I like how it's tucked back in a neighborhood with not much else around it. They have parking, but street parking is never an issue either. My only complaint, and not even worthy of dropping a star, is that the chips are nothing to write home about. Just standard store bought. I'm sure they will figure it out eventually. I also love how they don't have a huge menu. They just do everything on it right. My fiancé had the Carne Asada tacos. Delicious. We'll be back. Very very soon.
(5)Deborah J.
This is absolutely without a doubt going to be my new favorite restaurant in town. I'm going to make a bold statement here and say this is probably the most authentic Mexican food in the city and I'm bummed that I didn't discover it sooner. The place is small but we didn't have to wait for a table at all which was nice. Started off with chips and salsa but as other reviewers have mentioned they don't appear to make their own chips which was a little disappointing. I don't go out to eat for the freebies so it wasn't a big deal to me in the end. I ordered the slow roasted pork enchiladas, and my boyfriend had the carne asada tacos. The portions were on the larger than average size and I wasn't able to finish all of mine, but my boyfriend had no problem on his. He was most certainly jealous that I had delicious leftovers to eat the next day which were just as good reheated. Service was exceptional and the prices were great. I will be coming back here as much as I can!
(5)Nick V.
UPDATE: They will sell you the salsa if you ask nicely :) I think it was $8 for a big ol thing of it that lasted me better part of a week. Also, they are really really nice to regulars!
(5)Erik S.
Great authentic & unique flavors. Rich mainland Mexican flare. Occupancy 48 = quaint atmosphere. Loved the chicken tacos (4). Sangria served to the next table looked fun. Must have been good; they ordered a second round.
(5)Linda W.
This place is great. Understated and not fussy, but really terrific and elevated food.
(5)Rob P.
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect after reading the reviews on here. But here is what I learned to be true after my dinner... DON'T BELIEVE THE CRITICAL NONSENSE! Are the chips store bought? Yes. I agree it's a bit disappointing. But the meal... (which is why you came right?) is outstanding. What they do best here are enchiladas. I had the chorizo. They were spicy, well seasoned, and plentiful. They came served with a side of potatoes and beans. I stopped just short of licking the plate. It was that good. Very glad to have this place within walking distance of home!
(5)Akanksha S.
We (My husband and I) usually like to go to Ballard on Fri/Sat evenings for dinner. This one time we reached Ballard, and could not decide on a place. I found this restaurant on urbanspoon, looked up reviews on yelp (which is usually how we differentiate the good from the bad!) and decided to give it a try. Had to cross Ballard (market street), and then some residential area (at one point I thought we had the wrong address), and then we literally drove past it. Came back, and yes there it was. At first I couldn't tell if it was open or not, but then a staff member greeted us at the door. (we couldnt see inside, but he figured that we were first timers).. A nice little restaurant, very cozy , with christmas lights still on (i think they are a permanent thing here). Not a very fancy/big menu (like azteca/other mexican restaurants Ive been to) but looked impressive. The salsa was the best we've ever had. I ordered Pollo ala Crema (on both occasions), my husband tried enchiladas (can remember what he ordered the second time), but the food was awesome. Pollo ala Crema became a favorite! The drinks were good too..The staff was polite, served happily. All-in-all a great find! Would definitely go back!
(5)Andrea M.
So glad we found this place! Really great Mexican food and the sangria is yummy too! Tastes really authentic and everything we had was a home run. Took off a star only for service, our waitress didn't really seem like she wanted to be there at all. We will definitely be back!
(4)Melissa S.
We went back a week later and unfortunately my anonymity was compromised. However, I love that they're checking out the feedback because that means that they really care about their customers experience and their product. We took a friend with us and she still can't stop talking about it. She has also promised to write a review....but I will need to remind her since I don't see one posted. We tried the chile relleno this time and HOLY HOT NUGGET, it was crazy good. All of those reviews below me raving about it - they're the truth. Order it. Seriously, if you haven't been here yet - just go. It really is the best sit-down mexican food in Seattle and service is awesome.
(5)Sam B.
Bland food. No flavor what so ever. Taco Bell is 100 times tastier than this place. What a waste of money. I wish I could give zero star.
(1)kristin l.
Fabulous! Our waiter was nothing short of spectacular, spent some time to chat with us, and took care of our every need (and we had a lot of them :) sorry!) I really loved the salsa! Baked cheese is absolutely incredible. I would like to have this dish at least once a week if my thighs allow. Bring a pal so you don't have to eat the whole thing yourself. Shredded beef is delicious and tender and the seasoning is just right. Which brings me to the climax-no cilantro! I'm not sure about every dish, but my tostada and the salsa and the pico de gallo were cilantro free! Yum! I don't like the soapy taste, but my love for Mexican food overpowers that urge and so sometimes I have to pick out a lot of little leaves. I will be back! Hopefully this week!
(5)Neko-Ramen K.
I've lived in Ballard for more than eight years and I finally tried Cocina Esperanza last night. Yelp review for this place is great so I was excited to try this Mexican restaurant (I usually go La Carta de Oaxaca in downtown Ballard). The food is not terrible but sadly I found nothing spectacular about it. La Carta's chips, salsa, tortilla, mole are way better. However there are nice things about this place which is in a quiet neighborhood and parking is very easy. Also $4.50 sangria is very tasty.
(3)Whitney H.
This place has the best salsa I have ever had. I dream of it, seriously. I had the chile relleno as well and it was delicious. The service was good and your mouth will water when you step foot inside the restaurant. I cannot WAIT to go back! And when I do, I will be a little more thorough--when I went I hadn't done the whole Yelp thing and don't remember details, only that my experience was great and my belly satisfied!
(5)Adam E.
Charming neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Very good food, we've been several times and have always enjoyed what we have ordered. Shredded beef tacos were excellent, we've also had various enchiladas and special tamales...all good! The service is very friendly, but they seem short-staffed on busy Friday/Saturday nights, when service can be a bit slow (thus the -1 star).
(4)Kristie L.
You're REALLY missing out if you don't order the sangria. It's the best, seriously! Don't be the guy with a Corona.
(5)Wyatt K.
Secretly best Mexican food in Seattle. Carne asada tacos. Guacamole.
(4)Kiera S.
Just went here for the first time after moving to the area... and glad there is some good Mexican food nearby! It's small but feels cozy and warm. The food was delicious! Not the best Mexican I've ever had (I'm from California), but definitely good. And Sangria for 4.50/glass? Don't mind if I do. I had the veggie enchiladas which were very good, but they definitely go heavy on the cheese so if you're trying to cut calories ask for less cheese. We'll be back!
(4)Shannon S.
Amazing salsa. Great staff and service. And the best Mexican spot I can think of in Seattle! Wish I could go here weekly...
(5)Mo M.
Good or Bad first? Ok, as you wish. Pros: - Seated & served quickly. - Delicious Pork according to two of our party - Garlicky Salsa is tasty - Beer was cold - Cozy neighborly feel Cons: - Spinach Salad a waste of 7.00 - only 4 ingredients, including CANNED/FROZEN corn, c'mon, onions & cilantro are cheap Esperanza! - Bagged chips with your salsa?! - Annoying Latino pop music too loud to talk over, I'd rather be assaulted by Mariachi, tyvm. Cannot be categorized as Pro or Con, just note: Lots of kids, and a random husky dog who kept running through hunting for spillage. (for me, it was a con as said canine tail went into my food at one point and the kids were playing what appeared to be "Banshee Chihuahua Noisemakers")
(3)Eric A.
I really wanted to like this place - mostly positive reviews, pretty close by, easy parking, cantina-y feel with bright colors, etc.. But there were major issues right off the bat - 1) Straight from the bag circular tortilla chips (I'm guessing Tostito's?) - bleh 2) Some sort of weird pink "cream" salsa-type dip 3) Inflexible menu options - they had a 4-taco meal with a selection of the standard (chicken, carne, fish, etc), but you couldn't mix and match. I really would have liked to split carne and fish tacos to get an idea of the food - didn't want to order 4 fish tacos and have them be crap, etc. No bueno. I'm not sure why that irked me so much - I mean, it does say right on the menu "select *ONE* of the following.." but it just seems so inflexible. Why not offer a sampler for slightly higher price? Or the ability to add additional tacos for extra? A more 'tapas-style' menu might add $$$ to the bottom line. I was so bummed I just ordered the 'safe' chicken tacos. As for the food - I didn't "love" them, but I didn't hate them either. Four 4" stewed/simmered chicken tacos with a side of home fries (?) and a non-Mexican cole slaw (that was actually the best part of the meal).. such a strange dish. This place seems to be content being a neighborhood joint where locals eat because there's nothing closer and they don't feel like driving. NOTE: I'm having a hard time clicking 'POST' because I'm not sure this place deserves a '2' but there are just such major holes in their game. (sigh)
(2)Mandy C.
I've been living in Ballard far too long to not have tried this place. I am so glad I changed that because this place is GOOD! Small & cute, friendly & warm, I recommend it for the following reasons: 1. kick ass sangria - I hate paying for a drink that tastes just like juice with fruits bits and this was soooo much more. Not to mention much stronger. :D Worth it! 2. ample portions - we ordered the enchiladas and you get 4 of them, which is a big ol' plate of goodness. You can even get both red and green sauce on them to try both and then it's all topped with cheese and other tasty saucey business. 3. friendly service - they were attentive and kind and didn't rush us or anything. 4. guacamole - did I mention that they have guac? That was actually my first requirement for dinner and they definitely hooked me up right. This place is a hidden gem up in Ballard by Golden Gardens and I am a new fan for life. :-)
(4)Phil S.
My lovely wife and I tried Cocina Esperanza for the first time for my 49th birthday. Prior to that, I'd heard glowing reviews from one of the pickiest eaters I know. This guy and his wife drive all the way from Tacoma to eat there, and with today's gas prices, I figured we'd better check it out. We got there around 6:30PM and were immediately seated by a genuinely friendly waitress who then answered all our questions and made some great suggestions. It is a good thing we got there when we did because for a Wednesday evening, the place filled up very quickly. We started out with a pitcher of their excellent homemade sangria and some good baked cheese in olive oil with tortillas to go along with it. For the main course, Susan ordered their renowned Tilapia which is a delish fish dish, and I ordered the Pollo ala Crema. Both were served with veggies cooked to perfection and both were served with the tastiest homemade tortillas, black beans and rice we've ever had. The presentation was first rate as well. Susan's Tilapia was fresh and very good indeed (we always taste each other's food). My Pollo ala Crema was muy deliciosa and gracias to our waitress for suggesting it. It was definitely a plate cleaner for me. So far I love everything about this restaurant. It's in a great location being just up the road from Golden Gardens Park, The 17 and 48 buses stop right by it, and it's in a nice neighborhood where NW 85th intersects with 32nd Ave NW and Loyal Ave NW. But lo que es más importante, it is within an easy distance from our residence. We will definitely spread the word on this place. I give Cocina Esperanza 5 stars for: 1. Genuinely friendly staff 2. Amazing (I'd even call it legendary food. We're talking the chef's mother's own recipes from south of the border here with the freshest ingredients and great presentation. 3. Highest professional standards 4. Great location 5. Delightfully cozy building and tastefully decorated. Yes, Cocina Esperanza is now my top pick for Mexican food
(5)John M.
Food is very good. Had a chile relenio which was off the chart good. Why the four stars then? Can ya say no tequila? I like a margarita with my meal. If you don't roll it. I wonder if you can bring your own????
(4)Patrick W.
I thought about not reviewing Cocina Esperanza This is because you're going to come here, find it to be as wonderful as I did and tell all your friends. Then there will be this line around the corner and I will have to wait in it. This isn't your typical Mexican restaurant. You will not find 45 variations of a tortilla, meat, cheese, beans and rice that you find most elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, that is delicious also but sometimes gets a little too "gut buster". Plus, located back in this neighborhood I really like to support the local establishments. The food was excellent. The staff was friendly and attentive. My glass was always full. We actually enjoyed our meal so much we considered going back the next day. We had the carne asada tacos and an order of enchiladas. Everything was delicious and fresh. It might sound funny but I was really impressed with the beans. I have never had beans that tasty. Not only will I go back, I can't wait to go back.
(5)J K.
Good food but deceptively expensive. The service was a little lacking.
(4)Eric C.
Staff was really friendly, food was top notch. I'll definately be goin back. If you live in the area and you like mexican food, go here
(4)Bryan K.
Cool little family owned place I discovered on a recent jaunt around my neighborhood. I never even noticed it sitting right next to Cafe Fiorre. Anywho, I'm glad I did because this place is great! The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the prices were reasonable for what I can only describe as "authentic" Mexican food. Now, I may not be the best authority on what is or is not authentic, growing up in New Jersey leaves something to be desired when it comes to good Mexican. I think Chipotle just opened up there, and that's about as close as we come back there. Regardless, I would highly recommend this place if you have a small group or are looking for a nice easy place for a date. It's got a certain charm to it, one that most certainly won't let you down.
(4)Diego S.
Wow their Sunday Breakfast/Brunch is amazing... I had saw the menu saw some fave's of mine, Huevos Chorizo, Huevos Rancheros.... but wait what is this on the special board? Huevos Divorcidados... just butchered that one, should have taken a pic of the dish and board! It was an amazing dish of eggs on tortillas, with red salsa on 1 side & green salsa on the other, Yin & Yang of salsa's & eggs, or a north vs south... Oh my gosh! plus refried beans and potatoes.... I was freaking stuff'd. So my Girlfriend got Huevos con Chorizos, another great dish! refried beans, potatoes and tortillas! I also didn't forget to let her get a bite of each side of my dish... seeing the last breakfast place I devour'd my plate w/out even thinking!
(5)Erika L.
I've lived in the hood for over a year and just discovered this little gem last night. The Chile Relleno was the best I've ever had. Truly remarkable considering they have one chef cooking in a tiny little "galley". The service was impeccable and very friendly. Took my Daddy - he had the crab quesadilla and loved it! We both had enought leftovers for lunch today. Can't wait to eat it! Not sure where a couple of the other raters were dining. The chips were homemade and the salsa was yummy - yes, it had a touch of cream in it which made it different and special. Mexican cole slaw was a nice accompaniment to the meal and yes it is too traditional. This is a real deal Mexican restaurant. It's Huatulco in Ballard!
(5)Sara L.
I've only ever ordered one thing here (and I've only been here twice), but damn is it delicious. The enchiladas (the only thing I've ordered) have perfectly cooked chicken in them, and there's FOUR of them. Basically, you get twice as much (and twice as good) food as you'd get at Azteca for just about the same price. The pinto beans that come with the enchiladas are PERFECTLY cooked, and it comes with potatoes instead of rice. Rice is my least favorite part of Mexican food, so this is cool with me. It's kind of like getting breakfast home fries with your dinner (um, yes please?). Also, super cute atmosphere and super nice service. Hoorah, this place is awesome.
(5)Emily H.
Veggie Tacos = delicious dinner & lunch the next day. My boyfriend has had the chicken here and declares it A-MA-ZING. It's also good in eggs the next morning. I like being in a mexican restaurant that doesn't involve tequila. I feel the chefs have to be a little better when they know the end result isn't being clouded by liquor. Granted, Sangria can go to your head, but it also goes to your tastebuds. :) And I really like small, food-centered restaurants. The service isn't focused on making me feel like the bestest customer in all the worlds...it's about getting me good food. I like that.
(4)Harold h.
Wonderful experience all around, great authentic mexican dishes, wonderful waitstaff , and comfortable settings!
(4)Ellie N.
Fantastic Mexican food. Their pork and chicken enchiladas blew us away and we have been regulars ever since. I recommend getting a half and half mixture of the two salsas on your entree. It was delightful. This hidden jewel in Ballard is a tasty treat.
(4)Antoinette H.
They actually have the slow service built into their menu! Something about having to take the time to make good food. That would be fine, if the food was better. To start with, the chips were not fresh (bagged?) and the salsa was liquid...not bad, but I like a couple chunks. I had the Carne Asada, and was very disappointed in the meat. It was ridiculously salty. They had blanched broccoli and sliced "baby" carrots on top of a blob of cole-slaw without the mayo. The beans were good. The rice was flavorless and filled with corn and peas and carrots (not my favorite either.) I wasn't horrified, but I won't go back. I spent a goodly amount of time looking around remembering what went where when it was the Gob Shoppe...and kinda wishing it still was.
(2)J R R.
The Guacamole, and house salsa were very tasty. So then, why did they serve it with store bought dorito chips? I found this to be very perplexing. I ordered the pollo crema... The crema was very bland and the chicken lacked texture, it was basically stewed. I liked the blackbeans, but the rice was little overcooked. I was kind of disappointed. This is the second time I've eaten here, and this time was no better than the last time. JR
(2)Diane T.
We drive by this place all the time and decided to try it last night. We are so glad we did! It's somewhat small (about 15 tables that can be mixed and matched for smaller/bigger parties), but all tables were filled (first good sign). We got in within 10 minutes and ordered. I had roasted pork tacos and got four generously portioned tacos overflowing with meat and potatoes, plus their "secret sauce" that had a perfect spicy bite to it. All of my tablemates got generous AND TASTY portions, too. Highly recommended!
(4)Tiffany S.
I had the Camarones for my entree with a side of guac. Awesome! Chris had the Chorizo quesadillas which he also liked. Not to be whiney, but I wanted a greater selection. Maybe I wanted enchiladas, but did I really need 4 of them? All the entrees sounded huge. Chips were good but salty. This is what I get for hardly eating out anymore! PS. Guac was outstanding!
(3)gretchen m.
Its great and the menu is all quite good, fresh and homemade but the main downside is not much change in the menu - few and the same specials. The food and sangria are excellent. Anything they make with their green chile sauce on it is wonderful. Great enchiladas, the tostadas, and that thing I can't pronounce meza-something that's like a layer cake of amazing flavor (that's the thing to try). There is definitely an advantage to dining early there as there are few tables, no reservations and it fills up fast. If you have kids, please be mindful that in the small confines of the restaurant voices carry and your kid's squeals can amplify.
(4)Anthony D.
Alright, this is probably the weirdest review I have ever had to write. Here is my conundrum. I like this place. It is good. I don't really have any major issues with it. It is a "family joint" in the sense that it feels like it is operated by a family as opposed to the Chucky Cheese type of "family joint". I think that is the root of both its charm, quality, and quirks. Slow. Slightly disorganized feel. Solid food. Whatever. The real issue is that my wife doesn't like this place. It isn't that she hates it. She just isn't that into the food. I have tried to get a better understanding of why but you know sometimes these things are hard to put in to words. For that reason though I probably won't be back here anytime soon. I think there is something about this place that just sets your expectations high and then doesn't meet them. Too bad. It is really close to my house, I love Mexican, and it really has nothing terribly wrong in my opinion. I guess this is part of that whole "for better or worse" clause.
(3)Bruce M.
This is our 2nd review of Cocina Esperanza and after reading the most recent entry by a really harsh critic we wanted to take the opportunity to recalibrate fellow yelpers. My wife and I have been regulars for over two years and we have yet to be dissappointed. Our dinners have the freshest ingredients and they are cooked to perfection. They always have new options on the menu and quality is consistant. Dinners are prepared individually and take longer to arrive than standard pre-prepared Mexican chain businesses. It is always worth the wait and served by great staff. Prices remain reasonable. The Sangria is most excellent. Regarding the previous yelp review of overly salted food - we have never had it occur and we also know that Esperanza does not offer cheese sauce. Enjoy this hidden gem.
(4)Sebastian S.
My two boys and I went here instead of our usual Taco Guyamas trip. Here is the skinny from each of us: My 9-year old says: "Food was great, service a bit slow, I missed the self-serve environment with unlimited salsa" My 5-year old says: "Not the best. There was spinach in my meal." I say: "The food was great. Good atmosphere. A little bit fancier than what we're used to (but that really shouldn't keep anyone from going themselves). And, ouch, not cheap when you're going with a family; just reasonably priced. I thought it was great how the Cocina can accommodate folks from different walks of life including my two kids and certainly any DINK (double-income-no-kids) out there." Will be back occasionally, when we are in the market for a fancy night.
(4)Lydia P.
Hurrah! I've finally managed to coerce some of my friends into trying a place none of us have been to. Now I can finally take Cocina Esperanza off my bookmark list! Located where The Gob Shoppe used to be on 85th, this little restaurant is the kind of place you really want to see succeed. The staff were all very friendly and ready to answer any questions about the menu, and the atmosphere was cozy.... though, we were seated by the door and it got a little chilly once or twice during our meal. I thought the chips were really quite tasty.... very corny and sturdier than most. The salsa looked rather uninspired, but had a nice little kick to it. We also got a side of guacamole... yummy. The fried queso was good, but I tried not to eat too much in anticipation of my dinner arriving. Naturally, as it sounded like my least healthy option, I ordered the Pollo ala Crema. I don't normally enjoy white meat because it tends to be too dry, but they must have brined their chicken or fed it sticks of butter while it was alive... because it was so tender and ... dare I use the word "moist". Delicious! Floating around in a generous little bath of chipotle cream sauce. Ohsohappy!!! I left the beans and rice, but the unusual addition of broccoli and carrots were a welcome break from the richness of the sauce. Amy had the pork special of the evening. I can't remember exactly how it was prepared, but she quite enjoyed it. Sarah had the chorizo tacos and I remember feeling a slight pang of jealousy (that was before I tasted my dinner) when they were placed before her. They were very prettily plated, and looked like they were packed with all sorts of flavor. They must have been... cos she at them all. I'd say the only real disappointment of the evening was the flan. We ordered one to share, and though the flavor was quite nice (orangey-caramel)... it was definitely overcooked. The texture was more like a very firm rice pudding. Odd, but hey... I love rice pudding... just wasn't expecting it! We went on a Saturday night, so we had the added entertainment of watching young drunk/stoned hooligans getting chased out of Golden Gardens. It took us a while to figure out why there were so many people wrapped in blankets running by our window. Good stuff!
(4)David M.
One too many lame meals at nearby Luisa's when we didn't want to wait for a table at Rosita's led us to this place recently, and I can't really see us going back to either of the above. Loved the garlicky pureed salsa - it reminded me of the "Pa amb tomà quet" (bread with tomato) of Catalonia. I wish the chips were of of the fresh variety, but the salsa was so good it wasn't a big deal. A $15 pitcher of the delicious sangria was about 6 iced glasses - perfect for two or three people. Service was professional as well as friendly, and the food came really quickly We shared the carne asada plate and pork tostadas, and both were awesome. Portions are smaller than your average mexican place, but it seems to be a "less filler" kind of thing - no lake of beans and mountain of rice. The side potatoes with the tostadas were a nice change as well. We'll be coming back to try the fish (it was tilapia) and enchiladas. Edit: I forgot to mention why only 4 stars - it's not a real bargain (but it's worth the price for sure)
(4)Larry B.
My girlfriend and I LOVE Esperanza! Alas, it's not as convenient for us anymore so we don't go as often, but we always love it when we do. Esperanza has a real neighborhood atmosphere, and the service is relaxed and friendly. The kitchen is small so sometimes you need to wait a bit for your food, but we've always felt it was worth it. I really enjoy their chorizo, and also the pork chuletas. And while the food is good, I think we go back as much for the friendly, comfortable atmosphere as anything else.
(4)Jennessa W.
Very kid friendly and wonderful food. I give it 4 stars because It seems sometimes the restaurant is open during there posted business hours and sometimes it's not. Other than that - we love this place.
(4)P S.
Decent food. Tacos were fine, definitely on the rich side.. Not quite as refreshing as I like them. Flan was O.K. Slightly griddy. Some people like it that way. Overall o.k. but not cheap. Good if you live nearby, not worth driving to.
(3)Sandra S.
A pitcher of Sangria? YES PLEASE. The Sangria is delicious. Not overly heavy, it's kind of like what I imagine a wine spritzer to be like if I would ever try one. Do people still drink those? But I digress! You can drink a whole pitcher of the Sangria yourself, and it even has a liberal hint of alcohol so you know it's got the good stuff in there, too. The chips and salsa are where I am a bit disappointed. The chips are definitely just store bought chip rounds, and not even warmed up! The salsa is also lacking in any distinctive flavor... it's not terrible, it's just not "good" - I dumped massive quantities of the habanero sauces on the table into it, and it was bearable. And I was starving... honestly at that point I would have welcomed Pace. In fact, I love Pace. I was also bummed to find out that they were out of several of their specials... no chile rellanos, no pork special, nothing with chorizo in it. I mean, I know it was a Friday night... is 8:30 on Friday too late to have a full menu? We went with the chile verde enchiladas and the carne asada, and I have to say that I really enjoyed the enchiladas and the accompanying roasted potatoes. I liked the fact that I didn't feel like I was ingesting lots of lard. Portions of the carne asada did taste like a salt lick - I'm thinking the spice rub got a little out of hand? I liked the fact that this place is a little out of the ordinary in Ballard, and I like knowing that there are "Mexican food" choices that I feel are distinctly different from Senor Moose, La Carta, or Luisa's. What a boring review, sorry folks. :)
(3)Sarah V.
I went here again for my birthday. It was good, I got the Pollo a la Crema and it was excellent. But what I am taking down for is the fact that they were out of Chorizo on a Friday evening. It's their specialty, come on! I also am taking a star off because my mom ordered pork enchiladas and they gave her beef. Not ok.
(3)Barb W.
Cocina Esperanza is the best Mexican restaurant in Seattle - hands down! We eat here often and are never disappointed. True, the chips aren't great, but they aren't horrible. My favorite dish is the Pork Enchiladas with verde sauce. A-MA-ZING! I've never been disappointed. Piping hot, tasty as can be, large serving - I don't know how he gets the pork so flavorful, but it puts all pork enchiladas I've ever had to shame. I save half for my lunch the next day, and I can't wait to eat my lunch! My husband always order the Chile Relleno, and he LOVES it. He also loves the pork special, Chuleta. My son always gets the crab special, which is also amazing. Their queso appetizer is wonderful. So delicious! Their shrimp tacos are great, the choriza tacos are delicious. They also serve sangria which is so good. The only thing I don't like is that I can't have a margarita (no liquor, just beer or wine), but the food makes up for it.
(5)Tom R.
Great food and friendly service. The Pollo A La Crema is delightful. Today the special was Pork with Adobo sauce in a Quesadilla. It was great. And for the carb-conscious, they are perfectly willing to give you lightly steamed vegetables instead of potatoes or rice.
(5)Laura K.
"Delicious sangria, amazingly tender great chicken mole, nice service... A great find and nice change of pace from our usual Mexican places!
(5)Tim O.
After an confusingly long wait (2 wait lists b/t 2 staff members, empty tables, me & SO hungry, etc), we were finally seated. That was the worst part b/c this place is great. Go for the pitcher of sangria. It goes down like Kool-Aid. Wait, your Mom didn't spike your Kool-Aid?!?! Whateves. I got the veggie chile rellenos - _filled_ with goodness - kale, mushroom, corn, beans, et al. My SO got the Chicken Enchilado and LOVED it. Both dishes came with yummy black beans and rice. My only gripe was the chips and salsa - chips seemed overly salted and salsa was blah-ish. Very friendly staff also.
(4)Angela G.
This place has the best Mexican food I've had in Seattle. It's Monterrey Mexican, a more complex or "higher class" flavor. Don't go look for TexMex, or parking lot cabana Mexican. This is just so much more. A tiny restaurant ran by the family and it shows (in both good and bad ways). They take reservations for tables greater than 5, otherwise go on an off night or early to avoid the line at the door. I always get the Chicken Enchiladas with verde sauce and they're amazing. No substitutions, but you really don't need them. Beware, the chorizo is a first come, first served basis. My boyfriend is frequently disappointed to find out they are out... however you can tell by how easily that breaks his heart just how amazing it is. I'm not a fan of their chips and salsa, but that's such a tiny thing in such an amazing and intimate experience with mouth pleasing food!
(5)Katie A.
For those of you who like their Mexican food like they like their women, "Sassy, spicy, and expensive!" this is the place for you. It's not really $$, but it is a little more than most Mexican joints- just sayin'. Very nice, small interior. It's tastefully decorated and not overdone. The waitstaff is AWESOME- all very nice and extremely helpful. The wine selection is good- order the Malbec (a lot of places tend to not carry it) or the Sangria if you're in the mood for something boozey. The menu had lots to choose from- standard fare- tacos, enchiladas.. Also, some specials, including Tilapia. I had the Vegetarian Chile Relleno, which was fab! Comes with rice and black beans- just enough to leave you pleasantly full. My friends both enjoyed the Carne Asada. They totally hearted it. Desert menu featured a molten chocolate cake, key lime pie, and flan. All looked good, but we were so pleasantly 'pleasant' afterward, that we just took the check. Two churros (they don't have these here, but Guyamas does) up!
(4)Heidi C.
One of my favorites.The food is very good and fresh,but it takes a little bit for the food to come; but overall the place is nice. The restrooms are super clean and it means a lot to me and my kid,very clean place. I love it,to bad it's not cheaper so I can eat there more often,since I'm Mexican.
(4)Denny T.
This place was amazing - definitely the best Mexican I've had in a long time.
(4)Jessica M.
Two words: Baked. Cheese. With garlic, oil and spices, wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla. Pure heaven. I also ordered the traditional Chile Relleno, which was stuffed with ground beef, fruit and walnuts, with a creamy walnut sauce on top; tasted a bite of ground chorizo enchilada. Esperanza is well put-together inside without being formal. I've got a running list of places I want to bring i. when he's in town, and this is at the top of the list.
(4)Carrie H.
Darn that Katie S for beating me to the punch. She's gonna get smacked. Yes, we totally hearted our carne asadas (me and hubby), it was cooked perfectly with the right amount of heat and spice behind it. I had 2 glasses of sangria, I was just going to have one, but the waitress said "everyone was doing it" so I got another. What can I say, I'm a push over. A bit pricey compared to other places, but the taste definitely made up for it. Hubby says that it was the best mexican food he's EVER had. He said he'd give it 5 stars.
(4)Justin B.
Wow. I just found out this restaurant was actually called COCINA Esperanza. I've been calling it simply 'Esperanza' for years now. I think I've never actually looked up at the sign; I've just scrambled in as quickly as possible and demanded hot meats. The pork at Esperanza (I'm not going to start saying Cocina too) is absolutely delectable. It melts in your mouth. It makes love to your mouth. Esperanza's pork skull-f**ks you (that's the first time I've ever censored myself on Yelp...I think that term might be a bit overboard....KIDS use the internet, for goodness sake). But I mean that in a good way, the very best way. The pork enchiladas are hot and moist and scintillating, and there are FOUR of them! Four trips to heaven and back, if you ask me. Be sure to also try the pork of the day meal. I don't know if it's ever been very different, but it's always cooked to perfection. I want the taste to stay in my mouth forever. I want the taste to live in my mouth like Tony does in Danny's mouth in The Shining, behind my tooth, popping up once in a while to say hi. And their sangria is delicious. It makes me feel like I'm blasted drunk and covered in sweat in Placa Real all over again. Romancing a naive Kiwi. Ah, youth. Also: get at least ONE side of guacamole, it's incredible. Cocina Esperanza, Esperanza, Latin Food Establishment. Call it what you want, just sashay your pretty little self in as quickly as possible. You won't regret it. A+
(5)Elle P.
This place is such a wonderful neighborhood cafe. Breakfast is delicious!
(5)d k.
From the front page of the Cocina Esperanza website: "...Come to an understanding that authentic Mexican cuisine is not drowned in Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream." It utterly shocks me that the prolific Yelpers have not posted a review on this little gem. That aside, Cocina Esperanza is certainly a glittering gem up in the wilds of North Ballard - Loyal Heights. It is located at one of the funny little Seattle intersections at the corner of Loyal, 85th and 30th NW. I was encouraged that the bulk of the staff were of the latin variety. I was unusually surprised at the amount of fresh and innovative dishes. I especially enjoyed the use of prolific NW fare, spiced up with a latin flair. My cold hard heart was also softened at the use of homemade sour cream. Cocina Esperanza is one of those places you pass all the time and think to yourself, "We should really go there when its open". And then you drive down to Shilshole and forget about it. I am here to say, DON'T FORGET about it, and get your tuches down there.
(4)Tom N.
Went there with a group and the staff was overwhelmed. Food needed a little more for the price. May try it again but if I lived near the place I would be disappointed
(3)Lauren D.
As someone who could eat Mexican food for every meal every day of the week, I'm not so sure how I feel about Cocina Esperanza... It's cozy, with about 12 tables or so, so be prepared to wait for a seat. As noted by others, the chips and salsa are nothing to write home about. The salsa really could almost pass as a mildly spicy spaghetti sauce. But ordering the guacamole was well worth it - good flavor and chunks of tomato throughout. Others had the pork and chicken enchiladas - reviews pretty much consisted of "it's OK", and not much else. I had the pollo enchilado, and I don't know...the chicken tasted a little...different? Is that the right word? It was hard to put my finger on just what was off with this dish, but maybe it's because nothing was really wrong with it - it just wasn't the revelatory Mexican meal I was expecting. We didn't do dessert and stuck with basic Mexican beers - I'm curious now if we should have gone with the sangria and the carne asada, as everyone has recommended? Live and learn, I guess! Nothing awful, but then again, nothing really stood out at our table for three.
(3)Philip M.
My wife and I love this place...best Mexican food in Ballard in my opinion.
(4)Sara T.
I live around the corner and have been here a few times. For some reason, it took awhile for us to go there because they were always closed when we passed by.. We must've always had a craving for mexican on their closed days! Anyway, having just come back from Mexico, we ventured on a Thursday night and got in! Hooray had a decent meal, my veggie meal was terrific, but my husband, who got the carne asada, got SERIOUSLY sick.. I'm talking the kind of food poisoning you'd think one would get in MEXICO, not SEATTLE. They mut've pushed the date on that meat, b/c I'm sure that's what did it.. we ate everything else the same and I was fine. But, the place is cute, pleasant, the staff is lovely, the food is authentic, so three stars :)
(2)Andrew K.
Locals flock to this homegrown hot-spot (dark, cozy, and inviting) which touts itself as having the best tortilla soup around (I have had the real best at Fonda San Miguel, so I am ruined). Truth be told, my pork tacos and the sangria were really good and the waiter (Jason) was very nice. However, the chips (of the Costco variety) and salsa should have been fresher, they wouldn't vary the meats on the taco platter (apparently b/c they make it from scratch, which is a sensless rationale), and the food took too long.
(3)Amy J.
This is a family-friendly, neighborhood Mexican place. The loud and comfortable atmosphere is like bobbing around in warm salty water. I love that we can bring our children here and will be surrounded by other families and laid-back types. Big cheers for the guacamole and sangria.
(3)Tracy D.
Love this place. As transplanted Texans, we were skeptical of finding decent Mexican food in Seattle, but this place is great. The tacos and enchiladas are really good, and the salsa actually has some kick to it. We've always had good service. Nice little neighborhood place.
(4)Hanna D.
finally had something other than the carne asada--the pork enchiladas are also amazing. I do have to agree with a previous poster, this place needs margaritas! I'm moving away from Ballard soon and will miss having this yumminess right down the street~
(4)Jackie G.
My husband and I were going to go to a Ballard restaurant on Leary, however, 2 different people suggested that we try Cocina Esperanza instead. We are so glad that we listened to them. Our Ensalada Esperanza was fresh and tasty. (Our waitress even recommended that we share one because of the large size) She was absolutely correct about that! One of us had the chicken enchiladas and the other had the chicken quesadillas. Both entrees were super flavorful. The salsa and guacamole were to die for too! We'll be back....again and again and again.
(5)Amy K.
I'll admit up front...I am not from the Southwest or even CA so I can't lay some claim to having an abundance of cultural culinary background for Mexican food. I am from NY...I know pizza, sandwiches and Italian food in general....lived in Atlanta for awhile so can speak southern and comfort food, but I will leave the expertise on Mexican/Tex-Mex/etc...to others. That being said though, I do know what I like and what is tasty and delectable and Cocina Esperanza hits the spot for unique flavors and dishes. Went for dinner last night and the place was pretty crowded for 7:30 on a Tuesday, but there were a couple of open tables (thank goodness, we were starving). Service is a little slow, so we finally got our waters and some chips and salsa. Chips were salty and crunchy, salsa was spicy and good. Weren't asked for drink orders before ordering our food, but that's okay, we weren't looking to get loopy. Ordered the Crab Sincronizada appetizer special and the Pollo ala Crema to share as our entree. The crab was great! Lumps of fresh crab baked with cheese inside two tortillas and topped with a salsa fresca and some yummy slaw-type thing. The pollo was quite tasty too, it was our server's favorite item on the menu and according to her "she's tried them all." Definitely not on the light side, glad we shared it, but the chicken was tender and melted in my mouth like butter. Served with black beans, rice (which wasn't dry like I find at most Mexican places and even had a nice spice and some corn thrown in there) and some steamed carrots and broccoli. Minus one star for only bringing us two tortillas for the entree, even though we stated we were sharing. It's only the third time I have been here since it's kind of out of the way from Capital Hill, but when we do head over here, it's always worth the drive. I suggest you head over there and check it out as well...just keep in mind that being from the east coast I am not a Mexican food expert but I do play one on TV.
(4)Mac J.
the tortilla soups all over the map, but almost always tasty. they put some kind of vinegar on the greens with entrees...its wierd in a good way. Sub potatoes for rice everytime. Oh yeah, and this mexican joint also serves stella! sweet!
(5)Juicy J.
This is hands down the best Mexican food Ive had in years. The intimate atmosphere is perfect for a date, or for a chatting over a pitcher of Sangria with your girls. I have been here many many times, and now that I have moved closer to Ballard I am super excited to eat here more often. The seafood Relleno and the Tostada dishes are my personal fav.
(5)M S.
we went here for the first time this past Friday. We got there about 8:15ish and were seated right away. Extremely friendly waittress. The chips and salsa were not my absolute favorite I have ever had, I tend to like chips a tiny bit greasy and salty, these were more like baked. The salsa was good, but not chunky at all. The Sangria was awesome. I wish I hadn't driven there; I could have easily drank the entire pitcher myself. My meal, chile rellenos, was very good. I pretty much cleaned my plate. My husband had some kind of steak, and it was also yummy. I really liked the feel of this place, very casual but nice, and tucked away in a residential area. We will definitely make this a regular dinner spot.
(4)Kfaye K.
Best Mexican food in Seattle!!!
(5)Susie Serious E.
Sometimes the staff is cold, but the food is really yummy. Overall, a great place.
(4)Liza g.
I had to sign up for an account on Yelp when I saw the name of this restaurant. This was hands down the very worst restauant dining experience I have ever had in my entire life, and I'm 41 years old, so that is quite a few years of dining. I don't know what sort of vortex of black clouds was hanging over the place the night we were there, but it was so awful that I stiffed the waitress, the only time in my life I have done so. It was jam packed and only had one server. Now I was a waitress for five years so I will definitely give servers quite a bit of slack especially when they're not supported by the ownership (being alone when it's busy) but we waited so long for every element of our experience it was just insane. Several minutes sitting at our table before we got a menu. Then several more minutes for water. Then nothing. I asked for some chips, nothing came. FInally our order was taken. I asked for some chips again, oh sure, she said, but still nothing. Finally another woman came out (the owner, perhaps, who knows) and was trying to help, she brought our drinks (now at least 30 minutes have gone by since we sat down) and I asked HER for some chips, still nothing. Then she began cleaning tables. This was the last straw for me. I have to ask THREE TIMES for some stinking complimentary chips and you never bring them yet have time to clean tables? At this point my nine year old actually started crying at the table. Then I see another table, who were seated after us, get their DINNER, and we still don't even have any chips. I was the angriest I've ever been at a restaurant and will never ever return. I know that all places have bad nights, but I can't get past this one.
(1)