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- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco – Seattle
Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco - Seattle
Photo from Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco
Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#125 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#8 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
106
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Flavors
- Excellent Service
Frequently criticized
- Food Safety
- Pricing Transparency
The restaurant Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s lively Ballard neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual dining experience perfect for enjoying delicious small plates or grabbing a quick bite.
This spot offers an authentic taste of Mexico right here in the Pacific Northwest, making it a must-visit for anyone craving flavorful dishes in a relaxed setting.
Overview: Introducting Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco
Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking authentic flavors. Many praise the delicious pupusas and tacos , often highlighting the variety of well-seasoned meats and excellent salsas .
The friendly staff consistently provides great service , making for a welcoming visit. However, some experiences have been less ideal, with concerns raised about a dishonest proprietor regarding prices.
A few customers also noted issues with specific items like the slaw in burritos, and unfortunately, there was a serious report of food poisoning . The atmosphere, while improved with a larger truck and seating, isn’t always a standout.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
106
Reviews
85.8%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
91
positive
Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco achieves a solid overall 8.5 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 85.8%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 106 customer remarks, with a strong majority of 91 positive observations outweighing 12 negative ones. The Food (8.6) and Service (8.6) are clearly the stars here, both earning high marks for their consistent quality.
While the Ambience (8.3) also rates well, offering a comfortable setting, the Value (5) aspect presents a more mixed picture. Some find it affordable, but others note concerns about unposted prices, which slightly pulls down its score.
What people like
- Authentic Pupusas & Tacos
- Friendly, Attentive Service
- Great Salsas & Meats
What people don't like
- Food Safety Concerns
- Unclear Pricing Practices
- Subpar Burrito Slaw
With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco is certainly worth considering for its standout flavors. If you’re seeking genuinely delicious pupusas, tacos, and burritos, coupled with genuinely friendly service, this spot delivers a satisfying experience.
However, be mindful of the reported pricing transparency issues and a past food safety concern. While the food quality is generally high, these points warrant consideration.
It’s a place that shines for its core offerings, but a few operational aspects could use refinement.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction hitting 86.5%, its clear the food is a major hit. Folks are raving about the authentic papusas, delicious tacos, and burritos, often praising the fantastic salsas and overall Mexican street food vibe, with 64 positive comments backing it up.
However, not every bite is perfect. Out of 74 total comments, there were 8 less-than-stellar remarks, with one serious concern about food poisoning linked to a carne asada burrito. Some also found the slaw in burritos to be disappointing and the al pastor/adobada flavor not quite hitting the mark.
Food
74
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic pupusas
- Delicious tacos, burritos
- Great salsas, meats
What people don't like
- Food poisoning concern
- Disappointing slaw
- Unimpressive al pastor
Often praised
- foodI had the best pupusas in town, truly tasting like they were from El Salvador. The service was amazing, with the staff being nice and the food extremely good. Although it's a food truck and the atmosphere isn't the best, I really hope they get to have an actual restaurant soon because they deserve it.
- pupusasIn my opinion, this is the place for the best tacos in Seattle. I consistently order the carne asada tacos, pupusas with carne asada & cheese, and the torta with carne asada. Having grown up in California, I was accustomed to great Mexican food, and this is the only establishment I'll patronize in this area.
- FoodFood:5
- papusasMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the most amazing papusas, and the service was great. My husband also really loved his beef torta.
- Mexican foodI don’t usually write reviews, but this is hands down the best Mexican food in Seattle. My experience was fantastic, especially with the Great Burritos and Yuccas.
- PupusasI approve of the Pupusas wholeheartedly!
- burritoMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! I had the best burrito in Seattle. The salsas were great, and they offered a wide variety of well-seasoned meats.
- burritosbest place to go for burritos
- salsassalsas are great
- steak tacosThe beef cheek and steak tacos were delicious
Frequently criticized
- al pastor/adobadaWhile the asada wasn't bad, it wasn't particularly impressive. Typically, al pastor/adobada is my favorite, but the flavor here didn't agree with me. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 4, indicating a generally pleasant experience in those areas.
- burritothe burrito came with meat slaw beans and rice
- carne asada burritomy regular order a carne asada burrito and i got badddd food poisoning
- food handlinghow they handle your food
- food poisoningi got badddd food poisoning. i’ve been on the toilet for 2 going on 3 days
- meatHowever, it arrived with meat, slaw, beans, and rice. The flavor was okay, but the meat was soupy and the slaw was terrible. It was literally the type of slaw you get from a grocery store pack, which was gross in a burrito.
- slawthe slaw sucked. It was literally the pack of slaw from the grocery store type of slaw (gross in a burrito)
- taco locosnot the taco locos
If youre craving authentic and delicious Mexican and Salvadorian street food, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be cautious with specific items like the carne asada burrito and taco locos, and youre likely to have a great meal.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.6, indicating a good to excellent experience, and an outstanding customer satisfaction rate of 90%, its clear guests are happy. Many rave about the friendly service, awesome staff, and great customer service, often highlighting individuals like Alex, the host.
Based on 18 positive remarks out of 20 total, you can expect kind, professional, and speedy interactions. However, its not entirely without a hitch. A couple of comments, representing 2 negative remarks, mention a dishonest proprietor and describe the experience as totally dishonest.
While these are isolated incidents, they do stand out amidst the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the overall service and staff.
Service
20
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great customer service
- Speedy service
What people don't like
- Dishonest proprietor
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the most amazing papusas, and the service was great. My husband also really loved his beef torta.
- staffstaff are all very nice
- ServiceService:5
- AlexAlex is a good man and great host
- customer serviceGreat Customer Service
- hostgreat host at his ballard truck
- local truckSupport your local truck
- peoplethe people running it are really nice.
Frequently criticized
- dishonestTotally dishonest
- proprietorDishonest proprietor - doesn't post prices
If youre looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The staff consistently earns high praise, making for a pleasant dining experience. Just be aware of the isolated concerns about the proprietor, though they dont seem to overshadow the excellent general service.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is definitely hitting some high notes! With a solid score of 8.3, the ambience is generally seen as good, and a strong 80% customer satisfaction rate shows most people are really enjoying it. Out of 10 total comments, 8 were positive, highlighting the Atmosphere, picnic tables, undercover seating, and even the larger truck contributing to a perfect place with clean undercover seating.
However, its not entirely without its critics. One out of the 10 comments did mention that the atmosphere wasnt the best atmosphere. While this is a minor point compared to the overwhelming positives, its worth noting that theres always a little room for improvement, even in a generally well-regarded setting.
Ambience
10
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Perfect place
- Clean undercover seating
- Outdoor picnic tables
What people don't like
- Atmosphere not great
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- larger truckI love the newer larger truck.
- picnic tablesThere are a couple of picnic tables to eat at as well.
- placePerfect place honestly
- undercover seatingclean undercover seating
Frequently criticized
- atmospherenot the best atmosphere
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe and comfortable seating options, youll likely be very pleased here. The overall positive feedback suggests it's definitely worth checking out for a pleasant experience.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real fans! One customer, after trying over 30 taco places, raves about the simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious tacos, highlighting the great price. With 1 positive sentiment out of 2 total, it seems many find the offerings quite appealing, contributing to a 50% customer satisfaction.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. Theres a clear point of contention regarding the prices, specifically why they werent posted. This single negative comment, alongside the positive, brings the overall score for value to an average 5.
Its a mixed bag, with some finding it great and others encountering a minor snag.
Value
2
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable tacos
What people don't like
- No posted prices
Often praised
- priceAfter trying over 30 taco places in Seattle, this one remains my absolute favorite. The tacos are simple, affordable, and incredibly delicious. The service is also very friendly, making it a perfect place overall.
Frequently criticized
- priceswhy there were no prices posted
If youre seeking simple, delicious, and affordable tacos, this place could be a fantastic find for you. Just be aware that the prices might not be immediately visible, which could be a minor inconvenience for some. Overall, its a decent option if you prioritize taste and affordability over upfront pricing clarity.
How are the prices at Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco?
You’re looking at roughly 18 $ per person – reported by 29 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, nearly all guests stick to this mid-range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience rather than a mix of super cheap and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in Seattle?
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in Seattle. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Terrible Food Poisoning After Regular Order
I'm incredibly hesitant to write this, as I've been a loyal customer of this food truck for nearly three years. Unfortunately, this week, my regular order of a carne asada burrito resulted in severe food poisoning. I've been unwell for two, almost three days now, and it's been a truly rough experience.
It's a real shame because the food and service have always been excellent. I suppose I'll have to find a new spot, which is a significant bummer.
- food8
- service8
- carne asada burrito1
- food poisoning1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Carnitas Shine, Other Meats Mixed
My experience at the restaurant today was centered around the food. The carnitas were the overall winner, truly exceptional. While the asada wasn't bad, it wasn't particularly impressive.
Typically, al pastor/adobada is my favorite, but the flavor here didn't agree with me. The service and atmosphere were both rated a 4, indicating a generally pleasant experience in those areas.
- carnitas9
- asada6
- al pastor/adobada3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Mexican Food in Seattle!
I don’t usually write reviews, but this is hands down the best Mexican food in Seattle. My experience was fantastic, especially with the Great Burritos and Yuccas. The food quality was exceptional, and I highly recommend trying these dishes.
- Mexican food10
- Burritos10
- Yuccas10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
1
Dishonest proprietor, no prices posted
My experience was marked by dishonesty from the proprietor. When I approached the truck, the individual greeted me. Upon inquiring about the absence of posted prices, they were suddenly closed, with the flimsy excuse of cleaning, which was clearly untrue.
I suspect prices are not displayed to allow for arbitrary charges. This was a completely dishonest encounter. I left feeling hungry and angry.
Considering how they handle money, I'm concerned about their food handling practices.
- proprietor1
- prices1
- dishonest1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Pupusas, Hope for a Restaurant!
My experience was fantastic! I had the best pupusas in town, truly tasting like they were from El Salvador. The service was amazing, with the staff being nice and the food extremely good.
Although it's a food truck and the atmosphere isn't the best, I really hope they get to have an actual restaurant soon because they deserve it.
- pupusas10
- service10
- food10
- atmosphere3
What Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available at Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco?
When you visit Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco, you’ll find convenient parking solutions. There’s free street parking available, along with a free parking lot. Guests usually report plenty of parking, making your visit hassle-free.
Does Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco offer dining for families and accessible options?
Yes, Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco is good for kids, making it a great spot for family meals. For your convenience, the restaurant offers dinner and lunch dining options. Additionally, it features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What are the standout food items at Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco?
Customers frequently praise the authentic pupusas , tacos , and burritos , often highlighting the well-seasoned meats and great salsas .
How does Vacil Salvadoreno Taco Loco score overall?
The restaurant holds a strong overall score of **8.5**. Its **Food** (8.6) and **Service** (8.6) are highly rated, with **Ambience** (8.3) also scoring well. **Value** (5) is considered average.
Are there any common issues or concerns reported by customers?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding unclear pricing practices and a past report of food poisoning . Additionally, the slaw in burritos has received negative feedback.