Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Abuelita’s Kitchen – Seattle
Abuelita's Kitchen - Seattle
Photo from Abuelita’s Kitchen
Abuelita's Kitchen at a glance
Seattle Greenwood
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#132 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#9 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
362
Reviews
85.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Great Service
- Good Portions
Frequently criticized
- Pricing Issues
- Hidden Fees
- Hygiene Concerns
The restaurant, a delightful Mexican Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Greenwood neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy atmosphere. At Abuelita’s Kitchen, you’ll discover a menu rich with authentic flavors, offering everything from quick bites to hearty dinners.
Whether you’re looking for vegan options, happy hour drinks, or a robust coffee, this spot has you covered. You can enjoy a casual meal with friends or family, knowing there are options for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Abuelita's Kitchen
Abuelita’s Kitchen offers a generally delightful dining experience, often praised for its flavorful dishes and warm hospitality. Guests frequently highlight the authentic taste of their Mexican food and the genuinely friendly staff who make every visit pleasant.
While the culinary offerings and attentive service stand out, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall price point for certain items. Additionally, occasional remarks about a strong fish smell or loud music suggest the ambiance can sometimes be inconsistent.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
362
Reviews
85.9%
Satisfaction
41
negative
10
neutral
311
positive
Abuelita’s Kitchen earns a solid 8.4 overall, reflecting a generally positive reception from its patrons. With a strong Customer Satisfaction of 85.9%, it’s clear that most diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is built upon 311 favorable comments, significantly outweighing the 41 negative ones across 362 total observations. The restaurant truly shines in its Service (9.0), which is consistently excellent, and its Food (8.6), offering delicious and authentic Mexican flavors.
The Ambience (7.9) also contributes positively to the experience. However, Value (5.6) presents a more mixed picture, with some finding portions generous for the price, while others feel certain dishes are expensive.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican Food
- Exceptional Friendly Service
- Generous Food Portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Pricing
- Hidden Credit Card Fee
- Hygiene Concerns
With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.4, Abuelita’s Kitchen is certainly worth considering if you prioritize excellent service and authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s a place where the warmth of the staff and the quality of the food often create a memorable experience.
However, be mindful of potential pricing inconsistencies and check for any hidden fees. If you’re seeking a consistently budget-friendly option or are sensitive to occasional ambiance issues, you might want to manage your expectations accordingly.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Abuelita's Kitchen
Food (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction soaring at nearly 90% (89.7% to be exact), its clear the culinary experience here is highly regarded. Out of 234 total comments, a whopping 210 rave about the delicious, authentic Mexican food, the amazing salsa bar, generous portions, and fresh handmade tortillas.
However, a few of the 17 less enthusiastic remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some found the meat in their tacos dry, while others noted unseasoned veggies or a general inconsistency in food quality. It seems like while the highs are very high, there might be an occasional miss.
Food
234
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
17
negative
7
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Amazing salsa bar
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry meat
- Unseasoned food
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodExcellent food! I love this place and day dream about the food often!
- salsa barAdditionally, the music was too loud, and the entire restaurant had a very strong fish smell. On the positive side, their mole sauce is made with almonds, not peanuts, they have a salsa bar, and offer plenty of veggie and vegan options.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was great, whether I was dining in for dinner or ordering carry out. The reasonable prices and sizeable portions of delicious Mexican food were a pleasant surprise for a city not known for authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s a family-run establishment, and I had the pleasure of meeting the daughter working the front and her mother, who created the menu.
- salsasMy experience at this restaurant was awesome! I was impressed by the great salsas and the food was truly delicious. To top it off, it wasn't too expensive either.
- tacosThe establishment itself is narrow, like a snake's mouth, and run by a genuinely Mexican crew. I arrived just before closing, and everything was prepared quickly, but the team managed to deliver skillful tacos. Thanks to the range of sauces, I was able to adjust the spiciness perfectly.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was great, whether I was dining in for dinner or ordering carry out. The reasonable prices and sizeable portions of delicious Mexican food were a pleasant surprise for a city not known for authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s a family-run establishment, and I had the pleasure of meeting the daughter working the front and her mother, who created the menu.
- authentic Mexican foodMy experience at this lovely family-run restaurant was fantastic. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the authentic Mexican food was delicious. I also appreciated the cool Day of the Dead, Huichol, ceramic, amate artwork for sale.
- nachosNachos here come loaded, and of course, they are super Fire!!
- rice and beansThe rice and beans were flavorful.
- breakfast burritoslide thru for a breakfast burrito. They have multiple flavor options that make these things so tasty
Frequently criticized
- Enchilada plateEnchilada plate cost 20 dollars, definitely not worth the price
- burrito18.52 for a burrito makes me wonder
- carnitasCarnitas, however, was just pulled pork within much seasoning and very few crispy edges
- cheese enchiladasCheese enchiladas were the weak spot in our lunch
- chipsDID NOT even come with chips
- flavorNo flavor at all.
- foodthe food just didnt hold up
- food qualityseemed fairly low quality
- hair in dishesWhile the service was still nice and the building welcoming, the food itself was a major letdown. We ordered food for several people, and to our dismay, there was hair in literally all of our dishes. Finding one hair is gross and occasionally understandable, but hair in every single dish is simply nasty.
- huevos rancherosThe huevos rancheros have ham on them
If youre craving authentic Mexican flavors, especially with a fantastic salsa bar and hearty portions, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most experiences are stellar, theres a slight chance of encountering an off-note with seasoning or meat dryness.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 91%, it's clear guests are consistently delighted. Based on 61 positive remarks out of 67 total, people rave about the friendly staff, genuine kindness, and warm hospitality, often highlighting the family-run nature and attentive servers who go above and beyond to ensure a great experience.
However, a few guests (5 out of 67) did encounter some bumps. Feedback mentioned slow service and instances where orders were incorrect or requests were rudely denied. While these experiences are certainly frustrating, they appear to be isolated incidents amidst an overwhelmingly positive service record.
Service
67
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Genuine hospitality
- Family-run business
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Orders incorrect
- Rudely denied requests
Often praised
- serviceService was exemplary - our waiter was enthusiastic and attentive
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food tasted amazing, and I absolutely loved the staff. The atmosphere was also a highlight, with an amazing mural and beautiful art & photos on the walls.
- peoplepeople who own/work here are amazing and so kind
- serverOur stroller, which is massive and long, fit in the bathroom. The food was hot, fresh, and delicious, and the server was so kind.
- ownerowner is also extremely friendly and nice
- serversthe servers are really friendly
- AbuelitaThe Abuelita is very friendly
- Mexican crewprowadzony przez rdzennie meksykańską ekipę
- ServiceService:5
- absolute sinceritywith absolute sincerity, “I’m so excited for you guys!”
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service and cleanliness could be better
- denied itrudely denied it
- orderGot my order wrong
- pictures on the menuminor issue I had was the lack of pictures on the menu
If you value a warm, friendly, and genuinely kind dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a tiny fraction of guests reported minor hiccups, the overwhelming consensus points to excellent service that will make you feel right at home.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 33% of the guests
The ambiance here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 7.9 and earning a strong 78.8% customer satisfaction! Many guests rave about it being a fun place with a family-friendly atmosphere and a vibrant, comfortable feel. Youll find an authentic Mexican ambiance with amazing murals and beautiful art & photos that create a unique, welcoming space, as noted in 26 positive remarks.
However, a few folks did point out some areas for improvement. Finding a parking space can be a bit tricky, and for some, the music was occasionally too loud. There were also isolated comments about a strong fish smell and the place being surprisingly empty at lunch time', though these were only 5 observations out of 33 total.
Ambience
33
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican Decor
- Vibrant, Fun Atmosphere
- Comfortable & Welcoming
What people don't like
- Difficult Parking
- Loud Music
- Strong Fish Smell
Often praised
- atmospherean atmosphere that's a perfect blend of the modern and traditional
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Mexican ambianceadd to the authentic Mexican ambiance
- ambienceperfectly homey and not unpleasant
- art & photosThe food tasted amazing, and I absolutely loved the staff. The atmosphere was also a highlight, with an amazing mural and beautiful art & photos on the walls. The restaurant felt comfortable and open, and they consistently played great music.
- artworkcool Day of the Dead, Huichol, ceramic, amate artwork
- buildingthe building welcoming
- experienceVery exquisite experience that I experienced
- family-friendly atmospherefamily-friendly atmosphere
- fun placeSuch a fun place to eat
Frequently criticized
- cleanlinessThe service and cleanliness could be better
- fish smellsmelled very strongly of fish
- lunch timethey were empty at lunch time
- musicthe music was too loud
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a lively and authentically decorated spot with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and perhaps a bit of loud music, but overall, the atmosphere is a big draw.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, the experience here is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%. Many patrons found the pricing to be fair, often highlighting it as affordable for Seattle and a great deal. Special mentions go to Taco Tuesday for offering much food for value, with 14 positive opinions appreciating what you get.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with an equal 14 negative opinions. Some found items expensive or overpriced, and there were concerns about being overcharged. A recurring frustration was the credit card fee, ' which left a sour taste for several patrons, suggesting room for improvement in transparency and pricing consistency.
Value
28
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
14
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable Seattle pricing
- Generous food portions
- Great Taco Tuesday deals
What people don't like
- Hidden credit card fee
- Some items overpriced
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- priceThe amount of food you get for the price is great
- pricesexpectation of expensive prices and small portions. Boy was I wrong
- Taco Tuesday4 tacos for $12 on taco Tuesday
- affordable for SeattleMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious, with large portions that were affordable for Seattle. Everything tasted incredibly fresh.
- great dealWe tried the carne asada, veggie, and chorizo burritos, and they were all immaculate. For $9, you get a big burrito that tastes fresh and yummy – a great deal for what you pay for. The salsa bar was a highlight, with so many homemade-tasting salsas that were all sooooo good.
- great pricefor a great price
- much food for valueso much food for the value
- pricingThe pricing is fair.
- taco tuesday dealsGreat tacos (taco tuesday deals!)
- valueDEFINITELY can not beat the quality or value
Frequently criticized
- priceEnchilada plate cost 20 dollars, definitely not worth the price
- expensivelocal place expensive
- couponacted very sketchy about it, then only gave us 10% off
- credit card feehidden 5% credit card fee, on a $100 dinner, that’s annoying
- half off appslisted half off apps for happy hour
- overchargedovercharged me
- overpricedAdditionally, there was a hidden credit card fee, which was annoying. It was not a fun, relaxing night out, and it was way too overpriced. I will never be coming back.
- price tagjust ok for the 18 - 20 $ price tag
- pricing discrepancydid not get any where near half off rubbed me the wrong way
- tacostacos were also tiny for the price
So, is it worth it? The value here is quite balanced. If you're looking for specific deals like Taco Tuesday or appreciate generous portions, you might find it quite satisfying.
However, be mindful of potential hidden fees and check prices carefully, as some items can feel a bit steep.
How are the prices at Abuelita's Kitchen?
On average, you’ll spend around 24 per person – from 52 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the spread of prices, most guests are spending in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets, showing prices cluster quite closely around the average, rather than being widely spread.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
Let’s see how this spot stacks up against similar restaurants in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
Given it’s a Mexican Restaurant in Seattle, and the pricing is comfortably mid-range, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for the experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Abuelita's Kitchen
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Vegetarian Options and Great Salsa Bar
I have really enjoyed the food here. I especially love their salsa bar. As a vegetarian, I was pleased to find they have a dedicated vegan/vegetarian menu.
On my last visit, I ordered the street taco plate, which was absolutely delicious. Their horchata is also very tasty.
- salsa bar10
- vegan/vegetarian menu9
- street taco plate9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Average Mexican Food, Disappointing Value
My experience with the green enchiladas to go was just okay, especially considering the price tag of $18-20. They didn't even come with chips. While the food was acceptable, I likely won't be returning because I felt nickel-and-dimed for what was essentially average Mexican food.
The salsa bar was a bright spot, but the absence of chips was a letdown.
- green enchiladas5
- average mex food5
- salsa bar7
- price tag3
- chips2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Food and Amazing Dessert!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the authentic food, especially the empanadas and the pollo ala crema. Everything was delicious.
I also had the best Tres Leches cake I’ve ever tasted!
- authentic food10
- empanadas9
- pollo ala crema9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Friendly Service, Amazing Salsa Bar!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was super friendly, and the salsa bar was amazing. They offer a great vegetarian/vegan/regular menu, and the deal on Taco Tuesday was unbeatable: 4 tacos for $12, with the ability to mix and match.
It's a great value and a delicious option.
- service9
- salsa bar10
- menu9
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Perfect Tacos and Great Bean Dip!
I was looking for a great taco place, and I found it here! The tacos were incredibly full of flavor, and the heat was perfect. I also really enjoyed the bean dip.
The service and food were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the atmosphere was also a 5. It was a chill environment to eat with my 7-month-old. Free street parking is available, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult.
- tacos10
- flavor10
- heat9
- parking space4
What Abuelita's Kitchen offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Abuelita's Kitchen offer?
At Abuelita’s Kitchen, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. For parking, there’s free street parking available, though finding a spot in the paid parking lot can sometimes be a bit challenging.
What dining options and menu variety can you find at Abuelita's Kitchen?
At Abuelita’s Kitchen, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both table and counter service. The menu boasts Mexican cuisine, including vegan and vegetarian options, small plates, and organic dishes. You’ll also find a full bar with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, perfect for happy hour drinks and food.
How does Abuelita's Kitchen generally perform?
Abuelita’s Kitchen holds a strong overall score of 8.4. Its Service (9.0) and Food (8.6) are highly rated, while Ambience (7.9) is good. Value (5.6) is the area with more mixed feedback.
What do customers appreciate most about Abuelita's Kitchen?
Diners consistently praise the authentic Mexican food, especially the flavorful salsas and tacos, and the genuinely friendly and attentive staff. Many also appreciate the generous portion sizes.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Abuelita's Kitchen?
Some customers have noted issues with inconsistent pricing, particularly for certain dishes, and the presence of a hidden credit card fee. There have also been occasional mentions of cleanliness concerns.