Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » La Vaca – Seattle
La Vaca - Seattle
Photo from La Vaca
La Vaca at a glance
Seattle West Edge
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#321 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#22 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
201
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget friendly
- Fast service
- Great burritos
Frequently criticized
- No seating
- Bland food
- Slow service
The restaurant La Vaca is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in Seattle’s bustling West Edge neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, this spot offers a welcoming environment for everyone. It’s a great choice for experiencing delicious Mexican cuisine in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting La Vaca
La Vaca offers a straightforward experience, often praised for its hearty portions and excellent value . Many appreciate the substantial burritos and the variety of vegetarian options available, making it a reliable choice for a quick meal.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food flavor, occasionally finding dishes bland or not as fresh as desired. The establishment’s setup also means limited seating , which is something to consider if you plan to dine in.
Good
7.8
out of 10
201
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
29
negative
16
neutral
156
positive
La Vaca holds a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.8 , indicating a good dining experience, with Customer Satisfaction also strong at 77.6% . This positive reception is built on a solid foundation of customer feedback, gathered from 201 opinions, with 156 positive remarks against 29 negative ones.
Drilling down, Value stands out with an impressive score of (8.7), reflecting its affordability and generous portions. Service also performs well at (8), often described as quick and friendly.
While Food scores a good (7.6), some specific items receive higher praise than others. Ambience rounds out the experience with a good (7.4), though it’s worth noting the casual, often grab-and-go nature.
What people like
- Generous, affordable portions
- Quick, friendly service
- Standout burritos
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent food flavor
- Occasional slow service
If you’re seeking a substantial, budget-friendly meal with quick and friendly service, La Vaca is a solid contender. Its strong Recommendation Score of 8 suggests many find it a worthwhile stop, particularly for its signature burritos and overall affordability.
However, be prepared for a casual setting with limited seating and manage expectations regarding food consistency. It’s a place that delivers on its promise of good value and quick service, making it ideal for a no-frills, satisfying bite.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Mexican Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
617
95.5%
- $$
- Westwood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
93
91.4%
- $$
- Brighton
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
170
89.4%
- $$
- Northgate
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
561
90.6%
- $$
- University Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
203
90.1%
- $$
- Georgetown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
98
87.8%
- $$
- Lake City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on La Vaca
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, diners are generally thrilled! With a 7.6 score and 75.2% customer satisfaction, it's clear that many find the offerings to be quite good. Out of 117 comments, a whopping 88 rave about the delicious, huge portions of authentic Mexican food, especially the customizable wet burritos and fresh salsas.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 21 remarks pointing out areas for improvement. Some found the food bland or too salty, and there were occasional concerns about meat freshness. A few also noted the use of a microwave, which can detract from the overall experience.
Food
117
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
21
negative
8
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Huge, filling portions
- Delicious wet burritos
- Authentic Mexican flavors
What people don't like
- Meat freshness concerns
- Food is microwaved
- Flavor can be bland
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was literally the best. The veggie burrito was legit 🌯 💯.
- burritoThey are pretty quick and hit the spot if you're craving some quick Mexican comfort food downtown. The burrito wet is good but can be a lot of food for lunch. The enchiladas are just okay; I stick with this place for the burritos.
- burritosGreat burritos and other Mexican dishes. I had chicken mole burritos.
- Mexican foodsome of my favorite Mexican food in town
- horchataThe horchata is probably the best I’ve had
- mole burritoget the mole burrito and you'll have not only an amazing and huge meal
- portionThis is good portion and price
- vegetarian optionsThe burritos were huge and very filling. I appreciated the lots of vegetarian options and that items were very customizable. The short wait time and very affordable prices made it an excellent choice for lunch.
- MexicanMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. It's not only the best hole-in-the-wall food I've had in my almost 2 decades in the Seattle area, but it's also some of the best Mexican I've ever had. If you go here, get the mole burrito and you'll have not only an amazing and huge meal, but also a cheap one at only about $7.
- Mexican comfort foodcraving some quick Mexican comfort food
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was bland
- Mexican foodMicrowaved Mexican food. Not all that great
- burrito meatThe service was also good. However, I wished that their burrito had more meat and that their salsa be spicier.
- burritosdefinitely better burritos in the market
- carne asada tacostacos de carne azada Era carne hervida sin sabor ni sal
- cheesewish there was cheese in there
- chipsYou get what you pay for. The burrito was massive and super cheap, but there were no chips or place to sit included. For $10, I’d do it again.
- feeling unwellI felt unwell after eating
- food temperatureit was cold
- meat freshnessthe meat doesn't seem very fresh
If you're craving generous, authentic Mexican comfort food, especially a hearty wet burrito, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention blandness or microwaved elements, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Out of 47 comments, 39 rave about the "gentle and sweet man" or "friendly guys" who provide "service with a smile" and are often "quick" to get your order ready.
However, its not always perfect. A few of the 6 negative comments mention issues with waiting time and long wait periods, sometimes due to a single person staffing the place. There are also some concerns about hours and opening time not always being consistent.
Service
47
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Personalized orders
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- servicethe service even better. Leo was very nice
- ownerThe owner is very kind
- stafffriendly staff
- experienceMy experience has been simply amazing!
- quickYou can get a full meal (really two) for $7, which includes rice and beans. They are pretty quick and hit the spot if you're craving some quick Mexican comfort food downtown. The burrito wet is good but can be a lot of food for lunch.
- wait timeShort wait time
- LeoLeo, the staff member, was super friendly
- ServiceService:5
- always to orderalways to order
- chefThe chef is super friendly and efficient
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food itself is great, especially considering it's prepared in advance and kept warm. However, the service can be quite slow, particularly if there's a line, as the establishment is often staffed by a single person. This can lead to a long wait if you're looking for a quick turnaround.
- hoursNeed to update their hours.
- long waitThis can lead to a long wait
- opening timeMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The place opened 10 minutes late today, and the food was bland. The only positive aspect was that judging by the posters, the owner seemed to be a Ronaldo fan.
- waiting timedidn't have an extra 15 mins to spend waiting around.
If youre looking for a friendly face and generally quick service, especially for a personalized order, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that on occasion, you might encounter a longer wait or inconsistent opening hours, so its best to go when you're not in a super rush.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note with a score of 7.4, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63.2%. Based on 12 positive remarks out of 19 total, many customers praise the overall experience and positive vibe, often noting the cleanliness and calling it an awesome place. Some even highlight a stunning view or appreciate its hole in the wall charm, especially if you can snag a spot on the Outdoor patio.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. With 2 negative comments, the primary concern revolves around the lack of a place to sit or no seating available. This can be a real drawback if youre hoping to dine in and relax, making it less ideal for those who need guaranteed seating.
Ambience
19
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
2
negative
5
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning view
- Positive vibe
- Outdoor patio
What people don't like
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Outdoor patioSeating type:Outdoor patio / terrace
- awesome placeHe takes pride in how natural the ingredients are, and the prices are seriously cheap. It's an awesome place.
- cleanlinessClean and delicious food
- experienceAmazing experience
- hole in the wallGreat little hole in the wall
- hole in the wall placebest Mexican food comes from a hole in the wall place
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- positive vibeand positive vibe
- stunning viewIt's worth a visit. I got my burrito and walked through Pike Place Market to the new raised deck area at the back to eat it, watching the stunning view over the water to the mountains.
Frequently criticized
- no seating availableNo seating available.
- place to sitno place to sit
If youre seeking a spot with a great atmosphere and potentially a stunning view, especially with an outdoor option, its definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that seating can be limited, so it might be more of a grab-and-go experience.
Value (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.7 and an outstanding customer satisfaction of 94.4%, its clear that guests are thrilled with the value. People consistently rave about the great "prices, " "affordable" options, and overall "value, " often calling it a "good price" for what you get.
This positive sentiment is echoed across 17 out of 18 customer comments. Interestingly, there are absolutely no negative comments or concerns regarding value, which is quite rare! This suggests that customers universally feel they are getting a fantastic deal here, with no one feeling shortchanged or that prices are too high.
Its a clean sweep for affordability and generous portions.
Value
18
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent affordable prices
- Great value for money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceIf you're looking for a huge burrito for cheap, this is your place. You can get a full meal (really two) for $7, which includes rice and beans.
- affordableI appreciated the lots of vegetarian options and that items were very customizable. The short wait time and very affordable prices made it an excellent choice for lunch. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- pricesThe prices were great, especially for the amount of food
- $7.50burrito for $7.50
- $9 wet burrito specialThe $9 wet burrito special is an incredible deal
- burritoIt's really good, I truly enjoy going there. The burrito is $10. I don't usually write reviews, but this is one of my favorite places right now!
- cheap onea cheap one at only about $7.50
- good pricefor a good price
- stealer priceplenty of it for a stealer price
- valueAffordable, fast and good value.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this is definitely it. You can expect generous portions and affordable prices that leave customers consistently satisfied. Its a solid choice if value is at the top of your dining priorities.
How are the prices at La Vaca?
On average, you’ll spend around 14 per person – from 27 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners are spending in this $11–$20 bracket, showing prices cluster nicely around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar places in Seattle.
We think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant. Its a solid mid-range option that wont break the bank, offering good value for your tacos and more!
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Vaca
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Friendly Owner, Okay Veggie Burrito
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a really friendly owner. I tried the veggie burrito for $12, and it was just okay. While it was a good size, it wasn't the tastiest, and I wish there was cheese in it.
- owner9
- veggie burrito5
- size7
- cheese3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Burrito, Basic Experience
You get what you pay for. The burrito was massive and super cheap, but there were no chips or place to sit included. For $10, I’d do it again.
The dude serving was chill. Overall, a good value for the price, especially considering the burrito size.
- burrito9
- price8
- dude8
- chips3
- place to sit2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Affordable Mexican with Friendly Owner
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a very friendly owner. While the food quality was mediocre, it was certainly affordable. It's not 3-star food, but the service was great.
I was surprised to see them use a microwave to heat the tortilla instead of a press, which resulted in a slightly gooey bite. Although there are better burritos available, they cost about $5 more. Therefore, this is the most affordable option with the most pleasant owner.
- owner10
- service8
- affordable9
- food3
- microwave to heat tortilla3
- burritos4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Wet Burrito Recommendation!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially thanks to the owner's recommendation. When I asked about the specialty, he immediately suggested the wet burrito. It was truly excellent, and the sauce was particularly noteworthy.
I highly recommend getting the wet burrito; you won't be disappointed! It's also worth mentioning that it's huge!
- wet burrito9
- sauce8
- huge8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Average Chicken Burrito at a Hole in the Wall
My experience at this restaurant involved trying the chicken burrito, which cost $11. I found it to be very average. The establishment itself felt like a one-man hole in the wall.
The reviewer metadata indicates a recommended dish of Burrito, with a service score of 5, price per person of $10–20, no wait time, an atmosphere score of 3, and a food score of 3.
- chicken burrito5
- price5
- one man hole in the wall5
What La Vaca offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere does La Vaca offer?
La Vaca provides a casual atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for you to enjoy your meal. It’s also noted as being good for kids, ensuring a family-friendly dining experience.
What dining options are available at La Vaca?
At La Vaca, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner. If you’re in a hurry, they also offer quick bite options, and both dine-in and takeout service are available for your convenience.
How does La Vaca generally rate among customers?
La Vaca has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 77.6% . Its Value (8.7) and Service (8) are particularly well-regarded, with Food scoring (7.6) and Ambience at (7.4).
What are the food highlights at La Vaca?
Customers frequently praise La Vaca for its large and affordable burritos, with the mole burrito often highlighted. They also appreciate the good vegetarian options and the quality of the horchata.
Is La Vaca a good spot for a quick, affordable meal?
Yes, La Vaca is often noted for its excellent value, generous portions, and generally quick service, making it a suitable choice for a fast and satisfying meal, though seating can be limited.