Highlights
- Live performances
- Sports
oChef » Nacho Borracho – Seattle
Nacho Borracho - Seattle
Photo from Nacho Borracho
Nacho Borracho at a glance
Seattle Capitol Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 54 of the guests
#595 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#66 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
314
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Vibrant setting
- Good drinks
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Strict ID
- Food variability
The bar & pub Nacho Borracho invites you to experience a lively spot in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. This cozy, casual, and trendy establishment is known for its engaging live performances, making it a fantastic destination for entertainment.
You can enjoy a wide array of offerings, from delicious food and hard liquor to happy hour drinks and cocktails, all within a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Nacho Borracho
Nacho Borracho offers a vibrant setting where the atmosphere often buzzes with energy and the food generally hits the mark. Many appreciate the delicious food and the lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for those seeking a dynamic experience.
However, some visits can be a mixed bag. Concerns have been raised regarding slow service at times, and certain items have been perceived as overpriced.
It seems the experience can vary depending on the day and what you’re looking for.
Good
6.9
out of 10
314
Reviews
68.5%
Satisfaction
82
negative
17
neutral
215
positive
The restaurant holds a respectable overall score of 6.9, placing it in the ‘good’ category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a ‘mixed’ 68.5%. This slight divergence suggests that while many have positive experiences, a notable portion encounters areas for improvement.
This assessment is drawn from 314 customer comments, with 215 positive remarks balancing against 82 negative ones. Looking closer at specific aspects, both Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.5) are rated well, indicating these are strong points, frequently discussed in customer feedback.
Value (5.8) and Service (5.3) fall into the average range, suggesting these areas could be inconsistent. Service, in particular, garners a significant amount of discussion, highlighting its impact on the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Lively atmosphere
- Strong, fair-priced drinks
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Strict ID policy
- Some food disappointments
If you’re seeking a lively spot with enjoyable food and a good drink selection, Nacho Borracho is worth considering. The strong 7.2 recommendation score suggests that for many, the positives outweigh the negatives, especially if you prioritize atmosphere and a good meal.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and a strict ID policy. It’s a place that shines for its vibrant energy and culinary offerings, but a casual approach to expectations regarding service speed might lead to a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nacho Borracho
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 75.2%. Many folks rave about the delicious tacos, especially the birria and pork belly options, along with the tasty nachos and fantastic slushies/frozen drinks. With 103 positive remarks out of 137 total comments, there's a lot to love, particularly the late-night food options!
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 25 negative comments. Some diners found issues with soggy nachos, bland vegi tacos, and general concerns about food quality. There were also a few mentions of salty birria tacos, which contrasts with the overall positive feedback, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
137
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
25
negative
9
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent tacos
- Amazing slushies
- Great late-night food
What people don't like
- Soggy nachos
- Bland vegi tacos
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- fooddelicious food producing business from the kitchen
- drinksMy experience at this place was mixed. The bar area was a cool place to have a drink with cool people and great music. However, the restaurant, which is a separate business, was overpriced, though the food tasted fine.
- tacosIt's a great bar where you can enjoy drinks, perhaps even a slushy. The tacos are available until 1 AM, and I can confirm that all of them are great. If you're a picky eater, you might struggle, but for everyone else, it's a place I'll be a customer of forever.
- nachosnachos were $14 and plenty to share
- birria tacosbirria tacos, quesabirria
- cocktailsexcellent cocktails
- drinkThis is a great place for an after the game drink. The food was okay and the service was okay too.
- frozen drinksThe food and frozen drinks were great!
- pork belly tacosimpressed with their pork belly tacos which was so yummy
- slushiesSoooooo many slushies!! Omg!!
Frequently criticized
- drinkwaiting for almost 20 minutes for a drink
- foodthe food isn't up to par
- nachosif you are gluten free, you have no hope of getting nachos here
- FoodFood got subpar
- MexicanI wouldn’t consider it mexican it disrespects the culture
- beeflittle to no beef at all
- birria sandwichcame all the way down specifically for the birria sandwich
- birria tacossalty birria tacos I've ever tasted
- breadI came all the way down specifically for the birria sandwich, only to be told that I had to come when they first open because they run out of bread. I also asked to try the cheese before purchasing it, but they wouldn't even give me a chip to try it with.
- cheap hamburger buncheap hamburger bun tortas
If you're looking for a fun spot with great tacos, nachos, and amazing frozen drinks, especially for a late-night bite, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some dishes, like the vegi tacos or certain nacho preparations, might be a bit inconsistent.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests highlight the friendly staff and great bartenders who offer attentive service and quick drinks. With 38 positive comments, there's definitely a bright side to the hospitality, often including late kitchen hours and good customer service, making for some pleasant experiences. However, the service experience can be a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.3 and customer satisfaction at 47.5%.
Out of 39 negative comments, some guests faced long waiting times, rude service, and frustration with the ID policy or online ordering, indicating areas needing attention.
Service
80
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
39
negative
3
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great bartenders
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long waiting times
- Strict ID policy
Often praised
- serviceThe atmosphere encouraged a sense of peace, allowing me to 'try not to cry, try not to think. ' Ultimately, everything came together, I paid my tab, and enjoyed an evening surrounded by Christmas lights.
- staffIt's got a lot of character, very strong mixed drinks, and the best Dark and Stormy's around. The staff here is super friendly and quick with drinks, prices aren't too terrible, and the booth seating gives you a lot of privacy. Their food is Mexican style and is pretty decent as well.
- bartendersWe were served by 2 bartenders and both were great
- bartenderThe bartender was very nice
- ServiceService:5
- attentionvery good attention
- bootha booth somehow opens up.
- customer servicecustomer service made up for it
- drinksIt's got a lot of character, very strong mixed drinks, and the best Dark and Stormy's around. The staff here is super friendly and quick with drinks, prices aren't too terrible, and the booth seating gives you a lot of privacy. Their food is Mexican style and is pretty decent as well.
- food delivery personthe food delivery person was also pleasant
Frequently criticized
- serviceAs a visitor from out of state, my experience at this restaurant was marked by slow service and, unfortunately, rude service. My drink was taken away for no apparent reason, which left me feeling super disappointed.
- bartenderthe bartender asked me for my ID which is normal so I gave him my veteran military ID and he immediately told me and my girl that we had to leave
- female bartenderfemale bartender acts like customers are a nuisance
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant involved a significant wait for a drink. I was waiting for almost 20 minutes, and it seemed like the staff obviously saw me the whole time. While I was waiting, one person came to the bar and was immediately served, followed by another person a couple of minutes later who also got served.
- IDWanted us to both have an ID to sit outside
- ID policyHe said, "No." Okay, fine. I didn't mind leaving
- Italian IDsFor all European or non American/Canadian visitors, be aware that you will be asked to show your passport to get inside. Having our regular Italian IDs wasn’t enough even to have dinner in this place. I actually had my passport, but my girlfriend only had her ID.
- appthe app did not work
- attentionthey obviously saw me the whole time
- attitude towards the military and Veteransthey obviously have issues with veterans and the military!! ... unless they change there attitude towards the military and Veterans
If youre looking for a friendly vibe and dont mind potentially navigating a unique ordering system or strict ID checks, you might have a great time. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions, as experiences can vary.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot really shines! With a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 78.8%, its clear most folks love the vibe. Many of the 67 positive opinions out of 85 total rave about the lively atmosphere, good music from DJs, and comfortable booth seating that offers some privacy.
Its definitely a place with cool vibes and character. However, its not without its quirks, as 13 negative opinions point out. Some found it a very loud bar, and there were mentions of the place smelled very bad on occasion.
Finding seating can be hard after 9 pm, and the bathroom condition was sometimes noted as raggedy. ' So, be prepared for a bustling, energetic environment.
Ambience
85
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
13
negative
5
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Great music, DJs
- Comfortable booth seating
What people don't like
- Can be very loud
- Occasional bad smells
- Seating can be difficult
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The music created a lively fun atmosphere, and it was great to find late night food and drinks. The service was also fast, even though the place was packed.
- musicMy experience at this place was mixed. The bar area was a cool place to have a drink with cool people and great music. However, the restaurant, which is a separate business, was overpriced, though the food tasted fine.
- barNacho Borracho is the bar itself. With these points understood, you'll likely agree this is the best bar in Seattle, unless you're crazy.
- DJDJ was playing some good music
- boothslong booths to help separate people
- placeIt's such a cool place. It's git this great punk rock vibe.
- spotwas great spot to have a few drinks
- vibeIt's git this great punk rock vibe.
- vibesImmaculate vibes
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- advertisementnot advertise that they are a sit-down restaurant
- awkwardI would give it 5 stars, but fellow TWOC, keep an eye out. I, personally, felt a little awkward in there.
- bara very loud bar
- bathroomThe bathroom was a little raggedy
- cultureit disrespects the culture
- flaghad every flag except the people’s flag
- homeless people loiteringLots of homeless loitering out front also
- musicthe music was trash
- music and patronsthe music and patrons can get pretty loud
- noiseDon’t let the noise deter you
If youre looking for a lively night out with great music and a fun atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be ready for a potentially loud environment and consider arriving earlier if you want to snag a good seat. Its perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant, energetic scene.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests are pleasantly surprised! Out of 12 total comments, there are 7 positive remarks, with folks often praising the amazing prices and good prices for various items. Some even noted that the pricing felt quite reasonable, offering plenty to share for the cost.
It seems you can find some real gems here. However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 58.3% and an average score of 5.8. While some find the value great, 5 comments point to issues.
A few felt certain things were overpriced, particularly the price of drinks or the cost to add beef to dishes. So, choose wisely!
Value
12
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Reasonable pricing
- Amazing value
What people don't like
- Items overpriced
- Drinks costly
- Add-ons expensive
Often praised
- pricesIt's got a lot of character, very strong mixed drinks, and the best Dark and Stormy's around. The staff here is super friendly and quick with drinks, prices aren't too terrible, and the booth seating gives you a lot of privacy. Their food is Mexican style and is pretty decent as well.
- Price per personNachos are $14 and plenty to share
- amazing pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed the great food, which was complemented by amazing prices. The fantastic vibe made it the perfect place to go.
- pricedMy experience at this restaurant was that the food was alright, but the establishment is definitely more of a bar than a restaurant. I found the slushy margarita to be quite strong and reasonably priced. I would recommend this place.
- pricingIt's not bad pricing
Frequently criticized
- add beefCharged me 8 dollars to add beef too
- flat CokePaid $10 for a small flat coke
- priceOverpriced
- restaurantrestaurant is a separate business, overpriced
- rum and Cokeordered a rum and Coke I ordered costs $10
If youre looking for good deals, this spot can be a bit hit-or-miss. While some items offer great value, be mindful of potential upcharges or drink costs. Its worth checking out if youre careful with your order, but dont expect every item to be a steal.
How are the prices at Nacho Borracho?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 54 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 24, most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges, showing a strong cluster around the mid-point with options for various budgets. A few diners do opt for higher-priced items, but the core experience is firmly in the mid-range.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 54 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub, especially given the variety of spending options available to guests. It seems like a good spot for a casual outing without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nacho Borracho
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Horrible Bartender on Christmas Eve
My experience on Christmas Eve was marred by the female bartender. Her customer service was tragic. I suggest you replace her.
- female bartender1
- customer service1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Divey Spot with Late Night Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun spot with a great divey energy. There are plenty of booths and a long bar with ample seating.
The bartenders were great, the prices were good, and they offer fun seasonal drinks. The kitchen is great, serving late night food 7 days a week. It's one of the few places where you can get a high-quality meal after 11 pm.
- divey energy9
- booths8
- bar seating8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Favorite Dive Bar in Seattle
My experience at this favorite dive bar in Seattle has been consistently great, whether for late nights, brunch, or random afternoons. The seasonal menu cucumber tarragon mule drink is easily my new favorite. The atmosphere and service both received a perfect 5/5, and the food also scored a 5/5.
While the noise level is loud, it's still possible to hold a conversation.
- seasonal menu cucumber tarragon mule drink10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Lovely Place with Amazing Drinks!
My experience at this restaurant was truly lovely. I highly recommend trying the nachos with asada! The atmosphere was great, and the staff were absolutely the best, just good people.
The food was good, and the drinks were great. The slushies were amazing, with the lemon and mango lassi ones being a particular hit!
- nachos with asada9
- atmosphere10
- staff10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Service, Avoid This Place
As a visitor from out of state, my experience at this restaurant was marked by slow service and, unfortunately, rude service. My drink was taken away for no apparent reason, which left me feeling super disappointed. I have close friends in this town and will be sure to tell them to steer clear.
The staff were also rude to my friend.
- service2
- drink2
- friend1
What Nacho Borracho offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you find at Nacho Borracho?
At Nacho Borracho, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Beyond the great food and drinks, you can also enjoy exciting live performances and catch your favorite sports, making it a dynamic spot in Capitol Hill.
Does Nacho Borracho offer happy hour and accessible options?
Yes, Nacho Borracho features enticing happy hour drinks and food specials for you to enjoy. Additionally, the establishment is fully accessible, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for all guests.
How does Nacho Borracho score overall?
Nacho Borracho has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.9. Its Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.5) are highly rated, while Service (5.3) and Value (5.8) are considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Nacho Borracho?
Customers frequently praise the delicious food, particularly the tacos and cocktails. The lively atmosphere, good music, and strong mixed drinks are also often highlighted as positive aspects of the experience.
Are there any common complaints about Nacho Borracho?
Some common complaints include slow or rude service, issues with a strict ID policy, and occasional remarks about certain food items being subpar or overpriced. Waiting times for drinks have also been mentioned.