Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Koko’s – Seattle
Koko's - Seattle
Photo from Koko’s
Koko's at a glance
Seattle First Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 98 of the guests
#189 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
784
Reviews
82.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Great food/drinks
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent dishes
- Loud/hot space
The restaurant Koko’s is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s lively First Hill neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere that invites you to settle in and enjoy.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this spot offers a welcoming environment for all.
Overview: Introducting Koko's
Koko’s offers a vibrant dining experience where many appreciate the attentive service and delicious food, especially the creative drinks. The lively vibe, often enhanced by a DJ, makes it a popular spot for social gatherings.
However, some guests find aspects like the pricing to be overpriced, and the atmosphere can sometimes be quite loud. There are also occasional notes about inconsistent service, suggesting a varied experience for diners.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
784
Reviews
82.5%
Satisfaction
115
negative
22
neutral
647
positive
Overall, Koko’s achieves a solid 8.2 score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 82.5% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 784 opinions, with 647 positive remarks outweighing 115 negative ones, providing a credible overview of the restaurant’s performance. Diving deeper, the Service (8.4), Food (8.3), and Ambience (8.3) all stand out as good, frequently praised for their quality and execution.
However, the Value (5.1) score suggests a more average perception, with some guests finding the pricing to be a point of concern. This indicates that while the experience is largely enjoyable, the cost-to-portion ratio might not always meet expectations.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Delicious food and drinks
- Vibrant, lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud, hot environment
Koko’s generally delivers a good experience, reflected in its strong 8.4 recommendation score. If you’re seeking a vibrant spot with engaging service and creative drinks, it’s certainly worth considering.
The atmosphere often receives praise for its energy and decor. However, be mindful that the value proposition can be a mixed bag, and some dishes might not consistently hit the mark.
If you prioritize a lively setting over strict budget adherence and are open to varied food experiences, Koko’s could be a good fit for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Koko's
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a strong 84.3%, its clear guests are loving whats on their plates. Out of 364 comments, a whopping 307 rave about the delicious food, especially the standout Mole, fresh Mexican corn, and exceptional cocktails.
Many praise the traditional recipes and vibrant flavors. However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 44 comments mention concerns about portion sizes being too small for the price.
Some found certain dishes, like the flautas or carne asada, to be dry or lacking in flavor, occasionally leading to a mediocre experience.
Food
364
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
44
negative
13
neutral
307
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Exceptional cocktails
- Authentic flavors
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Dry/bland dishes
- Mediocre quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The food was delicious, and our server, Fredy, was excellent. He went above and beyond, getting me a birthday drink even though it was an unusually busy Monday.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful, with delicious food and drinks. Our server, Josie, was amazing; for our first visit, she thoroughly explained all the events and happy hour, and truly hyped up the restaurant to its deserved level.
- cocktailsThe food was delicious, and I savored every bite with flavors melting in my mouth, creating a heavenly taste of sauces and meat. Of course, they have a great collection of tequila and great cocktails. I highly recommend the Papusa Empanada Enchilada and cocktails like the Tamarind, berry, and jalapeño margs.
- drink menuThe drink menu is both creative and beautifully presented
- margaritasmargaritas and food was AMAZING!
- Mexican foodHe was so kind and fun! If you're looking for great drinks, a great live DJ, and great Mexican food, make sure to get a table with Angel! He’s amazing!
- chipsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. Regarding the food, the chips were good, but the Verde sauce was just okay. The red sauce had a bad flavor, and the Pico de gallo tasted only of onions with no salt.
- chips and salsaThe $10 margaritas and mojitos were a great start. We enjoyed the mini empanadas (carnitas), chips and salsa, and churros from the Happy Hour menu. For our main courses, we had the fish tacos and the shrimp tacos.
- churrosI wish more places could capture the same vibe as Koko's. I will definitely be a weekend frequenter for the great vibes and delicious churros.
- fish tacosfish tacos myself and they were excellent
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food presentation was great and the service was somewhat friendly, the food itself lacked flavor and was barely warm. I wouldn't really come here again.
- drinksI specifically made a reservation during happy hour but was not offered the happy hour menu or pricing. The food was only okay considering the cost, described as mediocre Latin cuisine with $20 drinks. I would not recommend this place and would choose to go elsewhere, like Fogón or Pablo y Pablo, who are more attentive and tasty.
- chickenthe chicken was non- consistent. It was really bad
- chips” For appetizers, we ordered the Tamarind and habanero prawns and guacamole & chips. The prawns were flavorless, the chips were stale, but the guacamole was decent. I had a Cadillac margarita and my date ordered a mojito, but they brought him out a margarita as well and informed us that the bartender was working on the mojito.
- guacamoleMy carne asada was decent, nothing to write home about. My only complaint was this: my dish came with a tiny container of guacamole. When I asked the waiter for a second one, I saw on the bill that they had charged $3.
- Ahi tacosAhi tacos were dry and overcooked
- Latin cuisineMediocre Latin cuisine
- Pico de galloPico de gallo tasted like onions only and no salt
- Tamarind and habanero prawns” For appetizers, we ordered the Tamarind and habanero prawns and guacamole & chips. The prawns were flavorless, the chips were stale, but the guacamole was decent. I had a Cadillac margarita and my date ordered a mojito, but they brought him out a margarita as well and informed us that the bartender was working on the mojito.
- carne asadathe carne asada was missing that caramelized sear and color
If you're looking for a place with genuinely delicious food and standout drinks, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark on portion or moisture, the overall culinary experience, especially the traditional flavors and cocktails, is highly praised.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a strong score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.4%. Out of 247 pieces of feedback, 206 praise the team for being incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Many guests highlighted great recommendations and feeling well taken care of by the staff.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 40 pieces of feedback pointing to areas for improvement. Some felt pressured to order or experienced slow service and long wait times. There were also instances of no special acknowledgment for birthdays or anniversaries, suggesting inconsistency in handling special occasions.
Service
247
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
40
negative
1
neutral
206
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable, helpful servers
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Felt pressured to order
- No special acknowledgment
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! Everything we tried was delicious, and the service was great. I especially recommend the salsa trio and the mole chicken.
- AngelWe were fortunate to have Angel as our server, and he made us feel completely at home. Angel was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. It was evident that Angel genuinely cared about our experience; he checked in at just the right moments without ever hovering, always with a smile and kind words.
- recommendationsMy experience at this restaurant was very good. The food was delicious, and our server, Josiah, was amazing and very helpful with recommendations. I would definitely recommend coming here!
- serverJonathan, our server, was the perfect amount of attentive and helped us choose from all the amazing options.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing, thanks to the friendly staff and delicious food. We were fortunate to have Angel as our server, and he made us feel completely at home.
- waiterWhile the Mole sauce was really good in flavor, the chicken it was served with was extremely dry and some parts were inedible. For service, our waiter was nice, but we never received a happy hour menu. Beyond taking our order and getting our check, we barely saw him.
- JosiahJosiah was extremely helpful and ensured we all were taken cared of
- attentivehe took great care of us super attentive
- ServiceI really wanted a place like this for so long in Seattle. Service was good and the place itself is so beautiful that we enjoyed a lot the vibe. This is a perfect spot for drinks, to hangout with friends and it's great for a date!
- hospitalityhis hospitality, attention to detail, and warm personality always make us feel so well taken care of
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was not good at all. I noticed that the service isn't good and they don't treat the workers the best.
- bar seatsTwo bar seats freed up 10min into our seating
- managerasked to speak to the manager to ask why our reservation was changed
- serverHowever, the service was pretty questionable. Upon arriving, our server was stopping by the table every 2 minutes to ask for our drink and food order, despite us responding each time that we needed more time to decide. While we were eating, he continued to stop by our table asking each person multiple times if we needed a box for our food, even when we had forks and knives in hand, still obviously eating.
- waiting timeI was expecting a pleasant dining experience based on photos and reviews online. We were seated immediately, but waited 15 minutes for our waiter on a slow Monday. When I asked the waiter for a drink recommendation, he responded, verbatim, “we have many options, look at the drink menu.
- OpenTableblamed OpenTable and there was nothing they could do
- anniversary acknowledgementThe server up front said they got me and had something lined up for us when I brought it up before we left. They said they would talk to the kitchen, but nothing came to our table even acknowledging our celebration. Plus, our server barely checked on us all night and seemed more occupied with other tables.
- asking for boxasking each person multiple times if we needed a box for our food when we had forks and knives in hand still obviously eating
- asking for orderasking for our drink and food order, despite us responding each time that we needed more time
- attentiveThe food was only okay considering the cost, described as mediocre Latin cuisine with $20 drinks. I would not recommend this place and would choose to go elsewhere, like Fogón or Pablo y Pablo, who are more attentive and tasty.
If youre seeking generally attentive and friendly service, youll likely be pleased. However, be aware that while many praise the exceptional care, some guests have noted inconsistencies with pacing and acknowledging special occasions. It's a good bet for a pleasant meal, but manage expectations for celebratory moments.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and delighting 84.5% of customers. With 125 positive remarks out of 148, guests frequently rave about the fantastic vibe, beautiful decor, and energetic music, often featuring a live DJ. Many feel transported to a tropical paradise or an Ibiza-style setting, making it a great spot for a date night.
However, not everyone found the atmosphere perfect. A few of the 17 negative comments noted issues with the air conditioning, leading to a hot and humid environment. Some also found the music, particularly from the DJ, to be too loud, especially during earlier hours, which could detract from a quiet meal.
Ambience
148
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, beautiful decor
- Energetic live DJ
- Tropical paradise vibe
What people don't like
- Music too loud
- Hot, no AC
Often praised
- atmosphereIt felt like a place where everyone is welcome and has a good time. The menu had something for everyone, but what truly stood out was the way cooler atmosphere and some of the best food I've ever eaten. Our server, Esteban, was awesome!
- vibeIf you love Mexican food and a really good vibe, Kokos is great. Our server, Josiah, was really amazing and provided great service!
- vibesThe vibes of this restaurant are amazing!
- ambianceUnfortunately, the main red mole entree was blander than expected. On the bright side, the service and ambiance were great. Our waiter, Josiah, was particularly fantastic.
- ambiencefantastic ambience
- musicbroad tequila selection and music
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- interiorThe interior is beautiful
- decorThe decor is amazing
- live DJthe live DJ makes it the perfect way
Frequently criticized
- DJwhy do you have a max volume DJ in an eatery.
- loudThe chips, salsa, and guac were the best I've ever had. The music was good, though a little loud for my liking at 3 pm on a Saturday, but that's okay. The prices were similar to other big city restaurants.
- ACThe place doesn’t have AC so it was quite hot in there
- air conditioningNo air conditioning
- ambiencenicer spot for the ambience
- atmosphereIt was extremely loud for a restaurant
- candlelarge candle near our table that was soo strong in smell it gave me a headache
- cooling and ventilation situationunless the cooling and ventilation situation improves
- hotso it was quite hot in there
- hot and humidThe restaurant was extremely hot and humid
If youre seeking a vibrant, beautifully designed space with energetic music and a lively crowd, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially loud environment and ensure youre comfortable with a warmer setting, especially if the AC isn't up to par.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, 9 positive remarks highlight that many find the experience worth it, especially during Happy Hour, where prices feel affordable. Guests appreciate feeling like every dollar spent is justified for a good time. However, 14 negative comments point to significant concerns.
With a score of 5.1, indicating an average performance, and a low customer satisfaction of 36%, it's clear that many feel the regular price per meal is overpriced. Concerns about high prices for drinks and a lack of transparency also surface.
Value
25
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy Hour value
- Worth the cost
What people don't like
- High regular prices
- Drinks are pricey
- Lack transparency
Often praised
- happy hourmaybe for their happy hour in the future
- priceAffordable price
- Happy HourDefinitely go to their Happy Hour!
- dollar spentHandmade just like home. Definitely worth every dollar spent here. Drinks?
- experienceit’s well worth it
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceSitting by the window on a hot day was particularly enjoyable. The food tasted good, however, the portion sizes felt small for the price.
- DrinksI had the enchilada and a mezcal drink, and both were really good. Drinks are definitely on the pricier side, but honestly the vibe and the service make it worth it. The place is dim, aesthetic, and just feels cozy.
- absurd pricesThat is just absurd prices
- charge for guacamolecharged 3.00 for this
- chips and guacchips and guac which was a staggering $17
- happy hour menuwas not offered happy hour menu/pricing
- high priceswith such high prices I’d expect the food to be just as spectacular
- overpricedit’s overpriced otherwise
- price per mealnot worth $30-50 for each meal
- pricesPrices are Seattle high
If youre looking for a deal, definitely aim for their Happy Hour, as thats where the value shines. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially pricey regular menu items and drinks that might make you question the overall cost. It's a mixed bag, so choose your timing wisely.
How are the prices at Koko's?
You’re looking at roughly 46 per person – reported by 98 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others have spent, while there’s a good spread, most diners tend to spend in the $31–$40 range, with a fair number also in the $21–$30 and $41–$50 brackets, showing a nice mix of options around the average.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 98 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Mexican spot, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance, so you’re likely getting solid value for your meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Koko's
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Modern Mexican with Room for Improvement
My experience at this restaurant was positive overall, though with some minor reservations. I visited this week and enjoyed the plantains and the carne asada. While the style is definitely more modern than traditional, it still made for a great meal.
The atmosphere was fantastic, and the staff were polite. I'm giving it a 4/5 because I felt the food, while good, didn't quite exceed my expectations. I'm eager to return and try the tacos or the Mexican poke bowl.
- plantains8
- carne asada8
- modern style6
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Enjoyable Food and Attentive Service
My experience at this restaurant was pleasant. Although it was a bit on the pricey side, the food and drinks were enjoyable. The server was very attentive, which made the overall experience pleasant.
- food and drinks8
- attentive server9
- pricey side4
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Solid Food, Great Cocktails, Pleasant Vibe
We enjoyed the ambiance and vibe of this place. It wasn't too noisy on a Sunday, though friends have mentioned it can be loud on Fridays and Saturdays. The service was attentive, efficient, and not overbearing.
The food is generally solid and consistent, though not exceptionally outstanding. They offer a really good selection of cocktails, and the Borrachito cocktail I had was very good.
- ambiance and vibe8
- service8
- food6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Absolutely Legendary Food!
My experience at the restaurant was sooooo amazing. The food and drinks were incredible. I highly recommend trying the Al Pastor Ahí Tuna; it was truly legendary.
It was está rico 😋.
- food and drinks10
- Al Pastor Ahí Tuna10
- Service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Outstanding Food and Top-Tier Service!
My husband and I loved our experience here. The food was outstanding, and the service was overall a top-tier five-star service, thanks to Jonathan Z. He was absolutely amazing.
- food10
- service10
- Jonathan Z.10
What Koko's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experiences and dietary options does Koko's Restaurant Seattle offer?
At Koko’s Restaurant Seattle, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences from breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner to dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. They also cater to various dietary needs with excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside late-night food and small plates. Don’t miss their happy hour drinks and food specials!
Is Koko's Restaurant Seattle family-friendly and accessible for all guests?
Yes, Koko’s Restaurant Seattle is very family-friendly, offering a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, making it good for kids of all ages. Additionally, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for every guest.
How does Koko's generally perform?
Koko’s holds a good overall score of 8.2, with strong marks for Service (8.4), Food (8.3), and Ambience (8.3). However, its Value (5.1) is considered average.
What are the main strengths of Koko's?
Customers frequently praise the attentive and friendly service, the delicious and creative food and drinks, and the vibrant, lively atmosphere, often enhanced by a live DJ and appealing decor.
What are some common concerns at Koko's?
Some guests find the prices to be high for the portion sizes, and there are occasional reports of inconsistent food quality. The environment can also be quite loud and, at times, uncomfortably hot due to a lack of air conditioning.