Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » El Gran Taco – Seattle
El Gran Taco - Seattle
Photo from El Gran Taco
El Gran Taco at a glance
Seattle Madrona
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#593 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#41 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
264
Reviews
65.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Dish quality
- Outdoor seating
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Dish disappointment
- High prices
- Staff rudeness
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood, offers a wonderfully casual atmosphere for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, El Gran Taco provides a welcoming spot.
El Gran Taco Central District makes it easy to stop by, with plenty of free parking available, making your visit hassle-free. It’s a great choice for families too, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting El Gran Taco
El Gran Taco offers a casual spot for Mexican fare, with many patrons praising the authentic flavors of their asada and tacos. The atmosphere, often featuring covered outdoor seating, provides a pleasant setting for a quick meal.
However, the experience can be a bit inconsistent. While some find the service friendly and efficient, others have encountered issues with order accuracy and staff demeanor.
The overall value proposition also seems to be a point of contention for some.
Good
6.9
out of 10
264
Reviews
65.2%
Satisfaction
74
negative
18
neutral
172
positive
El Gran Taco lands with an overall 6.9 score, placing it in the average range, though leaning towards good. Customer satisfaction sits at a 65.2%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment comes from a substantial 264 customer remarks, with 172 positive observations balancing out 74 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.7) stands out as a strong point, often noted for its comfortable outdoor setup.
Food (6.9) and Service (6.9) both hover in the average-to-good category, suggesting some variability in experience. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.2), which many customers found to be less compelling.
What people like
- Excellent specific dishes
- Pleasant outdoor seating
- Friendly, professional service
What people don't like
- Disappointing certain dishes
- Perceived high prices
- Rude staff interactions
El Gran Taco presents a mixed offering, with its strengths lying in specific, well-prepared dishes and a comfortable outdoor setting. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and service interactions.
With a 7 recommendation score, it suggests El Gran Taco is worth considering if you’re seeking a casual meal and know what to order. Approach with an open mind, and you might find a satisfying experience, especially if you prioritize ambience and certain menu items.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Gran Taco
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 6.9 score. With 117 positive remarks out of 180 total, many rave about the authentic tacos, especially the al pastor, and the fantastic salsas. The succulent meat in burritos also gets high praise, making for a tasty experience.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a 65%, indicating a mixed bag. Some experiences mention flavorless dishes, bland beef, and poor meat quality. There are also concerns about soggy enchiladas and inconsistent preparation, suggesting that not every dish is a winner, with 51 negative comments noted.
Food
180
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
51
negative
12
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, tasty tacos
- Excellent al pastor
- Great salsas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, flavorless dishes
- Poor meat texture
Often praised
- foodThe food was exceptional
- tacosquesadilla, tacos, burritos, flautas and tamales all have been excellent
- burritoHowever, the grilled cactus has amazing flavor, as do the rice and beans, and the melting cheese makes it all amazing. The food quality is consistently good, and even with different workers on various trucks, my burrito is always equally delicious. My coworkers also enjoy their meals.
- asadaAND NUTHAN' BUT THE TRUTH! 🔥🔥🔥 Countless plates of asada, pollo (chicken) and vegan options were served to a line of famished patrons without the staff so much as flinching or breaking a sweat! The red sauce - amaze-ballz and the green sauce - fuego, did I instantly know that we'd struck gold!
- FoodFood:5
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I had the best Mexican food in all Seattle. The asada was so tender it melts in your mouth.
- adobadacarne asada, adobada, and birria are my go to
- burritosquesadilla, tacos, burritos, flautas and tamales all have been excellent
- carnitasthe asada and carnitas are excellent
- quesadillaBurrito or quesadilla with carne asada, adobada, and birria are my go to
Frequently criticized
- burritoworst edible burrito I’ve ever encountered
- beefbeef only, which turned out to be tough and chewy
- chicken enchiladasThe chicken enchiladas had some kind of ground chicken, not very good.
- foodI hope you improve your recipes or meat quality. Your food is horrible, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. While other meats might be good, the ones I ordered were definitely not.
- meatmeat was some sort of ground chicken, tasteless
- pollopartner ordered pollo but got rather bland beef
- veggie burritoThe veggie burrito is just rice, beans and raw lettuce and tomatoes
- All foodAll food is lower quality than previously
- Burrito BowlEnchiladas, Burrito Bowl, and Quesadillas, all of which were disappointing
- EnchiladasEnchiladas, Burrito Bowl, and Quesadillas, all of which were disappointing
If youre craving authentic tacos and dont mind a bit of hit-or-miss, especially with the al pastor and salsas, this place could be a great find. Just be aware that some dishes might lack flavor or have inconsistent quality, so choose wisely.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The service here generally lands in the good category, with an overall score of 6.9. Many diners rave about the friendly staff and excellent service, often highlighting the teams professionalism and how organized they are, especially for event catering. Based on 52 comments, 35 positive experiences praise their timely manner and efficient operations.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.3%, indicating some areas needing attention. A few patrons reported horrible service, encountering rude employees or issues with customer service like unanswered calls. There are 15 negative experiences mentioning difficulties with online ordering' and menu redirection, making it tough to place orders in advance.
Service
52
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- Organized events
What people don't like
- Rude employees
- Horrible service
- Online ordering issues
Often praised
- serviceThe service also received a perfect 5/5
- staffAND NUTHAN' BUT THE TRUTH! 🔥🔥🔥 Countless plates of asada, pollo (chicken) and vegan options were served to a line of famished patrons without the staff so much as flinching or breaking a sweat! The red sauce - amaze-ballz and the green sauce - fuego, did I instantly know that we'd struck gold!
- customer serviceYet, filling; further indicative that lard wasn't introduced into the equation as any bit of an option. A far cry from Tex-Mex, this was Mexican done 100% RIGHT and given their servitude, customer service, professionalism, patience and price-point, I'm happy to welcome El Gran Taco and introduce them as being the newest part of my/our extended family! In the event I didn't state it from jump, this particular review is for El Gran Taco truck #2 (the red one).
- ServiceService:5
- FernandoIn the event I didn't state it from jump, this particular review is for El Gran Taco truck #2 (the red one). Orchestrated by the suave Fernando (Eduardo's son) and his fellow team of consummate culinary champions, we couldn't be any happier if Gabriel Iglesias had been tossing chorizo from the kitchen, himself! Trabajo bien hecho, chicos!
- buzzer systemgive you a little buzzer
- easy to get in touch withreally easy to get in touch with
- event cateringhighly recommend for event catering
- friendly peopleBest of all, friendly people!
- kind and welcomingso kind and welcoming
Frequently criticized
- cussing outCussing out in Spanish
- customer serviceworst customer service ever
- employeeThe employee pressed it by mistake
- horrible serviceNever go back again Horrible service
- menu redirectionmenu redirects to the main El gran taco website
- old ladyThe old lady that works there is super rude
- online orderingI have not yet ordered because I cannot order online. I have called 3 times and gone straight to voicemail.
- orderI really wanted to love this place, but unfortunately, the food needs some work. It's not the most flavorful, and they don't always get your order right. If size is your only concern in a burrito, you'll be happy as they are big here.
- ordering foodVery hard to order food in advance
- ownerShe got an attitude when I told her I wanted al pastor meat
Youll likely find the service to be quite good, especially with their friendly and organized staff. However, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience if you encounter a less-than-polite employee or run into snags with online ordering. Its worth a visit, but keep these points in mind.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Stepping into this place, youll find the ambience generally quite pleasing! With a score of 7.7, its clear the vibe is good, and customer satisfaction sits at a solid 73.7%, indicating a good experience for most. Many guests, in 14 out of 19 comments, really enjoyed the covered awning and tables, the pleasant atmosphere, and the seating areas, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal.
However, a couple of comments (2 out of 19 total) did highlight a few minor snags. Some found the place a little hard to spot from the road, and the parking was described as just a whole bunch of gravel. These are small points, but worth noting if you're driving by.
Ambience
19
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Covered seating areas
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Hard to spot
- Gravel parking
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also quite pleasant
- parkingMy experience at this restaurant was positive, with good tacos and a fair price. It was a little hard to spot from the road, but once I pulled in the gate, there was plenty of parking available at the old service station. I've only visited once, but if future visits are just as good, I'll upgrade my rating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Taco TruckPerfect Taco Truck!
- awningMy experience at this local taco truck was fantastic! The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was great, with 3 outdoor picnic tables available, two of which were conveniently covered with an awning. The service was top-notch, contributing to a wonderful lunch experience.
- covered awning and tablesThey have covered awning and tables to enjoy your 🌮🌯.
- locationconvenient location
- outdoor picnic tableshas 3 outdoor picnic tables
- placethe place is very clean
- seating areasnice large seating areas
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is just a whole bunch of gravel
- spot from the roadIt's a little hard to spot from the road
If you're looking for a casual spot with a good vibe and comfortable outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just keep an eye out for it, as it can be a bit tricky to spot from the road, and be ready for a gravel parking lot.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found the offerings to be quite appealing. Many appreciate the reasonable prices and a generally fair price for what you get, often noting a good price-point that makes the experience worthwhile. With 6 positive opinions, it seems some customers are happy with the cost.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as the value aspect has also drawn criticism. Others felt the prices were too expensive or even a waste of money, especially when quality didnt meet expectations. With 6 negative opinions, its clear theres a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.2 and a customer satisfaction of 46.2%.
Value
13
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good price-point
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Waste of money
- Small portions for price
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are good
- better options nearbyMuch better options nearby for cheaper
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was positive, with good tacos and a fair price. It was a little hard to spot from the road, but once I pulled in the gate, there was plenty of parking available at the old service station.
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- price-pointYet, filling; further indicative that lard wasn't introduced into the equation as any bit of an option. A far cry from Tex-Mex, this was Mexican done 100% RIGHT and given their servitude, customer service, professionalism, patience and price-point, I'm happy to welcome El Gran Taco and introduce them as being the newest part of my/our extended family! In the event I didn't state it from jump, this particular review is for El Gran Taco truck #2 (the red one).
Frequently criticized
- pricesMy experience started positively when a taco truck opened next to grocery outlet. However, after a few weeks, they raised their prices, and the quality no longer justifies the cost.
- almost $20I asked for a steak quesadilla with light cheese, but instead, I received a cheese quesadilla. This was particularly frustrating as it cost almost $20.
- expensiveWay too expensive for what it is though
- pricefor $4.99 a cup. I thought the size of the cup would be reasonable for the price but instead I got a small cup
- waste of moneyComplete waste of money
The value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with opinions almost evenly split among 13 total comments. If you're looking for a place where the prices are consistently reasonable, you might find it hit or miss. Be prepared for the possibility that some items might feel too expensive for what you receive.
How are the prices at El Gran Taco?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 41 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, most diners (29 out of 41) are landing squarely in that $11–$20 sweet spot. There are a few cheaper bites and some slightly pricier options, but its clear the restaurants core offering is right in that mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant in Seattle. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially given the clear focus on that popular mid-range price point.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Gran Taco
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
2
Steak Quesadilla Mistake
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I asked for a steak quesadilla with light cheese, but instead, I received a cheese quesadilla. This was particularly frustrating as it cost almost $20.
- steak quesadilla2
- cheese quesadilla2
- light cheese2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
1
Impossible to Order Online
I have not yet ordered because I cannot order online. I have called 3 times and gone straight to voicemail. The menu redirects to the main El Gran Taco website, and DoorDash/other sites always say it's temporarily closed for ordering.
It's very hard to order food in advance if there's no possible way to.
- online ordering1
- phone orders1
- menu redirection1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Spicy Green Salsa Perfection!
I visited this taco truck and ordered the Tacos al pastor especial. When the cashier asked about salsa, I requested the green salsa. He warned me it was spicy 🔥🥵, and he wasn't kidding!
Dude, no joke 🤣, it was the perfect salsa. Unlike other places that serve pork adobo for al pastor tacos, here I could taste the Achiote flavor on the meat. For seating, they have two benches, but it's a taco truck, so there's plenty of parking to eat in your car.
I recommend this place; the crew was very polite and the food was good 👍. Thanks, gracias!
- Tacos al pastor especial9
- green salsa10
- Achiote flavor9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Decent Mexican Food with Sit-Down Prices
My experience at this restaurant offered decent Mexican food, which was pretty good overall. However, the prices are comparable to a sit-down establishment, with most lunches costing between $13-16 before drinks. They do provide a covered picnic table if you need to eat on-site.
For those with dietary preferences, there's a vegetarian burrito option, and they offer about 8 different kinds of meats. To enhance convenience, they provide a beeper so you can wait in your car or nearby. Occasionally, there's a daily special that includes a drink.
- Mexican food7
- prices5
- vegetarian burrito option8
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Decent Taco Stand Find
While out on a cruise, I stumbled upon this taco stand. My experience was decent 👌. I would come back.
- taco stand6
What El Gran Taco offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and amenities can you expect at El Gran Taco?
At El Gran Taco, you can look forward to a casual dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a great spot if you have kids, offering a family-friendly environment. You’ll also find convenient outdoor seating options to enjoy the Seattle weather.
What service and accessibility options are available at El Gran Taco Central District?
El Gran Taco Central District offers convenient service options like delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. If you choose to dine in, seating is available, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible. You’ll also find a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space, ensuring an easy visit.
How does El Gran Taco perform overall, and what are its main strengths and areas for improvement?
El Gran Taco holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating an average to good experience. Its Ambience (7.7) is a highlight, while Food (6.9) and Service (6.9) are generally average. The primary area needing attention is Value (5.2).
What are the best dishes to try at El Gran Taco, and are there any to be cautious about?
Many customers praise specific items like the asada, tacos, burritos, and carnitas for their flavor and quality. However, some have found certain dishes, such as the beef, chicken enchiladas, or veggie burrito, to be disappointing or of lower quality.
What is the dining atmosphere like, and how is the service at El Gran Taco?
The atmosphere is generally pleasant, often featuring covered outdoor picnic tables and ample parking, making it a comfortable taco truck experience. Service can be friendly and professional, though some patrons have reported instances of rude staff or issues with order accuracy.