Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
oChef » Taco City – Seattle
Taco City - Seattle
Photo from Taco City
Taco City at a glance
Seattle Columbia City
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#272 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#41 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
542
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Great atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricing clarity
- Service lapses
- Ambience concerns
The restaurant Taco City is a vibrant spot in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood, offering a truly engaging dining experience. You can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by fantastic live music.
This casual and trendy restaurant provides a cozy setting where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll find a welcoming environment perfect for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Taco City
Taco City offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious food, from birria tacos to vegan options . The staff often receives high marks for their attentiveness and friendly demeanor, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere .
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding prices and occasional service inconsistencies. While the overall vibe is good, a few specific ambience elements, like a strong smell of bleach on one occasion, have been mentioned.
Good
7.9
out of 10
542
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
91
negative
17
neutral
434
positive
Taco City earns a solid 7.9 overall score, reflecting a generally good experience for most patrons. This aligns well with a strong Customer Satisfaction of 80.1%, indicating that the majority of diners leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 542 customer remarks, with 434 positive observations outweighing 91 negative ones. Looking closer at the specifics, Food leads the way with an impressive (8.2), closely followed by Service (8.1) and Ambience (7.7), all scoring well.
The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.5), where opinions are more divided, suggesting that while many appreciate the offerings, some find the pricing less competitive.
What people like
- Delicious food variety
- Exceptional, friendly service
- Inviting, warm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Value and pricing clarity
- Occasional service inconsistencies
- Specific ambience elements
Taco City presents a compelling option for those seeking flavorful food and a pleasant dining environment, supported by a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1. While the culinary offerings and attentive service often shine, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing transparency.
If you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and well-prepared dishes, Taco City is certainly worth considering. However, if strict budget adherence and absolute consistency in every detail are your top priorities, you might want to review the menu carefully before committing.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Restaurant
9.6
out of 10
out of 10
150
100%
- €€€
- Madrona
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
127
99.2%
- $$
- Roosevelt
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
322
95.3%
- $$
- West Edge
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
304
98.7%
- $$
- Morgan Junction
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
135
97.8%
- $$
- Yesler Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
249
98%
- $$
- Greenwood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Taco City
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 83.4%, it's clear most diners leave happy. Out of 290 opinions, 242 rave about delicious items like Birria Tacos, bold flavor, and excellent vegan options, with many also praising the churros.
However, not every dish is a home run, as 36 opinions highlight some areas for improvement. Concerns included greasy food, a rubbery texture in fish dishes, and a perceived downtick in quality, with a few even mentioning food poisoning. These suggest that while the highs are high, there can be some inconsistencies.
Food
290
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
36
negative
12
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Birria Tacos
- Bold flavors
- Vegan options
What people don't like
- Greasy food
- Rubbery fish
- Quality downtick
Often praised
- foodI’ve been to this place twice. The first time was great—good food and friendly service, although the strong smell of bleach and pine-scented cleaner was a bit overwhelming. Unfortunately, my second visit today, (Friday May 16, 2025, the hostess was working around 2: 45/3pm) was completely different.
- drinksThe staff mentioned they recently changed their menu and some food offerings. We sat at the bar, and our drinks were good. For food, we started with chips and salsa; the salsa was notable and legit.
- birria tacosIt may be the ~ delicious ~ margaritas talking, but if I was on death row, I'd want this to be my last meal. The experience included a strawberry piña colada, birria tacos, al pastor burrito, prickly pear margarita, churros, and a pineapple margarita. The food was outstanding, and the drinks were equally impressive.
- tacosThe atmosphere is warm and chill. This place serves up more than delicious drinks and tacos! Check it out!
- churrosIt may be the ~ delicious ~ margaritas talking, but if I was on death row, I'd want this to be my last meal. The experience included a strawberry piña colada, birria tacos, al pastor burrito, prickly pear margarita, churros, and a pineapple margarita. The food was outstanding, and the drinks were equally impressive.
- salsaRice, beans and salsa was good.
- brunchtheir brunch is my favorite
- fish tacosSome of the best fish tacos around, period.
- vegan optionsI've been here tons of times, and it's seriously one of the best, if not *the* best, taquerias in South Seattle. The main reason I keep coming back is that it's the only place around here with awesome vegan options. From empanadas to Impossible tacos, they even have vegan cheese and sour cream.
- FoodFood was delicious
Frequently criticized
- birria tacosbirria tacos smaller since the last time I went here
- chickentastes like mildly seasoned bbq chicken
- tacosthe tacos, but the tortillas were very greasy
- Dip Trioordered the Dip Trio, but was charged extra for guac
- FoodFood:2
- black beansthe black beans contain bacon
- burritosThe burritos are very mid
- chicken tacoschicken tacos were nasty!!
- cooked enoughWhile the base components and base recipes are still good and excellent, there's been a recent downtick in quality. This was noticeable even with the vegetarian options; it wasn't a matter of temperature, but rather that the food seemed like it hadn't been cooked enough.
- dinner choicesfor dinner, there are plenty of better choices in the area.
If you're looking for flavorful Mexican food, especially Birria Tacos and great vegan choices, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some fried items or fish dishes might not always meet expectations.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80.9%, its clear guests are generally happy. Many of the 106 positive remarks highlight the "great service" and "friendly staff, " often praising their "hospitality" and quick attention.
Shout-outs to specific individuals like Cesar and Fernanda show a personal touch, making guests feel truly welcomed. However, not every experience is perfect. The 25 negative comments point to occasional issues like "rude waitress" behavior, "inattentive staff, " and frustratingly "long wait times" for food or attention.
Some felt unwelcomed, noting a lack of eye contact or communication, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistent service delivery.
Service
131
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
25
negative
0
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, attentive service
- Personalized owner interaction
What people don't like
- Rude staff behavior
- Inattentive wait staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely thanks to Fernanda who took our order. She was SO sweet, provided great recommendations, engaged in fun conversation, and was quick with service. I 10/10 recommend this place, and the churros were amazing!
- staffI highly recommend these; the consume dipping sauce has a great flavor, and the hot sauce they serve with them is a perfect addition for extra heat. The space is well decorated, and the staff was cool. I'm really glad we went here and recommend you do too.
- ServiceService, wait time, and atmosphere were 5 star
- FernandaFernanda our server es so sweet, attentive, and made us feel so welcomed and comfortable!!
- customer serviceKeep up the great customer service
- ownerThe owner waited on us and she was amazing
- recommendationsI also enjoyed the nice atmosphere. They provided excellent recommendations, and I absolutely loved all their recommendations! I would definitely come back ☺️.
- wait timeService, wait time, and atmosphere were 5 star
- Cesar* Indoors, the space exceeded my expectations—both warm and elevated, a reflection of ownership done right. And here’s where I have to give a special shout-out: the MVP of the entire visit was Cesar, who saved me from a nagging bee determined to take my nearly perfect taco. He not only shooed it away but also set me up in a blocked-off VIP patio area so I could enjoy my meal in peace.
- Owner Kenyatta🐝 That kind of care doesn’t go unnoticed. ### The Service & The People Owner Kenyatta greeted me with grace and patience, setting the tone of welcome from the start. Her husband Jay, also co-owner, impressed me with his leadership presence, checking in on guests and carrying the kind of quiet responsibility that makes businesses thrive.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI’ve been to this place twice. The first time was great—good food and friendly service, although the strong smell of bleach and pine-scented cleaner was a bit overwhelming. Unfortunately, my second visit today, (Friday May 16, 2025, the hostess was working around 2: 45/3pm) was completely different.
- serverHer husband Jay, also co-owner, impressed me with his leadership presence, checking in on guests and carrying the kind of quiet responsibility that makes businesses thrive. My server seemed more focused on another VIP guest, which meant I didn’t get the full service I had hoped for. But I know as a business owner myself—sometimes a single interaction can misrepresent the heart of a whole establishment.
- waiting timeWhile the food was good, the service was quite disappointing. We ended up waiting almost 45 minutes for our food. The wait staff were inattentive, only checking in when they took our order and brought the food.
- waitressUnfortunately, my second visit today, (Friday May 16, 2025, the hostess was working around 2: 45/3pm) was completely different. When we arrived, the waitress dropped the menus on the front counter and gestured for us to seat ourselves, even though there are clear signs saying to wait to be seated. It felt unwelcoming right from the start, but we decided to find ourselves a seat.
- ServiceService has always been lacking friendliness
- billpedir la factura para pagar
- boxestuvimos que levantar de nuestra mesa para pedir cajas para llevar
- eye contactWhen she came to take our order, she rolled her eyes and was noticeably rude. She didn’t make eye contact, didn’t greet us, and grimaced while taking our orders. She didn’t say a single “thank you” or kind word during the entire interaction.
- girl at the barthe girl at the bar if you don't leave a tip she gets upset
- greet usWhen she came to take our order, she rolled her eyes and was noticeably rude. She didn’t make eye contact, didn’t greet us, and grimaced while taking our orders. She didn’t say a single “thank you” or kind word during the entire interaction.
Overall, if you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and attentive service, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit, as most guests have a fantastic experience. While there are occasional reports of slow or inattentive service, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests these are exceptions rather than the rule.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The atmosphere here generally hits the mark, with a 7.7 score indicating a good experience for most. A solid 80.7% customer satisfaction rate, backed by 71 positive comments out of 88, shows many appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, inviting patio options, and good music. Guests frequently praise the clean, well-decorated cute spot and its overall great vibes.
However, it's not without a few snags, as 16 negative remarks point out. Parking can be a real headache, and some found the loud music disruptive, even against city ordinances. A few mentioned uncomfortable chairs and isolated instances of an unwelcoming initial impression.
Ambience
88
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Great patio vibes
- Good music
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud music issues
- Uncomfortable chairs
Often praised
- atmosphereThe staff were incredibly friendly, and the food was truly great. I also enjoyed the nice atmosphere. They provided excellent recommendations, and I absolutely loved all their recommendations!
- vibeKenyada and Jenny really create an awesome chill high quality vibe. The food is awesome and the mango marg slusih are sooo good.
- patioIt was nice to have a non-alcoholic option that isn't iced tea. We'll be back soon, hopefully the sun will be out so we can try the patio!
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the food, loved the service, and just loved the place and music. It was a truly 5-star experience.
- environment### The Environment 🎶 * Nostalgic music wrapped the entire experience in memory and soul. * Chic, stylish, and welcoming—the environment elevated the vibe without a hint of pretension. * Patio seating that felt like a private retreat.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- space* Patio seating that felt like a private retreat. * Indoors, the space exceeded my expectations—both warm and elevated, a reflection of ownership done right. And here’s where I have to give a special shout-out: the MVP of the entire visit was Cesar, who saved me from a nagging bee determined to take my nearly perfect taco.
- vibesthe vibes are on point
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Cool vibeCool vibe
Frequently criticized
- atmospherePablo Escobar poster inside the restaurant It's really sad
- parkingno complaints besides parking
- city ordinanceloud music that to my knowledge goes against city ordinance
- customersin front of all of the customers
- decorDecor kind of dated inside
- grilldon’t clean the grill between orders
- lightingThe lighting is a bit bright
- loud musicInconsiderate of the neighborhood with loud music
- pink chairsPink chairs are cute but not comfortable
- smell of bleachI’ve been to this place twice. The first time was great—good food and friendly service, although the strong smell of bleach and pine-scented cleaner was a bit overwhelming. Unfortunately, my second visit today, (Friday May 16, 2025, the hostess was working around 2: 45/3pm) was completely different.
If you're looking for a place with a generally great vibe, especially if you can snag a patio spot and enjoy good tunes, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and possibly some loud music, which might not suit everyone.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some bright spots! Many customers appreciate the happy hour deals and lunch specials, often finding the price for portion to be quite reasonable. With 15 positive remarks out of 33 total pieces of feedback, guests often feel its truly worth it.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear-cut, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 45.5%, indicating a mixed experience. A significant number of 14 negative comments point to concerns about being overpriced and issues with billing transparency, including unexpected extra fees.
Value
33
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Affordable lunch specials
- Good portion value
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Hidden credit fees
- Poor billing clarity
Often praised
- happy hourThe food is awesome and the mango marg slusih are sooo good. And happy hour is on point. Definitely coming back here again and again.
- pricesTaco City has become our go-to spot, and they are very welcoming to our children. We appreciate the excellent food, decent prices, and awesome staff.
- priceThe price is affordable
- $9.99 specialsthey have $9.99 specials M-F. They have a sign outside but if you don’t ask they give you the regular menu. They are a half portion but it’s still plenty of food.
- lunch specialsMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! I frequently visit during my lunch breaks to enjoy their nicely priced lunch specials, which are the best way to refuel. The customer service is pleasant, and the vibe makes me want to linger longer than I should.
- price for portionPrice for portion, comparable
- pricedvery reasonably priced
- worth itBut its worth it.
Frequently criticized
- billwasn’t shown the bill until *after* I paid
- pricesHoly Moses the prices. That's....wild for a taco spot.
- billing transparencypoor billing transparency
- charge me extraThe food was not very authentic and felt rather high priced. On my last visit, the staff tried to charge me extra for chicken, even though it was clearly marked as included on the menu. The service has consistently lacked friendliness, making the overall experience feel just 'bleh'.
- checkcame back with the check for $21.99
- credit cardextra fee for paying with a credit card, which wasn’t clearly disclosed
- extra feeadd an extra fee for paying with a credit card
- lunch pricedid not ask to have the lunch price
- overchargesdue to the overcharges
- overpricedover priced
If you're looking for a good deal, definitely check out their happy hour and lunch specials, as many find them to be great value. However, be mindful of potential extra fees and unclear billing, which can make the overall experience feel overpriced for some.
How are the prices at Taco City?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners find themselves in the 11 – 30 $ sweet spot, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience rather than a wild mix of budget and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in this category. It offers a consistent experience without unexpected price jumps.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taco City
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Consommé Soup for Ramen!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best taco place in south Seattle. We were so impressed with their food that we brought back their consommé soup.
We used it to make ramen, as they recommended, and it was sooo good. I truly appreciate restaurants that show such passion for what they serve.
- taco place10
- consommé soup10
- ramen10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Birria Tacos and Cali Nachos!
As someone who rarely leaves reviews and is quite particular about Mexican food, I was genuinely impressed. I came in specifically because the birria tacos looked incredible, and they absolutely lived up to the hype, almost as good as my mother's – and that's a high compliment! My positive experience led me to return and try the cali nachos fries with carne asada, which I also found to be delicious.
If you're a fan of birria tacos or searching for a great spot, I HIGHLY recommend trying this place at least once.
- birria tacos9
- cali nachos fries8
- Mexican food8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Incredible Brunch at Taco City!
My experience at Taco City was incredible! My bestie and I had the best Sunday gals’ brunch day. The service and staff were so lovely.
We took all their food and drink recommendations and loved it all so much. The birria tacos are truly incredible, and so is the ceviche. Highly recommend!
Can’t wait to go back.
- service10
- staff10
- food recommendations10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Taqueria with Amazing Vegan Options
I've been here tons of times, and it's seriously one of the best, if not *the* best, taquerias in South Seattle. The main reason I keep coming back is that it's the only place around here with awesome vegan options. From empanadas to Impossible tacos, they even have vegan cheese and sour cream.
Plus, their drinks are great. This time, I got a raspberry mocktail, and it was delicious. The service provided is both prompt and attentive.
As a vegan, here's what I'd suggest for the menu: nopal or hongos for tacos or burritos, vegan nachos, and vegan elote (or esquites). You could totally make it with vegan cheese and vegan sour cream (instead of mayo). Just saying!
And don't get me wrong, I appreciate the vegan options. I'm coming back!
- vegan options10
- vegan cheese9
- vegan sour cream9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Cute Spot with Delicious Birria Bao Benedict
I had a really cute experience at this spot. The brunch/lunch options were great, and the birria bao bun benedict was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
It was a brunch meal, and the food received a perfect score of 5.
- birria bao bun benedict10
- brunch/lunch options8
- atmosphere10
What Taco City offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- All you can eat
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options and accessibility features does Taco City Taqueria offer?
At Taco City Taqueria, you can choose from various convenient service options including drive-through, delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in with outdoor seating available. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for all guests.
Does Taco City Taqueria cater to specific dietary needs, and what amenities are available?
Yes, Taco City Taqueria offers a range of dietary options including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, alongside organic selections. For your convenience, the restaurant provides amenities such as a restroom, free Wi-Fi, and an onsite bar where you can enjoy a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails.
What is the overall verdict for Taco City?
Taco City generally receives a good overall score of 7.9, with strong marks for Food (8.2), Service (8.1), and Ambience (7.7). However, Value (5.5) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What do customers enjoy most about Taco City's food?
Customers frequently praise the diverse and delicious food options, highlighting items like birria tacos , fish tacos , and the availability of vegan options . Many find the food outstanding.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing or value at Taco City?
Some customers have noted issues with prices and billing transparency , mentioning extra fees for credit card payments or feeling that certain items were overpriced .