Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Blue Water Taco Grill – Seattle
Blue Water Taco Grill - Seattle
Photo from Blue Water Taco Grill
Blue Water Taco Grill at a glance
Seattle Uptown
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 111 of the guests
#334 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#20 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
492
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh food
- Friendly service
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Disorganized service
- Overpriced
- Sanitation issues
The restaurant Blue Water Taco Grill in Seattle’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood invites you to savor authentic Mexican flavors. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving delicious tacos, refreshing cocktails, or looking for a spot with great happy hour deals, this is a place where you can unwind and enjoy. They offer a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, making it an ideal stop for lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Blue Water Taco Grill
Blue Water Taco Grill often impresses with its culinary offerings, particularly the authentic flavors and fresh ingredients that many customers appreciate. The friendly staff also frequently receives praise for their helpfulness and quick service, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.
However, some visits have been less smooth, with occasional reports of disorganized staff leading to order issues. While the atmosphere is often described as clean and bright, a few patrons have found aspects of the experience to be overpriced for the casual setting.
Good
7.8
out of 10
492
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
84
negative
14
neutral
394
positive
Blue Water Taco Grill generally earns a solid 7.8 overall, reflecting a good dining experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 80.1%, indicating that most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 490 customer observations, with a strong lean towards positive feedback, tallying 394 favorable comments against 84 less enthusiastic ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.2) is clearly a standout, frequently earning high marks for its quality and taste.
The Ambience (7.7) also contributes positively, often described as pleasant and clean. Service (7.3) is generally well-regarded, though it occasionally falls short.
The Value (6.4), while not poor, sits in the average range, suggesting some find the pricing a bit high for the offering.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Occasional service disorganization
- Perceived as overpriced
- Sanitation concerns
With a strong 8.1 recommendation score, Blue Water Taco Grill is generally a solid choice, especially if you prioritize fresh, flavorful food and a welcoming environment. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of good, authentic tacos.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and pricing that some patrons have noted. If you’re seeking a casual spot with generally well-regarded food and don’t mind the occasional hiccup, it’s certainly worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Blue Water Taco Grill
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8.2 and a solid 85.9% customer satisfaction, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 291 comments, a whopping 250 rave about the fresh, flavorful, and authentic Mexican dishes, often praising the large portions and delicious margaritas.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 35 comments point to some hiccups, mentioning occasional subpar food quality, surprisingly small portions, or even unappetizing cheese sauce on nachos. A few unfortunate experiences even noted foreign objects in their food, which is definitely a concern.
Food
291
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
35
negative
6
neutral
250
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful, authentic food
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious margaritas
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions reported
- Foreign objects in food
Often praised
- foodI cannot express enough how much I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere at this fine dining establishment. I visited Seattle about 2 weeks ago, and the fact that this experience is still on my mind is a testament to how good the food is. I will make it my mission to come back to Seattle at least once a year to relive this great experience.
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the quick counter service for authentic tacos. The salsas were fresh and the food was made to order.
- burritosWonderful tacos and burritos. As good as any.
- portionsWe dined on the back patio on a beautiful sunny day, and it was really clean and pleasant. The price was really reasonable and the portions were huge. We can't say enough good things – GO and eat the tacos!
- ingredientsAs Texans who eat a lot of tacos, we can confidently say these were as good as any and better than most we've had at home. The ingredients were super fresh and the tacos were made to order exactly how we wanted them. The staff was awesome and very helpful with their recommendations.
- margaritasMy only disappointment was that their door sign advertised a happy hour that they don't actually offer, which they should remove. I would still bring friends back here for the margaritas and nachos.
- freshIt’s fresh, flavorful, and consistently delicious
- guacamoleI had the birria burrito, which was incredible. I highly recommend adding guacamole, cilantro, and tomatillo salsa to it – it was so good. Beyond the amazing food, the restaurant also had good vibes.
- street tacosGreat street tacos that really hit the spot
- FoodWe came in with a group of 15, and the experience was absolutely wonderful. The staff was so friendly, and the food was awesome! We were seated immediately, and the atmosphere was great.
Frequently criticized
- foodI don't usually share negative reviews, but multiple people from our group have been sick from eating here yesterday. The restaurant didn't seem very sanitary, and the food was mediocre. I wouldn't recommend it.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mediocre excuse for Mexican food. While the staff was friendly, the overall experience was marred by very overpriced food for an order-at-the-counter establishment.
- food qualityFood was mediocre and tasted like it had been on a heated tray
- portionsthe portions were a little small
- Blue Water locationsDon't bother with the other Blue Water locations
- authenticnot very authentic at all
- beansthe beans were bland
- beefasked for beef and they gave me chicken
- burritostheir burritos fall apart as soon as you eat them
- dietary restrictionI had put in the instructions for no cheese or sour cream (no dairy) and still ended up with cheese on my food
Overall, if you're craving fresh, authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences suggest a slight inconsistency in quality, so manage your expectations for every single dish.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7.3 score indicating its good, and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 71.8%. Many of the 89 positive remarks praise the friendly staff and quick service, often making customers feel like family. From Arturos kind and professional demeanor to workers going above and beyond, the team often creates a warm and welcoming experience.
However, its not always smooth sailing, as 33 negative comments point to some bumps. Issues like frustrating wait time and disorganized staff sometimes crop up, especially with online ordering. A few experiences mention a rude owner or language barrier' at the counter, leading to less-than-ideal interactions.
Service
124
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
33
negative
2
neutral
89
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Staff goes extra mile
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude owner/staff
- Ordering issues
Often praised
- staffMy dad, a taco connoisseur, raves about it, saying you know it's the real deal when their al pastor has pineapple. Plus, the staff are friendly and the place is clean and bright. Love love love this place!
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was super good, with friendly service! We called just 25 minutes before closing, and they were incredibly nice to still make us takeout even though they were already closing up when we arrived.
- ServiceThe mild salsa was absolutely amazing, a true explosion of flavor with cilantro, tomatillo, lime, and salt. The service was fast, and the food was fresh and delicious.
- employeesThe 2 employees were the nicest people you'd want to meet.
- Arturo, the managerArturo, the manager, has been consistently kind and professional
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- best peopleWe would return to Seattle just to see him again and be satiated in all the ways that matter. It was the best food and the best people. We even shared a group hug before leaving.
- careThey took excellent care of us
- cleaning the grillHowever, a very kind staff member, distinguished by a red bandana, went above and beyond. He insisted on cleaning the grill completely to prepare a gluten-free taco. This amazing service and the kindness of the people, coupled with the great food, made for a 10/10 experience.
- counter serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the quick counter service for authentic tacos. The salsas were fresh and the food was made to order.
Frequently criticized
- staffguy behind the register shrugged and hmmmed at me for 20 minutes
- orderI got there 10 minutes early, and the girl asked me if I had called to place an order. I said yes, and she told me, 'It's going to take a while, I don't have your order. ' I replied, 'Yes, I'm here, I came early, no problem, I can wait.
- ownerWe were so happy, then that happened. WORST of all, the owner himself DEFENDED HER! She used CUSS WORDS, but it's okay!
- Ritual online ordering servicefrustrating experience trying to use the Ritual online ordering service
- Ritual stickerRitual sticker advertising the service on their front door
- addonsforgot the addons I paid extra for
- arguingwe ended arguing VERY unprofessional
- closing timethey close at 3:00 PM
- cuss wordsshe used CUSS WORDS
- disorganized stafftheir staff was so disorganized they literally forgot
Overall, you can generally expect a friendly and efficient experience here, with many staff members going the extra mile. Just be aware that occasional hiccups with wait times or ordering might occur, so patience could be a virtue during busy periods.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
The ambience here is generally a hit, scoring a good 7.7 and boasting a solid 73.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the inviting atmosphere, frequently highlighting the fantastic back patio and the overall cleanliness. The family-owned vibe and even the music selection contribute to a great overall feel, based on 36 positive observations.
However, its not without its quirks, as 8 comments point out some areas for improvement. Guests occasionally struggle with hard to find parking and some feel the surrounding area is a bit tired. There were also mentions of the inside could use a touch up and concerns about the restaurant not seeming very sanitary' in one instance, suggesting some details might need attention.
Ambience
49
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great back patio
- Clean, welcoming space
- Enjoyable, casual vibe
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Dated interior areas
- Sanitary concerns
Often praised
- atmosphereThey were even playing Rise Against on the speakers! I found the food to be great, the service excellent, and the atmosphere enjoyable.
- back patioThe staff is very friendly, and the food is made quickly. They have a lot of drink options, and the back patio is great when the weather is nice. It was covered the last time I went, so it could potentially be used during not-so-great Seattle weather too.
- placeMy dad, a taco connoisseur, raves about it, saying you know it's the real deal when their al pastor has pineapple. Plus, the staff are friendly and the place is clean and bright. Love love love this place!
- AtmosphereThe staff was so friendly, and the food was awesome! We were seated immediately, and the atmosphere was great.
- cleanlinessThe service was incredibly fast, as we received our food in about 3 minutes. The restaurant itself is super cute and really clean, contributing to a great atmosphere.
- Rise Against on the speakersthey have them blasting on the speakers!
- clean, organized, and welcomingalways clean, organized, and welcoming
- experienceThey even offered to take our picture for us, and we caught them in the mirror behind us 😄. It was a great experience, and I highly recommend it!
- family-owned vibeGives You Family Owned Vibes Too
- fun little diveSuch a fun little dive!
Frequently criticized
- areathe area is a little dilapidated
- door signdoor sign listed a happy hour but they don't have happy hour
- hand washing' As I was leaving the tray where dirty dishes go, she proceeded to make my food. I noticed she didn't wash her hands, but I didn't say anything and just waited. I paid and left.
- insideinside could use a touch up
- national locationsThey also offer vegetarian options that taste amazing. The only thing I wish would change is adding more national locations!
- parkinghard to find parking
- sanitaryI don't usually share negative reviews, but multiple people from our group have been sick from eating here yesterday. The restaurant didn't seem very sanitary, and the food was mediocre. I wouldn't recommend it.
- tablesthe tables wabbled
If youre seeking a spot with good vibes, a lovely patio, and a generally clean, welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and dont expect every corner of the interior to be pristine. It's a solid choice for a casual, enjoyable experience.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners feel theyre getting a good deal, with positive comments often highlighting the "good price, " "reasonable prices, " and getting a great "portion for the price. " Folks appreciate that its often budget friendly and offers money's worth. With 19 positive remarks out of 28 total opinions, and a customer satisfaction of 67.9%, it seems many find the pricing to be a mixed bag, leaning positive.
However, not everyone is convinced, as some opinions point to it being overpriced or feeling like the quality was not worth it. There are 8 negative remarks, suggesting that while the overall score for value is an average 6.4, some feel the portions could be bigger for the price. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so keep your expectations balanced.
Value
28
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Generous portions
- Budget-friendly
What people don't like
- Can be overpriced
- Portions too small
Often praised
- pricesI had an above average experience with the burritos at this restaurant, which offered really decent prices. The ingredients were fresh, and I enjoyed a lovely margarita.
- priceWe dined on the back patio on a beautiful sunny day, and it was really clean and pleasant. The price was really reasonable and the portions were huge. We can't say enough good things – GO and eat the tacos!
- budget friendlyVery good and budget friendly
- costAbout 40.00 for 2 with drinks
- decent pricesDecent prices
- family of 4It managed to pack in a large amount of food and flavor. The prices were decent, making it a good option for a family of 4.
- good pricefor a good price
- money's worthMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. I enjoyed the good food and appreciated the big portions, which made me feel like I got my money's worth. The staff were also friendly.
- portion for the priceportion for the price, surpassing all chain restaurants
- valueThe value is right on par at a solid 8/10
Frequently criticized
- priceRecently, the owner, the guy in the bandana, has been repeatedly rude to me. He doesn't prepare my order as requested, even when I ask for less food for the same price. We've had this conversation multiple times lol.
- discountThey didn't even offer a discount but charged the same
- happy hourthey don't have happy hour
- overpricedvery overpriced for order at the counter food
- qualityquality was not worth it
- tourist trapfall into this tourist trap
If youre looking for a spot that often delivers good portions for a reasonable cost, its definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some find it a bit pricey for what you get, so manage your expectations on the overall value.
How are the prices at Blue Water Taco Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 111 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 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 keep it in the $11–$20 range, even though the average is a bit higher. This suggests a good mix, with options for both budget-friendly meals and perhaps a few premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 111 reviews.
A peek at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot. There are clearly options for a quick, affordable bite, but also room to splurge a little if you’re feeling fancy.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Blue Water Taco Grill
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Food, Will Eat Here Again!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially after our first choice didn't work out. The food was amazing, and I was particularly impressed with the Vegetable Chorizo option for those who don't eat meat. I 100% will eat here again.
- food10
- Vegetable Chorizo9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Anniversary Dinner Delight!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for our anniversary. The staff were amazing and made the night special. They were friendly and offered great suggestions to enhance our meals, like providing con some for the Quesabirra with a spoon.
We knew the food was going to be great as soon as it hit the grill. It was my first time back in 6 years, and it was well worth it.
- food10
- staff10
- suggestions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Fast Service, Cute Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing, and the staff was super kind. I would highly recommend this place.
The service was incredibly fast, as we received our food in about 3 minutes. The restaurant itself is super cute and really clean, contributing to a great atmosphere.
- food10
- staff10
- service10
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Food, Drinks, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. We enjoyed the birria nachos, margaritas, and the service was excellent. We were really happy we chose to stop in here before a show at Climate Pledge.
I will definitely go again!
- birria nachos10
- margaritas9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Wonderful Service and Awesome Food!
We came in with a group of 15, and the experience was absolutely wonderful. The staff was so friendly, and the food was awesome! We were seated immediately, and the atmosphere was great.
- Service10
- Food10
- Atmosphere10
What Blue Water Taco Grill offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options can you expect at Blue Water Taco Grill?
Blue Water Taco Grill offers flexible dining and service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy a meal with them through dine-in or outdoor seating, where dogs are allowed. If you’re on the go, takeout and delivery services are also available. They serve lunch, dinner, and dessert, providing seating for your comfort.
Is Blue Water Taco Grill accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, Blue Water Taco Grill is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot for families, as it’s good for kids and provides high chairs. You’ll find amenities like free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms for your convenience.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Blue Water Taco Grill?
Customers frequently praise the **fresh ingredients** and authentic flavors of the tacos and burritos. Many highlight the generous **portions** and the overall deliciousness, with some even calling it “the real deal.”
Are there any common concerns about Blue Water Taco Grill?
Some patrons have experienced **disorganized staff** or issues with order accuracy. Additionally, a few find the offerings to be **overpriced** for the counter-service style, and there have been isolated concerns regarding sanitation.