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oChef » El Mezcalito – Seattle
El Mezcalito - Seattle
Photo from El Mezcalito
El Mezcalito at a glance
Seattle Queen Anne
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#493 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#33 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
334
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful cuisine
- Attentive staff
- Authentic atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Cold interior
- Small portions
The restaurant El Mezcalito offers a delightful Mexican dining experience in Seattle’s vibrant Queen Anne neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
This popular spot is known for its delicious Mexican cuisine, making it a go-to destination whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a casual yet trendy dining experience in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting El Mezcalito
El Mezcalito offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests appreciating the authentic and rich with flavor dishes, particularly the mole and tacos. The friendly service also stands out, with staff often noted for being welcoming and attentive, even accommodating dietary needs.
However, some diners have found the value proposition challenging, citing dishes as overpriced for its portion and noting a lack of current happy hour specials. The uncomfortably cold dining room has also been a point of discomfort for a few, impacting the overall atmosphere.
Good
7.3
out of 10
334
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
78
negative
10
neutral
246
positive
Overall, El Mezcalito earns a solid 7.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for most patrons. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 73.7%, indicating that a good majority of guests leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 334 customer opinions, with 246 positive remarks outweighing 78 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.8) is clearly a strong suit, frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
The Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively to the dining experience, creating a pleasant setting. Service (7.1) generally meets expectations, with staff often described as attentive.
However, Value (2.9) stands out as an area needing attention, with many finding portions small for the price.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Pleasant, authentic ambiance
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Uncomfortable dining temperature
- Small portion sizes
El Mezcalito presents a compelling option for those seeking genuine Mexican flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s clear that many patrons find the experience worthwhile, especially appreciating the quality of the cuisine and the attentive staff.
If you prioritize delicious, authentic food and a good vibe over strict budget concerns, El Mezcalito is certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for a chilly dining area.
It’s a place that delivers on taste and hospitality, but perhaps not always on value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Mezcalito
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.8 score and a solid 79.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 163 positive comments rave about the authentic Oaxacan cuisine, especially the delicious mole dishes, fresh tacos, and handmade tortillas. Guests also frequently praise the fresh salsas and strong, interesting drinks.
However, it's not all perfect, with 36 opinions noting some downsides. Some found the portions small and pricey, while others mentioned blandness or issues with food quality, like stale moles or mushy tamales. It seems consistency can be a bit of a mixed bag for some dishes.
Food
205
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
36
negative
6
neutral
163
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Oaxacan food
- Delicious mole dishes
- Fresh handmade tortillas
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- High food prices
- Inconsistent dish quality
Often praised
- foodThe Tacos Oahaqueñas are divine! The food is consistently great, they don’t skimp on the drinks, and the staff is not only friendly but very considerate of my dietary differences. I live with celiac disease, and El Mezcalito has never been an issue for me.
- drinksThe Tacos Oahaqueñas are divine! The food is consistently great, they don’t skimp on the drinks, and the staff is not only friendly but very considerate of my dietary differences. I live with celiac disease, and El Mezcalito has never been an issue for me.
- moleI had forgotten how good both the food and drinks were. I highly recommend the mole. I also love the older vibe of the place.
- margaritasTheir margaritas are tasty as well
- Mexican foodThis is a very cool spot for some tasty Mexican food in Queen Anne. The interior is great and the menu is interesting, featuring contemporary Mexican dishes.
- chipsthe chips were so good! Piping hot!
- salsa barThey have a salsa bar in the back.
- tortillasThe beer and the out of this world mole over chicken and with rice were fantastic and filled the void I was expecting to satisfy with overpriced pasta. Watching someone rolling out, pressing and heating up tortillas by hand one by one for each order brought back memories of New Mexico.
- FoodFood is authentic and rich with flavor
- Oaxacan foodtry Oaxacan food. This place did not disappoint.
Frequently criticized
- foodThus, not all my critiques are positive, and I choose not to be a cheerleader. The last two times we did take out at El Mezcalito, the food just wasn't as fresh or tasty. I don't know if the kitchen staff is new, or purveyors have changed, but El Mezcalito's moles have tasted stale, and the tamales are mushy.
- Chile RellenoChile Relleno was a mess
- Picosa margaritaPicosa margarita but that wasn't my fave
- asada tacosthree asada tacos and the value was just not worth it
- barbacoaI wish they still had the barbacoa
- blandVery very bland.
- carne asada tacoscarne asada for takeout, but the $11 for 3 micro tacos
- cevicheceviche which had barely any fish
- chips and guacamolecharge $11 for chips and guacamole and then give you less than half an avocado's worth
- chips and salsaI found it to be a bit pricey for the small portion sizes. Typically, when I go out for Mexican, I expect complimentary chips and salsa, but I had to go find my own salsa. Overall, I felt it was too expensive for the amount of food received, even when visiting during late-night happy hour.
If you're seeking authentic Oaxacan flavors, especially their mole and handmade tortillas, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the portions on the smaller side for the price, and quality can occasionally vary.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, you're generally in for a good experience here! With a score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 70.5%, the team often earns praise for being friendly and attentive, providing fast service, and having knowledgeable servers. Many guests highlight the welcoming staff and quick service, making for a pleasant visit, based on 43 positive remarks out of 61 total comments.
However, not every interaction is perfect, with 15 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some patrons have experienced slow service and long waiting times, while others noted issues with servers not listening to requests or making order mistakes. A few even mentioned encountering inconsiderate staff, suggesting that consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Service
61
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Fast, quick service
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- serviceI also enjoyed the carne asada, and while the molotes would have made a nice appetizer, I ended up having them at the end of my meal. Nevertheless, I liked the food, and the service was good. The atmosphere was also a strong point.
- staffThe Tacos Oahaqueñas are divine! The food is consistently great, they don’t skimp on the drinks, and the staff is not only friendly but very considerate of my dietary differences. I live with celiac disease, and El Mezcalito has never been an issue for me.
- ServiceService comes with a welcoming smile and friendly service
- peoplefriendly people
- serversThe servers were nice and helpful
- Everyone working hereTheir mezcal cocktails are also well-balanced. Everyone working here is welcoming and attentive. We can’t wait to go back next time ❤️.
- RaulShoutout to Raul for taking care of us that day.
- Raul and all the staffI live with celiac disease, and El Mezcalito has never been an issue for me. Ten out of ten to Raul and all the staff there.
- bartenderThe bartender was friendly
- fast servicehad fast service
Frequently criticized
- servicenoone came to take our order
- bartenderThe bartender was maybe out of sorts that day?
- hot sauce and chipsServer forgot hot sauce and chips
- mistreating customersUnacceptable mistreating good willing customers
- orderthey messed up our order.
- owner or managera mexican angry guy (owner or manager) came in running
- person in chargeMost disgusting experience today with person in charge
- seatingit was a bit clunky getting seated
- serverserver not listening to our request
- split the billShe split the bill in half even though I told her which card was mine
Overall, the service here is quite good, making it a solid choice if you value a friendly and attentive staff. While there might be occasional hiccups with speed or order accuracy, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives. It's definitely worth a visit for a generally pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a hit, with a strong 7.3 score for ambience and an impressive 82.6% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the authentic atmosphere, cool little place feel, and the cozy fire pits for outdoor seating. The music often catches attention, contributing to a local fav vibe that makes for a wonderful evening, as noted in 38 positive remarks out of 46 total.
However, not everything is perfectly warm and spacious. A few of the 8 negative comments point out issues like a cold dining room that impacted the overall atmosphere, making some guests uncomfortable. There are also mentions of the space feeling a bit small and uncomfortable seating with no room for bag or jacket, suggesting some practical comfort challenges.
Ambience
46
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Cozy fire pits
- Engaging music
What people don't like
- Cold dining room
- Uncomfortable seating
- Limited space
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was very pleasant
- musicmusic is perfectly loud for the atmosphere but also doesn’t destroy the ears and allow for a nice conversation
- ambiancethoroughly enjoy the ambiance
- vibeThe vibe inside is really authentic
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- authenticit seems very authentic
- bar setupgreat bar set up
- cool little placeCool little place
- cool stuff on displaythe cool stuff on display
- cozy fire pitscozy fire pits for outdoor covered dining
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHowever, the dining room was uncomfortably cold. It was so cold that everyone, including myself, was wearing jackets, and we were still cold. This significantly impacted the overall atmosphere.
- ChairsChairs are small with no back support
- dining roomThe dining room was really cold
- parkingThe restaurant space is huge, and we found it relatively empty during our lunch visit. Parking was a bit difficult to find. A special shoutout to Raul for his excellent service that day.
- room for bag or jacketNo room for bag or jacket
- seatingsitting is uncomfortable
- spaceA bit small
If youre seeking an authentic vibe with engaging music and cozy fire pits, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that indoor seating' might be a bit snug or chilly, so plan accordingly.
Value (2.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, though customer satisfaction is actually quite high at 9.1! A couple of folks did find the prices to be very reasonable and the overall pricing not too bad, suggesting that for some, the cost aligns with their expectations. However, the overall score for value sits at a rather poor 2.9, with a significant number of 19 comments expressing concern.
Many felt the high priced entries and expensive items, including chips and salsa, were overpriced for the small portion sizes, leading to a general feeling that the value just wasnt there.
Value
22
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor value
- Small portions
Often praised
- pricesPrices are very reasonable
- pricingnot too bad of pricing
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile the service was good, the foods were so plain and tasteless, like woodchips. The food was also so overpriced for its portion. I would not recommend going here if you like good food.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was below average, especially considering the above average prices. While the people were nice, it seems the establishment relies heavily on alcohol to compensate for the poor quality of the food.
- $11it's $11
- $11 for 3 micro tacosthe $11 for 3 micro tacos is a complete rip off!!
- chips and guacThe chips and guac were pricey at $10
- chips and salsaThe main flavor profile of the dishes was overwhelmingly spicy hot. I also want to caution others about the $11 complimentary chips and salsa.
- expensivetoo expensive for little food
- happy hourI stopped in yesterday, and unfortunately, they are no longer running a happy hour. It seems the happy hour times listed here and on their website are out of date.
- happy hour timehappy hour time listed here and on their website are out of date
- high priced entriesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by high priced entries. The main flavor profile of the dishes was overwhelmingly spicy hot.
If youre heading out, be prepared that while many enjoy their overall experience (reflected in the excellent customer satisfaction), the general consensus is that the value for money isnt great. Expect to pay a bit more, especially for smaller portions, so manage your expectations on pricing.
How are the prices at El Mezcalito?
You’re looking at roughly 30 $ per person – reported by 47 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 find themselves in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 sweet spot, clustering nicely around that average. While there are a few higher-end tabs, the majority stick to a friendly mid-range budget.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Mezcalito
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Cold Tacos, High Prices, No Return
My experience at El Mezcalito last night was not great. We ordered tacos to go and waited at the restaurant for them to be prepared, but they were cold when we received them, indicating they had been sitting for a while. A 30-minute wait for 6 tacos and chips with guacamole is unacceptable, especially given the outrageous prices.
While the servers were nice and helpful, the value proposition is poor when paying so much for cold food. We want to support local businesses, but this experience has lost us as customers.
- servers7
- tacos1
- wait time2
- prices1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Worst food and overpriced in Seattle
I feel kind of bad saying it, but this was by far the worst food we’ve had in Seattle, and it was way overpriced. While there were a good amount of kids present, there was no dedicated kid's menu. The atmosphere was rated a 2, but the service was a 4.
The food itself received a 1.
- service8
- worst food1
- way overpriced1
- kid menu3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Plain Food, Overpriced Portions
My experience at this restaurant was honestly one of the worst meals I've had in Seattle. While the service was good, the foods were so plain and tasteless, like woodchips. The food was also so overpriced for its portion.
I would not recommend going here if you like good food.
- service7
- food1
- price2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Local Spot with Fresh Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were lovely, and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I always find the food to be fresh and delicious.
It's a great local place and a go-to for me.
- staff9
- atmosphere8
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Best Tacos, Small but Flavorful
My experience at this restaurant was marked by some of the best tacos in the city, truly comparable to those found in San Diego. While the space is a bit small and the prices are on the pricy side, the exceptional flavors are undeniable.
- tacos10
- flavors9
- space4
- prices4
What El Mezcalito offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options available when you visit El Mezcalito in Queen Anne?
When you plan your visit to El Mezcalito in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, you should be aware that parking can usually be somewhat difficult to find. Paid street parking is available, so you might want to factor that into your travel plans.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at El Mezcalito?
El Mezcalito provides a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere for lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can enjoy late-night food, happy hour drinks and food, cocktails, wine, and beer, offering a versatile dining experience whether you seek a quick bite or a full meal.
What is the overall customer sentiment and score for El Mezcalito?
El Mezcalito holds a restaurant score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction of 73.7%. Customers particularly praise the Food (7.8), Ambience (7.3), and Service (7.1), though Value (2.9) is a noted concern.
What can I expect from the food quality at El Mezcalito?
Many customers describe the food as authentic and rich with flavor, highlighting dishes like the mole and Tacos Oahaqueñas. While generally well-regarded, some opinions mention occasional blandness or staleness in certain items.
How do customers perceive the value and pricing at El Mezcalito?
Customer opinions on value are mixed, with some finding prices reasonable. However, a significant number of patrons feel that dishes are overpriced for its portion, especially items like chips and guacamole, and note the absence of a current happy hour.