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oChef » La Cuadra – Seattle
La Cuadra - Seattle
Photo from La Cuadra
La Cuadra at a glance
Seattle Northgate
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 11 of the guests
#411 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#25 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
65
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Al pastor
- Salsa bar
Frequently criticized
- Chaotic ordering
- Unsafe setup
- Sparse info
The restaurant La Cuadra, known as La Cuadra Tacos – Street, is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant located in Seattle’s bustling Northgate neighborhood. You can look forward to a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.
Whether you’re planning to dine-in or prefer the convenience of takeout, this spot offers a relaxed setting for you to enjoy authentic flavors. Plus, you’ll find free parking readily available.
Overview: Introducting La Cuadra
La Cuadra offers a distinctive experience, particularly for its flavorful Mexican fare. Diners often praise the quality of the tacos and burritos, with special mentions for options like al pastor and a well-stocked salsa bar.
The focus here is clearly on the food itself, delivering satisfying tastes. However, the setting and operational aspects present some challenges.
Some find the sidewalk setup and overall atmosphere a bit unconventional, leading to concerns about pedestrian flow. Additionally, the chaotic ordering process and occasional delays can detract from an otherwise tasty meal.
Good
7.6
out of 10
65
Reviews
76.9%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
50
positive
Overall, La Cuadra earns a solid 7.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 76.9%. This indicates a generally positive reception, driven largely by the culinary offerings.
The Food (8.8) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently receiving high marks for its quality and variety. Similarly, the Value (8.5) is well-regarded, especially for its flexible payment options.
While the food and value impress, other areas show room for improvement. Ambience (5.8) and Service (5.2) both fall into the average range.
Feedback suggests that while the food is often fast, some experiences include `chaotic ordering` or occasional errors. These insights come from 65 customer comments, with 50 expressing positive sentiments and 13 highlighting areas for development.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Excellent al pastor tacos
- Well-stocked salsa bar
What people don't like
- Chaotic ordering process
- Unsafe sidewalk setup
- Sparse online information
If you’re prioritizing flavorful, authentic Mexican food above all else, this spot is worth considering. The strong 8.1 recommendation score reflects its culinary strengths, particularly for those seeking options like `lengua` and `cabeza` or well-prepared `al pastor`.
Just be prepared for a unique, no-frills experience. However, if a smooth ordering process or a conventional dining environment are high on your list, you might find aspects challenging.
It’s a place for those who appreciate good food and value, and are willing to overlook some operational quirks and an unconventional setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Cuadra
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Lets talk about the food here – its a major hit! With an excellent score of 8.8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rating of 94.9%, its clear why people are raving. Out of 39 total remarks, 37 are glowing, highlighting the delicious tacos, burritos, and amazing al pastor.
Diners particularly love the variety of meat, the well-stocked salsa bar, and unique options like lengua and cabeza. On the flip side, theres barely a whisper of complaint. With only 1 negative remark among 39, the main concern was simply being a taco short.
This seems to be a rare occurrence, suggesting that while the food itself is consistently praised, a minor order mix-up could happen.
Food
39
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos & burritos
- Amazing al pastor
- Excellent salsa bar
What people don't like
- Minor order mix-up
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their simple but good food. I was particularly pleased to find lengua and cabeza options, which are not always easy to come by.
- burritosI had to go for the burrito and I’m glad I did. I used to live near Watsonville, CA, and the burritos here remind me of a local spot I used to go to in Watsonville! Super delicious, and nicely prepared.
- Mexican foodeat unregistered food stand mexican food
- salsa barSalsa bar is pretty stacked and ingredients all looked and tasted fresh
- tacosDamn, has Seattle finally gotten some legit burritos? The tortas, quesadillas, and tacos also look amaaaaazing. I had to go for the burrito and I’m glad I did.
- Smokey chipotle salsaand (I think ) a Smokey chipotle salsa
- al pastoramazing al pastor
- al pastor tacoshighly recommend the asada and al pastor
- asada tacoshighly recommend the asada and al pastor
- best tacosBest tacos around this place.
Frequently criticized
- tacoWe were a taco short
If youre looking for fantastic Mexican food, this place is definitely worth a try. With overwhelmingly positive feedback on their delicious tacos, burritos, and excellent salsa bar, youre in for a treat. Don't let a single minor order issue deter you from experiencing some truly great flavors.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, some folks have had a pretty good experience! Theyve mentioned that the wait for your order is often quick, sometimes under ten minutes, and praised the great people who make the service feel fast and delicious. While the overall score for service sits at an average 5.2, and customer satisfaction is a poor 30%, these 3 positive remarks highlight some definite bright spots.
However, theres certainly room for improvement, especially given the 6 negative comments out of 10 total observations. Some customers faced issues like getting their order wrong or finding the ordering process a bit chaotic. Others noted it took a while to get my food, or worse, found the restaurant closed unexpectedly due to sparse online information and a basic website.
Service
10
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Great people
What people don't like
- Order errors
- Chaotic ordering
- Poor online info
Often praised
- peoplethe great people
- serviceservice is fast and delicious
- wait for your orderthe wait for your order is never more then ten minutes
Frequently criticized
- get my foodThey only take various digital payment methods (Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, etc.), or cash. It took a while to get my food, but it was worth it. They have a green avocado salsa, and (I think) a Smokey chipotle salsa, as well as a classic verde salsa.
- online informationMy experience tonight (12/18) was that the restaurant was closed when I arrived at 7: 30 pm. There was no tent on the sidewalk, and the online information was sparse, with a very basic website. I hope they reopen soon.
- orderthey got our order wrong
- orderingSolid texture and flavor. The ordering is a bit chaotic. They only take various digital payment methods (Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, etc.), or cash.
- restaurant closureMy experience tonight (12/18) was that the restaurant was closed when I arrived at 7: 30 pm. There was no tent on the sidewalk, and the online information was sparse, with a very basic website.
- websitewebsite is sparce
So, should you go? If youre lucky, you might get quick service from great people. But be prepared for potential hiccups with your order, chaotic ordering, or even finding the place unexpectedly closed due to poor online info.
Its a bit of a gamble on the service front.
Ambience (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a somewhat positive experience, with a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction at 57.1%, indicating a mixed bag. Based on 8 positive remarks, many appreciate the location and atmosphere, often described as a nice taco shop. Guests also frequently mention the parking situation, noting there's plenty of room to pass and ample parking space.
However, 6 negative comments highlight some significant concerns. The location can be a bit disorienting, with issues around the sidewalk and pedestrians. Some feel the setup is unsafe, forcing people into the street, and even suggest it might be illegal to operate on public property, impacting the overall experience.
Ambience
14
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Plenty of parking
- Entertaining chef
What people don't like
- Blocks public sidewalk
- Unsafe for pedestrians
- Potentially illegal setup
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience was truly transformative. I recommend going when it's raining hard, as this allows you to enjoy unregistered food stand Mexican food in the corner of a TJ Maxx parking lot at night. It was also moisturizing.
- locationlocation is better
- nice taco shopNice like taco shop
- parkingLots of parking
- parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- room to passIt's entertaining to watch the chef flip meat off the spit onto tacos while you wait. Despite one mention of it taking up space, I found there was plenty of room to pass, and people waiting in line were considerate. The atmosphere was great, rated 5/5, and the food also received a 5/5.
Frequently criticized
- disorientingCan be a little disorienting
- locationI really don't like where they set up
- pedestriansPedestrians just trying to get by have to walk in the street
- public propertylikely illegal to be running a business on public property
- safetyThis just isn't safe
- sidewalkThe food was OK, but the location was a significant issue. They've set up taking up the whole sidewalk right next to a bus stop, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street sometimes. This felt unsafe and likely illegal, impacting the overall ambience and experience.
If youre looking for a lively atmosphere and dont mind a potentially unconventional setup, this place might be worth a try, especially with its ample parking. However, be aware that its location on the sidewalk could pose safety concerns for pedestrians and might feel a bit chaotic.
Value (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers are thrilled that it accepts Zelle and Cash App, making payments super convenient. With an impressive score of 8.5 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear theyve nailed their payment options.
These two positive remarks highlight how much guests appreciate the modern payment apps available. What's even better is that there are absolutely no negative comments or concerns about value. This means guests consistently find the pricing fair and the overall experience worth every penny, without any complaints about hidden fees or inconvenient payment methods.
Value
2
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flexible payments
- Accepts payment apps
What people don't like
Often praised
- payment appsaccepts payment apps
- payment optionsaccepts zelle and cash app
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre someone who values convenience and fair pricing, youre in for a treat here. With excellent feedback on payment options and no complaints, this place is definitely worth checking out for a hassle-free experience.
How are the prices at La Cuadra?
You’re looking at roughly 14 per person – reported by 11 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.
Most guests are spending in that $11–$20 range, with a few finding options in the $1–$10 bracket, showing a nice mix of value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 11 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in Seattle. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Cuadra
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Visit: Restaurant Closed
My experience tonight (12/18) was that the restaurant was closed when I arrived at 7: 30 pm. There was no tent on the sidewalk, and the online information was sparse, with a very basic website. I hope they reopen soon.
- restaurant closure2
- online information3
- website3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Tacos After NICU Visit
Every weekend, I visit my baby son in the NICU at UW Mountlake Hospital. After I leave, I always stop here to grab their delicious tacos. They have a variety of meat and the red sauce I’m in love with.
It's a nice taco shop. Give it a try!
- delicious tacos10
- variety of meat8
- red sauce10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Late Night Stop!
My experience at this restaurant was a favorite late night stop. The parking was plentiful, and they conveniently accept payment apps. The al pastor was amazing, and the salsa bar was well-stocked.
- parking9
- payment apps9
- al pastor10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Legit Tacos and Fast Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything tasted super legit. I highly recommend the asada and al pastor tacos, they were delicious.
The service was also fast and great. They accept Zelle and Cash App.
- asada tacos10
- al pastor tacos10
- service9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
8
Great Food, Order Errors Happen
I absolutely LOVE the food here! However, there was an issue with our order; they got it wrong, and we didn't discover it until we got home. We were one taco short, which wasn't a major disaster, but it was definitely a bummer since we were hungry and really looking forward to our meal.
While I don't want to have to check every order for accuracy when I do takeout, it seems like something I might have to do moving forward.
- food10
- order3
- taco4
What La Cuadra offers
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at La Cuadra Tacos - Street?
At La Cuadra, you can enjoy a casual Mexican dining experience perfect for a quick bite. Whether you prefer to dine-in or grab takeout, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. It’s an ideal spot for a satisfying dinner.
What are the parking and service options available when you visit La Cuadra Tacos - Street?
When you visit La Cuadra, you’ll appreciate the free parking lot with usually plenty of parking available, making your visit hassle-free. For your convenience, you can choose between comfortable dine-in service or quick takeout options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for La Cuadra?
La Cuadra has a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76.9%. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.8) and Value (8.5), while Ambience (5.8) and Service (5.2) are considered average.
What are the payment options available at La Cuadra?
La Cuadra is noted for its flexible payment options, accepting various digital payment methods like Zelle and Cash App, in addition to cash.
Is the location and atmosphere at La Cuadra generally well-received?
The atmosphere at La Cuadra receives mixed feedback. While some find the unique food stand experience enjoyable, others express concerns about the sidewalk setup, which can be disorienting and sometimes forces pedestrians into the street.