Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Situ Tacos – Seattle
Situ Tacos - Seattle
Photo from Situ Tacos
Situ Tacos at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#503 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#34 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
497
Reviews
70.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Lively atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Cramped seating
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, invites you to discover its casual and trendy atmosphere. At Situ Tacos, you’ll find a diverse menu perfect for any time of day, from breakfast to late-night bites.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a relaxed dinner, or happy hour drinks, this spot has you covered. Enjoy delicious food and a lively setting that makes every visit memorable.
Overview: Introducting Situ Tacos
Situ Tacos offers a distinctive dining experience where the culinary creations often impress, with many finding the food to be a highlight. The atmosphere also receives praise for its lively and unique character, contributing positively to the overall visit.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding the price point. While the service generally garners positive remarks for its friendly and welcoming approach, there are occasional reports of less attentive interactions.
Despite these minor inconsistencies, the establishment aims to provide a memorable setting for its patrons.
Good
7.3
out of 10
497
Reviews
70.2%
Satisfaction
122
negative
26
neutral
349
positive
Overall, Situ Tacos achieves a solid 7.3 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at 70.2%, indicating that a good majority of visitors leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 497 customer opinions, with 349 positive remarks outweighing 122 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these insights. Diving deeper, the Food (7.5) is a clear strength, frequently praised for its unique flavors and quality.
The Ambience (8) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, creating an inviting setting. While Service (6.7) is generally well-regarded, the Value (4.3) aspect appears to be a mixed bag for some, suggesting that pricing and portion sizes might not always align with expectations.
What people like
- Unique, flavorful food
- Lively, inviting atmosphere
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent service
- Cramped seating areas
With a recommendation score of 7.4, Situ Tacos generally earns a nod for its distinctive culinary offerings and vibrant setting. If you’re seeking an eatery with a unique vibe and creative dishes, it’s certainly worth considering for an enjoyable outing.
However, be mindful that the value proposition can be a point of contention for some, and service experiences may vary. Approach with an open mind for the food and atmosphere, and you’ll likely find a rewarding experience, especially if you prioritize flavor and ambiance over strict budget adherence.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Situ Tacos
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and good customer satisfaction at 71.6%. With 222 positive remarks out of 310 total, many rave about the incredible margaritas, delicious tacos, and comforting soups, often praising the homemade chips and unique fusion flavors. However, some diners werent entirely thrilled, with 69 negative comments pointing out issues like toothpicks in tacos, overly greasy dishes, and small portions.
A few also felt the food was lacking in flavor, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
310
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
69
negative
19
neutral
222
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fusion food
- Excellent margaritas
- Outstanding soups
What people don't like
- Hazardous toothpicks
- Small, greasy portions
- Lacking flavor
Often praised
- foodMy husband and I absolutely love our Saturday brunch tradition here. The huevos rancheros are truly some of the best food I’ve ever had. Lupe and her team consistently make magic in the kitchen, delivering an exceptional dining experience.
- tacosThe food was the best Lebanese-Mexican fusion I've ever had. The nachos were exceptional, packed with "hushwee", the soups were intensely flavored, and the tacos were the best I've ever had. It truly was an "experience" as the atmosphere and decorations were so upbeat, lively, and unique.
- nachosEspecially when dipped in guacamole! The Nachos were AMAZING. There’s something really unique about places like this where it’s an experience and you're there to try something new and understand how the food exists instead of expecting it to be Azteca, haha.
- soupsThe flavors were combined in amazing ways. I particularly loved 'the bowl', and the soups are always really good. We've brought so many people here, and it's always a winner!
- drinksI loved the energy, cleanliness, and style of the place. The yummy drinks and comida were also a highlight. I highly recommend checking them out!
- taquitosthese taquitos brought me back to family cooking
- FoodFood:5
- burritosMy experience was great! I had some super fire burritos and I highly recommend checking out the papas burrito and the carnitas nachos. The food is good and the vibes are quality.
- souptried the soup which turned out to be a beef and green bean Lebanese concoction that was slightly spicy
- hushwe tacosactual dreams about the incredible hushwe tacos
Frequently criticized
- tacostacos were dripping in grease and not flavorful
- foodFurthermore, the dishes were very overpriced for the quality and quantity received. While the staff was friendly, the bland food and an uncomfortable atmosphere, particularly the cramped bar area, made me hesitant to return, despite having given them multiple chances in the past. This establishment is trying to be different and offer something unique, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver, especially considering it's not a cheap option in a neighborhood that could benefit from an affordable taco place.
- portionsthe portions are overwhelming small for the price
- toothpicksmultitude of toothpicks that need to be eaten around or ripped out
- greasyWhile the store itself is cute and the service was quick and polite, the food was disappointing. The tacos were uninspired, extra greasy, and tiny, leaving me unsatisfied.
- FoodFood:2
- flavorMy plate was brought out within 5 minutes and had a good portion of slaw salad and three deep fried tacos. Unfortunately, the tacos were overly greasy and lacked flavor. The only discernible taste was intense spice, which was not enjoyable.
- portion sizeReally small portions for the cost
- toothpicks in tacosIf you're in Ballard, there are a hundred better places to eat. Adding to the disappointment, they put toothpicks in the tacos for no apparent reason. Neither the bartender nor the waitress informed our table about the toothpicks, which were the same color as the fried tortilla, creating a potential hazard.
- Lebanese HashwehI didn't taste any seasoning.
If you're seeking unique fusion flavors and excellent drinks, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of the portion sizes and the occasional greasiness, and you might find your new favorite taco spot.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The service here generally earns a decent 6.7 score, with many customers praising the badass customer service with a smile and super personable service. Out of 76 opinions, 48 highlight the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, often describing them as some of the friendliest people. Youll frequently hear about quick food delivery and attentive folks who make you feel right at home.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing, as reflected by a more mixed customer satisfaction of 63.2%. There are 25 accounts of rude staff and unwelcoming hostess experiences, with some mentioning laissez faire service or an attitude. A common point of contention is the self-service place aspect, where customers are expected to bus their own tables, which can lead to frustration.
Service
76
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
25
negative
3
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Personable customer service
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Unwelcoming hostess
- Self-service expectation
Often praised
- serviceWhat an amazing experience this was today. I encountered an extremely welcoming environment with terrific service. The food was the best Lebanese-Mexican fusion I've ever had.
- ServiceService is great
- staffIf you enjoy intense spice, it might work for you, but I found it difficult to enjoy. On a positive note, the vibe was super cute, and the staff was friendly. They also have an outdoor patio, which looks like a great spot for nice weather.
- StaffStaff is hip and friendly
- customer servicewonderful friendly customer service here too
- ownerDiscovering this fusion was incredibly special to me. The owner is so sweet and consistently offers rotating menu items with authentic ingredients. I genuinely can’t recommend this place enough.
- peopleThe people are super nice
- wait timeThere is a bit of spice to them, aka flavor. I was met with a smile once I approached the counter, and my tacos were on my table in under 5 minutes, I kid you not. This wouldn't be a Jonny Bullets review without addressing the accessibility!
- Lupe and her teamLupe and her team make magic in the kitchen.
- cool ladya a cool lady told us to find a seat
Frequently criticized
- servicehow we were treated. When our food was ready, the hostess walked over, held the bag out to us, and walked away. Not a word. No smile, no “thanks,” no acknowledgment at all.
- staffThe staff and owner are extremely rude
- ServiceService:2
- attitudeThe service was THE WORST ever. The girl with red glasses needs to find a new job; she gives unnecessary attitude. When called out about it, she was mad, saying it was because we didn’t tip for a self-service place.
- bus your own tableThe menu was also hard to read as you order at the counter. Additionally, you pay and tip as you order, and then you have to bus your own table. The atmosphere was great, though.
- business etiquettelack business etiquette
- customer servicethe customer service is atrocious
- deliveryBiggest miss (IMO): no delivery
- food preparationThis occurred while other customers were present. I believe a refresher on food preparation protocols might be needed. It was quite gross.
- glovesMy experience was concerning due to the food preparation practices I observed. One of the cooks was eating with gloves on and then proceeded to make our meal. Additionally, another staff member cleared tables with gloves on and then started prepping food with those same gloves.
If you value a friendly, quick interaction and dont mind a self-service setup, youll likely have a good experience. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering less-than-stellar attitudes or an unwelcoming vibe, as consistency seems to be an issue.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a strong score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.7%, guests frequently rave about the atmosphere, vibes, and outdoor seating. Out of 86 total comments, 72 positive remarks highlight the cute interior, pet-friendly patios, and overall welcoming energy and cleanliness, making it a truly special place.
However, not everyone finds the ambience perfect. There were 11 negative comments, with some mentioning an uncomfortable atmosphere or a vibe that felt less welcoming. Specific concerns include excessively loud music, a small bathroom space, and cramped bar area with awkward seating, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
86
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute, lively atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
- Pet-friendly environment
What people don't like
- Excessively loud music
- Cramped bar area
- Awkward seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed the place and it fits in with the other local businesses for attracting night life and crowds
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceGood ambiance though!
- back barthe back bar has fun lights and louder music if that’s your vibe.
- barthe bar in the back is fun
- bathroomWe enjoyed our mexican candy shots and really liked the vibes. The bathroom is super cool too lol.
- outdoor seatingthe outdoor seating was gorgeous
- vibethe vibe was super cute
- vibesThis is one of our favorite spots in Ballard! The food is made with love and the vibes are immaculate. When given the choice to eat out, my kids pick Lupe’s 9 times out of ten, especially for the taquitos.
- Tilda's loungeTilda’s lounge is so sweet & vibey too
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- atmosphereFurthermore, the dishes were very overpriced for the quality and quantity received. While the staff was friendly, the bland food and an uncomfortable atmosphere, particularly the cramped bar area, made me hesitant to return, despite having given them multiple chances in the past. This establishment is trying to be different and offer something unique, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver, especially considering it's not a cheap option in a neighborhood that could benefit from an affordable taco place.
- bar areabar area which is too small
- bathroom spaceThe bathroom gets a little tricky because in that space it's pretty small.
- clean your own tablesexpected to clean your own tables
- feelingleft feeling embarrassed and unwelcome
- hairpeople working the kitchen had their long hair down
- musicExcessively loud music turned on after order was placed.
- seatingcrammed and awkward seating
If you're looking for a lively, pet-friendly spot with great outdoor options and a unique, cute interior, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that the music can get loud, and some seating areas might feel a bit cramped, especially in the bar.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at an average 4.3, and customer satisfaction is a low 28%, some guests still find pockets of great deals. Out of 25 comments, 7 highlight the affordable options and happy hour specials, noting that some prices are reasonable and even worth the hype for the experience. However, the majority of feedback, with 17 negative remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many feel the pricing is off, describing items as crazy expensive for their small size. Issues like mandatory suggested tips for self-service and takeout fees also contribute to a feeling of poor value and being overpriced.
Value
25
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
17
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Small, expensive portions
- Pricing feels off
- Unexpected extra fees
Often praised
- happy hourIncredible happy hour ($1 Modelitos!)
- affordablesuper affordable
- hypeit's worth the hype.
- price per personthe price per person ($1–10) was incredibly reasonable
- pricesGreat prices
- reasonable priceAll this at a very reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience involved trying the fried tacos, which were delicious but unfortunately quite small and expensive. A notable point of frustration was the effort required to remove the toothpicks; while I understand it's become a meme, it didn't enhance my dining experience.
- agua fresca glasspick the smallest glass possible to serve their agua fresca in - how cheap!
- billmy bill came out to $12.
- cheap taco placethis is not cheap
- combo pricingthe combo pricing doesn’t make any sense to me
- cost$60 before tip for two drinks and two entrees
- crazy expensivethey’re crazy expensive for how small they are
- pricingthe pricing felt off
- suggested tipCompared to a traditional taco with well-seasoned grilled meat and fresh toppings like veggies, sour cream, and avocado, this just didn't measure up. On top of that, the pricing felt off—an 18% minimum suggested tip for a self-service setup and an extra $1 fee for takeout didn't sit well with me. Overall, it's not a place I'd return to when there are much better taco options available.
- tacoFor $4.50 a taco, also very expensive
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, focus on their happy hour deals, which seem to offer the best bang for your buck. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially small portions and pricing that many find disproportionate to the value, especially with added fees.
How are the prices at Situ Tacos?
You’re looking at roughly 23 $ per person – reported by 65 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 23 $, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, with the biggest group falling into the $11–$20 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly bites to slightly more premium plates.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the range of prices and the average spend, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant. It offers flexibility for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Situ Tacos
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Food, Great Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed everything I ordered. The crunchy tacos were both refreshing and savory.
I had the coleslaw, which was the best I’ve ever had! The nachos also really hit the spot. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- crunchy tacos9
- coleslaw10
- nachos9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Nachos and Horchata!
Despite it being a bit packed, we were fortunate to snag a table. My experience was great! The nachos were a highlight, featuring crispy chips, generous amounts of cheese, tasty guacamole, and well-seasoned meat.
I also enjoyed the tasty horchata. The atmosphere was wonderful, and a fun tip to remember is to take out the freaking picks 😉.
- nachos9
- crispy chips9
- cheese8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Confusing and Expensive Empanadas
I truly don’t understand this place. My experience was baffling, especially regarding their condescending attitude about the toothpick situation. They are small and brown, and the way the food is prepared makes it difficult to eat around them.
It’s as if they think it’s insane people would be confused by their somewhat useless invention. Empanadas have existed forever and don’t have this problem; they should just crimp their “tacos. ” And let’s be honest, these aren’t tacos.
Additionally, they are crazy expensive for how small they are and way too oily. Seattle’s inability to do anything Mexican food related needs to be studied. While I’m happy to hear a Ballard restaurant is getting some hype, this was a BIG miss for me.
- Empanadas6
- toothpick thing2
- food item2
- tacos2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Tacos and Drinks!
My experience at this great little spot was fantastic. I had amazing tacos and drinks. I definitely recommend you check this place out if you are in the area.
- tacos10
- drinks10
- place9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Vegan Tacos & Helpful Staff
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the vegan spicy cauliflower tacos and they were so good. The accompanying slaw side was also vegan and delicious.
They offer two rotating soups, with one usually being vegan. The first time, the soup was too spicy for me, but the staff were very helpful in gauging the spice level the next time, and the curry lentil soup was perfect. I haven't tried their weekday burrito special yet because I love the tacos so much.
The tacos are deep-fried and unique, though remember to remove the toothpicks before eating. The people who work there are great, and I loved the colorful decor. The back bar area has fun lights and louder music, which is great if that's your vibe.
Overall, a highly recommended spot!
- vegan spicy cauliflower tacos10
- slaw side9
- soup6
What Situ Tacos offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Situ Tacos?
At Situ Tacos, you can enjoy various dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They offer seating, counter service, and catering. For your convenience, outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout services are also available.
Does Situ Tacos offer options for specific dietary needs or special occasions?
Yes, Situ Tacos provides vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate different dietary preferences. You can also find happy hour drinks, hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. They are also known for late-night food and small plates.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Situ Tacos?
Situ Tacos has a good overall score of 7.3, with customer satisfaction at 70.2%. The Food (7.5) and Ambience (8) are highly rated, while Service (6.7) is good, and Value (4.3) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about the food at Situ Tacos?
Many customers praise the unique Lebanese-Mexican fusion, highlighting dishes like huevos rancheros, nachos, and tacos for their exceptional and intensely flavored profiles.
Are there any common concerns regarding the pricing at Situ Tacos?
Some customers find the prices to be on the higher side, especially considering the portion sizes, leading to mixed opinions on the overall value offered.