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- Fireplace
oChef » Taco Time NW – Seattle
Taco Time NW - Seattle
Photo from Taco Time NW
Taco Time NW at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#436 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#28 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
270
Reviews
75.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Good food
- Clean place
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Bland decor
- Price concerns
The restaurant Taco Time NW is a welcoming Mexican restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood. You’ll find a casual and quiet atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Imagine enjoying delicious late-night food or healthy options by a cozy fireplace. This spot offers a diverse menu, including vegetarian choices, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re stopping for lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Taco Time NW
Taco Time NW generally provides a quick and satisfying experience, often highlighted for its fresh ingredients and efficient operations. Many appreciate the clean environment and the helpfulness of the staff, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some patrons have noted that the overall atmosphere can feel a bit impersonal, and there are occasional concerns regarding value for certain items. Despite these minor points, the restaurant maintains a reputation for reliable service and a commitment to cleanliness.
While the decor might not always impress, the focus on a smooth customer journey and quality food preparation often shines through, making it a dependable choice for many.
Good
7.5
out of 10
270
Reviews
75.6%
Satisfaction
58
negative
8
neutral
204
positive
Taco Time NW holds a respectable restaurant score of 7.5, indicating a good overall experience, complemented by a solid customer satisfaction rate of 75.6%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 270 customer observations, with 204 positive remarks outweighing 58 negative ones, suggesting a generally well-received establishment.
Customers particularly commend the Service (8), which stands out as a strong point, and the Food (7.4) also earns high marks for its quality. The Ambience (7.2) is considered good, often praised for its cleanliness.
However, Value (5) is perceived as average, suggesting that while other aspects excel, the pricing might not always align with expectations for some diners.
What people like
- Efficient, friendly service
- Fresh, quality food
- Clean, comfortable environment
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Lacking atmosphere character
- Value for money concerns
If you’re seeking a quick, clean, and generally reliable spot for Mexican-inspired fast food, Taco Time NW is a solid contender. With a recommendation score of 7.6, it’s often a good choice for those prioritizing efficient service and fresh-tasting food, especially if you appreciate a tidy dining space.
However, be mindful that while the food is often good, there can be occasional inconsistencies, and the atmosphere might feel a bit generic. If value is your top priority or you’re looking for a unique dining ambiance, you might find it to be an average experience in those specific areas.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taco Time NW
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a strong 7.4 score and 76.7% customer satisfaction, its clear many folks are happy. Out of 150 customer remarks, a whopping 115 were positive, praising the fresh ingredients, good flavors, and healthy option for their tacos and burritos.
However, its not all perfect. About 32 comments pointed to some areas for improvement, mentioning food quality concerns, occasional bland dishes, or food arriving cold. Some even noted a meat byproduct' issue, suggesting inconsistency in preparation or ingredients.
Food
150
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
32
negative
3
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Good flavors
- Healthy options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Cold food
- Meat byproduct
Often praised
- foodI found it to be the best fastfood in the business. The food is ALWAYS fresh and hot. They also offer a few good vegan options.
- tacoshaving tater tots with my tacos and I loved it!
- FoodFood was better than i expected.
- chipsThe chips were very thin & grease free
- fast foodIt's technically "fast food," but no guilt!
- fresh ingredientsThe new green salsa is a standout, and I love that the salsa containers are now sealed. It's the best fast food I've had, offering good flavors and fresh ingredients.
- ground beefway more ground beef in my crunchy tacos
- hot sauceThe chicken was nice and juicy, and the vegetables had a good crunch. I'd recommend a side of the pico and the hot sauce. The habañero salsa is also tasty if you can handle some heat.
- ingredientsThe ingredients are high quality and yummy
- Beef Casita BurritoTry their Beef Casita Burrito or Crisp bean burrito you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is really different. We had beef. NEVER AGAIN
- crisp chicken burritocrisp chicken burrito it’s been all cream cheese and no meat
- chickenNo chicken or no other contents!
- bean burritoWe had fun. When I got home, there were NO sauces in the bag, and the burrito was beef. So I spent $26 dollars for my daughter’s salad, some tater tots, soda water and banter at the window.
- beefthe taste was just awful!!
- beef soft tacoBeef soft taco was worse than dog food for quality
- beef soft taco mealbeef soft taco meal and it was all completely cold
- blandhow bland this place is to look at
- burritosomeone needs to learn how to wrap a burrito lol that was a mess.
- casada burritothe taste was just awful!!
If you're seeking fresh, flavorful, and often healthy fast food, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistency in quality or temperature, so keep your expectations balanced.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction. Many of the 64 positive remarks rave about the `fast service` and `quick service`, often highlighting the `friendly staff` and excellent `customer service` that makes for a smooth experience. However, it's not always perfect, with 15 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement.
Some guests experienced `order accuracy` issues, occasional `wait for food`, and a few noted `rude customer service` or a lack of `napkins` and other essential items.
Service
80
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Helpful employees
What people don't like
- Order accuracy issues
- Long food waits
- Missing essentials
Often praised
- serviceThe newer remodeled location is also a significant plus, offering a really nice and clean atmosphere. The bathrooms are secure and clean, and the service is always very fast. I highly recommend the Beef Taco.
- staffMy sister and I had an enjoyable lunch. The atmosphere was comfortable and very clean, and the staff were friendly. Dannyelle helped us with our order; she was so nice and patient.
- customer serviceThe one time my order was incorrect, I simply emailed the receipt to customer service and they sent me a gift card within days in the mail. It was wonderful customer service! Thanks Taco Time!
- employeesthe employees were helpful
- DannyelleDannyelle helped us with our order, she was so nice and patient
- ServiceService:5
- app orderingI can order on the app
- attention to detailGreat attention to detail
- awesome employeesThank you, awesome employees!
- correct changeMy experience at the restaurant was mostly positive, despite an initial hiccup. My order was incorrect, but a nice ginger man immediately replaced it with the correct item and even gave me the correct change. The employees were wonderful, earning a 10/10 rating for their service.
Frequently criticized
- orderThe one time you did get my order wrong
- Google MapsMy experience was that the restaurant was closed for dine-in, which contradicted what Google Maps indicated. I was unable to eat here because of this closure.
- clerkhe said yes that's a side, he was very rude
- customer serviceVery rude customer service
- dine-inrestaurant was closed for dine-in
- informationI was unable to eat here because of this closure. It's frustrating that there's no clear way to know which locations are open for dine-in without wasting time and traveling there. Many other local options nearby are open for dine-in.
- napkinsI was waited on and served quickly, which was appreciated. However, there were no napkins or tacotime items on the tables, unlike other locations I've visited. The staff also seemed closed off, and the counter where service items used to be was bare.
- order accuracyWe had fun. When I got home, there were NO sauces in the bag, and the burrito was beef. So I spent $26 dollars for my daughter’s salad, some tater tots, soda water and banter at the window.
- ranch and salsaended up with just one of each
- serviceI still haven’t heard from anyone
If youre looking for a place with generally quick and friendly service, youll likely be pleased. Just be sure to double-check your order, as occasional accuracy hiccups have been noted, but overall, it's a reliable choice for a good experience.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.2 with a solid 70% customer satisfaction. With 21 positive remarks among 30, guests frequently highlight the newly remodeled locations, exceptional cleanliness, and comfortable atmosphere. Many also appreciate the restaurants commitment to compostable materials, making it a pleasant and eco-conscious spot.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 6 negative comments pointing to some design quirks. Some find the sign ugly or the overall design lacking character, feeling its less customer-friendly and more cold and corporate plastic. A few even expressed strong dislike for the new aesthetic.
Ambience
30
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very clean restaurant
- Newly remodeled location
- Comfortable atmosphere
What people don't like
- Ugly sign design
- Lacks character
- Not customer-friendly
Often praised
- cleanlinessThe food was great, with the habanero sauce being particularly notable. I also appreciated the restaurant's commitment to being very clean and their practice of composting. The staff were exceptionally friendly, and they were extremely helpful when I accidentally left my purse behind.
- placeThe place always looks great
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was comfortable, very clean
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bathroomsBathrooms secure and clean
- compostLove that they compost
- compostable materialsfocus on compostable materials
- customized decorTaco's in Downtown Salt Lake City and Kaysville, Utah, which have customized decor
- dine-inA great place for dine in
- fast food jointmost enjoyable fast food joint I've been to
Frequently criticized
- characterThis location lacks character
- customer-friendlythe place is not customer-friendly but cold and corporate plastic
- designugly-to-look-at, worse to the touch, style
- new designthe new design makes me want to throw up their food
- sanitary conditionspeople do not care for sanitary conditions
- signI absolutely love this place! While their sign is pretty ugly, I adore the food and atmosphere. The price per person is between $10–20, and it was a take-out order.
If you're seeking a clean, comfortable, and often newly updated spot with a generally good atmosphere, this place is a solid choice. While some design elements might not appeal to everyone, the overall positive experience makes it worth a visit for a quick and pleasant meal.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
While the overall score for value is an average 5 and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 40%, there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers praise the fair price, finding it a great place for inexpensive Mexican takeout where you can't beat the price, service, and simplicity. With 4 positive remarks out of 10 total, several folks found the food delicious for the price.
However, not everyone agrees on the value. Some customers felt they spent too much, with one person noting a high charge for what they considered a very cheap product, feeling like money went down the drain. Others were frustrated by missing items, which made them question the overall cost.
These 5 negative comments highlight concerns about the product and price.
Value
10
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive takeout
- Fair pricing
- Delicious for price
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Poor product value
- Wasted money
Often praised
- priceGreat place for inexpensive Mexican takeout
- fair priceat a fair price
- price, service, and simplicitybeat this place for price, service, and simplicity
Frequently criticized
- priceWhen I got home, there were NO sauces in the bag, and the burrito was beef. So I spent $26 dollars for my daughter’s salad, some tater tots, soda water and banter at the window.
- product$4.75 for a .$25 cent product
If youre looking for a quick, inexpensive Mexican takeout, you might find some good deals here. However, be wary of potentially high prices for certain items or issues with order accuracy that could make you feel like youre overpaying. Its a bit of a gamble on whether youll feel you got your money's worth.
How are the prices at Taco Time NW?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 58 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.
Looking at what others spend, most guests stick to this mid-range, though there are also quite a few who find options in the 1 – 10 € bracket, suggesting some great value dishes. A few folks go for the premium experience, but the sweet spot is definitely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican spot. It offers good value for a casual meal without breaking the bank, and there are options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taco Time NW
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Favorite Fast Food Experience
Our favorite "fast food" place. You can pay a lot more for Mexican food and find it's not much better. They do a good job of serving fresh hot food in a timely manner, at a fair price.
I think that's what Fast Food is supposed to be.
- fresh hot food9
- timely manner9
- fair price8
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Pacific Northwexican Gem
My experience at Taco Time was incredibly authentic. I can't believe anyone would call this place anything less than genuine. It's perhaps the most authentic Pacific Northwexican restaurant in existence, with some even arguing they invented the cuisine.
I came for the "burrito" but stayed for the "classic burrito, " which is a true burrito. I also highly recommend the "crustos" – they're essentially tortilla chips with cinnamon and sugar, but trust me, they are great. They've even started serving Caesar salads, which are authentically Mexican.
The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch.
- Pacific Northwexican restaurant10
- burrito8
- classic burrito10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Consistently Solid Fast Food Spot
This is an excellent spot. We love coming here for a quick bite if we're in the area. The service is always top notch - super friendly staff and the food comes out very quickly.
We have been many times and it is consistently solid. We often get the Casita Burrito Platter and the Tostada Salad and it's always fresh and tasty. You really can't beat this place for price, service, and simplicity.
We also really appreciate their focus on compostable materials. This is a standout in the fast food space for sure!
- quick bite9
- service10
- top notch10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
9
Always Hot, Yummy, and Healthy!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The food was always hot and always yummy. I particularly enjoyed how the cabbage and white sauce perfectly complemented the fish.
The dish had the perfect amount of crunch and yum. It was also a healthy option, which is a great bonus.
- food10
- cabbage and white sauce9
- crunch and yum10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fresh and Tasty Casual Mexican Eats
I'm wondering why I haven't tried Taco Time sooner! The food here is great. While it's not super authentic Mexican cuisine, it's fresh, tastes good, and allows for building a reasonably healthy meal.
I enjoyed the chicken chop salad and a lite chicken taco. The chicken was nice and juicy, and the vegetables had a good crunch. I'd recommend a side of the pico and the hot sauce.
The habañero salsa is also tasty if you can handle some heat.
- food9
- fresh food8
- tastes good8
What Taco Time NW offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- 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
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Taco Time NW in Ballard?
At Taco Time NW, you’ll discover a casual and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal or a quick bite. You can enjoy lunch or dinner, with options for late-night food, healthy choices, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant also features a cozy fireplace, adding to its inviting ambiance.
What convenient services and amenities does Taco Time NW offer?
Taco Time NW provides a drive-through, outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout options for your convenience. You’ll find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The location is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring comfort for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Taco Time NW?
Taco Time NW has a good overall restaurant score of 7.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 75.6%. Customers particularly appreciate the Service (8) and Food (7.4), with Ambience (7.2) also scoring well, though Value (5) is considered average.
Is the food quality consistent at Taco Time NW?
While many customers praise the fresh ingredients and often find the food better than expected, some opinions indicate occasional inconsistencies, such as issues with specific items like beef or burritos lacking meat.
What is the dining atmosphere like at Taco Time NW?
The atmosphere at Taco Time NW is generally described as clean and comfortable, with many appreciating the commitment to cleanliness. However, some customers have found the decor to lack character, describing it as ‘cold and corporate plastic’ or ‘ugly-to-look at’.