Crowd
- Groups
oChef » Tacos El Tajin – Seattle
Tacos El Tajin - Seattle
Photo from Tacos El Tajin
Tacos El Tajin at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#807 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#47 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Average
4.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
71
Reviews
42.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Birria tacos
- Friendly service
- Fresh food
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Bland chicken
- Service issues
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in Seattle’s bustling South Lake Union neighborhood, invites you to experience its casual atmosphere. At Tacos El Tajin, you’ll find the perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving small plates for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a friendly setting where you can enjoy authentic flavors. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for a convenient and tasty Mexican food experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting Tacos El Tajin
Tacos El Tajin offers a mixed experience, with many patrons enjoying the tasty food and appreciating the friendly service from the team. However, some find certain dishes, like the chicken, to be quite bland , and there have been notable concerns regarding customer service consistency.
While the kitchen can deliver fresh food and flavorful options like birria tacos, issues with order accuracy and overall value sometimes detract from the dining experience. It seems Tacos El Tajin has both its strong points and areas needing attention.
Average
4.9
out of 10
71
Reviews
42.3%
Satisfaction
37
negative
4
neutral
30
positive
Looking at the numbers, Tacos El Tajin holds an overall restaurant score of 4.9, placing it in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 42.3%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This feedback comes from 71 customer remarks, with 30 positive and 37 negative observations. Delving deeper, the Food (5.4) receives an average score, though it’s the highest-rated aspect.
Service (4.3) also falls into the average category. However, Value (2.2) and Ambience (1) are notably low, suggesting these areas are significant drawbacks for many.
What people like
- Flavorful birria tacos
- Friendly, quick service
- Fresh, delicious food
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Bland chicken dishes
- Inconsistent service issues
With a recommendation score of 5, Tacos El Tajin presents a bit of a gamble. If you’re seeking specific items like their birria tacos and prioritize friendly service, you might find a decent meal here.
Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies. However, if value for money and a pleasant dining atmosphere are high on your list, you might want to consider other options.
It’s a place that could satisfy a craving, but it’s not without its notable shortcomings.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Mexican Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
617
95.5%
- $$
- Westwood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
93
91.4%
- $$
- Brighton
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
170
89.4%
- $$
- Northgate
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
561
90.6%
- $$
- University Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
203
90.1%
- $$
- Georgetown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.6
out of 10
out of 10
98
87.8%
- $$
- Lake City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Tacos El Tajin
Food (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers rave about the delicious habanero salsa and flavorful birria tacos. Folks also appreciate the generous portion size and the quality of simple ingredients used. With 25 positive remarks out of 52 total, theres definitely some good stuff happening in the kitchen, even if the overall score sits at an average 5.4.
However, its not all sunshine and spice. A significant number of diners, accounting for 24 negative comments, found some dishes to be quite disappointing, citing bland boiled chicken breast and the use of cheap ingredients. Many experienced a lack of flavor and even dry chicken, contributing to a mixed 48.1% customer satisfaction for the food.
Food
52
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious birria tacos
- Great habanero salsa
- Generous portion size
What people don't like
- Bland chicken dishes
- Lack of flavor
- Cheap ingredients used
Often praised
- foodThe food was tasty
- birria tacosThe birria tacos were so juicy and flavorful
- burritoDelicious as usual
- Mexican foodeasily the best Mexican food I’ve ever had
- Vegetarian optionsLot of veggie options
- deliciousand delicious.
- delicious foodThe food was delicious
- fresh foodThe food is delicious and fresh
- green saucethe green sauce on the burrito were both delicious
- habanero salsaThe habanero salsa that I tried with the burrito were both delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodla comida no tiene sabor y aparte la comida no tenÃa sin sal
- burritoHowever, the person who wrapped it needs some guidance. I also don't know how to wrap a burrito, so when it fell apart, I ended up eating it with a fork. Despite the wrapping issue, it was still yummy.
- tacostacos were very plain no real flavor
- Al pastor tacosThe Al pastor tacos didn't have any pineapple
- Pollo Tacoso-called "Pollo Taco" with nothing but bland boiled chicken breast
- bland boiled chicken breastMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, especially considering my generally low expectations for Mexican food in Seattle downtown. The so-called "Pollo Taco" was particularly bad, consisting of nothing but bland boiled chicken breast. I would have to be paid to eat that again.
- boiled chickenI found the taco to be the most bland and tasteless taco I’ve ever eaten. It seemed like they simply threw some boiled chicken on a tortilla and called it a taco. I would avoid at all costs.
- carne asadaI ordered a super burrito, and in my opinion, it tasted like a really cheap burrito made with very cheap ingredients. There was more fat on my carne asada than actual meat, and the amount of meat was really small. Additionally, I asked to add sour cream, but it wasn’t added.
- cheap ingredientsmade with very cheap ingredients
- chickenExtremely dry chicken
So, if you're craving specific flavorful items like birria tacos or great salsa, you might find a gem here. However, be cautious with other menu choices, especially chicken dishes, as consistency in flavor and quality seems to be a significant concern for many.
Service (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
Looking at the service, there are some bright spots! Out of 13 customer opinions, 5 positive ones mentioned the service being fast, polite, and friendly, with the team often praised for quick service. It seems some guests really appreciated the efficient and welcoming staff.
However, the majority of the feedback, with 8 negative experiences, points to significant issues. Many customers reported order cancellations, missing silverware or napkins, and generally poor customer service, even mentioning a rude kid. This brings overall customer satisfaction to a rather poor 38.5%, despite an average score of 4.3, indicating a clear need for improvement.
Service
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, friendly service
- Polite team
What people don't like
- Order cancellations
- Poor customer service
- Rude staff
Often praised
- servicethe service friendly
- quick serviceThe team provided quick service
- teamGreat team and very friendly.
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceWorst customer service I’ve seen in awhile
- napkinForgot to give a napkin too
- orderMy experience at this restaurant was horrible. They have cancelled our order twice now, which is unacceptable. The customer service was the worst I've seen in a while.
- refundDidn’t give it to me!!
- rude kidVery rude as#hole kid working in both
- silverwaredidn't get any silverware so I had to eat the beans and rice with the salsa lid
- sour creamThere was more fat on my carne asada than actual meat, and the amount of meat was really small. Additionally, I asked to add sour cream, but it wasn’t added. I wouldn’t recommend it!
- wrappingwhoever wrapped it needs guidance
If youre looking for quick and friendly service, you might find it here. However, be prepared for potential frustrations with order accuracy and overall customer service, as many have reported disappointing experiences. Its a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (1 out of 10)
mentioned by 5% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, theres unfortunately not much positive to report here. Based on just 1 customer feedback, the overall score for ambience sits at a very poor 1. This is reflected in the customer satisfaction, which is also a stark 0%, indicating a truly disappointing experience for those whove visited.
The main concern highlighted by the feedback points directly to the atmosphere. It seems the overall feel of the place is a significant drawback, contributing heavily to the low ratings. With such a low score, its clear the current ambience isnt hitting the mark for visitors.
Ambience
1
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Poor atmosphere
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
If you're looking for a place with a great vibe, this might not be it. The ambience seems to be a major letdown, so you might want to manage your expectations or consider other options if atmosphere is important to you.
Value (2.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems there isnt much positive buzz. Based on 5 total comments, with 0 positive mentions, customers havent found anything to cheer about in this area, indicating a complete lack of positive feedback. On the flip side, the sentiment around value is quite clear, with 4 negative comments highlighting concerns about the price and the overall value for money.
Customers found the food super expensive, noting its not even close to being 13$ and suggesting theyd pay 5 bucks for this. This results in a poor score of 2.2 and a poor customer satisfaction of 0%, indicating significant disappointment.
Value
5
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor value
- Food overpriced
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceDefinitely not even close to being 13$
- foodif you wanna sell food for that price, it should be worth it
- value for moneyI would pay 5 bucks for this
If you're looking for good value, this might not be the spot for you. Customers consistently feel the prices are too high for what you get, making it a potential disappointment for your wallet. You might want to consider other options if budget is a concern.
How are the prices at Tacos El Tajin?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 13 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 spent, most guests typically land in the $11–$20 range, with a couple of diners spending a bit more, which pulls the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican spot in Seattle. You get good value, especially since many guests spend less than the average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tacos El Tajin
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Expensive food with no taste
I had some food from this truck at the Wild Wages Park. The experience was disappointing due to the high cost and lack of flavor. I paid over $40 for three small tacos and a burrito.
The burrito was so unappetizing with a lot of dripping gross water that I couldn't finish it. My main point is that if you're going to charge such a high price, the food should be worth it.
- food1
- tacos2
- burrito1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Delicious Super Veggie Burrito
My experience was with the super veggie burrito when they were out at Marymoor. The ingredients were simple, and the burrito was delicious. I would definitely get it again!
- super veggie burrito9
- simple ingredients8
- delicious10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Extremely Rude Kid, Never Returning
My experience at the restaurant was extremely negative due to the rude kid working there. I will never return to this establishment, especially after visiting the city of Fircrest park on 6/23/24. It was a terrible experience, and I will never ever again go back.
- rude kid1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Quesabirrias and Great Value!
As a Mexican, I really liked the quesabirrias and the salsas! The portion size is very good. I would definitely eat there again.
- quesabirrias9
- salsas9
- portion size8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Bland Burrito
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I used to find their food really tasty, but my visit today was a stark contrast. The burrito I tried was so bland, and it felt like they were trying to save money by just filling it with rice and lettuce.
I barely saw any beans, pico, or avocado. It was definitely not worth the $13 price tag; I would have only paid $5 for this. The food quality was a 1, and the atmosphere was also rated a 1.
- food quality2
- burrito2
- price2
What Tacos El Tajin offers
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Tacos El Tajin?
At Tacos El Tajin, you’ll discover a casual Mexican restaurant perfect for a quick bite or small plates. It’s an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner, offering a relaxed atmosphere in Seattle’s South Lake Union. You can enjoy a friendly dining experience that’s also good for kids.
What are the available service and dining options at Tacos El Tajin?
Tacos El Tajin provides flexible service options, allowing you to choose between dine-in and takeout. You can visit for either lunch or dinner, making it convenient for various schedules. This Mexican restaurant in South Lake Union accepts credit cards for your payment convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Tacos El Tajin?
Tacos El Tajin has an overall restaurant score of 4.9, indicating an average experience. Customer satisfaction is at 42.3%, suggesting a mixed reception. While Food (5.4) and Service (4.3) are rated as average, Value (2.2) and Ambience (1) are considered poor.
What are the standout dishes or positive aspects of the food at Tacos El Tajin?
Customers frequently praise the birria tacos for being juicy and flavorful. Many also describe the food as generally tasty and fresh, with positive remarks about vegetarian options and specific items like the green sauce.
What are the main complaints or negative points about Tacos El Tajin?
Common complaints include poor value for money, with some feeling prices are too high for what’s offered. There are also reports of inconsistent service, ranging from rude staff to forgotten items and cancelled orders. Certain food items, particularly chicken dishes, have been criticized for being bland or made with cheap ingredients.