Had a great experience at Birrieria Pepe El Toro! The food was absolutely excellent--full of flavor and clearly made with care. The service was just as impressive, friendly and attentive without being over the top. Prices were very reasonable for the quality you get, which is always a huge plus. One thing I really liked was the cozy, home-style setup. It feels like you're eating in a small house rather than a big commercial restaurant, which makes the whole experience more personal and comfortable. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to. Highly recommend! read more

got the #3 sampler here, which included 1 quesabirria taco, 1 regular birria taco, and 1 mulita. This was my first time trying birria tacos, so I was pretty excited to try these out I thought these were pretty fantastic Out of the three, I thought the weakest one was the regular birria one. This one was pretty much just a regular soft taco with beef inside. I wasn't a huge fan of the taco shell, as it was a little soft. In terms of the filling, I did really like the amount of beef in there, but I thought it was kind of dry and chewy. The beef being like this was something I noticed in all 3 tacos - but it was the most noticeable in this one I really liked the quesabirria taco - that extra layer of cheese did so much for the flavor. For one, it provided another layer between the taco shell and the cheese, and second, the cheese itself was really good and there was a lot of it. Because of this, the beef inside just tasted better than the regular birria - and the shell on the outside didn't feel as soft as the first one. My favorite of the three was the mulita, which came as two small tortillas with the filling inside. the reason I liked this the most was because it was the crispiest of the three - there were actual crunchy parts to this tortilla that weren't there in the other ones. This one also had cheese like the birria, but due to the slight advantage in crunchiness it's my favorite Of course, what really brings this entire meal together is the consommé. This is just absolutely fantastic - and is the best part of the meal by far. The broth is salty, flavorful, and just adds so much to everything it coats. When dipping one of the tacos in it, I would let the consommé wash over the beef that remains, essentially liquidifying it, and this made the beef so much juicier and changed it from dry to flowing with the juices of the broth. It's hard to describe how much this enhanced the two tacos and the mulita. There's also a pretty generous amount of it Another thing I have to mention is the spicy salsa - which was incredibly flavorful. really loved that The only thing I would really say as a negative (other than the beef that I mentioned before) is that these tacos/mulita really aren't crunchy at all. I wish the tortillas would've been fried more to really get that crispiness that I prefer in tacos - an oil coating on the outside would've also helped. I also usually don't mention this in my reviews, but the person at the front desk was amazing! For the price of about 15 dollars, I would say this is relatively decent - however, while the portion size looks big, it's not really that filling read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - birria combo - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Went to dinner with my two family member, one is no dairy and the other is vegetarian. The menu seemed a little limited at first but we all found something that looked good and ordered. I truly wish I had gotten the name of the woman who was running everything, she was amazing as she balanced serving the busy restaurant. There were a handful of other visible workers and they all seemed to know their role and seamlessly do everything with a smile and polite, engaging conversation. The soy chorizo and potato tacos were absolutely amazing. The presentation was great, nothing crazy decadent but nice garnish and plating. And the taste was the best of all. Similar with the nachos and the birria tacos. All the dishes were amazing in their own way and everyone was really happy with their choice. The tacos were next level delicious. I don't have a ton of birria experience but they were amazing. The nachos were thick slices of delicious tortilla that retained their crunch until the last bite. Between the service, atmosphere, and food, I will definitely be back soon! read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro is a solid choice if you're craving birria. I ordered the quesa-birria tacos, which were filling and packed with meat. Personally, I would've preferred Oaxaca cheese over mozzarella, and I wish the beef had been a bit juicier, but the tacos were still enjoyable. The consommé was lighter and less salty than most places, which actually made it easy to drink on its own. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, and there was plenty of seating inside. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu! read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Quesa-birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Wonderful experience and food tasted sooo good! Felt very authentic and service is so lovely. They have plenty of seating available as well! read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Strawberry Hibiscus Aguas Frescas - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Amazing tacos! Amazing!!! This is one of the best spots near the university district and it is even worth a drive. I did frequent this place when I lived near but I find myself craving it still! The taco combo is easily shareable between two people and they offer a great little sauce bar with tons of red onion and cucumber! The customer service is always so nice and friendly and fast too! I highly recommend also getting a nice aqua fresca which pairs very well with many of their entrees! There is free back-in street parking or parking around the neighborhoods that surround the place! Check it out for sure! read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Birra 2. Birria-Taco Combo - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Super cute restaurant with great food! Sadly I stopped by at 1:50pm on a Tuesday for lunch not realizing they were closing from 2-4pm so I had to take to go but since it was sunny I found a nice bench in the U district to enjoy. Food was packed neatly in the bag with 2 napkins. Service is friendly. You order at the register and they will bring your food to you to go or dine in. They have booths, tables, and some outdoor seating. Plenty of cute decor inside. I felt the vibes were cozy, fun, and overall laid back. I ordered one carne asada mulita y #1 Quesa-Birria Tacos Combo. They ask if you ore okay with cilantro and onion I guess for the picky people which is kind but threw me off because heck yeah I need that cilantro y cebolla on my tacos. I was given plenty of lime wedges y salsa rojo. The food was super tasty and well presented. Only cons for me was I wish the mulita had avocado in it and the consome had a little more flavor but still super delicious meal. Definitely a tasty lunch or dinner spot with good portions. read more

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In my humble opinion, Seattle's premier burria spot. I came here with a group of friends, and ordered the burria ramen and single quesaburria. The food came quickly, and the staff were very friendly. The quesaburria was exactly as I wanted, cheesy, filled with generous amounts of meat, and great overall. The burria ramen in particular intrigued me, and letting my curiosity get the better of me, I ordered it, and I am glad that I did! It came with a huge portion of burria topped over a super flavorful broth, and I was really surprised at how good the noodles were, and how the whole dish seemed to just fit,despite being a mesh of several cultural cuisines. I'll definitely be back here with friends! read more

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What the heck why have I never heard about this place. It's so good it makes me worry about what other amazing little restaurants exist around the city that I have no idea exist. It's just really good, really messy, really legit birria. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Mulita, birria, Quesa-Birria tacos with consomme on the side - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great food, ambiance and service! Our food came out within 10 minutes and the portions are HUGE! I got the Birria Ramen and I swear half of it was filled with meat. I absolutely devoured the chicken taco and the queso-birria looked delectable-- perfect golden brown. Everything was well-seasoned and all of the vegetables/greens (onion, cilantro, salsas, etc) tasted really fresh. The lady at the counter was very sweet and kind. She let us know where everything was (water, sauces, etc) and was very patient while we were deciding what to get. All tables and entire dining area looked very clean as well, I would really recommend this place to those who live near the Ave! read more

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Delicious!! I thoroughly enjoyed my chicken taco and watermelon agua Fresca. Service was lovely, super friendly and answered any questions I had. It was really nice to sit outside and enjoy the comings and goings of the neighborhood while eating. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Chicken taco - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great little taco place. Had quesabirria and it was good! They also make a plan that was very delicious, and the Horchata was really good, and they get coach thing so if you don't wanna drink at all, you can take some of it home. It has a lid. I will definitely be back, the service was great. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Lots of Frida art - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Excellent Birria Tacos!! The corn tortillas so fresh, cheese ooey gooey, meat super tender, broth perfectly spiced. Dining area was very clean, salsa bar had lots of options, and staff were so accommodating. My mom eats like a toddler so they made her a special non spicy beef taco, after she told them the chicken was too spicy, no charge. 10/10 recommend! We will be back, without my mom read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Beef Birria-Taco - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Wow, thanks to other Yelpers and fellow Elite/IGer Carol C, for putting this spot on my radar screen! Because of other perishable items I had in the car, I could not dine onsite at this upper Ave (56th & University Way/UDistrict) spot. This used to be a Brazilian spot, soup site, and burger joint...now home to a great indie, Birrieria Pepe El Toro. Angled 2 hour street parking out front and on Metro bus routes. Very comfy with AC and definitely Frida Kahlo forward interior decor. Welcoming person at the main counter. Ordered the Queso Birria Quesadilla as takeout ($16). This came with cucumber slices, red & green salsa, lime wedge, consumé, and a very generously sized filled quesadilla. It had the best of both worlds of my fave quesadilla spot near Gas Works Park & my fave birria spot in Burien. Succulent, flavorful, omg hit the spot! I look forward to dining onsite, but good to taste the quality from this takeout order! read more

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We were looking for the food truck and was pleasantly surprised to find their dine in restaurant that has been opened since February 2024. In search of birria tacos, this place hit the spot. We got the quesa birria tacos, birria quesadilla and combo sampler. The three of us were quiet while eating, so that tells me we all enjoyed the meal! The birria seemed like it could use a little more seasoning. The accompanying hot sauce helped to add some heat. The watermelon with cucumber agua fresca was refreshing. Horchata is my daughter's go to. Service was friendly and prompt. read more

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Legitimately the best chicken flautas I've ever had. It's such a cute place, wonderful service and great food! I'll definitely be back.

My boyfriend and I shared some queso birria and al pastor tacos yesterday, and overall, we enjoyed the experience. The tacos were great, though the birria wasn't the best we've ever had--it is the best we've found in Seattle so far, which says a lot. We wouldn't go out of our way for them, but if we're in the area and craving tacos, we'll definitely be back. That said, they really do load up the tacos, which I appreciate, and the consomé was flavorful and delicious. I also loved the self-serve salsa bar--it's always a nice touch. The service was exactly what I needed: quick and efficient, nothing over the top. As for the ambiance, it's a solid spot for a quick, casual dinner with friends--comfortable and perfect for a taco fix. read more

I loved the environment! The restaurant had great decor, optimal space, and friendly/efficient staff. The presentation of the food was lovely and everything looked very pleasing. The birria itself was pretty good. Comparing it to birria I have had before, it was not as flavorful, and the consome was a bit bland. However, I would definitely go again when I am craving some birria. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Quesabirria - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place has such fantastic food and wonderful staff you really cant go wrong with anything you get here. Been to the food truck before, but had to take a trip to the restaurant. Definitely worth checking out, best tacos in Seattle and i'm now a huge fan of the flan. Meat (Asada, Birria, Pastor) is tender and well seasoned/cooked, and the consume was actually to die for (so flavorful) Decorations in the restaurant are so fitting with theme, the art both painted on the walls and hung up were so unique and fun. Once again, staff is absolutely phenomenal, cant wait to come back and see what all they do with this location. read more

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Oh. My. Birria. This little spot on University Way is an absolute MUST. Never, in my decades on this earth, have I had such an amazing Birria Taco nor such a fantastic Birria Experience! The tacos: fire. The vibe: High. The service: elevated. The price: more than reasonable. Birrieria Pepe el Toro, the place where dreams come true. Mark my words, I will be back! read more

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Maritza is a rockstar. I showed up 5 min to closing they didn't say a word. Got my food to go and it was delicious. Just wished I lived close enough to go a lot more. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in the u district the had the best red rice very flavorful and spiced, their al pastor tacos were incredible seasoned. Quick and friendly service, I accidentally spilled and insisted on cleaning but she wouldn't let me lol so definitely amazing staff! Very cozy! read more

If I could recommend one Mexican restaurant in Seattle, it'd be this one! They specialize in birrieria and have a focused menu, but their beef and pork protein options are both well seasoned and not overcooked. The portion sizes are huge. When I get the burrito I usually have lunch leftover for the next day. They have nice seating inside with seasonal decor. read more

Food was delicious (sorry no photos) ordered the quesadillas-Birria tacos, veggie tacos to go and aguafresca after a work party at the community garden. Hit the spot bang on. Took them back up to the garden to eat. All was delicious and making me think of a good excuse to swing by and get another one. Were quite a few folks in there for 2pm on a baking hot Sunday afternoon but they got my food to me quickly. All was top notch and very reasonably priced. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Taco eating instructions - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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A very cute space with fun music and a lovely hostess. I tried the quest-birria taco combo (3 tacos and consommé) and couldn't be happier. Crispy taco shell, stuffed with tender beef and perfectly melty cheese. The combination of textures adorned with the warm, flavorful consommé was everything I could have asked for on a cold Winter evening. Looking forward to trying everything else on the menu! read more

Holy smokes, this was excellent. The place is charming and the service is fast, friendly and proud of their food(rightfully so). The food came out in less than ten minutes. I got the sampler tacos and each one was unique and loaded with meat. I could only eat 2 of the tacos. Super filling. My only wish is a beer would have been great, but maybe down the line they will get a liquor license. Highly recommend. read more

I really enjoyed the food everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The birria tacos stood out, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere made the experience even better. I'll definitely be back! If I could give more than five stars, I would. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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News flash: this place ain't closed!! I repeat, not closed, and thankfully so! You have to follow their Instagram page to know which brewery they will be at. This was my first birrieria experience, and holy crap, this was amazing. Hands down probably my favorite food truck I've been to in Seattle. The staff are super friendly and nice, and they even provided us tips on how to eat these tacos. PRO TIP which honestly hit home: instead of actually dipping the tacos in the consumé (broth), TAKE A BITE OF THE TACO AND SIP THE CONSUMÉ AFTERWARDS. The flavors of the broth are so much more pronounced and simply warms the soul. But you do you (but I will 100% will sip from now on) So onto the tacos. My wife and I got four each, two quesotacos and two birria tacos. We both preferrred the queso tacos over the regular birria ones, but they were all amazing. The meat was so tender and moist, and it all just melted in our mouths. Plus, if you want a spicy kick, their sauce is pretty damn awesome. I also loved how they threw in cucumbers as a cooling agent to contrast all that heat! My only critique is that 1. I wish they provided more limes, and 2. That they added more cilantro and onions. But these are paltry requests within the grand scope of things. Oh man, oh man, this place set an incredibly high bar for birria tacos. These tacos, paired along a pint of cold beer, was a meal of true delight. I will be back to hunt for some more in the near future. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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10/10 tacos! They also had some kid friendly options on the menu. Staff were also friendly.

This is the best birria I've tried in Seattle!! So juicy and flavorful and they have a salsa bar so you can customize your food. The restaurant is small and has nice decoration and the woman who took our order was very nice. We had a great meal for a good price and we will be back! read more

The best Birria from a food truck I've ever had hands down! This place is legit and delicious! They have limes and cucumber slices with tajin on them (delicious!) on the side. It's not cheap, as others have noted, but the flavors are spot making it worth it. I had left over consome so I brought it home and added it to my own instant ramen for the win! read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Menu 7/21/23 - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I absolutely love this place. Best birria tacos that ive ever had in my life. The owner and employees are so kind, Im a regular and I love to chit chat. They are super sweet. The place is always clean, tidy, and they even have their own sauce bar! HIGHLY RECOMMEND YALL, PLEASE TRY! read more

I love the tacos and mulitas. The salsa bar is awesome. The whole is experience is awesome every time! Yummy!

The food was reasonably priced, came out quickly, and was delicious! The server was very kind and willing to clear up any of my questions. I highly recommend the queso-birria taco combo! read more

Tasty tacos and soup. Friendly staff. Cute restaurant. Definitely recommend. The salsas are good too!

Fun spot, amazing food, and great service. Would highly recommend if you are in the area!

I've been waiting to try this place for awhile and it didn't disappoint. Might be one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. The beef is so delicious, like beef buttery goodness, inside of a corn tortilla with cheese. I'm drooling just thinking back on eating them. The consommé that I didn't soak up on my delicious tacos I drank after. We tried the birria ramen as well, delicious! The watermelon and cucumber agua fresca so fresh and delicious. The staff are so kind and so excited to share their food. You can tell a lot of love has gone into it. Run don't walk to this place. read more

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Been going here w a friend and it's so good! We're from Eastern WA where there is good Mexican food everywhere and this is the only spot in Seattle where the food is just as good as it is back home. Brought my parents here when they helped me move in and they loved it! They're tough critics but they said the food reminded them of home. Great service too and the murals on the walls are super cute. read more

Yumm! So glad there is a place nearby to stop in for bomb tacos. I got the quesabirria, carne asada, and chicken tacos. All were great but I was really feeling the chicken one Staff is super friendly and it's a cute spot. read more

Birrieria Pepe El Toro - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

By the time I was able to check this truck out they were nearly sold out. I was able to get a couple of quesa tacos though and that's enough to tell me you have to get more! Fast, friendly, and delicious! read more