Not bad. Food pretty good, service was fine, decent prices and the atmosphere was interesting.

I'm gonna go with bad service + not very good food = no reason to come here, when there are plenty of other places to have a decent margarita. I have had three Chupacabra experiences, and I don't waste my burrito money on them anymore. I cannot even be tempted by the pomegranate margarita...sorry, that fad is over. 1st time: the fake meat in my veggie burrito was just about the least favorite soy meat I've ever had (and I eat my fair share of substitutes). 2nd visit: my generous roomie picked up a burrito for me and brought it home, carry out style. When he was on his way out the door and made the offer, I said, "Thanks, but no thanks...I'm not sure my money is well spent there." He said, "No worries then--it's on me!" and returned a little while later with carryout in hand. Yet again...a bad burrito! I actually had HARD rice grains througout my burrito. If there's one thing that pisses me off, it's a cook who can't even get the rice right. Damn! 3rd time: my soccer team tried to go there to grab some drinks and grub after a game. We needed to add an extra chair or two to a table, and it was not, I repeat, not crowded in there at approximately 9pm on a Tuesday night. The waitress was so rude to us 3 times within our first five minutes--negating our chair swapping and giving us the "I'm in charge and will tell YOU where you can shove it" kind of attitude that we promptly left without requiring any further services. We were not rowdy, and she was not busy--they stood to make a lot of money off us that night. No dice. We made our way over to the Park Pub, which always seems to have great service and a very decent hummus plate (albeit shitty pizza) and we were much, much happier. I give it 1 star for okay margs and 1 star because the whole world seems to love their deck. I could care less...El Chupacabra has no cachet in my book anymore. read more

A++++++++ food, service and drinks. the owner must have lived in southern CA, because he/she KNOWS how to make real street-tacos. margaritas are STRONG and the best i have ever had. LOVE love love this place, everything is awesome. perfect salsa. read more

Good food, good beer and friendly service in a bar-like atmosphere. Vegan friendly cheese and protein options as well!

I wanted to love this place. Really, really wanted to. But instead, we were treated to possibly the worst not-able-to-dine experience I've ever had. We're new to Seattle, been here about a week, a number of our friends who are from here were very excited about El Chupacabra being a quick walk from our house. So, today we strolled over there to have lunch. We arrived with plan to sit outside, and we brought our dog. Having moved from SF, I didn't realize dogs+patios are a no-no in Seattle. The server who was bustling around on the patio didn't pay any attention when we walked up and found a table, with our dog. About 5 minutes later however, he came over and told us that it was a "house rule" that they don't allow pets on the patio, and that we could either remove our dog, or leave - he then asked if he should leave the waters on the table that he'd just delivered - because some folks apparently choose to leave. We agreed to park the dog on the sidewalk, and immediately got up and tied him to a nearby post where he remained for the rest of the time we sat there. No grief, we understood, it's a health code policy, no problem. The server then took our order - while my partner was taking care of the dog outside of the patio area - and I asked if he could just put the food in a box so we could dash if the dog became annoying (which didn't wind up being a problem). He said "fine" and walked off. We'd ordered chips, which never arrived. We sat there for 15 minutes and were never offered refills on our waters, no food came, and the server never looked our way. The dog behaved, and I planned on enjoying the non-rainy weather on the patio with chips and food, but alas, nothing. Finally the server stomped back to our table, slammed a bag of food on it, and tossed the bill on top and said, "You'll need to take care of this inside." and walked off. In the bag was a box with my tostadas and a burrito wrapped in tin foil and a paper bag of chips. Of course, the food was leaking out of its packaging already and there were no napkins or plastic utensils to be found. And they charge extra for this service. Seriously? It's not cheap, and I paid extra for the boxes (which normally would not upset me at all - but no napkins? and spilling from the get go?) Also, the poor dude at the table next to us had received a chicken burrito instead of his requested veggie burrito, and the server basically never returned. The guy had picked out half of the chicken and was eating around it by the time the angry server man showed up again. Finally the server left with his half-eaten burrito to make a new one, and then told my partner "you'd better check your burrito and make sure it's what you ordered." We looked in the bag, but nothing was written on the burrito, and I'm not sure how one would check a burrito that's wrapped in tin foil anyhow. So, we gave up, carted our soggy and COLD food back to our house, and ate it there. Honestly, I envisioned summer being spent on the patio at El Chupacabra and having lots of good times and tasty drinks here, but alas, I'm not hot to return. I don't think I've ever been seriously as ignored and had my food tossed towards me in a similar manner, and we eat out way too often, so I can say we have plenty of experience. Sorry, but this place indeed sucked. read more

It was the name that drew us in... so funny. I sort of expected a dive-y bar, but it wasn't very dive-y at all. The crowd looked mainly like young professionals, still in office attire at 7:30pm on a Thursday. This was almost comical when noticing that all the staff are generally of the alternative, black-garbed, pierced, tattoo-ed type. It was pretty busy there and we were going to leave but managed to grab 2 bar-stools. The food is pretty average, not great, but I'd eat it again. The price is a plus and the atmosphere is fun. When I ordered the enchiladas the bartender asked what kind of sauce I wanted,"spicy or not spicy?" I said, "medium?" He said "spicy or not spicy". I said, "spicy". I get the feeling that's how things roll there. read more

The vegan nachos rock! Love that they offer everything on the menu in a vegan format. Great patio for sitting out and enjoying Seattle days.

The food wasn't really that great at all. I do not see what the big hype is all about, or maybe it's just the outdoor seating. The servers were kind of nasty and the place didn't seem clean at all. read more

I can't get enough of this place!!! Seriously, I'm in love. Mexican food in Seattle is generally pretty terrible and this places totally satisfys my need for true California Mission Style Mexican. They even make excellent fake meat - and that's coming from a meat eater! Who cares if you have to wait a while for a table - that food is worth it! read more

*Meh* It's alright. I like the fact that you can sit on the deck outside, but I got stuck next to the front door, which was awful, and the food is less than mediocre. Not very authentic food and bad, slow service. read more

You can get pretty decent Mexican food that is reasonably priced. I've ordered the tacos (cod & al pastor) several times and they hit the spot. The complementary salsa is actually tasty! However, the margaritas are weak. I am surprised by all the positive reviews about the margs, perhaps I have only ever come on off nights. I also think the service is slow. I have been here on both busy and slow nights, and each time we have to end up looking for our server. Despite, the mediocre service/food, I really like the outdoor seating. I would probably come back just for the ambiance. read more

Although the food was pretty good - 3 star due to the limited menu choices (no fajitas or queso?!) and also the server was mediocre. She obviously didn't care and forgot things when asked - also took about 10-15 minutes to get our table of 7 margaritas/beer. Would come back again for a laid back meal but not my favorite neighborhood Mexican joint! read more

I love grabbing food and drinks here with friends because everyone always leaves satisfied. They have numerous food options for everyone! I recommend trying the torta if it's your first visit. Last but not least, their in-house made sauce game is tight! Try them all! read more

What a fun atmosphere! The food was all very tasty, as were the drinks. I would definitely come back here for a second helping of goodness. I was surprised at how helpful they were in assisting my navigation of the menu and my food allergies. It made eating there a pleasure, instead of a chore. Also, I can't eat it anymore (allergic to avocado) but the guacamole looked freakin' AWESOME. read more

I went here to have birthday margaritas with a friend. The service was exceptional and my margaritas were the most delicious I've ever had-and I'm very picky with margaritas! I will certainly be back! read more

I"m a big fan of this place. It's in a great location and bartenders are friendly. The jukebox is one of my favorite of all time- filled with punk and metal (I don't see that enough). The food was great. I ordered a Carne Asada Burrito and friggin loved it. Cheap drinks and happy hour and late night specials. HIMSA RIP read more

Servers are either inept or proudly neglectful. The Mexican food served here is on a par with that available at Seattle chains like Azteca or Guadalajara, where comparable meals can be had for less and without the feeling you've been a part of some jerk's bad, juvenile prank. read more

food = great atmosphere = great price = less great service = decent..... good tacos good tacos~ read more

El Chup is my favorite Seattle restaurant. Where did I ask to go for my birthday dinner? El Chup. Where do I like to go whenever I can?? El Chup! While the food perhaps isn't the most "authentic" Mexican that can be found in Seattle, it is delicious and that's what matters. I usually get the pork burrito with avocado, but I've also had the tacos and empanadas. All have been super enjoyable. I especially like the house sauces they have on the tables. I have a moderate allergy to dairy, and they have been pretty consistent in leaving the cheese/sour cream off when I ask them to. The margaritas are tasty and decently strong. The Tecate cans are cold and cheap. If you have to wait for a table (likely on a Friday or Saturday night), get a seat at the bar and watch one of the bartenders do their thing. There's one fellow that's like lightning. We watched him make four drinks at a time! The jukebox is full of metal and Goth standards, and most of the servers are decked out in tattered rock n' roll t-shirts. The walls are covered in "Day of the Dead" and Chupacabra kitsch. I see some reviews on here complaining about the service. I, for one, am not super picky about service. As long as the server swings by every now and then and isn't rude, I'm happy. Sure, extra friendliness is appreciated, but not required. I care more about the quality of the food and general ambiance, both of which El Chup delivers on consistently! read more

I super love this place! I am a recent vegetarian convert and love that everything on the menu can be vegetarianized. Also my bestie is a vegan so its great that we can go somewhere and absolutely gorge without worry. I love the enchiladas especially with the mock red chicken. The nachos are also quite delicious and are great to share while catching up. The staff has been delightful everytime i have gone. Everyone helps out which I love, but my heart belongs to the bad-ass brunette who calls me hun and always keeps my diet coke glass full. All in all one of my most favorite spots for delicious foods and a laid back ambiance. read more

Words cannot describe how much I love the burritos here. Actually I love the whole atmosphere at El Chupa. Their jukebox is full of actually GOOD music. Although last time I was there, it was gone. *gasp* Gone for repairs that is. The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is that the place is small so sometimes (actually, pretty often) you can end up waiting a while for a table. Haven't found better burritos in Seattle so I'll stay faithful to the wet burritos available here. read more

A haven for sullen incompetents in the wait staff, better suited for warehouse work. Shock hair and blurry tats are a poor substitute for eye contact, a welcome, and general cluefulness with a drinks order. If you're looking for the grim consequences of a higher guaranteed minimum wage - and the subsequent promise of unmotivated workers, here are the poster children. read more

I went here on a sunday night around 7pm and got a seat outside. The waitress was gorgeous and such a doll- I odered a strawberry margarita while I waited for my friend Sara to show up. It was not like your typical margarita all blended and full of sugar. This was made with fresh strawberries and was not as sweet which I liked. It cost about 7 bucks- but it is worth it because they make em strong too! Sara came and we ordered food. It was so freakin good- and affordable that I was kind of amazed. They also have different homemeade salsas you can choose from- all really good. After we ate we went inside to sit and the bar and open a table up- the bartender was a freakin' doll all cute with tats- he was also very nice and did not have an ego like most cute bartenders. We talked about Cinderella and old butt rock bands and he poured some stiff drinks. All in all it was a great time and a fun thing to do on a sunday night. this is not like other mexican restarraunts I have eaten at. Those seemed" fast food" compared to this. I will be going there again and probably again and again... read more

Cute little neighborhood joint with delicious enchiladas. Tasty drinks and a funky vibe. Food is good, but not amazing. They don't allow dogs on the porch but I suppose they say it's due to health code. Nevertheless I'll be back on a sunny day to enjoy something tasty! read more

Really loved this place. Great, authentic Mexican food, homemade salsas, absolutely reasonable prices, and an awesome (though somewhat small) outdoor seating arrangement. Chupacabra will definitely be a part of my summer goin-out rotation. read more

This is a GEM!! Right by Greenlake and full of character and delicious-ness! Perfect for a gorgeous day, you can sit outside on their porch, or sit inside. The atmosphere is really unique, playing heavy metal, dark colors, dark art, busy bar and fireplace. The place is always packed! Their food is really good! I recommend the black bean dip with your tortilla chips. I've ordered enchiladas and my fiancé had fish tacos, and I've also ordered chicken tacos in the past. All delicious!! We LOVE this place! read more

When it comes to delish mexican and strong margaritas - it really doesn't get better than el chupa. Laid back, cheap and quick, this place can typical have a short wait for a table, but is so worth it. I usually order the chicken enchilads which comes with a healthy serving of beans and rice....their house sauces are also homemade and amazing. I can never finish it in one sitting. Another great item is their posole soup...bring the heat! read more

I'm just here to review the pineapple salsa on the tables . No but seriously, I have an addiction that will likely result in my husband hosting an intervention. They sell it by the bottle ( as well as others) and I can't eat anything without it-- I make my partner pick up a new bottle every week. When I do chose to eat more than the salsa, I order from the vegan selections and am a big fan of the vegan enchilada plate and also tacos. #basic read more

Great no fuss Mexican food and margaritas. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. Get some tacos and margaritas - you won't be disappointed. read more

Food is okay & seems fresh. Service is terrible. I've been there twice now and both times the service was extremely slow and something we ordered was never brought, but was charged to us. This time I got the added pleasure of a terrible allergic reaction. Something was handled or plated improperly. Will never go there again. Will advise against anyone going. read more

i love it! the fake meat is yummy, the ingredients are fresh, and the nachos are to die for w/ tons of toppings. i also love the pomegranate margarita- it is very large and refreshing. the service is kind of hit or miss- servers range from having a dry sense of humor to being downright surly, but the place is basically a punk rock bar with good mexican food, so what do you expect? prices are reasonable, patio is terrific in sunny weather, and the jukebox is FREE! read more

Last time I went there after a long day at work desperately looking for some food and a cold brew.... I walked in and it was too busy as usual for the sub-par mexican food they serve there. I walked up to the sign-in sheet after three employees walked by completely ignoring me. After I signed in a couple walked in and a server attempted to seat them ahead of me before I said something. After I sat down in the bar area, I looked over the menu, and approached the bar. I made eye contact with the bartender and before I even said a word, he gave me a horrible glare and said, "I'm not ready for YOU yet." I sat back down and contemplated staying here for two seconds, then went to Gorditos instead for better food and WAY better service. read more

Their house margarita is pretty good and they have a decent tequilla selection AND they have Bad Religion on the juke box, but that's about it. The service is terrible and the food is only enjoyed if you are very, VERY drunk. read more

Love the food, love the atmosphere. And great drinks! The vegan options make it possible to have something other than rice and beans at a mexican restaurant. I'm pretty sure I'm addicted. Pros: Great food at extremely reasonable prices, vegan chicken and vegan cheese. The bartenders are cool and the drinks are awesome. Cons: Small and you do have to plan on waiting if you get there past 6pm. read more

I recently became a vegan and Mexican cuisine is something I was missing like crazy because I really enjoy spicy food. My friend mentioned this place and I could not have been more satisfied, not only with the variety of the (vegan and non-vegan) food options but the overall service. I will be going back despite moving to West Seattle recently! read more

Get in here. Sit down. Wait forever. Order chips and salsa because they aren't free here which was whatever but then we get it and the salsa has no flavor and taste like dirty water. Oh well. Bummer. Wait for the food. Got a wet burrito. Taste exactly the same. Like dirty water after we waited forever too.. and it was warm. Not hot.. no steam.. just warm... kinda disappointed read more

Let me start of saying the drinks are great! Like really good! So if your just looking to drink then this is a good spot for happy hour. Well drinks are 4 bucks. The setting is really nice, dim lights and nice decor. The staff is nice too. The food just falls so short. Wayyyyyy over priced and. Ot good at all. Almost school cafeteria level. Final notes: drink here dont eat here. read more

Jeez I had no idea this place was such an attraction. It is a total dive that I have been to twice. Once having a pint or two with a friend after getting the hair cut. Their beer selection is okay nothing to talk about really. The other time I went in by myself because I had another friend tell me the food was great. I had some soft tacos. They were fine again nothing to write to yelp about. Both times I have gone the jukebox was under repair. I have never been during the late night scene so I guess I have only seen the "shady" side of the place. But if the situation come up again I will go back. read more

After visiting El Chupacabra this past weekend, there is much to be desired. I was wishing, hoping, this place would be awesome, but alas, me thinks not. We arrived on a busy night, had to wait a good 15 minutes for a table, which is tough, considering there's no place to wait (tight spot with barely any standing room, your handbag is hitting the nice person sitting at the table behind you -- you get the picture).. After we were seated, we ordered drinks -- for me and my good friend, it was the highlight of the night. The house margaritas are pretty damn tasty (and not that nasty bottled mix crap, which I despise). We ordered the chips and salsa to start, which should've been a tell tale of the dishes to come. The chips were from a Sysco bag, and the salsa, albeit fresh, was sorta bland. Even the salsas on the table, the Pineapple/ Chipotle, was bland and not even hot (hello, chipotle?!). My friend, a meat eater, ordered a plate of different meat tacos. He told me they were pretty tasteless, and was wishing there was a kick-ass marinade that would have made them sing. The husband (we're both vegetarian) ordered a veggie burrito, "wet" which should've been with melted cheese and sour cream (as per the menu). It came out drenched in enchalada sauce (which he's not a fan). I like me some enchalada sauce, so it got passed it to me and I asked "this doesn't have meat, right?" (just wanted to double check, yet again!) and the waitress assured me it did not. After taking my second bite, I got a nice mouthful of shredded chicken -- so not cool on many levels. The second burrito, this time definitely meat free, was again, bland, and basically a tortilla with rice stuffed in the center (what happened to the rice, beans, avocado, veggies?!). When the waitress (who I will say, was a bit grumpy) asked me if I wanted it wrapped since I didn't eat much, I said, "no, it was mostly rice." She said, "yes, rice, beans..." Ugh, really?! The bill came with 10% taken off my burrito -- for having meat in it (after asking like 5 times to make sure it did not) and having to wait a good 10+ minutes for my second burrito to come and watch my dinner party finish their meals. Why does this seem uncool to me? Hmm, I wonder. Summary: food not very flavorful, margaritas are good (not the best, but they heavily weighted for the 2 star review -- nice save!), the chips are kinda lame, as was the salsa, but the atmosphere was ok, but then again, the staff wasn't super friendly (well, the hostess was nice)... Definitely not the most awful food I've ever had, but for my first time visit at El Chupacabra, probably one of my most awful experiences. read more

Worst Mexican food I've had in Seattle. And that's saying something. Also maybe got food poisoning from their tacos al pastor.