What a little hidden gem! This place is soooo good! They don't have free chips and salsa but you can get them for $4 not over pricey. I can't even name what I had but it was like a chicken taquito and it was so good. The chicken was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the Mexican rice was super good! I would come here again. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Give it a try! The inside is super cute too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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The food was delicious, and staff were friendly. We ordered the chicken flautas and the carne asada huarache, at the staff's recommendation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]However, this place doesn't seem well-taken care of. The restaurant is pretty dilapidated and dimly lit, and the cutting board they serve food on is well worn, full of knife cuts, and smells moldy, which affected enjoyment of the food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I rarely downgrade places based on state of the restaurant but I felt this was a significant hurdle that could be easily fixed, especially since the surrounding restaurants on the same street are pretty nice, clean and modern in comparison.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The prices are also high enough where you would also expect higher standards. read more

El Quetzal - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This was my second time at El Quetzal, and I already know it's going to become one of my regular spots. If you come here, you HAVE to order the fish tacos. They're super refreshing, light, and flavorful, and the apple slaw on top gives the perfect fresh crunch with a little sweetness that balances everything so well. It's one of those dishes that sounds simple but is surprisingly memorable. This time around, I decided to branch out and order the carne asada plate. The standout for me was honestly the Mexican rice probably some of the best I've ever had at a restaurant. It was flavorful, fluffy, and tasted homemade instead of like an afterthought side dish. The carne asada itself was a little dry this visit, which was the only downside, but overall the plate was still really good. The service both times I've come has been friendly and attentive, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the inside of the restaurant is so cute and cozy. It has that hidden gem feeling where you almost don't want too many people finding out about it because it feels special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely a spot worth trying if you're in the area. read more

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Yum! My client recommended this place and it is as authentic as can be. We had a torta, carne asada, and of course the basics rice and beans, along with some spicy margaritas. The food was on point! I wish the spicy margs were spicier but I know it's hard for some restaurants to make them hot. We had the tres leches cake for dessert and it was the best tres leches I have had in a looooong time! Don't sleep on the dessert here! If they have the 3x leches cake you mustttt try read more

I ended up popping in here when nothing else was open on NYE, and what a fantastic surprise it was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is strikingly fun and colorful, like the proud quetzal itself.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A tome will be waiting for you upon arrival at your seat. With so many enticing options here, I can guarantee you it will be difficult to choose. Whatever path you take, I'm sure you will not be disappointed. The chips and salsa are a must have. These perfectly salted vessels are ideal for the incredibly flavorful salsas. One of the better Mexican food preambles that I've had in the greater Seattle area. The Super Jairo is impressive in name alone. But this Torta was a behemoth among other local dainty sandwiches. It's packed with a plethora of salty meats, jalapeños, beans, chipotle sauce, and mozzarella cheese. I'm not sure who Jairo is, but his namesake sandwich will leave you wanting to come back. And I will, oh I will Jairo. read more

El Quetzal - Super Jairo - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

At the old stomping grounds! This place is amazing for good authentic Mexican Food! I think my brother is suffering from cultural shock. This is not like the chain restaurants he is used to. Husband and I ordered fish tacos. If you never had them here, they are delicious! This is the only place I know that puts apples in the tacos. Sounds strange but don't knock it until you tried it. The sauce is definitely a special sauce. It brings the whole thing together. Add some lime, and wow! So good! My brother ordered the Chili Verde. He liked it. Said it was tasty. It's been a couple years since we were here last. Now they charge for the chips and salsa, but that's okay. I would rather give money to a small local restaurant than a big chain. We will have to come back sooner. We love this place! Oh did I mention the wait staff are very friendly and accommodating? Just another reason to go back! read more

El Quetzal - 3 huge fish tacos! Well I ate one so this is just 2 of them! - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Ordered the fish tacos and my partner ordered the enchiladas. Delicious food and the staff was very nice--I ordered in very poor Spanish and the person taking our order was incredibly kind about it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant had good vibes, too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was a great price. Will be coming back for sure. read more

El Quetzal - Fish tacos and enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

4.5 Stars Mexican spot with BOMB food, polite and attentive staff. We started with a margarita and chips and salsa. Then we ordered the mole chicken enchiladas and chili relleno entrée specials (off menu, but I'm guessing they were around $20 each). Both dishes were amazing, as were the rice and refried beans. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior was fun and festive, with a casual atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I've been looking for a good Mexican restaurant, and this place checks the boxes! This is a smaller restaurant, tucked away on Beacon Hill, that should not be overlooked. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the menu had a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, and they also had some specials. One of the specials of the day was enchiladas mole, which I'd never had before but was curious about. It was a very rich, thick, delicious sauce, and the chicken in the enchiladas was cooked perfectly. The beans and rice on the side were what I've been looking for at other Mexican restaurants and the food was worth it just for that. Everyone else in the group loved the food, and we were all raving about the big portions! Definitely a hidden gem to check out if you're in the beacon hill area. read more

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One of the best authentic Mexican food experiences in Seattle. Delicious Oaxacan food with a family vibe. Definitely worth the visit if you find yourself craving homestyle meals on Seattle's Beacon Hill. A+ service and staff. read more

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Very tasty food. I usually get the enchiladas verdes from here, and they are super flavorful compared to other restaurants that I've gone to. The horchata is given to you in a huge cup which is one of my favorite things. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Anytime I go they are super friendly, attentive, fast service, and they have nice scenery.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I also think they are family owned which is a plus! read more

El Quetzal - Enchiladas Verdes - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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We just stopped by for a drink but I think it was the best margarita I've EVER had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! read more

El Quetzal - Mango chamoy margarita- perfection - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Looking for legit Mexican food and need to feed that craving? El Quetzal is the place for family run real mexican food like an abuela is in charge. Don't miss their daily specials board in addition to their menu of huaraches. Gorditas. Tacos and especiales. I love their quesabirria. Honestly this is the first spot I've tried that doesn't dash my hopes. read more

Some of the best food in Seattle. The staff is very friendly and attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This restaurant is warm and inviting and the decor is fabulous.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I can't say enough positive things about Quetzal. read more

I'm still trying to figure out how my dad and I spent $50 for lunch and walked away hungry? I'm just used to a traditional American style Mexican restaurant and that is definitely not the case here. Chips and salsa are $4 and I have never tasted a salsa like so I did request a tomatillo style which they brought me a small side of. My dad ordered a taco but I didn't understand that they are flat and about 2 inches in diameter with about a half a tablespoon of filling it was gone in one bite those are almost $4 each. We ordered the potato taquitos three of them were $18. You do get a very small container of beans but that's it. He ordered two Iced Teas because they only come with one refill that was $11. With tip it was almost $50 for lunch and I have never spent that much money on so little food in my life unless I was at the Herb Farm. It's safe to say we will not be returning and I feel extremely ripped off. While there is a vast menu it's just so overpriced and mediocre quality I don't see the value. read more

El Quetzal - Receipt to back up the prices - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Food bad asf... tortillas más tiesas que mi abuela en caga pedi un perro huarache no una pinche piedra con verdura, casi hechada a perder y la pinche tabla en que la sirven toda pinche percudida[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. read more

Best Mexican food in Seattle!! My boyfriend and I have been too so many Mexican restaurants in Seattle, none have as much flavor, quality, or the prices. This spot is amazing. I love that they carry so many imported beers too. We come every week now. read more

Some of the best Mexican food I've had in Seattle! The service was great and the portions are hefty. It may cost a little more, but it is darn worth it. My only complaint would be that they do not have a dedicated parking lot and sometimes parking along Beacon Avenue can be challenging when it's a busy night. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It may not be the fanciest place I've ever been, but it has a nice and cozy atmosphere and a separate bar area if that's what you're in the mood for.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I appreciate its location on Beacon Hill and the awesome quality of the food and definitely plan on going back soon! read more

I haven't had much luck with Mexican restaurants out here, only stands and a trucks so I wasn't expecting too much but let me tell you, I was blown away! The BEST enchilada I've ever had and I'm looking forward to trying the rest of the menu. The service was excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was the only customer when I walked in and that's very surprising considering how good the food was.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This family owned restaurant deserves all its flowers. read more

Was searching for a non-meat option for a Friday night in Lent, and ended up at neighborhood treasure, El Quetzal, which somehow stunned and amazed me with its fish tacos! Perfectly crisp battered exterior and moist flaky interior on the fish, married with crunchy, slightly sweet green apple and tomato for acid, taken over the top with the addition of a smoky creamy chipotle sauce. The staff were friendly and attentive as always, and the Cadillac margaritas did not disappoint. Love this place! read more

El Quetzal - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fantastic food. Love this place....reminds me of my nana's cooking and brings back happy memories. Great flavors, good menu, so great! read more

Phenomenal food one of the best Moles I've ever had. And drinks were solid service was great

Lovely low key spot in North Beacon. Authentic food and great service - pleasant add to the day

The food was amazing! They only had one server and one bus person and they did an incredible job. My husband and I went for lunch and it was very crowded and we had some of the best service. read more

El Quetzal - Enchiladas Verde - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Good food good drinks excellent service thanks Alejandro. I love the pambazo , enchiladas and Alambre wow

We recently dined on a sidewalk table at El Quetzal and it was great! There weren't heaters when we were there, so bundle up. Super kind workers provided attentive service and the portions were quite large. The michelada came with a tamarind straw - yum! The menu also features items that are less common at many Mexican restaurants I've been to in Seattle and there were several daily specials available. The inside looks really cute - can't wait to eventually return and dine indoors! read more

El Quetzal - Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Found it pretty expensive for the food. Margherita mix was bad or something too. Not for me. read more

Loved what we ate--corn meal encrusted halibut tacos and sour cream chipotle prawns! We would absolutely come back here when we're in the Seattle area...we highly recommend! read more

I'm a huge fan of mole and this restaurant doesn't disappoint. My son ordered a chicken with mole negro and my daughter and I had the enchiladas with mole negro with rice and beans. We also had a starter of queso fundido with cactus. The queso was rich and wonderful --- and a very filling starter. The cactus gave it a nice, unusual texture. The mains were great. The stars of the dishes was the mole negro which had a rich chocolatey flavor. It's the real deal, just like you can get in Mexico. The beans and rice were a nice complement. It was a very filling meal. The restaurant has a down-to-earth family run vibe which is very pleasant. The owner of the restaurant served our table and he was very nice and warm. I would like to try some of the other dishes on another visit. read more

I love this place for their unique menu and great vegetarian options. They serve food that's difficult to find up here but is common in Mexico (City) like huaraches and pambazos. The beans are vegetarian and they even have vegan chorizo (soyrizo) in addition to nopales and sauteed mushrooms! (Try a huarache with soyrizo!) My favorite from before my veg days was a pambazo loco. If the owners are reading this - a vegan pambazo loco with Impossible burger instead of ground beef would be amazing! You'd have vegans coming from far and wide for something like that (assuming the salsa is veg too?). read more

Food is always great! I especially like the tortas. I also enjoy the horchata. The staff is very friendly too.

Small restaurant, looks like has its locals. Service was good, waiters were attentive. The waiter said their food was spicy but had no spice at all. More Mexican American experience, accommodates to the new locals. Rice and beans were okay, needed some seasoning. Would have to try it again read more

The food is good and delicious. It's mostly Latino diners here so you know it's authentic. Their seafood dishes are excellent. They don't have many wait staff but the manager who was serving us for lunch was on top of it and provided excellent service. The bill was on the pricier side, they charged for salsa, and even charged for a to go box but that were my only issues. The authentic and delicious food made up for everything else. This is a secret spot and a hidden gem in the Beacon Hill area. read more

Great Mexican restaurant on Beacon Hill. My bestie who lives around here took me here for their happy hour because he loves their drinks, and mentioned that the bartender, Jesus makes the best tequila cocktails. And luckily - Jesus was there during our visit! He remembered Joe (and other frequent customers) and was the nicest bartender, providing quick service and was very sociable. Jesus even made us cocktails he concocted from scratch, which were awesome! If not for anything else - visit El Quetzal for Jesus. He is the kind of bartender that everyone needs in their neighborhood bar. For happy hour we ordered the Asadero Tacos, which for three tacos are only $5.99 during happy hour. They were solid street tacos, and loved the pineapple that came with. Just note that they're small, so if you're hungry - don't bank on this for a full meal. In addition to the tacos, they also had other small plates (like the chicken quesadilla or pork taco dorados), their house margarita and imported beers, all for less than six bucks. It's a great happy hour on Beacon Hill. Strong cocktails in a neighborhood bar atmosphere - now I can get down with dat. read more

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I went to this restaurant last night to celebrate my birthday and I have so many good things to say about it! This is a family owned restaurant and you can totally feel the family vibes when you go in there. There was a teenager that was waiting on us and you could tell he's been around this business his whole life. He never missed a beat, checking up on us, making sure we didn't need anything, and not to mention his sweet smile and demeanor. The owner was super sweet and smiling and when she found out it was my birthday, she surprised me with some amazing coffee ice cream cake and a shot of tequila! I couldn't stop smiling, I thought that was so sweet! I was so sad to see the restaurant half empty on a Saturday night. More people need to come by and enjoy the amazing food and tight family environment that this restaurant offers. I can't wait to come back! If you're considering this place, give it a chance, you won't be disappointed!! Ps- I need to add that this place is super affordable. It was about $50 for 3 of us to eat and have a drink. read more

El Quetzal - Birthday cake + shot of tequila!! - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Family owned. Quaint. Warm. Homely. Modest but clean and colorful. One of the few Beacon Hill joints that has consistently stayed true to service and treating all guests kindly. Tortillas are served hot and fresh. Food is good. Bar is fully functional. There's music playing constantly to set the vibe, but not obnoxiously. If you support local and family owned businesses. Don't count Quetzal out! Even if you're not hungry, at least stop by for drinks! Love these guys! read more

Owner is clearly a big presence in the business. Great presentation of food. Carne asada was a nice cut of meat and a generous proportion.

The veggie tacos are AMAZING! They made them dairy-free for me. The lime was extremely fresh and sharp with flavor. I got the nopales(cactus) and mushroom tacos which were savory and warming! 10 out of 10 would recommend! I cant wait to come back! AND on top of that our server was also extremely friendly and attentive! Also the atmosphere is casual/romantic, very chill and welcoming. And I admire restaurants with clean bathrooms, theirs is very cute and chic. read more

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I've been coming here for years, both to dine in and carry out. I've tried a lot of stuff here and never gone wrong once. The menu is a treat because it's not tex-mex; it's a true Mexico City-style restaurant. You can find all sorts of cool, authentic stuff like huaraches, syncronizadas, etc. And if you don't know what any of that even means, the menu explains it all well. What I want to tell you about, though, are the fish tacos, which are my favorite tacos in Seattle. You're going to have to get a little bit dirty to eat those tacos, so just know that going in. There is tender, fresh fish in the taco, along with plenty of shredded veggies, and then, my favorite part, the apple slaw. Oh man, the apple slaw! Crunchy, a little sweet, a little tart--it's amazing. Put some hot sauce on this taco and you are good to go. Yes, some of it will run out onto your hands, but it doesn't matter because you'll be grinning from the joy of eating it. Again, best taco in the city. I'm not a huge margarita person, but the margaritas are good here, too. At most restaurants, I just avoid them outright, but at El Quetzal, I'll have one every so often. They also carry some of the harder-to-find Mexican beers, like Bohemia. read more

I'd agree with the previous yelper on a 3.5 star. But I really love Mexican food and have really struggled to find anything decent in Seattle. They have great, friendly service, free chips and salsa, good vibes all around. A nice bar, drink specials and a small TV for watching soccer. There were a host of regulars there for lunch when I went - always a good sign. the Guacamole is fresh and great. The pork tacos were pretty ok. The tortillas could have been fresher. I'd be back if I was in the neighborhood, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. read more