I was hesitant to come here for the obvious reason that it's in a liquor store. This place is exactly why I need to remember to stop judging the book by its cover (easier said than done for me). They have an "excellent" rating from the health department. They have a super high rating from customers. We finally went and the only thing I was disappointed in was that we hadn't come here sooner. Someone had just finished eating when we arrived and they said, "It's just amazing!" to no one in particular, so I mean, that's a great sign. The people working here were so kind- they wanted to make sure we liked everything we got and we 100% did. I got a carnitas taco and an al pastor taco. My boyfriend got a chicken taco and a carne asada taco. We split a carne asada quesadilla. Everything was absolutely amazing but our favorite thing was the chicken taco, which was surprising to both of us. It was hands down the most flavorful chicken taco we've ever tried. It was kind of smokey tasting, which was so unexpected but a delightful surprise! The rice that came with the quesadilla was also delicious. We will definitely return. read more

Incredibly delicious tacos. They are literally all amazing, outstanding, and exceptional. I have never had barbacoa and marinated pork that was this good. read more

When I saw it was in a liquor store I was a little nervous but then I ordered the marinated pork and barbacoa tacos and I was very impressed! Seasoned well, a good amount of meat in there and I would highly recommend a side of beans and rice, basic, but compliments their tacos very nicely! I will definitely be back and I recommend this place all the time. read more

Loved it! After not finding parking near the center of downtown Ballard I remembered reading about El Taco Loco a bit further down NW Market inside a liquor/corner store with free parking. We ate at the communal table inside since it was raining. The service was super friendly and the food was delicious. I will absolutly be back for more of the marinated pork tacos. read more

El Taco Loco - Marinated pork tacos - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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After a total of 11 years spent living in Phoenix and Los Angeles, I was spoiled rotten when it came to Mexican cooking. Northern, Southern, gourmet and street food -- I had it all and I had it often. These are culinary memories that still loom large but, after 20+ years in Seattle, also largely unequaled. Until today. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten has come from, how does one say this, unspectacular settings. So the fact that this is literally a small kitchen inside a liquor store (!!!) with a sidewalk takeaway window shouldn't throw you. The friendly and speedy service certainly won't. We ordered a wet carnitas burrito and crossed our fingers. After the 2 minute drive home we opened the container. And there it was: the ark of the burrito covenant. A dollop of guacamole, some shredded lettuce with crema, salsa fresca, and a piquant, jalapeño accompanied it. All delicious. Little plastic vials of verde and rojo sauces stood ready to do their thing and they did it well. Now for the star of the show: a pliant, but not mushy, tortilla gave way under knife and fork to reveal fragrant rice (I'm not a rice hater, though I know some say it should never appear in a burrito) and generously sized chunks of the most amazing carnitas. Salt and spice perfectly balanced. Thank you, piggy, for your gift to me. After dining, my husband and I put down our silverware and just sighed. We knew we'd just experienced something very special. And we knew, without question, that we'd finally found our go-to Mexican restaurant in Seattle. Muchas gracias, El Taco Loco. You do yourself proud. read more

A hidden lil gem. Best Mexican food in town! Staff is super nice too! Will be coming back regularly. Also horchata is amazing! read more

El Taco Loco - Wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Ok, never even bothered to look inside as it looks more like a liquor store than anything from the outside, and getting tired of el borracho or hotel albatross, I decided to give this a quick try and WOW it's better than both in my opinion! Definitely go check this spot out, the owner was super friendly as well so customer service checks out on point Got the quesadilla with pork carnitas and finished it in maybe 1 minute because it was either super good or i was just that hungry haha Recommended! read more

I've lived in Seattle since 1994 and this place has the best Mexican food in town. Don't let the modest looks fool you. It's a taco stand housed in not the fanciest liquor store in the world. The quality of the food and the service are first rate. My friends and I go once a week. Also it is covid friendly because the have an outdoor takeout window and outdoor picnic tables. read more

Person taking my order was lovely, food came out quick, and it was delicious. The tacos and quesadilla were fantastic. But special shout out for the rice and beans. A lot of places, especially in Seattle, serve bland rice and beans. Not this place. read more

I'm from San diego and this is the closest to so cal Mexican food I have found. Their taquitos, torta, tacos, tamales, rice, beans, hot sauce are amazing and I would 10/10 recommend to any so cal people craving good Mexican food. read more

These were the best tacos I've had in a long time, and I've eaten a lot of tacos both here and on the streets of our beautiful neighbor to the south - Mexico! The pineapple on the al pastor tacos was a fantastic touch. The staff was super friendly and the service was great. read more

El Taco Loco - taco al pastor (left) and carnitas (right) - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Omg so underrated. Probably one of the best taco spots I've been to in Seattle. Order the taco sampler platter!!

I came here there other day to get a fix for my taco craving. The fact that it was inside a liquor store was strange but I stayed and ate inside. The owners were INCREDIBLY friendly. True genuine people that just want to serve great food. While eating I watched other customers come in and chat with the owners about their life and children. To me this is a great sign. Onto the food! The food was great but the ONLY downside was that they used Lawrys seasoning. I could've looked past it but it was just way too salty. It was the only thing I tasted as I was eating. I was hungry so I ate it anyways. Their salsas were great and so were their beans and rice! read more

Moved to Ballard last year after living in Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA for the last 26 years. These tacos are legit. Comparable to good street tacos in SoCal. The owners are really nice and service is fast and friendly. Real horchata, Mexican Cokes, and a burrito that will have you drooling and passed out on your sofa after you've eaten one. I stick with the tacos. Go here; eat tacos. Also, it's inside a liquor store so pick up a six pack while you're there. read more

Delicious, authentic food!! And for such a good price! Best street tacos I've found in Ballard so far. read more

El Taco Loco - Steak tacos -- amazing!!! - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Excellente!! My husband and I live right down the street from this place, and we pass this liquor store nearly every day when we run. We had no idea that delicious tacos awaited us inside! The owners are super friendly, and the tacos were delicious! You can't beat the price ($2.50 per taco), and the flavors are spot on. I am so happy to have found a local hidden gem within walking distance, and also two really friendly folks with whom I can practice my Spanish! read more

Born and raised in central California where all I ate was Mexican food. In short, Seattle's sucks. But this place is the closest to good stuff I've had here. You can just tell by the rice and beans alone. read more

This is the one restaurant on my speed dial. Family run. Friendly, personable service. Delicious food made in minutes. Don't miss out!

Quick and polite service ordering and pick up process. Enjoyed the food though not the best I've had. Hate to break all the 5 star reviews but being honest... overall good to very good... read more

Probably the best tacos in all of Seattle. Perfect comfort food, always get them on my lunch break.

I cannot say enough great things about this place. It's inside the corner liquor store and well worth stopping by. Tacos and tequila? Come on!! The best tacos I've had. Ever. Period. Even when I'm watching what I'm eating, they'll make me a killer taco salad. read more

Place was great drop-in for a quick burrito, but it looks like the liquor store closed and took them with it? Hope the open up another window in the hood! read more

This place had me thinking of my meal days later. Had to go back for more. Do yourself a favor and take out here! Even the leftovers were delicious next day. read more

Was craving some Mexican food decided to check this place by work. Got their burrito and it was a decent size the rice, beans and meat were delicious I also got their horchata and it tasted pretty authentic not like the powdered kind. The only reason I gave them 4 stars is because I wasn't a fan of their salsa and they don't fill up the salsa in the to go plastic disposable cups they only fill it up half way. Other than that food was good and there's free parking!!!! read more

The best taquitos I have had anywhere. This is coming from someone who has been raised in the Southwest and travelled various places in Mexico. I was definitely not expecting a taqauria in a liquor store to blow my mind. read more

Best tacos I've had in Seattle so far. No frills and the taste is amazing. Small outdoor picnic table seating area with umbrellas.

Carne asada burrito was legit. I don't usually give 5 stars but this spot in Ballard is a must try.

Best carnitas I've had in SO LONG! Dankest burrito. Super unassuming place, but absolutely worth it. Also since it's in a liquor store you can grab a couple cervezas when you head out. 10/10 read more

Hooooow did we not know about this place? Just a short walk off the beaten track of downtown Ballard, this sparkling clean lunch counter stands inside Ballard Liquor Store. If you've ever spent time in Chicago or Brooklyn you know some of the best Mexican food can be found in the back of supermercados and the like, and El Taco Loco follows suit. We compared Al Pastor tacos in four Ballard hot-spots, the other three of which are lauded for their South-of-the-Border recipes and often have lines of people waiting for a table, and El Taco Loco beat the competition hands-down despite it's no-frills atmosphere (it was about the taco, not the lighting). The tortilla wasn't hand-made (one person does it all, something has to give), but was well-prepared and toothsome without being rubbery. The meat was precisely spiced, hot and juicy/succulent, the flavor of which exploded and developed deeper notes as we ate. El Taco Loco may also have the best salsas around, which added additional complexity to an already delicious dish. We were so impressed we went back for lunch the next day to sample their Tacos Locos and Enchiladas Mole, all of which were superb. The al pastor tacos were still our favorite of the three we chose (al pastor, carnitas, and asada), but not for any failings of the other two, which were also delectable. The Enchiladas Mole was rich, silky smooth and perfectly flavored - not too sweet, as often happens in American kitchens, with just the right hint of smoke and deep savoriness to linger on the tongue afterwards. A particular surprise was how tasty the accompanying rice and beans were, which are often bland and forgettable sides in other establishments. Most certainly, El Taco Loco (not to be confused with the truck of the same name) will be on heavy rotation for us. Give them a try when you want a quick lunch or dinner that won't break the bank but will leave you feeling full and is, above all, DELICIOUS. read more

SO GOOD!! I'm obsessed with their carnitas tacos. I've had them 3 times this week. Highly recommend!

I never like to review places after a single visit. I've been here several times now and have gotten something different each time. Everything is incredible from their meats to their salsas. Very unique and unlike anything else you'll get in Ballard. Next best place for tacos and the like is at least 40 minutes away. Make the extra 20 minute drive and skip going anywhere else if you're in the Seattle area. read more

Most authentic Mexican tacos in the area. The meat is not dry it's filled with flavor!

Solid wet burrito. Caritas are on point. Good to jave the option in the neighborhood.

The two of us split four street tacos. Perfect snack while brewery hopping. Very clean inside, the window service is a great touch. Awesome tacos, very San Diego like! read more

Taco counter inside a liquor store (I don't know why but that's the coolest thing). Pretty much a one man show. The owner is super fast, super nice guy, and the food is super tasty; oh and great prices. Nothing not to love here. Great for takeout. On a nice day there is a picnic table outside. Otherwise you're eating your dinner in liquor store with fluorescent lights. Which I guess is kinda cool too. Ask for the flan. Its firmer than most versions and freaking delicious, burnt sugar caramel custard goodness. read more

My boyfriend James and I are locals and we spend a lot of time at Golden Gardens. We pass by multiple food places on the way and the VERY ONE PLACE we continue to stop at every time we drive by is EL Taco Loco. It's family owned and they are beyond wonderful. The street tacos are the best around and if you don't get there early, their home made tamales sell out fast! Best around by far. We will continue to highly recommend and will continue to keep coming back for their home made authentic street tacos, tamales, etc. Thank you El Taco Loco for feeding us so great!! See ya soon read more

Absolutely phenomenal. Best food I've ever had inside a liquor store and some of the best tacos I've had, ever.

Awesome taco spot! Seems a bit odd to have a taco place in a liquor store but this place is so good! I have never had anything disappointing here but my favorite is the carne Asada tacos read more

Amazing food! The food is authentic and large portions. Lunch special is the way to go. Highly recommend the tacos or the quesadilla. Everything tastes fresh and food is prepared right in front of you. The rice is soft and fluffy and the beans have great flavor. read more

It may be a little strange to go to a liquor store to get tacos but trust me they're great.