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    La Carta de Oaxaca

    3.9 (1.4k reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Bars
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    La Carta de Oaxaca Photos

    Business Info

    LA CARTA DE OAXACA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Tacos Carne Asada

    Had such a lovely day at La carta in Oaxaca, dining outside with wonderful ambiance and Mexican music playing in the background. They even let our dog join us at the table, which was such a sweet touch. The Mole was outstanding, honestly probably the best I've had in town. The tacos al pastor were fantastic too, some of the best I've tried, and the carne asada tacos were also very good, we got two of them. Portions run a touch small, but given how delicious everything is and how attentive the service was, it's absolutely worth it. We also tried the spicy mangonada, which had a great kick to it. Overall, a real gem and highly recommended.

    Mole' Negro Oaxaqueno
    Ben F.

    Same same. So good. The molé is incredible. I can say enough, really. They're super friendly, the margaritas are strong and delicious. Highly recommend.

    mole negro oaxaqueño
    Crystal H.

    I've never had a mole before and was excited to finally try it. It was absolutely delicious, it was sweet, smokey, and the pork ribs fell off the bone. Tortillas were included and there was small salas bar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was very busy but we were able to get a spot on the communal table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The servers were so quick and were attentive in filling water. They gave some recommendations for us since we've never been. They also had the beer Victoria and our friend was so happy to see it being sold here! Rare sight apparently.

    Meredith F.

    Still, after all these years, one of the best restaurants in Seattle! These are hands down the VERY BEST TORTILLAS I have ever put in my mouth! The lady behind the counter rolls them out fresh! She obviously makes them with love! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great people watching on the patio, but their bar area is so cute too![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We both got the carne asada plate. I loved the charred chili on top of the steak! Also their guacamole is phenomenal! So so delicious! I like their salsa bar too! The hibiscus drink was a bit sweet but good! Beans were the bomb- I absolutely would LOVE to know how to make beans like them!!! They have an awesome, after 3 pm, drink n food happy hour too! Definitely worth the drive to come here! Of course, YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS PLACE!

    Drink menu
    Sara P.

    Great food! Whenever we are in Ballard we eat here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We had early dinner on a Saturday and wished we could have gotten two orders table outside. It was a hot day, and it was pretty hot sitting inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the enmoladas which was delicious. The steak was cooked beautifully and it was very tender. The mole is on point. My husband had the Carnitas Plato. The pork was fork tender and melted in your mouth. I wish I could cook pork that delicious. Fresh tortillas being made constantly by the woman behind the bar. They can't be any fresher. I also like getting my own salsa. We don't have to bug a server for more. Their guacamole is also super great. Yum!

    Bonnie G.

    Another great meal. I had the birrierria lamb rack. Soooo tender. Delicious seasoning. I wanted a bit more heat and used some if their great salsa. My other had the mole chicken - cant stay away from ordering it. The chips came hot and crisp to the table, all 3 salsas were enjoyed. Also ordered the guacamole because you just have to. A busy Saturday evening and the quality remained high.

    Entomatadas Rojas

    Im from Texas and actively miss Mexican food from the south and this place met my expectations. I felt like I was back home. My friend and I both had the red entomatadas and both loved them! Will definitely be back. I also had a mezcalerita and it was fantastic!

    Lamb Birria and Kids Quesadilla
    Madeline D.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]A nice sunny day calls for an outdoor lunch![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Tried La Carta De Oaxaca in Ballard today and sat outside![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got the Lamb Birria and the kids quesadilla! The food was 9.5/10, the quesadilla was a nice touch with the lamb birria!

    Agua Fresca watermelon
    ThuyVy N.

    Went to this spot on a Friday for lunch and it was pretty busy for being a workday, we grabbed the last outside patio that was big enough to fit our group of 5. The service was very nice and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outdoor area is so nice and fun and it's a good spot in the heart of Ballard.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall I thought the food was good and decent, nothing crazy. I thought the al pastor was pretty good and strong in flavor and could've had nicer balance with the veggies and citrus, I think the best dish out of the group was probably the fish tacos as it was much lighter and well balanced. I did really like the agua Fresca and that was the best part and just being able to sit outside and enjoy. 3 stars for the food, 4 for the vibes and ambiance.

    Tacos Al Pastor
    Brooke B.

    I got the Al Pastor tacos and the tamarind agua fresca and both were excellent! The service was slow likely due to the server/customer ratio being off. My drink didn't come out until I was eating my last taco but I'm attributing that to how busy it was. Overall, I would recommend and would go back to try other menu items!

    Messy yet beautiful action shot--this needs to be repeated.
    Efrain L.

    After my partner became a U.S. citizen, we knew exactly where to celebrate--La Carta de Oaxaca in Ballard. It's our favorite Mexican spot in Seattle, hands down. Word is, the restaurant got its start when Gloria Perez cooked her mom's Oaxacan recipes for a local culinary expert's family--who were so blown away, they helped her open the place. Taste the food, and you get it. It's more than a meal--it's a story, a legacy, and a masterclass in flavor. Everything on the menu is a win, but I keep coming back for the tamales, their deep, complex mole, the lamb that falls apart like butter, and carne asada that's bold and perfectly grilled. The tortillas are made fresh, the habanero salsa brings real heat, and there's a level of care here that's rare--every bite tastes like it came from someone's home kitchen, not a restaurant line. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space walks the line between casual and elegant, and the family-run team makes you feel like you're part of theirs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Honestly, I think they deserve a Michelin star--but even without one, it's one of the most consistently outstanding meals in the city. When we talk about what makes America special, this is it--flavor, heart, and family, all in one place.

    Tracy A.

    I think this is one of the best Mexican restaurants without having to drive to southside. Places in Seattle are overpriced and underwhelming and getting worse all the time. I don't feel La Carta is any more spendy than lesser options in Seattle, and I feel the quality for what you get is much better. Their plate presentation is attractive. The menu and the food are straight forward. While I like some dishes more than others, I feel like I can pick anything at La Carta, and I'm going to like it. Would I get the house specialty mole? Yes. The flan was perfection. Smooth, creamy texture with a light sauce on top and around the plate. This is how flan is supposed to be. We have had margaritas and mezcal drinks and enjoyed all of them. The tortillas are hand made, and you can tell. We have had great service, friendly and efficient. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have a casual and familiar indoor seating area as well as outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The tables near the front door are particularly cute in that the meal takes on that cafe feel.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] La Carta has stood the test of time as well. They started in 2003, so 22 years of celebrating Oaxacan food is a statement in itself.

    Rachel Y.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were looking for a dinner spot in Ballard that had space for a larger group without a reservation, and La Carta de Oaxaca was the perfect fit![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the lamb birria and it was delightful. Also loved that we could just grab more salsa as needed from the bar. I also appreciated that they had us wait for our table in an area inside near the bar, rather than outside in the rain.

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    3 years ago

    This place is super super good. Most authentic Mexican in town. Awesome place to take a date.

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    La Carta de Oaxaca Reviews in Other Languages

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    Koko's

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    4.4
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    Great menu...super comfortable ....so accommodating , happy hour is fun...lunch is a 'sleeper'…read more.. but an amazing introduction into the place at a very reasonable price

    such a cute spot for delicious mexican food and tasty cocktails in seattle. the vibes are…read moredefinitely more upscale and moody, so this is one of those places that i'd say is good for a girls night out, date night, or just showing visitors around. service is great, our waiter was super sweet and helpful. the staff also cleared our table pretty swiftly and even offered us new plates at one point, which i really appreciated. one of my friends also came here for her birthday and she got a little something on the house, so i can definitely say service is top-notch! foodwise, even though koko's is more expensive than your average mexican spot (you're totally paying for ambiance and service too though), the portions are heaping. i barely finished my enchiladas and all of my friends took their meals to-go. (those burritos are massive omg.) the mole enchiladas were SOOO good, as were the cashew poblano enchiladas. their sauces are so yummy and the presentation was on-point for both enchiladas. i also had a bite of my friend's carne en morita which is a slow cooked pork dish, and i was obsessed. the only thing i'd say to pass on would be the tacos. drinks were also great and had amazing presentation. i was very satisfied with my carajillo and my friend's passion fruit mojito was also very tasty (you could NOT taste the alc in it i swear) overall, koko's is a great spot if you're looking to dress up for a cute night out but also craving some tasty mexican food.

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    D' La Santa

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    I've always wanted to check out D'la Santa. I always heard that Fri and Sats are always busy and…read morethey do not take reservations but walk-ins only. However, I just found out you can put your self on the waitlist on their website if it's busy. Sundays are the best days to go as it's not as busy and they were able to accommodate a big party. The restaurant also has a parking lot for people to park at as well, so that is a plus! The drink menu is very limited, they don't have a full bar. I ordered the skinny margarita and it was good. The food is authentic and if you are looking for authentic Mexican food, D'La Santa is the spot. We ordered the queso and the rajitas. Both appetizers are really good, came out super hot. Highly recommend. I got the carne asada plate and added an extra mini quesadilla. The carne is very seasoned so you have to eat it with the tortilla to balance out the saltiness. The service was fast and our waiter was very attentive.

    Photos
    Really cool inside, with a faux lantern tree that makes it a special place to eat. But quite noisy at peak hours.
    Really cool inside, with a faux lantern tree that makes it a special place to eat. But quite noisy at peak hours.
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    Asadero Ballard

    Asadero Ballard

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    This was probably our 7th or 8th visit to Asadero, and somehow it just keeps getting better. We've…read morenever had a bad meal here. We started with the bone marrow and the queso fundido. The bone marrow is an absolute must order every time. Rich, buttery, and packed with flavor, especially spread on the warm toast. I enjoyed the queso too, but if I had to choose one appetizer, the bone marrow wins every time. For dinner we shared the Zabuton and the Potato Josephine. We always order the steak rare because it finishes cooking on the hot stone, and by the time we're done slicing it, it's a perfect medium rare. The quality of the beef is outstanding, and the Potato Josephine was the perfect side to go with it. I also had the spicy Mezcalita, which paired perfectly with the meal. Smoky, spicy, refreshing, it was exactly what I wanted with a rich steak dinner. What keeps us coming back isn't just the food. The steaks are consistently top-notch, the service is always attentive without being overbearing, and the restaurant has a comfortable, upscale atmosphere that still feels welcoming. If friends or family are visiting Seattle and want a steak dinner that's a little different from your typical steakhouse, Asadero is one of the first places I'd recommend. It's become one of our favorite restaurants, and it has never let us down.

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    Maiz Molino

    Maiz Molino

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    Hatch Cantina

    Hatch Cantina

    4.3
    (408 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Full bar

    Vibes are great & the staff is super friendly and attentive. I ordered the tachos from the happy…read morehour menu - bomb! Will definitely come back.

    This has been bookmarked for a while and the only regret I have is that I didn't get here sooner…read more This food is terrific, the vibe is hilarious, the servers are downright fantastic. Andrew (our server) introduced us to his sidekick, who was in training. Love that personal, hands on approach for a mew team member, and Sidekick did a great job in monitoring our table and replenishing water. Have to stop here and express my appreciation for Andrew and how he took the time to explain the philosophy and genuine team vibe of the restaurant. Oftentimes when a restaurant adds a flat 20% gratuity, you get the feeling this is not passed on to the servers. Not so here. He explained that it's shared among the servers, bar, and other staff, with only a bit retained by management, but even that finds its way into their wages. Terrific work environment and happy to see it. It definitely shows in the level of service. But we're here to eat. Didn't take a picture, but one of my dining companions ordered the burrito with red chili sauce and it was very good. Just the right amount of heat in the sauce. The Cantina celebrates Taco Tuesday, so I took advantage of this. You get the opportunity to try 5 different street tacos for the low price of $15. For another $4 you order it fully loaded which is a steal (guac, pickled onions, lettuce, giardano, crema, and another lovely sauce). Each of the tacos were really delicious and packed full of flavor. I especially enjoyed the cauliflower and the beef. Was surprised how much I liked the popcorn chicken - still juicy and not greasy in the least. Andrew treated us to a round of the hatch green chili. I was delighted because it was a dish I wanted to try. He described it perfectly: a little kick, but you can't stop eating it. He was right. A bowl of this in the winter with their cornbread (which I'm confident will be delicious) will preempt a winter cold. The sauces on the table are not to be ignored either. The green chili sauce was fruity with a little heat, the scorpion chili brings the heat, but their homemade chili oil is phenomenal. I could put this on everything. In short, the Cantina delivers. Excellent food, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and fun staff, and a cool vibe. I'll bet the cocktails will also be good. Definitely adding to the regular rotation!

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    Interior (4/8/23)

    La Carta de Oaxaca - mexican - Updated July 2026

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