Saw the Sunset Magazine write up the day we arrived in Olympia. Left immediately for dinner! Great spot. Extremely friendly, family atmosphere. Not too noisy, but cheerful ambiance. Food was great. I had the Chile Verde - not too spicy - just hot enough to reach for the Pacifico! My husband had the Carnitas very tender and not greasy at all. Homemade corn tortillas alone have made me want to go back again and again. read more

Just add flavor. Good service. Clean. I had the house specialty Carnitas and it was almost completely flavorless. After eating at Vuelve a la Vida in Tacoma I guess I'm just spoiled. I would not eat here again. read more

Courteous, friendly, professional On top of all that their chef Benjamin is a master on the grill; ranging from burgers to enchiladas it was one of the best culinary experiences I've ever had read more

How can I put this nicely? I avoid Centralia (and all Lewis County) like the plague. I would rather drive in Tacoma traffic on a Friday afternoon than visit Lewis County. I would rather eat car snacks and skip a meal while driving through Lewis County, just to avoid stopping there. Yet, there is one significant exception. Yes, this exception is so great, that I will intentionally hop on the freeway, drive down I-5, take exit 81, and physically park AND exit my car within the city of Centralia. This exception, of course: is La Tarasca. I am not going to tell you how good this food is. I cannot describe this food to you with words. There are no sufficient phrases in English to tell you the taste explosion of awesomeness that La Tarasca achieves. Maybe there are words in Spanish for it, but I certainly don't know them. Let me finish with this: you know that part in Batman Forever when Two-Face puts Robin and Dr. Chase Meridian over jagged rocks in a pit, and Batman must choose which of them he will save? That is how torn I feel whenever I must do something which requires me to visit Lewis County. But then I realize, I have the power of the Dark Knight to overcome this situation and save the day, if I only visit La Tarasca, it will all be okay in the end. read more

I was staying in Chehalis for a couple of nights and decided to give this place a try after reading the reviews. Oh, my stars, am I glad I did! La Tarasca has the best Mexican food I've had since I moved from Southern California! The Friday night I first tried it, the place was packed and had people waiting for tables but the service was still fast, efficient and friendly. The same went for the next day when I returned with some friends. Their Carnitas are excellent, but what really blew me away was the Chile Verde, which was the best I have ever had. I have to say that I make a mean Chile Verde from scratch, but theirs is so much better! And those home made corn tortillas...fluffy, melt in your mouth Heaven! La Tarasca is the real deal, people. It is absolutely some of the very best Mexican food I have had on three continents and, though I live in Ocean Shores, La Tarasca is a place I plan on going to at least a few times a year, despite the long drive. It's worth it, just for the food! Edited to add: I took my Mom and my Step Dad to La Tarasca for Dad's birthday. We had the tamales, adobada tacos, chicken mole, chile colorado, chile relleno and chile verde (yes, we took home enough leftovers to have for dinner for several nights). All of the dishes were fabulous, but the tamales and adobada tacos were pretty much the best we have ever had, anywhere. The exterior of the tamale was moist, light and fluffy and the filling was a lovely, spicy pork. The adobada was savory and spicy and the chile relleno was absolutely lovely, with a huge, firm, fresh chile (not a canned one) stuffed with a farm style cheese and fried in a lovely, fluffy egg batter. The chile colorado was not as spicy as I tend to like it, but they have a delicious, hot, red salsa that fixed that right up. My folks were leary of driving that far for dinner, but agreed that it was well worth the drive from Ocean Shores afterward. Oh, and they will sell their tamales frozen if you want to take some home! Bring an insulated frozen foods bag with you to keep them from thawing before you get home if you live far away, like I do. read more

So confused by all the rave reviews. I found this restaurant to be no more than average. Friendly, yes, authentic, yes, but superior? No. My chili relleno was tough and half was inedible due to seeds and a huge stem. Rice and beans were so so. Beans were pured - not an identifiable bean on my plate. My friend had carnitas. She was happy with her choice. We found this place to be over-priced as well. $40+ for 2 lunch entres and 2 desserts (flan, which was excellent) seems a lot. read more

My family has enjoyed dinner here many, many, many times over the past 9 years. The foods is ALWAYS just as we expect it/dream about/crave. The 4 of us rarely order anything other than our "usual" and we happily eat up every single bite . The service is just right and the pickled carrots are perfect (with the brine drizzled over your meal once it arrives!!!). The decor is cute, lots to look at, with a cozy atmosphere. It's often full and a little loud with lively conversations and acquaintances running into one another...which we like. Out of aaaaaall of our visits I'd say 97% of the time we are completely pleased. Once the flan seemed too bitter and I can recall twice that my husband complained about a dry tamale...it happens...we will still come back (to a warm welcome) and continue to leave full and happy!!! read more

Amazing award winning authentic cuisine! Without Yelp we would have never known about this jewel near the thriving metropolis of historical Centraila. Just below the welcoming sign sits this 1960's stand alone building housing a family owned business where they really know how to cook. Home made Tortilla's, Mole sauce and on and on. If you don't stop and enjoy this happy and grateful family you have made a big mistake. Oh yes on the way out we saw an order of Tamales so we purchased four for dinner back home! Muy Bien! read more

Entire menu is gluten free, and pulled pork so good you want to kiss the chef. Look like we found our new stop for the SEA to PDX drive!

I LOVE La Tarasca so much. I've never ordered something I didn't thoroughly enjoy and folks are so friendly there too. As a celiac, I really enjoy not having to pick through the menu for the few things safe for me because everything at La Tarasca is gluten free. Everything expect the bread pudding - everything else is wonderful! read more

Very authentic Mexican food cooked by a family that means business. Homemade everything and great service like you are in mamas kitchen and she wants you to leave full. No chips and salsa which is my weakness. Also not many vegetarian or vegan options. read more

First of all I must warn you that I was born and raised in San Diego California so for me to recommend a Mexican food establishment is very hard to do. La Tarasca was clean and tidy. The hostess was very nice and accommodated my family of six very well. The chile relleno was good. It could have used a bit more cheese. My wife got the homemade carnitas. It was amazing. The pork was cooked to perfection with the perfect amount of spices. The homemade tortillas were a real treat. read more

authentic Mexican food at its BEST!!!! dont expect chips and salsa and plates covered with cheddar cheese. This food is truly authentic and delicious. read more

Honestly...not a good experience. I walk in after a fathers day family trip to mount st Helens, hungry and a little tired. The older senora( owner?) greets me in Spanish (really cool, I'm hispanic) she then looks at my wife who's caucasian and my two boys And then obviously rolls her eyes? ( hard to miss, maybe she didn't like what she saw, don't no?) ... After we seat ourselves ( ok?),I order a negra modelo (cerveza). I then ask about the vegetarian frijoles ( beans), this seemed to upsett her ( I'm a vegetarian). She didn't care to mention any of the house specialties or anything us , it was weird. I order food ( using correct Spanish) she smirks. I listen as others walk in the restaurant and shes very communicative and polite, WT#*!-heck!) The food comes. We eat our food, and with all honesty the food was mediocre!!! ( I've traveled in around and out of the country, even Mexico!) and tasted much better. I yelped this place before hand and was surprised to see all good reviews... end result I WASTED 45$ !!!!! In all I Paid for Crappy service, mediocre food, and what seemed to be a little old fashion ways of thinking..... NO GRACIAS!!! Maybe I just caught you on a bad day I hope??? La tarasca is NO BUENO! ADIOS! read more

The tamales....the tamales...the carnitas...words can barely describe the melting deliciousness that is all of the above. This place is the shit, and can't be missed on a trip north. Got to stop on the way there AND on the way back. Homestyle mexican food from the Michoacan region. Made with love, quality and care. read more

Both the food and the service were underwhelming at best. And they dont have chips and salsa. What kind of Mexican place doesn't have that?

I came with a pretty big group, so it was a tad chaotic and I think that made my experience a bit different, but it was still definitely a good one. Overall the food was really good, though not what I'd normally order. The woman taking my order didn't miss a beat when I asked if the beans were vegetarian. She went back over my whole order very quickly letting me know what was and wasn't vegetarian, and checking if dairy was okay. EXCELLENT service right there. Also, get the flan. I mean, really, get the flan. read more

I discovered this place by accident. I was headed somewhere else and asked a local for a recommendation. They sent me here. What a find! I find reasons to drive through Centralia so I can stop there. The people who run it are extremely friendly. It has a festive decor. And the food is unique and awesome. No chips and salsa here. You get home made pickled carrots instead. They have a number of veggie options, which is what I get. Unique twists on tacos/taquitos. They serve beer and wine. It's worth driving out of your way to get to. read more

This place is awesome. The pickled carrots and onions with housemade sauce are an excellent way to start a meal. We always order the special of the day. It's always worth it. Their games are delicious. My favorite is the posole. We live in Everett, so we always stop anytime we drivethrough, and often go out of our way to stop. This is authentic, small batch cuisine. 5 starts for sure. read more

Authentic cuisine and not your chips and salsa quick fix Mex meal. Enjoy the food that is cooked in a way that reminds me of Mexico - and not Cabo but real Mexixo! read more

We have dubbed the owner as "la autentica", because honestly there's nothing authentic about her or her restaurant. Left a bad taste in my mouth when our menu was restricted to only "pork". Mercedes said they didn't serve breakfast. What a good way to please your customers Mercedes. Aside from that everything was extremely overpriced! I hope a real Mexican restaurant opens up and takes their business. read more

We were visiting from out of town and not sure what to expect but we left pleasantly surprised at the very tasty food. They don't serve chips and salsa when you sit down but don't let that deter you. I had a chicken soft taco and chicken tamale and both were obviously homemade and delicious. The tortillas were amazing. At first we weren't sure about the service but she warmed up and was also very prompt and courteous. Definitely worth trying out for its authenticity and since you can order a la carte it's nice to be able to try many different items. read more

Will drive from Seattle for La Tarasca Carnitas y Tamales!

We came here because of the glowing YELP reviews. We were not disappointed. The server must be an owner. What a friendly knowledgeable woman. She was very interested to know how we liked our meal and she offered many suggestions. It was new not being offered chips and salsa, but we got over that quickly and enjoyed fresh tamales, huaraches, and beans and rice are so excellent l!!! read more

If you're looking for delicious Mexican food anywhere between Olympia and Portland off the I-5, this is your spot! In fact, I would like to nominate this spot for inclusion on all Seattle-Portland resident's dining bucket-lists. You just HAVE TO...cause DUH. Fav Food Tips: 1. Order all a la carte dishes (don't pass on the Chili Relleno! Best one I've had) and dig in. 2. They serve pickled carrots and veg (not chips) to munch on w/ homemade (delicious) salsa because they want your stomach to save room for the real treat...the food. 3.Their recipes are based on authentic Michoacan reciepes (a state in Mexico). People who post about it being overrated are most likely expecting a different style of mexican food. I say, "SETTLE THE F* DOWN AND ENJOY SOME DELICIOUS HOMEMADE MICHOACAN FOOD." Would you yell at your loving grandma for making you amazing tamalas? Hell no. Also, everything is Gluten Free by default, because they use corn and rice only for their grains. The building is pink, and is next to an espresso stand. GO THERE NOW AND EAT. THX read more

I'm lucky enough to live within walking distance of this place. I really should take advantage of that fact more often. This is a place not to be missed. Authentic family-made Mexican food. When I visited recently, the server started off describing the special of the day by saying "Today, my mother has made..." so you know it's got to be great! The tortillas are worth doing evil things for. read more

I was shocked at how authentic the food was!!! My husband and I are from El Paso, Tx border town of Juarez Mexico so you can only imagine how amazing the mexican food is at home. We have searched and searched for a place that is just somewhat close to what we are used to and let me say this place almost nailed it!! I had the mole and it was great! I was a bit sad that they did not have chips at the restaurant as I am used to chips and salsa but regardless this place is definitely worth a try if you are in the area.. We were at the outlet mall before and found this little gem on yelp! My husband said he was willing to make the 35 minute drive just to come back and eat here!! Definitely quality mexican food! Go!!! Now!! read more

on a random friday night, my family found ourselves on the way to centralia & in need of food. our child randomly suggested la tarasca, promising it was the best most delicious mexican food. i swear, the child knows so much random stuff it is unbelievable. but he was right: this is the best mexican food i've had since i left texas. the service was quick & so so friendly, calling us sweet pet names and smiling at our triple horchata order. there was a big group in the middle of the restaurant celebrating a birthday, and several families with children ranging from 2 to 12 years old. the decor is bright and welcoming. the restaurant is family-run. the food is from Michoacán, mexican soul food, so leave your taco bell & oaxaca-style hankerings at home. i ordered a la cart to get just what i wanted, my comrades ordered full meals and greatly enjoyed them. the beans & rice are delicious. the menu has lots of meat, but we three vegetarians found plenty of options on the la tarasca menu and left with satisfyingly stuffed bellies. just another great reason to visit centralia. read more

Most authentic Mexican food around. Always extremely delicious and timely. The owner is always in there and we have been served by her many times. She is fantastic! Never get sick of La Tarasca. Some menu items can be a little pricey but there is always a lot of food. The ala cart items are a good value. read more

Five stars. Hands down best 'Mexican' grub in Western Washington, I dare you to name a better place (really, I'd like to know, honestly.) Friendly staff. Consistently delicious. Uber authentic, even though I have no business making that claim, since I'm NOT from California (or Mexico,) so what do I know? Carrots instead of chips? Nice, especially if you have corn allergies. The ONLY reason to go to Centralia. read more

I wish I lived closer to this place. I spent a lot of time in Mexico and this place is very authentic. Friendly staff - you feel your stoping right into Mexico. read more

Kinda pricey for beans and rice. Nothing special. Good food but nothing to return for!

Not the typical Americanized Mexican restaurant, and great for it! No chips and salsa, but instead had pickled carrots and salsa. I went the combo mode so I could try different things and ordered off the a la carte part of the menu, having a Ground Beef Sope, Chorizo Taco and Pork Tamale. They were delicious, especially the Sope. Easy addition to my favorites list! read more

By far the best authentic Mexican restraunt in Lewis county! Their daily specials are always amazing! When they ask you if you would like some flan say YES! You won't regret it! Is it lunch time yet? I'm drooling just thinking about it! read more

it's like i've gone home again. pozole that could make you cry, and carnitas tacos wet with flavor. the staff greets with gleefulness and the sloping picture window bathes the tables in light. bring all your friends and family especially if they like mole. la tarasca has a mexican heart. read more

I travel to Mexico twice a year, and the food at La Tarasca meets and usually beats anywhere I have eaten south of the boarder. The service is exceptional, tortillas amazing, and food fresh and well executed. My favorite kind of restaurant. I have never met 'Mama", but she must be amazing because she has raised some wonderful young women who share their love of their culture and food with their customers. read more

This is as straight to the point as I can be : this is the best mole I've had in the United States. If you like things that taste delicious, get it. Also, the carnitas, fresh tortillas, and flan are top notch. Posole is fresh and authentic. The service is quick, knowledgable, and efficient. This is absolutely legitimate, authentic Mexican food in central Washington and is more than worth a detour from your travels down I-5. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants. Authentic and delicious. Awesome family that owns it too

My husband and I have had lunch here a couple times. The food is authentic and really good. Despite being jam packed the service staff are very warm and friendly. You will not be disappointed! read more

Went here this evening after reading reviews and was thinking it was going to be a special treat. The restaurant itself is nice and comfortable but a little cramped. I ordered the special which was steak strips in tomatoes sauce with rice and beans for $13 my boyfriend got 3 tacos with rice and beans which was also $13. He said the tacos that he got were like tacos you'd get from a taco bus, yummy but no way were they worth $13. My food was very good but both meals were VERY skimpy. I luckily ordered the chili rellenos with my entree but it was $6.50 for a fried pepper. It was delicious though. We cleaned our plates and left after spending $40 and my boyfriend was still hungry. read more