(Mezcal, photo credit: Jenise Silva)
Mezcaleria Oaxaca
2123 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 216-4446
www.mezcaleriaoaxaca.com
Walk into this joint and be instantly transported to Oaxaca. It’s not just the beautiful black and white photos taken from the land of this restaurant’s namesake that line the wall, but it’s also the traditional Oaxacan fare that graces the menu. Hand-made tortillas and chips are just the beginning as to what sets this place apart. The tamales de mole’ and the spicy pozole also make this place an irresistible stop. But if you are looking for the best way to put those hand-made, fresh-to-order chips to use, you’ll find no better way than with the housemade guacamole. And given that this is a mezcaleria, you’ll find every kind of mezcal offered up in this state if you should become a bit thirsty during your meal.
The Saint
1416 E. Olive Way
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-9922
www.thesaintsocialclub.com
This Mexican restaurant, wedged in a sliver of a busy capitol Hill intersection, is not only known for its great selections of tequilas and its killer happy hour specials, but also for the flavorful Mexican fare coming out of the kitchen. The Saint serves its guacamole with totopos, which some might argue is just a fancy name for chips. There is no disputing the fact that kicking back with a bowl of guacamole while sipping some añejo tequila is a pretty good way to spend an hour or two.
El Queztal (Credit, Jenise Silva)
El Queztal
3209 Beacon Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 329-2970
This quaint Mexican restaurant with a friendly vibe is so popular that it recently doubled in size. All the better for you to find a space at this popular Beacon Hill restaurant that serves up a pretty mean torta right along with its guacamole made from fresh avocados, pico de gallo and a host of other delicious ingredients. If you’re a soccer fan, the newly expanded bar (with its TV) is a great place to dip into your guac while you catch all of the latest action taking place on the pitch. Or skip the game and just kick back in the sun-filled dining room and soak up the friendly, neighborhood vibe while you dine.
Related: Best Spicy Food In Seattle
Poquitos
1000 E. Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 453-4216
www.vivapoquitos.com
The moment this spacious Mexican joint opened its doors in Capitol Hill, it became an instant hit. And once you enter, it’s easy to see why. Colorful handmade tiles from Mexico City line the walls of the open dining area while the large back patio is a magnet for the summer sun. But the crowds aren’t rolling in just because of the design and atmosphere. Poquitos knocks out consistently flavorful fare, including its made-to-order guacamole. And when it comes to guacamole, it’s not afraid to mix things up. Poquitos serves the classic with fresh avocados, limes, cilantro, tomatoes and chilies but it also busts out a daily variation on the classic as well…all you have to do is ask.
Cactus (Credit, Jenise Silva)
Cactus
4220 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 324-4140
www.cactusrestaurants.com
There’s no question that Cactus serves up some pretty tasty guacamole alongside its other Mexican fare. But when you sit out on the patio to enjoy your chips and guac on a sunny day – just a stone’s throw away from one of the most popular beaches lining Lake Washington – you’re in for a real treat. The casual beach vibe makes this a popular summertime haunt, especially at happy hour when you can order up the guacamole (spiked with Serrano chiles) for a couple of bucks and still make it back to the beach before the sun goes down.
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Jenise Silva is a freelance writer in Seattle who has studied culinary, visual and performing arts. She penned the financial planning guide Women & Money, and has been writing about food and the arts for a number of years. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
