Seattle’s Best Tacos: Part 2
Seattle’s taco journey doesn’t stop at just a few favorites — the city is packed with even more taquerías, food trucks, and hidden gems worth seeking out. From neighborhood staples serving authentic street-style tacos to creative kitchens putting modern twists on tradition, this second installment highlights more of the best tacos in Seattle. Whether you’re after al pastor with a hint of pineapple, perfectly fried fish tacos, or vegetarian options with bold flavor, Part 2 will guide you to taco spots locals swear by and visitors can’t miss.
Carnitas Michoacan
We’ve featured Carnitas Michoacán before, but it’s simply too good not to highlight again. I think this sets the bar for the best tacos in Seattle, this spot has built its reputation on rich flavors, consistency, and a true dedication to tradition.
The tacos here are all about perfectly prepared meats: slow-cooked carnitas that are tender and juicy, savory carne asada with just the right amount of char, and al pastor that bursts with smoky spice and sweetness. Served on warm tortillas and topped simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa, these tacos prove that when you nail the fundamentals, you don’t need much else. The salsa bar lets you customize the heat, adding the final touch to an already flawless bite.
Authentic, satisfying, and deeply rooted in flavor, Carnitas Michoacán continues to set the standard for tacos in Seattle — the kind of place every taco lover should experience at least once (and probably many times more).
La Potra Taqueria
Located inside Bellevue’s Crossroads Mall — often called the most diverse food court in the Seattle area — La Potra Taqueria has become a local favorite for authentic, street-style Mexican tacos. It’s the kind of spot where bold flavors meet casual dining, and where every taco feels like it’s crafted with care.
The tacos here are generously filled with classics like juicy carne asada, tender carnitas, and perfectly seasoned al pastor. Each comes tucked into warm corn tortillas and topped simply with onion, cilantro, and fresh salsa, letting the ingredients shine. Beyond tacos, La Potra offers burritos, quesadillas, and combination plates, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy the flavors of a traditional taquería.
As part of Crossroads’ famously multicultural dining scene, La Potra Taqueria delivers some of the best tacos in the greater Seattle area, proving that great food often comes from the most unassuming places.
Carmelos Tacos
Carmelos Tacos popularity speaks for itself. What started as a small counter inside a Capitol Hill convenience store has grown into one of the city’s favorite taco spots, known for its vibrant flavors, late-night energy, and budget-friendly prices.
Their menu covers all the essentials — tacos loaded with carne asada, pollo, carnitas, and al pastor — each served on soft corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and salsa. The flavors may lean more toward Seattle-style than strictly authentic, but the execution is consistently tasty and satisfying. Many fans swear by the al pastor, with its balance of smoky spice and sweetness, as well as their affordable taco plates that make it easy to mix and match.
Casual, lively, and always busy, Carmelo’s Tacos has earned its place as one of Seattle’s most popular taco spots, offering quick, craveable bites that hit the spot whether it’s lunchtime or late-night.
Oliveras Tacos
A true hidden gem in Capitol Hill, Oliveras Tacos is a pop-up taco stand that comes alive in the evenings — usually around 7pm — and keeps the neighborhood fueled late into the night. It’s the kind of place you stumble across after a night out and quickly realize you’ve found some of the best tacos in Seattle.
The menu is simple but hits all the right notes: tacos loaded with carne asada, al pastor, pollo, or carnitas, each served on warm corn tortillas with fresh onion, cilantro, and salsa. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the no-frills setup makes it all about the food. Locals especially love grabbing an order of al pastor tacos hot off the grill, paired with spicy salsa that packs just the right amount of heat.
Authentic, affordable, and perfectly timed for late-night cravings, Oliveras Tacos has become a Capitol Hill favorite, proving that sometimes the best meals are found on the street corner after dark.
Fogón Cocina Mexicana
Fogón Cocina Mexicana brings the heart of Mexico to Capitol Hill, offering a sit-down dining experience that goes beyond the average taquería. Known for its authentic flavors, scratch-made tortillas, and vibrant atmosphere, Fogón has earned a reputation as one of Seattle’s go-to spots for both tacos and traditional Mexican plates.
The tacos are a standout, featuring classics like carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, and pescado, all served on fresh, handmade tortillas that elevate every bite. Each taco comes layered with fresh cilantro, onion, salsa, and the bold flavors of carefully seasoned meats. Beyond tacos, the menu highlights enchiladas, moles, and house specialties, giving diners a full spectrum of Mexican cuisine to enjoy.
With its lively vibe, full bar, and dedication to quality, Fogón Cocina Mexicana is one of the best places in Seattle for tacos, whether you’re grabbing a casual dinner, celebrating with friends, or simply chasing authentic flavor in the heart of Capitol Hill.
El Maestro del Taco
Parked in Bellevue, El Maestro del Taco is a taco truck that has quickly earned a loyal following for serving some of the area’s most flavorful street tacos. It’s casual, unpretentious, and exactly the kind of spot you seek out when you want tacos that taste like they came straight from a neighborhood taquería in Mexico.
The menu hits all the classics — carne asada, carnitas, pollo, and smoky al pastor — each piled into warm corn tortillas and finished with fresh onion, cilantro, and salsa. Their birria tacos are a standout, slow-stewed and rich, served with a flavorful consommé that regulars swear by. Portions are hearty, the seasoning is spot-on, and the prices are friendly, making it easy to see why this truck draws a steady crowd.
Authentic, affordable, and packed with flavor, El Maestro del Taco has become a must-visit taco truck in Bellevue, showing that some of the best tacos in the Seattle area come from kitchens on wheels.
Taco Time
While not your typical taquería, Taco Time has become a Seattle institution, blending fast-food convenience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Founded in the Pacific Northwest, this regional chain has been serving tacos, burritos, and Mexi-Fries for decades, and it still holds a nostalgic place in Seattle’s food scene.
The tacos here aren’t aiming for strict authenticity — instead, you’ll find crispy fried tacos filled with seasoned beef, chicken, or beans, alongside soft tacos loaded with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Their menu also features burritos, salads, and signature Mexi-Fries, making it a go-to spot for quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
Loved for its consistency, speed, and quirky Northwest spin on Mexican food, Taco Time remains one of the most popular fast-casual taco spots in Seattle, proving that sometimes the best tacos are the ones that blend tradition with a local twist.
Las Cuadra
Las Cuadras is one of Seattle’s best-kept taco secrets — a pop-up stand that moves around the city, drawing lines of people wherever it appears. Part of the charm is tracking them down, and once you do, it’s immediately clear why the crowds are always there.
The tacos are packed with flavor, featuring classics like carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas, each served on warm corn tortillas with fresh onion, cilantro, and salsa. The meats are juicy and seasoned to perfection, and the no-frills presentation keeps the focus squarely on the food. It’s authentic street tacos at their finest — simple, bold, and addictive.
With multiple setups that rotate through neighborhoods and consistently draw loyal fans, Las Cuadras proves that some of the best tacos in Seattle come from stands you have to seek out, rewarding those who find them with unforgettable flavor.
Seattle’s Taco Adventure Keeps Going
From taco trucks in Bellevue to hidden pop-ups that draw late-night crowds, this second round of Seattle’s best tacos proves the city’s love for bold, authentic flavor runs deep. Whether it’s the smoky richness of birria, the sweetness of pineapple-topped al pastor, or the simplicity of carne asada with fresh salsa, these spots show why Seattle’s taco culture is worth exploring again and again. And the journey isn’t over yet — stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll uncover even more of the best tacos in Seattle that deserve a place on your list.