Jonathan Mcfall
My girlfriend and I have been here one-time before we couldn't remember if we liked it or not. The waitress/bartender was really rude making preconceived notions towards my level of intoxication and promptly told me I would only be able to order one drink while dining which was cool because this place is will run you about 35 bucks per plate with a drink . The food is really really good the atmosphere is authentic. The combination of it all including service, price, general comfort while dining I still give it 3. I ordered the chicken fajitas and my girlfriend ordered the Carne asada plate. We also had chips in which they actually charge for and guacamole which is also another charge . The fajitas were super good and so was everything on the Carne asada plate. The guacamole and salsa were bland and left me wondering why I paid $9 dollars for them.
Christina Lagasse
My partner and I randomly found this place one day. The food is out of this world. By far the best Mexican food you will find. The family that owns it are amazing too!! This is our new go-to spot. We have already been back for another round. 5 stars is not enough. We absolutely love this place!
Dusty _ Sea
Perfect! Both the food and the decor made me feel transported to Mexico. My very first time ever eating a pambazo was a delicious experience! The mood/atmosphere inside the restaurant was relaxed, the food seemed fresh, and everything (even the restroom) seemed clean. I would gladly eat here again.
Tomas Rodriguez
Delicious mexican food. The torta (which is like a sandwich) was delicious. The bread was really fresh and soft.
Steven Sutterby
Family run Mexican. Great authentic food and good portions. It's a sweet place. Great margaritas 🍹
Alleine Dragonfyre
We live for their Fish Tacos. Pricey but the amount of fish is generous, and it's cooked to order. FRESH! When we moved here from San Diego, that borders Mexico, we were skeptical when being served slivered green apple instead of the traditional cabbage. It is AMAZING. The tangy sweet of the crisp Washington apples with local fresh fish is so good. The tacos, with lime and their fish taco sauce is a festival in our mouths. We go out of our way to eat here as often as possible and are so happy they made it through the Pandemic. A must-go.
Adora Moncada
Food was not bad, meaning comparable with other restaurants/cuisine in the area. Price of dishes ended up more pricey, for example an entree does not necessarily mean inclusive of the usual sides, like rice and beans, which cost separately, so beware. The deal breaker was the quality of service- we felt rushed by the server who seemed annoyed that we couldn't quite understand the cuisine.
We don't feel it is worth to return to this place.
Chelsea Moreno
Went a couple weeks ago and now I'm craving some more at 4 o'clock in the morning and figured I would finally leave my good review.
As a Mexican from California this has been some of the better tasting Mexican food in Seattle. I've tried numerous places and continue to be disappointed but El Quetzal hit the spot! Tortas are my favorite food and this place had one of the best I've had. The portion was huge. Customer service was fast and friendly. Didn't think it could get any better, but they killed my michelada! 😋 And they had my favorite beer. Would definitely be back!
Chirag Saini
before same days I went there with my family.........<br/>we were very Hungary......<br/>we decided that we will go to the restaurant..........<br/>we were very excited<br/>we ordered food<br/>were enjoyed with our food
Keala Blackston
Best Mexican food I have ever had in my life... And I've had a lot. I went two nights in a row. The first night I had Huaracha. The flavor was out of this world. It was seasoned steak with lettuce and tomatoes on a hand made tortilla with some type of white sauce. I can honestly say I don't think I've had a better meal at any time. The second night, I had a steak quesadilla. The tortillas are amazing, all the meat is seasoned and has amazing flavor. I also had a strawberry margarita which was very good. It had fresh strawberries and a nice amount of tequila. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone!
Kelli Wong
South Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood churns out some interesting places to eat. I recently checked out El Quetzal and it was really just OK. We started with some chips and salsa and a giant Coca-Cola. The salsa was really thin and without much consistency. I did like the ambiance though and the service was pretty good. The prices were high however and I felt kind of bad paying $14 for a plate of beef that I could have cooked at home. I ate the skirt steak with onions, tomatoes and jalapeños. It came with a little bit of rice and a small portion of refried beans. The slice of watermelon was a nice touch. I had my choice of either corn tortillas or flour for my sliced steak. All in all, the food was good but didn't blow me away and I didn't love the prices. When I eat Mexican, usually the more melted cheese the better. I think that's why El Quetzal didn't leave such a lasting impression because its not what I normally eat.
Fledglings Gourmet
Pambazos are very filling and I always feel like taking a nap after having eaten one. If you're really hungry, you get a lot of bang for your buck when you order one. I have to say that I really enjoy these sandwiches, but it's not something that I order that often mainly because of its large size and the fact that after having eaten one I feel stuffed for the rest of the day. They do a mean one at El Quetzal on Beacon Hill. The texture of the roll is just perfect; miraculously crispy while at the same time covered in sauce. El Quetzal is a very special Mexican restaurant, in that it serves a lot of Mexican specialities that are difficult to find elsewhere in Seattle and they do them very well. It's worth the trip to Beacon Hill to try them out!
Sparky
Great food, slow service. Amazing traditional flan!
Justin Time
I've been here 3 or 4 times and its always good. If you're concerned about the price for a lunch, I would recommend splitting one of their delicious giant tortas and some chips and salsa with someone. The service has always been very friendly too.
Roger
If slow rude service is your thing then head over. Middle of the road food. Won't be back.
C
Pretty good food. Unfortunately not the best service; sat for ten minutes after paying the bill while the waiter drank at the bar, to then find out I wasn't actually getting my dessert, so left...
Audrey
Best 2 out of 3. I have been to this restaurant 3 times now. The first two times it was the best mexican food i have had in a very long time.<br/>Until I went two weeks ago.<br/>The restaurant has moved and expanded (just one door down) but I don't think the expansion applied to the staffing.<br/>The service was extremely slow, they messed up my drink, and when I asked for a new drink, our waiter disappeared and didn't return until we getting ready to leave. And to top it all off, they messed up our check and overcharged us.<br/>I however, (holding onto those first few visits) bought the groupon and am excited to give it one last try
John
My favorite Mexican restaurant is the first shake on urbanspoon! Anytime I am in the neighborhood I stop to eat at El Quetzel, you should too!
Ilyapchan
Most amazing food. The service is great and the food will blow you away. El Quetzal is the closest I will ever be to actual Mexican food without traveling to Mexico. I have had three dishes so far and all outshine the last. <br/><br/>Think the Quesadilla will be flat on your plate? Think again. The meats are well-treated, perfectly seasoned, and the tortillas are amazing. All told, this is one dining experience that cannot be beat.
Troy Dennis
First impression...I will be back. The food was pretty good, but not great. Portion size was generous. Like most US restaurants, one portion is easily enough for two. I'm curious to try los huarachotes and some of the other not-so-commonly-found items. Having lived in Mexico (with Mexicans) for 1+ years, I know my Mexican food. Atmosphere here is casual, but comfortable. Just dark enough (tabletop candles are a nice bonus) that it doesn't feel like a cafeteria. Bright lights in restaurants is just wrong. Bathroom is clean and the staff are friendly, which are always good signs. Price for one, $14.28 + tip. Looking forward to trying it again.
Shoshana Mirel
I love this little place on beacon hill. I especally enjoy the chipotle ceasar salad and the mushroom tacos. There are still so many things I haven't tried on the menu, my mom had the quesadilla and it looked amazing I think they make their tortillas in house. Also the service is excellent and friendly.
Jim Jeffreys
Best Huaraches in Town!. While we enjoy the food at Huarachitos in Columbia City, El Quetzal is where it is at for Huaraches. The masa flour oval is evenly cooked and tender and the toppings are awesome. The chorizo and cactus is to die for!
Daniel PDX King
This place is where it's at for Mexican food in Seattle!
Mark L
Delicious chile verde and torta. Definitely going back.
Sander Kallshian
From the street this restaurant is unassuming, but inside the people are friendly and the menu is chock full of unique Mexican combinations. There were so many dishes I had never had, and even the ice cubes had an extra bit of personality.
Layne S
Torta!. I have never had anything as wonderful and delicious as the chilanga torta with chipotle sauce. If you don't know what a torta is, or a torta at this place, picture the most delicious crispy yet soft bread cradling slightly breaded flank steak with that tinge of spicy chipotle. <br/><br/>It really is one of the best sandwiches you will ever have.
Josh S
El Quetzal. Wildly spectacular and exceptionally authentic, this family-run restaurant is a delightful example of all things good, genuine, and true. Juan Montiel, thank you for introducing Seattle to your brilliant use of cactus. You are a food hero and have come to save us all.
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