Taco Del Mar
1 / 14#14. Taco Del Mar
- Rating: 2.5/5 (66 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 11016 8th Ave. Northeast Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Seattle by diners
When you're looking for heat, Tex-Mex food delivers. Tex-Mex, as the cuisine is affectionately coined in the Southwest, is the by-product of what happens when cultures—and their kitchens—combine.
Tex-Mex food draws from American, Mexican, and Native American flavors. It developed in the 1800s, when these three distinct cultures all settled in what we now call Texas. Popular ingredients featured beef, flour tortillas, tomatoes, and yellow cheddar cheese, spiced up with chili peppers that provide a smoky flavor. It found its way into the hearts of the Southwest, eventually spreading around the rest of America. We can thank Tex-Mex cuisine for introducing us to chili con carne, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Tex-Mex's bold flavors make it perfect for those seeking some heat, particularly younger, adventurous diners who prefer more spice with their meal. Gen Z diners, in particular, look for spicy variety, with up to 50% eating at least one spicy meal every week. This craving for bold tastes has ousted Italian food from its #1 position as Americans' favorite cuisine.
With that kind of reach, where do you begin when it comes to finding that perfect Tex-Mex dish to make your palate dance? Who has managed to create that just-right blend of smoky spice and cheesy goodness that you've come to know and love in Tex-Mex food?
Stacker did a little of the heavy lifting for you and combed through data on Yelp as of Aug. 5, 2025, to put together a comprehensive list of the highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Seattle. We looked at how many reviews and their average ratings to make sure your guide to Seattle cuisine is ready. Take a look to see where your new favorite restaurant will be! Note, some of these may have recently closed, so make sure to double-check.
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Taco Del Mar
2 / 14#13. Taco Del Mar
- Rating: 3.3/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6101 15th Avenue Northwest Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Mexican, fast food, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
Taco Del Mar
3 / 14#12. Taco Del Mar
- Rating: 3.4/5 (57 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 210 Main St. Kirkland, Washington
- Categories: Fast food, Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
Taco Del Mar
4 / 14#11. Taco Del Mar
- Rating: 3.5/5 (69 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8004 Greenwood Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Mexican, fast food, Tex-Mex
- Read more on Yelp
Matador West Seattle
5 / 14#10. Matador West Seattle
- Rating: 3.7/5 (763 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4546 California Ave. Southwest Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
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Nacho Borracho
6 / 14#9. Nacho Borracho
- Rating: 3.7/5 (242 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 209 Broadway East Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars, Mexican
- Read more on Yelp
Laredo's Grill
7 / 14#8. Laredo's Grill
- Rating: 3.7/5 (521 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 555 Aloha St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
Matador Ballard
8 / 14#7. Matador Ballard
- Rating: 3.8/5 (1214 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5410 Ballard Ave. Northwest Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
Cactus Restaurants - Kirkland
9 / 14#6. Cactus Restaurants - Kirkland
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1321 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 121 Park Lane Kirkland, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
Cactus Restaurants - Alki Beach
10 / 14#5. Cactus Restaurants - Alki Beach
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1159 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2820 Alki Ave. Southwest Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
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Cactus Restaurants - Madison Park
11 / 14#4. Cactus Restaurants - Madison Park
- Rating: 4.1/5 (660 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4220 East Madison St. Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
Cactus Restaurants - South Lake Union
12 / 14#3. Cactus Restaurants - South Lake Union
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1149 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 350 Terry Ave. North Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
Jackalope Tex Mex & Cantina
13 / 14#2. Jackalope Tex Mex & Cantina
- Rating: 4.3/5 (200 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4868 Rainier Ave. South Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bars, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
The Toledo
14 / 14#1. The Toledo
- Rating: 4.6/5 (65 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1628 Dexter Ave. North Ste B Seattle, Washington
- Categories: Cocktail Bars, Tex-Mex, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 88 metros.
