Malena's Taco Shop

01/15/10

Queen Anne's best hole-in-the-wall

by Jay Friedman , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

When I moved to Seattle ten years ago, I found comfort in Malena’s Taco Shop—about the only hole-in-the-wall on upper Queen Anne. A basket of chips and some bright salsa to start, and there are a wide variety of burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and other dishes that make for a substantial snack or meal. This is all available for take-out, too. The workers are friendly folks, ready with a smile and a suggestion. It’s not the best Mexican food in town, but ten years later, I’ve moved to another part of Queen Anne, and Malena’s is still there when I need a quick and convenient bite—one with bite to it.

• Pros: Friendly service and affordable
• Cons: Cash only, if that's a con

05/06/08

Too bland for my taste

by dalipardon at Citysearch

My co-workers had raved about how good the food was and how "authentic" it was. Based on what they'd said, I was excited to try it because I have longed to find mexican food as good as what my home state of California has to offer. I didn't take into mind that my co-workers that recommended the place were all from Washington, and their opinion may differ from mine because they had never had the real thing. The food here was subpar. Very bland. And they serve Tostitos with salsa! Even the cheapest mexican restaurants and taco trucks in California use warm, homemade tortilla chips! Sparsely decorated; the atmosphere is as bland as the food.

• Pros: Seated and served quickly.
• Cons: The food is lacking flavor.

02/19/08

Expensive for very bland food

by jaalday80 at Citysearch

I live about 2 blocks from Malena's and was very excited to see a little "hole in the wall" mexican restaurant, which typically have the best and most authentic food. I was sorely mistaken in my assuption. The food is bland and over priced. I am not sure you can call this a restaurant, it is more of a fast food experience. There is no room to sit and the service is un-friendly.

If you are looking for a authentice mexican dinner do not come here, you are much better off heading down the hill to the Blue Water Taco Grill, which has great food for a good price and good atmosphere!

• Pros: N/A
• Cons: Food & Service

11/09/07

Misplaced raves

by rmcmahon at Citysearch

I live just around the block, so I was very excited when I read the reviews on this site. I have tried a number of the dishes now so I think I can review with confidence. The best food is the carne asado tacos. Everything else is mediocre. Busy place which is really only good for take out. Unfortunately the pickings of good mexican is slim in this town. I will still drave over to Ballard when I'm in the mood for anything except carne asado tacos.

• Pros: location (for me). Carne Asado tacos
• Cons: everything else.

06/27/06

Authentic and Cheap!

by megknight at Citysearch

Cheap place. Plastic Silverware. I love this place. Everything I have had there is perfect. Reminds me of the burrito wagons of my hometown. Can't beat it.

• Pros: food, taste, variety
• Cons: ambience, horchata