La Carta De Oaxaca

(206) 782-8722

5431 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107 47.6679 -122.3854

Neighborhoods: Ballard, Adams

Price:

$$

Own this business? »

Last updated 4.01.09

La Carta De Oaxaca

What People Are Saying About La Carta De Oaxaca

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
The bustle and bright lights behind big storefront windows make this cheery restaurant stand out along dark Ballard Avenue. A long family-style table, an open kitchen and large margaritas all contribute to the festive atmosphere. Dramatic black-and-white photos capturing southern Mexico rise up along the walls in an airy, white room that gets surprisingly warm.

The Food
From tamales wrapped in banana leaf to barbecued pork in tortillas, Oaxacan food surpasses standard Mexican fare. Served in portions that are somewhere between tapas and small entree, each dish is homemade and wholesome. Although the kitchen shies away from hot seasoning, a serve-yourself salsa bar spices things up. The house specialty of chicken in sweet mole negro, traditional posole (pork stew with hominy) and fish soup are all boldly flavored favorites. Vegetarians face limited choices involving beans and cheese.

ballardanne

June 11, 2009

I just had the most bizarre experience at a restaurant ever. I went here with a friend and her daughter and my husband and daughter decided to join us. We told the waiter that two would be joining us. After my family sat down, the owner came over to tell us that they couldn't eat with us since others were waiting. They could not order and could not eat. We, however could order additional food, but if my husband ate it he would be asked to leave. Needless to say this unnecessary confrontation was an embarrassment and very upsetting to our kids. He said he would rather stick with his policy and lose us as customers than to accommodate. Hmmmmm must be nice to have sooooo many customers that you feel so cavalier about throwing a few away. I will never be back - there are other authenticate Mexican places to eat at. Just about any taco truck springs to mind......

Seattleite1123

May 29, 2009

This is my boyfriend and my absolute favorite restaurant that we go to at least a few times a month. The food is beyond fresh and is not your typical American-Mexican food that is dominated by refried beans and huge platters bigger than a football. Yes, the portions are small, because they are SO CHEAP (plates are between $5 and $8) and meant to be mixed and matched! We usually order three plates when we go, and often an appetizer (their shrimp cocktail is delicious and again, so fresh!). So as long as you realize that this place is meant to have small portions so you can try different plates, then you will love it. The atmosphere is so much fun and... shoot. I want to go right now!

gsniggs

December 20, 2008

Heard some talk about how wonderful this place was so tried it out. Not wonderful, at all. Had 2 tiny tacos for $5+ each & it would have taken at least 3 more just to make an entre, much less a meal. That is, if I hadn't cut it off and escaped when I did. Probably should have figured this place to be more hype than substance as soon as I saw the stupid church-social style table layout & the parking garage flourescent lighting. Evidently the reviews of this place have somehow benefited from a freak mass of people who either just don't know better or are too afraid to call the Emperor clothesless, as it were (think those who voted for JWBush twice). Anyway while I walk by on my way to better restaurants I am now torn between laughing at & running up to yell some sense into those lemmings who actually wait in the cold to get inside this unworthy spot. Please, don't be a lemming.

The Details on La Carta De Oaxaca

What to Drink:

With more than two dozen tequilas from which to choose, the bar manager concocts delicious, distinctive cocktails (ask for a Chimayo or a Jazmin).

Look Good:

Main dishes are small, so it's normal to order more than one if you're hungry.

Know Before You Go:

Don't come here if you need to have a serious conversation. The atmosphere is very lively, with tables close together and a louder-than-average noise level.

When to Go:

La Carta is very busy nearly every night of the week--come early or be prepared for a long wait.

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Lunch Spot, Date Spot

Cuisine:

Tapas / Small Plates, Mexican

Advertisement

Things To Do Nearby La Carta De Oaxaca

brought to you by Visa

La Carta De Oaxaca

5431 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107

Lists In Seattle

Girls Night Out

by Whitney Ricketts

Fourth of July Planner

by Whitney Ricketts

Best of Citysearch

Best Nightlife

Seattle

Cheap haircuts. Beefy hamburgers. Sexy bartenders! Discover the best finds in the city.

view more polls & winners

Recent Reviews In Seattle

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Sushi Tokyo

6311 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA

1 Star Rating: Poor

Blu Water Green Lake

7900 E Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA

1 Star Rating: Poor

Muddy Waters Coffee Co

2258 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA

1 Star Rating: Poor

Moshi Moshi Sushi

5324 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA

Advertisement