Austin Cantina
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 789-1277
- Hours:
- Sun, Tue-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-12am
Message from Austin Cantina
Seattle's Best Tex-Mex Experience!
- Southwest Inspired
- Tex-Mex Flavors & Ingredients
- Full Menu & Bar
Paid advertisement by Austin Cantina.
Editorial Review for Austin Cantina – by Jill Lightner
The Scene
A snug spot filled with warm colors, dark woods and a few cool Mexican folk art touches, this small, friendly restaurant manages to be Texan without being corny. Solo diners should check out the shelves of cookbooks, while parents will appreciate the choice of kid-friendly play materials. The staff offers neighborly explanations in response to questions, and personalized recommendations on every dish.
The Food
It's easy to make an inexpensive meal from the antojitos and sample some of the best menu offerings--crisp tempura-like onion rings and gooey queso fundido provide just the right touch of spicy comfort to go with a cold beer. Each day features a different selection of beans and rice; take this into consideration when ordering, or you might end up rolling sweet baked beans into a tortilla. Slow-cooked meats are tender perfection, and there's a wide range of hot sauces for personalized seasoning.
Hits: The attention to local ranchers, composting food scraps and using oils to create bio-fuel provide appealing environmental reasons to support.
Misses: Seasoning varies tremendously, from Southern sweet to shockingly spicy--the real issue is that it's hard to tell which is which from the menu.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoAn over-enthusiastic ventilation system leads to some uncomfortable drafts; if it's too cold, ask and the staff can make some adjustments.
Parking24th Avenue has plentiful free street parking most evenings; brunch spots can be a bit harder to come by, except on side streets.
When to GoSince it's just off the beaten track in Ballard, it's a great spot to escape the hordes for a post-Art Walk snack.
What to DrinkChoose from among juicy margaritas, quality anejo tequila for sipping, or a handful of Washington wines.
User Reviews for Austin Cantina
04/07/2008 Posted by Selbias
I live right down the street from Austin Cantina, so I came in really hoping to have at least a decent meal here. Also, it somehow came recommended from several friends, even though they had never actually eaten there. When my girlfriend and I arrived, we noticed that the people leaving were all VERY drunk, so figured hey at least the margaritas might be strong. Not the case. We started off with the drink special, a tequila/ginger ale drink that was weak and, at $9.95, as pricey as any classed up drink in Belltown. Then the food. First of all, the nopalitos salsa was bland and the guacamole spent a few too many minutes on high in the blender. Then, my steak- which was supposed to be medium rare- came chewy and well done. I had to drive back home to floss my teeth after dinner. To top it off, my girlfriend ordered enchiladas and was confused when the waitress came with tacos. Apparently, the cook decided to make something else, and we didn't have a say in this. The waitress said she would knock "a couple bucks off", which is literally what she did. No consolation for an order of tacos that my girlfriend did not enjoy AND, at $15.95, didn't even order! Also, the sides were not good. In general, the food was over-flavored (pairing too many disparate ingredients, like apples and chilis) and poorly cooked. The chips sucked. I could go on, but you probably get the point. We left feeling robbed, and still hungry.
Pros: Close to my house
Cons: Everything else
01/22/2008 Posted by pattapit
This place... This place. If you haven't been here, please don't go. I wont be able to get a table if you do. Food is great, service is WOW, environment & drinks are amazing! It will just be far to busy if ya'll show up!!!! My wife and I have been a couple times and between us we have tried the chicken fried steak, skirt steak, chipotle mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, TX caviar, Chili, etc. Portions GREAT Flavor GREAT You just can't go wrong. I cannot think of anything bad to say about any of it except the TX caviar could use more corn and the Chicken fried steak didn't set itself apart from others I've had (but how can you it's chicken fried steak) the skirt steak and the sides are just absolutely to die for. My wife loves to drink the BlooYouReallyCantTypeThisWordd Orange Margaritas, and we sat next to a lady that just had to try it cause she kept hearing Chrissy rave about it. I always just order a shiner cuasethey don't have lonestar... yet Service, Jeffe you are an experience and as the old saying goes... great people flock together. Your staff compliments your friendly, beautiful personality, and we have had nothing but raves about our service. From the entering to the goodbye, there is always good conversation and a friendly hello, and for that I thank you. We really appreciate everything. We were gonna wait till valentines day before we went back (newly graduated and newly-weds leave a budget constraint) but I just cannot stop thinking about it and think we'll go tonight! pros: everything cons: nothing
Pros: everything
Cons: the tables are a little close together.... but not bad (i'm reaching for anything bad at all)
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