05/06/08

Too bland for my taste

by dalipardon

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

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

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

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

06/27/06

Great food, can get pricey

by nelsonchen

This is my favorite place for Mexican in Seattle. When I was living in Los Angeles, you can get cheap Mexican food that tastes so good. Malena's reminds me of the little drive-thru Mexican eateries in L.A. The taste is the same. Unfortunately, the only thing I don't like about this place is the price. Getting two tacos can really put a dent in your wallet. If you don't mind the price, this place is really good.

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: Can get pricey very fast

04/16/06

Tacos for the Mexican Food Lover

by khrisla

I lived in So. Cal all of my life and have been to Mexico a half dozen times and gave up hope of finding a great taqueria in Seattle- then I found Malena's. This place is for those who are uninspired by the Americanized mass versions of taco & burrito shops. The steak taco is divine: smothered in a light guacomole, the corn tortilla the perfect mix of crisp and soft. Be prepared to be delighted.

• Pros: Fast, Authentic Mexican, Cheap
• Cons: Small

03/21/06

Wow, finally REAL Mexican food

by bugmenot1

I have been dying to find a place since I moved from Texas. I did Malena's is great. BEST hot sauce I've had , probably ever!!!!!!! The people didn't even speak english, loved it!!!!!!!

• Pros: Cheap, Great food, Authentic
• Cons: Not one in Issaquah, Not one on the East s, I don't own a chain

01/16/06

Cheap GOOD

by shelliluv

This is great mexican food. Comforting, yummy... I love the rolled chicken tacos. And the guacamole. It's really affordable too. I'd drive from the suburbs to get food here. Get take out, though, way too small of a sitting area.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Delicious
• Cons: Not much seating

04/17/05

User review by karibergson

by karibergson

Malena's has great mexican food for a cheap price! I have looked all over this city for healthy mexican fare and did not go dissappointed when I found this place nestled in Queen Anne.

• Pros: Fresh Mexican
• Cons: Not a lot of seating

12/05/04

It's ok if you haven't had better

by muysalsero

It's not bad, but it is not what I am looking for on a regular basis. The food was not as tasty as I had hoped for. The tortillas were the regular sized one's available at the store, not the doubled up smaller one's found in authentic Taquerias. They did not serve my order with lime wedges. There were no extra garnishes available such as onions, cilantro, guac, jalapenos, etc. Plus the prices were standard with American food. If you've had the real deal, you know what I mean.