El Gallito

Every time I dine here I wonder why anyone would want to come back. My excuse? My best friend likes it, so I occasionally suffer through it with him.\r \r Upon entering, I am always shocked at how dirty and messy it is. Last night for instance, they said, ""sit anywhere you like."" Every empty table was dirty from previous customers. Fortunately one table had a wet rag on it, so I was able to wipe down the seat and table before sitting down. I also find the lighting harsh and the decor unimpressive. All of this would be fine if the food and service were good but, that has never been my experience. I love a good dive with great food and service as much as anyone - but this place misses the mark.\r \r I'll say this much about the food - it is not bad, its always just so-so in my opinion.\r \r The service is the most disappointing thing. Our server ambled over at a slow pace, dropped off menus, took a while to bring my beer but did not bring or offer a glass. I think I've had this same guy every time I've eaten here and he seems completely disinterested in what he is doing. He just comes up and stands there waiting for you to order, never asks how you like anything, never offers the bill, you have to ask. No thanks for dining with us, nothing.\r \r In summary, I wouldn't even mind the mediocrity of the food if the servers just exhibited some positive attributes. Maybe a greeting when you enter, perhaps engaging in a level of conversation as minimal as simply asking if you are ready to order, how is your food, are you ready for your bill? I just get the feeling this guy hates his job and our presence is a bother for him. Every time I dine here I get the same feeling and just want to turn around and walk out. Perhaps I'll protest the next time my friend wants to go here. I feel mad at myself for spending my money here. more

YUK! Bland food and child friendly. Need I say more? Pros: Great Salsa Cons: Food is mediocre at best more

I moved here from California (Los Angeles area) about two months ago. As many other Californians would understand, I went through Mexican food withdraw as I have been trying to find some good Mexican food restaurants in the Seattle area. El Gallito is the second place I have found where the Mexican food, especially the bean and cheese burrito's, tastes pretty much the same as the Mexican food in southern California. Very good! I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for real, good Mexican food! I'm so sick of all these high class, fancy mexican restaurants in Seattle that don't taste anything like real Mexican food. I love El Gallito!! Pros: Great Food Quality Cons: Ambience, Service more

The free chips and salsa are very good, the chips are hot and the salsa has a nice spicy kick to it! I... more

The free chips and salsa are very good, the chips are hot and the salsa has a nice spicy kick to it! I ordered Steak (beef) A La Mexicana - huge p... more

Having moved recently from California, I have been very disappointed in the Mexican food I have eaten from the ""mini-chains"" around here. But this place was good, comparable to a tacqueria in the Mission. The chile verde I had was very tender and tasty, and the chicken enchilada that the S.O. had tasted great as well.\r \r As for a previous comment about the ""presentation"" - this is Mexican food we are talking about, right? Pros: Food Cons: Neighborhood is a bit sketchy more

I was hoping for better food because of all the raves. I was a tad bit disappointed. My chile relleno was undercooked, and the pepper was stringy. My friend's mole was okay, but the plate lacked presentation and looked like a sea of chicken in brown sauce. The margaritas were okay - we asked for blended drinks. The second drink was the melted remains of another pitcher. I probably won't return. In fact, I have had way better food at my local Taco Truck than here. I think I have a better margarita recipe, too. Pros: good salsa Cons: food just was not that good more

This is the best Mexican food I've tried in Seattle! Went here a few years ago went it was a dive. They've cleaned it up tremendously, inside and out, and expanded their space. The chile colorado and the chile verde are the best I've ever had! Very rich sauces with amazing spices and flavor. I can't wait to eat there again. Pros: Best chile colorado and chile verde EVER! more

This is the worst mexican food I have put in my mouth. Their enchilada sauce was made with cloves and I could not even get past the smell. I realize Mexican food in this part of the country is sub par at best anyway-but this one took the flan! more

Love this place. Reminds me of Mexico. The food is good and portions are large. This is a nice clean Family run restaurant. Forget the chain's that pose as real mexican. If you don't like spice or chesse STAY AT HOME. On Friday and Saturday nights this place gerts slammed so show up early and have some patience. You will be rewarded dearly... Pros: Good Mole, Inexpensive, Kid Friendly Cons: , Long wait on Fri Sat more

Great food and atmosphere. Strong margaritas, great service and a pleasant lack of attitude. more

I took my family there, having read a great review, either on City Search or in the Weekly (don't recall). We waited forever to get waited on while the wait staff were busy trying to correct mistakes on people's bills. The food was awful. Everything tasted the same, with an ""odd"" spice added to each thing other than the Guacamole (the only edible dish). The smoking section allows smoke into the dining area where our 2-year-old was. All in all, we wondered how the ""great critic review"" ever happened. Pros: Guacamole Cons: Service, Food, Ambiance more

The food was not worth the cost of gas to get there. It was flavorless, soaked in cheese and sour cream, and purely tasteless. I will not return. The service was non-existent. The decor was fine. Cons: bad food more

We always leave over-stuffed and elated! There isn't much happening in the form of Mexican food in this town, but thank goodness there's El Gallito & Senior Lopez! The tamales are deluxe, and delicious. The combo plates are jumbo and delectable! The margaritas are satisfying, but a tad sweet. The guac is perfect, and the mole is way too good! We love this place. And, you get a free calendar on the way out...bonus! Go for some Mariachi music! Pros: large dining room Cons: stay open later! more

I'm a Mexican food snob. I grew up in Texas in a largely Hispanic neighborhood. I've been sorely disappointed with the Mexican offerings in Seattle. My friends keep dragging me out to various places they think offer good Mexican food and then asking me what I think. I gave El Gallito a ""C"" for average. My friends felt like I was being unfair, but then I explained to them that ""C"" was a lot higher than the ""F""s I gave to all those other poor excuses for Mexican restaurants. I will actually go to El Gallito when I have a Mexican food craving vs. sitting around and bemoaning the fact there isn't any good Mexican food in Seattle. Pros: authentic, good, not crowded Cons: no parking more

Love this place! It is a great deal and fast good food. Family owned and the pride shows. Not to mention they pour a good drink. Hate to tell too many people I may not be able to get in the door. Pros: fast, good value, real mexican food Cons: Parking more

I don't find the staff particularly gleeful, but the food is amazing. Try the chicken mole - your grin will get hung up on your ears. It's great stuff. The tortillas are nice and steamy soft, the rice and beans just cheesy enough. From the outside, you'd think this place was closed down. The inside is what I'd call Tijuana surprise. Not necessarily a bad thing. Pros: Mole Cons: Looks run down, Staff are blah more

El Gallito has been the place I have been going for mexican food for over six years. Senior Lopez is always there to greet you. He is warm and friendly, in addtion the food is the best, the burrito sauce is yummy! also try the enchillata sauce on a burrito, mr lopez will think this is weird but the enchillata sauce is yummy with burritos, it has this spicy cinnimon flavor that is just the best. STOP going to places like Azteca or Gallirias on Boardway and start tasting the real stuff! Pros: yummy, band on weekends, fun more

El Gallito is AWESOME mexican food.....big portions and not too greasy or heavy. The tamales were homemade and very good....The salsa is HOT so watch out! The chile verde burito seemed to be a big hit at the table.......Careful with the margaritas they are DEADLY! Highly recommend this restaurant. more

Finally I found good, authentic Mexican food here in Seattle! I could be sitting south of the border and not know the difference....the only thing missing is the sand and the sun! The ambience is authentic, the beer is cold and the guacamole is superb! Pros: Authentic, Festive, Tasty! more