Luisa's Mexican Grill

The food was hot, service excellent but the food was nothing outstanding. \r \r My spouse had ordered ""ARROZ CON POLLO "" which he thought was decent enough but my lobster taco's were not even interesting.\r They make their own fresh tortilla's which is good but doesn't matter if the food is nothing to talk about.\r \r The only thing I liked there was their Cuervo Tradicional Margarita ($8) which was tasty and strong and the dips (red and green) which came with the warm chips which were half crushed)\r \r We paid about $40 for 2 entree's and a Drink which for me is as expensive as most places but not even half as sumptuous.\r \r Needless to say, we will not be visiting them again. As it is we went there just because we had a coupon from resturants dot com Pros: Parking, Hot food, Drinks Cons: Nothing Outstanding more

If you're craving Mexican food and want something del mar, go to Luisa's. I ordered the Lobster Tacos which I've never seen on a menu before. I got 3 HUGE soft tacos stuffed with lobster. I have a huge appetite and I couldn't finish them all. And the flavor was excellent. Came with whole pintos and rice which was also good. They also have crab tacos which I want to try next time. Chips and salsa also pass the test. You get two different salsas and the avocado-based one was my favorite. Service was very good. As soon as we walked in we were presented with a fresh, hot, corn tortilla with butter and pico de gallo. It was delicious. I actually liked the flavor better than Rosita's fresh corn tortillas if you've ever had them. Pros: Excellent seafood, lots of desserts to choose from, fresh and hot corn tortillas, free parking more

The staff is very friendly and service is good. I have eaten there twice now. The first time by choice, the second as a company. Both times, I thought the food I ate was very blah. No real flavor at all. No one in either of my trips in there enjoyed their meals. Each person said it was flavorless. Pros: Nice restaurant Cons: Flavorless food more

I love this place. I have been going here at least once a week since I moved to the neighborhood three years ago. Having spent a lot of my life eating Mexican food either in or really close to Mexico, I was pleased to find a place that met my standards. Traditional mexican american food, and a few more authentic dishes (the mole and tacos al carbon are both fantastic) are made with high quality ingredients. Their red salsa is actually spicy. Their homemade corn tortillas are delicious. Their natural margarita (fresh squeezed lime juice) is fantastic, and they have a large selection of tequilas. Service has always been warm, welcoming, and very competent. I see families with children enjoying themselves as much as I do when I come in to dine alone with a book. Pros: Food, drink, service Cons: They can get really busy during peak hours more

When I went to Luisa's for dinner I left feeling very disappointed. I had just moved to the Ballard area about six months ago and was in desperate search for a good mexican restaurant. The nicest part of my experience was being greeted by the hostess. After that, it all went down hill. I felt like it took about 20 minutes before my waitor even came to my table and another 20 minutes just to receive the bill. Although the food arrived at our table rather quickly, the margarita I had tasted like it came from a mix, and the meal I shared with my husband was very simple and lacked flavor. Romantic atmosphere? I did not think so. However, it appeared to be great for children. Now that I have tried other mexican restaurants in the area, I came to the conclusion that Luisa's is not all that it is made out to be. If you want a comfortable atmosphere, great food and decent service you are better off going to El Burrito Loco (also on Holman Road) or heading one freeway exit south to Rosita's. Pros: parking, tortillas, Cons: MARGARITAS!!!!! more

After glancing at all the highly recommended reviews, we decided to try this place. No arguments about the prompt service but the food was very mediocre. I decided to check those highly recommended reviews further and found that most of those reviewers had only one restaurant reviewed - are they employees I wonder? more

I love Rosita's...I have never had anything there that I didn't like. The service is good & they serve delicious, complimentary tortillas w/butter and salsa. I would recommend Rosita's to anyone. Pros: Great Food, Good Prices more

I just had a friend bring me a chicken fajita burrito to me at work last night, and I swear, this was THE BEST BURRITO I HAVE EVER HAD. It was to go, but they still packaged it up with guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, two types of salsa, rice, beans, tortilla chips... It was sooo good.. Hugh with lots of chicken and peppers. I am dying to go check this place out in person - it was that good. Pros: Taste, Extras, Price Cons: ??? more

There is a certain formula to Mexican restaurants of Luisa's ilk. Clean though worn 70's stereotypical ""Mexican"" decor. Rows of padded booths just waiting for the suburban family night out. The ""Combo #3"" select 1 taco, 1 enchilada, 1 tamale. The really artificial tasting margarita. The too-hot tortilla chips too thin and too crispy, and taco shells too thick and too-well fried (though here all are mercifully cooked in vegetable oil, and not lard). While the service was prompt, attentive, and friendly, the food was, alas as mediocre as the decor. Average cuisine in every way and not worthy of any special visit unless you are driving by and are in a must-have-Mexican-food-now mood. more

Coming from the Southwest to Seattle can be a shock to your palette. There is no good Mexican food! We have searched Eastside to Westside, Northside to Southside looking for something to satisfy our craving for great Mexican food. On a whim, we decided to try Luisa's. This was like finding a needle in a haystack. I had center cut sirloin grilled with vegetable on top of corn tortillas. It was delightful, tender, full of flavor, and quick too! The chips were crunchy and flavorful, and they didn't use that clove flavoring in everything like some other places do around here. GO, GO, GO! You won't be dissapointed. Pros: Great selection, Excellent Service, AWESOME FOOD Cons: Far from my house more

As soon as we enter the restaurant, a large water fountain greets us along with warm homemade tortillas, a light Mexican music and friendly smiles all around. The food was awesome, made from scratch according to the owner, and had one of the best Mexican Dining experience. This is a great place for cozy dinner for two, yet large enough to throw a birthday party. The service was quick and very friendly, allows us to feel more family oriented dining experience. I highly recommend the restaurant for all occasion. more

Louisa's is my favorite Mexican restaurant. Since I've moved to San Jose, CA. I haven't found a Mexican restaurant comparable to Louisa's. They have great service and great food. We always visit to have our Mexican fix when we are up in Seattle. It is our family favorite! more

The chicken/mushroom over rice is the BEST I have tasted. The attention to detail and service is a cut above. more

I love this restaurant. The food is great, the homemade tortillas best in Seattle. The staff is quick, knowledgeable and ready to accomodate even the most difficult requests. Great family restaurant, as well as just big folks. Large range of tequilas and great margaritas. more

Pretty good plate-style Mexican food, (think L.A., not San Fran) and a nice choice of good tequilas for margaritas. The Green Lake location is groovier, but the Crown Hill site has measurably better food (albeit a family-centric vibe). The address is a bit confusing as the restaurant actually faces Holman Road, across from QFC. Pros: good food, easy parking Cons: too many families more

It has been a long time since I tasted really good Arroz con Pollo! Rositas does it right! Brought two pre-teens with me who are very fussy eaters. Both ordered Cheese Quesadillas and loved them. All dishes were large portions, hot, fresh and yummy! We all rated the place a 10! Great family atmosphere. Friendly staff. We'll be back! more

Rosita's has some of the best mexican food I've ever had and I just recently moved back home to Seattle after having lived in the southwest for a couple of years. Even my husband loves the food there. I remember when Rosita's used to be the El Toreador, the food was good then and it's even better now. The service is great and my kids love the tortillas the staff gives out as soon as you walk in the front door. more