This place is great if you can get a seat. One tip-do not attempt to eat here on the weekends go late (around 10 or so) on a week night to get a seat. Mole is the specialty food here and is... More

This place is great if you can get a seat. One tip-do not attempt to eat here on the weekends go late (around 10 or so) on a week night to get a seat. Mole is the specialty food here and is blended into many of the dishes. The ingredients are very fresh and and sometimes include surprising ingredients, like curry in the Empanadas. Seating is European style and the service is efficient and not overly friendly. Dinner will cost around 10 to 12 dollars a person.
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I heard many people gush about this place it was excited to try it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the food and put off by the ambiance. First of all, I was unimpressed by the salsas which... More

I heard many people gush about this place it was excited to try it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the food and put off by the ambiance. First of all, I was unimpressed by the salsas which were rather bland (hard to do with pico de gallo)... second of all, the dishes I ordered came to me nearly cold (a big no no for cheese quesadillas) and again void of significant flavor and heat and packaged tortillas (the flavor of preservatives tips that off). The cheese was flavorless and the beans unseasoned mush. I am vegetarian, so my dining companion and I only ordered the meatless items on the menu -- none of which I would recommend. Maybe the meat-containing dishes are better? Although I really didn't like ambiance, I will say that the average Seattle-ite would probably enjoy it. All in all, the crowed is uber-hip -- filled with Ballard young professionals & hipsters. The decor cashes in on the fetishization of Oaxaca/Zapatista culture, and romanticizing (they have so little but seem so happy!) and exoticizing the third world poverty so popular among Seattle's largely white, well-educated, liberal population. You're surrounded by chic, glowing pictures of wise and old (assumedly) Oaxacan men, smiling barefoot children sitting in the dirt and other earthy scenes evocative of third-world rural living. I am sincerely puzzled by the rave reviews this restaurant receives... and keep thinking I should give it another try. But, quite frankly, don't want to waste my money or time. Honestly, I can make much tastier and cheaper food at home. I've yet to find good Mexican food in Seattle. Growing up close to the border has given me a critical tongue.
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Order a few of the smallish dishes and share with your dinnermates, there are so many great options. Make sure you try the mole. Unlike other Mexican restaurants you have to order the tortilla... More

Order a few of the smallish dishes and share with your dinnermates, there are so many great options. Make sure you try the mole. Unlike other Mexican restaurants you have to order the tortilla chips as a side; do so, and sample the different salsas with the guacamole. Be prepared for a little wait, but it's well worth it.
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As I walked by La Carta De Oaxaca today around 12:45 I noticed that people were inside. WHAT!!?? It can't be true! They are now open for lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is the only place in... More

As I walked by La Carta De Oaxaca today around 12:45 I noticed that people were inside. WHAT!!?? It can't be true! They are now open for lunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is the only place in Ballard that I truly want to each lunch at every day. I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT and now I can have a little taco yum-yum with my pals from Blackbird! God bless America! Also they seem to have outdoor seating. I believe this is new.
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Ok so this is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Seattle. These guys have the most authentic mexican food, and the 'mole is the best dish around! Watch the margaritas too--they make them nice and... More

Ok so this is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Seattle. These guys have the most authentic mexican food, and the 'mole is the best dish around! Watch the margaritas too--they make them nice and strong!!!! Get there early for a seat.
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There are lots of Mexican restaurants. But let's not put this in that category. Oaxaca (I like to pronounce it how it's spelled) is a great place to satisfy your palate. I prefer the quesadilla... More

There are lots of Mexican restaurants. But let's not put this in that category. Oaxaca (I like to pronounce it how it's spelled) is a great place to satisfy your palate. I prefer the quesadilla because it's not just cheese and tortilla. It's topped with a guacamole, then drizzled with cream...VERY good. I order nothing else. The salsas and guacamole is good too. I hear the rest of the food is also great, but I'll stick with the quesadilla. The lit photographs on the wall are great too. This place is not cheesy (pun not intended) and the decor is quite nice. I love the communal table...it's like a party but you don't have to pay for everyone to eat!
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I could eat at La Carta de Oaxaca everyday. The food is so authentic, it's hard to believe that it's in Ballard. The room is noisey, there is always a wait for a table, and you might get seated at... More

I could eat at La Carta de Oaxaca everyday. The food is so authentic, it's hard to believe that it's in Ballard. The room is noisey, there is always a wait for a table, and you might get seated at the communal table but the food is so delicious you won't mind one bit. They make a mean margarita too. I dream of the carne asada tacos! And the mole is to die for. The portions are small and so you will want to order a couple of dishes per person.
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I am conflicted about drumming up any more interest in this restaurant, because it's already hard enough to get a table here. This food is such a welcome change from the dreaded Azteca-style... More

I am conflicted about drumming up any more interest in this restaurant, because it's already hard enough to get a table here. This food is such a welcome change from the dreaded Azteca-style Mexican food most places inflict on their customers. Order several of the little dishes, along with a margarita, and take in the beautiful photography on the walls. Take the opportunity to sit at the bar if you can, and watch the staff making tortillas and creating their wonderful food. I love the tamales and the little potato and meat torpedo things whose name I forget.
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La Carta De Oaxaca, which no longer is the secret gem of Ballard, is fabulous and well known. It's a tiny restaurant but packs a big punch. They make the tortilla's and chips fresh. Most of the... More

La Carta De Oaxaca, which no longer is the secret gem of Ballard, is fabulous and well known. It's a tiny restaurant but packs a big punch. They make the tortilla's and chips fresh. Most of the dishes are served a la cart. Which is fine as you can then try a few. I recommend starting out with the chips and guacamole, it's delicious! They also have a salsa bar you can help yourself to. There are approximately five to six different salsa's to choose from. I also highly recommend the carne asada. Definitely spicy but the best I've ever had. I crave these tacos. If you don't want to wait, plan on getting there before 6 pm. They also have a very small bar. Street parking.
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Nestled in historic Ballard, La Carta de Oaxaca is a diner's delight. This is a dream restaurant, personal yet bustling, light and airy, filled with delicious aromas from the open kitchen. From... More

Nestled in historic Ballard, La Carta de Oaxaca is a diner's delight. This is a dream restaurant, personal yet bustling, light and airy, filled with delicious aromas from the open kitchen. From the women making tortillas by hand (corn; phenomenal) to the waiters constantly replenishing the salsa bar, the staff is gracious, kind, and hard-working. The food, of course is the highlight. House-made chips (w/ guacamole) bear little resemblance to store-bought chips; these chips are light, airy, crispy, crunchy, salty, and perfect. The posozle is perfectly seasoned, full of pork and hominy; the entomatadas are a revelation - try them with the green (tomatilla) sauce. The house specialty, mole negro, is complex and sweet, and rumor has it dessert is as well! Small plates ideal for sharing mean your meal can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish - either way, it will be delicious.
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