along Portage Bay in the U-District. I too find it hard to find non-greasy food, and even more expensive restaurants just pile on the oil. People go there for the views and proximity to kayak... More

along Portage Bay in the U-District. I too find it hard to find non-greasy food, and even more expensive restaurants just pile on the oil. People go there for the views and proximity to kayak rental, but I go there for the fantastic homeade Mexican food. They use the best ingredients, and is not too expensive. Their salsas are unbeatable. Be warned, though: Agua Verde is a beautiful place to go on a nice day, so expect crowds and confusion unless you go on a rainy day. And because most people go there regularly, the procedures for getting your food/menu/where to sit which seem normal to regulars can be confusing. The staff are very busy, but the place is filled with happy customers, so just strike up a conversation with those around you when you have questions
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just wish the lines weren't so long! also, they should make the back deck more open...

just wish the lines weren't so long! also, they should make the back deck more open...
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I heard it was good Mexican food so my husband and I walked down (we live by the campus) on a Monday evening to check it out. Though crowded we were seated right away close to the water. ... More

I heard it was good Mexican food so my husband and I walked down (we live by the campus) on a Monday evening to check it out. Though crowded we were seated right away close to the water. Beautiful. The server was horrible. Trying to charge us for every little thing. Definitely bad service. You can tell she just did not care. I'm hoping its just a flux and service can be good? Yet to be seen... Unfortunately they can get away bad service because the food is soooooooooooo good. Very fresh and light but extremely tasty. We got the famous spicy catfish tacos and devoured it. The ceviche is delicious as well! (Note they charge you extra for the chips to eat it with!) Anyway we will be back, probably many times. Probably not a good idea to go on the weekends because of crowds and be wary of the cost. But the ambiance and food makes up for all that!!! I will have to rent a kayak soon. :)
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Only in a city where quality Mexican restaurants are about as prevalent as Mariner playoff games would the fare at Aqua Verde be considered even average - and that's a stretch. I'm assuming the... More

Only in a city where quality Mexican restaurants are about as prevalent as Mariner playoff games would the fare at Aqua Verde be considered even average - and that's a stretch. I'm assuming the excellent location, the ability to paddle your kayak, and the gorgeous views are clouding some reviewers' minds. Otherwise, I'll have to believe that few have had Mexican food outside of Washington, because Aqua Verde's bland and uninspiring dishes, while not cheap, taste like they should be. Go for the atmosphere, just eat before you go.
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One of my favorite summer activities is to drive out to Boat Street by UW campus, go to Agua Verde and rent a kayak. Kayak about Lake Washington for awhile. The trip there is fun, it gets very... More

One of my favorite summer activities is to drive out to Boat Street by UW campus, go to Agua Verde and rent a kayak. Kayak about Lake Washington for awhile. The trip there is fun, it gets very rough around the Montlake Cut. Check out Bill G's house from a distance. If you want a smoother ride, you can paddle around underneath 520. When done, grab some Mexican grub at Agua Verde and check out their huge selection of margaritas!!!
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This place has a great atmosphere and great drinks but the food is pretty bad. I have eaten there three times and have never had anything good. The chips are out of a bag (not home-made) and the... More

This place has a great atmosphere and great drinks but the food is pretty bad. I have eaten there three times and have never had anything good. The chips are out of a bag (not home-made) and the fish tacos are horrible. They smell so fishy! You need to drown them in sauce. But get a drink and grab a kayak and have a great time! For cheap Mexican food, I recommend Gorditos!
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If you're standing in line to get the best to-go ordered taco in the City, you're probably at Agua Verde http://www.aguaverde.com/. It's popular, it's a bit cramped inside, and the location is a... More

If you're standing in line to get the best to-go ordered taco in the City, you're probably at Agua Verde http://www.aguaverde.com/. It's popular, it's a bit cramped inside, and the location is a little off the beaten path, but it is enticing, it's relatively quiet outside, and a great location if you're at the UW Med center or the University. People rave about the flavors and they're right, but it does cost a little bit more and if you just want a cheap place to eat, you probably won't like it. When you go, expect to wait in line for at least five or ten minutes, because it is good. They apparently rent kayaks too -- I have not, so cannot comment on that, other than to say a burrito on the lake sounds nice.
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I love going out to lunch, that is no secret, I especially love when I find a really good place. Agua Verde is one of those places. It is a cute little Mexican cafe, casual, at lunch, they serve... More

I love going out to lunch, that is no secret, I especially love when I find a really good place. Agua Verde is one of those places. It is a cute little Mexican cafe, casual, at lunch, they serve cafeteria style - you order, pay and sit down, they bring you your food. Everything is uniquely healthy and fresh, delicious and what a view of the ship canal. The prices are decent, you can easily have lunch and a drink for under $10.
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