The food here was good. The service was average. The staff was friendly. The prices were great. The decor is pleasant. The parking is tough, but it's an easy walk for a lot of people in Ballard.... More

The food here was good. The service was average. The staff was friendly. The prices were great. The decor is pleasant. The parking is tough, but it's an easy walk for a lot of people in Ballard. Crowded at times, but I suppose that is a compliment in the food business. Worth a visit every month or so.
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This place is always packed. I recommend going with only one other person so you have the option of eating in the bar if you do not want to wait all night. The margaritas are amazing!! (especially... More

This place is always packed. I recommend going with only one other person so you have the option of eating in the bar if you do not want to wait all night. The margaritas are amazing!! (especially if you upgrade to the good tequila). Their guacamole rocks! The shrimp cocktail is spicy and delicious. Try the flan for dessert, it is amazing. The only negative comment is that the vegetarian options are extremely limited at La Carta.
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Mexican Tapas - an interesting concept no doubt, with a lot of potential, but for the most part the little morsels this restaurant serves are a disappointment. The chile relleno was laughable, El... More

Mexican Tapas - an interesting concept no doubt, with a lot of potential, but for the most part the little morsels this restaurant serves are a disappointment. The chile relleno was laughable, El Puerco LLoron's (Pike Street Hill Climb) being the same price, more plentiful, and more authentic. The Tacos Al Pastor were passable, while all others we ordered had the consistency I would expect from Taco Bell. The Margaritas were well salted (good) but flat in flavor. The only redeeming quality to our order was the Mole which was excellent, and gone all too quickly My only thought was, I could be spending the same amount at El Camino and be significantly better off. La Carta is a laudable effort, with great decor and a convivial feel, but if you're going to charge Tapas prices (which truthfully I have always thought to be somewhat of a scam) you better back it up with dazzling quality, and that's where La Carta comes up short.
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this place rocks. their mole is divine, the lovely oaxacan women cooking in the kitchen are gorgeous and the price is right. don't miss this wonderful addition to a seattle and ballard. hit it... More

this place rocks. their mole is divine, the lovely oaxacan women cooking in the kitchen are gorgeous and the price is right. don't miss this wonderful addition to a seattle and ballard. hit it before the tractor and have a night in ballard.
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One of the only disturbing things about moving from San Francisco to Seattle was the lack of decent Mexican food here. La Carta is authentic Oaxacan, delicious and incredibly inexpensive. Not only... More

One of the only disturbing things about moving from San Francisco to Seattle was the lack of decent Mexican food here. La Carta is authentic Oaxacan, delicious and incredibly inexpensive. Not only is the food great and true to its roots, but it's a very cool setting - incredible photographs on the walls of the home town of the family that makes up the restuarant staff. Service is also great. La Carta has quickly become very popular (clearly there was a niche to be filled), so get there early or late, but get there.
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