Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club

This place has a cozy, a bit off-beat atmosphere and a great location. You can also find lots of options if you are a vegetarian. It's fun for a casual meal or drinks on a sunny afternoon. more

I will preface this review with the concession that I was here with a 20-person split group (some kayaking - others just eating), but I couldn't believe the rudeness of the employees here. The Soup Nazi lives in Seattle!! Those not kayaking met on the patio where we were to wait for the entire non-kayaking party. We were told we could get drinks & chips to bring out there and that we could order food "to-go" to eat on the patio as well. So as not to lose our spots (it was packed), we decided to go ahead and get the to-go food one at a time and let the kayakers fend for themselves when they got back. Our first food-getter, a pregnant mother, came out to the patio with her box of food. She was followed out by three, yes THREE, employees who were adamantly and rudely telling her she could NOT eat her food on the patio. WHAT?! Yes, she had to take it OFF THE PREMISES because it was "to-go" food. One of the employees even said, "That's why it's called 'to-go.' You leave with it." Niiiiiice. Two other members of our party had already gone up front to order, and when they came back, we told them what the employees had said. They all promptly opened their boxes and ate - on the patio. We eventually had all members of our party present and were seated inside the restaurant where we received decent service and mediocre food. And to be fair, those who kayaked all had a great time. (As an aside, when they got back, one employee told them they might have to eat their meals on the patio. Is this a policy or not, Agua Verde?) One last rant, and then I'll shut up. A member of the non-kayaking party (you know, the ones who had all the fun), needed change for a twenty. She was told they didn't have change. She asked to put her part of the tab on her credit card. Oh, they can't do that either because of some tax and gratuity business. Ugh. Eventually, change for the twenty miraculously appeared. Maybe it was a bad night. Maybe I was starving. Maybe they need to get their act together. Whatever the case, I doubt I'll ever go back. more

I like it! It's Casual With a capital C.... The catfish is nice! The mango margaritas are to die!!! 4 more

My husband and I, and many of our friends, have been going to Aqua Verde since long before it became popular (and expanded to add a bar and balcony, increased their prices, and limited the salsa). However, I still think that food is fresh and awesome and the fact that it is inexpensive is simply a bonus. Yes, I am sad that so many of you now know about this little urban oasis on the shores of the Monlake Cut & Lake Union. And yea, the wait is L O N G most times so I typically don't wait until I am starved to head over there. But remember - there is a REASON why the line is out the door and snaked around the corner! Do you really want to eat at a desolate resturant? And many order a margarita to drink while standing in line mingling and having fun with other diners who want the pleasure of yam tacos and chili mashed potatoes (my favorite menu items!!). The margaritas I hear are great, I however save my calories for the food. Lastly, I will add that I love to support small non-franchised resturants in these days of Walmart-ism!! more

I am going to preface this review with the fact that I am a picky eater. It is rare that I can find a meal on a menu that doesn't have at least one item in it I don't like. And Agua Verde is no exception. BUT, because of all the hub bub I have heard about this place (including on the FoodNetwork!) I decided to give it a whirl. I went with co-workers the first time, and I was a bit perturbed to see a huge line out the door. Thankfully it was a nice day, and it didn't take too long to get my order in. Things are a bit chaotic there; tables are hard to get, people bus their own dishes, but the food my friends is great! Like I said before, I am a picky eater, but this place has made me realize that the perfrect balance of ingredients can please evey the most particular pallets! I have been back several times, and will continue to do so. Try to go a little before or after the lunch/dinner crowd, and you should be able to get in no problem! more

This lively place often has a line for a table, but it is well worth the wait. The food is fresh, plentiful, inventive and good! Drinks are imaginative and delicious. You can eat inside or on the deck overlooking Portage Bay. You can also do take out and eat on the steps or picnic tables next to the restaurant. Or better yet, do take out and rent a kayak at the dock below and eat on the water! more

The wait can be long. So put your name in and go rent a kayak for 45 minutes. Super relaxing and feels like the old days before kids when you did an outdoor activity followed by dinner and drinks. Great margaritas. more

My family loves this place. The food is fresh and tasty. We have tried all the fish tacos and each is a unique take. Bad chips - store bought out of the bag - great salsa. test more

I used to think Aqua Verde had the best ceasar around, but upon a recent visit I drastically change my mind. more

Furtunately for the owners, but less so for the rest of us, Agua Verde is becoming the worst-kept secret in Wallingford. Take a great, funky Baja-Mexican restaurant, add a killer location on the north shore of Portage Bay, mix in a kayak rental business downstairs, and sprinkle with some of the best margaritas this side of the border, and you have a one-of-a-kind full-service destination for any sunny afternoon in Seattle.So what's not to like? Not much. In the interests of full disclosure, the wait can be long (though it's a good natured crowd, not least because drinks can be purchased while you wait). The food is solid, with occasional flashes of casual genius, but don't expect to be wowed by innovation or preparation. And the kayaking, while an excellent pre-meal adventure, doesn't come cheap. Those few caveats aside, if you're looking for a fun activity and the sun is shining, Agua Verde should be near the top of your list. Give it a shot! more

This place rocks. The guys who run the show are all super nice and helpful (even arranged for us to have 100 folks kayak and lunch the day before our wedding). The food is delicious and worth the wait- priced right and fresh,fresh, fresh. Take a kayak out and explore the cut and the arboretum and then kick back with a beer and a taco. more