El Moose Reviews

The food at this restaurant was so authentic and delicious that we couldn't get enough of it and will tell everyone visiting Seattle to go here!

We stopped here today based on a recommendation from a friend. It was a cute and cozy place. There servers and host were very friendly and attentive. The menu had plenty of breakfast options and very reasonably priced drinks.

very tasty food in an old type of environment. The menu is interesting, the food is good, the seats are uncomfortable.

We had breakfast recently on a Sunday. Very good food. I was only one not eating mex I had french toast that was super. Family went with mex dishes and they said they were great. Service very good and friendly. The chips were mad to order. We order a side of quack movie that was super. Highly recommend this place.

While visiting relatives who live near Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, we had dinner at El Moose. My relatives had raved about it for some time, and – after trying it – I can see why. We arrived fairly early in the evening and the restaurant – which is in a fairly compact space – filled up quickly. The service was attentive without being overbearing. The menu offered a variety of options. Everyone in my group ordered something different, and we all agreed that we enjoyed our meal.

soooo good. Chips so fresh you have to let them cool off before touching. Get the salsa sampler. and the guacamole. and the corn/cheese appetizer thing. and some of their great selection of Tequila. And then you're completely full but you still have to get some enchiladas or shrimp. And then as you waddle out the door you plan what you're going to eat when you go back. And I loved the feel of the dining room, felt like I could be in Mexico because of the decor, heat and scents. Will go back and eat on the kitchen side for sure.

Met one of my best friends here for brunch on Sunday, I did not want to leave, but wanted to order more food, even though there was no more room in my stomach. I like that their brunch menu offers regional dishes of Mexico and it was difficult choice on on what I really wanted. The staff is are awesome, very friendly, accommodating and treat you like your are visiting your neghibour.

We had high expectations and there was a line which is usually a good sign but the food was average. The sauces were pretty heavy and the spicing was inconsistent, mild on one dish and super hot on the next. Good portions, slightly higher prices that usual for Mexican although the Ballard area is getting pricey. I wouldn't avoid it but I also wouldn't go far out of my way to find it. Service was friendly and the food presentation was nice.

No one washed their hands once while I observed from the counter, I was there 45 minutes. I will be calling King County Health District in the morning. I watched one server blow his nose and then serve food without washing his hands. One fellow was eating tortilla chips while he was cooking them. Tortilla soup was bland without flavor or character. Tortilla chips were a side and were over cooked. I'm from El Paso, Texas, and this food was for city folks; don't bother.

Such a friendly atmosphere and a great menu. Tjis place also has one of the largest tequila menus I have ever seen!

Truly authentic Mexican food that is cooked to perfection. Our waiter was very nice and delivered our food in a timely manner. Restaurant was clean and had a very inviting atmosphere. Great place to eat with friends and family. Wish the restaurant offered free tortilla chips with salsa like most authentic Mexican restaurants.

I had a fantastic breakfast. The menu choices are so intriguing that I can't wait to return to Seattle to eat here once again. I loved the decor. Service was great. My breakfast was sublime. The coffee was excellent. The prices were very reasonable so I place the value of the dining experience as the highest! I would love to return to try lunch and dinner. I will recommend Senor Moose to everyone I know who is traveling to Seattle.

Hands down, best Mexican restaurant I've been to in the US. Amazing selection of entrees and drinks, wonderful atmosphere. Staff is friendly, ownership is warm and wonderful and clearly takes great care in this restaurant. Had the Mole Yucateco w/pork last night and it was just perfect. Many restaurants try to do spicy margaritas, but none can touch the Margarita Ahumada they make at "The Moose." Can't wait for my next visit.

You will not be disappointed here--great Mexican food, pleasant surroundings and good waitstaff. Only thing is to try to avoid coming here in peak hours--everybody else likes it too!

This place does not look like much from the street but it is awesome. They have really good quality food and so many interesting flavors. The shredded beef is awesome and the margaritas are very good. I had one with a peppery salty rim and it was memorable. The wait staff are very knowledgable. I want to go back for brunch and have a grapefruit mimosa.

You will frequently find lines out the door for this local Ballard restaurant. With authentic dishes and delicious margaritas its easy to understand why this is popular. Yet for a Texas, it is still not quite authentic enough to be worth 5 stars. Always hard to find good local mexican food outside of the south, but for the PNW this is one of the best.

I love Senor Moose for breakfast (only meal I've had there. A wide range of Mexican breakfasts from many regions of Mexico. My favorites include the inevitable (but way above average) huevos ranchers, the chilaquiles, and huevos divociados. Can be very busy on weekends. Kid friendly, and has more typical American breakfast items for less adventurous eaters

A group of five of us entered this small restaurant where they proceeded to sit us at a table directly in the sun & next to the front door. Four other tables were available, but they refused to allow us to move, citing that only one of the four was "reserved". We were placed next to a window with full sun making this area extremely hot. The person next to the front door was unable to participate in the conversation due to the constant noise at the front door. We used menus, wine and cocktail lists to block the sun, but it remained blinding to two of our group. Our waiter was courteous, but our water glasses were never refilled. Our four entrees were appetizer size, and costly. We have eaten here before, but will not return because of the owner's refusal to move us out of the sun and the poor quality and quantity of food.

One of the best mexican restaurants I have ever had. I would definitely recommend. I had an enchiladas and a creamy cheese and chorizo toritilla.

At first the name put me off, Senor Moose, really? But I tasted the love they put in their food and I was converted. The Mole Colorodito de Tututepec was a powerhouse, served with mashed sweet potatoes and salad. People wait in line for Moose's and it's worth every second. Come hungry and leave happy.

This is our go to place for Mexican. We have tried just about every other option, and always end up back here. Yes, the place looks a bit rough around the edges, yes, if you don't get here before 6 you will be waiting for a while. The place is small, but they don't put you on top of each other like some places tend to do, so the wait can be quite long. My advice, get here before 6. The mole's and other sauces here are what keep us coming back for more (the drinks ain't bad either!). Service is always friendly and the prices reasonable.

This restaurant feels lie you're visiting someone's home. The decor is very relaxed and casual, with plenty of tables and a mix of local and Mexican art. The staff are all wonderful and friendly. We had a couple dishes, based on our server's recommendations. They were quite tasty, and filling. They had just the right amount of kick to them, and we couldn't quite finish them, so we took the rest home. Wonderful home-made chips with 5 dips came with the meal too. Definitely recommended.

Not your average Mexican fare. No heavy cheese-and-bean dishes here. It's homemade masa cakes and salsas. Not pretentious, just delicious!

Senor Moose is the standard bearer for Mexican food in Seattle. They consistently serve some of the best authentic Mexican dishes that I can remember. Yes, the line is long and they do not take reservations and it's first come, first served, but they have a nice bar to tend to your thirst. We had an intricate MANCHAMANTELES which was a pork based dish which rolled in flavors and total Epicurean delight. The thing about this place is that you really cannot go wrong, and if you are a fortunate out-of-towner who is reading this, you are very lucky to get a lead to this place. Go here and be impressed. They really try to be authentic and original. Happy eating...

I have visited this place twice now, once for dinner and once for brunch. Although this restaurant is reputed to be authentically Mexican, the food we had in Mexico was nothing like this food. The only way that I and my dining companion can describe this food is BLAND. It is a cute restaurant with fun surroundings. There is always a big waiting line for a table. Perhaps I am coincidentally being served bland food on two occasions. Unfortunately, I am just not motivated to return. The service is good, but there is just nothing remarkable about the food here. The background noise is very loud as well. Sorry. The only reason that I am giving it 3 stars is due to the decor and the service.

Got there a bit before the dinner rush - parking was difficult but not impossible. We were happily greeted and seated for a table of five. The home made chips were very hot and tasty and the tray of sampling dips that accompanied ... well, that was new (and great) for those of us that like adventure. We got sour cream for the kid. Our drinks came very fast - and they kept our chip bowl loaded. Our meals came quickly too, but then it started to get busy (6:45 on a Thursday night), and we quickly realized that this place was not a well kept secret! Still, our waitress was very attentive and kept the water flowing - which was good because three of us ordered the Enchilada Machacas. OMG the sauce was to die for. I love spicy food and eat it often (not so much for the other two) but that didn't stop me from needing a bit of sour cream and a refill on the water too! IT WAS HOT but oh, so tasty!! Some places make things too hot to enjoy the flavor - here we (1 that loves spicy & 2 that ate it anyway because it was THAT good) all agreed this was the best we have had - including during our trips to Mexico! The little one had the Carne Asada and was very happy (I was glad to get some also for lunch the next day). This is now my families favorite Mexican Restaurant!

We saw the reviews and chose to visit Senor Moose for breakfast. Both our meals were wonderful. My wife had the CHILAQUILES with the red sauce, carne asada w/eggs, her eggs were cooked perfectly and she loved the dish. Her bloody maria was a bit spicy, but I liked it. I had the ALAMBRES with beef, chirozo and bacon. The dish was excellent. Good coffee, friendly responsive service, so we returned a few days later for lunch. We had the CAMARONES ENCHIPOTLADOS, nice size shrimp in a cream sauce and CARNE ASADA SENCILLA, seared beef was tender and the pablano chilies were great. Both the black beans and refried beans were good. This was a short stay in Ballard, but if we get back, we will visit again. My only complaint is the chair bottoms need replacing in the dinning room, a bit rough on bare legs in shorts. Food is worth going, we haven't found this variety in NC.

The is a great intimate and cozy restaurant specializing in regional Mexican cuisine. The one aspect that sets this above the usual AmMexTex fare is the imaginative tweaking the chef does to standard fare. The sauces are remarkable and the salsa verde is tart and tangy. Like many Mexican restaurants the meal begins with chips, but puffy homemade chips that are delectable and tasty, The chips come with samples of five sauces ranging in impact from mild to a walk on the wild side. There was even a peanut based sauce for dipping. The enchiladas were absolutely perfect-not soggy or overdone. The wait staff is very knowledgeable about the regional aspects of their menu and great at suggesting pairing and drinks. Go!!!

This is a little quaint place in downtown Ballard. A real version of home made Mexican food. The salsa verity is for every taste and spice level. From seafood to Carne Asada. It's all great home made tortillas and sauces. What a great experience and very friendly people working there.

Went there this evening with my wife and another couple. Living in Mexico for six months a year and really missing the food went there to try it out The food was excellent ,really typical Mexican fare We all ordered different dishes and everyone was extremely happy. The wait staff were very friendly and very efficient and the whole dining experience was great Would highly recommend this restaurant for genuine Mexican food .

Four adults and two kids, one Mexican native-- we all ate well and left full and happy! I had vegetarian mole enchiladas from Michoacán, which were very good. My husband had carne asada which he said was also very good. My mom had a mushroom dish she liked very much. Our only complaint would be the salsa wasn't hot enough, and we had to request more tortillas.

Fresh tasty authentic Mexican food. My friends who are Mexican love this place, too. I am gluten-free and always find a lot of "safe" food here. Always packed with customers, with people lining up outside on weekends. Service ranges from good to very good, usually depending on how full the restaurant is. I like their food so much that I often order a second meal to go and stick it in the freezer for a second meal. =) Art on the walls changes regularly and adds a friendly feel to the place. Try a Pineapple margarita with Camarones Enchipotlados!! Delish.

After walking around the Ballard neighborhood, we were looking for a place to grab a bite. Every place we looked at was a bit more upscale and packed. We choose this place because the menu looked authentic. We were not disappointed. The menu had authentic Mexican food, not Tex-Mex or Cali-Mex. my wife ordered the mole and I ordered a marinated pork tip meal. Damn was it good. The margarita menu also had a good selection. Be sure to try the queso with chorizo.

We were craving Mexican and Senor Moose satisfied! Decided on this place base on reviews from yelp and google. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was awesome. From my non-expert point of view it was authentic mexican foods with their twist. I had the ALAMBRES and loved it!

I go here for special occasions because their food is really good! They speak in both Spanish and English, and are always very friendly!!! I highly recommend it's definitely kid-friendly. It's a great restaurant, I don't suggest the margaritas, but everything else is top-notch!

We were introduced to El Moose by a local friend who was craving their tomato-based stew with egg. Unfortunately it was not on offer as post-COVID they have rationalized the range of their menu. We still enjoyed an exceptional mean -- starting with guacomole and salsas served with the freshest of tortilla chips. Each one of us loved our mains: - Calabacitas Guisadas - Hongos Guisados - Sopes con Huevos Tribute to the staff who were really caring -- effortlessly cleaned up after the accident at the table and replaced the spilled horchata, offered the use of the staff restroom because I was waiting, AND I left my handbag behind to return an hour later and find that it had not been touched! Thank you 🙏🏽

I eat here at least once a month, their brunch is worth it. Huevos Divorcados stands out as one of the best and unique breakfast experiences in Seattle. Their chips and salsa makes the trip worth it with 4 types of salsa and thick, warm chips that feel like they made them just before you sat down.

Like going to visit family. Staff is super friendly, the dishes are goodgod delicious. My favorite Mexican restaurant in Seattle.

There may not be a lot of room inside during weekend brunch, but there is definitely room for improvement in the service, menu and pricing. The food can be good here, and if only the staff managed to smile and not look so put out at getting it for you, I'd be willing to give it another try. The simplest dishes, like a green salad with some chicken on it, are way below what they should be, and the more traditional items like chicken enchiladas are swimming in too much sauce. Their prices also keep us from trying more things on the menu, but we've had our share of crab from the people we've dealt with there already.

My friends and I were in the Ballard area of Seattle and we went to Senior Moose's for breakfast. We were all very happy that we did. The restaurant is in an older building with lots of character. It was not your typical Mexican breakfast. We liked everything we got. But we warned some things are rather spicy. If you like Mexican breakfast, you'd love Senior Moose.

Had brunch here on Sunday. They said it would be a 45 minute wait for a four top at about 11:15. Glad we waited, as we were seated in 15! While the food here was really good, we wouldn't go out of our way to eat here again. It's often hard to find parking and there are enough good Mexican restaurants in Seattle where there isn't a long wait. My sopes were excellent, but there was way too much green sauce that over powered the sopes, eggs & beans. My better half said the enchilada suiza was good but nothing special.

I had not been to Senor Moose in a while and was happy that I went back. I had the Chicken with Mole Sauce. The chicken was perfect, it fell off the bone and was very tender, and the Mole Sauce was very good. If you go on a weekend evening be prepared to wait for a table, often you can find a place at the counter if you don't want to wait for a table.

A great menu of regional dishes. The food will definitely take care of any craving you may have for Mexican food. Very friendly and attentive staff. The only challenge would be finding a parking space, but again worth it.

We came here for Sunday brunch. It was busy and a small line outside but moving fast and we were seated within 15 minutes. The place is fairly big actually considering they have two bars and seated areas. The ambience is lovely, filled with colours and paintings (for sale). Service is friendly but slow as they were packed and looks like food is made fresh so no problems. Between the four of us we ordered: - eggs with chorizo and beans: not the best chorizo out there - a vegan dish: they didn't have to many great vegan options so our friend wasn't really happy with his dish. Might not be a good place for pure vegans. - huevos mexicana was good - huevos divorciada was the best - two tacos with eggs on top divided by baked beans one side with red salsa and the other side with green salsa. Delicious and light. I think you need to know when to come and what to order because we had 2.5 dishes that were good out of 4. Prices are a bit on the expensive side and service is slower than other places but I still loved it.

We were only able to order food to go but it was well worth the trip to Seattle. Those were the best fish (mahi mahi) tacos outside of Mexico! And the carne asada was tender and practically melted in your mouth. We will be back soon to try everything!

Went for dinner and drinks with a friend last weekend. We are both foodies and really enjoyed our meals. I spent the summer in Central America and felt like the menu was authentic and interesting. And the food didn't disappoint! Plus, the service was friendly and attentive as well. I would definitely return next time I'm in Seattle.

This is a friendly, cozy, relaxed, unpretentious neighborhood place. You can linger. For all those reasons you want to love it. Unfortunately the food, though filling, is neither true to the Mexican cuisines it claims, nor even all that good. You can do much better elsewhere in Ballard.

The food was bland and VERY expensive. The service was good and the place was packed. But the food was not good. The nopale was from a CAN!

Wow - this place is a well known locals favorite and no wonder. It's tucked on a side street in Ballard, and stays busy. The menu has to be seen to be appreciated but we went as a party of 7, all had different foods from different area and each was unique. My enchiladas were stuffed with chiles, potatoes, corn.....covered with a complex mole sauce drizzled with Mexican cheese---full of tantalizing flavors, rich, and vegetarian to boot. Another non-meat eater had a completely different enchilada, everyone else savored their dishes with chicken, pork, etc. One of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten in.

Good lord, I left this place feeling a 100 pounds heavier. Virtually everything we ordered turned out to be fried or deep fried or stir-fried. All I remember is the grease on our plate and how we wish we didn't order the other dished that were still to come. The good thing about this place is that it's a family restaurant and the lady that runs the place is funny and chatty and entertaining. Although they couldn't pay me to go back. Grease, that's all I remember.

We tried Senor Moose today and were so pleased with the quality of food. It's a quaint little place with real Mexican atmosphere and decor. the real treasure here is the food!

Arrived at 11:30am and the restaurant was fairly full. Three of us ordered the chilaquiles with chicken. It was great! There are a couple of version: with eggs, with pork, red or green sauce. The 4th person orders the in-house made chorizo, eggs and sautéed nopales. Excellent!

This restaurant serves real Mexican food, like you get in Mexico, not Tex-Mex. Brunches and dinners offer generous plates of food from various regions of Mexico. The lines are usually long and for good reason.

I went there a couple of days ago and tried one of the carne asada plates, the mole and the guacamole and chips. Everything was very flavourful. The agua de Jamaica was also very good and they do a generous pour compared to other restaurants. My only complaint was the service. My date asked if a dish was spicy, to which the server responded: "You came to a Mexican restaurant, what do you expect". We certainly didn't appreciate this attitude, and neither the ignorant response from the server. Not all Mexican food is spicy (it turned out that the dish wasn't spicy). This is not a response you give to a customer.

This is the best Mexican food I've had in Seattle. It even rivals Mexican food I used to have in San Diego.

When the cooks are soaked in sweat, shrouded in greasy smoke and yelling at one another in Spanish...you know its going to be good. Been here a few times solo after work. Despite the depression of the previous sentence, this place has fantastic food and excellent service. If you are waiting for your food, it's because good food takes time. Worth the wait. Very busy at dinner, unsure if they take reservations. The kitchen was a Smokey sweat fest and flying hands and food, but was maintaining the organization necessary to really crank it out. Bike lock station directly in front of restaurant if you are a bike lock freak, which you should be in this neighborhood. Parking challenging during the rush. I will eat here again, good for smaller groups...faster service at the bar seating area.

This is the best Mexican food in Seattle. I have eaten here many times and have brought many people to eat here with me, everyone loves this place! Breakfast, Dinner, it's always good. This is not your typical, soopy rice and beans place, this place is a "joint" which serves your Grandma's home cookin!

I love the Moose. Don't ever go there.

A friend and I stopped by Senor Moose this morning for breakfast. The food was good and the staff was friendly but the service was quite slow. There was only one server with a helper (to refill coffee, etc.) to manage a busy Monday morning, so it took a while to get an order placed and to receive and pay for the meal. If you have time and don't mind waiting a little for service this place is fine.

Holy crap, did this place have awesome breakfast. I had the Alambres, and it was super tasty. Can't remember exactly what my two brunch companions ordered, but they also loved their food. The superb grapefruit mimosa was the icing on the cake. Would definitely go back! Go early, as this place can pack up quickly.

This is a popular restaurant and for good reason. It is not your typical Mexican restaurant with refried beans and food buried in gloppy cheese. I don't know enough to call the food "authentic", but it is certainly tasty. The mole is really fine and they willy adjust the spiciness. Most of the menu choices are beef or pork. Fewer lean or vegetarian choices. We went on a busy Sunday evening. Service was friendly, but less than professional: tepid water, forgot beer, beer not chilled. But everyone enjoyed their meals and the servings were more than adequate. Ballard has become a trendy neighborhood with lots of clubs and restaurants. Parking can be difficult so allow extra time. This is a place worth seeking out and revisiting.

Went on Sat night, line was long, but wet quickly. Very fun atmosphere. Ordered the chips and salsas which were excellent. Had the chicken tostadas for dinner. They were okay, not great. Portions appeared to be on the small side. Service was average. All in all reasonably good, but nothing great.

I am hesitant to eat Mexican food outside of the Southwest but this was excellent. I had the carne Asada tacos and the flavors were excellent. My husband had the Alhambra (not sure on the spelling) and it was even better. We had to wait but it was worth it.

We celebrated our sons 21st birthday and the food, cucumber margarita's, were excellent. The decorations and pictures are beautiful.

My wife and I went to our local favorite Mexican food restaurant for dinner, starting off with La Ultima Margaritas (their version of a Cadillac Margarita). The drink was great along with house made chips and salsa. My wife ordered Carne Asada a la Tampiquena (beef steak) and I had Carne de Puerco con Calabacitas (slow cooked pork). Both dishes were delicious.

Living abroad for the past 9 years, I crave great Mexican food. Was just in town days ago and had breakfast at Sr. Moose which was completely delicious as usual. New discovery, the Horchata Latté - oh YUM! No, it's not a fancy place, service is friendly but busy...no complaints, the food is authentic (not just another gringa who thinks she knows Mexican). I need to go back for lunches and dinners, the menu is full of enticing dishes!

I've spent many years living and traveling in Mexico and this is one of the very best Mexican restaurants in Seattle. The owners lived in Mexico for several years and learned to make simple, home-cooked fonda style food. These include several moles (meats in sauces), including an outstanding manchamanteles ("tablecloth-stainer," meat in tomato sauce with raisins, pineapple and chiles). For some dishes the portions seem small and the price is reasonable but not inexpensive; the quality is superb. Also excellent for breakfast.

When I say that I mean it in the sense that Senor Moose is so good, yet so far away. I visit Senor Moose whenever I get the chance when visiting friends and family. I'm an American living in the Netherlands and miss Mexican food with a fierce passion. This place craves all potential cravings I could ever have and then some. I'm happy to say, I'm kinda obsessed with this place and can't wait for my next visit. Food is authentic and delicious and everything you could ever want in mexican food. Great sauces, great food and great service. If I could give this 6 stars, I would!

Super tasty, and the best guacamole I've found in Seattle.

The waiting staff were really slow. The drinks were mediocre. The Tortilla Chips and salsa were average. We ordered one of the dishes made with Mole sauce and the Carmarones Enchipotlados. The plate was a messy dish-up and the Mole Sauce were actually sour! I make the 3day Mole process recipe at home and had so for many a dinner sit-downs and that sauce were awful! The shrimp with the other dish were tough and the sauce the consistency of water. The beautiful deep rich color and taste of the authentic dish was totally amiss here. Both of us did not finish our meal and we have decided not to order anything else. We had other great Mexican more authentic meals at other restaurants in Seattle. Do no waste your money or your time here.

If you go on a weekend you will have to wait. But the worth is very good and worth it. They have some of the best chicken that you will find in a restaurant. It's hard not to be boring and always get something with Mole sauce.

So I rarely give a “highly recommended” review but this place deserves it. My family and I are visiting from the East Coast and was looking for a place to have dinner on a Sat night. I went through different searches but mostly focusing on Mexican. Found this one and it had good reviews so we gave it a shot. Place gets packed. We had to wait but it was fine because if a place is popular, it must be good. After waiting maybe 15 minutes or so, we got seated. Food was amazing. I had the Frijolitos con Platanos which is basically beans and fried platains. It did not come with any protein so I added the shredded beef. Wow, it was amazing. My wife had the chicken adobado [not sure if this is the exact name] but she loved it. My son had Alabres [again not sure if that is exact name]. He loved it. My wife and I had margaritas and they were good. I am a lightweight so I started feeling it with only one drink (house margarita). I think with two, I would definitely feel them. Overall, the staff is great. It is not a big place which is another reason why it gets packed. The food is price right. Can’t say enough about this place.

Great regional Mexican food, reasonably priced for Seattle. The margaritas are wonderful. Its slightly off the beaten track and is popular so you sometimes have to wait. It does a great breakfast too

We got here at 5:30 pm on a Wednesday, soon after the 5:00 pm dinner opening. By 6:15 pm the tables were full and there was a crowd waiting to be seated. Which tells you that the food is good. Not your typical bland cookie cutter Mexican restaurant. Entrees are more expensive than other Mexican restaurants but well cooked, unique and yummy. Homemade chips are not free but that helps you keep from eating them mindlessly. And they are delicious, served with a variety of salsas. Full bar, Mexican beer, Margaritas, etc.

Just go! The food was great. Fresh and authentic. Would absolutely go again next time I am in town. Very tight in regards to seating and it was warm in there. You kinda forget about that as you are busy enjoying your food!

The choices for quality Mexican cuisine in the Seattle area have been steadily improving over the past ten or fifteen years and Señor Moose is certainly at or near the very top of the list. The space is on the small side and includes a counter option that solo diners will appreciate. The bar has assembled a stellar collection of top shelf tequila and mescal, and they've put together an innovative collection of specialty margaritas and other cocktails. The menu is also extensive. You'll see some familiar dishes like enchilada suiza, which are certainly beautifully executed. But be adventurous and try some of the authentic regional dishes and the great breakfast dishes (available on the breakfast + lunch menu, which is available until 3 pm). It is great to see ingredients like epazote and nopales. A lot of nuance will be found here in the flavors and textures that tells you that Señor Moose uses fresh ingredients and does not cut corners. Service is attentive and friendly. Parking can be difficult in Ballard but there is a very reasonably priced parking garage right across the street, about half a block north on Leary. Expect a moderate wait for your table, and expect a leisurely paced meal. That's a good thing, because you'll enjoy taking your time and savoring the excellent food and drink at Señor Moose.

I can't believe I haven't yet reviewed Señor Moose! Perhaps it's because I'm in some sort of epicurean fog for at least 24 hours following each visit! In any case, my best guy used to work in Ballard, and at some point in late 2013/early 2014, we decided to check out this unassuming edifice, located a couple blocks away from the Ballard (Sunday) Market and a large number of tonier foodie destinations. Wow! Señor Moose blew us away! We've visited several times since, but our most recent (Saturday night) venture was after being "away" for several months, and as we both agreed. we had almost forgotten how danged AMAZING their food is! Seriously, we all like a good meal, but Señor Moose exceeds! Between mouths-full of delighted, un-articulated moans of pleasure, we both gushed about how great even their SIMPLEST dishes are. Esquites? Seriously...CORN? I've never NEVER been "wowed" by corn. Until Señor Moose. Their guacamole is the BEST I've had in this city. Their drinks are...generously poured; to the extent that you might want to split drinking from eating, so as not to dull the taste buds! The service is always phenomenal: friendly and helpful and always willing to do a "little extra" for complete customer satisfaction. As a side note: my best guy and favorite dining companion is of Mexican heritage and lived in Mexico City for several years in his youth. He annually visits family now living in New Mexico and attests to the authenticity of Señor Moose's cuisine. (I know enough Spanish that I translated "this tastes even better than my Mother's," one time: a comment I know is not lightly made!) I could go on, but figure you should stop reading and get yourself over to this amazing little restaurant. And, OH!: The Camarones Enchipotlados are TO DIE FOR!!

We went here for brunch recently, on a weekend morning. I worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, so I tend to give a wide berth of excuses to servers, but this service was the worst ever. Rude, unaccomodating, apathetic. I have never been to a mexican restaurant that charged ($7.95) for chips and hot sauce, then they brought it to us in a thimble. When I channelled Oliver Twist and asked if we could have some more I was informed it is "labor intensive you know." Eggs were cold when they got to the table. No pinto beans, I happen to hate black beans, but I've never been to a Mexican restaurant that didn't even offer a choice if they're going to feature black-lots of people don't like them. Then the waitress refused to remove an orange juice she never brought to one member of our party from the bill. She said to just consider it our lucky day. Maybe she thought she didn't charge us for it? We told her that she never brought it and charged us for it, don't know how she misunderstood. Frustrating experience, will not be back. Food was nothing special either, so no loss there. I cannot suffer through that again to give them a second chance.

Six of us went to Senor Moose last night for dinner, but after waiting about 30 minutes, two of our party decided to go home just so the other four of us could get the only open table, which seated four. Then, we had a not very enjoyable time eating while the women at the table next to us, celebrating a birthday, shouted and made lots of noise, not caring at all about the other patrons. My vegetarian meal, described differently on the menu, ended up tasting like potato salad with a side of black beans. It was not a very fun evening, and we would not go back.

We have eaten now twice at El Moose in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle; both meals were excellent! The dishes are deliciously flavored. The mole sauces are especially exquisite made with complex flavors. We have enjoyed the Alambres, Carne Asada Sencilla, and Mole Negro Tlaxcalteca. The Flan for dessert was the best I've ever had.

Had brunch today. Chlorizio was excellent along with eggs, onions and of course peppers -- made a great dish. Fish tacos were excellent as well. Great spot for excellent meal

I'm a little surprised that this place wasn't better considering the stellar reviews that it has. My wife and I are from Arizona and are always on the search for good Mexican food. We came for lunch and were surprised at how incredibly bad the service was. We waited almost 15 minutes just for them to get a drink order even though the other tables were being served just fine. It then took almost 45 minutes to get our food and they forgot the app (which they comped, which was nice). Maybe this is normal, not sure. The food itself was really pretty good with just the right amount of spicyness. We tried the margaritas, which were billed as some of the best in Seattle, we had to disagree. The combination of OJ and lime juice just didn't sit well with us. Also, the prices were quite high considering the decor. They are charging Matador prices. In the end, the service sucked, the margs weren't that great. We ended up going to Matador to get a real marg afterwards. The food was really good but not sure that we would return because of the other things.

senor moose restaurant is a great little neighborhood restaurant with delicious Mexican food I usually eat breakfast there on the weekend's. Really warm establishment, friendly staff, great coffee and delicious Mexican food. reasonable prices for the quality of food and service. This place is pretty much authentic with Mexican cooking.

A great little Mexican place, with an outstanding bartender and, as a result, really good Mexican food. Not fancy, just really, really good. Worth the trip to the Ballard area, and is off the beaten track of restaurants and bars in the area. Go while they are still small and "unknown".

Non traditional Mexican food. Lines to get in, often.

I am a California so this food which is more like I believe you get in Central Mexico was a real change for me. What, no chips on the table? Guacamole was awesome and my beef street tacos were good but a little hot.

The serivce is great, the atmosphere is very authentic and the margs are superb, people! I had the shrimp, best shrimp ever!

My mole was bitter. One of my dinner companions said his dinner was "not very good" and another said it was "OK." The other two people at the table liked their meals. The service was astonishingly slow. Not that I minded terrible food and service- I was really there to visit with an out of town friend.

Fantastic place, the stews are particularly good. Tortillas are the best in town. There is often a line around the block, but eating at the counter is a great experience even for a couple.

If you like mexican food, especially chilaquiles, you cannot find a better breakfast location. The plates are enormous - colorful and tasty. Their mimosas aren't huge, but they pack a punch for a breakfast drink. I usually get the margarita (fresh strawberry) and it's delicious. Don't expect amazing service- unless you are a regular - they probably won't smile too often. There is no real atmosphere, but the location is decent. If you are visiting the area, go here for breakfast and spend the rest of the day wandering around Ballard. You won't be disappointed.

Best Mexican Food Ever! Very Authentic. 👍 Today I ordered the Green Chilaquiles with Carne Asada and Eggs. Well balanced dish. Enjoyed every bite. The coffee here is amazing. Just the way a cup of coffee should be. Decided to also try the plantains with cream and cotija cheese. What a nice treat for my palate. I can't wait to be back and savor something else of the original menu. Check out some of the beverages.

Good menu, good food and well-sized portions, but prices are a bit on the high side.

Not sure how to describe this place other than to say I'm done eating at Señor Moose's. The owner is not there much anymore and while some of the food is pretty good, the wait staff seem to have an attitude about certain customers. It takes forever to get waited on and they really don't seem to care when an older couple comes in who've been loyal since Day One. We get ignored we get stuck in a corner. It takes forever to get someone to offer more coffee and more water on a hot summer day. The chicken tinga is a joke. Food does not come out at the same time. The portions have gotten smaller and there is inconsistency in the flavors. The menu itself is extensive and representative of the different cuisines of Mexico but the wait staff has a bad attitude and no, they are NOT friendly. Not going back.

We had a variety of dinner items and all were very good. The mole was spicy and rich with a fresher, fruity tone. Service was good although the restaurant was very busy.

Señor Moose has some of the most interesting and tasty Mexican dishes around. The platter of five salsas and a chipotle pepper is out of sight. The mole dishes and the enchiladas are really good. They have the best shredded beef I've ever had. The margaritas are great too. The only problem is getting into the restaurant-it fills up early, especially on weekends. Still, it's worth the wait.

Did. Not. Like. I don't get why this place is crowded. Maybe the food was 'off' when I was there.

This small neighborhood restaurant tucked away in Ballard is so good we dearly wish it were in our own neighborhood. Start with La Ultima Margarita--from my standpoint a perfect margarita, nicely tart with full flavor and the right amount of kick. We don't have huge appetites any more but in the course of a couple of visits have enjoyed the Esquites --Fresh corn cut off the cob and epazote with cream. The corn is a little sweet but very flavorful slightly spicy, served with crispy tortillas. The BISTEC DE CERDO ENCHILADO, described in the menu as "Pork pounded thin, rubbed with a paste of chiles and vinegar, then pan fried" is full of flavor with enough spice to jazz it up but not so much as to overwhelm the palate. The CAMARONES ENCHIPOTLADOS, described in the menu as "shrimp sautéed, finished with cream and smoky chipotle sauce" has a wonderful mouth filling flavor with some spicy heat. The ENCHILADAS DE PUYA, described in the menu as "Three tortillas rolled around two cheeses, doused with spicy salsa of chile de puya and cream" are simply delicious. The atmosphere is quiet and warm, the service was slow the first night we went (a Thursday), but terrific the second night (a Sunday).

small,homey spot on Leary Ave. Busy mid week at 3:pm! Although their House Margaritta was lacking,the food didn't disapoint. We all had the Tequila Shrimp. About 12 med. size shrimp in a creamy sauce,I'm getting hungry just writing this! Of course we had to take home food,tasted even better the next day. We really didn't have room for desert-but they don't have flan anyway!

I’ve been coming here for a few years now, especially since my wife used to live directly across the street. Everything I’ve tried is quite delicious from the sampler of salsa to the always delicious tacos and my favorite, the chicken tinga tostada. They have great drink and are super friendly. You can even have a seat at the counter and watch them make food while you wait. Definitely a great place to check out if you’re in Seattle

We love to go to Senor Moose for breakfast, very authentic food, the service is OK and efficient, the food is just great. The place is busy, they don't take reservations so go there early if you want to avoid a long wait. Definitely worth it though!

Another good place to eat in Ballard. Just across the street from the Olympic Athletic Club. The Mole Negro Tlaxcalteca and Queso Fundido are good choices.

We've eaten here several times and shame on me for only now getting around to reviewing it! Each experience was great: excellent food, wonderful service, amazing bar, kitschy decor, and a great value. Anything off the breakfast menu is outstanding. Get there early for breakfast because there is frequently a line, it's that good!

Breakfast was good, not great. Can't wait to try dinner too...

Much ado about nothing. Hot inside and my dish was so hot (Mole?) that I could not eat it. I could tell that they were trying to be creative however no one in my party of four was very impressed either with the quality or quantity offered. No A/C so it is very hot on sunny afternoons. Bar is best part with creative and skilled drinks a big part of patrons enjoyment (my observation). Crowded with a wait line always on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mmmmmmm....

I visit Ballard once or twice a year. The first place I go, after arriving, is Señor Moose! I order the Sopes Con Huevos and House Tea! It is never a disappointment.

Mexican food at lunch can be problematic due to the large quantities of cheese beans and tortillas at a traditional Mexican restaurant leaving the diner nodding off at their desk back at work in the afternoon. I've eaten at Senor Moose twice now in the past week and, although not inexpensive, consider it an excellent lunch option. The pork taco plate was outstanding featuring small flour tortillas with high quality pork filling and a bit of onion, with avocado, grilled scallions and sliced radishes on the side. On my previous visit, we watched someone at the counter devouring a chorizo/egg and tortilla concoction reminding me why Senor Moose is most famous for their weekend breakfasts. Overall, delicious and high-quality fare.

I recently had lunch here and can honestly say this is some of the worst Mexican food I've ever eaten - and I love Mexican which is one of my go-to foods! I ordered chile verde (bad tasting sauce) and the pork was so undercooked it was pink, tough and inedible. I stopped eating after the third chunk of meat because I was seriously afraid of making myself sick. My friend had a dish with mole sauce that was grainy with very poor, undeveloped flavors. On top of the bad food, the service was terrible. What a disappointment! We were really looking forward to eating here, but will never go back. Don't waste your time or money!

Ok, the title basically is my take on the only sound you hear from me while at Senor Moose...that, and my over the top thank you's to the cooks for their yummy food! Have you BEEN to Senor Moose? No? GO! NOW! Seriously! They even do breakfast! This place has some of the best Mexican regionally varied food I've ever had. I tend to always start with an appetizer called Esquites...which is wonderfully sweet corn sliced off the cob with a creamy mayonnaise like dollop and Cotija cheese sprinkle, served with a few crisp corn tortillas. Then it's always a challenge to decide where to spend the rest of my calories for the meal. The Tequila Shrimp never disappoints and is my go to...but, seriously, anything I've ever ordered I've been very satisfied with. And don't forget to try their chips with like 5 or 6 different little bowls of various salsas and sauces...one being a peanut sauce. Their chips are also so warm and crispy light...not tough and thick. Trust me...it's good eating! Come early to avoid a wait...or stand in line if you have to...it's worth it! (Be prepared, the setting isn't fancy or posh...but comfortable)

Service was kind of slow and the menu doesn't indicate hot/spicey items. I ended up ordering something that was almost too spicey for me to eat.

That's what it says on their menu, and that's what it is! Definitely have to try the Esquites for an appetizer, and I always enjoy the Alambres as an entree! I go there whenever I'm in Seattle, and make sure that I take any friends that may be with me there too!

This place is always busy and I know why! The service and food is very good. Nothing fancy about it but the food and atmosphere is nice. It is a small place in Ballard but they seem to turn the tables around pretty fast. That is NOT to say that you feel at all rushed because you don't. We sat at the front bar for drinks and dinner. Normally, if you don't want to wait for a table and there is space to pull up at the bar you can sit there with no wait. They do have a back bar for those waiting for a table. The LA ULTIMA MARGARITA (The Ultimate) is really good. Spend a little money if you want a top shelf margarita. I had the CARNE DE RES EN ADOBO which was delish... and my husband had the TACOS DE CARNITAS. Along with the specialty offerings with corn chips to start.

DO NOT MISS WHEN IN BALLARD. 6 of us went here for their breakfast/lunch menu. 6 of us left saying it was some of the best Mexican food we have ever tried. One of our friends said it was one of the top 3 things he has ever eaten. Their Micheladas are incredible and the Fish Tacos get 10 gold stars in my book. How they can they make better Mexican food than the same type of restaurant in Mexico? No idea, not even going to ask. Just going to stuff it in my mouth and enjoy beyond measure. Portions were above average in size and priced well. Cannot beat the Moose for value. I am almost happy I live so far away, because I would eat there way too often for my waistline.

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Seattle. Never would have guessed by its name. It's right across the street from Olympic Fitness

My husband and I live fairly close to Senior Moose – so it’s a logical choice for weekend brunch or dinner at any time. If we move out of the area, this will still be a staple because we’re totally hooked! As a vegetarian, it’s sometimes difficult to eat ethnic fare as meat is a main staple in tons of countries, but this “comida tipica” (typical Mexican food) offers a large variety of vegetarian options on top of their carnivorous fare: mole, enchaladas, huevos (eggs), entomatadas, bean dishes, platanos (fried plantain bananas), masa cakes (made without lard!) – and for those ovo-pescatarians, there are shrimp and fish dishes to add into the mix. Also – their guacamole is some of the best in Seattle! My only minor complaint is that they don't do "to go" orders on the weekend - which I think is both a poor business move and constitutes lousy customer retention/satisfaction. The art changes frequently and there are a ton of Mexican style knick-knacks, especially in the back by the bar. Also, the tequila choices are better than at your average bar. Senior Moose is worth a visit!

My son and I stopped by for dinner after a busy day of moving. We had carnitas and carne asada tacos both were excellent. The area around Senor Moose is busy but worth the short wait.

I am from San Antonio Tx and feeling a little homesick. So walking the streets of Seattle I was on the hunt for street tacos and I was lucky enough to find this GEM! Senor Moose is the REAL DEAL authentic Mexican food experience, down to the smallest detail. The chicken enchiladas and the beef tacos we had we AMAZING, WONDERFUL, EXTRAORDINARY . . . The staff was awesome and the atmosphere is great! I am getting one more meal in before I leave Seattle. HIGHLY RECOMENDED!!!

This is a very popular restaurant in a very unpretentious building with a super location. The food was very good, especially the black beans and sweet potatoes with most anything. Service was quick and efficient, as they know that there are people waiting for the tables. After waiting awhile in the bar with a couple of drinks, the final tab was considerable, but that certainly works for the owners. I will return, but if the wait is too long, I will move on.

Long wait after 10:30, but friendly service and great food! I love the Sopes con Huevos.

Came here for a party. Yummy Mexican food. Great Wait staff. Lots of variety. I had the carne asada tacos. Loved the way the plate looked. The plantains were delicious. Highly recommend this place if you are in the Ballard area.

Seattle is not known for good Mexican food. If you've thought that's the case, then by all means, then visit Senor Moose and end that unfilled need. The owner travels to Mexico annually for inspiration and cooking lessons, and it shows. The moles, sauces, etc. are made by hand, and they're the real deal. Senor Moose is the opposite of a chain restaurant. The menu has not been dumbed down for your protection. The dishes are authentic. There's only one Senor Moose, so the decor is not corporate. The prices are quite reasonable, especially for the quality. Be forewarned: they don't take reservations. The line around the block is real and well deserved, so plan accordingly. Vegetarians will be happy. There are a number of dishes, including a veggie mole dish, so you won't feel like you're losing out on the cuisine because you're not going for, say, the shredded pork. It's not fancy, but you will leave with a smile on your face.

We were in Ballard visiting our daughter and she suggested Senor Moose. I was in the mood for Mexican so there we went! Not an impressive building but that never scares me. We were seated at a cozy table near the bar and were immediately taken care of by our server. She was very helpful, offering insight to the multiple mole dishes and several suggestions concerning their margarita menu. We started guac and chips along with an array of salsas that were very interesting, diverse and quite delicious. Next, we all ordered different entrees with the expectation of trying each others. Needless to say, all were superb. I had Carne Asada AlaTampiquena, a skirt steak with peppers guacamole and a tortilla. It was very good but I liked all three of the other dishes better. The Camarones Al Tequila was my favorite. It was shrimp in a tequila sauce with rice. Another great option was a shredded beef, chorizo and bacon dish smothered in cheese. The other meal we tried was chunks of pork in a mole sauce that was so tender and juicy. I normally don't like too many moles but this one was outstanding. Not sweet at all, with the perfect amount of spice. I am already looking forward to my return visit to Ballard to try another great dish.

The crema corn! The fresh guac & home made chips (warm)!!! Tequila! We've been there for dinner, twice!! Heading back again for breakfast soon. They identify the regions of their foods, which is really helpful. Great flavor, fun, and the only drawback is finding a close enough place to park! "Muoy Bueno!" the waitress taught us! So much fun here.... Thanks Senor Moose!

Our first time here as we're just in town for 3 days. We were told this was the best Mexican restaurant around. For appetizers we had Esquites (corn cut off the cob and epazote with cream) and tostaditas with 5 different salsa and a chilito chili. For our main courses we had Alambres ( shredded beef, chorizo, bacon and green bell pepper grilled together and topped with cheese) and Hongos Guisados (mushrooms in butter with poblano Chile and epazote topped with cream). It was all very tasty and not too spicy. We arrived near the start of dinner time and the service was very friendly and fast.

Señor Moose is not only the best Mexican restaurant in Seattle, but also my go-to restaurant whenever friends are visiting from outside Seattle --- it never fails to impress. Tonight was no exception. Friends from Maine, Mexican food lovers, were here and their socks were blown off. We had 2 different moles (Negro y Manchamanteles) and some carne asada, and a round of margaritas. The cocktail menu is as creative as the food menu is delicious. The moles are beyond amazing. Many restaurants try to do spicy cocktails, but none measure up to the Moose's Margarita Ahumada.

Awesome eats! Fresh salsas, perfect chips, and I had the torta, which was undescribably delicious. Kinda small, and you have to go through the kitchen to use the restroom, but that's part of the character...

The food and service at Señor Moose is so worth the wait, and you will have to wait if you have a group of 4 or more as they don't take reservations. The food is so awesome I don't know where to start. Home made,hot chips with a variety of exceptional salsas for starters. I am in love with the Enchiladas Suizas- Tortillas filled with chicken and cheese in creamy green salsa and the Higaditos De Pollo-Chicken livers sautéed with bacon, jalapeños, and onions. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I can't recommend this place enough.

In the mood for Mexican hubby and I headed here for some tasty grub. After battling Ballard parking on a Thursday night we were greeted seated promptly. Oddly our table already had glasses of water ready to go, with no ice we were a little concered how long they had been there but drank away. When we ordered I asked about the spiciness of some of the mole and the waitress even brought me a little dish with some mole sauce to see if it would be too hot for me. Our app - chips and 5 salsas was forgotten till our meals were brought out but whatever we were having fun. The sangria was tasty. I had the manchamalates (sp?) which was the perfect amount of spice and flavor. I can't remember what hubs had but his refried beans were so tasty. The food was unbelievably flavorful, service was prompt and friendly and apologetic when necessary, overall a great little place for quality food.

went with some friends for lunch, hadn't been in ages. The food was fantastic, we 4 all share so got to taste mole, creamy veg dish!!! tacos. Service super with a smile, the ambiance in this restaurant wonderful, warm colors, very comfortable. not as dense seating as some other restaurants. Went back that weekend night, since I was obsessing on their food. Had a fantastic shrimp in cream cayenne sauce! 10 stars. the best part was the margaritas were excellent. (I had eliminated the restaurant quite awhile ago cause did not care for the margaritas.) Busy on weekends but can wait in bar.