Vegan
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Mexican
Bar and Mexican food restaurant that turned plant based in 2021. Offers vegan versions of nachos, quesadilla, burritos, and tacos. Has a salsa bar with house-made salsas. Over 21s. Open Mon-Thu 12:00pm-10:00pm, Fri-Sat 12:00pm-11:00pm, Sun 12:00pm-8:00pm.
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1521 1st Ave (at Pike Place Market), Seattle, Washington, USA, 98101
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 09 May 2023 by geometric-noise
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163 Reviews
First Review by cwarrick1
vegandophster
Points +244
Delicious and fast - Edit
Super yummy all vegan food and came out super quickly, could be bigger on the portion sizes for the prices but overall good.
Read morePros: all vegan, hot and yummy
Cons: a bit expensive , only over 21
Guest
LilMillieee
Points +70
Disappointing!! - Edit
I am so disappointed I really wanted to love the food here but it was all just so… bland! Everything kind of tasted the same and like it needed way more spices and salt! Even my bf thought it was mediocre and he loves Mexican food! Also they are still using the process of going online to look at the menu and also pay for the food, and water is self serve. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing just not my favorite. The one thing I will give this place is that they have self serve salsa/sauce that is really good!! Honestly that saved my meal from having no flavor.
Read morePros: Salsa/Sauce “bar”
Cons: Bland food, Order online , Self serve water
Guest
JenniferKellogg
Points +411
We devoured it - Edit
Some top notch Mexican food for sure. We had taco, nachos and chips/salsa/beans and even my omni husband enjoyed it. Glad we stopped for takeout as we left the market. The workers there were ultra friendly. The service was incredibly fast. Would visit again!
Read morePros: Taste/quality, Expansive selections, Friendly fast service
Cons: None
Guest
veganqueenofqueensnyc
Points +1087
El Borracho Didn't Disappoint - Edit
First of all, for my one and only day in Seattle on this trip, the weather couldn't be more perfect (see attached photos of Space Needle and the weather here this afternoon, as I sip on my Arnold Palmer - also pictured, along with the Nachos - yum! 😋)
Read moreHonestly, at first I was a little turned off when I first walked in, and no one on staff acknowledged my presence for a few minutes and I did consider leaving, but something told me to give this place a chance. So, I walked over to the bartender and asked him who I had to talk to, to get seated outdoors, and he said, "Me." Not sure if he had seen me when I initially walked in, but if management reads this, you may want to train your staff to improve on their customer service skills, especially where first impressions are concerned. Reading some of the other reviews on this place, I think a couple of other customers were turned off by the service (or lack thereof) as well.
In terms of how one places their order, it's all very tech/smartphone oriented. Once you're seated at your table, you're asked to scan the QR code there and place your order. Pretty simple process overall, even when I encountered a slight glitch but persevered on, even customizing my nachos to not include jalapeños, which give me the hiccups (don't ask) while noting that it asks if you want to tip your waitperson as you place the order, and decide how much in advance....excuse me, but how am I supposed to decide how much of a tip to leave when I haven't had an opportunity to gauge the quality of the service throughout, first impressions notwithstanding? I almost begrudgingly opted to do the standard 20% in advance and hoped for the best. Being that my total bill still came to under $25.00, I reasoned that it wouldn't be a huge loss had I been disappointed, and I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly my order was brought out - first the Arnold Palmer brought out by the bartender himself, and almost immediately thereafter my nachos were brought out by another staff person.
I will say this: the nachos were satisfying and flavorful, despite the vegan melted cheese and vegan sour cream having a slightly watery texture. But overall, I was happy, satisfied, and ready to resume my walk in Downtown Seattle for the remainder of the afternoon and into the evening.
Pros: Quick service once order was placed, Food fresh
Cons: Unwelcoming vibe initially
Guest
Mgfarmer
Points +711
Great spot! - Edit
Friendly place with fresh food and nice sized portions. I had the chipotle potato taco, shrymp taco and the jalapeño pineapple margarita. I ate the food so quickly that I forgot to take pics. I would def recommend this place
Read moreGuest
JennyCorcioDeleon
Points +41
No food - Edit
Twice I try to eatthere and don't have Cook
Read moreIs so desappoiting
Pros: Nothing because I was not able to eat , Waitress so rude
Guest
SarahMays
Points +1179
Vegan tacos, burritos, and bowls! - Edit
We enjoyed our meal at El Borracho! We liked that there were several options for each burrito, taco, and bowl. The service was very quick and the food was tasty! The taco was a little expensive for what it was, but the portion sizes on everything else was perfect. Heads up- you order from a QR code and it is 21 after 5pm. Our only issue was that everything came in disposable to go containers which was a little disappointing. But over all glad to have a fully vegan restaurant option downtown besides Veggie Grill.
Read morePros: All vegan!, Lots of options. , Fun drink choices.
Cons: Everything comes in disposable containers
Guest
guineverepettigrew
Points +58
Amazing Fully Vegan Option at Pike Place Market - Edit
When you enter, most of the restaurant is 21 , if you're underage you will have to enter through the market. To order, you scan the QR code at your table, place your order, and pay online. Our food came out in 5 minutes or less, but was definitely fresh off the line.
Read moreTo start, we had the vegan nachos, which was probably the best part of the meal. The cheese sauce on it was just right, not too gooey, which is an issue that I've had with a few other options I've tried.
We both had burritos, which were definitely a good option. I will say that if you aren't a shrimp lover, you will definitely want to skip that, as it is a very realistic imitation. Overall no complaints in that department.
I do want to take a second to shout out the amazing service we got as soon as we walked in the door. I'm sorry that I didn't catch his name, but the gentleman who welcomed us was able to tell us the entire menu off the top of his head, even down to what each mock meat was made out of. He seemed extremely passionate about it, and definitely just wanted to help us get what we were looking for.
10/10, I would stop here on every trip to Pike Place, leave with a full belly and a smile on my face!
Pros: Amazing service and knowledgeable staff, Great location, Delicious food with a ton of variety
Cons: None at all
Guest
Zombiecynthia
Points +5126
Near Pike Market but A Vegan Miss - Edit
I wanted to love it because it’s fully plant-based/vegan but upon arrival personnel had three (3) groups walk out as they indicated “no table service”. The welcome was very unlike most vegan places I go to - and it wasn’t even that busy. Could be a rough day, I don’t know….
Read moreMost of the Happy Hour eats weren’t available on the digital (QR menu), around 3PM so I ordered the shorty burrito, which was filling after walking 8 miles but mid at best.
Wouldn’t recommend unless service was improved, along with more attention to cleanliness (i.e., dusting).
Updated from previous review on 2023-06-03
Pros: Vegan/Plant-Based Establishment, Prime Location Near Pike Place Market*
Cons: Mid Food • Poor/Lack of Service, Not Family Friendly (Signs Say No Minors), Cleanliness Could Be Improved
theNumberOfTheBeast
Aww Geez. Ya. Too bad No Bones in Ballard didn't survive covid.
Read moreZombiecynthia
Was that another place in Seattle? Bummer indeed!
Read moretheNumberOfTheBeast
It sure was, and it was magnifique!
Read moretheNumberOfTheBeast
Wayward also closed which is a shame, and Highline with the best vegan rueben on Earth. Ooh! But the same owners reopened the kitchen at Georgetown Liquor Company, which if you could pleeease visit and review that would be fab!
Read moretheNumberOfTheBeast
Check out Georgetown Liquor Company: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/georgetown-liquor-company-seattle-10531
Read moreZombiecynthia
Oh what a treat! Thanks so much friend! Just added it to the trip, so far the reviews look awesome!
Read moretheNumberOfTheBeast
I used to do Reuben (sub coleslaw instead of sauerkraut) it's the best sando anywhere and it looks like the same kitchen staff so-- viva la vie!
Read moretheNumberOfTheBeast
Also, if you do go down there, Fantagraphics is a block away, do go there for a look.
Read moretheNumberOfTheBeast
Wayward Cafe is Reopened Again, and Also don't miss Pizza Pi in U dist (mac n cheese pizza) That's all. Enjoy!
Read moreGuest
JeremyLarson
Points +32
Just OK - Edit
Quaint restaurant close to Pikes Place Market. Food was OK, limited service. OK for a quick bite to eat.
Read morePros: Totally plant based restaurant., Several food options., Quick service
Cons: Food not good enough to warrant going back.
Guest
Cordan
Points +121
Easy & Delicious - Edit
First of all, I’m not a local and I’m from a city without a ton of vegan options. This place is amazing! I’m traveling solo here and this place was super easy to order from. You just sit down, scan the QR code, and order online. They bring the food/drinks over to you after you order. I got the nachos and they were delicious and so filling. I love when they put vegan queso on anything. Soooo good!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Queso!, Great for introverts like me!
Guest
LauraCota
Points +141
Very tasty. - Edit
The food was delicious and god portions
Read morePros: Great customer service , Good taste, Nice are to walk around. Lots to see
Cons: Patio can get a little noisy
Guest
dianadsm
Points +16
Terrible customer service.❌ - Edit
Worst customer service ever. Man at the bar tried to over charge me. He said my order was 71 as I was going to pay for the takeout in cash. I was still going to leave tip. So gave him $80 and said keep the change.
Read moreLater on another guy who works there brought my takeout and when I asked for two containers for take out salsa he refused to bring me that and when I asked him for my two drinks, he said I didn’t pay for it, I was like 4 individuals tacos and a bowl and that’s 80? But never got a receip to prove otherwise, I asked Cameron to print out the original receipt to
Verify if I paid for it, he gives me the receipt, the drinks were paid and the total was $60, not $71 as he lied to me. I asked for my tip back to count again. And I still left him $5 for a takeout.
Terrible experience at this joint for a new customer.
Guest
GreenPete5
Points +68
Choice evening option - Edit
I came midday, but see the benefits to coming later. Great food (I had the seitan burrito, 3 tacos, their homemade sauce), & booze (had the hibiscus marg)
Read morePros: Order comes within minutes of ordering, Early happy hour (3p), Happy, friendly staff
Cons: (not against the place) bad Wi-Fi/cell signal
Guest
LN4fun
Points +20
Yummy! - Edit
If you are nearby Pike Place market and looking for vegan Mexican food, here is your place! Everything is ordered on your phone, and served in non-plastic, to go containers. Relaxed and easy-going atmosphere. Good food!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-04-19
Pros: Nice people, Great people-watching spot
Guest
XtalF
Points +201
Yummy - Edit
My husband and I were not impressed by the menu at Hard Rock Cafe nearby so we walked over to this cool plant based taco and burrito place in January 2023.
Read moreThe menu is on the table in QR format were you seat yourself and order online. I ordered the Chipotle Potato Bowl and my husband ordered the Cheesy Bean and Rice Shortie with guacamole. Both were delicious!!
They have a nice salsa bar which took me a while to find but it looked really good. Next time, I’ll be sure to try them out.
Pros: Consistently delicious, Easy to order, Fast casual dining
Cons: Kinda expensive
Guest
fitzdrake
Points +204
So good! - Edit
Used the iPad to order takeout. It was quick and easy and the staff was so nice. The food was amazing too. Will definitely go back next time I’m in the area.
Read moreGuest
LAntrim
Points +18
Delicious! - Edit
Got the nachos with black beans and a Shorty burrito bean and cheese., totally delicious. Get yourself here and enjoy some good plant-based food.
Read morePros: Streamlined ordering process , Great location
Guest
TaylorGoVegan
Points +820
I always like going to El Boracho - Edit
Their Al Pastor burrito is to die for! I used to come here after doing animal rights activism 💚
Read moreGuest
EmdotAlice
Points +3670
Pretty good guac and burrito - Edit
We tried the guacamole, chipotle and seitan barbacoa tacos, and the chipotle potato burrito. By the description I thought the chipotle potato taco would be spicy but sadly didn’t have much flavor at all. Tacos could probably be improved by adding pickled onion, jalapeños or salsa but on their own they’re a little boring. The burrito was much better on the flavor scale and the guacamole was definitely the best (most flavorful) thing we tried. We’d be willing to give this place another try, and maybe try a seitan burrito or jazz up the tacos a bit.
Read morePros: Everything is vegan, Seitan is pretty good here, Good guacamole
Cons: Not very flavorful tacos
MinnieJ
Oh goodness is that horchata? 😍
Read moreEmdotAlice
Yeah my partner said it was really good.
Read moreMinnieJ
Love it!! Thank you for reviewing. Havent had an horchata in 7 years
Read moreGuest
KSL
Points +106
One of My Current Favs! - Edit
Great Mexican food, all vegan!
Read morePros: Yummy!, Good bar service , All compostable dinnerware and utensils
Cons: Street parking or paid lot
Guest
bandito81
Points +98
So good we ate here twice - Edit
The nachos were debaucherous and amazing. We also had their jackfruit cochinitas pibil, Al pastor, and seitan barbacoa tacos - all were loaded with flavor and incredible. They had a fridge of hot sauces they say are made fresh daily. Tried the habanero and salsa verde - both great. Had a hibiscus margarita that was excellent. Service was great, and I think it was the owner was just incredibly welcoming, kind, and appreciative. We met a friend here for her birthday dinner and then went back 2 days later for lunch to gorge ourselves. Highly recommend!
Read morePros: All vegan, Flavor bombs, Cochinitas
Guest
DanielCarpenter
Points +69
Pretty good - Edit
The tacos weren't very good, environment was good
Read morePros: Entirely vegan, Nachos were great
Cons: Jackfruit taco wasn't good
Guest
mikehoncho
Points +73
Good vegan tacos! - Edit
Good vegan tacos, I recommend the seitan barbacoa and the chipotle potato.
Read morePros: All vegan menu , Lots of options , Great taste
Guest
JohnnyQuan
Points +113
Great experience - Edit
Had a burrito bowl with "shrimp", very savory and delicious, good resemblance. The horchata was also great, especially with the cinnamon on the rim.
Read moreHeads up: They check ID at front (street) door for 21 people, as it's also (or mainly?) a bar. If someone's younger in your party, I think you have to enter through the Market. Also, food is ordered via phone, the menu is online scanned via QR code in your table.
Pros: Delicious, Friendly staff, quick service, Decent price
Cons: 21+ area at front door can be inconvenience, Some might find order from phone inconvenient
JohnnyQuan
(picture has my braces in it, ahaha, sorry)
Read moreGuest
dlachica
Points +2737
Doing it right - Edit
Every encounter we had with the staff was friendly and helpful! Order via QR code and they deliver. We split the Chipotle Potato Burrito, and a side of guacamole/salsa and chips. Since we were splitting it was a compromise and queso was cut. The burrito was hearty and plenty tasty without queso. I liked the crunchy bits. From a Texan, the guacamole was heavy on citrus(guessing lime) and reminded me of package guacamole. I have no doubt the guacamole was fresh, just wasn’t my favorite, but I would eat it again. Not until I try the queso first 😉 Salsa was had a nice level of spice/heat, not as spicy as the chipotle, and tasted fresh.
Read morePros: Perfect location for a trip to the sites , Ordering was easy and able to customize , Indoor and outdoor seating
Guest
LennyTriem
Points +79
Great food! - Edit
Very good food, reasonably priced, and incredible hibiscus drink. Wonderful place to eat while visiting Seattle, would recommend to anyone. It’s nice to be so close to the market. The online ordering was cool and I’m sure it saves money on staff, but it was a little cumbersome entering payment info via smartphone, it would’ve been nice to receive a physical bill like normal.
Read moreGuest
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