My journey to Azteca was like a trip to a friend's home, where a meal feels comforting and familiar; that’s how I would describe the experience. If Mexican food gets your mouth watering, Azteca may just be your personal culinary heaven. From burritos to tacos, to nachos and the tangy delight of ceviche, their menu had it all. To top it off, they threw in some Texan surprises, their unique Mexican pizzas, and mouthwatering steaks among other things.
You can walk into Azteca and feel right at home any day between 11 am to 9 pm, and they throw in an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Looking for a place that serves lunch, dinner and also has a drinks menu? Look no further.
Behind every great restaurant is a great chef, and Jose "Pepe" Ramos is no different. He spent his childhood in the Mexican countryside, in a picturesque little village named Cuautla, before settling in Seattle. And quite naturally, he dived right into the world of gastronomy. Using what he had learned growing up, he managed to bring a tiny, 24-seat Mexican restaurant in Burien, Washington, into existence. Needless to say, it was a hit! Proving the classic word-of-mouth is the best kind of publicity. Amidst the booming success, he brought his family north to join his dream, expanding not just the restaurant, but the joy and warmth he wanted to deliver through his food.
To catch a glimpse of Jose's journey to creating Azteca, head over to the Azteca Mexican Restaurant website.
What makes Azteca a go-to spot for Mexican food?
Azteca can now be found in 16 unique locations across Washington, with most of them situated in major cities. This success didn't just happen overnight. Jose understood what customers crave - quality without having to break the bank. His special ingredient, though? Exceptional customer service, and not fearing to dip his hands into his own pocket for it. Jose believes in investing in his staff because he knows they'll invest in his customers. An equation that equals a win-win situation for all of us food enthusiasts!
Why does Azteca's food taste so good?
You might be wondering, what makes Azteca’s food so special? It's their resistance to over-Americanizing their menu. Sure, they have the Tex-Mex classics, but they've also put in effort to keep things authentic, and classic. Achieving the bold flavors of Mexico needs uncompromising dedication to the kitchen rules and Jose did just that! Yet, they're far from snobbish. They stay true to their "home cooking" style, all the while discerning good Mexican food from what's not.
But is the food too spicy?
If you’re like me, that was one of my first questions too. Will my palate survive the infamous Mexican chili? But hey, if like me, spicy is not your thing, you're in safe hands. They get that a family restaurant needs to cater to everyone’s taste buds. So, although you'll find some tongue-tingling options, there are plenty that won’t make your eyes water. Each dish can be customized, so feel free to chat with your server about your spice tolerance. I even braved myself to try one of their slightly spicy dishes and found it surprisingly enjoyable!
Is Azteca vegetarian-friendly?
Azteca was a godsend, I tell you. Not only do they have established vegetarian options like salads, burritos, and nachos; because everything is made in house, you can customize nearly any meal. Just pick a dish, skip the meat, and maybe substitute it for beans or rice or just go minus the meat.
My Azteca Experience:
Pros:
- Affordable and lip-smacking food
- Well-paid and friendly staff that offer incredibly unique and kind service
- Authentic Mexican ambiance and cuisine
- Customizable meals catering to varied spice-preferences and dietary restraints
Cons:
- The parking area can get congested sometimes
- The waiting time might be long during peak hours
- No vegan options