Seemor
MojitoA-Worth Trying
8511 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
· Latin American restaurant, Cuban restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (2112 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A lively Latin American spot with standout empanadas, vaca frita, and friendly, above-and-beyond service; expect a loud room and occasional inconsistency on fish and delivery.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Mojito delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by standout empanadas, vaca frita, and ceviche, paired with exceptional service attentiveness and genuine owner involvement. Consistency shows some variability with occasional bland fish and dry chicken, while the bustling dining room fills quickly, preventing the polish needed for grade A territory. A beloved neighborhood favorite with loyal following and upward momentum.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with colorful walls, maracas behind the bar, and staff who actually seem to be having fun. Diners describe servers as friendly and attentive, and more than one story mentions the owner personally fixing problems. One guest put it best: "They not only understood the delivery issue, they drove the replacement themselves"—a snapshot of above-and-beyond service that shows up again and again. The cooking leans traditional Latin with a Seattle sensibility—think vaca frita with a runny egg, bright ceviche, and empanadas that steal the show—so the culinary approach feels elevated and comforting rather than flashy. Brunch brings extra range (Tres Golpes, Cachapa, Caribbean Plato), while shrimp with mango and pineapple wins over skeptics. There are occasional misses—fish can run bland and a dry chicken breast pops up—but most plates deliver big, satisfying flavors. Families do well here. Kids can tap into user-friendly brunch like waffles or French toast, or keep it simple with empanadas, arepas with ham and cheese, maduros, and rice. There is no kids menu, but the actual options are accessible, and sharing works nicely. Just note the lively volume—sweet for celebrations, less ideal for nap schedules or noise-sensitive diners.
At a Glance
- Empanadas, vaca frita, and camarones are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Genuinely kind, proactive service with owner involvement
- Loud dining room and echo make conversation tough at peak times
- Fish dishes can be underseasoned compared to other standouts
- Expect a wait during prime weekend hours; arrive early or book ahead
What Sets It Apart
- latin_american_brunch_program
- community_service_initiatives
- owner_personal_problem_resolution
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed by staff who remember faces
- Empanadas and vaca frita that hit the spot
- Festive atmosphere with music and birthdays
- Creative Latin brunch plates not found elsewhere
- Strong mojitos and tropical cocktails
Points of Concern
- Noise levels are consistently high during peak hours; some diners bring earplugs
- Seafood, especially Pescado Mojito, draws occasional blandness complaints
- A few older reviews cite service lapses or missed orders; recent trend is positive with strong problem resolution
- For traditional purists from Miami or the Caribbean, some preparations may differ from hometown expectations
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$40-$52 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with empanadas or Tres Amigos, share a ceviche for the table, then choose vaca frita or Parilla Mojito; finish with tres leches. Brunch fans should try Tres Golpes or Cachapa for approachable Latin flavors.
Perfect For
- Celebratory group dinners with cocktails
- Casual date nights that like energy
- Family brunch with shareable plates
- Neighborhood regulars seeking reliable comfort dishes
Location Insights
Area: Residential neighborhood corridor in north Seattle with a friendly, community-oriented vibe and growing dining options.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic along Roosevelt Way; typical urban caution at night.
Nearby: Near single-family homes, small shops, and cafes; convenient to Green Lake and Northgate corridors.
University DistrictThe University District is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood centered around the University of Washington. It features a lively dining scene with casual eateries, coffee shops, and ethnic restaurants catering to students and locals alike. The area has a youthful, energetic atmosphere with a mix of affordable and mid-range dining options.
Ravenna-BryantRavenna-Bryant is a quieter, more residential sub-area within the University District, known for its tree-lined streets and local cafes. Dining here tends to be more neighborhood-focused with a community feel, featuring small bistros and family-friendly restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Tuesday
Wednesday11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Friday11:00–14:00, 16:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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