Seemor
El MooseB+Worth Trying
5242 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
· Mexican restaurant, Bar, Gluten-free restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1713 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Vibrant Ballard spot for regional Mexican plates and strong tacos with friendly service; prices and portion sizes can feel high for some.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
El Moose delivers solid neighborhood Mexican dining with warm, prompt service and strong tacos and salsas that earn loyal repeat visits. However, inconsistent execution in seasoning and portions prevents higher standing, and pricing—particularly for cocktails and relative portion size—creates value friction. The lively Ballard location appeals to regulars but doesn't elevate the experience beyond competent neighborhood favorite.
Restaurant Summary
El Moose channels Ballard energy with a room that feels colorful and lively rather than chaotic. Servers are warm and prompt, and regulars talk about it as their go-to. One diner captured it well: "tacos came fast, staff was kind, and the vibe was easy." However, parking nearby can be tough, and a few guests felt the room near the door was drafty at times. The cooking leans classic Mexican with a regional streak: crisp chips with real-heat salsas, carnitas and al pastor street tacos, mahi fish tacos, and weekday tortas. Fans praise the bold salsas and brunch drinks, while detractors sometimes find meats dry or flavors muted and portions small for the price. Cocktails run strong but on the pricey side, so value depends on what you order. Families do fine here: staff have been welcoming to toddlers, and kid-friendly staples like quesadillas, beans, rice, and simple tacos are easy wins. There is no explicit kids menu mentioned, but plenty of approachable options keep little diners happy.
At a Glance
- Lively, colorful space with friendly, prompt service
- Strong tacos, salsas with real heat, and popular brunch drinks
- Portions can feel small relative to price
- Street parking is challenging; room can be drafty near entrance
- Cocktails are pricey despite being strong
What Sets It Apart
- regional_brunch_specialties
- house_salsa_trio_with_heat
- weekday_tortas_program
What People Love
- Crunchy house chips with spicy salsas
- Reliable tacos and weekday tortas
- Warm, welcoming staff
- Brunch drinks like horchata latte and margaritas
Points of Concern
- Pricing is higher than expected for a casual Mexican spot; cocktails in particular feel expensive to some
- Portion size inconsistency; some dishes and to-go orders felt light
- Parking is street-only and often difficult in peak hours
- Occasional complaints of bland flavors or dry meats; seasoning can vary
- Review patterns show natural variance; minimal signs of manipulation but owner uses a template reply at times
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-48 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- If sensitive to value, build a meal of chips & salsas plus street tacos ($15-20 before tax)
- Cocktail fans: expect strong pours but premium pricing
- Vegetarian diners have solid choices like panela cheese or frijoles tacos and guacamole
Perfect For
- Casual taco night with friends
- Weekend brunch with Mexican flair
- Solo bar bite and margarita
- Date night in Ballard without formality
Location Insights
Area: Lively Ballard corridor with bars, indie shops, and weekend crowds; strong brunch and dinner traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked area; standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near Ballard Avenue nightlife, boutiques, and casual eateries; street parking dominates.
BallardBallard offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from casual eateries and craft breweries to upscale seafood restaurants. The area is popular for its walkability, community events, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.
Leary Way CorridorThis micro-neighborhood along Leary Ave NW is characterized by a blend of industrial spaces converted into trendy restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, fostering a hip and eclectic dining environment with a focus on innovation and local ingredients.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–21:00
Tuesday09:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Wednesday09:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Thursday09:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Friday09:00–21:00
Saturday09:00–21:00
Sunday09:00–15:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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