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Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club
Categories: Active Life Boating Restaurants Mexican Boating, Mexican [Edit]
1303 NE Boat St(at N Brooklyn Ave)
Seattle, WA 98105
Neighborhood: University District
(206) 545-8570
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
472 reviews for Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club
Review Highlights
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"the fish tacos are fresh and not too filling." In 58 reviews -
"The hidden jewel to the experience was the salsa bar." In 53 reviews -
"This restaurant is best sampled on a sunny day." In 25 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
471 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole H.
Seattle, WA
5/13/2012
This review is only for kayaking:
-Go early on a weekend (11am or sooner) or you'll be waiting in line a while (30 min or more)
-Rent doubles because your overall price will be cheaper. Doubles are $20/hr. If you paddle around Lake Union (past Gasworks Park and that area) you'll be out on the lake for about an hour and half.
-Wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet.
-Be ready for little instruction from the staff, kayaking comes naturally! Just paddle, use your rudder to steer, and have fun laughing at your misadventures!
-Enjoy the scenery!
Great place to rent kayaks for first time users and experiences kayakers alike! -
Review from Clarice G.
Seattle, WA
I was too busy and didn't have time to celebrate on cinco de mayo, so we went the next day on seis de mayo :) We got there just before the lunch rush got in line. I felt like I was being rushed to order since we were the first in line and needed to order first before sitting. The cashier kinda gave us the eye so I skimmed through the menu quickly and chose the tastiest looking taco: Abadejo-grilled cod, lemon pepper, shredded cabbage and creamy avocado sauce and whatever the bf chose. Oh, and chips of course!
Tacos:
...maybe it's because I got the grilled cod, it lacked flavor. Maybe the carne or pollo would've had more flavor to it. Don't get me wrong, it was okay but I'd definitely try another type of meat.
Salsa bar:
Such a great idea! Who would've know to have a self-serve salsa bar?!?!? I got all three and loved all three for different reasons. You got sweet, mild and hot. Pretty good stuff. It made up for my tacos.
I think I'd go back one more time just for the great location/views. Since it was a sunny day we ended up relaxing by the paddle club and did a little people watching. It was pure enjoyment watching some people freaking out on their kayaks and telling their partner that their kayak "wasn't working" (probably because you didn't dip your paddle into the water sunshine :) I'll have to try it out next time, I'll probably look like those people I laughed at. -
Review from Rachel H.
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Million dollars views and muy mediocre food.
That's Aqua Verde in a nutshell.
Sunset Magazine a few years back said this was the best place in Seattle to get a burrito. They gave this honor to Aqua Verde's vegetarian burrito with yams.
We think that reviewer may have been so completely enamored of the views that their palate was willing to give benefit of the doubt, because our sampling of the burritos proved they are basic and mediocre. Absolutely not the best thing on the menu. But that waterfront view more than makes up for it.
Boat rentals take off from a dock directly underneath the Cafe, giving you have a front row view to the many houseboats, kayaks and canoes on Portage Bay.
Go to Aqua Verde on a sunny, perfect Seattle day, and you just know this is one of the nicest waterfronts in the NW outside of Vancouver. The food is not top shelf, sure, its more like a college students idea of good Mexican food, but it's pretty good and you will be hard pressed to find a better view in all of Seattle.
If you order selectively, there are more than a few good things on the menu here: fried cod tacos, carne tacos, salsa from the salsa bar (particularly the sweet spicy Chipotle salsa), quesadillas for kids, and for adults, the mango quesadilla with chicken is nice. Add to that a fast moving Cadillac margueritas (initially too tart on the first sip, they do open up nicely, so hang in there) and you are soon going to say this is the best place in Seattle too, particularly if the sun in shining.
The best part of Aqua Verde is its casual atmosphere (think UW college student and family-friendly vibe) free nearby parking (2 hours on the weekends if you are lucky enough to secure a spot) and one of the best water front views in Seattle, smack on Portage Bay. -
Review from Patrick H.
Seattle, WA
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Alright. Gets over on location a little bit.
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Review from Sabrina K.
Seattle, WA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I usually have lunch here but thought I'd bring an out of town friend for dinner. Glad we did. It was crowded but we were seated in about 15 minutes. We would have preferred their covered deck but didn't realize you can actually reserve that space for dinner (duly noted!). The food is great ~ chips and guacamole were my favorite. The Gorditas dish was enough for two to to share (but I didn't so had leftovers). Margarita was a little weak, but good flavor and generous size.
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Review from Stacey S.
Edmonds, WA
5/19/2012
I miss this place! I used to work at the UW, and would frequent this place regularly! My favorite thing on the menu is the pollo tacos and the salsa bar!! The Margarita's are really good too.
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Review from My Review For You S.
Seattle, WA
4/22/2012
Situated on Portage Bay, you can relax to the sights of water activity (boats/kayaks), as you enjoy a delicious and reasonably priced Mexican meal. I find that lunch is the best time to eat there. The atmosphere just seems more laid back than at dinner.
Some of my favorite dishes are the Tacos Bagre (catfish), Abadejo (cod), Bacalao (coconut battered cod) and Carne (beef). There are also some vegetarian options, which are tasty. The green rice is a must try as is the Mocha Mexican Cake. Also if they have the Gelatinas Artisticas in stock, at least take a look.. They are almost to lovely to eat.
The lunch ordering is casual. You place your order at the front counter, they provide you your drinks and a piece of plastic fruit (identifies your order) which you take to the table of your choice. When your food is ready, they find your table. Service is pretty quick. -
Review from riika C.
Seattle, WA
5/16/2012
The only reason to go here is for the view. The food is really bad and has gone downhill over the years, despite their increase in popularity and business. With that increase in business service has really fallen short. The "waiters" seem more like glorified bus boys, taking your order, ushering your food to you and then just leaving you there to fend for yourself. The Salmon Ahumado tacos have become inedible. The salmon is way too salty and dry to even be called salmon. The rice tastes like box Mexican rice with that nasty box spice and chemical chicken broth taste. And charging 2.50 for the chips is just wrong given the price of the terrible, tasteless tacos at $13.00. Sorry, Agua, won't be visiting you anytime soon for food.
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Review from Eric B.
Seattle, WA
5/16/2012
I've eaten here twice now. The first time it took a long time to get food, the second time the food came quick but the server was very unpleasant. He didn't ask how the food was, we had to ask for water, and apparently you can't do individual bills for large parties. In the end, we spent about 20 minutes waiting for our food (not bad), 30 minutes eating, and 45 minutes paying the bill.
I asked the waiter politely if we could split it into separate checks. He was straight up rude and said "No, write your name next to what you ordered." He comes back and says he can't read our handwriting (he's the one that said to write it in the little space next to what we ordered). And, we still can't get separate checks after this. Not too accommodating of a dude. There's a much longer story behind this, but too long to put on yelp.
Where I work people like this lose their job.
On top of the "meh" service, large parties have to pay 18% gratuity. I come into any restaurant prepared to give 25% tip. I take 5% off if the waiter doesn't check in mid-meal, I take 5% off if there is a lack of water, I take 5% off if the food isn't too great, and I take the last 10% off is the waiter is impolite. That guy would get 5%, only because the food was okay.
His name is Jorge. If he's your waiter ask for another one.
I don't normally need a cigarette after a meal, but when I do this guy was my waiter.
Plus you have to pay for chips. WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!!? -
Review from Adrienne R.
Mercer Island, WA
4/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I've now been here 3 times in as many months. The first time I went when some friends were in town and we had lunch with another person we know who suggested Agua Verde. We then took a relative when she came to town there for lunch. And then co-workers and I went out for lunch there.
Every time it has been a great choice. It's a great stop when you are near UW and need a lunch. The porch is warm and still fun to look out in winter. I can't wait to see what it is like in summer. When my co-workers and I went, due to being larger group on a busy day, we did have a short wait, but they worked to get a table set up for us as soon as possible.
I have personally tried 4 different things on the menu in these 3 visits: the first time I had a sandwich, and it was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. The second time I tried the shredded salmon tacos, which I did not like at all. I think they are probably good for someone who likes their salmon served that way, but I did not like it. To me, it was my pickiness and not the food that caused the issue. I mis-ordered. When I took my plate back and said I did not care for it, they gave me something else of my choice - the fried cod tacos sans sauce. I really liked that (and it was what I was in the mood for that day.) The last time I got a special - mango glazed fish. It was superb.
I have taken my kids there. While there aren't kids menus, the choices are good for my kids, at least. The prices are reasonable. And while I've never tried the drinks, they seem to have some fun ones and some people at my table did have some and enjoyed them.
I highly recommend Aqua Verde for a fun atmosphere and good food. -
Review from Valerie K.
Seattle, WA
5/12/2012
I came here the other night with a friend. She got one of the fish tacos, i think the grilled cod one and said it was pretty good.
The service is fast, the salsa bar is nice, and your meal comes with a basket of chips so make sure you get one!
I ordered the friday special: tamales. I've never had them before so I don't have anything to compare them to, but they were quite good. You get 3 fillings to choose from, I chose the pork and chicken. Personally the pork was a lot better so if I ever go back again and get tamales, I am going to get 2 pork ones. The special also came with green rice and pinto beans which were also delicious. I even had left over rice and beans which tasted much better the second day....
Decent mexican joint that's not on the Ave, and if it's a nice day you can sit outside and enjoy the waterfront view :) -
Review from Sam G.
Eugene, OR
5/11/2012
Holy shit I love this place. I don't know what it is about the food, but every thing I order is amazing. The creamy avocado sauce, their salsas... their Chipotle salsa is actually the best I've ever had.
Yeah, I grew up in the U district but I think that objectively this place is still delicious. The perfect day: get some lunch to-go, rent a kayak and sail over to the Arboretum. Eat your food while lounging on a tree hanging over the water. I'm getting so nostalgic I have to stop. -
Review from nate j.
Updated - 3/26/2012
I'm still liking what I get, but...
The food has been hit or miss for me recently. I typically get a burrito (chicken mole or the puerco) and sometimes it seems the stuffing is inconsistent, either not enough of one ingredient or overloaded with beans another time.
I also wonder if about $10 is too much for a "to go" burrito?
Still, the burrito is the size of a football and comes with a good fresh salad and scoop of sour cream and guac.
I am sure when I (soon) don't work across the street from AV, I'm going to be dreaming and lusting after these things.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2011
Ti burritos, mi amigo, es muy bueno.
That, my friends, is the extent of my "Spanish in the Workplace"… Read more »
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Review from Ethan S.
Seattle, WA
5/7/2012
Agua Verde is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Seattle. They don't advertise it much, but they are very committed to using fresh, local ingredients. Many fancier restaurants give lip service to local but really only use a few ingredients. And they tend to be high end, low volume. This is one of few affordable, high volume restaurants that sources locally. I know because my farm sells to them and they buy truckloads every week. These guys are legit.
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Review from Norma M.
Seattle, WA
4/1/2012
I love Aqua Verde's outside deck, on a warm, blue sky, sunny day, there is no better place to hang out and sip your Mango Margaritas...yum.
Everything I have had here has been very tasty, that's all you need to know. Their salsa is also outstanding. -
Review from Opal D.
3/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Small portions of unremarkable tasting food.
I do not understand why you have to order when you walk in, then sit down and then order through the waiter if you want more food/drinks... why can't I just sit down and have him take my order to begin with if he's going around taking orders anyway?
The drinks are very weak and too sugary.
Deck is good in the summer, but as the beau said of Agua Verde this weekend, "that place is worthless except for in the Summer"... -
Review from Thomas J.
4/21/2012
How can you not like this place on a sunny day? If you are lucky enough to get one of the outdoor seats in 70 degree weather, drink a Margarita, some guac and chips, and are still grumpy, it ain't the place. Also, on a recent Saturday afternoon they were playing live music in the park next door, and I overheard the guy say that they would be there weekly. Also - kayaking!
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Review from Jes K.
Wallingford, Seattle, WA
4/24/2012
This is a pretty unique mexican food place. I tried their sandwich - very nice! The mango quesadilla is also very special and delicious. The drinks and soup are only so - so, and the menu is a bit pricy. However, I don't see that many special mexican places around Seattle so whenever I am tried of the generic ones I come here for a spike.
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Review from Lisa R.
2/9/2012
Oh, that's right, Agua Verde is still here! I tend to forget about this place because I always feel like coming when it's sunny out (kinda hard to enjoy the patio when it's gloomy).
The prices are good, the food is good, and I always feel great after coming here. Their portions are just the right size and always taste fresh, so I never have that heavy, ball-of-grease feeling in my stomach like I do at other Mexican food establishments (*cough* Azteca!). Is it the best Mexican food I've ever had in the US? Nope. But it's up there, and the atmosphere always lends to that feel-good vibe I get when I eat here. I will be back....in July. -
Review from Lucy L.
Seattle, WA
2/9/2012
Mangodillas are where it's at. Especially when they are significantly cheaper during happy hour.
Now that I'm 21,. I got to try their colorful tuna margarita, which was a little but too sweet for my taste. Still, mangodillas!!!! -
Review from Diane C.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Go for kayaks and lunch!
I love this place for the tortas and chipotle/chili mashed potatoes. No one loves tortas like I do, but the Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club here in Seattle comes close! In the daytime, the cafe opens a walk-up window for breakfast and lunch orders. Perfect for a quick workday bite.
The prices are reasonable and you can rent a kayak to work up your appetite! They serve tortas with tortilla chips and a fresh salsa bar. I like to have mine with a side of creamy chipotle/chile mashed potatoes that makes a perfect condiment, smeared inside the torta! Trust me...you'll love it. The salsa bar is fresh, but nothing to write home about. I do appreciate that they really get spicy.
I've never made it here for breakfast, unfortunately. Really looking forward to going back for a breakfast burrito! -
Review from Tom B.
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Probably the coolest business model in town--combination restaurant and kayak rental. AFAIK, we don't have too many of these around here. I don't know how many we might need, really, but we gotta at least have one, and AVC&PC sure seems to dominate the niche, with no signs of slowing down.
I've actually done both here, though not both this week. The kayak tours are fun. I didn't pay (work did), so I don't know how the prices stack up. But the people were nice and the variety of single and double kayaks is great. The staff were easy to work with and fun to hang out with, and we had a great time seeing Portage Bay, the Cut, and Foster's Island from a perspective we hadn't seen before. I'm actually pretty much permanently planning to go back, at least until I get a boat of my own.
And the food is worth it on its own merits as well. They heavily emphasize fresh whole ingredients, offering vegetarian and even vegan options for virtually all dishes on the menu. Their specialties are clearly the chips & salsa and the fish tacos--they have multiple variations on each.
And the place feels like a spot that should be offering those things--it's a small, bustling, friendly dining room with a porch that's enclosed and heated in the winter. It's actually quite comfortable even in the cold, and turns out to be a fantastic spot for watching the Christmas ships parade past, all lit up in the night.
The service is fast and efficient; they're clearly old pros and used to dealing with crushes of people. The beer list is just fizzy macro lagers, and the wine list is pretty silly, but the margaritas seem to be making a game effort of it, though I didn't try one. The food is awesome--you can tell from the flavor and texture that the ingredients are fresh and in good shape, and the tacos are explosively flavorful and fun to eat. The prices are fine, and you definitely leave full. It's worthy of repeat visits without a doubt. -
Review from Maritza B.
Seattle, WA
4/3/2012
Decently priced, tasty & fresh! On a sunny day, there is no better place to eat then Agua Verde. I texted my friend yesterday while it was nice and said, "I need a good place to eat with sun & lake" and there was agua verde. My chicken gordita was pretty authentic tasting. Their salsa is the bomb!
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Review from Aaron W.
11/13/2011
I ordered from their take-out window and got the Bagre tacos ($8.76): spicy grilled catfish, lettuce, salsa Mexicana, and creamy avocado sauce on corn tortillas. I received three tacos, a side of organic chips, and their Diablito (spicy) salsa.
Some of the moistest catfish I've ever had. It practically disintegrated in my mouth as I happily ate each taco with gusto. The refreshing salsa worked well with the seasoned catfish, and the creamy avocado sauce brought it all together. It doesn't get too much better enjoying a great meal at this incredible location right on Portage Bay. I would have liked some spicier salsa, though.
Check out Agua Verde for some great food and an amazing backdrop! -
Review from Conner W.
11/11/2011
Aqua Verde is a small, hole-in-the -wall, restaurant located on the north end of Portage Bay (East of Lake Union), next to Sakuma Viewpoint. Their location, combined with authentic cuisine, makes the restaurant a special place. Especially on a warm summer's day, there is nothing better than sitting on the deck at Aqua Verde with a cold Pacifico and a delicious set of tacos.
A unique feature of their location is nearby waterway transportation and sporting rentals. Aqua Verde is located on 'street level', which is a floor up from the water. So when you are looking out at Portage Bay, you see all the people cruising around in canoes, kayaks, and on paddleboards. You also see the motorboats and sailboats, too.
I haven't quite figured out their routine/hours/service process. It seems to change every time I go there. I'm not sure if it's seasonal or based on time-of-day, but it is confusing and can be frustrating, especially since it is a popular spot on warm days and nights. I've tried to have them explain it to me but they are always so busy I can never hear them or catch the whole story.
Another unique feature offered at Aqua Verde is the salsa bar. They usually have three or more varieties of salsa - hot red, mild green, and sweet yellow. You serve yourself from the bar, and take away small plastic cups - perfect for to-go orders!
Overall, I would recommend giving Aqua Verde a shot if you are in the area or are planning to rent a canoe/kayak/paddle board. The food is really terrific and the fact that it is authentic makes it even better. -
Review from Nicole W.
Seattle, WA
11/26/2011
After a friend's recommendation, we sit down for what we're hopeful will be a good meal of Mexican food. Five minutes in, the chips arrive stale, the salsas overloaded with sugar, the margarita's tasting like lemonade, and . . . the worst offense of all . . . the browning guacamole COLD from refrigeration with wilted cilantro. When we asked the server about the freshness of the guac, she informed us that it was "good" as it was made last night and had been served all day with no complaint. Look, if you can make fresh guacamole . . . well. We got the check and went to a sure thing: Pam's Kitchen in the U district.
Never again. -
Review from Gumikoya R.
Issaquah, WA
12/19/2011
I haven't actually been to the Agua Verde Cafe/ Restaurant, but I came here a couple of summers ago for a summer for a kayak rental with a freshman orientation group. Prices to rent a kayak are decent, especially if you've got a Husky card ($15 dollars). For those first-time lake kayakers, you get a very brief and quick introduction of how to steer and maneuver your way around the lake and then they send you off.
Great idea for a summer's day activity, especially if the sun decides to come out. You can get an up-close and firsthand view of Lake Union. Although I haven't tried the cuisine here, I would come back any (sunny) day to do so after an afternoon of kayaking. -
Review from Eric S.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2012
The location makes me really want to like this place, but my experience was NOT GOOD.
I'll start with what is most important: the food:
I had a burrito, which was not good - I'd say a step up from crappy. The tortilla was very thin and soft, and not even warm. Along with the salsa they threw on some lettuce as a "side" on the plate, they dumped on extra "salsa liquid," so when I got my burrito, half of it was soggy and disgusting. You couldn't even pick it up. It was also VERY BLAND.
I asked to order happy hour empanadas - I'm very lactose intolerant, so I asked for no cheese, and they refuse to make any adjustments to their happy hour items. The server acted offended that I even asked and was a jerk.
The entire time I was there, the waiter was very inattentive - he rushed us when we were ordering, whenever he'd come to put water in our cups, it seemed like he tried to walk away as fast as possible so he wouldn't have to take more orders from my table. He was not kind at all, and forgot to bring out drink orders TWICE!
There were 7 of us in the group, and they REFUSED to give us separate checks. Some of us were staying later and wanted a separate check from the 3 that were just ordering 1 drink, and they REFUSED. When 2 of our group had to leave, they would NOT let them pay for their drinks and the rest of us had to cover them.
In addition to NOT LETTING US SPLIT THE BILL, they REFUSED TO TAKE MORE THAN 2 CREDIT CARDS, for a group of 7! They were very rude and impatient that we even thought about this.
Overall:
Mediocre-to-poor, inauthentic, BLAND food.
Poor, rude, unaccommodating service. -
Review from Mia R.
Seattle, WA
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good Happy Hour, but line starts forming right when it starts so get there early.
It's Baja style, so there is a 'fruity' splash in a lot of the dishes. If you like mangos in your quesadillas, this will probably be the place for you. If you prefer taco trucks lurking in suspicious neighborhoods (which are always the best) then you probably will be very disappointed.
Chips are free, and there is a salsa bar, but guacamole you have to pay for.
Definitely has the best patio views of the water. The food is good, as is the environment, so worth it for a good taco, a corona, and some chips. -
Review from Sabina S.
Seattle, WA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Agua Verde will forever be a romantic, sun drenched summer spot for me. I used to come here a lot during the summer and sit out on the patio overlooking the little boats and the lake. It has a wonderful, relaxed and easy going vibe even when it's crowded. I really love the drinks they have, and the fish tacos are so YUM. Absolutely LOVE this place, and I can't wait for summer when I can go and relax for a sunny lunch again.
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Review from Lindsay P.
Lynnwood, WA
9/13/2011
Not bad, not bad at all.
Went with a few friends and ordered the Calamari to share, as well as a basket of chips and salsa. Shared the fish taco plate with Cam. Good flavors and fresh produce. I also had a margarita that was good on flavor, but weak. I honestly think that charging for a basket of chips is a little cheap, but there must have been in issue with it in the past so I guess they are just trying to cover their losses.
Service was most certainly slow, but it was happy hour. We had to go find a refill for water.
We also had planned on going Kayaking, but by the time we had finished eating, they weren't letting any more boats out. Kind of a bummer. Next summer we'll try it again.Listed in: Noms, Alternative foods
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Review from Shawn F.
Pittsburgh, PA
2/10/2012
We came here after an afternoon of kayaking on the lake. Strangely enough, I was more hungry than I was thirsty, so all I can say is that the fish tacos were deelish. The world's best? no... but definitely very deelish. Anyway, this is a sweet little place, especially on a sunny day, hanging out on the deck--- overlooking the water. The atmosphere is genuine and casual. I think they even have a walk-up window, but I could be wrong. Anyway, we parked across from Recycled Bikes, which really intrigued me, but we were limited on time and couldn't check it out.
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Review from Rachel A.
11/7/2011
I eat here a lot, since it is about a ten-second walk from school. The mangodilla is truly epic, and about $6.50. (In case you couldn't tell, all my U-District reviews are strongly inflected by being a poor grad student!)
The staff are efficient and friendly, and one time I got a free Corona!
Also, the water, the view, etc. Righteous.Listed in: What Me think of the…
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Review from Camille C.
King, WA
10/9/2011
I heard about this place from many co-workers & friends, good things.
It was OKAY, nothing reallly to rave about.
It was just OKAY in my book.
The wait without a reservation wasn't long & we sat outside.
The sunset view was gorgeous.
The food was about average.Listed in: Hola Amigo !
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Review from Jermey E.
Kirkland, WA
9/11/2011
Agua Verde is the only place that I have been to where I can eat amazingly fresh food, and then go for an informative workout after wards!
I got the chance to experience this establishment at a work event. We had Agua Verde provide the food and went with an open bar. We also reserved a large number of kayaks and a tour guide. Our group was roughly 60 people, and there were no complaints whatsoever.
Food: I tried the Kabobs, seafood enchiladas with white sauce, taquitos, the house salad, and the mango quesadillas. I have never tasted Mexican inspired food that was this fresh. Everything tasted as if it came right out of the farm and straight to my plate. The fruit, the veggies, and even the meats were so flavorful, and something I have not experienced in Washington in a restaurant besides our usual local produce.
Drinks: For drinks I had the Baja Sun Set and the Seattle Sun Set. Both were a type of Margarita and fantabulous!
Tour: Of the water choices I chose the tour with a small group of people from our team. Our tour guide was really friendly and kept it interesting. The tour lasted about 2 hours and we went around the house boats, by UW campus and under the 520 bridge. We saw a lot of hidden gems on the water, and definitely some place I will be visiting again.
Overall I am absolutely in love with this place. With amazing food, staff, and entertainment options it will bring me back, and I recommend that everyone give this place a shot! -
Review from Erika W.
8/8/2011
There is one item on the menu that has me coming back again and again - the yam tacos. It sounds weird, but they are OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious. And just so you know, I'm not one of those vegetarian granola gals. I'm a carnivore through and through. Ok so the tacos - they are slightly sweet, meaty, and drizzled in a rich cream sauce, with yellow rice and re-fried beans on the side. Men, feed these tacos to your wives and girlfriends - they will bring her to her KNEES! (wink, wink).
Seriously though, everything on the menu is fantastic and you simply can't beat the outdoor deck on a sunny Seattle day. The restaurant itself is lively and no frills, leaving the focus solely on the food. You must get your own water and salsa from the salsa bar. Tip: arrive early, because there will be a wait, and rent a canoe afterward at the Paddle Club below the restaurant. Perfect date! -
Review from Megan A.
I want to start off by noting - the two times that I have come here for lunch, I was unadventurous and ordered a quesadilla, so my rating/review may be a bit biased. The food was definitely not bad, but it did not blow my socks off either. During one visit, my friend and I ate inside. This gave me the chance to try some salsa from their salsa bar. The salsa bar is a good idea, but I found their salsa to be really sweet, like they had added a bunch of sugar. We also ordered margaritas, which I found to be watered down. During my other visit, I ordered from the walk-up window. It would seem that the walk-up window would be fast and convenient, perfect for grabbing a quick lunch before work, but I had to wait for awhile out in the snow. I ordered a quesadilla - how long does it take to melt some cheese on a tortilla?! The service at the walk up window was also not the best. First of all, I stood at the window for awhile before anyone came to take my order, which would not have been that big of a deal if they were super busy, but some employees blatantly looked me in the eye and then walked away. The man that took my order was not really rude, but I would not call him friendly. There was no hello and when he gave me my food he simply said "here" - there was no "would you like some salsa?" or "have a nice day!".
As for the paddle club, I give them 5 STARS! The staff is always friendly and are careful to go over safety procedures. I absolutely love kayaking, so it is nice to have a beautiful place to kayak where the prices are not too terrible, especially if you are a student and can get the discount! -
Review from Jacklyn-Kate C.
Lynnwood, WA
8/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've never been disappointed with this place. Be prepared for a long line during lunch though! It's a perfect place for any one to head out to while in Seattle or near the University.
A couple of my favorites is the El Ray & the Parton Chicken! MMmmm! -
Review from Beth C.
Lynnwood, WA
4/19/2012
One of my favorite restaurants in the area! I love the Bacalao tacos!!! I've also rented the kayaks. It was great fun!
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Review from Mandy S.
8/22/2011
This is a place to YELP your heart out! Everything is just so unique...how come I never came here during college? It's so cute and just a few blocks from campus.
The portions are pretty decent and I think the drink menu makes this place superb. this is definately a place to venture out to for mexican food and a pretty view.
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