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Mon-Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sun. 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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Didn't eat a burrito, but went downstairs to the Cha-Cha and had a great time.
I was drunk, but I do remember low, red lights, big glasses of beer, and lots of trendy, eccentric people. My kinda place. It was super crowded on a Friday night, and me, being the claustrophobic person I am, I got a bit weirded out. The back had a patio for smokers that was a bit too small for the crowd (much like the entire place) and the bathrooms were super gross (but comforting in my divey bar childhood memory way).
BUT--the sole reason to come here: THE PHOTOBOOTH!
I am kinda obsessed with photobooth photos and out of all the booths in Seattle, Cha-Cha's has the best one! The photos are the best exposed, best developed ones,and they have a very warm feel to them. I wanted to obessively keep feeding ones into the machine to take my (drunken) photo over and over and over again, but I, luckily, had a few couples waiting in line behind me to stop me from hogging the thing. I still have those photos hanging on strips on my wall and in my profile here on Yelp (yep--that one to the left was taken on location).
So despite the crowds (which is a turn off for me, agorophobic that I am), and the maze like underground, claustrophobic vibe, the place was totally redeemed for me by the photobooth. Yep yep.
If your a fan of Cha-Cha's downstairs, then I don't see how you cannot be a fan of Bimbos.
Don't expect anything fancy. Bimbo's is in the biz of servicing of some spicy burritos with a few kicks of Day of the Dead decor. Quick, cheap, but not definatly not dirty.
This places hits the spot if your lookin to people watch and get some quick mexi-eats.
Also try to hit up Cha-Cha's below for an eclectic mix hipster and hipster-wannabes.
Foods good. Price is right.
But the server didn't speak one word to me. Honest! I felt like I was in some backwards part of the country where only the man is allowed to speak and the woman just puts out at the end of the meal.
I've friends and neighbors who have worked here in the past and it was great to go in. Now...Its just uncomfortable.
Seriously, not ONE word.
I've been here four, maybe five different times, each time as good, if not better than the last. They have everything a burrito place needs upstairs. Light weight beers on tap , Tecate, and spicy burritos. Is there a better combo? As well as a fine selection of spicy sauces on the table.
They also have better beers on tap and a decent tequila and whiskey selection.
There staff is perfect, meaning they don't try to talk to you if you don't want. They get you a drink . Then they bring a hot huge burrito. There isn't any up-selling, or other unnecessary chivalry that can make dining elsewhere a hassle.
The Cha Cha Lounge is dimly light red, lots of people and lots of bottle caps on the walls. Great spot to take a visitor to Seattle. Upstairs or downstairs they're both more than worth the minimal price paid.
Am I the best person to review this? No. Why? Because I only eat their black bean and guacamole nachos about once a week... nothing else on the menu. The nachos are that good. I'm not even tempted to order anything else. Cover them in some Tapatio and you have the best "Mexican" you can get on Capitol Hill (I use the word Mexican lightly due to the severe lack of ACTUAL Mexican food in the city of Seattle).
The only reason I took off a star is because I made the mistake of ordering a margarita once. It was fucking horrible. Just avoid the margaritas. Stick with beer and nachos and you'll see why so many people love the place.
Love the name. Love the food and prices. The chicken soft taco was awesome and my friend really liked his massive spicy burrito. The only complaint, no ice in the Sangria. Not that I really mind, more alcohol for us :) , just a bit strange.
The service is speedy and the tattooed hipster folks that come here seem to let loose a lot more then other restaurants/bars in Seattle, makes you feel like you're in the east village of New York.
Food is good, drinks are good, prices are good, the staff INSIDE are good. The doorman though... get over yourself buddy, I know you hate your job and all but don't give the patrons an attitude like your hot s***.
Me: Is your lemonade like Minute Maid lemonade or homemade?
Server: Whatever it is, it's not good.
Me: Alrighty then, water for me. Thanks.
I appreciate the honesty. I also appreciate the fact that the food here is surprisingly affordable for being in Capitol Hill since everything is under $10. I got the Chicken Nachos and it was yummy -- I loved the shredded chicken and the peppers actually packed a really good punch to my taste buds. And the best part? THEY HAVE SOY CHEESE.
The nachos were great, the service was good, the prices were more than fair. It was
if "the stranger" newsrag was a restaurant, it would bimbo's. when you are 23 and dont know jack about jack, you might think that sh@t is clever, but then maybe you turn 28 and you start getting tired of all the hipster hater lingo and...offering a pbr with a crappy burrito?! is that supposed to be funny, or is this just where you are at? you could be offering a decent priced meal, but you give me chips and salsa that are more like a cup of water with some salty corn dust. seriously, i needed a fork just to eat it. and if you dont like sour cream, dont go here because if you ask for stuff without it, you get it with, and then the 'tude is as thick as the sour cream. whats a guy got to do to get a decent $6 burrito is seattle? cry, i guess...
Hells yeah! Bimbo's Bitchin Burritos are totally bitchin! My friends and I went to Bimbo's last Monday to celebrate a friend's b-day. We found that the upstairs was packed at 7:30p (probably b/c they have happy hour all day on Mondays), so we walked downstairs to Cha Cha's lounge to enjoy our burritos. No table service at Cha Cha's, but you can place your Bitchin Burrito order at the bar and they will be kind enough to bring your food to your table.
Everything about Bimbo's and ChaCha's is bitchin! Cha Cha's atmosphere is divey, dark, and funky. Margaritas are really decent for a $3.50 happy hour special. We all shared the Stoner Nachos, which come with Cool Ranch Doritos instead of regular nacho chips. OMG, it was a junk food fantasy that was oh so beautiful and amazing. We did not leave a crumb behind. We then all had burritos and they were so to die for. Definitely bitchin! The best part is you can get a burrito with a wheat tortilla. That's super cool! I ate 1/2 of it and that burrito was still totally bitchin the next day for lunch as well.
Our bartenders were totally bitchin too. Cha Cha's/Bimbo's is the bomb. We had a bitchin time and will be definitely be going back for some cheap bitchin eats and drinks, especially during their bitchin all day Monday happy hour!
Totally cheap, totally fun, totally bitchin!
The lunch special food + drink for $5.50 is an honest deal. I'm glad that they're in the neighborhood.
Word of caution: the music played in this place is weird. I listen to indie-alt rock all of the time, but this is some really strange, left field crap. A table next to me brought up the music with the bartender, and the bartender could care less. The wack-tunes almost sounded like they were turned up a bit louder.
Other than that, A-OK.
I love the Day of the Dead decor in this place. If you're all about Cha Cha's down stairs, then you're probably going to consider Bimbo's to go hand in hand....and well as far as I'm concerned they're the same place. Anywho, The chicken burrito, chips, and 2 beer combination didn't cost a fortune as some places can be. If there is one thing Mexican food should not be, that's expensive, and I mean that as a compliment. Chicken was borderline a little too dry but, it worked well with the chunky salsa that accompanied it on top. The seating was slightly uncomfortable as I felt like I was close to hitting feet with the chick in the ninja turtle green beret at the table next to me......that's kind of too close for me when your not sitting at the same table. All together the atmosphere is relaxed( other than worrying about playing footsy), well priced, and fairly clean even though the theme is a rustic Mexican adventure.
It's a divey place filled with the local trendy folk. Their burritos are decent, although I think chipotle may be a little better. However, I can say that have a best nachos in existence. Which is good, because nachos are much more of a party pleaser anyway, when you're out drinking with friends. The best part of it all is you can either order from downstairs at Cha Cha lounge, or you can order upstairs and take it downstairs to eat. Mix it up, switch it up a bit depending on how you're feeling that day.
After reading Ranei M's reviews, I'm going to have to try the sangria there as well!
Quick, pleasant, professional service, decent food, easy atmosphere. Nice, funky, cheerful place for a quick lunch. I loved the little vampires spinning around on the ceiling fan.
Wow, babies not allowed at noon or any other time.
Crappy food, the waitstaff are all rude bitches and the customer service is non-existant.
Waste of time and money to visit this place. You'll get better food and service at your local Taco Bell.
If I could give this place negative stars, I would... I ate there once, the salsa tasted and had the consistency of stewed tomatoes out of a can. The actual food was mediocre at best... and the service was bad; as others have commented- surly is an accurate description. But what really bothers me about this dump is the fact that they are bad neighbors and give the Capitol Hill neighborhood a bad image. Rather than asking their patrons to practice good "sidewalk etiquette" (for lack of a better descriptor) or at least make sure that the sidewalk is kept somewhat clear, they allow their patrons to block the sidewalk while they smoke their cigarettes. I would definitely steer clear of this establishment; it is sad that one cannot even walk through ones own neighborhood without being harassed or insulted by drunk/rude jerks!
The Burritos are definitely bitchin!
Great casual place to go if you are in the mood for a burrito and some mexican appetizers. Hands down one of the best mexican places in the city! Its relatively inexpensive and you always have a great time with friends there!
Service is pretty casual and could use some improvement during the dinner/peak hours, but I never had a problem with lunch there!
The food is good and the prices are super affordable. I had a friend in town from AZ and we went here to have a beer and one taco each due to the fact that we were waiting for another restaurant to open in an hour. My friend was drinking his beer and saw something in it that ended up being a piece of broken glass! Yikes! They were apologetic and took his beer off of our bill. This experience will not stop me from eating there again. I love the atmosphere makes me feel like I'm back at home in Arizona.
We came here Saturday with a person from Poland with a valid, state-issued ID, and told us to leave. (Fine.) We stayed to speak with their manager, at which point the door person threatened to call the cops on us, and showed us the middle finger. I tried their food the person ahead of us ordered and it is gross, definitely not worth the uber hipster 'tude. There are nicer bars on the block we got into fine afterwards (after they guaranteed we would not get in anywhere else with the ID), check em out.
This past winter, I was excited when I found the new Bitchin Burrito location as I have not been there since they moved.
I was not at all impressed when I first walked in.. very sterile feeling compared to the old place.. but fun ol music was playing loudly so we were excited it must still be the same?
We ordered a pitcher of beer and got some menus.. the surly waitress brought our pitcher, 'slammed it down' followed by the stack of pint glasses, 'slammed those down'. Literally 'dropped' the silverware from above our heads onto the table.. wow, I get so sick n tired of 'hipster servers' that have to cop attitude for no reason other than you came in.. it does not make the place cool, it is just bad service?!? I tried to stay upbeat as I was happy and wanted my funky burrito.. it had been like a year!
C finishes his first beer.. gets to the bottom of it.. then we see there were 'shards of glass' in it. He turns a bit green as he pulls a shard off his lip, it DID NOT cut him.. but 'that was close'. I waved the waitress down and said "Wow, oh my god.. he has glass pieces in his pint." I wait for her reply. She says "It happens" and turned and grabbed another glass, I say an "I'm sorry would be nice?." she turns away as if too busy. Here I am in a good mood with some friends I never get to see, the food had just arrived so we eat the cold burritos (sadly the food is not even good here anymore) and I am LIVID but drop it only cause C said he was luckily ok..
But I was haunted that night of a nightmare that could have been, me hauling c to the emergency room to pull glass from his throat or stomache.. all due to the ATTITUDE PROBLEMS of 'bichin burrito waitress' who is causing a DANGEROUS situation! By Monday after telling a few people the story, they suggested I call for the manager. I was told he was on vac.. left message and reason but my call was never returned.. well neither will I or my friends that witnessed this situation!
If you go, don't accept slammed pints from staff- (As the bottoms crack into shards-- you careless B%$#!)
I've always loved their burritos and still do. I feel like it's more of a twentysomething hang out. Being in my mid30s it's some place I'd visit every now and then. But like I said I still enjoy their burritos.
*On my last visit I saw a family get drug in there by their 19 year old college kid. They looked so uncomfortable. He wanted to show and tell. Very cute....
My time at Bimbos lasted about 20 minutes. 20 minutes of waiting. For absolutely nothing....
I remember walking in and seating for 4. The people I was with said that the Burritos were great hangover food. I think they just wanted to look hip. I for one, when hungover, do not expect more than a 5 minute wait before a server comes to your table to at least fill water or ask you what you want to drink. I counted 2 people in there before us and the rest of the place was dead. The server only had time to chat up the people at the bar. Needless to say, if I'm going to wait 20 minutes for anyone to even acknowledge me, I'm leaving. No burrito is worth waiting for the hipper than thow to serve you.
Yes, the service is terrible. The waiters are surly. This is their gimmick, people - it's what Bimbo's is KNOWN for, so you have to expect it.
But seriously. You must listen to me. Come here for one reason, and one reason only: burritos with garlic mashed potatoes and cumin-lime sour cream. Trust me. Go get one immediately.
It will make all the issues you have with the staff disappear....and the strong booze pours will help too.
i don't like mexican food. yeah, i said it. and yes, i have been to actual mexico, and no, you can't take me to another place that will convince me otherwise.
but goddamn, bimbo's is tasty. the burritos are huge and rolled in such a splendid way that it's almost impossible to spill all over your intoxicated lap. the no meato burrito is the best vegetarian burrito i've had and the shredded beef burrito supreme (for those that have recently relapsed, nay, galloped onto the meat-eating wagon like me) is wonderfully marinated. the tacos can be pretty messy, the quesadillas are pretty standard, the nachos are bomb, they will bring it to you downstairs, and why yes, they even have sangria.
for all the haters bitching about the waitstaff, clientele, and the attitude, come on. it's the fucking cha cha. get over yourself and eat your massive $5 burrito.
The burritos are okay but not worth the terrible, surly service.
There are too many wonderful restaurants in this town for me to go back to a place that has mediocre food and mean waitstaff.
Had a couple OK burritos here. Fills you up and you can put hot sauce on them.
Shame on you Bimbo!
With a name like Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen you have set my expectations to levels where Camaros and snowboarding moves reside. It's not like I came in here expecting gourmet food, I simply expected a burrito that would make me exclaim - Bitchin'!
What I got instead was a tortilla with a lot of beans & rice and some other standard ingredients which I suppose constituted a burrito, a wait, a beer, and all told about $10 less dollars in my pocket.
I shall start referring to you as Bimbo's Boring Burrito Kitchen until the quality improves to Bitchin'. Shame on you, you Burrito tease!
Update:
A friend and I ventured into the new Bimbo's on our way to Ignite and the service was actually fantastic. No, it still wasn't friendly but I'm not looking for a new best friend, so I was mostly impressed with her no-nonsense bring food out when people need it approach. I was also pleasantly surprised by the upgraded decor but since I'm not going to be eating any of their jarred red lights or Dia de los Muertos decorations my real focus was on the half of a burrito that I shared with my friend. Again, it was just fine. I didn't hate it but it didn't make me want to stuff myself either....so I guess that's a good thing.
The name screams hipsters. And that exactly what this place is (just like everyone has said).
No judging by the name, you would think this place would be fun and up beat. It's not (just like everyone has said).
The people are rude (just like everyone has said), the burritos were mediocre at best (just like everyone has said). The atmosphere was kinda fun, but the service turned you away from it.
If you want a burrito go to Taco Del Mar, Qdoba, or even Taco Bell. This place needs a new manager fast.
No spawnos, que no pedazos de bones en su No Meato Burrito. Es semillas de girasol! Loco y Delicioso!
La senorita de bebidas y alimentos es muy retarde, el bano no tiene papel higinico, y los tapones de la botella loca - Justo como debera ser Burrito Cocina de Bimbo Bitchisimo!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No kids, that's not bits of bones in your No Meato Burrito. That's sunflower seeds! Wacky & Delicious!
The waitress sucked when I went Saturday afternoon, the restroom was out of toilet paper, and there was no pattern to the bottle caps nailed to the wall - Just as a Burrito Kitchen should be!
Some establishments don't want their clientele being cooler than they are. Bimbo's Bitchin Burrito Kitchen is just that kind of establishment. Dress down and don't you dare be witty, you'll run the risk of upstaging your host. I mean c'mon, the place is called Bimbo's Bitchin Burrito Kitchen, that's funny right?!
Anyway, calculated kitsch level set to ironic aside, any attempt at creating one's own atmosphere in this dull ramshackle of a restaurant will be about as appreciated as wearing a stunning white number to a wedding. I never realized convenience store tacos could become a whole dining experience but give Bimbo's Bitchin Burrito Kitchen kudos for achieving such a feat, it has gone where no restaurant has gone before.
Look, Seattle is far off from the blow your mind Mexican but insult to that injury need not be added. Fortunately Bimbo's Bitchin Burrito Kitchen has been around many years so there is no hype surrounding the place. Take relief in the fact that everyone at work, the bus stop, the doctor's office will not be discussing the life altering experience a trip to Bimbo's Bitchin Burrito Kitchen has afforded them. No one will proselytize the glory of Bimbo's to you. Taco del Mar is just up the street, keep walking.
Food service of America.
I've seen these trucks parked out front, delivering Bimbo's their "quality" ingredients.
There is no surprise that this "food" reminds me of "Taco day" back when I was in junior high school.
What the hell happened, Bimbo's? I remember going back when this place opened up in the mid nineties. The food was pretty good, not outstanding but pretty good. Now it's like I'm paying for a bad case of gas and indigestion, served with the most ridiculous attitude, (like the girl at the counter secretly is working on the solution to world hunger or an alternative to fossil fuel).
Give me a Reeser's microwave burrito over this crap, any day.
I've been to this spot probably 15 times total, so I think I have a pretty good gauge on their service. My favorite item on the menu is the basic burrito with peppered shredded beef. It's normally excellent, the perfect amount of food always delivered hot and quickly. For Happy Hour you can get a $1.50 Raineer. I've tried the margarita once or twice. Meh, but I'm not really a margarita type of guy.
Went a few days ago and ordered the Burrito Inferno, which was definitely hot, but the thing was filled with lettuce!! It was kinda bizarre, actually, maybe they had completely run out of beans or something and they just needed to substitute something. Anyway, apart from this most recent visit I think it's a great value. The waitstaff don't exactly have shining personalities, but they give fairly good service. One complaint I have is that they never ask if I want another beer (which I almost always do), and they just bring the check.
As far as it being authentic Mexican food...well, first of all, we're in the U.S. of A. and second of all, we're in Seattle. I'm sure if you look hard enough you can find somewhere else in Seattle with "authentic" Mexican food, but as far as I'm concerned that's a bunch of shit. You're pretty much always going to be eating something that's at least partially Americanized, and even if it isn't how the hell are you going to know, unless you've actually been to Mexico. Whatever.
(Edited from a mostly positive review and 4 stars to this on Nov 13, 2007.)
While Bimbo's has never been "good", it's definitely gotten worse since they moved. I was totally craving my old usual so we tracked down the new location last night. I should have saved my non-diet meal for somewhere else. I was very disappointed. My order got messed up, one of our friend's meals came to the table ice cold in places, and the service was the worst I have ever experienced there (which is saying a lot).
We'll probably never go back. There are tons of better options closer to home.
Look, I live in San Francisco. The Mission is where burrito's were invented. Okay, that is not true, actually they were invented in the South Western United States but WHATEVER they were perfected here in SF. So, anyway, we take our burritos pretty (read: too) seriously here in San Francisco. There are debates as to which burrito place in the city is best (people have actually gotten really mad over this, IT'S REALLY DUMB, I KNOW.) So why, you might ask, if I am a San Franciscan and care too much about burritos would I give a four-star review to Bimbo's?
Maybe it's because I'm vegan and boring ol' fresh beans, rice, and guac doesn't always do it for me. That's where the Mexican, um, inspired food at Bimbo's comes in. The vegan-o burrito is SO crazy. It has like olives and sunflower seeds in it! And I usually hate extra stuff in my burritos, (what, you think cuz I'm vegan I want freaking CARROTS in there?) but somehow it works REALLY well in the vegan burrito at Bimbo's (maybe it's because what they add - olives and sunflower seeds - have, like FAT in them!) Add some of those yummy sauces on the table on top of that sucker and you got yerself a tasty meal! Plus, add in the fun atmosphere, the sexy servers, and my own good memories, and this place ranks high and happily in my heart.
So I guess I'm giving it four stars because of the good times and because I don't really think of burritos at Bimbo's in the same way as I do about burritos in SF. In SF it's about authenticity (or perceived authenticity since burritos didn't originate in Mexico IN CASE YOU FORGOT.) In Seattle, good Mexican food is pretty hard to come by (read: impossible.) So I take the next best thing - food that tastes good and is veguely evocative of Mexican food.
So go ahead and put olives and sunflowers in my vegan burrito. Goddam it's tasty.
Oh, and toss me a brew while you're at it.
They should be named "Bimbo's Bitchy Burrito Kitchen"
Their kitchen closes at "midnight." When a place sets hours, I pretty much assume that they, you know, keep those hours, within reason. Not Bimbo's. I got there at 11:35, and asked what time their kitchen closed--midnight. Great! However, when I tried to order, the waitress actually said "I think they're closing the kitchen. You don't want to be THAT jerk, do you?"
What happened in the move? I used to enjoy the burritos and this was my first time back since they moved up to the new location. The burritos were very bland and the service was slowwww.
Looks like a great place to grab drinks but I'm not coming back here if I am hungry.
Who's gonna want sour cream mixed with their guacamole?
This place doesn't have good enough food, service, or atmosphere to earn a 2nd star. The staff seems to be hired for their ability to make you seem ugly, even though they would look like the bum outside asking for change if they weren't wearing aprons. It was cute when I first moved to Seattle because the neighborhood wasn't built up enough to acknowledge competition, but now, especially since its neighboring bar cornered the market on condescending glares, it's just too much drama for your momma.
The food sucks too. Again, years ago it was a great place to go for a nice vegan meal. The staff had some all-stars who would juice up your plate with extra avocado treats for a small fee, and everyone left happy. Suddenly, 5 or so years ago, it all dried up. The fatal blow for me was when they started stretching their guacamole with sour cream, which is gross and makes it impossible for a vegan to have anything even slightly tasty.
Last word: Skip it. You can find plenty of people in the neighborhood to treat you like garbage while serving better food. The miserliness of sour cream in guacamole is unforgivable.
Went there a few times a while back and haven't returned. No need to.
Ok food, but I do remember a decent potato taco. That's right, potato.
Bring a flashlight b/c it's dark. Oh, that's suppose to be cool. Oh. It would also be "cool" if I could see the food in front of me.
Neighborhood: First Hill
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: First Hill
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Category: Art Galleries
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Fremont
Category: Sandwiches
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