Cocina Esperanza
3127 NW 85th St
Seattle, WA 98117 (206) 783-7020
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
24 Reviews for Cocina Esperanza
the tortilla soups all over the map, but almost always tasty. they put some kind of vinegar on the greens with entrees...its wierd in a good way. Sub potatoes for rice everytime. Oh yeah, and this mexican joint also serves stella! sweet!
My two boys and I went here instead of our usual Taco Guyamas trip. Here is the skinny from each of us:
My 9-year old says: "Food was great, service a bit slow, I missed the self-serve environment with unlimited salsa"
My 5-year old says: "Not the best. There was spinach in my meal."
I say: "The food was great. Good atmosphere. A little bit fancier than what we're used to (but that really shouldn't keep anyone from going themselves). And, ouch, not cheap when you're going with a family; just reasonably priced. I thought it was great how the Cocina can accommodate folks from different walks of life including my two kids and certainly any DINK (double-income-no-kids) out there."
Will be back occasionally, when we are in the market for a fancy night.
I'll admit up front...I am not from the Southwest or even CA so I can't lay some claim to having an abundance of cultural culinary background for Mexican food. I am from NY...I know pizza, sandwiches and Italian food in general....lived in Atlanta for awhile so can speak southern and comfort food, but I will leave the expertise on Mexican/Tex-Mex/etc...to others. That being said though, I do know what I like and what is tasty and delectable and Cocina Esperanza hits the spot for unique flavors and dishes.
Went for dinner last night and the place was pretty crowded for 7:30 on a Tuesday, but there were a couple of open tables (thank goodness, we were starving). Service is a little slow, so we finally got our waters and some chips and salsa. Chips were salty and crunchy, salsa was spicy and good. Weren't asked for drink orders before ordering our food, but that's okay, we weren't looking to get loopy. Ordered the Crab Sincronizada appetizer special and the Pollo ala Crema to share as our entree. The crab was great! Lumps of fresh crab baked with cheese inside two tortillas and topped with a salsa fresca and some yummy slaw-type thing. The pollo was quite tasty too, it was our server's favorite item on the menu and according to her "she's tried them all." Definitely not on the light side, glad we shared it, but the chicken was tender and melted in my mouth like butter. Served with black beans, rice (which wasn't dry like I find at most Mexican places and even had a nice spice and some corn thrown in there) and some steamed carrots and broccoli. Minus one star for only bringing us two tortillas for the entree, even though we stated we were sharing.
It's only the third time I have been here since it's kind of out of the way from Capital Hill, but when we do head over here, it's always worth the drive. I suggest you head over there and check it out as well...just keep in mind that being from the east coast I am not a Mexican food expert but I do play one on TV.
Hurrah! I've finally managed to coerce some of my friends into trying a place none of us have been to. Now I can finally take Cocina Esperanza off my bookmark list!
Located where The Gob Shoppe used to be on 85th, this little restaurant is the kind of place you really want to see succeed. The staff were all very friendly and ready to answer any questions about the menu, and the atmosphere was cozy.... though, we were seated by the door and it got a little chilly once or twice during our meal.
I thought the chips were really quite tasty.... very corny and sturdier than most. The salsa looked rather uninspired, but had a nice little kick to it. We also got a side of guacamole... yummy. The fried queso was good, but I tried not to eat too much in anticipation of my dinner arriving.
Naturally, as it sounded like my least healthy option, I ordered the Pollo ala Crema. I don't normally enjoy white meat because it tends to be too dry, but they must have brined their chicken or fed it sticks of butter while it was alive... because it was so tender and ... dare I use the word "moist". Delicious! Floating around in a generous little bath of chipotle cream sauce. Ohsohappy!!! I left the beans and rice, but the unusual addition of broccoli and carrots were a welcome break from the richness of the sauce.
Amy had the pork special of the evening. I can't remember exactly how it was prepared, but she quite enjoyed it.
Sarah had the chorizo tacos and I remember feeling a slight pang of jealousy (that was before I tasted my dinner) when they were placed before her. They were very prettily plated, and looked like they were packed with all sorts of flavor. They must have been... cos she at them all.
I'd say the only real disappointment of the evening was the flan. We ordered one to share, and though the flavor was quite nice (orangey-caramel)... it was definitely overcooked. The texture was more like a very firm rice pudding. Odd, but hey... I love rice pudding... just wasn't expecting it!
We went on a Saturday night, so we had the added entertainment of watching young drunk/stoned hooligans getting chased out of Golden Gardens. It took us a while to figure out why there were so many people wrapped in blankets running by our window. Good stuff!
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We finally went to Cocina Esperana (been meanin' to forever) and LOVED loved loved it. We have a little one so were lucky to be there early. Just as we were getting out entrees, the place filled up and started getting hectic. I had a special crab enchiladas with this yummy creamy sauce and my man had the carne asada. It was grilled perfectly and had some nice chili spice without burning your mouth off. Had to try a glass of sangria - a must have. The waitress brought crayons and a toy for our toddler so we even got to eat together fer like, 10 whole minutes. We'll definitely be back.
Alright, this is probably the weirdest review I have ever had to write.
Here is my conundrum. I like this place. It is good. I don't really have any major issues with it. It is a "family joint" in the sense that it feels like it is operated by a family as opposed to the Chucky Cheese type of "family joint". I think that is the root of both its charm, quality, and quirks. Slow. Slightly disorganized feel. Solid food.
Whatever. The real issue is that my wife doesn't like this place. It isn't that she hates it. She just isn't that into the food. I have tried to get a better understanding of why but you know sometimes these things are hard to put in to words. For that reason though I probably won't be back here anytime soon. I think there is something about this place that just sets your expectations high and then doesn't meet them. Too bad. It is really close to my house, I love Mexican, and it really has nothing terribly wrong in my opinion.
I guess this is part of that whole "for better or worse" clause.
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This is hands down the best Mexican food Ive had in years. The intimate atmosphere is perfect for a date, or for a chatting over a pitcher of Sangria with your girls. I have been here many many times, and now that I have moved closer to Ballard I am super excited to eat here more often. The seafood Relleno and the Tostada dishes are my personal fav.
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This place has the best Mexican food I've had in Seattle. It's Monterrey Mexican, a more complex or "higher class" flavor. Don't go look for TexMex, or parking lot cabana Mexican. This is just so much more.
A tiny restaurant ran by the family and it shows (in both good and bad ways). They take reservations for tables greater than 5, otherwise go on an off night or early to avoid the line at the door.
I always get the Chicken Enchiladas with verde sauce and they're amazing. No substitutions, but you really don't need them. Beware, the chorizo is a first come, first served basis. My boyfriend is frequently disappointed to find out they are out... however you can tell by how easily that breaks his heart just how amazing it is.
I'm not a fan of their chips and salsa, but that's such a tiny thing in such an amazing and intimate experience with mouth pleasing food!
As someone who could eat Mexican food for every meal every day of the week, I'm not so sure how I feel about Cocina Esperanza...
It's cozy, with about 12 tables or so, so be prepared to wait for a seat.
As noted by others, the chips and salsa are nothing to write home about. The salsa really could almost pass as a mildly spicy spaghetti sauce. But ordering the guacamole was well worth it - good flavor and chunks of tomato throughout.
Others had the pork and chicken enchiladas - reviews pretty much consisted of "it's OK", and not much else. I had the pollo enchilado, and I don't know...the chicken tasted a little...different? Is that the right word? It was hard to put my finger on just what was off with this dish, but maybe it's because nothing was really wrong with it - it just wasn't the revelatory Mexican meal I was expecting.
We didn't do dessert and stuck with basic Mexican beers - I'm curious now if we should have gone with the sangria and the carne asada, as everyone has recommended? Live and learn, I guess!
Nothing awful, but then again, nothing really stood out at our table for three.
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After an confusingly long wait (2 wait lists b/t 2 staff members, empty tables, me & SO hungry, etc), we were finally seated. That was the worst part b/c this place is great.
Go for the pitcher of sangria. It goes down like Kool-Aid. Wait, your Mom didn't spike your Kool-Aid?!?! Whateves.
I got the veggie chile rellenos - _filled_ with goodness - kale, mushroom, corn, beans, et al. My SO got the Chicken Enchilado and LOVED it. Both dishes came with yummy black beans and rice.
My only gripe was the chips and salsa - chips seemed overly salted and salsa was blah-ish. Very friendly staff also.
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Best Mexican food in Seattle!!!
A pitcher of Sangria? YES PLEASE.
The Sangria is delicious. Not overly heavy, it's kind of like what I imagine a wine spritzer to be like if I would ever try one. Do people still drink those? But I digress! You can drink a whole pitcher of the Sangria yourself, and it even has a liberal hint of alcohol so you know it's got the good stuff in there, too.
The chips and salsa are where I am a bit disappointed. The chips are definitely just store bought chip rounds, and not even warmed up! The salsa is also lacking in any distinctive flavor... it's not terrible, it's just not "good" - I dumped massive quantities of the habanero sauces on the table into it, and it was bearable. And I was starving... honestly at that point I would have welcomed Pace. In fact, I love Pace.
I was also bummed to find out that they were out of several of their specials... no chile rellanos, no pork special, nothing with chorizo in it. I mean, I know it was a Friday night... is 8:30 on Friday too late to have a full menu? We went with the chile verde enchiladas and the carne asada, and I have to say that I really enjoyed the enchiladas and the accompanying roasted potatoes. I liked the fact that I didn't feel like I was ingesting lots of lard. Portions of the carne asada did taste like a salt lick - I'm thinking the spice rub got a little out of hand?
I liked the fact that this place is a little out of the ordinary in Ballard, and I like knowing that there are "Mexican food" choices that I feel are distinctly different from Senor Moose, La Carta, or Luisa's.
What a boring review, sorry folks. :)
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For those of you who like their Mexican food like they like their women, "Sassy, spicy, and expensive!" this is the place for you.
It's not really $$, but it is a little more than most Mexican joints- just sayin'.
Very nice, small interior. It's tastefully decorated and not overdone. The waitstaff is AWESOME- all very nice and extremely helpful. The wine selection is good- order the Malbec (a lot of places tend to not carry it) or the Sangria if you're in the mood for something boozey.
The menu had lots to choose from- standard fare- tacos, enchiladas.. Also, some specials, including Tilapia. I had the Vegetarian Chile Relleno, which was fab! Comes with rice and black beans- just enough to leave you pleasantly full.
My friends both enjoyed the Carne Asada. They totally hearted it.
Desert menu featured a molten chocolate cake, key lime pie, and flan. All looked good, but we were so pleasantly 'pleasant' afterward, that we just took the check.
Two churros (they don't have these here, but Guyamas does) up!
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This is a family-friendly, neighborhood Mexican place. The loud and comfortable atmosphere is like bobbing around in warm salty water. I love that we can bring our children here and will be surrounded by other families and laid-back types.
Big cheers for the guacamole and sangria.
Darn that Katie S for beating me to the punch. She's gonna get smacked.
Yes, we totally hearted our carne asadas (me and hubby), it was cooked perfectly with the right amount of heat and spice behind it. I had 2 glasses of sangria, I was just going to have one, but the waitress said "everyone was doing it" so I got another. What can I say, I'm a push over.
A bit pricey compared to other places, but the taste definitely made up for it. Hubby says that it was the best mexican food he's EVER had. He said he'd give it 5 stars.
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Two words: Baked. Cheese.
With garlic, oil and spices, wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla. Pure heaven.
I also ordered the traditional Chile Relleno, which was stuffed with ground beef, fruit and walnuts, with a creamy walnut sauce on top; tasted a bite of ground chorizo enchilada.
Esperanza is well put-together inside without being formal. I've got a running list of places I want to bring i. when he's in town, and this is at the top of the list.
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Service bad, Waitress committed the cardinal sin of waiting tables...she took my plate before I was finished!
Food so-so, I know carne asada means grilled meat and that is exactly what you get here, a piece of grilled meat with little effort of extra flavor. My lady had some chicken dish and the chicken was so off tasting it must have been kept in the back pocket of someones bluejeans.
I have been told that the key lime pie here is excellent but when we were there they had just made it and tried to serve it to us warm...Yuck!
So why two stars? Well the sangria is so good and I am a lush, so I will give them an extra star for making my liver happy?
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On man, it was a happy day in Sunset Hill when the old head shop moved out and Esperanza moved in. Not just perfectly executed Mexican, but close enough that we can eat our fill and waddle home.
Although you're almost always guaranteed a wait, the staff is so friendly that it's impossible to grouch and/or grumble about it. And then there is the aforementioned baked cheese. Start with that and some sangria, and by the time your veggie tacos arrive, accompanied by crunchy-on-the-outside-fluffy-on-the-inside roasted potatoes, you'll have forgotten all about waiting.
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From the front page of the Cocina Esperanza website: "...Come to an understanding that authentic Mexican cuisine is not drowned in Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream."
It utterly shocks me that the prolific Yelpers have not posted a review on this little gem. That aside, Cocina Esperanza is certainly a glittering gem up in the wilds of North Ballard - Loyal Heights. It is located at one of the funny little Seattle intersections at the corner of Loyal, 85th and 30th NW.
I was encouraged that the bulk of the staff were of the latin variety. I was unusually surprised at the amount of fresh and innovative dishes. I especially enjoyed the use of prolific NW fare, spiced up with a latin flair. My cold hard heart was also softened at the use of homemade sour cream.
Cocina Esperanza is one of those places you pass all the time and think to yourself, "We should really go there when its open". And then you drive down to Shilshole and forget about it. I am here to say, DON'T FORGET about it, and get your tuches down there.
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Locals flock to this homegrown hot-spot (dark, cozy, and inviting) which touts itself as having the best tortilla soup around (I have had the real best at Fonda San Miguel, so I am ruined). Truth be told, my pork tacos and the sangria were really good and the waiter (Jason) was very nice. However, the chips (of the Costco variety) and salsa should have been fresher, they wouldn't vary the meats on the taco platter (apparently b/c they make it from scratch, which is a sensless rationale), and the food took too long.
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It was a Saturday. My parents (who are from TX and who I hadn't seen in 9 months) arrived in the evening, around 7pm. Their flight was delayed; I wasn't expecting them so late. We were going to go to Ray's, but judging from the valet line, I knew we'd be in for a long wait. Luckily, I remembered Cocina Esperanza, recommended to me by someone I had met briefly at some random work event.
I was a little hesitant about taking my parents to a Mexican joint since they live in South Texas and can have quality Mexican food whenever they want. But, the smell wafting out the door of this tiny little place put me at ease. It was packed inside, and although we didn't have to wait long for a table, service was very, very slow. Luckily my parents are also slow and didn't seem to notice.
I ordered a Sangria and it was as it should be --- simply fruit and wine. I also ordered a side of guacamole which I could've devoured without any chips. I resisted the urge to scoop it with my fingers and shovel it into my mouth; it was that good. We ordered 3 plates to share: original chili rellenos, pork tenderloin and some kind of fish (oops! I can't remember). The portions were large and we all became stuffed quickly. My parents agreed that the food was excellent.
The reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars was the incredibly long wait time. Apparently they are short staffed and have one cook and one waitress. Our waitress was very friendly though. She made us feel as if she'd known us forever. Also, their vegetarian selection was sparse, but since I was with my parents, I went back to my roots and enjoyed every last piece of cow and pig.
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You will love the food and the owners are really great people. This is not your typical tex-mex fare. Regional cuisine from the Monterrey area. The Carne Asada is to die for. Be prepared to wait as the cook / owner prepares each dish with a great deal of care so that the food looks as good as it tastes. It can get very busy as more and more people beyond the neighborhood discover this unique little gem. If you are not in a rush - a definite must.
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Sometimes the staff is cold, but the food is really yummy. Overall, a great place.
More to come but for now: the best, friendliest, most totally unbelievably awesome Mexican place in Seattle. It matches my mom's cooking, which is saying something.
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