Of all the dining options in Bellevue, none are as plentiful as Mexican restaurants. We’ve counted and can confirm, there are a lot of them! From fast food to local chains and one-offs, the lineup is vast and deep.
So, we thought that our annual food issue presented a great opportunity to visit a few and report our findings to you. And as the editor of Bellevue City Lifestyle, I knew exactly who I wanted to embark on this Bellevue Burrito Bonanza or Taco Tour. That writer would be me.
Due to the constraints of time, budget and diet, it was impossible to visit them all. To narrow the field, we eliminated fast food chains. Hasta la vista, Taco Bell. Of course, that only reduced our candidates by two. To trim the list further, we settled on full-service restaurants with full bars as those tend to feature a more elevated level of cuisine. To select our finalists, we chose restaurants that were somewhat separated by distance and style.
After careful consideration, we settled on three. Let us know whether or not you agree with our assessments, or if we should have considered other options.
Editor’s Note: No tequila was consumed during the research or preparation of this story.
MESTIZO’S MEXICAN CUISINE
Our tour began just outside the Bellevue footprint at 699 OHB at the intersection of Charlotte Pike. That’s where you’ll find Mestizo’s Mexican Cuisine. “Mestizo” refers to a mixed-race person, particularly of European and Latino heritage. Mestizo’s has a relaxing but welcoming ambience and a menu that leans toward traditional fare with some notable upscale offerings. Ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible. I thought it made sense to begin the tour with the basics: a ground beef burrito and ground beef taco. They were fresh, flavorful and plentiful. In fact, this was the only stop on the tour that required a take-home container for leftovers! MestizosMexicans.com
LOUIE’S TACO SHOP & BAR
Louie’s Taco Shop & Bar, which specializes in “California Style” Mexican cuisine, could be just the ticket if you’re looking to unwind after a hectic day, or to hang out with friends into the evening. Located at 7105 Highway 70 South, Louie’s strikes a nice balance. It’s like having the best street tacos in the comfort of your favorite neighborhood dive. The interior lighting is dim, but not dull, making it a great escape on the scorching afternoon of my visit. I ordered the Tres Tacos, paired with a Pacifica. The spices and sauces were enough to enhance, not overwhelm, the beef, pork and chicken. And the veggies tasted like they had been harvested that morning. LouiesTacoShop.com
TEQUILA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Our tour terminated at Tequila’s in One Bellevue Place. Tequila’s features the flavors you know and love with a contemporary flare and matching vibe. This is where to go if you want a lively atmosphere or to celebrate a special occasion. I celebrated with the Enchiladas Tres Carabelas, a relevant name for a dish that featured a wide variety of style, color and flavor. Tequilas also featured the most adventurous menu of the three restaurants I visited. Don’t misunderstand; you can play it safe here. But you’re likely to find an interpretation of an old favorite that’s unlike anything you ever experienced.
This list is not intended to be comprehensive or the last word. But we hope we've introduced you to a restaurant or two that you haven't tried previously.