The Navajo Torta at Cactus. Photo source.
For all of us who might be known to crave a torta over a taco plate, order’s up at these Seattle locations. Sometimes you just need a Mexican-style sandwich bun rather than a tortilla. So without further ado, let’s talk tortas.
Agave Cocina & Tequilas | 100 Republican St Suite 100 | 206-420-8195
Looking for a brunch, lunch, or dinner spot in Lower Queen Anne? Try Agave Cocina just across from Seattle Center. You’ll find all your favorite Mexican dishes, a sizable tequila list, and trendy ambience to boot. For a.m. torta cravings, be sure to make a special trip for the Breakfast Sandwich Torta (Macrina bread, fresh herbs, fried egg, roasted poblano, grilled tomatoes, guacamole, three cheeses, and optional carnitas or carne asada) during Saturday or Sunday brunch. At lunch or dinner, go for the Fresh Herb Sandwich Torta: Macrina bread, guacamole, cilantro, pineapple, lettuce, caramelized onions, and optional carnitas or carne asada -- all served with sweet potato fries.
Cactus | Multiple locations
Cactus serves up a Southwestern spin on the classic Mexican torta at three Seattle restaurants in South Lake Union, Alki Beach, and Madison Park (plus locations in Bellevue Square and Kirkland). The Navajo Torta is made with Indian fry bread, annatto beans, jack cheese, shredded lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and optional chicken, carnitas Yucatecas, braised brisket, or housemade chorizo. Nibble yours on the patio and cheers to sunshine and sandwiches.
Los Chilangos | 14008 NE 8th Street, Bellevue | 425-221-7623
The ultra-authentic Los Chilangos food truck, which typically parks in Bellevue, is well worth a short trip outside Seattle city limits. Get your hands on some of the best Mexico City-style street food around, including a traditional torta (black beans, cheese, meat, lettuce, cilantro, onions, and salsa on toasted sourdough bread). Served with either chips or rice and beans.
Poquitos | 1000 E Pike St | 206-453-4216
If tortas are perfectly acceptable at lunch or dinner, why not treat yourself at brunch, too? Poquitos in Capitol Hill serves up their Torta Ahogada drowned in tomato-arbol chile sauce -- yes, even in the morning. The Ahogada also features lager-braised pork carnitas, black bean puree, escabeche, avocado, cilantro, chipotle mayo, and Oaxaca cheese on a housemade bolillo bun. Time to grab a few napkins and get elbow-deep in a delightfully messy meal.
