A trio of fresh salsas from Agave Cocina & Tequilas in Lower Queen Anne. Photo source.
Killer fresh salsa comes in all kinds of colors and flavors. Whether you’re a fan of the sweet-and-tangy, the creamy, or the hot-and-spicy, you’ll find something you love at these Mexican kitchens in the Seattle area.
Agave Cocina & Tequilas | 100 Republican St Suite 100 | 206-420-8195
Agave Cocina may have the largest selection of sipping tequilas in Washington, but it also has a sizable salsa repertoire. Come at happy hour (3:30 to 6pm daily, plus a late-night option) and you’ll receive complimentary chips and salsa. The kitchen also makes a variety of fresh salsas that are served with specific dishes. A pineapple-serrano salsa comes with the braised short ribs, bacon-wrapped jalapenos, and pineapple prawn ceviche; ancho-chile salsa with the braised beef brisket; avocado salsa with the roasted lamb, braised duck street tacos, and tacos al pastor; salsa fresca with the grilled or crispy halibut and taquitos; cascabel salsa with the grilled skirt steak; salsa verde with select enchiladas; and roasted tomatillo salsa with the Agave burrito. Phew!
Los Chilangos | 14008 NE 8th St, Bellevue | 425-221-7623
Stop by the super-authentic Los Chilangos food truck, parked in Bellevue at 140th and 8th on weekdays and Saturdays, for fresh salsa on the side of all orders. Opt for the housemade hot salsa (tomatillo with habanero) or mild salsa (tomatillo with chipotle) with your street tacos, torta, quesadilla, or burrito. Salsa is also included with the buffet-style catering menu and large delivery and takeout orders.
Mama's Cantina | 2234 2nd Ave | 206-728-6262
Salsa lovers unite at Mama’s chips and salsa bar! Load up on fresh tortilla chips and your selection of housemade salsa options. Several entrees and appetizers also come with a healthy serving of the stuff. You’ll get salsa verde with the Nachos Guadalajara; Salsa de Fuego with the bacon-wrapped jalapenos; salsa verde with the Castilla de Cerdo (slow-roasted pork ribs) and lengua tacos; and Nopales Salsa with the weekly barbacoa.
Poquitos | 1000 E Pike St | 206-453-4216
Dinner at this Capitol Hill Mexican staple is unfailingly delicious, especially with salsa to accompany your dish. Try the avocado-tomatillo salsa with your choice of tacos, the Grande Tostada, carnitas, and the Potato Taquitos or Kale Empanadas (at lunch service); guajillo-tomatillo salsa with your choice of with tacos; spicy Salsa Negra with prawns; cilantro salsa verde with braised pork short rib; or the chips and salsa trio with tomato-jalapeno, roasted tomatillo-serrano, and roasted guajillo-tomatillo options.
Senor Moose | 5242 Leary Ave NW | 206-784-5568
The final stop of this Seattle salsa showcase brings us to a favorite Ballard joint. Senor Moose serves up its housemade salsas with a variety of authentic dishes. Taste five salsas and a chipotle chile sauce with the chips and salsa appetizer. Various salsas are also served with tacos, tostadas, chilaquiles, enchiladas, entomatadas, and a wide variety of breakfast and brunch plates. You can also order a side of salsa to pile some extra fresh flavor onto your meal.
