3-Taco Platter at Mama’s Cantina. Photo source.
We’ve been lucky to have some milder days of winter lately, but we all know that February can get chilly here in Seattle! On those brisk winter days, stop in at one of these Seattle spots to grab something hot and spicy to warm you up from the inside, out.
Photo Credit: Marketeering Group
Agave Cocina & Tequilas | 100 Republican Street #100 | 206-420-8195
From tacos to enchiladas and other specialty entrees, Agave Cocina & Tequilas is a fantastic place to find traditional Mexican fare in a modern style with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Some of the appetizers are must-trys if you’re on the hunt for some flavor heat, such as the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños, the Masa Crusted Calamari and the Diablo Wings.
India Gate Restaurant | 3080 148th Avenue SE, Bellevue | 425-747-1075
For a taste of highly authentic Indian cuisine, step a few miles outside of the city to Bellevue, where you’ll find India Gate Restaurant. Some exceptional dishes with a great kick of spice include the Prawn Karahi, and the Chicken, Lamb, Prawn or Fish Vindaloo dishes.
Los Agaves | 1514 Pike Place Avenue #7 | 206-504-0202
Spice me up, I’m headed to Pike Place Market for some tasty street-style tacos! Choose your protein from al pastor pork, carne asada, chicken adobo, and ground beef, then they’re topped with fresh cilantro, onions and spicy salsa. Tacos are just $2.25 each, so mix and match to your taste!
Los Chilangos | 14008 NE 8th St, Bellevue | 425-221-7623
For another take at tacos, get yours from a fantastic food truck in Bellevue (or visit the truck at the Ballard Farmer’s Market on Sundays). Taqueria Los Chilangos serves up street-style Mexican fare in the form of street tacos (cause we just can’t get enough), tortas, quesadillas and burritos.
Mama's Cantina | 2234 2nd Avenue | 206-728-6262
Looking for some more Mexican? We’ve got you covered… Mama’s Cantina opens daily at noon, and they offer their full menu until late, which sets them apart from the other Mexican restaurants mentioned here. What’s more, they have a whole list of margaritas to choose from - yum! In the way of spicy, delicious dining, try their Platos de Camarones (prawns) a la Diabla!
Poquitos | 1000 E Pike Street | 206-453-4216
Head to Capitol Hill for a bite at the wildly popular Poquitos, where the food isn’t just good, it’s Mexican good. There’s lots of heat to find with various appetizers and platos, including the Prawns in Salsa Negra: 1/2 lb. of wild prawns in sweet and sour chipotle sauce, with grilled lime and green onion (tortillas and rice and beans served on the side). From the weekend brunch menu, don’t miss the Carne Asada & Eggs as a rich, deliciously flavorful and spicy dish.
Señor Moose Café | 5242 Leary Ave NW | 206-784-5568
Dig into some spicy shrimp prepared Mexican style at Señor Moose Café in Ballard. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy prawns; you’ll savor every bite! Pair it with a refreshing margarita for all of the flavors you love…
Soi | 1400 10th Avenue | 206-556-4853
It’s unlikely that you’ve tasted real, authentic Thai food at any typical Thai restaurant in Seattle - those Americanized dishes are crave-worthy, to be sure, but Soi on Capitol Hill gets back to the origins of cuisine from the North Eastern region of Thailand known as Issan. Sample spicy specialties such as the Grapao Kai Dao, which is chicken and fresh basil that is stir-fried with mushrooms, yard-long beans, bell peppers, onions and fresh Thai chili, then served hot over rice and topped with a fried egg.
