Mexican · Capitol Hill, Seattle

Family Mexican cooking,
the way Seattle remembers it.

Refugio López opened El Gallito in the early 1980s, and three generations later the same from-scratch recipes still fill the tables — hand-pressed tacos, slow-simmered mole, sizzling carne asada, and margaritas worth the trip up 20th Ave.

See the Menu Call (206) 329-8088

On 20th Ave in Capitol Hill · Lunch & dinner, Monday through Saturday

El Gallito
Family-owned on Capitol Hill since the 1980s
537+

4.4★ · Google reviews

Since the 1980s

Family-owned on Capitol Hill

Mole

Simmered from scratch, a Seattle favorite

Margaritas

The Cadillac is worth the trip

Menu

What Capitol Hill has ordered for forty years

Everything comes out of the kitchen the way it has for decades — guacamole mashed to order, mole simmered from scratch, and carne asada seasoned and grilled when you order it.

Guacamole (made fresh at the table) $9.50
Ceviche Tostada $8.50
Cheese Quesadilla $10.95
Carne Asada Plate $19.95
Chile Relleno $15.95
Enchiladas con Mole $16.50
Carnitas Plate $17.95
Chicken Chimichanga $15.50
Tacos (carne asada or al pastor, each) $4.50
Cadillac Margarita $12.00

Prices are approximate and may change — call (206) 329-8088 for today's menu, specials, and takeout.

Gallery

Three generations of Mexican cooking on Capitol Hill.

@
El Gallito
El Gallito
Guacamole (made fresh at the table) Ceviche Tostada Cheese Quesadilla Carne Asada Plate Chile Relleno Enchiladas con Mole Carnitas Plate Chicken Chimichanga Tacos (carne asada or al pastor, each) Cadillac Margarita

We've been coming here for years and it never changes, in the best way. Family-owned, warm service, and the carne asada and mole are exactly what you hope for. Hands down one of the best Mexican spots in Seattle.

A Capitol Hill institution

Reviews

What keeps guests coming back

Recurring themes from our 537 Google reviews and 78 photos.

A Capitol Hill institution

We've been coming here for years and it never changes, in the best way. Family-owned, warm service, and the carne asada and mole are exactly what you hope for. Hands down one of the best Mexican spots in Seattle.

The guac and the margaritas

They make the guacamole fresh and it's so good. Pair it with a Cadillac margarita and you're set. Cozy little room, generous portions, and prices that are fair for how good the food is.

Real, from-scratch Mexican

The chile relleno and carne adobada are packed with flavor and clearly made from scratch. This isn't fancy — it's an unpretentious neighborhood place that's been doing it right for decades.

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Visit

Come see us in Capitol Hill

Checking hours…
Mon – Fri
11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday
Closed

1700 20th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

(206) 329-8088

Street parking · wheelchair accessible

Call to Reserve Text Directions

No online booking — call (206) 329-8088 to reserve a table or order takeout.

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