Recommends

Jay Friedman

Joined 3 years ago

Queen Anne's best hole-in-the-wall. When I moved to Seattle ten years ago, I found comfort in Malena’s Taco Shop—about the only hole-in-the-wall on upper Queen Anne. A basket of chips and some bright salsa to start, and there are a wide variety of burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and other dishes that make for a substantial snack or meal. This is all available for take-out, too. The workers are friendly folks, ready with a smile and a suggestion. It’s not the best Mexican food in town, but ten years later, I’ve moved to another part of Queen Anne, and Malena’s is still there when I need a quick and convenient bite—one with bite to it.

Doesn't Recommend

dalipardon

Joined 6 years ago

Too bland for my taste. My co-workers had raved about how good the food was and how "authentic" it was. Based on what they'd said, I was excited to try it because I have longed to find mexican food as good as what my home state of California has to offer. I didn't take into mind that my co-workers that recommended the place were all from Washington, and their opinion may differ from mine because they had never had the real thing. The food here was subpar. Very bland. And they serve Tostitos with salsa! Even the cheapest mexican restaurants and taco trucks in California use warm, homemade tortilla chips! Sparsely decorated; the atmosphere is as bland as the food.

Doesn't Recommend

jaalday80

Joined 5 years ago

Expensive for very bland food. I live about 2 blocks from Malena's and was very excited to see a little "hole in the wall" mexican restaurant, which typically have the best and most authentic food. I was sorely mistaken in my assuption. The food is bland and over priced. I am not sure you can call this a restaurant, it is more of a fast food experience. There is no room to sit and the service is un-friendly.

If you are looking for a authentice mexican dinner do not come here, you are much better off heading down the hill to the Blue Water Taco Grill, which has great food for a good price and good atmosphere!

Recommends

rmcmahon

Joined 11 years ago

Misplaced raves. I live just around the block, so I was very excited when I read the reviews on this site. I have tried a number of the dishes now so I think I can review with confidence. The best food is the carne asado tacos. Everything else is mediocre. Busy place which is really only good for take out. Unfortunately the pickings of good mexican is slim in this town. I will still drave over to Ballard when I'm in the mood for anything except carne asado tacos.

Recommends

megknight

Joined 11 years ago

Authentic and Cheap!. Cheap place. Plastic Silverware. I love this place. Everything I have had there is perfect. Reminds me of the burrito wagons of my hometown. Can't beat it.

Recommends

nelsonchen

Joined 7 years ago

Great food, can get pricey. This is my favorite place for Mexican in Seattle. When I was living in Los Angeles, you can get cheap Mexican food that tastes so good. Malena's reminds me of the little drive-thru Mexican eateries in L.A. The taste is the same. Unfortunately, the only thing I don't like about this place is the price. Getting two tacos can really put a dent in your wallet. If you don't mind the price, this place is really good.

Recommends

khrisla

Joined 7 years ago

Tacos for the Mexican Food Lover. I lived in So. Cal all of my life and have been to Mexico a half dozen times and gave up hope of finding a great taqueria in Seattle- then I found Malena's. This place is for those who are uninspired by the Americanized mass versions of taco & burrito shops. The steak taco is divine: smothered in a light guacomole, the corn tortilla the perfect mix of crisp and soft. Be prepared to be delighted.

Recommends

bugmenot1

Joined 8 years ago

Wow, finally REAL Mexican food. I have been dying to find a place since I moved from Texas. I did Malena's is great. BEST hot sauce I've had , probably ever!!!!!!! The people didn't even speak english, loved it!!!!!!!

Recommends

shelliluv

Joined 7 years ago

Cheap GOOD. This is great mexican food. Comforting, yummy... I love the rolled chicken tacos. And the guacamole. It's really affordable too. I'd drive from the suburbs to get food here. Get take out, though, way too small of a sitting area.

Recommends

karibergson

Joined 8 years ago

User review by karibergson. Malena's has great mexican food for a cheap price! I have looked all over this city for healthy mexican fare and did not go dissappointed when I found this place nestled in Queen Anne.