I was here enjoying a delicious meal and few drinks from the bar when I got to witness some of the worst customer behavior I’ve seen in a long time. As I was about to dig into my tostadas, a woman storms in holding a tiny dog, demanding to speak to a manager. She clearly wanted to dine with her canine companion, and it seems she had been denied that and was hellbent on ruining the atmosphere for the other patrons. The owner told her in no uncertain terms that they did not allow pets inside or on the patio. Man, the way this lady wailed. You’d think a banshee had been shot. She claimed her dog was an emotional support animal, and he could not deny her entry. As most people with a normal amount of brain cells know, an ESA is VERY different from a service dog, they don’t go through the rigorous training that a service animal does, and thus they are not entitled to the same privileges. The owner politely asked what services the dog was trained for, which is exactly what businesses are trained to ask, a totally valid and legal question. She was obviously expecting to get her way and was very… let’s say disappointed to encounter a person with a backbone. She then proceeded to exit the restaurant, yelling “shame!! Shame!” At everyone on her way out. Most of the restaurant was quietly watching this woman’s public meltdown, and burst into laughter upon her exit. Cheers to Tarasco for holding their ground, as I’m sure having her seated anywhere in the vicinity would have been a nuisance. The owner seemed fantastic from what I saw, and our bartender Aaron was such a blast and so level headed in how he handled the situation as well. It’s so rare to see a business willing to lose one customer for the sake of doing things properly, but they’ve gained my respect and patronage for life. Highly recommend the churros as well.

Really enjoyed our dinner at Tarasco tonight! We’ve walked by a number of times thinking “we should go there sometime”. Well, tonight we did and it was great! Really liked the food (quac and chips, enchiladas and shrimp quesadilla) and atmosphere, including great music. Met Joshua, who is new there (formerly at Matador) and contributing creative cocktails to the menu along with friendly service. If you have thought about giving Tarasco a try, I encourage you to do it. And I hope you like it as much as we did tonight.

Unfortunately, disappointed by this local bar. While the location is prime for a late night dive and the karaoke setup should allow for a more eclectic group the management fails to provide adequate service to make this a fun experience. Granted I've only visited once but on that night the gentlemen running karaoke clearly did not enjoy his job and allowed the same group of seven friends to perform multiple songs each while the rest of us got one chance at the mic at best. Most karaoke bars will read the room, so to speak, and shuffle submissions around so everyone gets a semi-equal turn at the mic. Here they didn't even consider this and had the same group of friends perform upwards of 4 songs each while the rest of the bar got one at best. Toward the end of the night when our songs were about to come up they decided to close twenty minutes early, although official closing time was listed as 2am, and skip the rest of the songs in the cue. When I asked management why they weren't staying open until the time posted both on their website and on signs throughout the bar they threatened to throw me out. I had high hopes for this place as a quiet, local dive with good service but left feeling like it's a bar simply going through the motions, open only because they've been there for years. They're unwilling to change in any way and clearly unhappy to service their customers. If you're looking for karaoke in this particular area I'd definitely choose the Water Wheel or really any other place that's open.

Great burritos and enchiladas! Great chips and salsa and guac! Joshua the bar tender was super helpful and friendly. I'm itching to go back and try his cocktails!

I live in this neighborhood. I have an emotional support dog We were refused service on the patio.. the server stated the owner does not allow dogs at all.. I saw the owner “Tony” white haired old mean guy. I went in and spoke to “Tony”and he asked me “what service my dog performed and how he was trained”. I told gangster “Tony” that this was not his business and illegal to ask in state of WA… Tony” told me they do not allow any dogs unless they understand the service they perform and how they were trained” I said no.., this is not the law.. “Tony” old guy told me they do not allow any dogs… period… then some gangster female worker came over and was prepared to throw me and my 6 lb emotional support dog out.please never support this business with your money., It is a likely front for illegal activity.., ask anyone in the neighborhood.. Stay away from “Tony”…he is not a good person or a good proprietor.. Owner “Tony” is breaking the law. And I am filing a formal ADA complaint on Monday..

Looking for break from the Seattle freeze? Here's your place. The bartender Marta is the sweetest and will make you feel at home right away. This is the bar that you'll want to become a regular at. Pictured is Mary's tostada; filling in that way that only loads of beans, fried tortilla, pork, and lettuce will make you,

The bartender Marta rocks!!!

Tastes authentic, and it has a good taste. I had the nachos and Mole. Mole was very tasty, it was a bit sweet but all in all very good moist chicken. The nachos were also well portioned and paired very well with the salsa provided with the chips and salsa. Very good and I recommend!

Chipotle sauce so good itll make you wanna slap yo momma

Nice hangout for beer pool and Mexican food

Really cool atmosphere! We were disappointed the kitchen closed early especially on a karaoke night. The karaoke host was fun but the sound system was not the best. Overall a cool experience though!

Went for karaoke. Had a few beers and the guac was delicious and a great snack. Wide open atmosphere with room to dance if you want or cheer on those singing on stage.

Stopped in at an off hour. Divey vibe, but with a decent tap list. Friendly barkeep. Would go back.

Great food and fun atmosphere especially on Wednesdays with karaoke

I love Tarasco! I go here just about every Sunday night after practice with my water polo team. The food is great and service is always top notch. A couple times we actually got to meet the owner too and they're very sweet and down to earth. Over all it's an excellent place to grab a bite or a drink with a good atmosphere too. Oh and you can play pool or darts too

Great karaoke! Up to 4 people can sing at a time and they even have surprise stage effects. The drinks are decent and the space is clean.

Ariah Paradise is a very attentive and knowledgeable barkeep. Also good engagement with the clientele. A good time had by all even for a quiet night. Food looks amazing. Ill be back when I'm hungry!

Great drinks and one of the greatest karaoke experiences I've ever had. The DJ had a smoke machine for crying out loud haha!

Came here to sing karaoke. The DJ doesn't play people in order of when they sign up. He puts his friend at the top of the list and we didn't get to sing. Disappointing.

I've been a regular at Tarasco for about three years now, both pre- and post-Pandemic. Marta and Carmen were great bartenders then. Liza and Julia are great bartenders now. Owner Tony is a great guy and has been a member of the Ballard/Crown Hill community for many, many years. This place is a gem of the Seattle restaurant scene.

Wonderful place with karaoke and drinks.

Wonderful atmosphere located in a really great part of town. The bartender working, Jared, was a rad dude bumping grand tunes! The pizza spot across the street was also fire! Great hangout spot.

Great cheap Mexican food. Nice quiet bar, big pours and great staff. Definitely one of my favorite locals in Ballard. They do karaoke on Wed, Fri and Sat starting at 9 (not my thing so I dont know how good that is).

Came in to eat some dinner, had the Chile Verde with Rice and Beans. Food and drinks are great! They have a pool table, outdoor seating, and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.

Any old-school neighborhood joint that's been around since the 80's automatically gets a good review from me. Now get off my lawn. Very friendly service and very good happy-hour prices. Good white boy Mexican food. And I mean that in the best possible way.

The prawns were delicious. The drinks were BOMB and the karaoke was great fun. I celebrated my birthday and the people were great. Some good singers great spot. I'll be back

Not the most welcoming vibes for sure, unless you’re besties with the server. Oh well. Good spot for trivia - not overly packed or people playing 12 on a team. Not a big selection of beer. Food smelled good but didn’t order anything. Not my fave spot but would probably go back for trivia. The trivia host was 10/10 :)

Great local bar and grill in Ballard residential area

I am a tequila and Mezcal “snob” but am super casual when I go out because I never expect everyone to know how much I know and appreciate all that there is about agave spirits. Let me tell you that Josh gave me a run for my money. Not only Did he help me with the most amazing cocktail to order, but matched my knowledge and enthusiasm of agave! I can not wait to see what else you come up with. Your brilliance is what is up and coming in our industry. Cheers to you!

Really loving the new cocktails and bartenders here! Drinks are awesome and the mezcal old fashioned is really delicious. Service is really great, they genuinely care to give you a good experience. Definitely recommend stopping in if you’re waiting for dinner across the street or for a kraken game.

Shockingly bad. I ordered a chicken salad and it was probably the worst salad I’ve been presented with in my life. I couldn’t even eat it. It looked like a third grader had put it together and the chicken was awful quality with an unappetising texture. The server didn’t even ask how the food was and didn’t even question the fact that I barely touched it, simply giving me a takeout box. You can safely assume that takeout box was thrown into the nearest trash can. My friend ordered a burrito dish which he also found unappetising. We had to order pizza from across the street instead, so we ended up paying for dinner twice in one night. Do not waste your money on this joint. Maybe it’s good for drinks, but avoid the food like the plague.

Excellent karaoke setup and KJ, good food

Had a great experience there. Tried the food it was good quickly served. the bartenders were friendly. And I had a really good time.

Went there twice after vivid opening. Excellent food and prices.

Very authentic. Sort of a hidden gem in Ballard on NW 64th St, a block east of 15th Ave. So glad I found it.

Comfortable, well with social distance

Great local dive bar! Get there on Marta Mondays one of the best bartenders in town.

I love this place! Have been eating here since I moved into the neighborhood in 1998. Tony is great and his staff has always been friendly and engaging. The salsa is some of the best in town.

Good food

Fun place nice people great vibe

It's ok.

Good nachos! Real cheese!

Excellent food and service

Good place! Should provide meal options at night...

Friendly staff, cheap drinks and great karaoke!!

Super divey. Not much to look at.

Great food!!!

(Translated by Google) Nice place (Original) Bonito lugar

The folks that work here are great people to talk to they have good food pool and karokee 🤗

We are pleasantly surprised by this neighborhood gem and are really excited to become regulars! Food and drink were far superior to what we expected and to what some of the reviews would lead you to believe. Service was incredibly friendly and we love the fact they have real dart boards. Decent selection of tequila but if I could change one thing about this mexican/karaoke bar fusion spot... increase the types of tequila. Husongs and Hornitos are fine but throw in some mid-level and top shelf as well (not Patron).

What a friendly place!

Super friendly, neighborhood vibe We played trivia on Tuesday at 8pm and it was quite fun. Food and drinks are good.

Wonderful Karaoke. Dana crushed it

Marta rules.

Really great place. Different than your average bar. Great food and service!

Pretty good food given that it is a dive bar, plenty of seating room if you come early. Karaoke is nice entertainment. Recommended.

Great Mex cuisine. Very good staff. Awesome owner, if not happy (very seldom), he will make it right and you happy.

Clean...Owner Tony wipes down everything including the floors...we love to watch him mop. Quiet and subdued, Mexican food menu