Who would have known that Lynnwood, Washington was hiding a one-of-a-kind Mexican restaurant like Taqueria La Raza? I still can’t get last weekend’s date night out of my mind. We had so much fun!
Sandwiched between a Vietnamese restaurant and a hair salon, in the middle of a strip mall, Taqueria La Raza sits with open doors to new visitors and old friends. I almost felt as though we were in Mexico as we walked in. Though I’ve never been there, this place gave me the feeling that I had crossed the border and entered into a new land.
First of all, Taqueria La Raza is not fancy. The tables are covered with vinyl tablecloths and stacks of Corona, Modela Especial and Victoria Beer line the wall of the restaurant. There were no dim lights or decked out waiters. Just a whole bunch of Mexican men having a blast cooking up a storm, and dancing in between. Even the guy frying up tortilla shells on the grill was tapping his feet to the lively Mexican music.
The first sign of this place’s success were the lack of available seats, and the line for takeout at the register. That’s always a good sign. The second sign was the way everyone there looked so at home.
We looked around for a place to sit, and a man from the kitchen ran over and motioned for us to sit at the bar against the wall. We weren’t just a number. He showed us that we were important, and he cared about finding a good seat for us. We had barely sat down when some people seated at the bar overlooking the kitchen finished up and left.
“Señor!” He motioned to Hubby, and gestured to both of us as he wiped down the granite countertop. We were right up close and personal. Sitting here, we were a part of the action. There was a full view of the spotless kitchen and the amusing camaraderie between the cooks and the customers.
The view from our table
Right away, a man from the kitchen came over and brought us menus. He didn’t say a word, except “beer” when I asked what they had to drink.
“Honey, do you want a Corona?” Hubby asked, giving me the “he doesn’t know English look.”
“Yes, I will have a Corona…beer,” I said.
“Yes, Corona beer.” The man said. Hubby decided to order water and then we got to work deciding on what to eat, as our mouths watered at the menu options.
As I was debating over whether to order a giant burrito or taco, a woman waiting for her order threw her arms up and began to dance with the manager behind the counter.
She clapped her hands, and swayed from side to side as the manager danced along smiling from ear to ear. Hubby and I could not stop laughing.
“I LOVE this place!” I turned and said to Hubby. “This is SO much fun. I feel like we are in the middle of a party in Mexico.”
Hubby loved that I loved the place, especially since he picked it out. “We should get up and dance!” I said. “No way!” Hubby glared at me. He hates it when I talk him into dancing against his will.
When we ordered, I asked the waiter if I could get whole beans. He look confused and brought over the manager to translate.
“Can I have whole beans?” I asked. The manager looked at me and said: “You can have whatever you want!” as he turned to the waiter and rattled off the request in Spanish.
As we waited for our order, we snacked on the thick, crunchy chips along with the spicy hot salsa our waiter brought us. I like it when salsa has a kick to it; and their salsa definitely did.
When our order came, my eyes almost popped out. This burrito was massive. I was hungry, but this would be a challenge. Nice and neatly wrapped, and covered with sauce and melted shredded cheese, along with a generous side helping of chunky guacamole and sour cream, it looked delicious. The waiter brought four bottles of sauces, labeled with blue painters tape and permanent marker.
“Which one do you like the best?” Hubby asked the manager, standing about a foot away. “Mango Habanero is my favorite. It’s very good. Sweet and spicy,” He said.
“Did you make these here from scratch?” I asked. “Yes, we make all the sauces here.” He said proudly.
No wonder they were so good. Hubby and I took turns trying different ones on our food. I liked the spicy one best. The Mango Habanero was a kicker. Wow. I felt it way up in my sinuses! That one, of course, was Hubby’s favorite.
I got halfway through my burrito and then realized I went too far. I could barely move I was so stuffed. Hubby was still chowing away when I stopped eating.
When I told him I was full he said, “Really?” …and kept eating.
Then, the manager came by, looked at the burrito, then looked at me, as if he was disappointed I couldn’t eat anymore. “That’s the best I can do; but it was very good!” I said. He brought me a box. I knew I would enjoy it for lunch the next day. There’s nothing like yummy Mexican food leftovers for lunch.
With the Entertainment Book Coupon and a little more than a 20% tip, we got out of there for exactly $20 dollars. I thought that was a great deal.
As we walked out, the manager yelled from the register: “Come back and visit us soon!” with a friendly Mexican accent.
“We definitely will!” I said.
It was starting to get dark as we left, and we realized the park Hubby had picked would be closed.
So, instead, we went for a drive and saw some breathtaking Lynnwood homes overlooking Puget Sound.
The inside wall of Taqueria La Raza
We were amazed that we never knew these neighborhoods or roads even existed, and we’ve lived in this area for over a year and a half. We love going on nice relaxing drives, and we had some extra time, so we explored and had fun being spontaneous.
Since our kids were at an overnight church function, we came home and watched one of our favorite shows, Blue Bloods. Hubby tried to get me to eat some dark chocolate, but I was still way too full. He was shocked that I said no to chocolate. Yes, it is rare that I turn chocolate down.
All in all, it was a FANTASTIC date; and I gotta hand it to Hubby for picking such a great spot!
Atmosphere (romantic appeal): 5. The people, the music and the liveliness make the atmosphere here. It doesn’t look the part, but the authenticity and joyous atmosphere will surprise you.
Budget Friendly: 5. Great prices and generous portions. They advertise with the Entertainment Book too; so we were able to use a buy one get one free entrée coupon.
Food: 5. Lots of flavor; and l love that they make their sauces from scratch.
Fun and unique: 5+. This place is all about fun and festivity.
Memorable: 5. I can’t stop smiling every time I think of this place. Hubby loved it too.
