Cheap Food Critic

3517 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118

Mon-Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

This place may look like a broke-down school bus on Rainier (and it maybe) but who really cares…the Mexican food being served from it is damn good. When coming here it’s pretty hard to miss but if you didn’t see the big white school bus keep an eye out for the racks of old car tires; that’s how you know you are close. If this is your first time here skip the menu and just order the torta and/or the mulitas with asada or chicken (both are probably some of the best if not the best in Seattle). The torta and 2 mulitas will cost you a “whopping” $8.50 after tax.

The torta is pretty much the Mexican version of a sandwich. My favorite part of the tortas here are the super buttery roll that are toasted on insides to give them a nice little crunch. Inside the bun these guys also pack in a generous amount of meat with slices of tomatoes, diced onions, jalapenos, lettuce, and mayo. One downside, because the buns are so soft they will break apart especially with the amount of stuff they pack into them. Not a huge issue, just grab a handful of napkins before you leave the bus.

I was never a huge fan of mulitas because they are pretty much just tacos with two tortillas (twice the carbs). But these guys toast up the tortillas to a super crunchy state. It’s almost like eating a perfectly packaged nacho with your choice of meat, a slice of avocado, cheese, and cilantro. I could probably eat these everyday.

In summary, overlook the junk yard feel and get the best tortas and mulitas in Seattle.

Note – There’s probably 6 seats inside the bus and 2 covered benches outside. But you probably drove here (because no one walks in Rainier) just eat in the comfort of your own car.

Yelp – 4.5/5.0 Stars (179 Ratings)

9811 15th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98106

Mon-Sun 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

This place is pretty far from downtown Seattle but if you happen to be in the West Seattle area (specifically the White Center area) you have to give it a try. This place is one of the best values in Seattle. Not only is it really cheap it is also really really good. I had the five taco combo which comes with a drink for under $6. I selected two beef, two spicy pork (my favorite), and a chicken taco. The combo comes with a grilled onion and pepper. I made the mistake of taking a bit into the pepper will all the seeds intact. After the burning stopped I was able to really enjoy the tacos. The spicy pork also has a little kick to it but is definitely do able for most people. The beef was also very tender and seasoned perfectly.

These guys are known for their tacos but there are so many other items on the menu I want to try. I’ve heard the torta is suppose to be amazing here. The Lengua (cow tongue) is also suppose to be really good if you are into that stuff.

So if you want one of the best values and probably one of the best taquerias in Seattle give this little taco truck in West Seattle a try.

Yelp – 4.5/5.0 Start (78 Reviews)

5105 Capitol Blvd SW, Ste C
Tumwater, WA 98501

Mon-Thu 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Fri-Sat 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Hidden just south of downtown Olympia in Tumwater, this gem in a sea of fast food joints is serving up some of the best food in the South Sound. I remember when this family run business first opened I really didn’t give it too much thought until I started to get raving recommendations from co-workers that lived in the area. Everyone seemed to recommend the same thing, the wet burrito and the homemade tortillas chips (chips are free). So of course, that’s what I had to go with.

Oh man, I thought the burritos at Gordito’s (Greenwood-Seattle) were big but these here might be a good 20-30% larger. Although a little more expensive than Gordito’s at $10.32 but it really is at least 2 meals…especially if you take the leftover tortilla chips with you. Flavor-wise it did not disappoint. The sauce on the burrito was tangy which complemented the mound of cheese smothering every crevice of the plate. Inside the burrito is stuffed with chicken, avocado, pinto beans, green sauce, red tomatoes, lettuce, rice, and more cheese.

The FREE homemade tortilla chips have got to be the best I have ever had! So crunchy, flavorful, and of course free. My description really does not do them any justice…you really just have to try them for yourself.

Yelp – 4.5/5.0 Stars (81 Reviews)

722 Thompson Lane
Nashville, TN 37204

Mon-Sat 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

After a week in Nashville I was sick of eating steak, burgers, and fried food. I was recommended Baja Burrito by the hotel’s concierge staff for fresh Mexican food. The location was a little away from downtown Nashville but easily reached just off the 440 and the 65 freeways. The restaurant is also pretty easy to spot with the brightly painted Volkswagen Beetle up front. Once you get inside head to the counter and look up…that’s your menu. But I’ll save you the trouble. Get the three fish tacos or the brisket torta (not actually on the menus but was posted on a piece of paper on the side), either one will run you $6.83 after tax.

Both of my orders required a little more time than the normal Chipotle/Q’doba burritos that these guys also offer here. Understandable since the fish and the brisket needs to be cooked/warmed up as well as assembled in the taco and torta.

The fish taco was not the best that I’ve had but it was still very satisfying. My issue with the tacos were not the meat or the toppings but the tortilla/taco shell. It was super flimsy and pretty much broke once you pick it yup. The brisket torta on the other hand was absolutely amazing. The meat was so tender and juicy it pretty much fell apart as you are eating it. Add in avocados, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, onions, and cilantro and you have one of the best tortas I have ever eaten. Of course when you stuff a sandwich to capacity its going to be messy, so be prepared with extra napkins.

I also tried all of the salsa/sauces. Most were good but nothing special. The one that stuck out was the pineapple salsa. It added a nice sweetness to all of the food. I do wish there was a little more spice to that salsa but that’s just personal preference.

In summary, it was an amazing find in city full of burger and fried food spots. Unfortunately as I was looking for less oily food I ended up getting fish tacos with fried fish and a torta that dripped oil from the meat. But whatever…food was good.

Note – There’s plenty of parking all around the building. Seating was also plentiful indoors and outdoors.

Yelp – 4.5/5.0 Stars (126 Reviews)

11728 Aurora Ave N
Seattle, WA 98133

Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sat-Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

El Camion is doing it right up in North Seattle. Being on Aurora they are in stiff competition with many other Mexican Food trucks. These guys have maintained the authenticity that we all appreciate yet created an environment that anyone would feel comfortable coming to. The food truck is conveniently located in the North end of the Home Depot parking lot (where else can you get amazing tacos and a hammer). It has plenty of seating in the outdoor tent or on nice days in the uncovered tables. Parking is also plentiful and away from the Home Depot’s craziness (especially on the weekends).

As for the food, the quality of its meats and the other fillers are top notch. So far I have tried the Chicken Torta, the Adobada tacos (Marinated Spicy Pork), Fish taco, and Pollo Asada tacos (Grilled Chicken). I think out of all of these I really enjoyed the torta the most. The torta’s bread was super fluffy and crunchy on the outside where it was grilled. Plus the chicken is always seasoned really well. Honorable mentions for the Adobada and fish tacos also. Both would be great options if you didn’t want to stuff your face with the torta. One little disappointments here, the salsas/hot sauces are nothing special (average at best). My favorite green sauce is still from Rancho Bravo.

For a little more than $10 you can get the Chicken torta, fish taco, and a Adobada taco. Plus you can put it on your credit card.

Note – Although this location does not move these guys do have another truck that does. Find out where they are on Twitter.

Yelp – 4/5 Stars (159 Ratings)

213 N 85th St
Seattle, WA 98103

Mon-Thu, Sun 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
Fri-Sat 10:30 am – 9:30 pm

I used to come here all the time when I was in high school and college. However, being a little bit out of the away for me now I have not had a chance to get back here in awhile. Finally, after a few years hiatus I made it back. I really didn’t remember how good this place is until I took that first bite of the wet burrito with chicken. I also forgot how big these burritos are…I guess I could have just looked at the pictures of babies next to the burritos on the wall. Despite only finished half of my burrito I was fricking stuffed.

Get any of the burritos for under $10. They also bring you a basket of fresh tortilla chips; pair them up with the homemade salsas at the salsa bar and you have a winning combo. I think everyone I’ve tried so far has been awesome (especially the really hot one).

The restaurant is also really huge and has an outdoor seating area. Another big plus is that they have parking (a little snug but it’s better than looking for street parking).

Note – Although the name has healthy in it, I really doubt it is. If you ate that whole burrito it would probably be over 1,000 calories.

Yelp – 4.0/5.0 (386 Ratings)

120 Peter Street
Toronto, ON M5V 2G7

Mon-Thu 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Fri 11:30 am – 4:00 am
Sat 12:00 pm – 4:00 am
Sun 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

After a night of drinking in Toronto this really hit the spot. Definitely a hole in the wall but they take the time to make your late-night burrito right. Keep that in mind as it does take a little longer for your burritos to be made but they will be perfectly grilled with a little crunchiness on the outside. I got the halibut on wheat with everything. The crunchiness of the halibut with the softness of the beans, rice, and cheese was my favorite part of the burrito. Unfortunately it was a little more than $10 ($11.25 after tax to be exact). However, I liked this place so much I came back for a quick lunch the next day before heading to the airport; this time I got the Chicken burrito which was less than $10 but still very good.

There’s really only three seat in the whole place and can probably only hold eight people in the whole place standing. But if you insist on eating at the location there also a bench on the outside. I would however, recommend to take it to go while you stumble back to your hotel or apartment.

Toronto is a pretty expensive city this was the only meal I had less than $10 but probably one of my favorites.

Yelp – 4.0/5.0 (49 Ratings)

211 NE 45th St
Seattle, WA 98105
And
1001 E Pine St
Seattle, WA 98122

Mon-Tue, Sun 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
Wed-Thu 10:30 am – 12:00 am
Fri-Sat 10:30 am – 3:00 am

This is one of my go to spots for late night food. Two locations in Seattle…one in Wallingford and one in Capitol Hill. The Capitol Hill location is actually a restaurant (an old KFC to be exact). The location in Wallingford is a food truck with about six or seven spot to sit (outdoors) under a canopy. Both locations serve up delicious fast Mexican food. My favorite here is the chicken quesadilla and a sampling of their tacos (normally a chicken and a pork). Either one of the burritos (the Rancho or the Bravo) are also pretty good here. I can’t really tell the difference between the two they both taste the same to me. Regardless, both are delicious. When you get your order don’t forget the hot sauces. Go for the green one. Not quite as hot as the red ones but it adds some great flavors to the food.

These guys also opened up a BBQ truck across the street at the 76 station. I have not tried it yet but I will let you guys know how of is as soon as I am able to get out there.

For under $10 you can get the chicken quesadilla or a burrito and a drink.

(Based off of the Capitol Hill location)
Yelp – 4/5 Stars (388 Ratings)