A diverse crowd comes to Ballard for the original flavors of Oaxacan cuisine.

The Scene
The bustle and bright lights behind big storefront windows make this cheery restaurant stand out along dark Ballard Avenue. A long family-style table, an open kitchen and large margaritas all contribute to the festive atmosphere. Dramatic black-and-white photos capturing southern Mexico rise up along the walls in an airy, white room that gets surprisingly warm.

The Food
From tamales wrapped in banana leaf to barbecued pork in tortillas, Oaxacan food surpasses standard Mexican fare. Served in portions that are somewhere between tapas and small entree, each dish is homemade and wholesome. Although the kitchen shies away from hot seasoning, a serve-yourself salsa bar spices things up. The house specialty of chicken in sweet mole negro, traditional posole (pork stew with hominy) and fish soup are all boldly flavored favorites. Vegetarians face limited choices involving beans and cheese.