Taco Time

So here I am searching for new Mexican joints in Seattle and suddenly under top rated appears TACO TIME with a 4 ½ star rating. After I threw up in my mouth a little bit I was finally radicalized and energized to join the ranks of Unilocal mob/​critical continuum and help right this civic misfortune by EXPRESSING MY DISPLEASURE ON THE INTERNET!
Taco Time is objectively terrible. It’s not good. It’s not even bordering on good. It’s not even close to the good border. Taco Time is so not good that it makes Taco Bell look its Doritos Loco Vato Gordo Mucho Feyo Tacos and Barfwrap Supremes were crafted with master gastronomical care by Jose Andres. It’s a local PNW-​born travesty that has been subjecting the taste-​deprived natives to bland eats for decades and this has got to stop. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP NOW, SEATTLE!
Just start with the name. Does that name sound to you like you’re about to have a really tasty fast food meal? Doesn’t it just really sound like the potluck party name designed by some couple in their 50’s having people over from the local doggie lovers community group? If that doesn’t already make you think twice about eating here then perhaps you’re already a lost cause.
But, if you’re willing to let me try to convince you that this place is indeed bad, the next step is to check out the logo treatment:
MMMMM SPICY!
Finally, talk to any Seattle-​native who actually recommends this dump, ask their opinion on Taco Time, and inevitably you’re going to get this response: «DUDE CHECK OUT THE MEXIFRIES!»
So, at some point you were all like «MAN, I WANT A BURRITO!» and the local response to you is «MAN, THEN YOU REALLY NEED SOME TATER TOTS!» Don’t you see how far down the rabbit hole the poor misguided souls of the Emerald City have traveled? They don’t even recommend the also available but nearly as bland Chipotle to you — they just tell you to get some fries and accept a life devoid of olé.
If I haven’t convinced you to search further for better Mexican food in Seattle (just look up Tacos Chukis on Unilocal and you can pay me in tacos later) then be prepared for fast food so bland and so disingenuous that driving to QFC, picking up some Lean Cusine Chicken Enchiladas Suizas, and enjoying them lukewarm on your porch under the grey skies would be a more satisfying and authentic experience.
Phooey!

I think Taco Time is something you have to have grown up in the Pacific Northwest to like. The nostalgia factor is the only thing that makes any sense, because I find the food here completely inedible. After three times in a row getting sick after eating here I don’t go anymore. I guess if it’s really important to get tater tots with your bad burrito this is the place to go?

Came through the drive through today and was very satisfied with my visit. Food was great, order was correct, good stuff. A black-​haired man, who I assume to be the manager, was willing to give me a free box of mexi-​fries when I expressed my sadness that they didn’t come with the burrito. Great food, great service.

Great food, great service. Never had any trouble going through the drive-​thru here, they get the order right every time. My girlfriend, who has a very, very, very refined palette, also enjoys food from here. We usually get a couple burritos, maybe some baja fresh tacos, and some mexi-​fries. Prices are reasonable. Giving ⁴⁄₅ because it’s not totally mind-​blowing Mexican food – it’s still fast food – but it’s great food in a pinch. Make sure to get plenty of hot sauce – it’s the bomb. Believe me.

Not bad for a chain, fast food Mexican place. The soft chicken taco (no ranch) was light and filled with veggies. I was surprised at how big it was too.

I always go inside. Service and staff are always pleasant and friendly. Clean and they are always working and keeping it up. The manager has been there for a while and is super friendly. You know where to go for your greasy «mexi» fix… Taco Time! And this is a good one to go to. Never dissatisfied with quality of food or quality of staff. So, what’s not to love?

I want to leave a better review, but after going there many times I can’t deny that the service is bad. For the money, just go to an actual Mexican restaurant. Out of a dozen orders, 7 were incorrect. It’s so bad I’ve even written to the corporate office. I don’t customize my orders so to have most of them be wrong is amazing. The food is good but way over priced. Always double check your order before driving away.

I grew up in Seattle and live in California. We have «good» mexican food down here. Taco Time is not authentic. It’s not organic. It’s not remotely healthy. But here’s what it is: amazing. Like, who created the crisp beef burrito? Give that guy a frickin medal. That thing is an umami bomb the likes of which the world outside of the PNW has never seen. Or «mexi fries»? (there are so many layers of cultural appropriation here I don’t even know who should be offended). And that tasty taco salad with shredded cheddar and iceberg lettuce? You guys don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone. Anyone who gives this place less than 5 stars just doesn’t get it.

Taco Time used to be one of my favorite fast food places but they have made changes which lessens their appeal. First off the soft beef take that I was served was about ½ the size they used to be. Still good but much smaller. They also no longer sell the smaller portion taco salads, only the large size. They also stopped giving chips with a side of beans unless you ask for it. Thanks is ok now that I know to ask.

The meat tastes terrible I’m not sure why everyone likes this place so much. I’d even choose Taco Bell over it.

Try the Chicken Fresca taco, it’s absolutely awesome. And they have Fanta Zero!

Never had a bad experience. The Taco Times in the northwest are much better than the south. The menus are different too. I was told that they are owned by brothers that each did their own thing. I love everything here esp the enchilada platter. It’s a great deal too.

It’s just not that good.
Every so often I crave a really good crispy shelled taco. It’s one of those dishes I could make at home, but sometimes its just easier to let someone else boil and shred, spice and sauce. Usually, when I’m in the rare conjunction of «willing to eat fast food» and «tacos, NOW» I wander over to Jack In The Box because they do it best; Taco Time has done nothing to change my opinion there.
Even for fast food, Taco Time makes some fundamental mistakes — like over-​salting their beef (ish) filling, using dried stale corn shells for the tacos, and adding gross industrial thickeners to the pumped salsas.
The interior of this place is spotless, the décor is tasteful, and the service is incredibly friendly, but none of that really makes up for seriously poor food.

At taco time ordering me a meal and the person taking my order was so kind and courteous. thank you Vince for that nice service

This is my go to place for when Burrito Mojado next door is packed or closed.
The service is very good, staff is always friendly, never have issues with my orders and they are pretty quick.
A far better alternative for Mexican fast food than Taco Bell, better quality food and larger portions for the money.

Love this place, their food is very good too. Staff is really friendly. definitely will be coming back.

My expectation for fast food is pretty low – I’m a happy camper if my order comes quick and accurate. This location certainly meets that bar but what’s different is their incredibly friendly service. Typically at most Fast food joints, my only interaction with the employees is when they take my order as if they hate their job. But not here. They welcomed me right when I walked on, greeted me again and started friendly banter when I ordered, politely dropped off my order at my table, and then wished me farewell as I left out the main door. It was a great experience.
The place is clean. I even saw them quickly tend to clean up tables after they said goodbye to patrons. Very impressive.
Food was fresh and delicious. And healthy! (I had their Mahi mahi tacos).
I’ll be back to this location for sure.

This is one of the cleanest fast food locations I have ever seen. The staff is friendly, the food is fresh and brought to your table. The prices are higher then most «fast food» options; however, they you get what you pay for. The quality (and more healthy meals) will set cost over $ 6.00 for a burrito; however, the quality and healthiness of the meal served well makes up for this cost. If you are paying $ 1.00 for a burger or chicken nuggets at a competitor, you have to really question how good (and natural) it is for you!
Although I rarely eat at «Fast food» anymore, Taco Time is a great option.
Additional benefits are it is very close to the Kirkland Costco and has a Coca Cola free style machine (dang it, there goes the healthy side of Taco Time!)

I have come to the conclusion that ALL taco times, are hit and miss. Sometimes they are really GOOD and make everything just right and other times you can tell the mexi-​fries were at the bottom of the barrel. This is a new location and I have been here a time or two before. This time I came thru and I basically pulled all the way to the front window and they had my order ready for me, which does sometimes worry me you know?
I got home and the food was fine to me. Nothing spectacular but worked in a pinch.

Very nice, brand new Taco Time.
This doesn’t feel like the typical Taco Time. The windows are large, you get a great view of the road, the lighting is nice, the interior is stylish and the food is great.