Mama's Mexican Kitchen

I have worked in the restaurant industry. I ask that my food is tasty, my service adequate, and that the food is priced based on its quality and portion size. I have no problem eating at a truck stop. Nor do I mind paying extra for higher quality foo ... more

I have worked in the restaurant industry. I ask that my food is tasty, my service adequate, and that the food is priced based on its quality and portion size. I have no problem eating at a truck stop. Nor do I mind paying extra for higher quality food or larger portions. Service: We were seated in the Elvis Room, but were asked to move because of a forgotten reservation. When we placed our orders my husband mentioned we would prefer to split the check. Service was slow. My friend asked for salsa multiple times. Drink refills were a wait. Coffee was never refilled. The check was not split up and added 18% gratuity for a group of 6 (most restaurants parties of 8+), and she'd MISCALCULATED our total, EXTRA $10 to her gratuity! She returned with a pen and paper so we could split the check ourselves! Handwriting was tough to read and she'd scribbled the order all over the ticket. She had the nerve to mention she had given us the happy hour prices on our drinks (even though she wasn't sure about the time). What!?! We got there at 5:30pm and happy hour ends at 6:30pm. Our drinks were ordered in time. We were still there because of slow service, not order time! Value: I paid $6 for a small weak strawberry margarita, 1 enchilada with beans and rice was almost $10, tiny portion and looked like a kid meal. I would have gotten 2 quality enchiladas for the same at Azteca. Salsa is extra. The menu on their website is NOT up to date. Prices were higher. Food: The quality was low. My beans had chunks of burned cheese. Made me wonder if they reused cookware without washing thoroughly because the cheese on my enchilada was not burned at all. The beef in the enchilada was alright, but not much flavor. Stale chips. Location: Little parking. We noticed a disproportionate number of creepy homeless guys. Area seemed sketchier than I remembered. While we ate we watched three squad cars responding to an incident across the street and a police officer pulling contraband from a man's pockets. There was a homeless guy shouting unintelligibly in front of the restaurant's entrance when we walked in, not a place to walk alone. Conclusion: I must assume that this was once a better restaurant. They have many positive reviews and have apparently won local awards. That said, it is currently a mismanaged establishment lacking in service and food quality, charging a higher price than other Mexican restaurants in the area. less

Long before Belltown was hip, Mama's was a happening place with a reputation for serving great Mexican food in a fun atmosphere. Even now, while the neighborhood has gone upscale, Mama's remains a bastion of good, plentiful food. And the p ... more

Long before Belltown was hip, Mama's was a happening place with a reputation for serving great Mexican food in a fun atmosphere. Even now, while the neighborhood has gone upscale, Mama's remains a bastion of good, plentiful food. And the prices still don't injure the wallet. An eclectic mix of posters, vinyl-covered booths and second-hand furniture are inside, as well as lots of people. Kitsch lovers may want to head for the Elvis room, which is dominated by memorabilia of the King. Or dine outside on the patio in good weather. You'll find all the usual Mexican standbys among the dozens of items on the menu, as well as vegetarian offerings and a kids' menu. Need to wait because it's packed? Just head for the bar and sample a margarita. Mariachi bands on Tuesdays lend a festive touch less

I don't get it.I lived in California for 18 years and travelled to Mexico a few times.The people that rave about authentic Mexican food at Momma's have never been out of Seattle.I ate there in June of 2003 while visiting friends that raved ... more

I don't get it.I lived in California for 18 years and travelled to Mexico a few times.The people that rave about authentic Mexican food at Momma's have never been out of Seattle.I ate there in June of 2003 while visiting friends that raved about it also.It was OK.A little overpriced.Great wait staff.Cool and funky surroundings, OK.But "authentic" fare and a good value? Not even.Must be the strong drinks and the vibe.Hey more power to 'em.What is considered great in Seattle could be laughed at or dismissed in Los Angeles.Food wise. less

Great atmosphere and the price is good for all of the food that you get. It can get pretty crowded due to the great food served. If you like Mexican food then you have to try this place.The service is quick and friendly. Lots of drin ... more

Great atmosphere and the price is good for all of the food that you get. It can get pretty crowded due to the great food served. If you like Mexican food then you have to try this place.The service is quick and friendly. Lots of drink options. less

Another good, authentic Mexican restaurant. Be prepared to wait during the typical restaurant rush hours! A good bet for first-time diners is to try one of their sampler platters--my favorite on my four-item samplers was the enchila ... more

Another good, authentic Mexican restaurant. Be prepared to wait during the typical restaurant rush hours! A good bet for first-time diners is to try one of their sampler platters--my favorite on my four-item samplers was the enchilada. The fajitas are also very good. less

I think this is the best most authentic Mexican food in the Seattle area. Great atmosphere and the price is good for all of the food that you get. It can get pretty crowded due to the great food served. If you like Mexican food then you have to tr ... more

I think this is the best most authentic Mexican food in the Seattle area. Great atmosphere and the price is good for all of the food that you get. It can get pretty crowded due to the great food served. If you like Mexican food then you have to try this place. less