Find yourself contented by dirt-cheap prices, clean facilities, and authentic Mexican flavors at this hidden eatery on Capitol Hill.
When I say it’s “hidden,” I mean it; Tacos Chukís is hard to find. My girlfriends and I had just about given up when we stumbled upon the sign. The place is comfortably situated in the upstairs of an alley building, sharing a complex with Guanacos Tacos Pupuseria and Kimchi Bistro. It’s important that you blow off your current lunch plans and go here this instant. What we found was that it’s basically indoor street food: just greasy enough, authentic as all hell, and tremendously under-appreciated.
Since the menu is made up of individually priced items, a ten-dollar bill goes a long way. I couldn’t help but proclaim to the table that I had just bought two tacos, a mini burrito and a soda for $9.03…including tax. While there may not be ample seating, this place was just right for my group of four taco-ready gal pals. Hungry and eager, we waited for a reasonable amount of time in the cozy dining area until our orders were up.. And when the food arrived, we destroyed it all.
Meal Steals: Tacos Chukís’ three best plates for under $10
If you’re not adventurous enough to try the nopales taco (the focus of which is grilled, prickly pear cactus leaf), I suggest one of the regular meat tacos. I can vouch for both the pollo asado ($1.75) and the carne asada ($2.00). While you may feel safer with one of these options, you are likely to find that they are by no means bland. It comes on doubled-up baby corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, salsa and guacamole. If you are sensitive to spicy food, you may want to have a soda ($1.25-$1.75) on hand.
The baby-burritos ($3.25-3.70) are cute and delicious. I was surprised to find that they also had a bit of a kick. You can keep it simple and go meatless with vegetarian pinto beans, or you can add a filling of your choice. My only regret is failing to add cheese ($.50).
I was pretty stuffed after my famish-driven onslaught toward the food, so I was a little bummed when I realized I hadn’t even tried the house tacos for which the restaurant is named, tacos chukís ($2.25). After one of my friends told me with hands-down confidence “it is the best one,” I scurried to the counter and ashamedly asked for my fourth and final item. When it came time to chow down on round two, I fell in love with a complex, juicy, mind-blowing combination of spicy adobada pork, sizzled cheese, guacamole, and grilled pineapple. After eating this taco, I wish I had gotten three of them in the first place, and I no longer cared about the other items I had so enjoyed just minutes before.
Even if you have to get takeout, this spot is definitely a must-try. In fact, takeout might just be the way to go because their one downfall is not offering sour cream.
Tacos Chukís | 219 Broadway E., Seattle | (206) 328-4447
