Light Rail restaurant review: Baja Bistro

Happiness is this tasty margarita, just consumed at Baja Bistro. Photo by melissajonas.
Happiness is this tasty margarita, just consumed at Baja Bistro. Photo by melissajonas.
Baja Bistro and Java Love are actually conjoined twins: a bar on one side and a coffee shop on the other, sharing a kitchen. There are a few tables and chairs outside and small seating areas in both restaurants.

Baja Bistro has a full liquor license. They sell a limited number of bottled beers and probably have some wine–but the reason we go here is for the margaritas. Whether you go for traditional lime or upgrade to a house pomegranate-lime blend, you will not be disappointed. Drinks are served in pint glasses and balance great taste with moderate alcohol–and they’re within walking distance of my house!

I also rave about the tacos patatas–potato tacos. Trust me, they are incredible! Crispy, filling, but not greasy or heavy. Perfect with a margarita or other summer beverage. Also be sure to try the fish tacos, the mole enchiladas, and the incredible tortas (bolo sandwich with rich avocado and mayo spread). The homemade chips and salsa are also a treat, or you can upgrade to nachos.

Service at Baja Bistro is sincerely friendly. Everyone is made to feel welcome. Everyone on staff seems to enjoy being there and it’s clear they expect you to linger for a while. Service is quick, but the atmosphere encourages hanging out and enjoying a conversation (or a book). Baja Bistro is also kid friendly, at least on the Java Love side. The owner lives on Beacon Hill and received an award from The Stranger for being one of “Seattle’s Sexiest Baristas”. Someone should really nominate his younger brother for the award next year…

Regular prices are reasonable (meals for two are generally around $20-$25, more if you order drinks) and Happy Hour prices are very happy: $3 tacos and $5 margaritas.

Thanks to Link Light Rail, people who aren’t fortunate enough to walk to Baja Bistro will be able to take the train. Baja Bistro is two blocks north of the Beacon Hill light rail station. Come on up and enjoy some good food, great drinks, and outstanding company!

They close at 5:00 pm on Mondays, and stay open until 9:00 pm Tuesday-Friday. Enjoy breakfast and other items from 9:00 am-3:00 pm on weekends.

Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
2414 Beacon Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 323-0953

5 thoughts on “Light Rail restaurant review: Baja Bistro”

  1. Apparently at least Java Love is moving closer to the light rail. No word on whether it’s taking Baja Bistro with it. They had handouts on the table at the station on Saturday announcing that it was moving to 16th in the empty store front right next to Kumon. It looks like a much nicer (though maybe smaller?) place that is definitely closer to the action.

  2. I’m a huge fan of both and usually there at least once a week. A standalone Java Love would be a great addition to the Beacon Hill business district and it’s just one of the things (besides a pizza place) that’s missing up here. With 1000s of potential customers up here it’s a great area to open a business. Now if only we had more available storefronts…

  3. Whoa — that little store front? That could be a good place for them as long as people realize it’s there. I have commented many times on what a cute little shop that location could be.

    They could hand out coupons and samples and stuff near the station. 😉 Good location for a coffee shop!

    Anyone have a copy of one of those handouts from Saturday?

  4. The food was really, very mexican vry homie but the service was horrible!! I had this rude bartender women name Jen or jane she was so so rude to Latinos in there and I couldn’t understand why she was so rude to the Latinos after all this is a Mexican Reastaurant! No mexican music or any Spanish music She was white and another employye very different looking I thing he o she was Filipino! not a fun enviroment! too bad because the place has alot of potencial!!

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