Tacolisto

It’s your right to go out and have fun before a Mariners or Seahawks game. But sometimes, the vibe doesn’t call for riding the bull at Cowgirls. Nor does it call for brooding inside a dark historic saloon that smells like stale beer. Instead, use Tacolisto. This casual Mexican counter conveniently located in Pioneer Square is the perfect place for a pre- or post-stadium hang.

On game days, this place is packed—and that's how we like it. But it’s not the chaotic kind of crowded you’ll see at Sluggers or Burbs. At Tacolisto, chips are everywhere, the frozen margaritas taste like the bartender is playing it fast and loose, and the patio is the place to be. Birds chirp, the plants are real, and the fans aren’t obnoxious.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Prioritize the mariscos. The yellowfin tuna tostada is Tacolisto’s standout, drizzled with a nutty salsa macha that we'd like to douse on everything. The feather-light battered baja fish tacos come in at a close second. And the gobernador taco has a layer of crispy chihuahua cheese that just barely holds in juicy garlic shrimp. Steer clear of the meat and vegetable dishes—that is, unless carne asada burnt to a carcinogenic crisp, mushy cauliflower, and dry birria sound appealing. Whatever you do, just treat this place like a seafood spot.

If you’re in Pioneer Square before a game, you probably have plans to find the closest bar, drink as quickly as possible, and proceed to spend your rent money on stadium garlic fries. And while we always endorse overpriced potatoes, don’t just go through the pregame motions. Go to Tacolisto.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Tuna Tostada

This tostada is Tacolisto’s best plate of food and a non-negotiable, thanks to the abundance of some phenomenal salsa macha.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Elote

It's the kind of dish that mysteriously disappears from the table and you are suddenly caught red-handed, covered in all the evidence (chipotle mayo, cotija, and tajin).

Quesa Birria

The meat in these tiny tacos is so dry that even the watery, anise-heavy broth can't save them. Skip.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Baja Fish

No surprise twists with this cod taco—perfect, flaky execution.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Carne Asada Gringa

The only food that should be this burnt is a marshmallow about to land on a graham cracker and some Hershey's—not skirt steak. Avoid these.

Gobernador

Blue corn tortillas layered with a crispy sheet of fried cheese wrapped around shrimp. There's nothing bad about it. Order multiples.

Cauliflower Pípian

The green mole that these tacos are covered in is tasty. But the addition of harsh toasted pumpkin seeds is a failed attempt at adding texture to overly mushy and bland cauliflower.