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El42 Cantina brings the spirit of Mexico to Issaquah with bold flavors, vibrant cocktails, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Our menu features scratch-made tacos, enchiladas, and cantina favorites crafted with fresh ingredients and paired with an extensive tequila and mezcal selection. Whether you’re here for happy hour, a casual family dinner, or late-night drinks with friends, El42 is your go-to spot for great food, great drinks, and great company.
Popular cantina featuring standard Mexican eats, margaritas & outdoor seating in a cool atmosphere.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 38 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: (425) 369-4772
Website: http://www.el42cantina.com/
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El 42 Cantina | Mexican Restaurant in Issaquah, WA
View El 42 Cantina at 38 North Front Street, Issaquah, WA 98027 on Google Maps. Call El 42 Cantina by phone at (425) 369-4772.
El 42 Cantina (@el42cantina) · Issaquah, WA – Instagram
Tacos, Tequila, and so much more! Proud member of the 509 Management family of restaurants. · If Mexican food is your love language, you’re in the right place.
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Reviews
Aaron
I saw a 20 dollar burger and thought “well that’s a bit ridiculous for a burger” but figured it would be worth trying.
The El Jefe is a fantastic burger for the price. It tasted premium and the bacon was pretty unique compared to what you may expect from other bacon burgers in Washington.
My waiter was fantastic, kind and entertaining to talk to without being overly attentive. I had the coconut margarita, and it wasn’t as strong as I was hoping for but it was very tasty, and I appreciate the size of the limes that came with both of my drinks. At other restaurants, I feel a small pinch of lime isn’t enough to change the flavor profile.
I’m not sure where the restaurant got my ranch from or why they don’t have ranch normally but I did end up with ranch somehow for my fries, so my only choice is to believe my waiter went above and beyond to get me this ranch. All in all, I strongly recommend this place.
… moreThe El Jefe is a fantastic burger for the price. It tasted premium and the bacon was pretty unique compared to what you may expect from other bacon burgers in Washington.
My waiter was fantastic, kind and entertaining to talk to without being overly attentive. I had the coconut margarita, and it wasn’t as strong as I was hoping for but it was very tasty, and I appreciate the size of the limes that came with both of my drinks. At other restaurants, I feel a small pinch of lime isn’t enough to change the flavor profile.
I’m not sure where the restaurant got my ranch from or why they don’t have ranch normally but I did end up with ranch somehow for my fries, so my only choice is to believe my waiter went above and beyond to get me this ranch. All in all, I strongly recommend this place.
Bruce Morris
After our first two walk-in attempts at restaurants in the area failed, El 42 was our final back up plan, but honestly, it’s worthy of a main event! Gargantuan portions well worth the price with some awesome flavors and a strong menu rooted in traditional El Yucatan cuisine. The tequila selection was also very robust with their fruitier margaritas packing a deliciously sweet punch!
… moreJ.B. Adkins
El 42 Cantina absolutely delivered!
Mike went above and beyond with his service. I asked about hot tea, and he took the extra step to source it from what seemed like a neighboring or connected restaurant space. That level of effort does not go unnoticed.
He also recommended the wet burrito after I explained my hunger level and what I was in the mood for. He nailed it. It was filling without being overwhelming — I might have been one or two bites past full, but that is on me. It hit the spot perfectly.
Great recommendation. Attentive service. Excellent experience. I will be back!!!
… moreMike went above and beyond with his service. I asked about hot tea, and he took the extra step to source it from what seemed like a neighboring or connected restaurant space. That level of effort does not go unnoticed.
He also recommended the wet burrito after I explained my hunger level and what I was in the mood for. He nailed it. It was filling without being overwhelming — I might have been one or two bites past full, but that is on me. It hit the spot perfectly.
Great recommendation. Attentive service. Excellent experience. I will be back!!!
Marco
As much as I want to give this place a 5 star review I just can’t bring myself to do it. The meat quality and flavor was great, the drinks were good, the brunch prices were reasonable and it was a nice vibe. Where they lose one star is the rice (not claiming it was) tasted like prepackaged rice and they don’t offer what every other Mexican place does, free chips and salsa. I know it seems petty but free chips and salsa is a staple! Oh and even if you just want some salsa for your tacos, they charge for that because “we make it in house”. If any Mexican food truck or taco stand can offer containers of it for free, I think they can too is all I’m saying.
… moreRuby Solorzano Morales
My first visit was October 28th, sitting alone at the bar. I noted that the bar stools did not fit well in the space allowed at the bar. Based on available space, two of the bar stools should be removed, leaving four on the left and three on the right.
When going to a Mexican restaurant I always try an enchilada or one of their signature dishes. On this visit, I had the enchiladas verdes with lobster and shrimp. The food was plated and served somewhat cold, with the cheese already congealed on top. The server even noted that the enchiladas looked dry and customers that like enchiladas typically order a side of sauce or extra sauce. The dish was served with one large serving of rice and refried beans, and a slice of lime. I was a little surprised that the dish did not have any greens, even a fleck of cilantro nor was salsa offered. I did try two different types of salsas and they were fresh and well prepared. I had a tempranillo that was undrinkable though.
I did arrive shortly before closing, suspect the food will be better at brunch or earlier in the evening. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this one was worth noting. I will try this restaurant one more time at brunch or earlier in the day before making a the final decision.
… moreWhen going to a Mexican restaurant I always try an enchilada or one of their signature dishes. On this visit, I had the enchiladas verdes with lobster and shrimp. The food was plated and served somewhat cold, with the cheese already congealed on top. The server even noted that the enchiladas looked dry and customers that like enchiladas typically order a side of sauce or extra sauce. The dish was served with one large serving of rice and refried beans, and a slice of lime. I was a little surprised that the dish did not have any greens, even a fleck of cilantro nor was salsa offered. I did try two different types of salsas and they were fresh and well prepared. I had a tempranillo that was undrinkable though.
I did arrive shortly before closing, suspect the food will be better at brunch or earlier in the evening. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this one was worth noting. I will try this restaurant one more time at brunch or earlier in the day before making a the final decision.
Julia Wu
The carnita nachos were amazing!! The other entrees were mediocre in my opinion. They were good but nothing stood out to me as much as the nachos. Good spot to grab a late night bite in Issaquah.
… moreGunjan Gupta
Our waitress was very nice. My wife spilled her drink into her tiny half order salad and lost both after eating only a tiny bit and our server (who was the only taking care of the whole section was super fast) brought fresh drinks and salad for her! She was very friendly and attentive and fast.
Warning. There is a lot to improve in this place. If you want authentic Mexican food this is not the place to go. Almost gave 3 stars but the churros with ice cream + the waitress made our experience to 4 star!
Food wise their peanut sauce is excellent. Can’t tell if it’s from a bottle. It probably is.
But my margarita was mediocre (super spicy could not really taste the guava syrup supposedly in it, and expected a better glass than the cheapest generic glass for the price). Generally their drinks have lot of synthetic tasting feel to it.
The “fresh” plantain chips are not warm as you might expect but cooked earlier and cold. They were crisp but tasted burnt.
The fish in my fish tacos supposedly fresh tasted rubbery and fishy. Seasonings on tacos tasted incomplete and bland for a “Mexican” place.
But the worst part was the “red” generic salsa which was not fresh. It definitely was from a bottle or made a few days ago. Not fresh tomatoes. Then mushroom tacos were better with good quality premium mushrooms but lacked the good salsa again. Nor much on it except the same cheap red salsa dots (see photo of salsa).
Taco used for tortilla was mediocre too. Not bad. But not what you expect from reviews. Cold and dry. Was not even warmed out of the box or wherever it came from. And boy the salad was tiny! Even for a half portion. Had two tiny pieces of avocado. Not even a quarter of an avocado though it tastes ok.
I normally don’t do reviews if food is 3 star but give me our expectations from reviews (made 3 trips to get in) I was a bit underwhelmed compared to other places in greater Seattle area, and yet service was great so had to do this detailed review.
For me, I won’t go back just because for me food matters most.
… moreWarning. There is a lot to improve in this place. If you want authentic Mexican food this is not the place to go. Almost gave 3 stars but the churros with ice cream + the waitress made our experience to 4 star!
Food wise their peanut sauce is excellent. Can’t tell if it’s from a bottle. It probably is.
But my margarita was mediocre (super spicy could not really taste the guava syrup supposedly in it, and expected a better glass than the cheapest generic glass for the price). Generally their drinks have lot of synthetic tasting feel to it.
The “fresh” plantain chips are not warm as you might expect but cooked earlier and cold. They were crisp but tasted burnt.
The fish in my fish tacos supposedly fresh tasted rubbery and fishy. Seasonings on tacos tasted incomplete and bland for a “Mexican” place.
But the worst part was the “red” generic salsa which was not fresh. It definitely was from a bottle or made a few days ago. Not fresh tomatoes. Then mushroom tacos were better with good quality premium mushrooms but lacked the good salsa again. Nor much on it except the same cheap red salsa dots (see photo of salsa).
Taco used for tortilla was mediocre too. Not bad. But not what you expect from reviews. Cold and dry. Was not even warmed out of the box or wherever it came from. And boy the salad was tiny! Even for a half portion. Had two tiny pieces of avocado. Not even a quarter of an avocado though it tastes ok.
I normally don’t do reviews if food is 3 star but give me our expectations from reviews (made 3 trips to get in) I was a bit underwhelmed compared to other places in greater Seattle area, and yet service was great so had to do this detailed review.
For me, I won’t go back just because for me food matters most.
Maggie Gallagher
Great food, large portion sizes, and very friendly staff. This became my new “local hang-out” after Krawbar closed. Highly recommend!
… moreyai vongsaphay
We came here for dinner. No reservations needed, you literally seat yourselves. It was okay for me. We ordered chips/salsa, pulled pork dish and shrimp and lobster enchiladas. We also ordered their signature margaritas. On the menu there is also an extensive list of salsa you can order-we for the peanut salsa-which was interesting-but I liked it! I wouldn’t come here for dinner, but would come for HH.
… moreAslı Gökçeer
The atmosphere was really loud. We ordered queso and asked for some items to be removed, but they forgot. Our server didn’t check on us even once during our time there. By the way, we ordered three different dishes, and he never checked or asked if we needed anything. We wanted to pay our bill, but he wasn’t around, so another server helped us cash out. On our way to exit, our server thought we had dined and dashed, so he chased us and asked if we were coming back or not. We told him that we had already paid. The food was average, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
… more