La Carta de Oaxaca

La Carta de Oaxaca Review

True to its name, this low-key, bustling Ballard favorite serves traditional Mexican cooking with Oaxacan accents. The mole negro is a must, served with chicken or pork; another standout is the albondigas (a spicy vegetable soup with meatballs). Halibut tacos are served on fresh tortillas—and you can choose your spice at the salsa bar. The menu is mostly small plates, which works out to your advantage because you won't have to choose just one savory dish. The small, casual space has an open kitchen enclosed by a stainless-steel bar, the walls are covered in gorgeous black-and-white photos, and the light wood tables and black chairs and banquettes look more Scandinavian than Mexican. The place gets very crowded on weekends and stays busy until late, though if you have a small party you usually don't have to wait too long for a table.