Taco Time NW — Restaurant in Bellevue

As a Pacific Northwest native, Taco Time is part of my DNA. A regional chain that I have visited many, many times since I was a child, still holds strong associations to times and people in my life, and that drives cravings for me into middle age. I moved away from the area last year, but Taco Time still has its hold on me and when I returned to Seattle, a visit was a definite must. I say this recognizing that my experience at these restaurants has suffered for several years with out-of-date and run down buildings, checked-out staff, and poorly done food. I’ve walked away disappointed from a Taco Time more times than I can count in the last 10+ years. But my trip to this Factoria location was terrific and a reminder of what I once loved about this little chain of guilty pleasures. This newly renovated location has a pleasant vibe, is actually a pleasant place to eat, and nailed every item I ordered. Each item was served hot and fresh ingredients, with near perfect execution. Everything was crispy and flavorful and so enjoyable. I loved it. The service was even a step above relative to other locations where employees seem pretty checked outed.

Now, I know that Taco Time isn’t for everyone. It’s still fast food and isn’t artisan or authentic. If you like Taco Time, this location is a great example of what the chain used to be, can be, and that every one of their...

I usually like Taco Time over Taco Bell, but this location is horrible. First off: the person at the counter never changed her food service glove the entire time I was there... Where in she touched the drink cups, lids, straws, trays, debit cards, cash, register, countertops, and food packaging for 7 people inside and many others at the drive thru. Second!: the fish tacos had bones in them!.... And when I brought that up, I was told that "that happens".... I appreciate that they are using real fish, but it is impossible to eat a fish taco with bones in it! (First you bite and chew, then you either root through chewed taco in your mouth to find the bones, or you spit the whole thing out... Which means that you are not eating anything)..... Bones are a NO NO in tacos! Third: if the public is required to wear a face mask into the "restaurant", then employees of said restaurant should be required to wear a mask as well..... Right? Well masks seem to be an option for the employees of this location. In summary: I wish that Google would give me an option under 1 star that was just a skull and...

We loooooved going to Taco Time, and still go occasionally. They are pricy for fast food but we would still go so often because their food is so tasty! Unfortunately this location has changed in quality- nearly every time we order tater fries, they are from an older soggy batch. We even tried ordering a batch with “no salt” to see if they would be fresh & somehow, they weren’t. They used to be so fresh & crispy 😭 My favorite item from their menu is the fish soft taco- it is still delicious flavor wise, but I cannot remember the last time I ordered it & the fish filet was fresh, it is usually older & chewy (& lately, smaller?) We also love the crisp burritos (how can you not love the concept), but the chicken ones almost always have a nerve/cartilage piece in their chicken filling mixture. It happens almost every other time. It is hard to justify the cost when my favorite items are rarely hot/fresh. We will eat here way more often if the quality...