Azteca Mexican Restaurants — Restaurant in Mountlake Terrace

When you go to an Azteca, you should already know what to expect, as they're all like your typical chain Mexican family restaurant, so I'm comparing this with other chain and/or family restaurants.

We came here with a large group of about 16 people, and they were able to accommodate all of us in their space. They have 2 main rooms on each side of the cashier. There's also a big booth by the cashier for those waiting for tables or take out, which is nice because it doesn't mix in with the dining rooms (keeps the waiting area separate from the dining area) and lets those who need/want to sit have a seat. Inside the biggest room, there's even more separate seating areas with walls and booths to keep them more private and away from the central open space (where our group sat) with some buffers. If you can't tell, I really liked the layout - both for our large group and also the smaller ones taking up the booths or other tables.

As soon as people started arriving (we all showed up at different times), the waiters/servers were on it and brought over multiple chips and salsas, while taking drink orders. They came by multiple times before our main order to see if we wanted appetizers and more drinks. Once we got the appetizers, though, they waited a while before taking the main order, so I don't know if they were waiting for us to call them over for that, they were trying to give us more time, or they weren't ready for us yet. It just took too much time between our arrival and them taking our main order.

Azteca has a hugely vast menu, so it can be hard to pick, if you don't know what sort of protein and/or style Mexican dish you want. Most people tend to go for their tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas.

I chose the mariscos mojo de ajo (shrimp) because I wanted tortillas with rice and beans, along with some sort of seafood. This dish was extremely buttery/greasy and spicy, so the tortillas, rice, and beans came in handy. It's also served on a huge circle platter, so you'll need a lot of room for it. The portions are decent sized here, so you might end up with leftovers or be able to share with others while staying full.

I was surprised that they didn't get any of our orders wrong - at least that I'm aware of. That earns them an extra star above the mediocrity of other chain and/or family...

I love Azteca - just not this one. So I got crazy and tried the Pollo Fundito last night for the first time. Usually when the food arrives there is a slight adrenaline spike as our eyes and ears taking it all in, but this time my nose got in on the act first and I had to ask "What's that smell?" It was a cloying, rotten odor. I didn't immediately make the connection until I looked down and saw....Kraft Singles melted on top of three small mounds! Wow! Upscale! Still, Kraft Singles have their place (on grilled cheese) so I gave it a delicate bite....and endured a leather strip (tortilla?) surrounded by something the consistency of pudding at nuclear temperatures. No thank you. I ate the beans and the rice and told the waitress how grossed out I was but she didn't take it off my bill. Maybe she thought I wasn't serious because I was laughing so hard? I mean...were they kidding me with this? Should I have specified the menu for HUMAN food?

I always order heavy and take half home for the next day, but it stunk so bad I didn't want it in my car and don't hate my roommates enough to bring it home. Plus I wasn't going to go near it again, ever. When I could still smell that bizarre disgusting odor in my hair today I called the owner, Felippe. I honestly just wanted to shame him into taking that dreck off the menu, but when he gave me attitude and told me it was too late to refund me as I waited a day - and that everyone else LOVES that dish - I decided a refund was due. He finally agreed to comp my next dinner as I am in there at least once a week, but seriously? He'll comp it with what? Peanut butter and jelly? No thanks.

So! This is how they treat their regulars at this location! Please, visit ANY OTHER AZTECA! I think I will start frequenting Alderwood, I see that one recommended here.

FYI Vira (sp?) is the best waitress i have ever had at any establishment anywhere. What a waste. ...

I went to a late lunch about 2:30ish with my retired sister who has worked at restaurants all of her life so she gave me her in put she says most of the time when things are not well organized or not fair for the employees the owners and managers are constantly looking for new employees because of their unfairness we could both see this in everybody's attitude that was there they were professional but there was no happiness in their eyes or actions unfortunately when this happens everything is out of sync the taste of the food the quality of the food let's face it we have all experienced unhappy families our problems in families and that's what a restaurant is supposed to be about if everybody is being fairly treated the restaurant is a happy atmosphere it all starts with the owner and managers that seems to be a big problem today unfortunately I cannot recommend this restaurant or its atmosphere most of the time people are happy after they have a drink so they don't recognize what's happening at the restaurant because they feel good I don't sense this in this restaurant and neither does my sister it's so hard today finding a good restaurant we both ordered dinner menu items and got low quality food with Brown guacamole I don't know about you but if I invite someone over for dinner or lunch I don't serve them food that is just so so and that's what we found to be true at this restaurant at a medium high price $40 a plate it just wasn't satisfactory the owner and the managers are responsible for the tone that they set at these restaurants I could never serve bad food and invite people over and then charge them what a insult This truly is people have really lost their way in the restaurant business it is a shame and for the most part they meaning owners and managers not so much them the managers are responsible shame on you...