Las Espuelas — Restaurant in Mountlake Terrace

The food was merely just okay. Drove by here for years never tried it until a couple of weeks ago. The service was just okay. A ton of people by the bar and and being smiley doesn’t mean your service is excellent. And from what I experienced here, as much as they’re smiling, i could feel their eyes keeping an eye on you and your table. & yes, you have to flag someone down if you need something bc they don’t really do consistent rounds to check on you…but they’ll for sure notice when the tables either stop or start to order. From what I could tell, my food was very disappointing…I’ve had wayyyy better food than here. The food was washed out and tasted bland and watery.

I think that if they think you’ll order more food or drinks, you’ll for sure see one or two people with huge smiles will come by your table often, but it seems to be for a preliminary check to see if you’re staying longer and tipping…! Teeny space and so those eyes looking at ya can get very uncomfortable🫣….🙄 (We tipped 20% regardless bc the service was good not bad, not awesome, but standard hence the 20% standard tip) Anyway, Maybe a fun spot to prefunk and meet up w friends for a quick bite and a few drinks before you move onto a bigger place or somewhere else…the place is tinnyyyy!!! The drinks were okay, tbh, the drink I had was merely okay but it was definitely watered down when it should have tasted way stronger. I won’t say the drink bc it’ll give it away but trust me, my drink was not worth the price! Maybe I would have stayed longer IF ONLY, the food was actually tasty and the space wasn’t as big as thumb. If you’re even a tad claustrophobic, you’ll HATE this spot. I sat in a “booth” with the table very tightly packed in with 15+ other people in a tiny gas station kind of space…like the size of a small convenience store...I feel bad saying this…but I really do not recommend wasting your hard earned money for this mediocre...

Las Espuelas is the kind of place that quietly earns your loyalty. Tucked into Mountlake Terrace, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a neighborhood favorite where families gather, friends reconnect, and newcomers are welcomed with genuine hospitality.

The vibe is relaxed yet polished. Soft lighting, clean tables, and subtle décor create a space that’s both cozy and festive. It’s the kind of setting where you can linger over a meal without feeling rushed, and the background music adds just enough energy without overpowering conversation.

The staff here are exceptional and attentive without hovering, friendly without being scripted. You get the sense they truly care about your experience. Water glasses stay full, plates arrive promptly, and every interaction feels sincere. It’s rare to find service this consistently excellent.

We ordered two combo plates that showcased the kitchen’s strengths:

#10 Combo: One chile relleno and one enchilada, served with rice and beans. The chile relleno was perfectly roasted, with a delicate crunch on the outside and a rich, cheesy center. The enchilada was generously sauced and packed with flavor.

#3 Combo: Two enchiladas with shredded beef and a beef tostada plus rice and beans. The shredded beef was tender and well-seasoned, while the ground beef enchilada had a satisfying, savory depth. The rice was fluffy, the beans creamy, and everything arrived hot and fresh.

The house margarita was a pleasant, surprise smooth, balanced, and not overly sweet. It paired beautifully with the meal and felt like a treat without being overindulgent.

Las Espuelas isn’t flashy, it’s dependable, delicious, and deeply welcoming. Whether you’re craving classic Mexican comfort food or just want to enjoy a well-made margarita in a friendly setting, this spot delivers. It’s the kind of place you return to not just for the food, but for how it...

Tried this restaurant today for the 1st time with my 5-year old and at 1st I was impressed with the speed that we were seated and served. After we got our quesadilla everything went downhill. No one came to re-fill my drink. I even sat my empty glass on the outside of the table hoping someone would notice it. Nope. Nothing. We were sitting at the table in the middle of the restaurant so the waiters and waitresses had to pass us several times. Finally after about 25 minutes of no one coming a waiter came to ask if we were finished. By that time I didn't care about a re-fill I just wanted to pay and get out of there. He said he would have our waitress come over. I waited another 15 minutes...nothing. I finally got up and went to the counter to pay. A woman was on the phone taking a large order. After about 5 minutes of not acknowledging me she looked at me and when she realized I was trying to pay she slid someone else's check at me. I shook my head no and told her it wasn't my bill. Then she continued to talk for I don't know how many minutes, all the while waitresses are walking by. FINALLY after a ridiculous amount of time standing there the lady at the counter told my waitress I needed my bill. The waitress handed me my bill and told me she was sorry.

The food was decent. The setup of the restaurant is a bit strange, but cute. The people seemed nice, but just leaving a customer hanging like that left a bad taste in my mouth...