La Carta de Oaxaca

Behind a nondescript brick façade in Ballard, La Carta de Oaxaca is a small, lively restaurant adorned with light wood plank tables, sleek black banquettes, and framed black-and-white photographs of Mexico’s Oaxaca region. There’s also a bustling open kitchen and a small bar with two dozen tequilas and three Del Maguey mescals, poured in glazed ceramic shot glasses. The menu features authentic Oaxacan specialties such as mole negro (black mole) with chicken or pork, served with rice, homemade tortillas, and selections from the fresh salsa bar. La Carta does not accept reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table.