La Carta de Oaxaca

Seattle Weekly readers voted this Ballard hot spot as the "Best Mexican Restaurant" in 2012. The menu consists of flavorful dishes that hail from the state of Oaxaca, and the vibrant venue boasts a communal table as well as intimate two-tops, ideal for a date night out on the town. Popular dishes include the sweet mole negro (served in a tamale or with house-made tortillas), quesadillas fritas, halibut tacos and entomatadas (tortillas that have been folded in warm salsa and topped with thin pieces of steak). Be sure to try the margaritas, too, made from La Carta's impressive mezcal and tequila selection.