La Isla
La Isla, located in the popular neighborhood of Ballard, is not only Seattle's only purely Puerto Rican restaurant, but they claim to be the only Puerto Rican restaurant in the State of Washington. Diners rave about the several varieties of empanadillas, the bacalaitos--a salted cod fritter--and the pastelon, a lasagna-type dish made with plantains. The camarones and the inventive rum cocktails also garner praise, as does the friendly service. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day and there is both an early and a late happy hour where appetizers are half off. Outside dining in good weather is available and the restaurant is ideally located for people watching in this busy neighborhood.
La Isla
2320 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-0516
laislaseattle.com
Casuelita's Caribbean Cuisine
In the trendy Belltown neighborhood just north of downtown Seattle, Casuelita's Caribbean Cuisine serves food steeped in the flavors of the Caribbean. The owner-chef spent many years in the Caribbean honing his cooking skills. Puerto Rican menu items include plantain tostones, casuelitas, a lentil stew and fried fish. Customers rave about the side dish of black beans. The restaurant is small and decorated with warm colors and colorful artwork. Food is also served in the bar, which is a popular spot in this restaurant. Casuelita's is only open for happy hour and dinner, Monday through Saturday.
Casuelita's Caribbean Cuisine
81 Vine St.
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 770-0155
casuelitasrestaurant.com
Tropicos Breeze
Tropicos Breeze incorporates all of the ingredients found in Caribbean cooking into authentic dishes from all around the region, as well as a few fusion dishes. The bistec encebollado--a steak topped with onions--is pure Puerto Rican, as is the pollo guisado, a slow cooked and sauced chicken dish. The spices on the camarones will be familiar to anyone with a taste for Puerto Rican food, as will the flan for dessert. The family-owned and run restaurant is located in the Greenwood neighborhood and is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week.
Tropicos Breeze
9710 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 524-3046
tropicosbreeze.com
Article Written By Maria Christensen
Since 1997, Maria Christensen's writing has appeared in diverse publications, from the "Savannah Morning News" to "Art Voices Magazine." She also authored "The Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Seattle." A former construction industry accountant, Christensen studied communications at the University of Washington and history at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Her specialties include the fields of nutrition and business.
