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# Los Costenos – Authentic Mexican Sandwiches in Seattle
Los Costenos is a vibrant restaurant located in Seattle, WA, renowned for its authentic Mexican sandwiches and flavorful dishes. Nestled within Uwajimaya, this eatery has garnered a loyal following thanks to its delectable offerings, particularly the Pork Shoulder Supreme sandwich, which has received rave reviews. The establishment prides itself on its community-oriented approach, providing a friendly atmosphere and quick service. With a commitment to quality and affordability, Los Costenos stands out as a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike.

## History
### The story of Los Costenos
Los Costenos was founded with a vision to bring authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of Seattle. The founders aimed to create a space where people could enjoy delicious, hearty meals that reflect the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. Over the years, the restaurant has become a beloved spot for those seeking a taste of home-style cooking in a casual setting.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in the early 2010s, Los Costenos quickly gained popularity among locals.
- The restaurant expanded its menu to include a variety of sandwiches, nachos, and other Mexican specialties.
- It became a staple in Uwajimaya, attracting both food lovers and casual diners.
- Los Costenos has received numerous accolades for its food quality and customer service, solidifying its reputation in the Seattle dining scene.

### Cultural and local influence
Los Costenos has played a significant role in promoting Mexican cuisine within the Seattle community. By sourcing fresh ingredients and maintaining traditional cooking methods, the restaurant has introduced many to the rich flavors of Mexican food. Its presence in Uwajimaya also highlights the cultural diversity of the area, making it a go-to spot for those exploring various culinary traditions.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant continues to uphold its founding vision by consistently delivering high-quality meals and maintaining a welcoming environment. Regular updates to the menu and seasonal specials keep the offerings fresh and exciting, ensuring that both new and returning customers have something to look forward to.

## Community
### Community involvement
Los Costenos actively engages with the local community by participating in events and food walks, showcasing its culinary delights. The restaurant often collaborates with local businesses and organizations to promote cultural events, further embedding itself within the Seattle community.

### Community notion about the place
Patrons often describe Los Costenos as a hidden gem, praising its friendly service and delicious food. Many reviews highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality and affordability, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. The welcoming atmosphere encourages repeat visits, fostering a sense of community among diners.

### Events and gatherings
Los Costenos frequently hosts events, including food tastings and community gatherings, which allow customers to connect with one another while enjoying the restaurant's offerings. These events not only promote the restaurant but also celebrate the diverse culinary landscape of Seattle, making it a hub for food enthusiasts.

## Offerings
### What Los Costenos offers
Los Costenos specializes in a variety of Mexican dishes, with a particular emphasis on sandwiches. The menu features an array of options, including the popular Pork Shoulder Supreme, chicken nachos, and vegetarian choices, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes is evident in every dish.

### Dining and food experience
Dining at Los Costenos is a casual experience, with a focus on quick service and flavorful food. The restaurant's location within a food court allows for a relaxed atmosphere, where diners can enjoy their meals at communal tables or take their food to go. The vibrant flavors and generous portions make each visit memorable.

### Events and packages
Los Costenos offers various catering options for events, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at gatherings and celebrations. The restaurant also participates in local food events, showcasing its culinary talents and engaging with the community.

### Facilities and features
- Located within Uwajimaya food court
- Quick service for on-the-go dining
- Casual seating arrangements
- Accessible to a diverse clientele
- Validated parking available

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Los Costenos consistently highlight the quality of the food and the friendly service. Many patrons rave about the Pork Shoulder Supreme sandwich, noting its rich flavors and generous portions. However, some customers have mentioned that the location can be easy to overlook, as it is tucked away in the food court.

### Compliments and strengths
- Exceptional flavor profiles, particularly in the sandwiches
- Affordable prices compared to other dining options in the area
- Friendly and efficient service, creating a welcoming atmosphere
- A diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few customers have noted issues with availability during peak hours or specific menu items running out. Additionally, some diners have mentioned that the ambiance is typical of a food court, which may not appeal to those seeking a more traditional dining experience.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Los Costenos is highly regarded for its delicious food and friendly service. The restaurant's commitment to quality and community involvement makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in Seattle.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Los Costenos is conveniently located at 600 5th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, within the Uwajimaya food court. This vibrant area is known for its diverse culinary offerings and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the nearby International District, which is rich in history and features a variety of shops, markets, and restaurants. The location's accessibility makes it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience the best of Seattle's food scene.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Los Costenos serve** Los Costenos specializes in Mexican cuisine, particularly sandwiches and nachos.
**Is there parking available at Los Costenos** Yes, validated parking is available for customers.
**What are the restaurant hours** Los Costenos operates during typical food court hours, but it's best to check for specific times.
**Can I order takeout from Los Costenos** Yes, takeout options are available for all menu items.
**Does Los Costenos offer vegetarian options** Yes, there are vegetarian choices available on the menu.

## Visit Los Costenos Today
Experience the vibrant flavors of Los Costenos, where authentic Mexican cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere in Seattle. With its standout offerings like the Pork Shoulder Supreme and a commitment to community involvement, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious food in a casual setting. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Los Costenos promises a memorable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.

d7988f93-8c96-4e2d-b33a-7bf027d2a5f6

OMG! I just had the Pork Shoulder Supreme sandwich. It is by far one of the best tasting sandwiches I have ever eaten! The pork was so tender and favorful. You have got to taste this sandwich. Great job!

191fe474-dde1-41e8-8e77-7a5236727b92

Nestled in Uwajimaya is this amazing Mexican stand that you do not want to miss! The chicken nachos are delicious! The chicken is really the star of the show. It's nicely marinated and the mix of cheese, jalapeños sour cream and salsa was perfection on each bite. I was very impressed! I was on a stroll for the CID food walk and dare I say this was my favorite of the day! Definitely will be back for some game day noms!

961fcd0b-62c4-40bf-8c97-b8ec9e1fd37c

I had the pork shoulder supreme sandwich, was excellent and an appropriately messy bundle of flavors . Location is tucked away in the food court, easy to pass by if you are not looking for it . Ambiance is the expected gritty city no nonsense one will see , but with a friendly smile behind the counter . Was a great way to start my night prior to Monday Night Football . . Go Seahawks! PS we beat the Texans .

d945be3c-86c9-4249-b91b-c4107ed27a90

Los Costenos is a hidden gem that is a strong contender for best Caribbean sandwich in the Seattle area. I believe it's better than Paseo, but slightly under Un Bien or Bongos. However, Los Costenos is cheaper, has validated parking, and rests near other options for picky eater friends, dessert, or drinks. In that regard, the overall experience here is better. A hard toss up for sure though, I'd recommend all of them! Service here is phenomenal. I ordered two pork shoulder sandwiches. I wanted another one to go but they ran out of bread. That's a lesson to come early. There was meat and I could have got a wrap, but they couldn't recommend it. In case you're curious or are hoping for low carb, it may be worth asking about substitutions because it seems like they're flexible. However, I'd highly recommend the sandwiches above all else. Pork Shoulder Sandwich - the bread was delicious and toasted to perfection. On top was a generous serving of tender, juicy, slow cooked pork with flavorful caramelized onions, garlic aioli, and jalapenos. All of these elements were rich in flavor, pairing perfectly. To top it all off, a clean piece of lettuce cleansed the palette and cut some oil. I struggled to bite the sandwich which says a lot about the size and amount of content.

6796e3c6-9fcc-4bf7-99a2-b350e20ba497

I think this is my 4th or 5th updated review of this place. I have been coming here since their very very beginning and yes, they are still awesome and their prices still are the most affordable amongst all the food options here, especially for the portions you get. Service is always nice and fast. Their prices went up on a couple of items but honestly I always wondered how they were able to sell so low anyway. Especially their Nachos (it used to be $8.50 and now it's $9.50 - still pre-pandemic level price). Their Garlic Shrimp Sandwich is amazing! Highly recommended if you're in the area.

24b79138-0d39-43d0-a2d3-71dc5ad7751c

I accidentally stumbled upon Los Costenos while heading to the market in search of a small snack during my commute. Los Costenos was the first vendor located at the intersection of S Weller Street and 5th Ave S. After briefly reviewing the menu, I was particularly interested in the tofu options, including the sandwich, fajita wrap, and plate. I decided to go with the wrap. Overall, the wrap was above average. The tofu was fine, but it needed more marinade or seasoning, and the veggies were flavorful. I would rate it a 3.4 out of 5 overall, but it wasn't bad. The price was in line with the cost of living in Seattle, at $11. However, it was pretty massive in size, so it may have been a steal. Since there was only one vendor, the preparation and wait times combined were about 10 to 15 minutes. Overall, it wasn't a terrible experience, and I would consider having it again..

7d2badb0-90ef-46cf-8499-4e739086d8da

We went to Los Costenos as our first stop on the recent CID Small Business Food Walk, intrigued by the promise of what some consider the best pork shoulder sandwich in the city (and for the free nachos). Pork Shoulder Supreme ($12) - Excellent sandwich. Moist and very flavorful, but not dripping with juices unlike other places (e.g. Paseo, Un Bien). The pork is exceptionally layered with sweet and savory flavors and perfectly tender with mild smoky notes. The meat rests on a bed of fresh cilantro and pickled jalapenos, lending some tanginess and just a bit of spice. On top are caramelized onions, perfectly cut to fit the baguette, not rendered too far to give sweetness but also a bit of a crunch. Then there's a slice of ham with a ton of swiss cheese melted on top for additional fat and finally a generous spread of garlic aioli for even more moisture. Although the menu promises lettuce, it wasn't present in my sandwich for some reason (perfectly acceptable to me!). Everything is encased in the most perfect mini baguette - chewy and dense, toasted well giving a great mouth-lacerating crisp. While thin and the ingredients vast, the baguette manages to encapsulate the ingredients quite well, resulting in a sandwich that holds together while eating. The taste is very similar overall to Un Bien, but I prefer this sandwich since it's both cheaper and much less messy to eat, given that the pork is actually drained before being added to the sandwich. (5/5) Nachos (Complementary, Normal Food Walk Price is $6) - This is a small portion of their nachos that are normally $9.50. There's a choice of either pork or chicken. For the pork, think of the pork shoulder sandwich, minus the bread, add black beans, shredded Mexican cheese, nacho cheese, and a drizzle of crema atop the chips. For the chicken, they include some perfectly tender chicken, marinated in what seems to be same sweet and savory sauce as the pork. Everything blends together so perfectly and there's more than enough toppings to cover the mound of round tortilla chips underneath. (No rating since I got this for free) This was the best food I had all day during the food walk. Heck, probably the best meal I had the entire month. Please visit Los Costenos and try a sandwich or two. You won't be disappointed.

092cf7ff-f8a8-416d-b473-f8735df9ef57

Amazing! Even better than Un Bien (let alone Paseo, which I have left alone for years). Hidden in the end corner of the Uwajimaya food court. Order the pork shoulder supreme ($11) - best deal in the city! Then a seafood in red sauce over rice and a huli huli chicken plate to enjoy later. I'm thinking about getting another sandwich tomorrow. Just go now.

81a816db-cdd7-4a59-9812-687939c839f8

Located inside of Uwajimaya, first booth on the left when you enter the food court from the 5th & Weller entrance! Across from Jardín Tea. No "restaurant seating" bc it's a food court, but food court seating is first come first serve - lots of lil tables, bigger groups id recommend planning to find somewhere to eat outside - plenty of benches and cute spots by the fountain on 5th. Decent prices for the area and a fun mix up if you get Asian cuisine a lot in the area. Caribbean spot with Latin influence for sure. Sandwiches are messy, but fresh, hot, and flavorful as it gets!!! Grab extra napkins or prepare to wipe your hands on your pet or loved ones, dealers choice. Super fast, easy to carry, def going back!

05484b51-87d8-4bd5-a80c-7f8cacf882be

Not open and we arranged to meet there yelp Said open u til 8! Too bad won't try again- the we were there at 645

Discover Los Costenos in Seattle for authentic, flavorful Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting. Experience a culinary journey and satisfy your cravings today.

Los Costenos: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Downtown Seattle

Seattle

Los Costenos

Washington

Explore the full menu at Los Costenos in Seattle, WA. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 600 5th Ave S, Seattle.

Los Costenos Menu – Food & Drinks in Seattle, WA

Learn about Los Costenos in Seattle, WA. Authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and top-rated service. Located at 600 5th Ave S, Seattle.

About Los Costenos, Seattle, WA

Opening hours for Los Costenos, Seattle, WA. Find opening hours for Los Costenos at 600 5th Ave S, Seattle.

Los Costenos Menu Overview

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