Popular cantina featuring standard Mexican eats, margaritas & outdoor seating in a cool atmosphere. Based on 575 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout
Address:
38 Front St N, Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: (425) 470-6628
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Thursday | 4–10 PM |
| Friday | 4–11 PM |
| Saturday | 4–11 PM |
| Sunday | 4–10 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
4–10 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 4–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–10 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
yai vongsaphay
We came here for dinner. No reservations needed, you literally seat yourselves. It was okay for me. We ordered chips/salsa, pulled pork dish and shrimp and lobster enchiladas. We also ordered their signature margaritas. On the menu there is also an extensive list of salsa you can order-we for the peanut salsa-which was interesting-but I liked it! I wouldn’t come here for dinner, but would come for HH.
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palash biswas
we went out for dinner – but ended up having margaritas with a big bowl of nachos! happy and satisfied. sitting outside comfortably on a day with pleasant weather was great experience. friendly service.
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Julie Wilkins
Delicious nachos, great cocktails, and a great location on Front Street, particularly for street side people-watching. I couldn’t believe how reasonably priced the drinks and food are – especially given the location and atmosphere. Large portions that we enjoyed for leftovers the next day. We’ll be back !
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Juan Tengo
We don’t eat here enough. As a former Texan, its challenging to find good Mexican cuisine in the PNW. The salsas at El 42 are some of the best and most creative I’ve found anywhere. As a spicy food lover some have even tested my limits but I always come back.
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Outdoor World
Super friendly staff and good food. Love those outside seatings. The nachos was very good. Bartender was a bit unfriendly but the server was extremely kind and friendly. Would love to come back and sit by the bar to try their mixed drinks. Hopefully the bartender has a better day this time. Great vibe!
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Tammie Thetford
This is one of our very favorite places! Love all the salsa choices and the margaritas are amazing! Service and atmosphere are great. My favorite dish is the seafood enchiladas and my husband loves the carne asada. All the taco choices are wonderful as well! I highly recommend!
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William Lee
Love this place for the appetizers and entrees (variety of a dozen salsas is a nice feature of the menu). We visit rarely because it’s a 40 mile round trip, but for special occasions it makes it even that much more special to enjoy a drive and an excellent meal. All must be 21 years old (they mean it when they call it a cantina). None of our party-of-five drank alcohol, we come for the food.
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Luis J. Garcia
El 42 Cantina is a great Mexican restaurant. The food is authentic and delicious, and the service is excellent. The mixed drinks are also very good. However, the restaurant gets packed quickly, so it’s recommended to arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table. Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for great Mexican food and drinks.
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Doug Kelley
My wife and I live in Issaquah and eat here fairly frequently. Although it’s a Mexican restaurant, our go-to meal is their burger–big, juicy, and very flavorful. Other food here is good, too (try the guacamole and their wide assortment of salsas) but not the best in town. The quality of the food is consistent with the price. I will say their drinks aren’t awesome, particularly their margaritas. Come here for the adult atmosphere and the burgers. Go across the street to Las Margaritas for better Mexican food and better margaritas. Either way, you’ll be happy with your choice.
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Avinash Sharma
This is based on a couple of late evening visits to El Cantina.
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