Tampico has been an Everett staple since 1987. When I was a kid we would stop at Tampico for a dinner treat on our way through Everett after long, sunny weekends at Lake Cavanaugh. These days I live in Everett so I turn to Tampico more often for a meal experience that I know will be quick, friendly, and delicious.

They have a large menu, including a number of vegetarian offerings, and everything we have ordered has been good. Pork carnitas, carne asada, arroz con pollo, tortilla soup, pork shanks, tacos, quesadilla, burritos, pollo en chipotle sauce, chicken en mole; it is all delicious.

One of the shining stars of Tampico’s lineup is their incredible Cadillac Margarita. Not for the faint of heart, or the designated driver. In certain circles, this adult beverage is called “lemonade” because it is so refreshing and tart. With a salted rim, a wedge of lime, and plenty of octane, the Cadillac is dangerously easy to drink. Consider this your warning.

We all know the chips and salsa are one of the most important parts of a meal: the salsa has to be high quality and flavorful, a bit of spice is always nice, and the chips have to be crispy and preferably delivered warm. Tampico doesn’t disappoint here either. Another warning: the red sauce is typically nuclear. Dip carefully, but with abandon.

For an appetizer, the quesadilla is very large and shareable. It is not just one tortilla folded over, noooo. It is TWO tortillas, stuffed with cheese, your choice of meat and served with sour cream and guacamole. If you make the happy mistake of ordering this as your entree, you will likely have enough for breakfast the next morning.

I am a pork fan. I love pork carnitas and could probably eat them once a day. Tampico is the first restaurant where I have not been disappointed with their pork carnitas. The first time I ordered their pork carnitas I had an out-of-body experience: the meat had that crispy characteristic that is typical of carnitas but it was so moist and easy to enjoy. They serve it with sauteed onions that are seasoned in a blend of spices that must be a family secret because no one will share it with me. They also serve it with a tub of this amazing red sauce that is different from the table salsa but that is also apparently a top-secret recipe. 

I would be a lousy friend if I didn’t tell you about the tacos. Tampico has a few different tacos to choose from. They are all good with perfectly cooked fillings and fresh, warm tortillas. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Top them with some table salsa and you have the perfect hand-held meal.

If you like spicy, do not pass up the pollo en chipotle sauce. Chicken, onion, and bell peppers bathed in a delicious, creamy chipotle sauce, served with your choice of tortillas (I highly suggest flour). Just thinking about it makes me salivate.

We visit Tampico often enough that our favorite waiter typically brings us Cadillacs before we even have to ask. If that’s a bad thing, then I don’t want to be good.

Tampico
2303 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 339-2427

Rachel Weatherholt is a long-time Everett resident who loves books, horror movies, cooking, and eating good food.