Recommended
El 42 Cantina — Restaurant in Issaquah, WA
RestaurantMexican✓ Verified

El 42 Cantina

Issaquah, WA 98027
4.7(7 reviews)
17 years in businessMember since 2026

About El 42 Cantina

El 42 Cantina offers a lively dining experience with a focus on traditional Mexican braised dishes. Their menu features tacos de guisado such as Tinga, Chicharrón, Encebollados, Cochinita Pibil, and Chorizo, along with vegetarian options like Calabazas, Rajas, and Papas. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM, providing a cozy setting for guests to enjoy authentic flavors.

17 years in business

Services

Catering

Featured

Custom catering for corporate events, parties, and private gatherings. Minimum order applies.

Starting at $22 / per person

Dine-In

Featured

Full table service in our dining room. Reservations recommended on weekends.

Starting at $18 / per person

Happy Hour

Daily specials on drinks and appetizers. Check our current menu for details and times.

Starting at $12 / per item

Private Events

Reserve our private dining room or full venue for special occasions and corporate functions.

Starting at $562 / per event

Takeout & Delivery

Order online or by phone for pickup or local delivery. Same menu, same quality.

Starting at $14 / per order

Location

38 North Front Street

Issaquah, WA 98027

Hours of Operation

monday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
tuesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
wednesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
thursday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
friday11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
saturday10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
sundayClosed

Services Offered

Catering

Custom catering for corporate events, parties, and private gatherings. Minimum order applies.

$22

starting at

Dine-In

Full table service in our dining room. Reservations recommended on weekends.

$18

starting at

Happy Hour

Daily specials on drinks and appetizers. Check our current menu for details and times.

$12

starting at

Private Events

Reserve our private dining room or full venue for special occasions and corporate functions.

$562

starting at

Takeout & Delivery

Order online or by phone for pickup or local delivery. Same menu, same quality.

$14

starting at

Reviews

4.7

7 reviews

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7 reviews

Chris H.

Jan 17, 2026

The tacos al pastor at El 42 Cantina are the real deal. Marinated pork, fresh pineapple, and housemade salsa. One of the best Mexican spots in Issaquah without question.

7 people found this helpful

Response from El 42 Cantina

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We work hard every day to deliver the best dining experience in Issaquah and it means everything to hear feedback like this. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Nicole A.

Jan 4, 2026

Amazing enchiladas and the best queso I have had in Issaquah. El 42 Cantina uses traditional recipes and it shows. The margaritas are strong and fresh, not from a mix.

4 people found this helpful

Response from El 42 Cantina

We are so glad you enjoyed your visit to El 42 Cantina! Your kind words motivate our entire team. Please come back and try our seasonal specials!

Ryan I.

Dec 22, 2025

Birria tacos and consomé at El 42 Cantina are next level. The meat is braised for hours and the flavor is incredible. Get there early, they sell out on weekends.

3 people found this helpful

Response from El 42 Cantina

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We work hard every day to deliver the best dining experience in Issaquah and it means everything to hear feedback like this. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Sarah M.

Dec 9, 2025

Great family Mexican restaurant in Issaquah. El 42 Cantina has huge portions and the chips and salsa are bottomless. The fajitas sizzle comes out perfectly seasoned every time.

6 people found this helpful

Robert C.

Nov 26, 2025

I order the carnitas burrito every single time at El 42 Cantina. Slow-cooked pork, fresh guac, and the perfect amount of everything. Best value Mexican in Issaquah.

11 people found this helpful

Response from El 42 Cantina

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We work hard every day to deliver the best dining experience in Issaquah and it means everything to hear feedback like this. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Rachel G.

Nov 13, 2025

Good solid Mexican food at El 42 Cantina. The chile relleno was stuffed generously and the rice and beans are housemade. Friendly staff and quick service.

2 people found this helpful

Anthony Q.

Oct 31, 2025

El 42 Cantina is a hidden gem for Mexican food in Issaquah. The owners have been cooking these recipes for generations. Get the street tacos and the agua fresca.

3 people found this helpful

Response from El 42 Cantina

Thank you for sharing your experience! We love welcoming guests to El 42 Cantina and are thrilled you enjoyed the food. See you next time!

Location

Issaquah, WA 98027

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated April 2026

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