1001 W. Main
Centralia, WA
All the other reviews out there are right: La Tarasca has excellent Mexican food¦perhaps the best, and certainly the most authentic, I’ve ever tasted. Due to its close proximity to The Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound, this restaurant has been heavily reviewed (just do a Google search), but all those words really do bear repeating. From the street, the place is nothing to look at, but don’t let that dissuade you. Inside, it’s colorful and cheery. We were served by the restaurant’s owner herself, who was happy to help us decide which of her native southern Mexican specialties we’d most enjoy. When our four-year-old couldn’t decide on his drink order, she told him she’d whip him up something special’ and came back with a delicious rice milk and cinnamon concoction. The restaurant does has a children’s menu, but she allowed mine to customize it to their tastes (my ten-year-old substituted beans for meat in his taco, for instance, and my seven-year-old opted for a tamale hot out of the oven instead of any of the kid offerings). My husband ordered carnitas (the house specialty), and ended up sharing his plate with all the kids, who all loved it (which is rare, as they’re primarily vegetarians). I ordered the chile relleno, and can say it’s the best I’ve ever had.
Date last visited: June 2009
Distance off the interstate: About two minutes.
Bathrooms: Yes.
Website: None. There is a phone number however: 360-736-7756. It’s advisable to call to check hours, which can vary. At the time of this posting, it’s open until 9 pm, and is closed every Tuesday.
Directions: From I-5, take Exit 82 (Harrison Ave). After Yew Street, Harrison turns into Main. The restaurant is located on the left.
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