Sinaloan-Style Tacos Find A Permanent Home on Capitol Hill

Key Takeaways:

• Tacos Cometa launched a permanent Capitol Hill location funded partly by a Kickstarter campaign
• The Gastelum brothers use Sinaloan-style charcoal grilling for three main carne asada dishes
• Friday and Saturday hours run until 2 a.m.
• The restaurant’s atmosphere is bright and inviting, with hand-painted signage and bold decor

Grand Opening at 1620 Broadway

Capitol Hill’s latest culinary addition, Tacos Cometa, officially opened its doors at 1620 Broadway this week. Looking to fill the neighborhood’s need for late-night eats, the restaurant will stay open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

From Sidewalk Stand to Permanent Home

Last September, Osiel and Reynaldo “Rey” Gastelum were operating a beloved taco stand at the southwest corner of Cal Anderson Park—sometimes finding their way to Fremont as well. During this time, they launched a Kickstarter campaign, aiming to gather support for a permanent brick-and-mortar location. That goal became reality when they signed a lease at the site once occupied by Old Street Malatang.

A Cheery, Hand-Painted Space

Stepping inside Tacos Cometa, diners encounter a cheerful setting marked by navy blue booths, terracotta-and-white checkerboard walls, and an open kitchen. The Gastelum brothers also commissioned Chogi Sign Painting to recreate the hand-painted signs they grew up seeing in Mexico, lending the space a personal, nostalgic touch.

Simple yet Flavorful Menu

At the heart of Tacos Cometa’s appeal is the simplicity of its offerings: three ways to enjoy charcoal-grilled carne asada. Guests can choose traditional tacos on corn tortillas, vampiros on crispy tortillas layered with cheese, or quesadillas on flour tortillas. Each comes piled with red onion, cabbage, and tomato salsa, plus a refreshing wedge of cucumber. While the menu is small, rotating specials are planned for the future.

Michelin-Star Techniques Meet Sinaloan Tradition

According to the Gastelum brothers, their time in Michelin-starred kitchens helped inform the preparation methods now on display at Tacos Cometa. The result is a richly seasoned, expertly grilled carne asada that’s both homage to their Sinaloan roots and a testament to their fine-dining experience. “Nothing makes me happier than just standing at the taco stand, watching someone take the first bite and smile,” Rey said back in September, a sentiment he continues to carry into this new chapter.

Looking Ahead

With late-night hours on weekends and convenient lunch and dinner slots from Tuesday through Thursday, Tacos Cometa seeks to become a mainstay for Capitol Hill’s bustling crowd. Longtime fans and curious newcomers alike can look forward to a taste of Sinaloa—right in the heart of Seattle.