Welcome to Rosita’s Mexican Grill!
Our Story
since opening its doors on april 9, 1979, rosita's mexican grill has been a beloved part of seattle’s dining scene. founded by sergio uvence lopez, his sister rosa, and her husband wenceslao anaya, rosita’s is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a love for food.
born in guadalajara and raised in mexico city, the uvence siblings grew up savoring the vibrant traditions of mexican cuisine. after immigrating to san francisco in the early 1970s, sergio and his siblings gained invaluable experience working in their uncle’s restaurants—a foundation for their own venture.
Building a Seattle Favorite
In 1979, sergio, rosa, and wenceslao chose a small location on woodlawn avenue in the green lake area to open rosita's. Although the street was quiet and foot traffic was sparse, their flavorful dishes and friendly service quickly drew a loyal customer base. The name "rosita's" honors rosa, a nickname she carried from childhood.
Family Recipes
the menu, developed by sergio and his sister carmen, reflects recipes passed down in their family. every dish, from enchiladas to freshly prepared guacamole, is made with simple, fresh ingredients.
A Community Staple
after its initial success, rosita's expanded into adjacent spaces, incorporating a full-service bar and a tortilla-making station that delights children and adults alike. it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a place where young couples on first dates return years later with their grandchildren. our family-friendly restaurant has seen countless memories made at its tables, becoming a fixture in Seattle. We love our regulars!
Carrying on the Tradition
today, sergio’s daughter melisa helps him run the restaurant alongside the founders, maintaining the same friendly atmosphere and attention to detail that have been part of rosita’s from the beginning.
Our Staff
at rosita’s, our team plays a crucial role in creating the experience our customers have come to expect. twenty percent of our staff have been with us for over 25 years, including elena, a server, and maria, a chef, who have been part of rosita’s for more than 40 years.
their reliability, hard work, and dedication to our customers are what make Rosita’s more than just a restaurant. From preparing meals to serving guests, our staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. we’re grateful for their contributions and proud of the strong, caring team we’ve built over the years.
Say Hello
to this day you will still find sergio checking the ripeness of avocados, greeting customers, and bringing food from costco for his staff. whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, we’re happy to have you here.