Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Flair Taco

Seattle was a Mexican food desert when Angel Aguilar decided to open Flair Taco Truck 18 years ago in the heart of Fremont.

“I needed a place to eat tacos while I was drinking, and I didn’t want to have to go all the way to Federal Way or up to Northgate for something good to eat. So I decided to do my own thing,” he said.

Now a trained sommelier and the owner of the 17th permitted operating food truck in Seattle, Aguilar expanded his business into a brick-and-mortar space in South Lake Union in 2024. Flair Taco Taqueria and Margarita Bar opened at 1256 Republican St.

Aguilar, who hails from Yucatán, is focused on authenticity.

He employs people from across Mexico, each of whom brings their own regional influence to the menu. Case in point: the restaurant’s extensive filling list. You’ll find the classics—carne asada, carnitas, pollo—but also bolder, unexpected options like cachete (braised beef cheeks), chicharrón de cazuela (pork cracklings in green sauce), barbacoa de chivo (braised goat), and tripas (crispy chitlins).

Vegetarians won’t go hungry either. Rajas con crema (grilled poblano peppers, onions, crema), hongos (seasonal mushrooms, garlic, tomatoes, onions, epazote), and nopales (sautéed cactus, tomatoes, onions, lime, and cilantro) are all on offer.

Flair Taco also boasts a standout cocktail menu. In addition to top-notch margaritas, Aguilar has created drinks inspired by Mexican candies. The Bubu Lubu Shot—made with Smirnoff vodka, cream, strawberry, crème de cacao, simple syrup, and cocoa powder—is based on the candy of the same name, a marshmallow-strawberry-chocolate treat. Each cocktail comes with a piece of the candy it was inspired by.

The taqueria offers weekend brunch, a generous daily happy hour (which will run all day May 4–5 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo), and karaoke on Tuesday nights from 7 to 11:30 p.m.

With bold flavors, inventive drinks, and a deep respect for regional Mexican cooking, Flair Taco is a welcome addition to the neighborhood—and a reflection of Angel Aguilar’s vision, drive, and roots. Whether you’re in it for a quick taco, a round of candy-inspired cocktails, or a night of karaoke, Flair Taco makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.