Amazing Maiz Molino

Maiz Antojitos & Tortilleria is a tiny storefront in Pike Place Market that packs big flavors. The spot is a bit of a mercado and pinch of a coffee shop, but the main draw is its antojitos, which translates into little cravings. Think gorditas, sopes, tostadas, quesadillas, and of course, tacos.

These items are now the lunchtime focus of its recently opened sister restaurant Maiz Molino (2325 6th Ave.). The antojitos are filled with guisados, which are braised, saucy mixtures of chilis, tomato, spices, herbs, and proteins or vegetables. The guisados change daily — on Mondays, for example, you can choose from chicken salsa verde, beef asada, or pork adobada.

All of the guisados are mouthwatering, but what makes Maiz Molino and its Pike Place Market sister so special is how they embrace traditional heirloom non-GMO Mexican corn to make its masa. You’ll find that the tortillas take on different colors and flavors every few weeks. According to its website, Maiz Molino is now serving Criollo Corn, Bolita Pink, Chalqueño Blue, Tolonqui White, Bolita Yellow, Conico Red, and Chalqueño White.

Diners can queue up for lunch Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 3:30pm. But unlike the Pike Place Market location, Maiz Molino serves dinner (Thursday to Sunday, 5:30 to 9:30pm) and weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 1:30pm), both by reservation only. The dinner menu trends more upscale, with starters like a ceviche tostada, duck mole gordita, and mussels and chorizo. Meaty mains such as the chile au jus costilla (braised short rib over heirloom masa grits) or seafood entrees like tumbado rice (sofrito seafood Costa-style rice) and chochoyote caldo (a mussels, shrimp, and fish stew) round out the menu.

For brunch, familiar fare like huevos rancheros is on offer, while the borrego tatemado con huevo (grilled barbacoa lamb, olla beans, heirloom tortilla, and consommé) or the ribeye chilaquiles rojos (house made salsa rojo, heirloom chips, quesillo, and ribeye strips) will catch the eye of those looking for some well-earned morning meat sweats. If that’s not your bag, the ensalada de frutas (seasonal fruit and mango batido) or pan de elote Frances (brioche toast, vanilla helado, cinnamon, and chistesito) may strike your fancy.

Want to be the toast of your next office party? Maiz does cater too. Orders come with appetizers, plus a variety of tray options ranging from ceviche to tacos, sopes, and more.

Head to Maiz Molino for artisan tortillas, bold flavors, and some seriously delightful horchata lattes.

Have a story we should tell about South Lake Union? Email us: [email protected].