At El Chupacabra, we know you have questions, and we’re here to help! Our FAQ page covers everything you need to know about dining with us, including our policies on reservations, to-go orders, pet and service animal guidelines, and food allergen information. Whether you’re curious about our delicious vegan and gluten-free options, want details on our kid-friendly dining areas, or need information about our merchandise and gift cards, you’ll find it all right here. Plus, we provide up-to-date info on COVID-19 protocols, gratuity policies, and more. Explore our FAQ page to get the answers you're looking for and make the most of your El Chupacabra experience!
The Chupacabra, or Chupacabras (from the Spanish words chupar, meaning “to suck,” and cabra, meaning “goat”—literally “goat sucker”), is a legendary cryptid said to roam parts of the Americas. Its origins lie in folklore and reports of mysterious animal attacks, where livestock—most notably goats—were found drained of blood. While tales of this elusive creature began in Puerto Rico, sightings have since spread to Mexico and various parts of the United States, contributing to its notoriety as a terrifying, bloodthirsty predator of the supernatural.
However, in Seattle, the Chupacabra takes on a whole new identity. Instead of lurking in the shadows, it thrives as a beloved burrito joint, offering locals and visitors alike a different kind of thrill—culinary delight! Here, “Chupacabra” is synonymous with fresh, flavorful food. This vibrant eatery serves up mouth-watering margaritas, bold and spicy tacos, and oversized burritos that are as legendary as the cryptid itself. Every dish is crafted in-house, giving patrons a taste of authentic, fresh-made goodness that keeps them coming back for more. The only thing you’ll be sinking your teeth into at Seattle’s Chupacabra are some seriously satisfying bites!
At El Chupacabra Seattle, we prioritize the health and safety of our customers and staff. We closely follow all local and federal COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. Since these regulations are frequently updated, we encourage you to check the latest King County guidelines to stay informed about the current protocols in place during your visit.
No, we do not take reservations and operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. But don’t worry! We have a well-organized waitlist system to ensure everyone is seated in the order they arrive, while also accommodating party sizes as efficiently as possible. Just a heads up: we don’t accept call-aheads, so you’ll need to stop by in person to be added to the list 😉. Rest assured, we’ll make sure you get a table as soon as possible!
Absolutely! You can place your takeout order by calling us, visiting in person, or using our website (Greenwood / Alki locations).
Please note that during peak hours, we prioritize walk-in customers due to high demand. If you’re having trouble getting through on the phone, we recommend trying again later or stopping by in person to place your order.
We do not offer off-site catering, including large trays of food for groups. Please order directly from our regular menu.
Additionally, we do not provide delivery services. If you choose to use a third-party delivery service and encounter any issues with your order, such as incorrect items or changes, please contact the service directly as they handle all refunds and adjustments. Unfortunately, we have no control over these orders.
Looking to take a little piece of El Chupacabra home with you? We’ve got you covered! Our exclusive merch, including t-shirts, hats, and more, as well as gift cards, are available for purchase right here in-house. Just ask your server or bartender for more details, and they’ll be happy to help you pick out the perfect item or gift for yourself or someone special. Whether it’s a treat for you or a fun gift, you can take a bit of El Chupacabra’s vibe with you wherever you go!
A 10% gratuity is automatically added to all to-go orders to cover the extra care and service involved in packaging your order. You’ll notice this charge displayed just above your total on the check. Please take a moment to review your bill before signing, as once a receipt is signed, the transaction is considered final.
Additionally, an 18% gratuity will be applied to any open tabs left at the end of the night, as well as for large parties, at the discretion of your server. This ensures that our team is fairly compensated for the service provided, especially during busy times. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Yes, we welcome kids at El Chupacabra during kitchen hours in designated ‘under 21’ areas of the restaurant. Families can enjoy our delicious food together in a relaxed and friendly environment while the kitchen is open. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or grabbing a quick bite with the little ones, we’ve got you covered. Please note that certain sections of the restaurant are reserved for guests 21 and over, but we’ve made sure there’s plenty of space for families to dine comfortably!
We love dogs, but unfortunately, pets are not allowed inside the building or on the patio. However, ADA-defined service animals are always welcome and may accompany their human companions in any part of the restaurant.
If you bring a well-behaved pet, you’re welcome to tie them up outside on the sidewalk while you dine, and we’re happy to bring them water upon request.
For clarity, emotional support animals (ESA) and therapy dogs are not classified as service animals under the ADA, and therefore are not permitted inside the restaurant. An ADA-approved service animal must be trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability—not simply to provide comfort.
Please note, if you have purchased a “service animal kit” or card online but your dog has not undergone the necessary training, your pet does not meet the ADA’s definition of a service animal. For more detailed information on ADA service animal guidelines, please visit the official ADA website at https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Please keep in mind that we prepare all of our food in a shared kitchen, so there is always a possibility of cross-contamination in this small space. If you’re comfortable with that, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to choose from!
Vegans and Vegetarians: We offer a variety of veggie options, including mock meats, vegan cheese, and vegan sour cream. Plus, our beans, rice, sauces, and salsas are all made without any dairy or animal products, making it easy to accommodate your dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free: We have several gluten-free options on our menu. However, due to the shared kitchen space and cooking utensils, we cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free environment, so we don’t recommend these items for individuals with severe celiac disease.
Nut Allergies: We do not use any ingredients that contain nuts, and our fryer uses canola oil.
Highly Sensitive Individuals: Please be aware that we use ingredients like shellfish, dairy, soy, and gluten in our kitchen. Despite our best efforts to clean grills, fryers, pots, and pans between each use, all food is prepared in a shared kitchen. While we strive to minimize cross-contamination, it’s impossible to eliminate the risk completely in a busy environment. Airborne particles or human error can occur.
If you have severe sensitivities or allergies to any of these ingredients, please understand that there is always a risk of cross-contamination. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but we advise you to dine at your own discretion.
Unfortunately, we are unable to reissue receipts after the date of your transaction. At the time of your purchase, our staff will always provide both an itemized receipt and a credit card receipt. We kindly ask that you keep these copies for your records.
Please note that each receipt includes a disclaimer: “Keep this copy for your records! We cannot provide itemized copies at a later date. Thank you for your understanding!”
El Chupacabra offers a delightful brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, featuring a diverse menu for all tastes. Join us for great food in a vibrant punk rock atmosphere!
El Chupacabra offers an exciting happy hour every day from 4–6 pm and 10 pm until close. Join us for great deals on drinks and appetizers, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind with friends.
El Chupacabra caters to large groups, ensuring an exceptional dining experience with prior notice. This helps us prepare for your party and guarantee everyone enjoys our delicious offerings.
