Four Generations Of A Washington Family Have Owned And Operated The Legendary Taco Time Northwest
Taco Time Northwest, a family-owned fast-casual chain in Washington, is known for its locally sourced ingredients and unique menu items like crispy burritos and Mexi Fries.
If you've lived in Washington longer than roughly five minutes, you have certainly heard of (and hopefully experienced) Taco Time. From the irresistible crispy burritos to the iconic Mexi Fries (also known as the best tater tot marketing in history), there's truly something special about this place. Taco Time never pretends to be something it's not (authentic Mexican food) but always delivers what it promises (delicious fast-casual meals).
And if you've eaten at Taco Time in Western Washington, you may have noticed that the food, although identical in looks and name, tastes a bit different than the food from Taco Time in Eastern Washington, Oregon, and beyond. You are not mistaken. Taco Time Northwest is a completely different restaurant, and it has been owned by the same family for a whopping four generations.
In 1962, Frank Tonkin Sr. opened the first Taco Time Northwest location. He had a goal of becoming the leader of quick service Mexican restaurants.
Cousins Chris and Robby Tonkin are co-presidents of Taco Time Northwest, carrying on the legacy of their grandfather.
Like other members of the Tonkin family, Chris and Robby worked just about every position at Taco Time before graduating from college and earning their current positions.
Taco Time Northwest is wholly independent from Kahala Corporation, which owns the rest of the Taco Time locations. Taco Time Northwest is located mostly in Western Washington, although there is a location in Wenatchee.
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At Taco Time Northwest, ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, so they often taste a bit more fresh ...
No one's surprised to learn that pizza is the world's most popular dish. Who can resist the bright tomato sauce? The rich cheese? The bubbling crust? Even the near-endless options for customization are rich ground for debate. Arguments for and against the efficacy of pineapple on pizza provoke passionate tête-à-tête's. With this contentious pineapple climate in mind, I'll be withholding my own opinion on the matter until the end of the article.
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What might be surprising to you is that Seattle was recently named the country's top pizza city. After looking at average pizzeria ratings, the density of pizza establishments, the volume of pizza-related searches, and the consistency of reviews, analysts at Mandoe Media determined that the Emerald City was the current forerunner of American pizza culture. Seattle's ascendency put it ahead of Chicago, which ranked number ten, Boston, which ranked number two, and yes, even New York City, which ranked a shameful number four.
It's no exaggeration that this news created a rift in my household. My partner is a proud East Coaster and an even prouder New Yorker. Though he loves the PNW, the suggestion that this region surpassed his pizza-of-origin was sacrilegious. Naturally, there was only one thing to do. We had to dine at five of Seattle's best pizzerias and decide the matter for ourselves.
The Mythical New York Slice
A New York style margherita pizza slice held by a hand along a New York City street
First, let's start with the baseline. What makes a good New York-style pie? According to my husband, traditional New York pizza is hand-tossed, uses high-quality mozzarella (or "mozz"), is lightly sauced, is thin until the crust, and displays bubbling and light char on the base, giving individual slices "support."
Though we'd be sampling numerous styles of pizza in Seattle, these broad characteristics set the standard to beat.
Lupo, Fremont
Lupo/Facebook via Stefano Altamura
We started our pilgrimage at Lupo, located on Fremont Avenue. Since this cozy spot opened six years ago, it's been repeatedly featured among the city's best pizzerias. It specializes in Neopolitan pizza, a version whose preparation is so sacrosanct, it's been enshrined as a piece of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. To keep things simple, we ordered the Margherita. Lupo's iteration met several key markers of good Neopolitan pie: light sauce, decent bubbling, and an ultra-thin crust. Though it's always a treat to eat pizza that isn't heavy, we both agreed the slices were a little droopy for our liking. Still, my husband had to admit it was an excellent pie.
The Independent Pizzeria, Madison
The Independent Pizzeria/Facebook
Since its debut a decade ago, The Independent Pizzeria has rightfully attracted a fleet of devotees. Could we be this local shop's next disciples? My partner and I were more than willing to find out. We ordered The Queen, their version of a Margherita. The crust was thin but had enough structure to support the delicious toppings without flopping. The sauce was light and every ingredient burst with freshness. At the end of our meal, my husband felt compelled to break party lines, admitting he couldn't wait to return. The verdict? A bipartisan, East Coast-West Coast success.
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Cornelly, Capitol Hill
Cornelly/Facebook
On to the next member of Seattle's pizza renaissance! My partner and I headed to Cornelly, located in a trendy area of Capitol Hill. Though we were tempted by the innovative topping options— including the renowned Hornet Honey— we opted to keep an even playing field and ordered another Margherita. Here's the thing: any fault with this pizza is a product of pure pickiness. Was it a little too charred? Was there a little bit more oil than we would have liked? Perhaps. But our plates wouldn't have clued you in to these reservations, because we ate the whole thing happily. Overall, it was a delicious and worthy stop on our pizza journey.
Proletariat Pizza, White Center
Proletariat Pizza/Facebook
North Seattle's pizzerias might get a lot of traffic, but that doesn't mean South Seattle doesn't boast some heavy hitters. Chief among them is Proletariat Pizza, a spot so good it frequently serves diners who've planned entire road trips around eating their pies. Despite the many mouth-watering pizza varieties on offer, we opted for the Margherita. Clean flavor, perfect crust, fresh ingredients, chew and crackle... This pizza takes no prisoners and we left no crumb behind. On the drive home, my husband was unusually quiet, which I took to mean his pizza loyalties had been duly rattled.
MOTO, Multiple Locations
MOTO/Facebook
No regional pizza pilgrimage would be complete without MOTO, a renegade pizzeria that's thrown tradition to the wayside in favor of a tantalizing combination of Detroit, Filipino, Roman, and New York flavors. What can we say? We ordered the cheese, and while it in no way resembled a New York-style slice, we couldn't help but revel in the fluffy crust, the savory cheese blend, and the punchy sauce.
After hours of arduous eating and plenty of hot debate, my husband had to concede that yes. You don't need to leave Seattle for an excellent pizza. Do these spots edge out his fondness for a New York pie? That's not clear. Even if they did, he'd never admit to it. In the end, best and worst will always depend on your taste, but I can't recommend these pizzerias enough if you're willing to test your assumptions about East Coast versus West Coast pizzas.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
