Vegetarian restaurant considers West Seattle, wants your opinion

If you drive through The Triangle, you might notice that major progress is being made on Link, the mixed-use project that Harbor Properties is building along 38th SW between Fauntleroy Way and SW Alaska (map). Harbor’s Emi Baldowin tells WSB that a vegetarian restaurant, Chaco Canyon Organic CafĂ©, is considering leasing part of Link’s ground-floor retail space and wondering what you think about their potential prospects here – so we said we’d be glad to put this out for your opinion. Chaco Canyon says it’s the first certified organic restaurant/cafĂ© in the state; right now they have one location, in the University District (map). Sound like something you’d be interested in (or not)? Post a comment!

228 Replies to "Vegetarian restaurant considers West Seattle, wants your opinion"

  • lena April 13, 2010 (12:57 pm)

    We really like Chaco Canyon but don’t get over to the U-district that often. I would love to have one here! We would definitely visit often. They have the best smoothies and wonderful desserts I can eat!

  • Morgan Kyle April 13, 2010 (12:57 pm)

    YES PLEASE! Come to West Seattle!!!!!

  • Dc April 13, 2010 (12:57 pm)

    YES!

  • Nikki April 13, 2010 (12:58 pm)

    Absolutely! Would be fantastic!! Please come!

  • TAQ April 13, 2010 (1:00 pm)

    that would be awesome…

  • Kate April 13, 2010 (1:02 pm)

    Organic and vegetarian! That’s my dream restaurant. Tofu scrambles for everyone!

  • Tawnya April 13, 2010 (1:03 pm)

    Great restaurant, would love to have one close to home. I do not like to leave West Seattle! Gluten free, thank you!

  • Harpie April 13, 2010 (1:03 pm)

    Definitely. While most of the restaurants in West Seattle can feed my occasional veggie desires, they don’t really cater beyond the traditional mac & cheese or veggie burger fare. A completely vegetarian restaurant would be a more-than welcome edition.

  • Sha\'ari April 13, 2010 (1:03 pm)

    That would be great, especially if they had a juice bar!

    • WSB April 13, 2010 (1:09 pm)

      S – According to their website (linked from the business name in our item), they do juice-to-order.

  • odroku April 13, 2010 (1:04 pm)

    I always think it’s a mistake to limit your appeal by appealing solely to a particular set of people. I’m no vegetarian, but am happy to skip meat when cooking quite frequently. If you offer strong, well-executed meat-free options, you’ll always have an audience, I’m sure, but there will always be some people who will just not even bothering trying it because of the word “vegetarian.”

  • WSNeighbor April 13, 2010 (1:08 pm)

    I LOVE CHACO CANYON! I teach PT at UW and try to eat there every chance I get. Fantastic, fantastic food and i’d be thrilled to have it here in the neighborhood!!!! I’m a 20-yr vegetarian and would be grateful. PLUS my carnivore friends like it, too. Wihoo!

  • Kayleigh April 13, 2010 (1:09 pm)

    Yay x 10!!! I would be thrilled to have Chaco Canyon here.

  • bdren April 13, 2010 (1:09 pm)

    Yes, please!

  • Tim April 13, 2010 (1:11 pm)

    Definitely – YES! We are both vegan and feel get so tired of the limited options in West Seattle. (How many veggie burgers can you eat? Blah!)There are many places that offer creative veggie food (The Mission among others), but no true dedicated restaurant.
    We have been to the UW Chaco Canyon and find the food delicious and creative. This would be a place to call home.

  • sam April 13, 2010 (1:11 pm)

    I’m not vegetarian, but am trying to cut back on meat-eating.
    I’d definitely give it a try.
    and judging from the comments often seen for other new restaurants in West Seattle, “I didn’t like their vegetarian options”, “put more vegetarian options on the menu”- I think they would find some fans here.

  • Helper Monkey April 13, 2010 (1:11 pm)

    YES! Bring it on. The only places around here for dedicated vegetarian cuisine (Georgetown Liquor Co = fabulous; Squid and Ink = also fab) is in Georgetown. Would love to see some here on the West Side as well!

  • MartiniMom April 13, 2010 (1:11 pm)

    I’ve never been to the one on the U District, but just checked the menu and looks yummy!

    One suggestion: I’ve heard from other restaurants that West Seattle tends to skew towards families moreso than, say, the U District, and that having just a couple kid friendly items on the menu can go a long way. As the mother of a somewhat picky 8-year-old, I must whole-heartedly agree! I’ve passed over plenty of quality West Seattle spots simply because there wasn’t anything on their menus I could tweak to be appealing to my son. I’ve heard LOTS of West Seattle parents say the same. I see a couple of things on the menu I think my son would try, but just thought I’d throw that out there.

  • k April 13, 2010 (1:13 pm)

    Yes. Yes. Yes.

  • Vanessa C April 13, 2010 (1:16 pm)

    After watching the movie “Food, Inc” last night, I will whole heartedly support a vegetarian restaurant here. If you haven’t seen the movie, please do. You will never look at a fast food joint the same way. I will never eat beef, pork or chicken that is not local and organic again.

  • DLP April 13, 2010 (1:17 pm)

    Yes. Any chance of a veggie drive-through component as well?

  • breanna43 April 13, 2010 (1:19 pm)

    That would be FANTASTIC! I pledge to eat there once a week!…and also to spread the word if Chaco Canyon makes WS one of its homes. As it stands, I count mostly on PCC deli for ready-made organic vegetarian options. But that’s not condusive to a date night or lunch out with a friend. Would love to have a WS option so I didn’t have to drive to madison park for Cafe Flora.

  • Melissa April 13, 2010 (1:19 pm)

    OMG!! I live close to there and could walk there…glad to see something finally being done in the “Triangle”….West Seattle needs an all Vegetarian option! Please Please Please

  • 3dht April 13, 2010 (1:19 pm)

    brilliant – bring it on

  • Sue April 13, 2010 (1:21 pm)

    I would love it, especially as that’s within walking distance of me. I’ve never been there, but the menu looks wonderful!

  • Drew April 13, 2010 (1:22 pm)

    Meat is good.

  • Anne April 13, 2010 (1:25 pm)

    Totally interested!! Would patronize it a LOT…it’s a great place with fabulous, healthy food.

  • toniw April 13, 2010 (1:25 pm)

    We’d love to go there! I’ve eaten at the UDistrict one, but it is too far away. We could eat there regularly if there were soy-free/egg-free/dairy-free/nut-free choices on the menu.

  • Johnny G April 13, 2010 (1:25 pm)

    Fresh Veggies, You bet, I love’em JG

  • SarahScoot April 13, 2010 (1:26 pm)

    I would love that! And I could easily walk there. Do it!!

  • meg April 13, 2010 (1:27 pm)

    Yes! Especially the raw juice bar!

  • Nancy Stillger April 13, 2010 (1:27 pm)

    Definitely!! I know a number of people that would be thrilled!

  • RainyDay1235 April 13, 2010 (1:28 pm)

    yes yes yes yes yes – signed, a “flexitarian” :)

  • Donna April 13, 2010 (1:29 pm)

    Yes, please, please, yes!

    This would be a dream come true for me and I will make a vow now. “I (saying my name now), promise that if Chaco Canyon Organic CafĂ© opens a location in West Seattle, that I will patronize it frequently and encourage my friends and neighbors to do the same.”

  • Ben April 13, 2010 (1:30 pm)

    Yes, please!! We’ve been hoping and praying for good vegan food in West Seattle. We’ll be there again and again!!!

  • Don L April 13, 2010 (1:30 pm)

    That would be so coool if guys came here and YES -I would come often…

  • Aaron April 13, 2010 (1:32 pm)

    Please please please please please please please put a location in WS! We are seriously starved for vegetarian food options in this neighborhood.

  • SarahScoot April 13, 2010 (1:32 pm)

    odroku, the same could be said of steakhouses, Thai restaurants, pizza joints… each appeals to a specific segment of the population, some broader than others. For those of us omnivorous people who also try to eat locally and organically, this would be a very welcome restaurant. West Seattle does have some restaurants that feature local and organic when possible (including Elliott Bay Brewery, which many people don’t realize), but we don’t have anything that caters specifically to vegetarians, as well. Even Fresh Bistro, which I expected to be more veg.-friendly, has stayed pretty firmly omnivore-oriented, with just a few veggie options.

  • hkb April 13, 2010 (1:32 pm)

    Yes!! Yes!!! I (and my sister) would love a vegetarian restaurant in WS. Right now we go up to Carmelita if we want a great vegetarian meal. And I agree, if the food is good it will appeal to everyone.

  • Kim Kelly April 13, 2010 (1:34 pm)

    YES! We need vegetarian options in WS and it would be supported wholeheartedly by my family and friends.

  • d April 13, 2010 (1:34 pm)

    Halleluiah!

    We’ve been waiting for somebody to show up!

    I’m not a strict vegetarian, just a healthy omnivore who thinks creative, innovative vegetarian entree choices are fabulous; But WS options are limited and quickly become boring. Also, having to drive across the city is not fabulous. So, build it already! We will come.

  • Lisa April 13, 2010 (1:39 pm)

    I love options and am a meat eating vegetarian.. Bring it on!

  • Jay Schrimmer April 13, 2010 (1:42 pm)

    YES PLEASE!!!!!

  • CurlyQ April 13, 2010 (1:44 pm)

    Yes! And ditto what MartiniMom said about kid-friendly menu options :)

  • Melody April 13, 2010 (1:45 pm)

    PLEASE PLEASE COME HERE! I can really see it working in West Seattle–right decor and customer-climate. Our block has 8 vegetarians that I know of (not including us!)

  • Carter April 13, 2010 (1:47 pm)

    I love Thrive on NE 65th and would love something closer. Count me in!

  • Carter April 13, 2010 (1:47 pm)

    I love Thrive on NE 65th and would love something closer. Count me in!

  • Greg April 13, 2010 (1:49 pm)

    Would love a veggie restaurant in WS. I travel all the way to Georgetown LC currently to get my fix!

  • Daren April 13, 2010 (1:49 pm)

    +1,000,000,000

  • amy April 13, 2010 (1:50 pm)

    PLease, Please, Please!!!!! It sounds like a yummy idea!

  • timeslid April 13, 2010 (1:51 pm)

    This would be a fantastic idea! Please come and I will be there.

  • Daniel April 13, 2010 (1:52 pm)

    sounds awesome! i hope they set up camp here

  • smash the state April 13, 2010 (1:52 pm)

    do veggie restaurants serve beer?

  • amy April 13, 2010 (1:53 pm)

    Yes Please!!! Love Chaco Canyon. West Seattle needs a vegan option that has flavor and lots of options. Chaco Canyon is perfect with its organic yummy food and delicious fresh made juices. Please join our community Chaco Canyon!!

  • y April 13, 2010 (1:53 pm)

    please come!!! i will trade you money for food.

  • ChesterDrawers April 13, 2010 (1:55 pm)

    YES! Vegetarian with gluten-free options would be excellent.
    [“Flexitarian”…tee-hee! :)]

  • WSFoodie April 13, 2010 (1:55 pm)

    Yes please! West Seattle needs this.

  • Lady Fauntleroy April 13, 2010 (2:02 pm)

    More importantly, and they should have mentioned it, they have a great selection of RAW VEGETARIAN food. It’s fantastic – I’ve eaten at their other location several times before – and for people that want something different and exciting, this would be a great addition to West Seattle!!

  • Adam F April 13, 2010 (2:03 pm)

    Wow! Yes! Chaco Canyon is one of my favorite places, but I don’t go much because it’s outside of West Seattle. I’d be a frequent customer if you had a location in WS!

    -adam

  • Richard Hugo April 13, 2010 (2:03 pm)

    Holy wow, yes please move here Chaco Canyon! I used to live in the Wallingford/U Dist area and there are only two things I miss about it…Bottleworks and Chaco Canyon. I’m not even veg and I still went there once a week, it’s that good. So, yes, please please come to West Seattle. We could use another brunch option. Plus, you’ll like it more down here, promise.

  • Roche April 13, 2010 (2:05 pm)

    The U-District menu is a little too ‘granola-ey’ for my tastes, but that can easily be turned around. My advice on what __not__ to do is to limit yourselves to sandwiches that someone could easily make at home. If I can get an Essential Sandwich wrap at Safeway for the same price as a sit-down meal, or just throw some vegetable-drawer craps plus an avocado onto two pieces of generic wheat bread, it’s easier and cheaper than a trip to hippie city.
    .
    That said, it’s easy to add some comfort food options to your menu and still keep it healthy. Soup! Giant salads! Coconut milk curries! Big bowls of Asian ginger noodle soup! Hot food in the winter and cold food in the summer! Spicy hand-made hot sauces! Avocado dishes year-round! Also, run with the draft beer. If you sell growlers of organic brew you’d make a killing on repeat customers.
    .
    Just don’t go whole hog on the hippie stuff. Those sandwiches are bird food, and I’m a vegetarian myself. West Seattle isn’t the U-District. Junction shoppers who want vegan food have a lot of options at good restaurants. My advice would be to go big or stay home. Look at what other non-vegetarian restaurants offer as appetizers and veggie options, and go with what people like. Those restaurants wouldn’t keep making hummus every day, for example, if their “mediterranean plate” wasn’t a big seller.
    .
    I just took a 2nd look at the pictures of those sandwiches on their website and got the shivers. I’d walk out if that’s all they had for lunch. Jeez, come on! Good vegan food is like falling off a log, since it’s hard as hell to find a meal without compromising on something, but those sandwiches are just nothing on nothing with a side of nothing.

  • Zgh2676 April 13, 2010 (2:05 pm)

    Hell yeah!! Love meat and have that option totally covered. Need local veggie fare badly. I’d go regularly.

    And fortunately/unfortunately the family friendly thing is too true here in west Seattle. You’d be wise to cater at least in some way to the kiddies.

    Good luck and I hope to see you here on the Westside.

  • Zibby Wilder April 13, 2010 (2:06 pm)

    Being that I am a Westie and Chaco Canyon’s lentil burger just topped my list of Seattle’s best veggie burgers – http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/voracious/2010/04/top_five_veggie_burgers.php – I say YES PLEASE!!!

  • Sarah April 13, 2010 (2:14 pm)

    Yes Chaco! Please come to W.S.

  • odroku April 13, 2010 (2:17 pm)

    Sure, the same “could be said” of, say, a Thai restaurant, but it would be a horrendous misapplication of the message.

  • glendafrench April 13, 2010 (2:26 pm)

    I am an omnivore, but in our household we are seriously trying to limit our meat consumption. The same can be said of all of our local friends and family, including friends of ours who went fully vegetarian this year. Currently there isn’t a place in WS I know of that really caters specifically to vegetarians. I think the market for this type of restaurant is growing and would do very well over here. West Seattle is has a very “small town” community feel and we love to support local restaurants. So hope you’ll set up shop here – welcome to the neighborhood!

  • Meghan April 13, 2010 (2:29 pm)

    YES! YES!! YES!!!

  • DownOnAlki April 13, 2010 (2:30 pm)

    For sure we will will go there. As a vegetarian, I would be excited. Just make sure there is something my meat-loving husband will enjoy. Now to just get a shuttle going to move West Seattle people from Alki to Alaska Junction to Westwood to Triangle to…..

  • SarahScoot April 13, 2010 (2:32 pm)

    I understand what you’re saying, odroku, but I still disagree. Vegetarianism is pretty common these days for many reasons: health, animal ethics, environmental ethics, and religion, to name a few. A place that offers only vegetarian food appeals to quite a range of people. As I said, I am omnivorous now, but was vegan for a period of time. Even if I chose a technically vegan food option at a conventional restaurant, odds are what ended up on my plate was not truly vegan due to cross-contamination, and most of the time the food was certainly not in the spirit of veganism. However, I had to make these compromises in certain situations. Having a truly vegetarian restaurant is a welcome safe-haven for those who want or need to avoid any contact with meat.
    But yes, there will always be people who won’t eat there simply because it says “vegetarian.” Would it be better if Chaco Canyon made no mention of the specifics of the menu until the unsuspecting diners came in and were disappointed that there were no burgers in sight? As long as the niche isn’t too restrictive, and the food is prepared well, the restaurant has a good chance of success.
    P.S. I still stand by my Thai restaurant analogy.

  • Nic April 13, 2010 (2:39 pm)

    Yes! Dear gawd, YES!

  • glendafrench April 13, 2010 (2:40 pm)

    Another thought – on all of those mentioning making it family friendly . . . there are also so many kids with allergies today that having child fare with specific allergies addressed – I’d imagine families with kids with these dietary needs would really appreciate and patronize a safe restaurant to bring their kids too.

  • JLS April 13, 2010 (2:42 pm)

    YAY! from another WS vegetarian!

  • squareeyes April 13, 2010 (2:44 pm)

    While I enjoy the occasional meat/fish/poultry-free meal, a vegetarian restaurant is not likely to get my frequent dining-out business. But I appear to be in the minority as evidenced above.

  • a mommy April 13, 2010 (2:47 pm)

    Sure, as long as you don’t serve that weird fake meat or any other weird stuff. I’m not a vegetarian, but I would eat there as long as there are not too many weird options.

  • KBear April 13, 2010 (2:54 pm)

    Yes, keep it mundane, please. I don’t want to eat anything too interesting.

  • Debbie April 13, 2010 (2:59 pm)

    Awesome!

  • triangle resident April 13, 2010 (3:02 pm)

    Love the restaurant but where will they park?

  • Mike April 13, 2010 (3:03 pm)

    Not for me but good luck anyway as I do not want to see anymore empty storefronts.

  • Dayna April 13, 2010 (3:11 pm)

    Yes, I think it would be nice to have this here!

  • Noelle April 13, 2010 (3:11 pm)

    I am not a vegetarian, but I do enjoy tofu! I love juice bars and smoothie places. It would be great to have a good veggie place near home! If you do decide to try West Seattle, you would be welcome! I have one request . . . Please have a menu that says what I am eating. If the dish is just called “chicken alternative” or “No Beef Burger” it leaves the non-vegetarian customer hanging. I would like to see all the ingredients listed on the menu. That way I can see if its beans or chickpeas or rice or what ever and choose what I want without having to ask.

  • WestSide April 13, 2010 (3:18 pm)

    I will be very sad if Chaco Canyon doesn’t make it to WS. YAY for WS vegetarians!!

  • Molly April 13, 2010 (3:20 pm)

    Yes, please!!! While I do enjoy a good veggie burger, I would love to go somewhere where there are multiple things on the menu. There is definitely a huge space waiting to be filled for a “not too expensive” vegetarian restaurant (entrees in the $12-$20 range would be great)!

  • William Brewer April 13, 2010 (3:26 pm)

    My wife’s a vegan/vegetarian albeit a fresh fish eater. Count us both in for at least twice a month visits.

  • LovingWS April 13, 2010 (3:27 pm)

    While I am an omnivore, you would get my frequent patronage. Vegetarian dishes at other restaurants are great too, but I am most exited about the vegan and, most especially, RAW options on the menu. I would have otherwise not heard of Chaco Canyon..

  • Anita April 13, 2010 (3:34 pm)

    YES! We live nowhere near West Seattle, but would drive there gladly to partake in the must-be-tasted-to-be-believed artichoke sandwich!

  • Pamela Sampel April 13, 2010 (3:34 pm)

    YES!! This would be fabulous!

  • rpmcknitty April 13, 2010 (3:37 pm)

    This is such exciting news! I just went to Chaco Canyon for the first time last week. The husband had the lentil burger, while I had a curry rice bowl. Both were awesome, had very fresh ingredients, and were VERY filling. The lentil burger was definitely not a processed patty–clearly handmade and DELICIOUS. I believe he made the comment that it was one of the best lentil burgers he ever had (the wonderful sauce on it really helped!). I don’t think you will find any “fake meat” there. That doesn’t seem to be what their business is about. We currently travel to Georgetown for our veggie fix as well. It would be great to stay closer to home and bike there!
    I will repeat what others have already said: Please come to WS Chaco Canyon!

  • David April 13, 2010 (3:41 pm)

    Yes, please come. We love your menu but have made it up to your U-District location only twice during the past year. WS will have a higher ratio of kids, so those menu items and a play area (e.g. PBJ) will be key.

  • Emily April 13, 2010 (3:45 pm)

    Come to W.S.!

  • Jose April 13, 2010 (3:48 pm)

    Yes. There are not that many vegetarian places in West Seattle!! We need more!! Do you also have vegan desserts???

  • SS April 13, 2010 (3:51 pm)

    i love chaco canyon! love their menu! please come to west seattle we need you!!

  • Zeitgeist April 13, 2010 (3:55 pm)

    Plants have souls. How can you pluck them from mother Earth and chop them up! I will eat there only if you have dirt and nuts on the menu.

  • LP April 13, 2010 (3:55 pm)

    YES YES YES!

  • jen April 13, 2010 (4:00 pm)

    YES! I’m in a family of flexitarians who often bemoan the lack of two things in West Seattle — a juice bar and an organic salad bar. We might just go every day if you have one or both!!

  • Kristina April 13, 2010 (4:03 pm)

    Yes! I think that there is a huge need for this. Like another poster (glendafrench) above, my family are omnivores, but trying to reduce our meat intake. I would welcome a tasty vegetarian restaurant, and if the prices are reasonable and the food is good, we’d frequent such a place.

  • Mark April 13, 2010 (4:18 pm)

    Yes! My partner and I are vegetarian, try to eat organic, and are dying for some new veg-friendly options on “the island.”

  • Highland park resident April 13, 2010 (4:23 pm)

    I would welcome this. I’m not vegetarian but I have a lot of friends that are, and we love to meet out at restaurants to catch up. I love veggie food!

  • Christy April 13, 2010 (4:26 pm)

    I would love to see you come to our neighborhood. There are no purely veggie restaurants in West Seattle and it’s sorely needed!
    I have to go to Georgetown to have a full menu to choose from. So, yes, please come.

  • Heather April 13, 2010 (4:34 pm)

    YES! We love Chaco Canyon and just don’t get up to U District to enjoy it enough. We will gobble up anything organic, local, sustainable in West Seattle…

  • miws April 13, 2010 (4:37 pm)

    Wow! Nearly 100 comments in just under four hours!

    .

    I’ll bet WSB could have cooked up a nice veggie lasagna on their server with all of this electronic activity! ;)

    .

    Mike

  • Surfer G April 13, 2010 (4:44 pm)

    A good and healthy alternative is always welcomed! SO BRING IT TO US!

    • WSB April 13, 2010 (4:53 pm)

      Miws, you are #100. Sorry we don’t have confetti or something :) … Tracy

  • quiz April 13, 2010 (4:52 pm)

    bring it on, please.

  • grr April 13, 2010 (5:03 pm)

    I’d love it..especially if it bent a little more towards the Cafe Flora side of things (and gluten free stuff as well)

    Bring it on.

  • E April 13, 2010 (5:04 pm)

    Yes it sounds good. Yes make it kid friendly. AND please offer take out. You don’t have to deliver, but if you have good turnaround on call-in orders we would make it part of our restaurant rotation.

  • Val M April 13, 2010 (5:16 pm)

    I would absolutely love for them to come here. I think they have lots of vegan options. I have so many food allergies–I have to be dairy, soy, and gluten free in order not to feel sick all the time. I think this would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and give us so many more options.

  • Lynne April 13, 2010 (5:18 pm)

    Another omnivore looking to eat more plants says YES!

  • CurlyQ April 13, 2010 (5:19 pm)

    What Grrr said–Cafe Flora is brilliant! I love me some Oaxaca Tacos. Mmmmm….

  • TB April 13, 2010 (5:19 pm)

    this Non-vegetarian would love it! Come on w/ the fab restaurants

  • Richard April 13, 2010 (5:31 pm)

    This would be a great addition to West Seattle! After scrambling to entertain two vegan Brits last summer, I discovered that Carmela’s (Greenwood), Cafe Flora (MadPark) and Chaco’s (Univ. Distr.) are the three major players…..so I say bring it on over to the West Side!

  • MAS April 13, 2010 (5:31 pm)

    Checked my teeth, still an omnivores – but love the vegan Thai place on 45th. (Avaia?) Good flavorful food is always welcome.

  • Bob Loblaw April 13, 2010 (5:37 pm)

    I’m holding out for a strip club still. But, if you must, please bring your delicious cuisine to our ‘hood.

  • nkmcalli April 13, 2010 (5:37 pm)

    Yes!!! Veg for 18 years. Will definitely eat at your place.

  • Ann A April 13, 2010 (5:40 pm)

    Welcome . . . Welcome . . . Welcome

  • Andrea April 13, 2010 (5:47 pm)

    Yes please! I love Chaco Canyon but so rarely make it to the U District. As an omnivore, I’d welcome this healthy dining choice… it would bring some fabulous vegetarian/vegan choices to our neighborhood!

  • SarahScoot April 13, 2010 (5:47 pm)

    There are some in this thread who don’t seem to understand how to get a good restaurant like this to expand our direction. First of all, we need to get Chaco Canyon here *before* making all sorts of demands. What is it about some Seattleites that makes them feel so entitled to impose *demands* on a business, much less one that hasn’t even determined if it will open a location here.
    “Make comfort food!” “Make sure it’s kid-friendly!” “Offer fast takeout!” “Don’t be too weird!”
    I’m glad the majority of posts here are simply open-arms welcomes, but for the others, geez, at least wait until the restaurant signs a lease before outing yourselves as such high-maintenance potential customers.
    Chaco Canyon Cafe obviously operates on a good business model. *If* they open here in WS, odds are they’ll maintain the same business model, and maybe tweak it for the WS demographic, so chill out with the premature demands, please.

  • westseattle5 April 13, 2010 (5:47 pm)

    Yes! We would love a vegetarian restaurant that is also kid friendly.

  • Cindy April 13, 2010 (5:48 pm)

    Please come, we will wholeheartedly support you!

  • Twicksea April 13, 2010 (5:55 pm)

    YES, please! Vegetarian, organic, and gluten free options, be still my beating heart. I’m a gf girl, my guy is vegetarian/tries to be vegan. As you might imagine,the dinner party invitations have dropped off…hmmmm….. We love West Seattle but it’s a little lacking in just this kind of veggie restaurant. Would be a nice addition to the community and fill a void. (Full disclosure: we have also been trying to lobby Portage Bay Cafe so if anyone wants to join on that bandwagon please do!) Chaco Canyon come on over!

  • dawsonct April 13, 2010 (5:55 pm)

    A vegetarian restaurant with a drive-through; I hope I never see the day.
    Actually, would like to see the heavy environmental footprint places close their drive-throughs down, they cause enough damage as it is, but I KNOW I will never see the day THAT happens.

    Haven’t eaten there, but they come enthusiastically recommended by my vegetarian/vegan friends. I think moving to W. Seattle would be an excellent business decision for them. No problems with an over-saturated market.

  • A.L. April 13, 2010 (6:00 pm)

    West Seattle could definitely use more vegetarian options and I’ve heard great things about Chaco Canyon – I would gladly welcome them to the neighborhood.

  • blueovalobject April 13, 2010 (6:00 pm)

    organic and vegetarian is exactly what we need in west seattle! I would eat there all the time! gluten free, please.

  • Carole April 13, 2010 (6:02 pm)

    Yes, please…it would be great to have a vegetarian restaurant in WS!

  • SarahScoot April 13, 2010 (6:07 pm)

    Oh my, I missed the request for a freaking *drive-through* on my first read. Gah, people, stop making West Seattle look like it’s inhabited by a bunch of no-taste hicks.

  • Kate April 13, 2010 (6:21 pm)

    Good god, yes! And I like “weird” items (sorry, “a mommy”) . . . since that usually means something more creative than the usual boring veggie burger.

  • Been here a long time April 13, 2010 (6:27 pm)

    The drive through idea makes me laugh. I’ve been to states that have drive through liquor stores. There’s a fun thought huh?

  • EmmyJane April 13, 2010 (6:28 pm)

    Yes. YES! PLEEEEASE!

  • naomi April 13, 2010 (6:36 pm)

    Yes, I would totally eat there.

  • April Long April 13, 2010 (7:03 pm)

    Yes please! If it is moderately priced, and tasty, i would be a frequent customer for sure. And so would my husband, and many friends who i force to eat veggie with me whenever we go out together.

  • Born To Be Mild April 13, 2010 (7:11 pm)

    The reason West Seattle is inhabited by a bunch of no-taste hicks is because we lived here before it was cool.

  • jennifer April 13, 2010 (7:18 pm)

    YES YES Please!!!

  • Smitty April 13, 2010 (7:21 pm)

    Looks like you have your answer.

    I won’t be stopping by though – sorry – but I need blood, baby!

  • GenHillOne April 13, 2010 (7:21 pm)

    Well, don’t know that I’m adding anything after 120 comments, but it’s a niche that needs to be filled for sure. And this carnivore enjoys variety and branching out. Hoping it would have a welcoming vibe to non-vegitarians (read: no preaching or scolding) as well and that I wouldn’t be forced to wear a scarlet C if I chose to dine there!

  • mreed April 13, 2010 (7:24 pm)

    Another Hell yes.

  • S.B. April 13, 2010 (7:38 pm)

    Yes, but it appears you might have some parking issues. . .

  • Lesley April 13, 2010 (7:39 pm)

    Please yes!!

  • JK April 13, 2010 (8:16 pm)

    Yes!!!!! Come Over! We need you!

  • A April 13, 2010 (8:18 pm)

    Count me as #137 for a YES YES YES HELLLLLL YES!

    I’m another flexatarian! Used to be veg, but life changed and I had to incorporate some meats. However, I still prefer to eat veggie most days. I would absolutely eat there twice a month or so. If there were some options for super high protein meals, then maybe even more often.

  • KR April 13, 2010 (8:26 pm)

    YES, YES, YES!!!!

  • HR April 13, 2010 (8:33 pm)

    If the food is fabulous we will come!

  • Lorraine Cunningham April 13, 2010 (8:50 pm)

    Yes please come to WS!

  • Becki April 13, 2010 (8:53 pm)

    I think it’s unanimous!! My question is will the space be big enough for this great response?? :)

  • seg April 13, 2010 (8:55 pm)

    WOOOOHOOOOO

  • Louise April 13, 2010 (9:11 pm)

    I will support it if it’s organic!

  • Audrey April 13, 2010 (9:27 pm)

    I’ve been hoping for just this type of restaurant in WS for years. I’d especially appreciate kid-friendly veg options, ie, smaller portions and fun flavors.

  • jno April 13, 2010 (9:28 pm)

    Yes, please!!

    I really hope this is not a Trader Joe’s-type rumor!

  • shoemama April 13, 2010 (9:36 pm)

    O h , Y E S ! ! !

  • West-Sider April 13, 2010 (9:41 pm)

    Yes…Please!

  • Marc Mowger April 13, 2010 (9:51 pm)

    Heck yes!

  • Sharonn April 13, 2010 (10:09 pm)

    This is wonderful! I can walk to the Y and have breakfast on the way home…perfect.

  • Wendy April 13, 2010 (10:22 pm)

    I LOVE Chaco Canyon – if one were here in West Seattle, I would eat there regularly or more….
    Yes, please!!!!

  • rawkergrrrl April 13, 2010 (10:25 pm)

    Finally!!! I’ve been dreaming that something like this would open here on the Westside!!! It’s the one thing we’re a little short on, great vegitarian options. So excited by the thought!!!!!

  • rb April 13, 2010 (10:36 pm)

    YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!
    Bring RAW to WEST SEATTLE!
    YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!

  • Ruben April 13, 2010 (10:36 pm)

    Do it. Do it.

  • LyndaB April 13, 2010 (11:02 pm)

    i’ve been there only once and had their zucchini ginger muffin. i love it! please come here!

  • hypechick April 13, 2010 (11:22 pm)

    Indeed!

  • WSB April 13, 2010 (11:23 pm)

    For anyone interested in reading all the comments on this topic, it should be noted that the link on our Facebook page has drawn more than 50 comments (and 30-plus “likes”) … not sure how much overlap if any, but if you haven’t friended us yet on Facebook:
    http://facebook.com/westseattleblog
    .
    The status with the comments on this is linked directly here:
    http://www.facebook.com/westseattleblog?v=wall&story_fbid=117847418227295

  • grr April 13, 2010 (11:26 pm)

    Hey Bob L!! Maybe they can team up with Hooters and make a Vegetarian strip club!!

  • emilee April 13, 2010 (11:39 pm)

    oui, s’il vous plait!

    especially (non-fried) tofu dishes. my tofu cravings are only satisfied at PCC.

    I’ve honestly eaten only salads for 4 years at restaurants.

  • Liz April 14, 2010 (12:40 am)

    I’m down for a veggie strip club!!! Nudity or not, I vote yes for more organic/veggie/vegan choices for restaurants!!!!

  • Butterscotch April 14, 2010 (4:13 am)

    I have a lot of food allergies. A lot. I’ve been vegan for 10 years (and glute-free for two) because of it. Vegan food other than phõ and salad is quite hard to come by here on the westside. If Chaco Canyon came to West Seattle I’d never have to leave the island!

    P.S. The only beer Chaco Canyon has on draft (or had three months ago when I was last there) in their u district store is our own Elliott Bay Brewery, the ONLY organic beer brewed in the city. Yay West Seattle!

  • Trina April 14, 2010 (5:35 am)

    OMG!!!!!!Oui Oui!!! Ja Ja!!!! Si Si!!!! YES SIR!!! Get your butt over here and feed us some veggies!!! I LOVE VEGETARIAN!!!! And meat;)

  • Jennifer H. April 14, 2010 (6:53 am)

    Yes, please come–we need all the veggie friendly places we can get!

  • matt c April 14, 2010 (7:22 am)

    yesyesyesyes!!!!!!!!!!

  • Lisa April 14, 2010 (7:34 am)

    Works for me! I don’t live in WS, but it would be great to be able to pick up a tasty vegan sandwich on the way to Bev Place for a brew!

  • dd April 14, 2010 (7:45 am)

    yes, please.

  • Samantha April 14, 2010 (8:04 am)

    I live in WS and don’t get to UW enough to enjoy the delights of Chaco Canyon enough. Please come!!!! I would really love it if Chaco would bring the veggie juice bar too!!

  • dawsonct April 14, 2010 (8:16 am)

    At least drive-through liquor stores have some utility, especially if they have drinks to-go, like in Louisiana!

  • Kat in HighPoint April 14, 2010 (8:28 am)

    Yes please! You’d be surprised how many restaurants haven’t caught on to the fact that they would be wise to offer meat-free dishes (yes, that means not cooking with chicken stock too). Vegetarians are increasing in number and we are getting tired of ordering salads and mac and cheese when we go out.
    .
    Any other veg’s heard this one? “Do you offer any vegetarian options?” Answer, “We have a turkey burger…”
    .
    Yikes.
    .
    Please come!

  • Gerald T. April 14, 2010 (9:08 am)

    NO! (Just for the helluv it) Now bring us those tasty little veggie morsels!

  • Cris April 14, 2010 (9:11 am)

    There used to be a place in the U-district called “Flowers?” Is it still there? Anyways, it was vegetarian and SOOOOOOOOOOO Good! They had such a variety… I remember thinking, is this ALL vegetarian? And, it was!! great stuff. If it can be that good, who needs meat?

  • tony April 14, 2010 (9:16 am)

    Count me in as another potential regular customer! I love the U district location but I nearly never get over to that part of town. I’ve been living in West Seattle for almost a decade now and as the years pass I find it harder and harder to cross the bridge. So please enable my increasingly immobile lifestyle and come to the west side!

  • Lynaia April 14, 2010 (9:20 am)

    We over at the Wax Bar would looooooooove it!!

  • Cheryl April 14, 2010 (9:32 am)

    I’m not a vegetarian (& never will be – God gave me these beautiful SHARP incisors for a reason), but I welcome the addition of a vegetarian food joint to West Seattle for those who are.

  • Drew April 14, 2010 (9:48 am)

    Meat good-veggies bad

  • KBear April 14, 2010 (9:54 am)

    Sounds like West Seattle is in favor of this.

  • Angela April 14, 2010 (10:10 am)

    Not that you necessarily NEED another yes vote….. but YES ABSOLUTELY YES PLEASE!!!!! As Y said, I will also trade you money for food if you come here. :)

  • Wallflower April 14, 2010 (10:14 am)

    will I be able to request bacon if I want it? Other restaurants are usually shamed into providing veggie alternatives to many dishes. I would find it insensitive to my beliefs otherwise.

  • me April 14, 2010 (10:16 am)

    I am not vegan, vegetarian, or have any food restrictions. However, some friends do fall into some of those categories. A Chaco’s in WS would accomodate all their needs. Chaco’s respects and honors the “alternative” approach to food these days.
    I’ve eaten at the other Chaco’s and truly enjoy the variety, quality, and flavor of food available in one place. WS welcomes you, Chaco’s!

  • sarelly April 14, 2010 (10:47 am)

    Would like a vegan restaurant or one with vegan options.

    :)

  • KBear April 14, 2010 (10:52 am)

    “will I be able to request bacon if I want it? Other restaurants are usually shamed into providing veggie alternatives to many dishes. I would find it insensitive to my beliefs otherwise.”

    …and hopefully they would not fry it on any grill that was ever contaminated by vegetables!

  • chefphil April 14, 2010 (12:03 pm)

    I DEFINITELY think this is a good idea! West Seattle and especially that area needs some quality restaurants that serve healthy food. I encourage all of my clients to eat a more healthy balanced diet without all of the fast-food processed JUNK that is so readily available. Let’s make healthy food more readily available! I say YES!

  • tim rose April 14, 2010 (12:18 pm)

    YES! There are many vegetarians in West Seattle. It would be welcome.

  • juniebug April 14, 2010 (1:14 pm)

    I have been wondering for YEARS why there is no vegetarian restaurant in WS. We are not vegetarian but often eat veggie meals. Recently ate at Plum on Capital Hill, which is vegan, and it was very good. I’ll join the hundreds of responses and agree that we’d love to have a vegetarian restaurant in WS!

  • jbraitsch April 14, 2010 (3:08 pm)

    I would love to patronize Chaco Canyon more, but I am never in that area of the city. Please expand down to West Seattle! More options = more better!

  • neighborly April 14, 2010 (3:56 pm)

    Yes, and how about a children’s play area where parents can watch their kids play while dining? Parents are wanting such a place over here.

  • Bruce April 14, 2010 (4:55 pm)

    The menu sounds very popular.
    Wonder why they don’t *recycle* an existing empty space in West Seattle, instead of moving into an unecessary and wasteful new constuction?

  • Escondido April 14, 2010 (5:06 pm)

    Count me in. WS really needs this kind of restaurant. I’ll be there opening day!

  • Michele April 14, 2010 (5:27 pm)

    Yum. Organic, yes!

  • gayle April 14, 2010 (5:46 pm)

    Yes yes yes!

  • Meg April 14, 2010 (6:01 pm)

    Yes! Gluten free and vegan options too please! Lots of vegetarians here in West Seattle :).

  • Margaret April 14, 2010 (6:02 pm)

    I’m a vegan and I’m sick and tired of the hummus plate I get at most everywhere else, PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE come to West Seattle! I promise patronage!

  • earthwalker April 14, 2010 (6:05 pm)

    It would be awsome to have someplace to go for vegan food closer then the U-District Also.

  • earthwalker April 14, 2010 (6:07 pm)

    It would be awsome to have someplace to go for vegan food closer then the U-District. Also it is really nice to have a place to get good organic food. I think it is a great idea. Can’t wait for the grand opening.

  • Suzanne April 14, 2010 (9:07 pm)

    YES!!!!!! I’d be an immediate regular!!!

  • Dina J. April 15, 2010 (5:21 am)

    Yes!!! A nice mid-priced place with vegetarian and gluten-free options would triple my restaurant attendance!

  • Rick April 15, 2010 (6:28 am)

    My family would frequent an organic vegetarian cafe. It would compliment Elliott Bay Brewing, Mashiko, Fresh Bistro, Cupcake Royale, and the many other sustainability minded restaurants in WS.

  • Keith Rowley April 15, 2010 (7:27 am)

    YESSS!!!

  • Sarah April 15, 2010 (7:32 am)

    A dream come true! Delighted! West Seattle is abundantly ripe for this. Have you noticed that business is thriving in the area of wellness with venues for “fitness”, yoga, and massage around every corner. As well as being a hotspot for more conscious living lightly such as with with our local org. http://www.sustainablewestseattle.org/
    But, one can not even find a decent (organic / vegetarian) salad anywhere on this whole peninsula, let alone juice! I am a long time Chaco Canyon fan tired of traveling up and down this town without a monorail! Bring it on to W.S., Please! What are you waiting for? This will be so compatible with the extension of the business I am in the process of launching; “Friendly Footwear” for kids as an addition to our long established children’s and maternity consignment shop, Again & a Gain http://www.againandagain.net
    Like Chaco Canyon’s plant based fare, Friendly Footwear is not only friendly for children, but also for the planet and all the creatures on it because it is all leather free!
    My only regrets about your possible plan is that I haven’t brought my own vision for an organic juice / wine bar to fruition first, and, that I may as well just have my paycheck directly deposited over to you all because I am sure to be a regular, Feed me! This will fly.

  • Chessa April 15, 2010 (8:07 am)

    Yes! Yes! Yes!!! Please please come. West Seattle is sadly lacking in vegetarian fare. It’s pretty silly that we have to drive to Georgetown or the U district for veg restaurants. So please, please come! We would be dedicated patrons. :)

  • Anna April 15, 2010 (8:19 am)

    Would be wonderful for West Seattle!!

  • Chad April 15, 2010 (8:32 am)

    I can’t guarantee that we’ll eat there once a day, but once every other day isn’t out of the question. My family of four is DYING for this, so please do come to West Seattle.

  • Woohoo April 15, 2010 (8:40 am)

    Yes, yes, yes! We need more *organic* and veggie choices in West Seattle. There is definitely a market here. That said, I also agree with much of Roche’s comments. Do a bit more than just wraps and sandwiches.

  • Tim April 15, 2010 (8:41 am)

    I must say, it is so exciting to see this overwhelming response. So, what is the comment from the restaurant?
    It is exciting to see so many other vegans live here. . . .it would also offer a way for us to connect.

  • Jill April 15, 2010 (8:57 am)

    Haven’t been, but sounds awesome, another yes, please!

  • Stina April 15, 2010 (9:08 am)

    I would love to have Chaco Canyon so close. The one time I made it out there, they printed a custom menu for me. I have gluten/soy/dairy/nut allergies, and the custom menu listed all the food items I could eat. I have never had better service, or better vegetarian food!

  • zendina April 15, 2010 (9:26 am)

    Vegetarian restaurant in WS? Yes, please. However, it has been my experience that many vegetarian–especially vegan–restaurants tend to be less concerned with cleanliness than is required to feel comfortable in a restaurant.
    I can only speculate as to why that is but I’ll not do that here. Please come to WS and please be a place where people can eat food on a spotless plate that has been prepared in a spotless kitchen and then can go to a spotless bathroom. Just sayin’.

  • Gigi April 15, 2010 (10:12 am)

    Yes, please! I would love to have a restaurant that would help with healthier eating choices. I have just begun to explore the wonders of quinoa, lentils and freekah, and want to slowly add more organic foods to my diet. So far, I have noticed it requires a bit more effort on my part to shop for and prepare healthier meals, so having Chaco in WS would really help!

  • Kim April 15, 2010 (10:24 am)

    A vegetarian restaurant is long overdue in West Seattle!! I wanted to respond to the comment that a restaurant shouldn’t cater to any *one* style, be it vegatarian, vegan, whatever.

    There are, however, many restaurants here that cater solely to meat or seafood. Why not have one place out of a couple dozen or so restaurants that cater to veg?

    The balance is way out of proportion.

  • karenanne April 15, 2010 (12:25 pm)

    YES PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Mark April 15, 2010 (3:54 pm)

    Please come to West Seattle, Chaco Canyon! I just drove from WS to your U-District shop last night wishing you were closer.

  • Marvel April 16, 2010 (6:22 am)

    West Seattle needs your kind of restaurant!!!!!!!!!!!! Please come our way!!

  • sam April 16, 2010 (9:09 am)

    re: “But, one can not even find a decent (organic / vegetarian) salad anywhere on this whole peninsula”- Sarah

    I don’t know if it is organic, but the quinoa garbanzo salad at Elliott Bay Brewery pub is excellent !!! I’m not vegetarian, but decided to try this as an alternative to a burger one night. I was really surprised at how tasty it was. It was only the 2nd time I’ve had quinoa, and it made me a fan.

    btw, what is the difference between a flexitarian and omnivore?

  • Sheila April 16, 2010 (9:13 am)

    I think it would be a great addition to West Seattle and would be well supported by our community. We eat at Cafe Flora a lot and love the food there. We would love a veggie alternative closer to home!

  • AMY April 16, 2010 (12:35 pm)

    MAKE IT AND WE WILL COME….:) SI SI AMIGO!

  • Kristina April 16, 2010 (1:46 pm)

    For Sam:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexitarian

    Flexitarianism is a semi-vegetarian diet focusing on vegetarian food with occasional meat consumption. A self-described flexitarian seeks to decrease meat consumption without eliminating it entirely from his or her diet. There are no guidelines for how much or how little meat one must eat before being classified a flexitarian. Flexitarianism is distinguished from pescetarianism (i.e., one who eats only fish in addition to vegetarian foods), as well as pollotarianism (i.e., one who eats only poultry in addition to vegetarian foods).[1]

    In 2003, the American Dialect Society voted flexitarian as the year’s most useful word and defined it as “a vegetarian who occasionally eats meat”.[2]

    I guess I’m a flexitarian. :-)

  • alkira April 16, 2010 (10:06 pm)

    Oh please, yes! More vegan restaurants!

    I don’t understand why someone would drive a hybrid, but eat tortured animals and support herding that is destroying the Amazon rainforest.

    Even if you don’t want to be vegan, please consider removing meat from your diet one day per week. Bean, nuts, they’re delicious. The planet.. and your waistline.. will love you for it. I promise!

  • james April 16, 2010 (10:16 pm)

    Indeed!!! Please

  • kendra little April 17, 2010 (1:00 am)

    I checked out the Chaco Canyon menu, and if you had a place here in west seattle with a juice bar and those quinoa bows, I am sure I would visit often!

    I don’t go to the u-district often, but I sometimes lunch at Healeo in Cap Hill and I would love a healthy place closer to home.

  • peopledust April 17, 2010 (6:53 pm)

    Oh! I am so very excited at the idea of having a vegetarian hang out in my hood! Please, please open! You will not regret it. :)

  • Ian Page-Echols April 25, 2010 (11:03 pm)

    I go to the U district Chaco every once in a while. I’d likely go more often to one that would be closer to my day to day activities in West Seattle.

  • Dave April 28, 2010 (3:52 pm)

    YES….PLEASE!

  • tina meana April 29, 2010 (11:06 am)

    This is making me so hungry….! I am going to make myself a big o avacado and tomato sandwich on white rustic bread (seasoned with mayo, salt and pepper) and wash it all down with a big glass of apple juice.

  • Nancy R April 30, 2010 (4:48 am)

    That would be fabulous. We would go there for sure.

  • grr May 2, 2010 (5:08 pm)

    this would be great..especially if they dive into the Gluten Free side of desserts and foods as well.

  • Neko May 3, 2010 (6:04 pm)

    Missed this post the first time around, so I would just like to add another YEAH! to the thread.

    Thank you for thinking of us here in WS! We need you!

  • Kirstin May 9, 2010 (7:34 am)

    Definitely would frequent your establishment! Your restaurant is fabulous.

  • erin May 10, 2010 (8:29 pm)

    YES!!! We love your food and would love it to be near us!!!

Sorry, comment time is over.