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What are some thoughts of the restaurants on Alki Beach

Started 3 years ago by glocson
Latest reply from Zenguy

glocson
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I'm curious to hear some ratings/complaints etc of the restaurants down there. For example are the servers here or there rude,nice,too slow, etc. I think we should be "somewhat" nice or gentle in our ratings. They aren't exactly the Herbfarm......

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
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Went to Bamboo once. Mediocre food and inattentive service on a really slow day. Not someplace I'm inclined to go back to.

Cactus was tasty, busy, and made for a nice evening out.

Starbucks & Tully's really don't count as restaurants, but the times I've dropped in they've both been clean, efficient and kid-friendly.

Posted 3 years ago #
alkiguy
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My favorite is Siam Pura, the Thai place right above Casa Feliz‎, next to Pepperdocks. Not only the best Thai food I've had, but some of the best food period. Their Tom Kah soup is pure heaven. Other favorites are the Zesty Prawns and Beef Larb. And of course the owners Poa and Sukanya are extremely courteous.

Posted 3 years ago #
westseattledood
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My vote for extreme affordability AND quality and really nice owners: Sun Fish.

I love their chowder, especially after a beach walk on a day like today.

Heck, I think I like just about everything they offer. And, when I order a single piece of fish (halibut or cod) with a greek salad, the guys ALWAYS give me an extra piece. Probably because I'm cute or something ;).

It's not going to win awards for high concepts or innovations, but it is very good fish which they find and cook really, really simply, but to great effect. Plus, the views are, of course, world-class.

Among their fairly extensive choices, for being a seafood bar, there is a nice seafood shish-kabob kind of thing they have that is very nice, but I need to be very hungry for that. It's a good amount of food.

They don't take plastic though, I don't think. And, I'm not sure if they are back from vacation. I think it is every other year they close for a month around the holidays to go visit their peeps in Greece. So heads up about that.

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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Alkiguy are you serious about the Thai food? i went there once and was extremely disappointed. There phad Thai couldnt even be classified as okay in my book. Maybe I'll have to give them a second try.

Irukandji your review about Cactus is spot on. The servers there always seem nice, the food is always beyond satisfying, and the view is perfect!

Depending on the server The Swell can be okay.

Sunfish is good and quick. And for coffee you have to try The Pioneer Coffee House next to Slices. Great coffee and sooo friendly! They do have wine and beer, too. :) :)

Posted 3 years ago #
j
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This is a great post. I was wondering the same thing about Casa Feliz down on Alki. Anyone been there?

When we usually go down to Alki to eat it's either Pegasus or the Celtic Swell. We love going to the Swell. The service is usually great and they have good food.

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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I have been to Casa Feliz a few times. Nothing spectacular but on a nice day is pretty good. nothing like the god awful Coyotes that used to be where Pegasus is now...

I had forgotten all about Pegasus, which we also love.

Posted 3 years ago #
herongrrrl
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Sunfish rocks for fish and chips, chowder, and the BEST tartar sauce ever. Their coleslaw is much better than most fish and chips places too.

I've had good and not so great experiences at Pegasus. Love their Tom's Special and Greek pizzas and their meatball subs. The salads are sometimes a little monotonous.

The Celtic Swell has good pub fare, including very nice English style fish and chips and tasty Irish stew.

Alki Bakery has delicious breakfast sandwiches that I wish they would serve after 10am!

I will have to check out Siam Pura. I was very unimpressed with Casa Feliz the only time we went there.

Pepperdocks is a big hit with most of my household for quick takeout and ice cream/shakes.

Haven't tried Cactus yet, but have yet to hear anything negative about it.

Posted 3 years ago #
Sue
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I rarely eat at Alki (don't usually feel like fighting for parking), but every year my boss gives me a gift card to Cactus (since he eats at the one near his house in Kirkland). The card usually gets us 2 meals there. I think the food is good and the service is decent - always very friendly. I like that you can eat inexpensively there (if you avoid the appetizers and drinks). I honestly never think to go except when I have the card. Wouldn't say it is the best food on earth, but a pleasant experience. We just went today for lunch, but usually otherwise go midweek for dinner when it's a bit quieter.

Posted 3 years ago #
glocson
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I've always had fun at Bamboo. The Celtic Swell is fun too. My favorite is eating at Slices on a summer day. The Homestead would have to be one of my top picks too. That building is THE coolest on the beach. I wish there was a Arby's down there along the beach. lol:)

Posted 3 years ago #
BobLoblaw
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+1 for Cactus. It is Bob Loblaw's home away from home.

Posted 3 years ago #
Jill
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Thanks for starting this post, glocson, we've often wondered the same thing and have been disappointed more often than not, so we stopped trying. Have a coupla bits to add. I'm surprised no one's mentioned Phoenicia yet. Does anyone else have an opinion on this place? We've been there only twice ever, and I remember thinking the food was really nice. We didn't go back because, despite the fact that the owner is a lovely person, he pretty much tells you what you will eat. He never made a bad recommendation (quite the opposite), but we're just not comfortable with that kind of service, and we ended up spending more than we expected (and being charged for things that we didn't expect because of the way they were presented to us without us asking for them). If you know that ahead of time, it's probably different. Other people we know love going there, so I suppose it's just all in what you're looking for when you go out. We generally just want to relax anti-socially. :)

Besides that, another vote for Cactus here, too. Have eaten a lot at the Mad Park location and keep forgetting it's on Alki now!

Posted 3 years ago #
pigeonmom
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Lol! I must not be cute enough for Sunfish. Been there twice in 10 years and for some strange reason the guy behind the counter seems to hate me.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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i thin at the phoenecia.. if you allow him to take over your menu.. you have to also give him a budget:)

but the food is always incredible.

i really like the sunfish kabob and am looking forward to going back.

Posted 3 years ago #
Jo
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I live at Alki, so have eaten at most of the places.
>Sunfish is the best fish and chips anywhere, I think. Michael, one of the owner-brothers, can seem somewhat gruff, but that's part of the charm of the place. When he likes you, he looooooves you. They always take the month of December off to visit family in Crete, so should be getting back to reopen soon. When my adult kids come to visit, they always want to go to Sunfish.
>Bamboo has good hamburgers, but it's so noisy, and kind of tacky inside. Don't go if I can help it.
>Love the Indian Fry Bread and Steak Salad at Cactus. And almost everything I've had there has been good. Service is very attentive without being overbearing.
>Not crazy about Pegasus pizza - actually not much of a pizza eater at all. But it seems to be a very popular place as there's always lines.
>Hate Spuds Fish and Chips - really greasy, heavy breading on fish. But, it's an institution in Seattle and almost always packed.
>Loved Siam Pura when the original owners were there. They went back to Thailand a couple of years ago, and sold the restaurant and menu, and it's simply not the same. Don't go much anymore.
>Never go to Duke's. Expensive and noisy.
>Celtic Swell - everything I've had there has been very good. Good service, too.
>The Homestead has changed abit since Doris Nelson died, but if you want ambience, that's the place to go. Tablecloths and cloth napkins. The building is beautiful. My family has gone there quite a few times on special occasions. It's really a good place for that kind of thing. I like their fried chicken.
>I've always liked the menu (and food) at the Alki Cafe. It has limited hours in the winter, closes at 2 or 3pm, I think, and not open for dinner.
>The best food on the beach - and my favorite - is Phoenicia.
Hussein does have a tendency to want to 'create' something 'special' for everyone, so if you don't want him to , and want to order off the menu, all you need to do it tell him. He's a real restauranteur.

Posted 3 years ago #
Crowe
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Pioneer Coffee is great! Nothing else on Alki compares. Sorry the Thai place is not good. There are many other Thai places in Seattle to go to that are worth the drive. Sun Fish is stellar. the owners are Greek. They don't hate anybody, just the way they are. They are no fuss, good food people. And my son and I love to go to Pegasus. The Tom's special is the fav. Happy eating!

Posted 3 years ago #
Jo
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Oh, yeah, and the Alki Bakery as very good sandwiches and salads.

Posted 3 years ago #
HMC Rich
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Jo pretty much nailed it, except for some personal differences. Cactus and their Fry Bread - Oh my expanding tummy!

Phoenicia is excellent but it is true about being guided towards a fine meal by the owner. Get your wallet out!

My British Wife likes the fish and chips best at the Celtic Swell. (Of course nobody here in the US does it quite right in her opinion).

I like the Alki Cafe, but my wife says it is not quite as good as it used to be. We still go there quite often.

Pepperdock for no frills burger and fries. Alki Bakery for sandwiches and a cinnamon bun.

We like Dukes better in the summer when you can sit outside. Very business like but the chowders are good.

I just wish Yasuko's (don't remember what it is called now) was down on Alki.

Posted 3 years ago #
Alki Res.
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How about Christo's??? They pour a great drink... maybe that's why I don't remember the food:-) My Mom loves Duke$... I go there when she's buying;-) Want to check out the Swell again...was there ages ago. Pegasus' shrimp salad, yum... but they need to remove the 'S' off artichoke heartS in it's description:-( The Bamboo... I go there... but rude, snotty people work there:-[ The Cactus, want to try it again... but miss the grocery store... with the Lotto machine! Have to go to Safeway... and I don't walk there:-| Alki has changed alot in the last several years. I hope it can stay the most wonderful place I know!!! Alki Elem. Grad.:-))

Posted 3 years ago #
Gina
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I liked Spud's under the old ownership, now the best fish and chips is at Alki Crab Co., number 2 is Sunfish. I like them both, but view and parking in the winter gives Alki Crab Co. the edge.
Pepperdock has a good burger and onion rings. Pegasus is okay for pizza, I prefer a thin, thin crust, but most people prefer the crust served at Pegasus. The toppings are quite tasty, I won't argue that!
Alki Bakery is the best place to pick up one snickerdoodle.

Posted 3 years ago #
pigeonmom
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The owners of Kokoras are Greek and they are gracious and welcoming.

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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Our favs:
1. Phoenicia's always great. Lovely dining experience.
2. Bubbles (across from the water taxi) has wonderful sandwiches, coffee and bubble drinks/bobas.
3. Celtic Swell: consistently good pub fare.
4. Sunfish has options other than fried; had a really warm conversation with the owner.

Is Pioneer Coffee serving tapas?

Posted 3 years ago #
waterworld
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I adore Phoenicia and Hussein. I can imagine some would be surprised by his friendliness or tendency to want to cook something "just for you." It's certainly not what we are used to around here, and I don't go there if I'm feeling antisocial. I've always found him to be responsive to my statements about what I feel like spending. And the great thing about letting him help you decide what to eat is that he uses the opportunity to cook things that aren't on the menu to take advantage of the best, freshest things he's got in the kitchen. We run into him constantly at the Farmer's Market, buying stuff to use at the restaurant. I like it that he stays local.

Hussein does fantastic catering, too. I hired him to prepare appetizers for a small office function, and he went over the top with wonderful food at a fantastic price. He just wanted everyone to be happy at our gathering. He's really a warm and incredibly generous person.

Posted 3 years ago #
Cait
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Pigeonmom - Mike and Peter over at Sunfish can be a little gruff particularly if it's busy. But they love fish, they love the customers and they're hospitable if it's slow. My boyfriend worked there for a while and they treated him like family. Their food is great and even if they can get a little short with you, they're nice. :)

I highly recommend The Celtic Swell. I can't recommend it enough.

Posted 3 years ago #
JanS
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I agree about Alki Crab...good taste in the mouth there !!

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous
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It might be interesting to check for reviews on Yelp
http://www.yelp.com/seattle
and Health Dept. restaurant inspection records
http://www.decadeonline.com/main.phtml?agency=skc

Posted 3 years ago #
RainyDay1235
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I agree Celtic Swell is a great place for good old-fashioned pub food. Just as good as Elliot Bay BrewPub. Good service too. Note: The irish soda (non-toasted) bread is to die for!

Used to love Alki Cafe...it has gone downhill in both service and food quality. Won't be back.

Posted 3 years ago #
alki_2008
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Pioneer Coffee has their tapas now. Not quite what I had been expecting, so a bit of a disappointment. Their tapas are pre-plated arrangemnts of cheeses, olives, etc. They still have panini sandwiches though.

Anyone have opinions of the food at Christo's. How do their pizzas compare with Pegasus?

Posted 3 years ago #
roundthesound
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The Swell has really friendly service and can make any drink you request; make sure you try their soda bread! I prefer Christo's pizza to Pegasus, I like the thinner crust variety. Casa Feliz has a really good lighter fare menu and makes every margarita imaginable. Bamboo is a great place to watch sports and is reasonably priced. Duke's has a really good late night happy hour and nice proportions of food. Spud's has a great upstairs dining area, including lots of pictures with Alki/West Seattle history, food is a little greasy but what fried food isn't? Pepperdock is the best place for ice cream in the summer. Alki Bakery is my favorite spot for coffee/hot chocolate; they also have a great light lunch menu in addition to their lovely pastries. Alki Cafe is terrible; I would rather eat cardboard, it's way overpriced, and the service is seriously lacking. I'm also very thankful for the market, it's saved me from so many trips 'up the hill'.

Posted 3 years ago #
Bayou
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Perhaps I should give the Swell another chance. The one time I went there, it was a nice atmosphere with good service but the food was horribly bland and boring. It left such a bad impression that I haven't been back.

I love Alki Bakery for sandwiches and soup, Dukes for Chowder & a Crab Melt.

Posted 3 years ago #
villagegreen
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Bayou - I'm with ya. Eaten at Celtic Swell twice and both times was disappointed. Can't remember what I had - not a good sign - but do remember it being very bland and overpriced.

Posted 3 years ago #
biankat
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Cactus, for sure. Definitely prefer the Alki location over Madison Park. And I've yet to try the Kirkland one, but I hear it's pretty small.

Posted 3 years ago #
Lex
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I prefer to eat un at the junction. The alki businesses act like you should be happy they were able to find a table for you. Besides the Junction has so much more going on. you can dine at Matador or Jaks,, then walk to Bakery Neauvou for dessert and then to Talerico's for a drink after or do it in reverse. The junction has more diversity as far as restaurants go. Anything from Chines, to Mexican to sushi , great steaks etc...I prefer to go to Alki only during the summer months when you can take a nice walk after the meal.

Posted 3 years ago #
AlkiRagdoll
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Here's my two cents:
Best: Alki Cafe
Worst: too many to name

I live at Alki and have so for 15 years.
>Sunfish - been there once, dont like fried food.
>Bamboo - its a bar, and there is just something about food in bars - not something i want frequently.
>Cactus - next best to Alki Cafe.
>Pegasus pizza - I'm spoiled by Pennsylvania Pizza. Its ok, salads are good.
>Spuds Fish and Chips - WS Icon - really greasy.
>Siam Pura - mediocre. There's better in the junction or Tukwila (bai tong).
>Duke's. Expensive and noisy.
>Celtic Swell - another bar.
>The Homestead - fried chicken, limited menu. Try it once and you have done it.
>Alki Cafe. Service good, food diverse and never a bad meal. Their salmon has been as good as Anthonys for a fraction of the price. Hate their winter hours and wish they would go back to more normal hours.
>Phoenicia. Good, but too fancy for my liking on a regular basis.
>Salty's - great view, mediocre food, great service. Too expensive to do regularly.
>Christos - good, but very spotty food quality. I have had 1 good meal and 3 bad....
>Pepperdock - I just cant make myself go into that dive.

Posted 3 years ago #
hollyplace
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I have eaten at all of the restaurants on Alki except Cristo's and even worked at a couple of them. My favorite is Phoenicia for a nice dinner out. Hussien always makes something amazing, and once when I was sick at home he had my husband bring a plate and some tupperware and packed a meal to send home for me! I enjoy Cactus, Sunfish, the Bahn Mi sandwiches at Bubbles, and the Swell, and love the lobster-pernod chowder at Duke's. I also dream about the gnocci at La Rustica, not really Alki(Beach Drive). I swore that I would never eat at the Alki Cafe again after working there. Some of the food is delicous and some is a bit sketchy but I can honestly say that I haven't ever seen anyone treat their kitchen staff so horribly, very racist.

Posted 3 years ago #
Jill
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Just want to say thanks to those who added helpful info about Phoenicia. Looks like we need to shed a few layers of The Freeze next time, and maybe bring along the friends I mentioned to help us. :)

waterworld, nice to know that you see Hussein at the Sun. market. Hollyplace, your cute story about him sending food home for you when you were sick practically brings tears to my eyes!

Posted 3 years ago #
Zenguy
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I cannot believe no one has mentioned La Rustica, granted it is a bit further down the beach but I think it qualifies as Alki.

It is romanic/small depending on your point of view. The bar is really a closet waiting room, I find it charming. The bread is to die for, love it the oysters with spinach, garlic and mascarpone cheese appetizer. A great place in Summer where you can sit outside. Always friendly service, often too busy on a weekend.

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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zenguy, i was just hoping not to give away the secret. :)

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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AlkiRagDoll..

the menu at sunfish included items that aren't deep fried.. and those are well worth going back for.

i don't know about the deep fried items.. i didn't try any:)

Posted 3 years ago #
Zenguy
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Sorry BDG, me and my big mouth...all the better to eat bread and oysters with.

Posted 3 years ago #