Home › Forums › West Seattle Food › What is the best restaurant in West Seattle?
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August 10, 2009 at 8:30 pm #674194
ricoMemberI didn’t think M was putting me down, I thought I was just being called “classic seattle”.
But yeah, I probably do have some of the attitude mentioned, but so what, there are a lot worse attitudes around than that. I think of it more as being patient, give them the benefit of the doubt then when patience wears out simply leave, not so sure why that drives people crazy.
The attitude that you can do anything to anyone or serve anything unless they speak up is much worse in my opinion – push the bar lower until they speak up, what a bunch of crap. M is making it sound like I am the problem here, NO, the crappy attitude of the staff to serve seafood with foodborne illness is the real problem here. Maybe M owns the joint or something.
August 10, 2009 at 8:40 pm #674195
WSMomParticipantI love Bistro Baffi, the Chicken Risotto is beyond compare. I’ve also been happily impressed with the happy hour at Matador, great food at excellent prices. Kokora’s is good, we’ve gotten together with friends to take out Kokora’s gyros to eat over at Beverage Place Pub. Jak’s makes a mean steak and potatoes. The soups and quiches at Blue Willow are delicious and relatively inexpensive.
CMP, what do you order at taco truck #2 in WC? I’ve been hesitant to try food made in vehicles :)
August 10, 2009 at 8:44 pm #674196
swimcatMemberI don’t own EBB; and all I was saying is that Rico displayed a passive aggressive attitude with the experience at EBB. I read the forums frequently and have lived in Seattle for over 20 years, so I see/have seen a lot of passive/aggressive attitudes displayed so if I’m incorrect in believing that is ‘classic’ or typical of Seattlites, I stand corrected.
August 10, 2009 at 10:29 pm #674197
CMPParticipantWSMom, don’t be afraid of the taco truck…it’s good stuff! I’ve only had the tacos (chicken and a spicy pork, I believe) and they’re really good. They’re small, but three is plenty to fill you up. Wish I could say I’d tried more of the food but the tacos hit the spot so I won’t stray from that. What it lacks in ambience, it makes up for in taste!
I also agree that the Tin Room is good, but I haven’t been there for awhile. May have to go tonight unless they’re closed on Mondays like a lot of restaurants.
August 10, 2009 at 10:35 pm #674198
FullTiltParticipantI have eaten almost everything off of that taco truck. They post their health dept inspection reports and they have all been perfect.
My favorite thing on there is the carnitas tacos.
August 10, 2009 at 11:02 pm #674199
hopeyParticipantFullTilt, I’m glad to hear we weren’t the only ones unhappy with the service at Bistro Baffi. We tried it twice. Both times, people who obviously had ties to the owner received over-the-top service, and the rest of us plebes were ignored. Disappointing, as the food we had was pretty good.
We are also fans of Kokoros… another West Seattle restaurant that sometimes has coupons/gift certificates on Restaurant.com, but I’d go there even without the discount. I recently tried the rice pilaf instead of the potatoes, and it was wonderful! Currants, raisins, cinnamon, and I don’t know what else. Very yummy, and a perfect complement to their meats.
August 10, 2009 at 11:35 pm #674200
squareeyesParticipantEchoing several others here – Jaks, Maharajah, Lee’s, Buddha Ruksa, Taqueria Guaymas, and I always forget about Mission – have loved the food each time I’ve been there. Must also get back to Ephesus for some of their perfectly cooked lamb!
August 10, 2009 at 11:40 pm #674201
austinMemberRoyal India is the spot for Indian food in West Seattle! Maharajah is cool cuz they deliver but the lamb at Royal India, Zang. :thumbsup:
August 10, 2009 at 11:50 pm #674202
TacomachineMemberThanks everyone! I agree with some and disagree with others. In my experience and my opinion….
Elliot Bay Brewery -Bad service, bad food
Talaricos – Good food, bad service, takes forever
Fresh Bistro – Good all around
Spring Hill – fantastic food, horrible service
Royal India – bad service, bad food (I found a staple in my soup), showed them and they didn’t take it off the bill.
Boffi – never been, need to try
Lee’s – good all around
Matador – I’m just not cool enough to go here
Rustica – Love it – although it’s a bit cramped
Jak’s – good steak
Ephesus – Great food but a bit overpriced, good service
Kokoras – good all around
Riva – still haven’t been
Thanks everyone. I have some new places to try now.
August 11, 2009 at 12:29 am #674203
AlkiKmacParticipantI’ve seen so many endorsements for EBB that I’ve held off expressing my dislike of them. But since so many of you are attacking people who don’t like EBB, I thought it was time to disclose. The last time I stepped foot into EBB was at least year ago and we ordered 4 appetizers on happy hour special and several beers. As I’m eating, I bite into a plastic bread back clip. Ouch…but I play it cool. Completely lost my appetite and sat there with a nauseated look on my face. The owner came over after we asked our waitress to fetch him and when I explained what happened he basically said, that thing happens sometimes. Gross! He said we didn’t have to pay for that item. Never apologized or even seemed that this was a huge issue. After thinking about it for a bit…and remembering that I used to work in the food industry, I suggested that perhaps he wasn’t offering enough to make amends. I told him I could have made a scene, letting others in the restaurant know what had happened. I didn’t think that was necessary, but I did think we should have had our bill reduced by more than one appetizer, which I told him. No one ate anything else after I bit into the bread bag clip. Finally, the owner discounted our bill more. We still paid for our beers, but the food was discounted 50%.
Although I think their beer is great, it will be a very long time before I eat there again…if ever. Customer retention is not just offering a great product, but also involves how a business resolves problems.
August 11, 2009 at 12:53 am #674204
ricoMemberAlkikmac just provided an explanation of why I did not speak up with the bad oysters. I totally had the feeling from the staff that it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, and is in line with the level of food quality they expect from themselves.
I would however, take a plastic clip in bread any day over an oyster that caused to me to get up and puke later.
BTW the oyster appetizer order was my buddies choice, I have always been a believer of not buying seafood from pubs/bars in the first place, even before I had a bad experience. My intuition was validated.
August 11, 2009 at 2:35 am #674205
luludogMemberSpring Hill is fabulous, but we also tried Fresh Bistro for the first time this weekend and had a fabulous meal – we will certainly return. Great ambiance and creatively prepared in-season foods.
Cactus has good,fresh Mexican food.
Jak’s seems very over rated and the food has such high fat content. Not being a big steak eater, it just doesn’t do it for me at all, or my steak-loving partner for that matter.
August 11, 2009 at 5:00 am #674206
BonnieParticipantI wasn’t happy with Bistro Baffi either. Well, the food was pretty good but we went with a group. I made the reservations and asked about the menu, asking specifically if we could order off the entire menu. (we had gone as a group to the Beach House once and the owner/chef made us order off of a special menu) Anyway, I was told no, we could order off the regular menu and order whatever we wanted.
So when we got there the owner says ‘No, you have to order what I have picked out for you.’ He gave us 6 options, none of them pasta (which is what everybody wanted) and all of them in the $35 range a plate. Mind you, I’m okay with a $35 plate but we were there for a Mom’s Night Out and many of us are on a budget. The food was good, but I didn’t want to order from that limited menu. He refused to let us order from the regular menu. So all of us went with the chicken…the least expensive.
Anyway, while I think the food is very good many of my group said they would never go back because of the way the owner insisted we order off his special menu.
On the flip side, we went to Endolyne Joe’s (notthe best in West Seattle but okay) and we were told in advance we would have to have a special menu and we were able to pick the menu. It was just nice to know in advance what was expected.
August 11, 2009 at 5:34 pm #674207
swimcatMemberI love this blog- I’m not being sarcastic either. It is now 10:30 in the morning and I am hungry for lunch after reading this!! But after reading these reviews, I don’t think I’ll ever try Bistro Baffi. I forgot to mention that I really like the food at Mission too. I rarely go up to the Admiral Junction for dinner so I always forget about it unfortunately.
I’ll keep eating at EBB even though there are some horror stories out there.
August 11, 2009 at 6:00 pm #674208
CMPParticipantEBB food and management problems won’t keep me away, especially since I’ve never really had a problem there. I once found a big hairball in my phad thai at Buddha Ruksa and I got food poisoning from there once (could have been my fault for not refrigerating leftovers soon enough) but I still go back. Everyone has an off day and it’s got to be REALLY off to make me cross a restaurant off my list.
One more good, simple spot is Alki Bakery for the chicken salad sandwich or lasagna. It’s inexpensive and delicious, plus I don’t feel like an outcast if I go down there solo and read a book while I eat.
August 11, 2009 at 6:05 pm #674209
JanSParticipantFWIW, I have never, ever had a bad meal at EBB, and I have been there plenty of times. I, too, like Mission. Are they the BEST place in WS? Probably not. I think Buddha Ruksa is great, I think Jaks is great for what it is, I think that the Mac and Cheese at West5 is great.I love Circa, some people hate it. I suppose it all depends on one’s taste…we’re all different. I’m just glad we have a plethora (love that word-lol) of good places to eat on this side of the bridge :)
August 11, 2009 at 6:48 pm #674210
KBearParticipantThe negative experiences described here are unlike anything I’ve seen at Elliott Bay. I’ve been there dozens if not hundreds of times, have never had bad food there, and very rarely had any problem with the service. My only complaint is that it’s silly to ask how you want your burger cooked, when it’s going to be done medium-well anyway. Even so, the burgers are still tasty. I find their fish and chips among the best in Seattle. The food usually arrives very quickly. The low turnover of staff leads me to believe it’s not a bad place to work. I guess I would be discouraged, too, if 3 out of 3 visits were a bust, but maybe some of you will give them another chance. I know they usually do better than that.
August 11, 2009 at 8:25 pm #674211
sam-cParticipantCMP- I’m with you. about a year and a half ago, we went to Buddha Ruksa. My husband found (bit down on) a little rock in his phad khee mao. about 1/2″ in diameter so maybe more like a little pebble. we’ve been back several times since.
We really like Talaricos and EBB.
I’ve tried so many things at EBB, and have found everything super tasty. I like the burgers, salmon sandwich, hummus, the turkey sandwich, crab cakes… (though the salmon sandwich and some of the burgers get to be so soggy when you’re halfway through.- I hate juices running up my sleeve)
I wouldn’t say that the servers are super cheery or friendly, but they are always attentive and service is quick. They have the best fish-n chips in Seattle. well except for maybe Sunfish- which is another favorite.
La Rustica, Mission, are household favorites as well.
I miss Blackbird, sad they’re gone.
August 11, 2009 at 11:38 pm #674212
kmMemberI have to agree with those of you that said Bistro Baffi and Tin Room! We started going to Bistro Baffi back when it was The Beach House and the food has always been the BEST! Try the Penne a la Mike…it might not be on the menu anymore, but the chef will still make it for you. YUM. Haven’t ever had bad service and I’ve taken tons of family members there for dinner – they always create a homey, fun environment for us all! Re: Tin Room. They just remodeled inside and it is awesome! Best drinks, apps, dinners, and desserts. They are right up there with Bistro Baffi.
August 12, 2009 at 5:45 am #674213
AlkifanParticipantAzuma Sushi on California Avenue is great! The Mangofandango, Tempura, and California rolls are incredible. The best sushi in West Seattle.
August 12, 2009 at 4:34 pm #674214
maplesyrupParticipantI like Azuma too.
Mashiko is probably better in terms of overall quality, but it’s also more than I care to spend eating out.
So we go to Azuma. The sushi is good and I really like the owners.
August 13, 2009 at 12:56 am #674215
johnnyblegsMemberGood food is relative. In the case of –
EBB…I haven’t tried a whole lot off the menu there but I personally think I could make a better burger in my own kitchen. It’s not bad at EBB, but not great either. I wouldn’t pay $10 for it. Sorry K-Bear and samc but the best Fish & Chips are actually found in Wallingford/Fremont at the Pacific Inn. For a buger I’d rather go to…
Jaks, which has the best burger I’ve ever put in my mouth. I haven’t tried Zippy’s, but I will soon. The sides at Jaks are bad. Steaks are average, but the burger kicks butt.
Buddha Ruksa…I’ve never gotten sick there; well maybe from eating so much because the food. is. awesome. If I got sick there I would still go back for the crispy garlic chicken; but if I encountered a hair ball (? really CMP?) that may change my mind. There are things that I draw the line on.
West 5… Overrated. The Mac & Cheese isn’t that great JanS.
Bakery Nouveau…I don’t understand why people go to Alki Bakery when at Nouveau you have it all and better. Best slice of pizza pie this side of NYC. Pastries…you get the idea. Everything William does is awesome.
Tacos Guymas…You can’t keep me away from the tacos al pastor. Very authentic and delicious.
Revo…Just okay. It’s good.
Ama Ama…With they were still here. Their happy hour sliders rocked! almong with their brunch menu.
Maharaja…yum. I love Indian food and no one else does it better.
August 14, 2009 at 5:40 pm #674216
johnnyblegsMemberAugust 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm #674217
JanSParticipantjohnnyblegs…I love the combo of their Mac and Cheese and Blueberry tea (an alcoholic hot drink)in the winter. The best mac and cheese I’ve ever had? Beecher’s @ Pike Place Market, hands down. Their recipe is easy to make yourself, and it ROCKS !
August 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm #674218
KBearParticipantjohnnyblegs, I said I found EBB’s fish & chips to be “among the best”, so I won’t deny that Pac Inn has excellent fish & chips while I stand by my original pronouncement. As for JaK’s side dishes being bad, are you including their garlic mashed potatoes and potato pancakes in that statement? If so, I question your ability to judge potato dishes and therefore find you unqualified to comment on fish & chips. :-) On the other hand, JaK’s ubiquitous carrot & broccoli gets a little dull after a while.
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