Address: | 5307 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA |
Phone: | +1 206-453-5014 |
Site: | bastilleseattle.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 4:30–10PM 4:30–10PM 4:30–10PM 4:30–10PM 4:30PM–2AM 4:30PM–2AM 10AM–9PM |
CA
Casey Enzler
I have never not ordered at a restaurant regardless of less-than-great service, but this was the first time that the service was so poor that my group left the restaurant. I organized a surprise party for my friend, and the restaurant informed me that I could not have more than 12 guests as they were accommodating a larger party that night. That wasnt a problem, as I tried to ensure that we would have no more than 12 guests. The night of, they called to ask how many of us to expect. I told them I wasnt entirely sure as some people had said maybe, but I let them know it would definitely not be more than 12. At the restaurant, there ended up being 8 of us and they made a huge deal out of us not having twelve. Twice the waiter made remarks similar to it would have been nice to call us beforehand and let us know or next time, let us know. The manager eventually came over and asked if we were still expecting 12, to which we replied sorry, I think this is actually all of us due to some people cancelling last minute. They replied Well, thats a bummer. We were expecting to have 12 of you. Next time, let us know there will be less of you. It was uncomfortable, and when we offered to move the smaller table on the end since there was less of us, they acted like it was impossible to move it from where our location was. We paid for our appetizers and left. If it wouldve been busy, or if people were waiting for tables, I would have understood. But there were still a good amount of us there who were wanting to pay for dinner and dessert, and there was no line at the door or on the list. Ive never had such rude customer service!
RA
Rachel Clayton
The first time I ate here it was excellent, and exactly what I would hope for if I was going out for some classic french mid-range dining. I had some excellent winter veg, soup with crusty bread, and roast chicken. This was the dinner menu. I loved it. I love that they have the wine carafes! I went again two days ago and had an excellent happy hour drink, the Hemingway Daiquiri ($8), but I was not impressed with the happy hour food. My husband and I split the croque madame to go with our drinks. It was not compelling. The bread had an unpleasant flavor and was quite soggy... The ham was so thick and heavy on the sogginess that the whole thing didnt hold together... And the vinaigrette on the salad side was bland. It was quite edible. I had higher expectations. Especially for a croque madam at a French place. So... I would say go for dinner and give them a whirl but maybe rethink the happy hour menu.
SU
Sunil Saluja
Fantastic service but the food was painfully mediocre for the price. Lots of places where you can get better Bistro cuisine. Atmosphere was lovely it made you feel as if you are in bistro in Paris, but then when you actually get to the food it is disappointing. Service was awesome. My recommendation would be to keep the menu more simple offer classic simple Bistro fare like omelets and salads a simple steak fries or steak tartare. Shallow and very very dense they had dishes which were very very heavy and duck fat and sausages and so forth. Rich country Cuisine which was not really well suited to the Pacific Northwest. I think I can go a long way by making fewer dishes prepared well. Of course they were crowded, so maybe they have the right idea but it just wasnt up my alley. I dont see myself going back.
ME
Megan Stevenson
On a Sunday morning at the Ballard Farmers Market I was looking for a good brunch. Ive walked by Bastille many times and never stopped in. Do not make that mistake! Everything we ordered was divine. Started out with delicious cauliflower soup, I had the house smoked salmon and poached egg, my friend had the veg ragout, other friend had the broccoli-mushroom gratin. Wed order any of them again. They brought us a baguette with salted butter and we tested some of their delicious brunch cocktails (they use a beet mirepoix to make their bloody mary!). My friend is gluten & dairy-free and the server couldnt have been nicer about confirming the ingredients in all the dishes. The interior is beautiful, bustling but not too loud. I want to go again immediately.
JO
John Turman
Great atmosphere, great waitstaff and knowledgable Sommeliers. A little pricey for what youre getting, but its still a great date night place in the Ballard area. The happy hour in the back bar is a fun and funky vibe, definitely worth a trip here! Beautiful chandeliers and light fixtures. The bartenders generally make rounds and are pretty quick. Ive been here multiple times. Some of the things the chefs do best are the charcuterie, with a delectable pâté, also (maybe it was just during restaurant week) there was a pork dish in a small cast iron skillet-absolutely delicious! I would recommend absinthe with dessert, there is a nice, but not over-the-top selection to choose from. Great, tasty place-just a little pricey.
RI
Richard Dial
We discovered Bastille Cafe while searching for fresh seafood in Ballard. Our server was friendly and attentive, and she helped to make our overall experience very satisfying. The setting is cozy and charming, with a low level of noise, and suited for intimate conversations with a friend or a date. The menu offered a number of french-style dishes. Their seafood offering was disappointingly limited at the time. However, the server explained that the availability of fresh fish changes daily depending on what is brought in by local fishermen. I enjoyed the cassoulet, made of beans, french-style bacon, sausage, and a duck drumstick in a flavorful broth. I will enjoy trying Bastille again to sample more items on the menu.
JO
Joe Resing
This was a restaurant was nothing special, and in fact, for the price it was less than special. The waiter said the appetizer was smoked King salmon.....it was certainly not king. My main was a variety of shellfish in a bowl of lime coconut milk. It was tasty, but skimpy for $25. The people I was with had the Steak Frites, and I dont recall seeing a smaller more lonely piece of meat on a plate. I think the frites were from frozen stock. I had the Profit roles for desert and the ice cream was so old it was crystalline. I think the profit roles themselves were fresh. Great presentation, lousy product. The staff was great. We were well attended to. I just wish we had spent our money somewhere else.
MA
Mark Foster
Ate here a few months ago and Im still remembering perfect brunch and dinner we had here. I figured why not post a well deserved review. I got the chanterelle Omelet and my guest had the fluffy French Toast. The Cognac peach preserves really bring it to another level. Brunch was perfect. You can tell they really put a lot into this Cafe. The classic interior sets a perfect atmosphere. The staff is on-point just like the food. Very Trendy spot but loud at times. We came back had awesome diner on our last night in town. We will definitely come back and visit soon.
TH
thecolor cypher
I love Bastilles back bar the most! The front (restaurant) is very nice. It has an old Parisian subway feel, with the bright white tiles and light from outdoors, looking out on Ballard Avenue. However, those tiles, make the main eating location VERY loud! I would not really expect to carry on a calm conversation without shouting. The bar in the back on the other hand, is dark and cozy and a GREAT place to socialize, eat some, and just enjoy the ambiance. I for one prefer to hang back there. Family up front, singles and couples in back.