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Thomas Street Bistro (Capitol Hill)

421 East Thomas
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 323-0914
Website

Hours: Daily noon-10 pm
Categories: Restaurant

Restaurant Details

  • The Thomas Street Bistro is less like a restaurant and more like the home of a friend who fancies himself a cook. Six tables crowd into what would be the living room; the newly painted walls are adorned with artwork that yearns to look Mediterranean and tries way too hard for a certain carefree joie de vivre. The bistro's signature dish, a Moroccan lamb and couscous tagine ($19.99), was overcooked and tough. At lunch, beef strips in red wine and orange juice ($7.99) consisted of gristly chunks of meat in a sweet but overly salty sauce.
  • Features: Live Music
  • Cuisine: French and Mediterranean/Greek
  • Serving Hours: Mon-Fri noon-10 pm, Sat-Sun 8 am-10 pm

The Stranger's Reviews of Thomas Street Bistro

 
 

Average Rating:
  • 4.21000/5 Stars.
Reviews/Comments (24) RSS

Newest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a review of Thomas Street Bistro
24

McCann nailed it

And a year later, the restaurant has not improved. Why bother?
Posted by cleaver on January 29, 2009 at 12:29 PM · Report
23

Fantastic! what was the stranger talking about

I had the lamb-
and it was to die for- i especially loved my cooked bannana dessert.. * drools* amazing little place around the block, deff suggested it to all my friends:)



Posted by Andrea on October 20, 2008 at 9:07 PM · Report
22

Crazy

I went because of reading The Strangers Review, I really enjoyed this place despite what was written, and loved the food and & people I would recomend the place to all my friends. They give 15% back to the community They host Animal Shelter and Service Dog Events along with Aids Research Events 365 days a year which is the least you can say for anyother est. in Seattle. Thanks Thomas St. Bistro, we love you, Angie
Posted by Angie R on July 13, 2008 at 11:35 PM · Report
21

Great brunch!

Just moved in across the street, and am THRILLED that the bistro lived up to my expectations. We've been for dinner & breakfast and both were superb. The menu changes periodically, but I practically begged the owner to keep the potato and egg dish I had on the menu all the time. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. The place is charming and the owner is friendly and attentive. This will be a regular thing for us, and we're looking forward to bringing friends.
Posted by thankshappy on April 15, 2008 at 1:18 PM · Report
20

Awsome little place!

Nothing less than amazing! I've gone twice now and each time have been treated to very authentic and well prepared food, amazing service, very unique and comfortable environment and live music!! I especially liked the cute little guitar player in the corner. For 20 $$ I had a 3 course meal and free wine testing. The wait for the food was comfortably long, just enough time to enjoy the live music (loved the music) wonderful place for a date, loved it! Cheers! -Lily
Posted by Berlina on March 10, 2008 at 9:44 PM · Report
19

Showgirls?

The Stranger's bad review has lead to a cult following of this restaurantm much like the movie Showgirls. The analogy suffers a bit, though, as the food is adequate at Thomas St. Bistro, while Showgirls is awful. I'll take adequate food, in a less stuffy paper/napkin atmosphere any day over the expensive foodie hangouts rampant in Seattle. Hal Itozis
Posted by Hal Itozis on March 6, 2008 at 6:50 PM · Report
18

Charming, warm and friendly

Having not even heard of this place before tonite, I was pleasantly surprised to find this hidden little gem. My meal (stuffed pepper, onion soup, spinach stuffed chicken, and dessert) was tasty, unexpected, and very fresh. Our waitress was charming, as was the cook. Although parking is an eternal headache in this neighborhood, I do look forward to going back again. This place reminded me of one of my favorite restaurants from the early 90's named Stravinsky's in its home-cooked feel. It also comes very close to feeling like you are back in Europe. Thank you and I'll keep coming back to this special place!
Posted by YUMMY on February 26, 2008 at 12:14 AM · Report
17

lick your plate!

So I let me friend drag me to this shindig called Thomas St Bistro on sunday and it was the best food I have ever eaten. No Joke! The appetizer was this stuffed pepper, yummy. I had eggplant with some sweet spices and it was very delicious and then we had the dessert, fried banana? Let me tell you, its to die for! We were ready to lick our dessert trays... 5 for tastiness!
Posted by Julie Uhl on February 21, 2008 at 1:48 PM · Report
16

My neighborhood bistro...

I've eaten there twice now, the 1st time out of spite to give the owner a chance against McCann's review. The first visit I enjoyed (for $15!) a four course meal including a North African Shrimp Tagine & a great onion soup, plus free wine tasting. The second visit was last night on Valentine's day. I was happy to see a packed house! Had delicious lamb chops dusted with cumin & pomegranate, fluffy pilaf, very nice. The only negative I'll mention is that the waiter should have offered us a coffee or espresso with dessert. But other than that it was lovely.
Posted by SeattleSlaw on February 15, 2008 at 4:06 PM · Report
15

Mixed review...

I've eaten there twice now, the 1st time out of spite to give the owner a chance against McCann's review. The first visit I enjoyed (for $15!) a four course meal including a North African Shrimp Tagine & a great onion soup, plus free wine tasting. The second visit was last night on Valentine's day. I was happy to see a packed house! Had delicious lamb chops dusted with cumin & pomegranate, fluffy pilaf, very nice. The only negative I'll mention is that the waiter should have offered us a coffee or espresso with dessert. But other than that it was lovely.
Posted by SeattleSlaw on February 15, 2008 at 4:06 PM · Report
14

Does Stranger understand European Culture?

God... This place is so nice and charm, and you can experience genuine European style bistro. Also, that Adam is a great guy with passion and spirit on his JOB!
Posted by Joseph on January 27, 2008 at 1:30 AM · Report
13

What was Chris McCann Thinking?

Since the Bistro is located 1/2 a block away from us we decided to give it a try despite McCann's review. We were both glad that we did. We eat out more then should and the Bistro is a nice change of pace from most the restaurants in the area. The food isn't fantastic but it's good and the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing. The service and attention we received couldn't have been better. McCann is right when he says the Bistro is less like a restaurant and more like a friends living room, but that is compliment more then an insult.
Posted by Sarah and Cale on January 26, 2008 at 9:59 PM · Report
12

it was ok...

I live a couple of blocks from the place, so I was excited to try it. I must say we waited a long time for our so/so food, but all in all we had a great time. I found the staff friendly amusing and sort of liked the mis-mashed ambiance (I had seen some of the decor previously that day at Value Village, no joke!) We'll be back because sometimes dinner should take 3 hours. *cheers*
Posted by Your Neighbor on January 25, 2008 at 8:46 PM · Report
11

Good food, unique service, not rushed

My meal was great and wine was yummy. The 2 people working were really nice and it was refreshing how they treat you like they have known you forever when its your first visit. Not a place to bring your children... in fact, keep them off the Hill all together.
Posted by Sean on January 25, 2008 at 8:42 PM · Report
10

Great Omlette, Service, Location, Atmosphere

They made me an egg white omlette, spoke French with my boyfriend just to make me happy, and gave us ultimate service this past weekend. Can't wait to go back for music! Love this place.
Posted by e on January 24, 2008 at 10:44 PM · Report
9

Fine Time in the European Tradition

The Thomas Street Bistro is the type of small, neighborhood eating establishment one would find in Europe where going out to eat is rarely rushed. Live music and a small room made for a cozy environment. The food was consistent and the service a bit slow but responsive, allowing our group a chance to talk, mingle and enjoy each other. This is a restaurant to try if you savor interesting flavors and value the company of friends. Just give yourself some time - Thomas Street Bistro doesn't serve "fast food" in any definition of the word. In this hurry up world, that's a good thing. Adam, one of the owners was on hand for a very personal touch. I'm looking forward to my next visit.
Posted by Gail on January 24, 2008 at 1:12 PM · Report
8

Weekend Brunch @ Thomas Bistro

The Weekend Breakfast is Really something different ...its real food.
Posted by Marry on January 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM · Report
7

Amazing

I have no negative things to say about this place. The food is amazing, the service is wonderful.You can not go wrong with this place. Thomas St. Bistro is a touch of charm. If you live around the area defiantly check it out. I guarantee no negative
Posted by -Cailyn on January 9, 2008 at 4:16 PM · Report
6

The E-Myth Revisited

Based on the review, the owner should read The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber.
Posted by Chloe on January 7, 2008 at 1:46 PM · Report
5

THE TRUTH about... Stranger review

As an owner, having been in the restuarant business for over 10 years, I understand the value of a critics opnion. However, "Theres something fundamentally sad" .. about a reviewer who shows up to write a review at a live music dinner with a NINE MONTH CHILD and expects not to be turned away. And then goes to write a bad review out of spite. I'm sorry for the Stranger for relying on the opinions of CHRIS MCCAN. Adam, Owner
Posted by Thomas St. Bistro on January 5, 2008 at 11:33 AM · Report
4

Did the Stranger reviewer actually eat here?

I have no idea what exactly was described in the "official" review, but it was so far removed from my experiences at Thomas St that I don't know what to say. It is tiny, friendly, and wonderful. All I can think is that it was a rough couple of days after the holiday.
Posted by Kane on January 4, 2008 at 4:26 PM · Report
3

Romantic good Ambiance

I really love this place. It's my husband and mine's new favorite resturant. It's cozy with excellent food and excellent service. I have been there for Breakfest and Dinner. I will definately go back.
Posted by Caroline on December 20, 2007 at 2:36 PM · Report
2

good food

food was really good and service is awsome.
Posted by mikey on December 15, 2007 at 11:45 AM · Report
1

Great Place for dinner

i had a great dinner AND THE MUSIC WAS LOVELY.
Posted by JOHN on December 11, 2007 at 2:55 PM · Report

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