Very average for the price. The history of the place causes the hype but the food is pretty unmemorable. I had a salad which was pretty good. I only ate there two weeks ago but the food was so forgettable I can't remember what we ate other than that. The bill is more what stuck in my mind. It definitely wasn't worth what we paid. As for the service, our waiter was a complete space cadet. He forgot to even get one of our dinner orders and we had to reel him back in to get him to take the order. The one upside of the place is that it's open late so if you go to a late show they are an option. read more

Came here for lunch. Nice French style little spot with great stews, gumbo, salads, sandwichs.

The old VI was a lovely place. It had character, good muffelattas, and a tendency to mix solid drinks. One of the real charms used to be that they had a limited and magical menu from a teensy kitchen space. Now? Post-remodel, they've become like a Tom Douglas-space (and that means shitty and corporate and sterile, if we're all really honest about food that matters). The food has suffered. The clientele is more likely to seem transported from other Belltown/QA "Herpes Triangle" outposts for pickups instead of being conversationally interesting. The quality of the bar staff has plummeted with the departure of one of Seattle's greatest barkeeps. Generally, I'm surprised that they're still in business. Bring back the old VI! You sold your soul! Can't you grab it back? If you've ever wondered about "old" or "authentic" Seattle, you used to be able to use this space as a touchstone. Now, it's over. Now it's like an outpost of Deadmonds or Hellevue. Nice VI peeps. Nice. RIP - along with the Doghouse and the OK Hotel, another ghost has come to Seattle and another real thing has departed. RIP. read more

We were desperate for a cold beer and popped into this unassuming inn. The bar tender was so knowledgeable about the local beers, we were immediately impressed. Decided to order lunch. What a surprise! It was fresh, well prepared and not at all "bar food" as we had expected. So good, in fact, that we made an effort to get there the next day. The rueben sandwich was stellar. Casual, friendly and great art on the walls (changes monthly). Five stars for sure. read more

One of my best favs. Always solid and you will never regret getting ANY of their soups. SO SO SO yummy. When we were here over the weekend we got the filet mignon and black cod and it was to die for. I'm normally not into cooked carots (esp w/ fish) but it worked great. parking can be a hassle but Virginia Inn is so worth it. The place is a classic and they serve a killer cocktail. read more

Solid 4 stars! I had the butter lettuce salad with pears, manchego and walnuts with grilled salmon on top, and my husband had the moules frites. Both of our dishes were very tasty. My salad had the perfect amount of dressing and perfect amount of seasoning on the salmon. Hubs said his moules frites were very good. Service staff is very nice, and accommodating with our questions and checks in often enough, but not too often. It's a fine balance. ;) I've been here several times and not been disappointed yet. If I had to make any suggestions, I'd say perhaps a bit more variety on the menu, and perhaps the bread could be warm when it's brought out, but...meh...that won't stop me from coming back. read more

We were hungry and tired and although I was warned this place was horrible - well it was right before us. My friend had a veggie muffallata which looked good. I got the salad nicoise. The green beans were perfectly cooked but the potatoes were cold and way too buttery. But the biggest offensive was overdone tuna - why oh why??? When I tried to cut it - it fought back. Sad read more

I've walked past this place dozens of times and it never really caught my eye, but looking at their menu online ahead of time, I was intrigued. I was there in the afternoon and it was pretty slow, so I was helped very quickly. I had several different members of staff take care of me while I was there. They have several GF options, which is good for picky eaters such as myself. The calamari were fine, definitely tasted GF, but not much you can do about that, I liked the chipotle aioli it was served with. Crab cakes were good too. I liked the brussel sprouts, tasted like butter, big fan. Clean restaurant, nice ambience, not too loud (minus crying baby for a bit, hardly the restaurant's fault). I would go back, good location, close to Pike's Place but not so posh and tourist focused. read more

The Truth about my odd experience at Virginia Inn Five of us Wanted to grab a bite before a show at The Moore. The VI was close. Ordered a bunch of burgers, salads and such... Burgers were normal, in-between mediocre and good. The fries were ok, salads were good, not great. The garlic aioli was terrible - close to a consistency of hummus. They should stop making it immediately. But what provoked me to write a review for this place is the odd service experience we received. The waitress was, as another writer put it, "generally pleasant -which isn't the same as friendly." She had moments where she tried to be bubbly. However, when she asked me for a drink order, I said I would like to walk over to the bar and see what they have and I would order there. She paused, and said, "oh, ok sure." I had not left to go to the bar yet when the waitress retuned to the table to take our food order. She again asked me if I wanted a drink, and said, "I can bring you whatever you'd like." Again, I told her I would go to the bar and get one myself. I explained to her that I like all kinds of booze, and I like to go check out the bar and have an experience with the bartender to see what the house has, and what strikes my fancy...(not all bars carry the same collection) She seemed to get it. I will also explain to you, dear readers, (in case you are confused), the reason why I do this is also because too many times I have ordered my cocktail through the table waiter or waitress and something in the detail was lost in translation. I am serious about my cocktails. I enjoy a well crafted libation, and I like to browse the selection, ask about specials, and experience the flair and creativity of the bartender -first hand, in person, -for myself. But I shouldn't have to say or explain all this to any restaurant waitress. This is a very metropolitan and sophisticated city. This happens all the time. So I then head over to the bar, and have an exchange with the bartender (Highland Park or Johnny Walker Black? Don't carry Absolut - how about Belvedere and Soda? - etc. ) The waitress FOLLOWS ME TO THE BAR and taps me on my arm asking me YET AGAIN; "is there something you wanted? - I can get you whatever you'd like..." I said these EXACT words: "No, Don't worry about it, I'll take care of you" (referring to the tip she was obviously so concerned with). I FELT like saying, NO! I want NOTHING FROM YOU - GO AWAY - AND while you're at it, CANCEL OUR FOOD ORDER TOO- I'll take my posse elsewhere! It was VERY irritating and grated on me for the rest of the time I was there, choking down my average burger and salad. Here's the truth: I understand the waitress obviously wanted to put my cocktails on her tab to run the bill up so she gets a bigger tip - I get it - I know how this works ... but this was over the top...and I STILL left her a 25% tip (as I told her I would, and I felt she must need it) . But The truth is it was irritating to the point where I am in no hurry to ever return to this place. I won't say, "never" because one day I might need to catch a bite before a show at The Moore. read more

Who knew that a cute European bar and bistro could be home to Instant DanceParty USA? That's right, after midnight you can get a cocktail, have a smoke on the patio out front (so much better than being shunned to some backyard), and enjoy the deliciousness of a good bartender with a decent ipod. read more

The food here was great. Happy hour was the business! Crab cakes were great. Gluten free fish and chips were also good. The muscles were giant and full of flavor. The only thing that would be amazing would be a few more wines on happy hour. read more

We used to hang out here in the 80's as yuppie wannabes before heading off to more exciting things. It's still just a little on the pretentious side without deserving it, but it's also still a good place to gather a group and have a few drinks before heading off to better places around downtown. read more

Love the ambiance and the space. They could have a better tap selection. Ordered the clam chowder and I thought it was awful. Their beer is very expensive. They played great jazz the entire time that I was there which made me super happy. read more

Wow. Went in for lunch while at pike market. Sooo good. I had the salad with arugula, kumquats, and I think a basil citrus dressing?? It was amazing. Al three of us were immensely satisfied, and the prices were very reasonable for quality. Thinking about that salad now has me wishing it was noon and I was downtown. read more

Very cool, understated but excellent place. Great food, great service, great drinks. The prices are right and everything is very solid. I've been going there for years every time I come to Seattle. Thankfully this past week it still felt like my home away from home. read more

Excellent food and cool environment. Definitely under rated. Be sure to check it out for happy hour specials. The crab cakes and muscles are excellent! Good beer, wine and spirits selection. Great service read more

Imagine 82 degrees, actual sun (amazing for Seattle at times), walking with an 11 year old for 30 minutes from the Science Center (and after walking there in the same condition) and spending 3 hours in the Center...Water was needed not to mention some iced coffee (not for the 11 year old who was also breakung in new shoes, despite my warning at 9 am. Now imagine being so relieved to arrive at the 11 year old restaurant selection...nope she doesnt even want to sit outside, too hot. We sit, wait about 10 to 15 minutes (one other table inside about 8 with folks outside, its 2:45-3), are approached by a server who asks if he can take our beveridges away. I say no, knowing we have another 20 minute walk AFTER lunch and dont want to throw away our plastic. He explains no outside drinks...get that, so i water the tree outside, explaining why we even had them (had tried to put them in my purse...which is huge, nope). Then still not good enough so i step outside the ropes to the sidewalk to finish my coffee. Came back in and we were asked to leave. Just had a WONDERFUL lunch at Cafe Campagne instead, who let me hold onto my plastic cups ( so i can fill them again). read more

My friend and I wandered in here for happy hour and it was A-Ok. We sat outside which was a nice option- the inside wasn't particularly exciting looking. I had a glass of wine and shared the marinated vegetables, crab cakes and mussels. Everything tasted ok but nothing stood out. I would probably say the vegetables was the strongest dish and came with a nice dressing. The service here was good. I'd come back if someone else suggested it. A-ok! read more

A group of us visiting seattle stopped by this place for a snack and some drinks. We were all very disappointed. The wind caused a chair to knock over a glass of water, which spilled on one of us and then shattered all over his lap and floor. A waiter came out and told us that " it was dumb to sit outside" and we should hold onto out glasses. We thought he was kidding at first but when we realized he was serious we just couldn't believe it. Instead of offering a napkin to the victim to wipe the water and glass, the waiter blamed us and continued to run his mouth. So needless to say the service was unacceptable. read more

I was excited to finally check this place out on a cold, wet Friday night. My friend and I were sitting up at the bar, ready for some drinks and food. The bartender was friendly but not very quick. It's hard to be understanding of slow service when you're sitting at the bar top. I ordered an order of Vietnamese mussels and an order of fries. The food took 10 minutes too long to arrive and when it did both dishes were cold. I can understand one dish being cold, but both of them? I was given two new dishes about 10 minutes later. Both were hot and tasty. However, I was shocked that no one offered apologies, discounts or explanations. I ended up having to pay $30 for the hour and half ordeal. I'm not in a rush to go back. read more

I came here for a late lunch / early dinner. It wasn't very crowded (it was around 3:45pm) & we didn't have any trouble getting a nice seat outside. It's one of those places who have different menus for different times of the day, which I'm not a huge fan of. At the time we were there, we could only choose from the "small plates" menu. It was a bummer because we were wanting more food than that, but we made it work. I got the mussels, my boyfriend got a crab cake. Both were so delicious. I got a good amount of mussels for a small plate, but my boyfriend got a single crab cake & he was definitely wanting more. But each small plate cost $10+ so it wasn't really cost efficient for what we were wanting to do. So any FYI for everyone else - the "small plates" menu becomes available at 4pm, the dinner menu at 5pm. They have a pretty good happy hour as well, I think it was 50% off your bill. read more

Great place to eat and people watch. The tuna was the best! Try the Moules Frites too!

My husband and I enjoyed two of the best meals we have ever eaten at Virginia Inn. The mussels were enormous and so tasty, and the roasted chicken was seasoned to perfection. We really enjoyed the outdoor seating and the service. I don't know if maybe they've gotten a new chef since some of these mediocre ratings were posted, but there is quite clearly someone in charge of the menu who is talented and creative. read more

been coming here for years. seems like its bigger, and they have remodeled, but the service is still stand up, and the views and people watching awesome. we just had drinks, but my friends ordered food. the art here has always been great, and I wish someday to show here, even though I live in louisiana. this is standard fare and stand up food. you cannot go wrong. read more

I have walked past this place a hundred times and always told myself I should stop here but never did until this past weekend. It was a mistake. The menu looked Ok, nothing special, a step above normal bar food. My wife and I ordered two apps and two lunches. Neither of us liked our app. I was really disappointed with my app, a cheese plate. There was a small bite of several kinds of cheese. All local. Which is fine, maybe I was too hungry but I expected a lot more, especially for the price. It was really disappointing. My wife's app tasted Ok but just ok. Just kind of yeah, this is Ok. The lunches were pretty much the same. Ok. Nothing else. Except for one detail on my lunch. I ordered a sausage sandwich. I took a couple bites before I realized that the sausage was bright pink inside and not cooked all the way through. I am fanatical about cooking ground meats all the way through. I love a rare steak but will not touch a rare hamburger. Raw sausage? No way I am eating it. I would have complained about my Sammy ... if the service had been better. I ordered coffee with my lunch. My lone refill was late and cold. Not like luke warm, I mean cold. Wait staff were seldom seen. There was no aspect of the meal that was above just Ok and many aspects below normal. read more

There is some good stuff going on in this place, its a stand by. Good for an outdoor drink and a small meal although the last time we went there it was a few minutes after they stopped serving lunch....very few....and they would not let us order food. read more

VI gets points for friendly, fast service and sidewalk seating. The cousin had a martini (what else?) and liked it; after way too much deliberation, I had a porter (oh, so good), and we shared a pita/hummus plate and fries. I found the menu prices somewhat high for the type of fare served (though maybe the *quality* of their entrees would help the prices make sense... I'll have to give one a try someday). Not a bad choice at all if you're in the area and are looking for a quick bite and a cold one. read more

I am glad they have the desert wind cab and the service was good because this is a high traffic area right next to Pike Place market. Food was really mediocre though.... is that because of the tourism fees? read more

What a place with indoor outdoor seating for a perfect Sumer day. Catch the sun, run into local friends. Drinks, wine and beer are excellent served with a friendly service. Burger following happy hour drinks was excellent. read more

Good bar food and of particular note is the fact that the owner is a gluten free person so this place has good gluten free choices if that's a requirement (which it isn't for me). Great burger and good beer. Excellent serving staff who care about customers. Also a good crop of local regulars which is always a good recommendation. Solid place without pretensions. It's been around a while and out lasted many other establishments and will likely outlast many of the more elite focused newcomers to the neighborhood. read more

Went here with some friends for lunch . It was a nice place. The service was good, but just a bit slow for our food. I had the grilled halibut sandwich and was a little disappionted on the size of the filet. I was pleased with the chicken tarragon soup which was excellent. The reason for the 3 stars instead of more was it was a bit pricy. If the filet would have been a little better prepared, I would have been perfectly happy. read more

Service is great. Food is great. Just had crab cakes and an order of fries. Great place to pre or post function for shows at The Moore Theatre. read more

Went here for lunch, the turkey sandwich was awesome! Portions were big, homemade fries and the Caesar salad was also very good!

Live in the neighborhood so I've been coming here around once a month for the past 20 years. I have only ever ordered two things - beer and the Turkey Club. Back in the day the Turkey Club was made from fresh sliced Turkey. I'm talking hunks of turkey as if you were cutting it off the turkey yourself. For the past number of years though it's been that machine sliced processed turkey that they pile on until the desired thickness- NOT the same as the days of old. Virginia Inn went from Awesome to Average in my opinion when this became the new norm. Time to find something else on the menu. read more

Great food, service is on the slow side but perfect if you're not in a rush. Sitting outside under the trees, taking in the beauty of Seattle along with a delicious meal makes for a perfect evening. Thank you!! read more

Great food and amazing service. Everything obviously made in house!! Home made potato chips, tortilla soup, burger and sandwiches were exactly what we wanted for lunch on a weekend. read more

Good food from a small but well-selected menu, quaint european atmosphere, but a bit disorganized. (Based on a Saturday lunch visit.)

I haven't been here in a while to actually eat, but they always have good beer on tap. And for the Hefe lover's they usually have 1 or 2 on tap, which I love. The service is always good and you can usually find a seat inside near the windows, even when the outdoor seating is crowded. This place is a most stop for anyone seeking good beer and some affordable appetizers (they look pretty good from the menu). read more

We stumbled upon this place while looking for a beer on our way back to the hotel from Pike Place Market. Since it was our first time in Seattle, we asked the bartender to make a recommendation. And this is how I found my new favorite beer in the whole wide world: Manny's! YUM! Not too heavy, a slight fruit taste, it was superb. Between my two friends and I we tried all of the drafts and Manny's was by far the best. The prices were good, though after 3 beers I can't for the life of me remember what they were! The bartender was really nice and quick. It wasn't very crowded since we were there in the hour before happy hour. After reading the yelp reviews though, I'll make sure to try the food next time. It's a pretty nice place, made even nicer by the fact that we just stumbled upon it and it was good. read more

Northwest French style Bistro. I can't think of a place more homey and kind, if I can say so, than this one. First came here back in 2008 just for a cup of tea and some snacks - keep on coming back every time when in Seattle. Situated in downtown, 3 min walk for the Pike Place Market and beautiful bay. It's small and very cozy inside - booths or tables and outside patio in summer. Tiny rose on each table - seat yourself where you like. And dimmed light at night with candles on the tables. It's on the hill, so if you sit at the window and look out of it seems that the ground is inclining and leaning like you can roll down. As for me - the best time for stop there is lunch time, though for a light dinner it's not bad either. I love their mussels and smoked salmon... Quiche du Jour is amazing. Sandwiches or burgers. Wine list is more than simple, but you'll find what you want eventually or some other drink, they have full bar. Desserts are amazing - carrot cake or a cheese cake with a glass of port. Always attentive, complaisant and alive servers. Feels like you're in the 90s or in a movie of that era, "I thought that such kind of life has vanished from earth, but it's still there"... read more