The Lemongrass Restaurant Review on First Hill, Seattle (across from Seattle University)

Beef Noodle Soup aka Pho

I came upon  The Lemongrass by accident as my colleagues and mine’s first choice was this Italian Restaurant across the street from the CASA training building that we found out was closed during day hours and only opened at 5pm. It was our lunch hour at the time so we settled for this nearby Vietnamese restaurant. We were in luck because although the place was very busy, we were able to get a table right away. The exterior of this place has no justice on what you’re in for.  You take notice of the the air, which was filled with exotic smells of spices and aromatic herbs as soon as you walk in.

Curb Appeal: The place was decorated with its Asian-Vietnamese theme, with lots of bamboo and floral/plantal designs. There was also a large wall-sized waterfall type of décor on the side of the entrance. The seating was a bit tight as the interior was small, but this was common for Vietnamese restaurants. Seating by the door was too breezy with the wind blowing in from people walking in and out, so I’d avoid that area if you tend to get cold.

Customer Service: We came during lunch time, so it was very busy. The service here was average. I was upset that they didn't serve my Pho of choice, which is White Meat Chicken Pho. Our server said they only had the dark meat kind, yuck. I settled for the Beef Pho. My colleagues ordered Grilled Pork Sandwhich, Grilled Chicken Sandwhich, Fresh Spring Rolls, and a special order of Chili Paste Tofu with Chicken, but she had to order Rice separately (surprisingly rice is not included?).

The server got the sandwhiches mixed up, saying one was chicken when really it was pork. Wouldn't that have been a shame if she was a Muslim or Jewish. Luckily, our group is pretty happy-go-lucky people, we didn't make a fuss about it. I give them points for the chocolate mint for my basil breathe and getting us separate checks with no fuss and in no time.


Fresh Spring Rolls with a side of Peanut Sauce.
Photo Credit by Marissa S. on Yelp.com

Food Quality: The Pho was ok, there was nothing special about their broth. I was pleased they weren't chintzy with the add-ons (lime, basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and jalapeno peppers). My colleagues complained that there wasn't enough meat in the sandwhiches nor in the special Tofu order, so I'm thinking if they had a do over they'd order a heartier meat dish. I thought my Pho had plenty of meat though, but if I had a do over, I'd try one of their Vermicelli bowls or Vegetarian dishes. The Tofu there looked yummy! All in all, with these prices, it beats going to a fast food restaurant, and it's much healthier for you.

Price: Affordable!! Most all the entrees are under $10. A great place for lunch with colleagues.

Specials/Happy Hour: They're specials vary weekly, this week they had Vietnamese Sandwhiches for only $5. You can check on their website what their current specials are.

Website: http://originallemongrass.com/Lemongrass/Home.html

Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday 10am-9pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm

Address:
514 12th Ave
Seattle, Wa 98122-5509


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Phone: (206) 860-8164

Read Other's Reviews:

From UrbanSpoon
From Yelp
From TripAdvisor

They also have two other locations, one in Seattle's International District and one in the Renton Village near Uwajimaya.

The Lobster Shop Restaurant at Dash Point

Alaskan King Crab




 Curb Appeal: The Lobster Shop at Dash Point is an unknown gem in Tacoma that has been around since 1981. You can find this charming and cozy restaurant nestled amongst a residential area on Puget Sound overlooking the vast ocean. The views are endless with its open windows and perfect shots of the sun-setting. You get views of Vashon Island, Des Moines, and a bit of Seattle. The drive down here may be a bit daunting, but it is well worth it. You instantly can tell how stunning this place would be on a special night with its cozy and romantic feel.



Dungeness Crab Cakes



Its unique placement was due to the fact that the Lobster Shop was once a residential home remodeled into a restaurant. You go through Brown’s Point, and right when you think you’re in the middle of nowhere, you’ve found the place. It’s a smallish restaurant that has about a 100-person occupancy.  This small feel  makes the service even more special and personalized as your every need is taken care of here.

To read more about the Lobster Shop Story…

Customer Service: We came here, late one evening, when the sun has already settled, but the beautiful candlelit tables and the soft blows of the ocean wind made the night much more romantic. We were seated right away by one lady, who seemed to be the only one working at the time. We ordered our meals, and the lady was very attentive and offered up her own suggestions. She immediately brought us iced water and remained attentive throughout the night to meet our needs. Like other reviews have said, it's true they do treat you like royalty here.



Lobster Shop Signature Salad



Food Quality: The crab cakes were ok, there wasn't anything special about them, but I loved their Signature Salad with the walnuts, bleu cheese crumbles, and sliced apples. I also loved their King Crab Legs and Lobster with the warm butter sauce dip. The steak my date ordered to be medium-rare came out overcooked and charred. He did complain and our server did not charge us for the steak, but we didn't want to wait for another one. I felt that she should've not charged my date's whole meal which was the Lobster Tail and Top Sirloin Steak, as it pretty much ruined his appetite. But my crab legs were delicious. So in spite of that, I'd recommend going there for their Seafood, great views, charming seating areas, and personal attention. I blame the overcooked steak on the chef who was gone by the time we complained.

Steak and Australian Lobster Tail. Does the steak look rare-medium to you?

*Note: According to their menu, they "serve Nebraska corn fed Black Angus beef, aged 21 days for flavor and tenderness," and "all the steaks are basted with the Lobster Shop's Signature Maitre'd butter."

Price: Pricey like any other Seafood joint, but well worth it! Dungeness Crab Cakes $16.95 for two, Lobster Shop Signature Salad $7.95, Lobster and Crab prices vary among the Market rate. Entrees alone are $20-40 each. I definitely advise coming during the Twilight hours (4:30-6pm), especially in the winter when the sun sets earlier.



We brought our own wine from a wine tasting event in Leavenworth. You can bring your own bottle too for a corking fee of $15.



Specials/Happy Hour: Between 4:30-6pm they have a Twilight Menu where you can choose between a two-course meal for $14.99 or a three-course meal for $16.99.



The three-course meal offers chowder or salad, entree, and dessert. The two-course meal offers an entree with salad, chowder, or desert. You may also add a Shrimp Cocktail or Dungeness Crab Crostinis for only $1.00.

Website: http://www.lobstershop.com/

Hours of Operation:

Dinner Only

Sunday - Thursday 4:30pm - 9:00pm



Friday - Saturday 4:30pm - 10:00pm

Phone: (253) 927-1513

Address:

6912 Soundview Drive Northeast

Tacoma, WA 98422





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Read Other's Reviews:

From UrbanSpoon

From Yelp

You can also try their newest location at Commencement Bay in Tacoma click here.