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oChef » The Counter – Seattle
The Counter - Seattle
Photo from The Counter
The Counter at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- 🍟 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#92 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 10 in Seattle
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
324
Reviews
91.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Generous portions
- Friendly service
- Diverse menu
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Limited hours
- No restroom
The restaurant The Counter at Old Ballard Catering Co. is a popular fast food restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Roosevelt neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.
This spot offers a convenient counter service experience, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or even a dessert. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for quality food without the fuss, right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting The Counter
The Counter offers a compelling takeout experience, frequently lauded for its diverse menu that includes well-regarded gyros and fried chicken. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall quality of the ingredients, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Beyond the food, patrons often highlight the exceptionally friendly service and the noticeable cleanliness of the kitchen. While there are occasional remarks about minor food inconsistencies, the positive feedback regarding value and a generally clean environment suggests a reliable local spot.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
324
Reviews
91.7%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
297
positive
The Counter earns a strong overall score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.7%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
With 297 positive remarks against only 20 negative ones out of 324 total customer comments, the sentiment is overwhelmingly favorable. Looking closer, Service leads with an impressive (8.9), closely followed by Food (8.7), both indicating high standards.
Value (8.3) is also well-regarded, suggesting reasonable pricing for the quality received. While Ambience (7.7) is considered good, it’s worth noting that many experiences are centered around takeout, which might influence this score.
What people like
- Generous food portions
- Friendly, quick service
- Diverse, quality menu
What people don't like
- Food inconsistencies
- Limited lunch hours
- No public restroom
With a strong recommendation score of 8.9, The Counter is certainly worth considering, especially if you’re seeking a reliable takeout option. It consistently delivers on flavor and portion size, backed by genuinely friendly service that enhances the overall experience.
If you prioritize good food, generous servings, and efficient service at a fair price, this spot is likely to impress. Just be mindful of its operational hours and the occasional food inconsistency, but for a quick and satisfying meal, it’s a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Counter
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 92.5%, it's clear diners are consistently delighted. Out of 228 comments, a whopping 211 rave about delicious items like fish and chips, fried chicken, and gyros, often praising the fresh ingredients and generous portions.
However, a few minor concerns were noted in 13 comments. Some found the breading spice lacking, the mac & cheese bland, or questioned the meat quality in certain dishes. While these are worth noting, they appear to be isolated incidents amidst overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Food
228
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
211
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Excellent gyros
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Bland mac & cheese
- Inconsistent breading spice
Often praised
- foodI think at Ivar's and other local spots, it can be $15-17+. Overall, great food, great prices, and I will definitely be back!
- gyroI haven't had Greek food often, but the gyro was delicious with plenty of vegetables, and the sauce had a slight yogurt taste, which was enjoyable. This place is definitely a hidden gem for fried chicken.
- gyrostakeout from The Counter has been excellent from tacos, to gyros
- fish and chipsThe ingredients are fresh, the portions are generous, and the meals are well-executed. My daughter loves the fish and chips and my husband (who is fairly picky with take out) said the chicken Parmesan was delicious. I get the Greek salad, which is enormous and could easily be shared by two people, but I eat all of it because it’s the only salad I’ve ever craved on my life.
- fried chickenI haven't had Greek food often, but the gyro was delicious with plenty of vegetables, and the sauce had a slight yogurt taste, which was enjoyable. This place is definitely a hidden gem for fried chicken. I don't know how they fry it so well!
- portionsI’ll echo some other reviews that I can’t believe it took me so long to get food from here. The ingredients are fresh, the portions are generous, and the meals are well-executed. My daughter loves the fish and chips and my husband (who is fairly picky with take out) said the chicken Parmesan was delicious.
- tacostakeout from The Counter has been excellent from tacos
- Greek saladMy daughter loves the fish and chips and my husband (who is fairly picky with take out) said the chicken Parmesan was delicious. I get the Greek salad, which is enormous and could easily be shared by two people, but I eat all of it because it’s the only salad I’ve ever craved on my life. My picture has a banana for scale to drive home how big it is - the entire box is packed with a fantastic salad.
- chickenThe gyro and chicken are also amazing
- falafelJust had the falafel, fish tacos, and greek fries last night and we're totally sold.
Frequently criticized
- breading spicethe breading had some spice to it - there pretty much wasn’t any
- cheesethe cheese was a) not well distributed and b) pretty infrequent
- chicken stripschicken strips with fries... with no flavor
- foodmultiple thick hairs in my food
- food quality controlif the quality control of their food is diminished when ordered through ubereats
- friesthe fries themselves were pretty hard to the touch but not crispy
- greek friesI didn’t think these were good at all
- gyro sandwichesGyro sandwiches were not that great
- honey mustardthe honey mustard had too much vinegar in it
- mac & cheeseThe Mac & cheese was bland and loaded with butter
If you're looking for a place with consistently delicious food, especially their fried chicken, gyros, and fish dishes, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor hiccups might occur, the vast majority of diners leave happy and full, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 93%, its clear theyre doing something right. Customers consistently praise the incredibly friendly and efficient staff and owners, often highlighting the convenience of their online ordering system and quick service.
Based on 53 positive remarks out of 57 total, you can expect a warm welcome and smooth experience. However, there are a few minor points to consider, with only 3 negative opinions noted. Some customers expressed frustration with limited lunch hours, wishing the restaurant was open more often.
There were also isolated concerns regarding takeout quality when ordered through third-party delivery services, suggesting a slight dip in experience compared to direct pickup.
Service
57
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Easy online ordering
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Limited lunch hours
- Delivery quality issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great food and the quick service. The internal decor was very cute, and waiting for the food was lovely.
- staffThe staff were also super friendly
- ownersThey were genuinely cheerful, helpful, and appreciated me as a customer
- online orderingThe online ordering makes it convenient and easy to order.
- Serviceready to take your request with a warmth that feels like an embrace from an old friend
- ownerUpon visiting, I found the store and kitchen to be very clean. The owner, a woman, was very diligent and quickly packed the food. I would revisit this restaurant.
- Chef Hustonthanks for everything Chef Huston
- carry outSo nice to have a quick, fresh carry out option
- convenientWe love this neighborhood spot for takeout dinner. They're friendly, well-priced, and convenient. The food is good!
- customer servicethe customer service goes above and beyond
Frequently criticized
- deliverydiminished when ordered through ubereats. What I received was not acceptable quality
- lunch hoursThe food quality was excellent. However, the overall experience was significantly impacted by their limited operating hours, as they are only open for lunch two days a week. This seems like a missed opportunity for them to earn more revenue.
- takeoutit’s only for takeout
If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this spot is a clear winner, especially for direct pickup. Just be mindful of their operating hours and consider ordering directly rather than through third-party delivery for the best experience.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
The ambiance here is generally quite good, scoring a solid 7.7 with a strong customer satisfaction of 81.8%. Many guests absolutely love this neighborhood spot, praising its clean kitchen and cute interior. With 18 positive remarks out of 22 total, folks often highlight the perfect music and overall fantastic experience, making it a joyful addition to the area.
However, not everyone has had a stellar experience. A few customers, accounting for 3 negative remarks, found the place to be dirty or even nasty. There were also comments about the lack of a restroom, which is something to consider if you're planning a visit.
Ambience
22
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless kitchen
- Cute interior decor
- Perfect music
What people don't like
- Dirty conditions
- No restroom available
Often praised
- Atmospherea moment of pure, unadulterated joy in the heart of Seattle
- kitchenWhile Doordash is available, ordering directly from the store is cheaper. Upon visiting, I found the store and kitchen to be very clean. The owner, a woman, was very diligent and quickly packed the food.
- additionthis awesome addition to the neighborhood
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- clean and organized pick up spacerun a clean and organized pick up space
- convenient locationit’s a convenient location close to the Roosevelt station
- environmentVery friendly environment
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic
- interiorEverything was super flavorful and well prepared. The interior looks really cute, and I'm looking forward to dining in when times are more normal. For now, this is a fantastic takeout addition to the Ravenna / Roosevelt neighborhood.
- internal decorinternal decor was very cute
Frequently criticized
- placeIt's a nasty place to eat
- restroomThe staff was nice. We opted for takeout, and there was no restroom available.
Overall, if you're looking for a charming neighborhood spot with a great vibe and clean spaces, this place is definitely worth checking out, especially for takeout. Just be aware that a few past visitors found it less than spotless and note the absence of a restroom.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.3 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 88.2%, guests consistently rave about the affordability and reasonable price of their dishes. Out of 17 comments, 15 highlight how well-priced everything is, often noting the excellent portions for price you receive.
Interestingly, the only minor critique, from just one comment, suggests they might even be missing out on money by being so generous. This isnt a negative for you, the diner, but rather a testament to just how much bang for your buck youre getting here.
Value
17
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great affordability
- Reasonable prices
- Excellent portions
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThe owner was incredibly helpful and friendly. The gyro itself was out of this world good and super reasonably priced, which is a welcome find in this neighborhood. I'm so happy to have this awesome addition to the area and can't wait to explore more of their menu.
- affordabilitythe most notable thing is the affordability
- pricesI think at Ivar's and other local spots, it can be $15-17+. Overall, great food, great prices, and I will definitely be back!
- gyro priceAround $15 after tax per gyro, which isn’t cheap, but I’d rather pay a bit more for quality
- ordering directlyI don't know how they fry it so well! While Doordash is available, ordering directly from the store is cheaper. Upon visiting, I found the store and kitchen to be very clean.
- price pointall seem beyond their price point
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price too
- under $40pay tax/tip for under $40
- well-pricedWe love this neighborhood spot for takeout dinner. They're friendly, well-priced, and convenient. The food is good!
Frequently criticized
- missing out on moneyseems like they're missing out on a lot of money
If youre hunting for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this is it. Youll find fantastic food at prices that are hard to beat, making it a definite must-try for savvy diners.
How are the prices at The Counter?
You’re looking at roughly 19 $ per person – reported by 18 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests stick to this sweet spot, showing prices really cluster around this average, though a few opt for slightly pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Fast Food Restaurant in this range. It offers a good balance for a quick, satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Counter
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Nasty Experience with Hairs in Food
My experience at this restaurant was nasty. I found multiple thick hairs in my food, which was incredibly dirty and unpleasant. I would not recommend eating or ordering from here.
- food1
- place1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Hidden Gem for Amazing Fish and Chips!
My experience at this spot was that it's a hidden gem for really good takeout. The food is of great quality, and the staff are really friendly. It's also in a convenient location, close to the Roosevelt station.
The fish and chips are AMAZING – and I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur. The portions are generous and plated thoughtfully. I highly recommend getting the fish and chips; they are really, really tasty.
- food quality10
- staff9
- convenient location8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Unexpectedly Delicious Gyro!
My first visit to The Counter was a pleasant surprise. I was in a hurry and needed to grab something to eat quickly. I ordered a Gyro online from this place within walking distance and picked it up on my way to the light rail station at Roosevelt.
To my delight, the food was really good! I'm usually disappointed with quick meals, but this time, I was not disappointed at all. Beyond the excellent food, the service from the owners was impeccable.
They were genuinely cheerful, helpful, and made me feel appreciated as a customer. I was so impressed that I returned two more times, simply because they offered a great product and treated me so well. I highly recommend taking a chance and exploring their menu.
- Gyro9
- food9
- service from the owners10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food tasted like it was made with love, and the chicken gyro was particularly outstanding. The service was also very friendly, adding to the overall positive experience.
- food10
- chicken gyro10
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Wish these nuggets were real!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially the food. I was so impressed with the nuggets, I wished they offered them with Nashville hot seasoning. I believe this would be a huge success, potentially making the restaurant millions, billions, or even trillions!
It's a shame it's not an official menu item. The name itself, "Nashville Nuggets, " seems perfect and was clearly meant to be. I hope this becomes a real menu option instead of just a misunderstanding on my part from misreading the sign.
The Service and Atmosphere were also rated a perfect 5, and the Food received a 5 as well.
- nuggets10
- Nashville hot seasoning10
- Nashville Nuggets10
What The Counter offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Counter in Seattle?
At The Counter, you’ll find a casual fast food restaurant experience in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood. Enjoy quick bites for lunch or dinner with convenient counter service. They offer alcoholic beverages, including beer and cocktails, alongside vegetarian options.
Does The Counter at Old Ballard Catering Co. cater to families and offer accessible options?
Yes, The Counter is good for kids, offering a dedicated children’s menu. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, featuring both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This ensures a comfortable and convenient visit for all guests.
How does The Counter rate overall?
The Counter holds a strong overall score of 8.6, with excellent marks for Food (8.7) and Service (8.9). Ambience (7.7) and Value (8.3) also contribute positively to its reputation.
What kind of food can I expect at The Counter?
Customers often praise the diverse menu, highlighting items like delicious gyros, well-prepared fried chicken, generous Greek salads, and fresh fish and chips. Portions are generally considered ample.
Is The Counter a good option for takeout?
Yes, it’s frequently noted for its convenient takeout service and reasonable prices. While some food items can be inconsistent, the friendly staff and efficient service make it a popular choice for a quick meal.