Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Columbia Food Co – Seattle
Columbia Food Co - Seattle
Photo from Columbia Food Co
Columbia Food Co at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🥪 Deli
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#522 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#8 Deli out of 15 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
137
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh sandwiches
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor restrooms
- High drink prices
The restaurant Columbia Food Co is a welcoming deli located in the heart of Seattle’s Central Business District. When you’re looking for a quick and delicious bite, this spot offers a convenient and satisfying experience.
You can easily stop by for a meal, whether you prefer to dine in, grab your order for takeout, or have it delivered right to your door. It’s a perfect choice for a casual and accessible dining experience in the bustling city.
Overview: Introducting Columbia Food Co
Columbia Food Co. offers a generally positive experience, particularly standing out for its well-regarded sandwiches and the consistently friendly staff . Many appreciate the inviting atmosphere , making it a comfortable spot for a meal or a quick grab-and-go.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding value , specifically with certain drink prices. Additionally, the condition of the restroom facilities has been a point of contention for a few, suggesting areas for improvement.
Good
7.2
out of 10
137
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
33
negative
3
neutral
101
positive
The overall Restaurant Score of 7.2 and Customer Satisfaction at 73.7% indicate a good dining experience, reflecting a solid performance across the board. This assessment is drawn from 137 customer remarks, comprising 101 positive and 33 negative observations.
Food (7.6) is a clear highlight, consistently praised for its quality, while Service (7.5) also garners strong approval, with staff often described as welcoming and efficient. While Ambience (6.7) contributes positively to the experience, Value (5.3) presents a more average showing, suggesting that while the quality is there, some items might feel a bit pricey to certain patrons.
This indicates a slight divergence where the core offerings excel, but pricing on specific items could be a consideration for some visitors.
What people like
- Delicious, fresh sandwiches
- Welcoming, attentive staff
- Bright, warm atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unkempt restroom facilities
- Overpriced drinks/snacks
- Disappointing dessert quality
Columbia Food Co. is a solid choice if you’re looking for well-prepared food, especially their sandwiches, delivered with genuinely good service. With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual meal or a quick bite.
While the main offerings are strong, be aware that some drink prices might feel a bit high, and the restroom facilities could be a letdown. Focus on the core menu and friendly interactions for a generally satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Columbia Food Co
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to food, things are looking pretty good, with a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 79.7%. Many folks rave about the delicious food, especially calling out the best sandwich theyve had, praising its freshness and flavor. Theres also a good selection of deli items, wines, and snacks to explore, based on 59 positive remarks.
However, not everything hits the mark. A few of the 12 negative comments point to issues with the empanada being dry or having a lacking taste profile. Some desserts also received criticism for being old or hard, suggesting there's a little room for improvement in those areas.
Food
74
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best sandwiches
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Wide selection
What people don't like
- Bad empanadas
- Old desserts
Often praised
- foodI was absolutely blown away by the sandwiches; they are to die for. I'm already looking forward to tasting more of their food!
- sandwichesTasty, big, freshly-made sandwiches
- ingredientsThis place is a total gem. The deli is stacked with tasty sandwich options, featuring fresh ingredients and some really unique finds. I loved discovering gourmet condiments, cool international snacks, and small-batch drinks.
- portion sizeThe sandwiches are big enough that my husband and I split them
- sandwichI ordered a sandwich and an empanada which were quickly made and both were delicious.
- Baja Chipotle sandwichI usually get the Baja Chipotle sandwich.
- French quarter sandwichthe French quarter was rich & flavorful
- No. 8 sandwichNo. 8 sandwich — absolutely bomb. Super fresh, great flavor
- RubenI had the Ruben with the Spicy Italian sandwiches, the were both very good.
- Spicy Italian sandwichesthe Spicy Italian sandwiches, the were both very good.
Frequently criticized
- empanadathe empanada I got from here was genuinely inedible
- EmpanadasThe Empanadas were terrible. They were dry
- dessertsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the quality of the desserts. I initially ordered the tiramisu, and upon tasting it, I found it to be old and hard.
- dish soapwash my hands in the kitchen using dish soap
- dryThey were dry and expensive
- lemon cellochose the lemon cello. This one was also old and hard
- taste profiletaste profile is quite lacking
- tiramisutiramisu, and when I bit into it, it was old and hard
- tortillawanted my tortilla toasted, but it also wasn’t
- tzatziki & the carrotsoverpowered by the tzatziki & the carrots & quite tangy
If you're looking for a fantastic sandwich or a great selection of deli items and drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some of the empanadas and desserts might not live up to the same high standards.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and 75.9% customer satisfaction, its clear many guests are pleased. Out of 29 comments, 22 were positive, often highlighting the super friendly employees and their menu knowledge.
Many appreciated the no wait and how orders were quickly made, making for a smooth experience. However, not all experiences were perfect. A few of the 7 negative comments pointed to a lack of attention from staff, with some feeling ignored as employees were talking to each other.
The absence of a tipping option was also a recurring concern, with customers feeling it was unfair to staff and a poor policy decision, especially regarding the guy behind the counter'.
Service
29
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Menu knowledge
What people don't like
- Lack of attention
- No tipping option
- Uninterested staff
Often praised
- staffI loved discovering gourmet condiments, cool international snacks, and small-batch drinks. It has that perfect neighborhood market feel, and the staff is always welcoming. It's a great spot to grab lunch or discover something new to take home.
- serviceservice here is always excellent
- employeeThe employee was very nice and attentive.
- employeesThe employees are all super friendly
- menu knowledgethey know the menu well
- nice peoplenice people
- open early and lateI love that they are open early and late
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was pretty good! The food was delicious, and the people were nice. It's a nice big place with lots of tables, contributing to a great atmosphere.
- people working thereReally nice people working there too
- quickly madewhich were quickly made and both were delicious.
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the service was a significant letdown. The two people behind the counter were too busy talking to each other to get my order right. While I understand wanting to have fun with coworkers, their constant conversation detracted from their attention to customers, which didn't create a good vibe.
- attentiontalking to each other more than they were paying attention
- guy behind counterGuy behind the counter wasn’t interested in helping us.
- policyRemoving a tipping option is discouraging and unfair to staff. I strongly urge the management to reconsider this policy.
- staffMost customers don’t carry cash anymore and want to show appreciation. Removing a tipping option is discouraging and unfair to staff. I strongly urge the management to reconsider this policy.
- tipping optionNo way to tip in a big place
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. However, be mindful that some guests have noted occasional inattentiveness and a lack of tipping options. If quick, friendly interactions are key for you, its worth a visit, but dont expect to tip your server.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
Overall, the vibe here generally hits the mark, with a solid 6.7 score and 70% customer satisfaction. Many guests, accounting for 14 positive remarks out of 20, rave about the spots cleanliness , good location , and big windows that make it bright. They love the neighborhood market feel and appreciate it as a great gem with a warm atmosphere and quiet noise level .
However, not everything is picture-perfect. A few guests, 6 to be exact, pointed out some significant issues, particularly concerning the bathroom . Complaints ranged from restroom floor conditions with urine and toilet issues to an overwhelming restroom smell and even a lack of soap.
These aspects definitely didnt give a good vibe to some.
Ambience
20
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cleanliness
- Good location
- Bright windows
What people don't like
- Restroom condition
- Overwhelming smell
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, marked by great food, a warm atmosphere, and truly wonderful staff. It has consistently been one of my favorite places.
- big windowsBig windows, so very bright inside
- cleanlinessEverything was clean
- good locationgood location
- great gemwas a great gem
- inside seating areasIts got inside seating areas
- neighborhood market feelI loved discovering gourmet condiments, cool international snacks, and small-batch drinks. It has that perfect neighborhood market feel, and the staff is always welcoming. It's a great spot to grab lunch or discover something new to take home.
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- placeNice big place with lotsa tables
Frequently criticized
- bathroomran out of soap in the bathroom
- restroomNever seen a restroom that required a code in such bad shape
- restroom floorUrine all over the floor
- restroom smelljust the worst smell ever
- toiletI decided to overlook this and use their restroom, which was in a shocking state. The restroom required a code and was in disrepair, with urine on the floor and toilet paper, and urine in the toilet. The smell was overwhelming, causing me to gag upon opening the door.
- vibedidn't give a good vibe
If youre looking for a bright, clean spot with a great market feel, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that the restrooms might be a significant letdown, so manage your expectations on that front.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.3 score and 42.9% customer satisfaction. However, based on 14 comments, with 6 positive remarks, many customers found the quality to be worth it for the prices . They appreciated big sandwiches often under $10 and options designed to fit everyone’s budget .
On the flip side, 8 negative comments highlighted concerns about certain items being expensive , particularly the energy drink price . A common frustration was the lack of clear prices on drinks , snacks , and to-go items , leaving some customers feeling a bit surprised at the register.
Value
14
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality worth price
- Big sandwiches
- Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
- Some items expensive
- No prices displayed
- High drink prices
Often praised
- big sandwichesabout $11 for big sandwiches
- everyone’s budgetThe food was delicious, and the employees were super friendly. They offer snacks and alcohol, with quality products to meet everyone’s budget. Thank you from the visiting Canadians :)
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesPrices were great
- qualityworth it for the quality
- under $10All for under $10
Frequently criticized
- $11down $11 and still needing to pee
- energy drink priceenergy drink to be excessive. It cost $5
- expensivethey were dry and expensive
- priceA bit on the expensive side
- prices on drinksIt's a nice big place with lots of tables, contributing to a great atmosphere. The only downside was that there were no prices on the drinks, snacks, or to-go items 😄.
- prices on snacksno prices on the snacks
- prices on togo itemsno prices on the togo items
- tip optiontip option seems to have been removed
If youre looking for substantial meals like big sandwiches at a decent price, you might find good value here. However, be prepared for potentially higher costs on certain snacks and drinks, and dont expect all items to have their prices clearly displayed.
How are the prices at Columbia Food Co?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 27 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Deli, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most folks tend to spend right around this average, with the vast majority of prices clustering within that $11–$20 sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
How this Deli’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Deli in Seattle. It offers good value for a quick, quality bite without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Columbia Food Co
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
No Tipping Option Unfair to Staff
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a significant issue: there is No way to tip in a large establishment where employees work hard. Most customers don’t carry cash anymore and want to show appreciation. Removing a tipping option is discouraging and unfair to staff.
I strongly urge the management to reconsider this policy.
- tipping option2
- staff2
- policy2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Italian Sub: Good, Not Great
My experience at this restaurant was that the food was totally fine, but it's nothing to write home about. If I'm getting an Italian sub, I want that platonic ideal in my mind, I want shredded lettuce and non-sweet bread. The service was rated 5/5 and the atmosphere was rated 4/5.
- food5
- Italian sub4
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
8
Bomb Sandwich, Worth the Price
My experience at the restaurant was great! I tried the No. 8 sandwich, and it was absolutely bomb. The sandwich was super fresh with great flavor.
The service was fast and friendly. While it was a bit on the expensive side, the quality made it worth it.
- No. 8 sandwich9
- freshness9
- flavor9
- price4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Great Food, Wonderful Staff, But No Tip Option
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, marked by great food, a warm atmosphere, and truly wonderful staff. It has consistently been one of my favorite places. The only reason for my three-star rating is the apparent removal of the tip option.
I genuinely appreciated being able to leave a tip because the service here is always excellent, and it never feels right to leave without showing appreciation for the team. Aside from this one issue, this place continues to be one of the best in the area.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- staff10
- tip option3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Desserts, Twice
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the quality of the desserts. I initially ordered the tiramisu, and upon tasting it, I found it to be old and hard. I requested a replacement, which was granted.
For my second choice, I opted for the lemon cello. Unfortunately, this dessert was also old and hard. Given these issues with the food, I will not be returning.
- tiramisu2
- lemon cello2
- desserts1
What Columbia Food Co offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
FAQs
Is Columbia Food Co accessible for all guests?
Yes, Columbia Food Co ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available, making it easy for all patrons to enjoy their meal in the Central Business District.
What service options and amenities does Columbia Food Co offer?
At Columbia Food Co, you have several convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For your comfort, the deli provides a clean restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant and connected experience during your visit.
How does Columbia Food Co. rate overall?
Columbia Food Co. holds a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.2** and a Customer Satisfaction of **73.7%**. Its Food (7.6) and Service (7.5) are highly rated, while Ambience (6.7) is good, and Value (5.3) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Columbia Food Co.?
Customers frequently praise Columbia Food Co. for its delicious, freshly made sandwiches and the welcoming, attentive staff . The bright and warm atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant experience.
Are there any common complaints about Columbia Food Co.?
Some customers have expressed concerns about the condition of the restroom facilities. Additionally, certain drinks and snacks are occasionally perceived as overpriced, and the quality of desserts has been a point of disappointment for some.