Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Soulful Dishes – Seattle
Soulful Dishes - Seattle
Photo from Soulful Dishes
Soulful Dishes at a glance
Seattle Central District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#474 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#20 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
466
Reviews
71.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Hygiene concerns
- Weak sides
The restaurant Soulful Dishes is a casual American Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Central District. You’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering everything from lunch to dinner.
With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it’s designed for your convenience. Plus, you can easily park with free street parking usually available.
Overview: Introducting Soulful Dishes
Soulful Dishes offers a culinary experience where the food truly shines, often described as perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. Guests frequently praise the attentive service and the warm, inviting ambiance, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some diners have found the overall value to be a point of contention. While the quality is often appreciated, concerns about pricing and portion sizes have been noted, suggesting a potential imbalance for some budgets.
Good
7.4
out of 10
466
Reviews
71.5%
Satisfaction
105
negative
28
neutral
333
positive
Overall, Soulful Dishes earns a solid 7.4, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This aligns well with a strong 71.5% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 460 customer opinions, with a clear majority of 333 positive remarks outweighing 105 negative ones, painting a picture of a well-regarded establishment. Digging deeper, the Food (7.6) stands out as a primary draw, consistently receiving high marks for its preparation and flavor.
Service (7.3) and Ambience (7.3) also contribute significantly to the positive experience, with many appreciating the friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. However, the Value (4.4) score indicates an area where some guests feel the offering doesn’t quite meet expectations.
What people like
- Flavorful, well-prepared food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Warm, inviting ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived poor value
- Inconsistent service/hygiene
- Disappointing side dishes
Soulful Dishes generally delivers on its promise of well-prepared food and a pleasant dining atmosphere, supported by a solid 7.4 recommendation score. If you prioritize flavorful main dishes and appreciate a welcoming setting with attentive staff, this spot is certainly worth considering for your next meal.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests have found the overall value to be less compelling, particularly concerning portion sizes and certain side dishes. For those seeking a consistently budget-friendly option or expecting flawless execution across all menu items, you might want to manage your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Soulful Dishes
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Diving into the food here, many diners rave about the authentic soul food experience, highlighting delicious catfish, perfectly cooked ribs, and heavenly mac and cheese. With 244 positive remarks out of 331 total, its clear that when they hit the mark, the flavors are rich, hearty, and well-seasoned, often praised for generous portion sizes and tender, crispy textures. The overall food score sits at a solid 7.6, indicating a generally good culinary experience.
However, not every dish is a winner, as 63 comments point to some inconsistencies. Issues like undercooked items, bland or soggy fries, and disappointing mac and cheese occasionally surface. Some found the yams tasted canned or the red beans lacked depth, suggesting that while the customer satisfaction is a good 73.7%, theres still room for improvement in consistency across the menu.
Food
331
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
63
negative
24
neutral
244
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic soul food
- Flavorful, well-seasoned
- Tender, crispy dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, soggy sides
- Undercooked items
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was made to order, served hot, perfectly cooked, and well-seasoned. I particularly enjoyed the blackened salmon po’boy, the fried chicken plate with seasoned buttery corn, and a seafood platter with catfish and shrimp.
- ribsThe ribs were the ideal balance of tangy and smoky
- catfishI can appreciate the young man Christian and his chef for accommodating my requests, and I look forward to going back to try some more of their menu. Today I had the hot link burger, and the seafood platter plate—I chose the catfish and it comes with jumbo shrimp. I substituted my fries for collard greens, and I would have had candied yams, but they were out so I tried the red beans and rice.
- friesMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I enjoyed a good burger and fries, and the staff was super friendly. My only minor complaint is that I didn't receive ketchup with my fries, but I suspect it's because I didn't ask for it.
- red beans and riceToday I had the hot link burger, and the seafood platter plate—I chose the catfish and it comes with jumbo shrimp. I substituted my fries for collard greens, and I would have had candied yams, but they were out so I tried the red beans and rice. Go check them out.
- FoodFood:5
- burgerWe hd the seafood specialty plate and the burger. Everything was so full of Flavour
- chicken tendersMy experience at the restaurant was great! I absolutely loved the chicken tenders and fries. I'm already excited to get the mac n cheese next time!
- collard greensToday I had the hot link burger, and the seafood platter plate—I chose the catfish and it comes with jumbo shrimp. I substituted my fries for collard greens, and I would have had candied yams, but they were out so I tried the red beans and rice. Go check them out.
- greensthe greens were really good!
Frequently criticized
- mac and cheeseThe pork chop meal was mostly awesome, with an excellent chop and greens. However, the mac and cheese tasted super burnt. 😔 The greens could have used some more meat and seasoning.
- foodthe food and service was so bad this time
- friesThe fries and ranch sauce were quite gross
- chickenThe chicken didn't taste like chicken.
- cornbreadthe Corn bread it tasted like you were eating dirt even with honey added The inside was dry as hell
- yamsStarting with the downsides—the sides were disappointing. The yams tasted like they came straight from a can with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and the rice reminded me of minute rice. The red beans lacked depth and flavor, missing the kind of seasoning and extra ingredients that give soul food its richness.
- catfishI shared an order of catfish and shrimp, Mac&cheese, and red beans and rice. While I can't recommend the catfish, the rest of the meal was very good! The atmosphere wasn't particularly warm, so if I were to return, I would probably opt for take out.
- pork chops00. His pork chops were not fully seasoned and were fried too hard. As a chef and a New Yorker, we know how to cook, and this experience did not meet our expectations.
- riceThe lack of good service is the primary reason we will not return. I'm giving 2 stars because the food was kinda good, with the exception of the undercooked, crunchy rice in the red beans & rice. Additionally, I was surprised that a soul food restaurant did not offer any desserts like peach cobbler, red velvet cake, or pound cake.
- Chicken stripsthe Chicken strips were hot outside and frozen cold in the middle
If youre craving authentic soul food and dont mind a slight gamble on consistency, this spot is definitely worth a try. Many dishes are praised for their rich flavors and generous portions, making it a potentially delightful meal. Just be aware that some sides might not always hit the mark.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.3 and 72% customer satisfaction! Out of 82 comments, 59 rave about the friendly staff, quick wait times, and excellent hospitality. Many guests specifically highlight the attentive servers and how accommodating the team is, making for a truly welcoming experience.
However, it's not always perfect. 23 negative comments point to areas needing attention, such as occasional long wait times and disorganized service. Some experiences mention poor communication or a lack of greeting, suggesting that consistency in customer service could be improved for every guest.
Service
82
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
23
negative
0
neutral
59
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized service
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceIf you’re going to this place, you know what you’re looking for, and this is that kind of place. The people who work here clearly know what they’re doing. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was perfect for what we wanted.
- staffvery friendly staff and very welcoming
- ServiceThe Po Boy sauce was truly bomb. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
- ChristianChristian, the cook, server, and, cashier was very good at every level
- customer serviceChristian was the absolute best at customer.
- wait timedidn’t have to wait too long for our food
- accommodating my requestsThe food was tasty and the service was very good. I can appreciate the young man Christian and his chef for accommodating my requests, and I look forward to going back to try some more of their menu. Today I had the hot link burger, and the seafood platter plate—I chose the catfish and it comes with jumbo shrimp.
- beautiful peoplevery nice, beautiful people
- chefthe chef was lovely and said he'll hook me up
- cookTony the cook is AMAZING and the best cook ever!
Frequently criticized
- customer servicedisappointed in the communication and customer service
- servicethe food and service was so bad this time
- cashierThe cashier will mess up your order and give it to someone else.
- communicationdisappointed in the communication and customer service
- cookI was so looking forward to trying this place. However, my experience was dampened when I saw a video where the cook picked up the fried fish with his bare hands and put it in the container. It was a real bummer, as I expected proper hygiene practices like using tongs.
- disorganizedThings were extremely disorganized
- door lockedtried to open the door and it was locked
- greetingthere was no greeting or welcome whatsoever
- kitchen closingthe kitchen closed early
- no one was thereAlthough it appeared to be open with the lights on and a TV playing, the door was locked when we tried to enter. It seemed like no one was there, which was very strange as we were looking forward to trying the food.
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly and often efficient service, this place is usually a great bet. While there are occasional reports of longer waits or disorganization, the positive experiences strongly suggest its worth a visit for its welcoming vibe.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot scores a solid 7.3, leaning towards good! Many guests absolutely love the cozy atmosphere and great vibes, often highlighting it as a charming mom and pop establishment with a warm and inviting ambiance. Out of 37 total opinions, 24 were positive, praising the unique feel and even the artwork.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.9%, indicating some room for improvement. A few of the 9 negative opinions mentioned the atmosphere as depressing or cold, with concerns about it being unorganized and messy. Some found the inside tacky or noted issues with tables and floors being dirty.
Ambience
37
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homey vibe
- Warm, inviting ambiance
- Mom-and-pop feel
What people don't like
- Messy, unorganized
- Tacky interior
- Dirty tables/floors
Often praised
- atmosphereIf you’re going to this place, you know what you’re looking for, and this is that kind of place. The people who work here clearly know what they’re doing.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeWonderful vibe in this shop!
- amazing smellssmelling the amazing smells coming out the kitchen
- ambianceThe ambiance is warm and inviting
- artworkThe artwork in the restaurant is also amazing
- at-home atmospheregreat at home atmosphere
- family owned businessFamily owned business so stop by to support them
- great atmospherebetween the great atmosphere and listening to Marvin Gaye
- mom and pop establishmentIt's super mom and pop
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereNot a warm atmosphere
- ambiancethe ambiance was cold & left much to be desired
- dining experienceJust a bad dining experience
- insideNot much to look at as far as the inside is concerned
- tables and floorstables and floors were dirty and sticky
- tackyThe place is pretty tacky
- unorganized and messyReally unorganized and messy
If youre seeking a casual, unpretentious spot with a genuine, homey feel, youll likely enjoy the vibe here. But if a pristine, polished dining room is a must-have for you, this place might not hit the mark.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some interesting contrasts. Many folks appreciate the 6 positive remarks about the pricing, with some finding it quite affordable and offering a good bang for your bucks. Plus, the mention of free street parking and plenty of parking is a definite bonus, making it feel worth every cent for those who had a great experience.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with 10 negative comments indicating a significant number of diners felt it was overpriced and a waste of money. The overall score for value is an average 4.4, but customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 37.5%. Many felt the portions were too small for the cost, leading to a sense of disappointment and a feeling of wanting their money back.
Value
16
Reviews
37%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good parking options
- Bang for bucks
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Small portions
- Waste of money
Often praised
- priceFood is good priced
- Free street parkingParking options:Free street parking
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- affordableThe atmosphere was super cozy, and the staff and cooks were great. Overall, it was absolutely delicious and affordable.
- bang for your bucksGood bang for your bucks
Frequently criticized
- pricepriced towards the upper limit of acceptability
- $60.00wasted $60.00
- Grouponwhen I went to use my Groupon, the guy told me I had to spend $20
- money backOn a positive note, the greens were good and the fries were also good. Honestly, I feel like I want my money back.
- overpricedfood here is extremely poor on quality overpriced
- portionsThe portions were very small to be so costly
- valueI hope that if this is the best Seattle has to offer, they order in some new taste buds. It was definitely too expensive for the value.
- waste moneyDon’t Come Here Unless You Like To Waste Money
- waste of moneyIT IS A WASTE OF MONEY!!!
If youre looking for a deal and prioritize parking, you might find some good value here. However, be prepared for a mixed bag, as many customers felt the prices didnt match the portions or quality, making it a potential waste of money for some.
How are the prices at Soulful Dishes?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing a clear cluster around this average price point.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an American Restaurant. You’re getting good value for a comfortable mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Soulful Dishes
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good Catfish and Greens, Okay Mac and Cheese
My experience at the restaurant involved trying the catfish plate, which came with mac and cheese and greens. The catfish and greens were really good! However, the mac and cheese could have been better.
The service and atmosphere were rated a 5, and the food a 4.
- catfish plate8
- greens8
- mac and cheese4
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Horrible Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely horrible. I've given them three chances, and I'm done. Despite wanting to support Black businesses, the level of customer service and the horrible food are just too much.
Today, I ordered Chicken tenders & fries and a Sammy burger combo. The chicken strips were hot on the outside but frozen cold in the middle. The Sammy burger was like a lump of coal, making me feel like I was on the naughty list.
Never again!
- customer service1
- horrible food1
- Chicken strips1
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
1
Extremely Poor Food and Service
I usually don't write reviews, but consider this a caution: the food quality here is extremely poor and overpriced. It seemed heavily microwaved, as I even heard beeps in the background. The place itself is pretty tacky.
The staff wasn't welcoming, even when I gave a $20 tip just for sauce. The food tasted awful, respectfully. The mac and cheese was like pasta with a little cheese, the fries were soggy and mushy, and the potato salad was nasty, leaving a gagging feeling.
The cornbread tasted like dirt, even with honey, and was dry. After eating, my stomach instantly felt pain and nausea. Overall, don't come here unless you like to waste money, eat nasty food, and feel sick.
- food quality1
- overpriced1
- microwaved2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Southern Food in a Humble Spot
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful surprise. I was looking for "cheap food near me" and this place popped up. Although it's located in a run-down store, the owner was incredibly nice.
The food was amazing; everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. If you're craving Southern Food, this is definitely the place to go. We ordered the Seafood Plate and the Chicken Tenders Plate, and the portions were so generous that each plate provided enough food for two meals.
- food10
- owner10
- Southern Food10
- atmosphere4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A True Gem with Melt-in-Your-Mouth Catfish!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious every time. I particularly enjoyed the catfish, which was perfectly crispy on the outside and melted in your mouth on the inside.
I highly recommend getting the collards on the side. This place is a true gem!
- catfish10
- collards9
- food10
What Soulful Dishes offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Soulful Dishes accessible for all guests?
Yes, Soulful Dishes is fully accessible. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone visiting this American restaurant in Seattle’s Central District.
What dining options and special offerings can you expect at Soulful Dishes?
At Soulful Dishes, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert, with options for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. They also offer catering, counter service, and a selection of alcohol, including beer, alongside vegetarian options and quick bites.
How does Soulful Dishes generally perform according to customer feedback?
Soulful Dishes holds a good overall score of 7.4, with customers particularly praising the Food (7.6), Service (7.3), and Ambience (7.3). However, the Value (4.4) is an area where opinions are more mixed.
What do customers enjoy most about the dining experience at Soulful Dishes?
Many customers highlight the delicious and well-seasoned main dishes, along with the friendly and accommodating staff. The warm and inviting atmosphere also contributes to a pleasant visit.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Soulful Dishes?
Some patrons have expressed concerns regarding the perceived value, citing issues with pricing and portion sizes. Additionally, there have been mentions of inconsistent service aspects and disappointing side dishes.