Highlights
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great tea selection
oChef » Red Arrow – Seattle
Red Arrow - Seattle
Photo from Red Arrow
Red Arrow at a glance
Seattle Phinney Ridge
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#180 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#17 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
645
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Charming ambiance
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Slow service
- Drink inconsistency
The café Red Arrow in Seattle’s vibrant Phinney Ridge neighborhood offers you a truly inviting experience. You’ll find a cozy retreat here, perfect for escaping the Seattle chill, especially with its welcoming fireplace.
It’s a casual yet trendy spot where you can enjoy not just great coffee, but also an impressive selection of teas, making it a standout destination for your daily caffeine fix or a relaxing break.
Overview: Introducting Red Arrow
Red Arrow offers a delightful escape, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and the quality of its morning fare. Many customers highlight the delicious breakfast sandwich and the overall appeal of its garden cafe setting, making it a pleasant spot to start your day.
However, some experiences suggest areas for improvement. While the friendly staff generally receives acclaim, occasional slow food service and unexpected 5% surcharge on bills have been noted, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
645
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
66
negative
26
neutral
553
positive
Red Arrow earns a solid 8.2 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 85.7%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These assessments are drawn from a substantial pool of 645 customer observations, with 553 positive remarks outweighing 66 negative ones. Looking closer, the Food (8.4) and Ambience (8.4) are clear standouts, consistently receiving high praise.
Service (8.1) also performs well, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment. However, the Value (4.7) aspect presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while quality is appreciated, pricing can be a point of contention for some.
What people like
- Delicious breakfast items
- Charming garden atmosphere
- Welcoming, friendly service
What people don't like
- Unexpected service fees
- Slow food preparation
- Inconsistent drink quality
Red Arrow presents a compelling option for those seeking a pleasant environment and quality breakfast or coffee. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it’s certainly worth considering if you prioritize a charming setting and well-prepared food.
Just be mindful of potential wait times for your order and check your bill for any additional charges. If you’re looking for a relaxed spot with good coffee and food, and are prepared for these minor points, Red Arrow could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Red Arrow
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
It seems the food here is quite a hit! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a strong 89.9%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Out of 327 comments, a whopping 294 were positive, praising delicious breakfast sandwiches, excellent coffee, and wonderful pastries, alongside tasty French toast and high-quality ingredients.
However, its not entirely perfect, with 23 negative comments pointing out a few areas for improvement. Some found specific items like the ham sandwich or coconut cream cold brew disappointing, while others noted that certain lattes and drip coffee lacked flavor, and portions could feel small for the price.
Food
327
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
23
negative
10
neutral
294
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious breakfast sandwiches
- Excellent coffee and pastries
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Some drinks lack flavor
- High prices, small portions
- Specific food items disappointing
Often praised
- coffeeI appreciate the ample outdoor covered seating. They offer a selection of pastries, some hot sandwiches, and great coffee. It has quickly become my favorite morning stop, largely due to the cheerful staff.
- foodThe wheelchair accessible entrance is conveniently located around back on the Market St side. I enjoyed the great coffee and great food, all served in a very quaint and cute atmosphere. The recommended dish, the Oat Milk Latte, was excellent.
- pastriesThe mocha latte had a great chocolate flavor without being too bitter or too sweet. The pastries were excellent. One was a Sour Cream Blueberry Muffin - it was moist, had tons of blueberries, and exactly what you'd expect from the name.
- egg sandwichthe egg sandwich all made this surprise discovery one of the rare gems
- FoodFood:5
- breakfast sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly with their breakfast sandwich. It might just be the best breakfast sandwich in Seattle. The sandwich featured a delicious aioli and nice thick bacon.
- baconIt might just be the best breakfast sandwich in Seattle. The sandwich featured a delicious aioli and nice thick bacon. The egg, described as a sort of mini omelet, was cooked to perfection.
- espressoreally well tuned espresso
- Americanocold brew coffees and one Americano that were absolutely delicious
- breakfastWe had a great breakfast here
Frequently criticized
- drip coffeethe drip coffee is on the pricey side
- foodIt's one of the best shops I’ve been to in Seattle. While I don’t recommend the food, the roast here is high quality and the coffee itself is a vibe.
- iced americanonot cold - the little bit of ice melted immediately
- CortadoCortado was lacking
- breadThe bacon, egg & cheese sandwich was huge but really delicious. The ricotta & lemon toast tasted good, but it was a bit too much bread (Texas toast) and honestly needed a bit of blackberry jam. We ordered oatmilk lattes as our go-to when trying new coffee places.
- breakfast sandwichHowever, I just can't recommend a place that throws a 5% fee onto the bill at the end without prior notice on the menu. This fee just shows up when you are paying, which is crazy considering the prices are already so insane – $15 for a breakfast sandwich. With all the add-ons, tax, tip, and this 5% BS fee, it ended up being almost $20 for just a breakfast sandwich.
- chai latteMy latte had very little flavor, tasting like something I’d expect from a gas station. My wife’s extra hot chai latte was lukewarm. I would come again for the space if friends were visiting, but definitely not for the drinks.
- coconut cream cold brewcoconut cream mixed properly had big chucks of curdles, grainy and sour
- coffeethe coffee was sub par at best.
- craftThe atmosphere was very cute, earning a perfect score. However, the Cortado was lacking, and I was hoping for a bit more craft. To add to the disappointment, they were BLASTING Shrek The Musical, which was just so abrasive.
If you're looking for a spot with consistently good breakfast options, fantastic coffee, and delightful pastries, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some specialty drinks might not hit the mark, and prices can lean a bit high for certain items.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.4%. Many patrons rave about the friendly and helpful staff, especially the amazing baristas and the welcoming owner. With 52 positive remarks out of 69, its clear that the professionalism and kindness, often highlighted by mentions of Hatty, make for an excellent experience, even being dog-friendly!
However, not every interaction is perfect. A few of the 11 negative comments suggest that some staff could be a little friendlier, with one person even feeling unwelcome due to perceived toxic energy. ' There were also mentions of longer wait time for food and a minor inconvenience about not being able to use your own mug.
Service
69
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
11
negative
6
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Welcoming baristas/owner
- Dog-friendly environment
What people don't like
- Slow food wait
- Inconsistent staff friendliness
- No personal mugs
Often praised
- serviceThis nice little coffee shop is tucked away behind Brimmer and Heeltap restaurant as you leave Ballard on Market Street. I’m a regular because I live in the area and I’m always treated so well regardless of who’s working or how busy the place is. I’ve enjoyed many of the coffee drinks and I regularly get work done here.
- ServiceService was friendly!
- staffWhat makes this little cafe so special is the staff
- baristasThe baristas are fantastic humans
- customer servicemy favorite part is the customer service
- peoplewelcoming people
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- HattieHattie was especially kind and helpful today
- HattyHatty was super kind and attentive
- WiFiso WiFi must be good.
Frequently criticized
- espresso machinethe espresso machine was down
- foodthe food takes a while
- friendlierbe a little friendlier when serving
- menu itemasked about one of the items on the menu whether it’s served hot or cold. He shrugged his shoulders, and said in a dismissive tone “Cold.”
- own mugYou can't use your own mug
- patronsPatrons were not exactly friendly
- sandwichNo shock here since B&H's kitchen is top notch. The only opportunity this place has is to check on the food more regularly - our sandwich took over 30 minutes! One other note - this place can be pretty pricey.
- servicethe dude who took my order already half ruined my mood
- staffnone of the staff struck up a conversation
- toxic energyyour toxic energy does not help anyone
Overall, if youre looking for a place with genuinely warm and professional staff, especially for coffee and a friendly vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential food delays and dont expect to use your own mug, but the excellent service generally outweighs these minor points.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
This spot truly shines when it comes to its atmosphere, boasting an excellent 90.4% customer satisfaction and a strong 8.4 score. Many of the 198 positive remarks highlight the delightful outdoor seating and garden setting, often described as a hidden gem or a cozy spot. Guests frequently appreciate the heaters for comfort and the dog friendly space, creating a wonderfully inviting and open-air vibe.
However, a few of the 13 critical comments point to some practical snags. Some visitors found seating to be limited, while others mentioned challenges with parking and that the place can be easy to miss. A lack of outlets was also a minor inconvenience for some.
Ambience
219
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
198
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Garden oasis
- Heated comfort
- Pet friendly
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Parking issues
- Hard to find
Often praised
- atmosphereThe wheelchair accessible entrance is conveniently located around back on the Market St side. I enjoyed the great coffee and great food, all served in a very quaint and cute atmosphere. The recommended dish, the Oat Milk Latte, was excellent.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor seatingIt's outdoor seating, but with heaters the cold is never a problem.
- gardenscattered throughout their garden, which is lovely
- spaceSpace is very cool, would totally return based on the space.
- dog friendlyIt’s very dog friendly
- hidden gemA hidden gem in the neighborhood
- ambianceBeautiful lush ambiance - perfect for a spring or summer breakfast or lunch!
- fire pitMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its incredibly cute garden cafe atmosphere. It offers abundant outdoor seating, complete with heaters, a covered area, and a fire pit, making it a very inviting space. The ambiance was the standout feature of my visit.
- garden cafesuper cute, hidden away garden cafe!
Frequently criticized
- outletsno outlets for customers to use
- seatingThe outdoor seating is amidst a relaxing garden, which adds to the pleasant atmosphere. It’s a popular spot, so finding seating can sometimes be hard.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Shrek The MusicalBLASTING Shrek The Musical which was just so abrasive
- easy to missIt's easy to miss
- entrancefumbled my way around the building looking for an entrance.
- parkingcircled the block twice looking for where to park.
- place to sitNo place to sit.
- too loudbut not too loud
If youre seeking a charming, open-air escape with a garden feel and a welcoming vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially limited seating and a bit of a hunt for parking, especially during busy times. Its an excellent choice for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 30%, some diners found bright spots. Based on 30 observations, 9 positive remarks highlighted reasonably priced dishes, large portions, and the no-tip establishment as welcome features, with some even praising the cheap wine. However, the overall score for value sits at an average 4.7, largely influenced by 19 negative comments.
Many felt the experience was often expensive or pricey, with frequent mentions of unexpected junk fees or surcharges that added to the bill, leading to a perception of high prices and even shady business practice.
Value
30
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced dishes
- Generous portions
- No-tip policy
What people don't like
- Unexpected fees
- High prices
Often praised
- costIt will cost you but it's a fabulous place
- PricesPrices were very reasonable.
- cheap winebest cheap wine we’ve ever enjoyed
- large portionoffered a large portion for Seattle pricing
- no-tip establishmentnice that it’s a no-tip establishment
- parkingParking options:Free street parking
- reasonably pricedFood is reasonably priced and delicious
- value to price ratioExceptional value to price ratio going on here
Frequently criticized
- expensiveI enjoyed the good coffee and food. While it is definitely a little more expensive than most spots, it doesn’t stop me from coming back.
- 5% BS fee5% BS fee, it was almost $20
- 5% feethrows a 5% fee onto the bill
- 5% surchargeWith all the add-ons, tax, tip, and this 5% BS fee, it ended up being almost $20 for just a breakfast sandwich. Even if the prices were normal, I still wouldn't recommend this place until they stop adding a 5% surcharge to the bill. It's a shady business practice and an instant no-go for me.
- 50c feecharged an additional 50c fee, not sure what for
- Restaurant Feeshows up as "Restaurant Fee"
- feeThe only thing that was a surprise was the 5% fee
- high pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by high prices for little quantity. However, the French onion toast did look great.
- junk feeadds on a junk fee
- parkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
If you're looking for a great deal, this spot might be a gamble due to its unexpected fees and higher prices. However, if you catch them on a good day with a reasonably priced dish and appreciate the no-tip policy, you might find it worthwhile.
How are the prices at Red Arrow?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 89 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend in the 1 – 20 $ range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
See how this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Cafe in Seattle. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Red Arrow
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Coffee Shop All Around!
I've visited at least 50 coffee shops in Seattle, and this one stands out as the best all around. The coffee is amazing, the people are amazing, and the seating options are wonderful. It's incredibly cozy and warm, just delightful in every way.
I've never had a bad experience and now I'm here every weekend.
- coffee10
- people10
- seating options10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Crispy Potatoes & Breakfast Sandwich Heaven
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with the food. I consistently order the crispy potatoes because they are so memorable, akin to an unforgettable past relationship. The breakfast sandwich is also outstanding, featuring thick-cut bacon that is simply divine.
The overall experience was rated a perfect 5 for Service, Atmosphere, and Food.
- crispy potatoes10
- breakfast sandwich9
- thick cut bacon9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Outstanding Cafe Experience
My experience at this cafe was very good. I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and a very good cortado. The great atmosphere made it stand out in a sea of coffee shops.
- cortado9
- breakfast9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Peaceful and Warm Spot for Groups!
This place is my and my co-workers and clients' peace! It has a very nice vibe. You can eat outside next to a fire pit.
The staff is so sweet and warm! We have eaten here about 7 times in 6 weeks!
- peace10
- nice vibe9
- fire pit8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Egg Bacon Sandwich Fire, Matcha Latte Mediocre
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The egg bacon sandwich was absolutely fire 🔥 and highly recommended. The bacon was solid, thick-cut, and had full roasted flavors.
However, their matcha latte was mediocre. While the concept of a rose matcha latte is good, the execution wasn't quite there. The service was rated 5/5, the atmosphere a 4/5, and the food a 4/5.
It was a lunch visit with no wait time, and the price per person was between $20–30.
- egg bacon sandwich10
- bacon9
- rose matcha latte6
- matcha latte4
What Red Arrow offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at Red Arrow?
At Red Arrow, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. You can enjoy the warmth of a fireplace, stay connected with free Wi-Fi, and find convenient amenities like a gender-neutral restroom and a bar onsite for your comfort.
Does Red Arrow offer dietary-friendly options and alcoholic beverages?
Yes, Red Arrow caters to various dietary needs with both vegan and vegetarian options available. For those looking for a drink, you’ll find a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, making it a versatile spot for both your coffee cravings and evening unwinding.
How does Red Arrow generally perform?
Red Arrow achieves a strong overall score of 8.2 with good customer satisfaction at 85.7%. Its Food (8.4), Ambience (8.4), and Service (8.1) are highly regarded, though Value (4.7) is more average.
What makes Red Arrow a pleasant place to visit?
Many appreciate Red Arrow for its charming garden cafe atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and a fire pit . The friendly staff and delicious breakfast sandwich also contribute to a positive experience.
Are there any common concerns at Red Arrow?
Some patrons have noted unexpected fees added to the bill and occasional slow food preparation times. There are also mixed opinions regarding the consistency of certain coffee and drink items.