Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » FareStart – Seattle
FareStart - Seattle
Photo from FareStart
FareStart at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- ☕ Café
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 6 of the guests
#193 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#18 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
75
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Community mission
- Friendly service
- Fresh food
Frequently criticized
- Bland coffee
- Limited breakfast
- High price
The café FareStart invites you to a delightful experience in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood. You will find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing break.
This spot is celebrated for its great coffee, making it an ideal destination whether you are starting your day or need an afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy the welcoming vibe and excellent service during your visit.
Overview: Introducting FareStart
FareStart offers a generally positive experience, standing out for its admirable mission and the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Guests often appreciate the quality of the food and the overall positive vibe, making it a pleasant stop for many.
However, it’s not without its minor inconsistencies. Some visitors have found certain coffee items to be underwhelming, and there have been instances of limited breakfast options due to operational issues.
While many support the cause, a few perceive the overall experience as a bit expensive.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
75
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
66
positive
FareStart earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8.2, reflecting a generally good dining experience, and boasts a strong Customer Satisfaction of 88%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 75 customer observations, with a significant majority of 66 positive remarks against just 6 negative ones, indicating a well-regarded establishment.
Delving into specifics, Service (8.6) and Ambience (8.6) are particularly strong points, often highlighted by patrons. The Food (8) also receives good marks, being the most discussed aspect.
While generally positive, Value (6.7) sits a bit lower, suggesting that while the experience is appreciated, some find the pricing a point of consideration.
What people like
- Community-focused mission
- Attentive, friendly service
- Quality, fresh food
What people don't like
- Occasional bland coffee
- Limited breakfast choices
- Perceived high price
If you’re looking for a place that combines a meaningful social mission with a generally pleasant dining experience, FareStart is certainly worth considering. Its commitment to community, coupled with a Recommendation Score of 8.4, suggests a visit will likely leave you feeling good about your choice.
While there might be minor hiccups with specific menu items or occasional limitations, the overall positive atmosphere and quality offerings make it a solid option. It’s a place where your patronage supports a good cause, and you’ll likely enjoy the food and service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on FareStart
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here truly shines, with a solid 8 out of 10 score, and its clear customers are loving it, reflected in a strong 84.6% satisfaction rate. With 33 positive remarks out of 39 total, many rave about the excellent selection and variety, highlighting delicious bagel breakfast sandwiches, fantastic iced chai lattes, and consistently good coffee quality. Plus, there are plenty of fresh vegetarian options to explore!
However, a few diners encountered some bumps, with 4 negative comments. Some experiences included limited breakfast options due to a broken stove, leaving only pastries. There were also mentions of an underwhelming, bland Americano and an everything bagel that wasnt fresh, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in certain items.
Food
39
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent coffee
- Great food variety
- Fresh vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Limited breakfast options
- Bland Americano
- Stale bagels
Often praised
- coffeeHad a pleasant break on the streets of Seattle. It wasn't too crowded, so I could enjoy my coffee without long queues and in comfortable armchairs.
- Dietary restrictionsDietary restrictions:Gluten free optioms
- FoodFood:5
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandlandlook at the Grilled Chicken Ceasar Sandland, it is being extremely appealing and appetizing.
- Indian version of chaiOnly place where you can get some indian version of chai
- Recommendation for vegetariansWe even stopped by again right before our flight home! Highly recommend for a great meal, beautiful space, and an inspiring mission-driven business!
- Vegetarian offeringsVegetarian offerings:Large vegetarian selection
- Vegetarian optionsWell prepared, fresh food and nicely presented!
- Voss waterthey have Voss water!
- almond milk hot chocolatefoamiest almond milk hot chocolate I've had in a long time
Frequently criticized
- AmericanoMy Americano was underwhelming and very bland
- breakfast sandwichesI came here for breakfast, but unfortunately, their stove was broken, which meant no breakfast sandwiches were available. They were also out of yogurt parfaits, leaving only pastries as options.
- everything bagelThe coffee was pretty good, but the wait time in the morning could be quite variable, ranging from a couple of minutes to about 30 minutes. I also tried their everything bagel one time, and unfortunately, it wasn’t fresh.
- yogurt parfaitI came here for breakfast, but unfortunately, their stove was broken, which meant no breakfast sandwiches were available. They were also out of yogurt parfaits, leaving only pastries as options. Despite the limited breakfast choices, the space itself is nice and the staff were friendly.
If you're looking for a place with generally fantastic food, excellent coffee, and good variety, especially for vegetarians, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that specific breakfast items might occasionally be unavailable, and some coffee choices or bagels could be inconsistent.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and customer satisfaction at a solid 87.5%, its clear theyre doing a lot right. Folks consistently rave about the incredibly friendly staff and awesome customer service, often remembering regulars and even starting orders.
The professionalism and focus, plus the great cause they support, really stand out among the 14 positive comments. However, its not entirely perfect. Out of 16 total comments, there was one mention of a barista not quite hitting the mark, with one customer noting the other not so much.
' While this is a minor point, it suggests there might be a tiny bit of inconsistency to watch out for.
Service
16
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Awesome customer service
- Professionalism and focus
What people don't like
- Inconsistent barista
Often praised
- staffthey’re still able to provide quality and positive vibe
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- baristaone friendly and helpful barista
- customer serviceawesome customer service
- friendly stafffriendly staff
- great causeGreat cause to support
- jobs and worker retraininggives jobs and worker retraining to employees
- professionalism and focusthe Professionalism & Focus of measuring the perfect amount of Coffee Grind and steamed the milk to turn perfect temperature is much vital and challenging as it seems.
- queuesHad a pleasant break on the streets of Seattle. It wasn't too crowded, so I could enjoy my coffee without long queues and in comfortable armchairs.
Frequently criticized
- baristathe other not so much
If youre looking for a spot with genuinely friendly and professional service, youre in for a treat. Despite a tiny hiccup with one barista, the overwhelmingly positive feedback means this place is definitely worth trying for a pleasant experience.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent 100% customer satisfaction! Based on 17 glowing remarks, guests consistently praise the nice space and positive vibe. Youll find a spacious lounge area and a delightful atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, making it a perfect spot to relax.
Whats even more impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. It seems every aspect, from the Kid-friendliness to the Wheelchair accessibility and even the Noise level, contributes to a universally pleasant and welcoming environment for all visitors, proving its inspiring mission.
Ambience
17
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious, comfortable setting
- Positive, welcoming atmosphere
- Community-focused mission
What people don't like
Often praised
- Community Focus Restaurant & Cafewhat a Community Focus Restaurant & Cafe is humbly warming people hearts with Time and Effort of ensuring individuals have their chance to build and showcase their skills.
- Kid-friendlinessKid-friendliness:Definitely!
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Very open space!
- armchairsHad a pleasant break on the streets of Seattle. It wasn't too crowded, so I could enjoy my coffee without long queues and in comfortable armchairs.
- atmospheredelighted by the calm and bright atmosphere
- coffee culturecontributes to the unique coffee culture of Seattle
- concept and causeStill a great concept and cause
- convenienceincredibly convenient if you're in the building or around the area
- environmentenvironment is perfect
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with a truly welcoming and comfortable setting, this spot is definitely worth a visit. With its excellent atmosphere and community focus, you can expect a delightful experience, whether youre grabbing a coffee or enjoying some live music.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems many folks appreciate the good cause their money supports here, with some even noting the Price per person is quite reasonable, often in the $1–10 range. This contributes to a decent overall score of 6.7, suggesting a generally positive view on value. However, not everyone is entirely convinced, as one comment points out that the price can feel quite expensive.
This sentiment is reflected in a somewhat mixed customer satisfaction of 66.7%, indicating there's still room for improvement for some diners when it comes to perceived value. Out of 3 total comments, 2 were positive and 1 was negative.
Value
3
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Supports good cause
- Price range accessible
What people don't like
- Pricing feels high
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- good causeHappy to have my money go to a good cause
Frequently criticized
- priceit's quite expensive
If youre happy to support a good cause and dont mind potentially paying a little extra, you'll likely find the value here acceptable. However, if budget is your top priority, be aware that some guests found the pricing a bit steep, so manage your expectations accordingly.
How are the prices at FareStart?
Expect to pay about 7 per person, based on 6 reviews. That places it in the $1–$10 category. For a Cafe, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for quick bites.
Looking at the price distribution, most diners (5 out of 6) spent within the $1–$10 range, with just one venturing into the $11–$20 bracket. This suggests prices are quite consistent and lean towards the more affordable side. While we only have 6 reviews, it gives us a good initial feel for the pricing.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 6 most recent reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of spending habits.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Cafe, especially given most guests are spending in the lower price bracket. It’s a solid option for an affordable bite.
Customer Reviews: what people think about FareStart
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Community Cafe's Heartwarming Food & Atmosphere
My experience at this Community Focus Restaurant & Cafe was truly heartwarming. The coffee, a Cortado, was expertly prepared, highlighting the professionalism and focus involved in getting the perfect coffee grind and milk temperature just right. It's clear they put a lot of time and effort into ensuring individuals have a chance to build and showcase their skills.
The Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandland was incredibly appealing and appetizing. I highly recommend supporting this community establishment in exchange for good food!
- coffee8
- professionalism and focus9
- Community Focus Restaurant & Cafe9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delightful Cafe with an Inspiring Mission
We stumbled into this cafe/restaurant very hungry for breakfast and were so delighted by the calm and bright atmosphere and fantastic food. The mission of the organization, as a social enterprise cafe, was an unexpected and welcome bonus. We even stopped by again right before our flight home!
Highly recommend for a great meal, beautiful space, and an inspiring mission-driven business!
- atmosphere10
- food10
- mission9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
8
Quality food and vibe despite crowds
My experience at this restaurant was positive despite the morning rush caused by Amazon employees taking advantage of the free coffee. The staff managed to maintain quality and a positive vibe throughout the service. I appreciate their efforts!
- free coffee6
- quality9
- positive vibe9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good Coffee, Inconsistent Wait Times
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The coffee was pretty good, but the wait time in the morning could be quite variable, ranging from a couple of minutes to about 30 minutes. I also tried their everything bagel one time, and unfortunately, it wasn’t fresh.
- coffee8
- wait time5
- everything bagel2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Friendly staff, great coffee, worthy cause!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The staff were incredibly friendly, and the coffee was excellent. Knowing it was for a great cause made it an even better experience.
It's a definite win!
- staff10
- coffee9
- great cause10
What FareStart offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at FareStart Café?
At FareStart Café, you will discover a welcoming environment that is both cozy and casual. The trendy setting makes it a perfect spot to relax or meet friends, whether you are grabbing a quick coffee or enjoying a meal. It’s designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
Does FareStart Café offer accessibility features for all guests?
Yes, FareStart Café is committed to accessibility. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and comfortable wheelchair accessible seating. Additionally, the restroom facilities are also wheelchair accessible for your convenience.
What makes FareStart stand out?
FareStart is noted for its strong community focus, providing job training and support, which customers appreciate. Its atmosphere is often described as calm and bright, contributing to a pleasant experience.
How does FareStart perform in terms of food and service?
FareStart generally performs well, with Food scoring (8) and Service scoring (8.6). Customers frequently praise the quality of the food and the professionalism of the staff, though some specific items like the Americano have been described as underwhelming.
What is the overall customer sentiment and value at FareStart?
With a Restaurant Score of 8.2 and Customer Satisfaction at 88%, the overall sentiment is positive. While Value scores (6.7), some find it a bit expensive, but many are happy to support its good cause.