Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Dump Truck – Seattle
Dump Truck - Seattle
Photo from Dump Truck
Dump Truck at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#651 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#29 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
232
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Brewery atmosphere
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent taste
- Long wait times
The restaurant, Dump Truck by Plenty of Clouds, is a casual Chinese eatery located in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite, offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner, this spot provides a welcoming experience for you and your companions. It’s a great place to enjoy authentic flavors without fuss.
Overview: Introducting Dump Truck
Dump Truck offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking flavorful dishes. Many praise the quality of their dumplings and cucumbers, highlighting a consistent culinary appeal that keeps patrons returning.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding overall value and occasional long wait times. The vibrant atmosphere, often linked to its brewery setting, generally receives positive remarks, contributing to a pleasant visit.
Good
6.8
out of 10
232
Reviews
65.9%
Satisfaction
62
negative
17
neutral
153
positive
Dump Truck earns a respectable overall score of 6.8, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at a mixed 65.9%, suggesting that while many are pleased, a notable portion of patrons have reservations.
This contrast points to areas where experiences can vary. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a solid (6.8), frequently praised for items like dumplings and noodles.
The Ambience (7.6) also shines, often linked to its brewery location. However, Value (4.3) is a clear area for improvement, and Service (6.9) receives mixed feedback, as seen across 232 customer observations, with 153 positive remarks against 62 negative ones.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Vibrant brewery setting
- Accommodating service
What people don't like
- Questionable overall value
- Inconsistent noodle taste
- Extended waiting periods
If you prioritize a lively setting and well-prepared dishes, Dump Truck is worth considering. Their dumplings and noodles often receive high praise, making it a solid choice for a casual meal, especially if you appreciate a good brewery vibe.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and service, particularly regarding wait times. With a recommendation score of 7, it suggests a generally positive experience, but managing expectations around these points will enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Dump Truck
Food (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here often earns high praise, with many raving about the delicious dumplings and flavorful sesame noodles. Guests consistently highlight the unique flavors and satisfying house-made noodles, contributing to a good score of 6.8. With 109 positive remarks out of 170 total, theres clearly a lot to love on the menu.
Yet, its not always a perfect plate, as reflected in a mixed customer satisfaction of 64.1%. Some experiences, accounting for 48 negative comments, mention dishes being overly salty or having gummy noodles. A few were also surprised by an unexpected tingly sensation or found the food bland, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
170
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
48
negative
13
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious dumplings
- Unique flavors
- House-made noodles
What people don't like
- Over-salted dishes
- Gummy noodles
- Unexpected tingling
Often praised
- foodShe was even able to get an earlier pickup time for me despite the truck's regular hours! The food was truly unparalleled! The dumplings were a crowd favorite and the sesame noodles and cucumbers are absolutely worth trying!
- dumplingsas well as the cucumbers and dumplings. WONDERFUL!!! (Esp the dumplings and cucumbers)
- beerMy favorite entree was the Spicy peanut noodles. The truck is conveniently located outside Cloudburst brewery, which offers indoor/outdoor seating with rain cover and great beer.
- mala noodleswe had the Dan Dan, sesame, and mala noodles
- pork dumplingspork dumplings were unbelievably good
- rice bowlhad every noodle dish and the rice bowl, all of them were super great
- sesame noodlesthe sesame noodles and cucumbers are absolutely worth trying!
- cucumbersas well as the cucumbers and dumplings. WONDERFUL!!! (Esp the dumplings and cucumbers)
- dishesIt's the main reason I go to Cloudburst. All the dishes I've had are great, and I've been at least a dozen times! The food quality is consistently excellent, making it a go-to spot for lunch.
- chrysanthemum saladchrysanthemum salad, but it will also be amazingly delicious
Frequently criticized
- foodall of us couldn’t even get close to finishing the food because we could not bear to eat it.
- sesame noodlesWhen the server delivered the meal, she mentioned a “tingly feeling” on the tongue was normal. I’m usually pretty adventurous and love spicy or fermented foods, but the tingling was not pleasant and pretty distracting. The menu said nothing about this sensation.
- mealMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing. For over $15, I received what I can only describe as the saddest and most basic meal ever. The sesame noodles didn't taste like sesame at all, and the chicken looked off and sad.
- Dan Dan noodlesThe Dan Dan noodles and sesame noodles felt like we were eating from a salt jar.
- broththe broth was minimal (not enough to even come half way up the noodles)
- chickenthe chicken looks off (and sad)
- food qualitythe quality of the food was absolutely not worth the price
- mala noodlesmala noodles which were probably the worst i ve ever had
- noodlesfound the noodles themselves to be overdone
- saucethe sauce was loaded w salt, not like a little salty
If you're craving flavorful Asian-inspired dishes, especially their highly-praised dumplings and noodles, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be a bit too salty or have an unexpected spice, so go in with an open mind.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, many diners have had a great experience! With a solid score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 72.4%, its clear that the staff are often accommodating and provide prompt service . From catering coordinator Lisas seamless event planning to the workers in the truck, 21 positive remarks out of 29 total highlight a generally positive vibe.
However, not everyone has had a perfect run. A few experiences mention issues with attitude and wait time , with some finding estimates wildly off. Concerns about staffing the truck also popped up, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency, as noted in 7 negative comments.
Service
29
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Prompt service
- Excellent catering coordination
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor staff attitude
- Inconsistent staffing
Often praised
- staffI particularly loved the mala noodles, though they were initially overdone. Thankfully, the staff was kind enough to cook them with a little chew upon request. Overall, it's definitely worth a try.
- servicethe service was otherwise great
- ServiceService:5
- accommodatingThey were quite accommodating leaving out the chili on mine
- catering coordinatorI had Dump Truck prepare a large order for an event I was hosting at my home this past weekend and boy did they do a great job! From my first interaction with their catering coordinator, Lisa (who works out of another Plenty of Clouds location but helped me nonetheless), to my pickup on the day of, it was seamless. Lisa put together a menu for me and quantified the orders of everything based on my guest list size and intended budget.
- gatheringThe dumplings were a crowd favorite and the sesame noodles and cucumbers are absolutely worth trying! Thank you, Dump Truck for making my 60-person gathering such a success!
- menuFrom my first interaction with their catering coordinator, Lisa (who works out of another Plenty of Clouds location but helped me nonetheless), to my pickup on the day of, it was seamless. Lisa put together a menu for me and quantified the orders of everything based on my guest list size and intended budget. She was even able to get an earlier pickup time for me despite the truck's regular hours!
- open mindGo in with an open mind
- peoplethe best part of the dump truck, besides the food, is the people!
- pickup timeLisa put together a menu for me and quantified the orders of everything based on my guest list size and intended budget. She was even able to get an earlier pickup time for me despite the truck's regular hours! The food was truly unparalleled!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service greatly affects the food
- attitudeso much attitude ☠️😑
- online ordering systembeware that their estimates are also wildly off too.
- staffing the truckperson staffing the truck didn't even know
- wait timeextended it a couple more times in person (each time saying it would be 10 more minutes).
- waiting timeFood took over an hour and a half
Overall, the service here leans positive, especially if you're looking for accommodating staff and prompt service for events. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait time or attitude , the general consensus suggests a good experience is more likely than not.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Hey there! When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines. With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 87.5%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere.
Out of 24 comments, 21 rave about the chill atmosphere, pet-friendly beer garden, and cozy covered seating with heaters, making it a pleasant place to hang out. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A couple of folks (2 out of 24) did mention some challenges, particularly with parking, which can be tough, especially on market days.
One even felt the overall vibes were off, suggesting a mixed experience for a few.
Ambience
24
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chill atmosphere
- Pet-friendly space
- Covered outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Negative vibes
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Cloudburst's Ballard location was a mix of positives and negatives. I really enjoyed the great atmosphere and the fact that it's pet-friendly, making it a fun spot to hang out with my dog. I've also had good experiences with their beer selection on previous visits.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- beer gardenIt’s inside of a beer garden
- breweryLocated outside Cloudburst brewery which has indoor/outdoor seating
- brewery locationthe brewery location makes it even better
- chill atmospherethe chill atmosphere at Cloudburst can’t be beat
- covered seatinghas covered seating
- heat lampssitting under the heat lamps
- heaterssat outside under the heaters
- live musicGreat spot to drink and see live music
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVibes are awful too 👎🏼
- parkingThe atmosphere was definitely chill, making it a cool spot, especially with the farmers market nearby on weekends. However, be aware that parking can be difficult if you arrive late in the day when the market is on. While the atmosphere was a highlight, the food options from the truck were limited.
If youre looking for a chill, pet-friendly spot with great outdoor seating and a good atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential parking hassles, especially if youre heading there during busy market times.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few folks found some bright spots, noting that certain items were well priced for their quality. Some even compared it favorably to other dumpling places, suggesting that if you pick wisely, you might find a good deal here. However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a low customer satisfaction of just 22.2% and an average score of 4.3.
Many of the 9 comments, especially the 5 negative ones, highlight that food items are often pricey for what you get, with small portions that dont justify the cost, leading to a feeling of not getting your moneys worth.
Value
9
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Pricey, small portions
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- dumpling placesso many other better dumpling places in Seattle that are actually cheaper.
- well pricedWell priced for the great quality
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the atmosphere and the workers were nice, the food quality was absolutely not worth the price. The food items were extremely pricey for small portions and mediocre quality.
- food itemsextremely pricey food items for small portions
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your best bet, as many feel the portions dont match the price. Be prepared for potentially high costs for small plates, which could leave you feeling a bit short-changed.
How are the prices at Dump Truck?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 21 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the numbers, most diners (13 out of 21) find themselves in this $11–$20 bracket, suggesting prices are pretty consistent around this average, though there are a few cheaper options and some slightly higher spends.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Chinese Restaurant, offering a solid mid-range option.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Dump Truck
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Dump Truck Delivered an Amazing Event!
I had Dump Truck prepare a large order for an event I was hosting at my home this past weekend and boy did they do a great job! From my first interaction with their catering coordinator, Lisa (who works out of another Plenty of Clouds location but helped me nonetheless), to my pickup on the day of, it was seamless. Lisa put together a menu for me and quantified the orders of everything based on my guest list size and intended budget.
She was even able to get an earlier pickup time for me despite the truck's regular hours! The food was truly unparalleled! The dumplings were a crowd favorite and the sesame noodles and cucumbers are absolutely worth trying!
Thank you, Dump Truck for making my 60-person gathering such a success!
- catering coordinator10
- menu9
- pickup time9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Wonderful Noodles and Great Variety!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The noodles were top-notch, with a wonderful flavor that was both spicy and nutty 😋. There's a great variety of options, making it perfect for both vegetarians and meat eaters.
The portions were generous, and the food goes great with beer too! Thank you!
- noodles10
- variety9
- portions9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Unique Flavors, Worth the Try!
My initial experience with the food here left me unsure, as it features very unique flavors that differ from most Asian cuisine I've encountered. However, after visiting more than half a dozen times, I've grown to love it. We consistently order the dumplings and the sesame noodles with half and half tofu mushroom.
The dishes have great flavor and pair wonderfully with the hoppy beer from Cloudburst. I recommend going in with an open mind; you won't be disappointed!
- unique flavors8
- dumplings9
- sesame noodles9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Good Szechuan Noodles at Cloudburst Brewery
My experience at this brewery's food truck was a pleasant surprise, standing out from the usual mediocre offerings. While it's not quite the same caliber as their brick-and-mortar location, the tingly Szechuan spices and tasty homemade noodles were quite good. I'd recommend starting with the cucumbers or splitting the dumplings for an appetizer.
My favorite entree was the Spicy peanut noodles. The truck is conveniently located outside Cloudburst brewery, which offers indoor/outdoor seating with rain cover and great beer.
- Szechuan spices8
- homemade noodles8
- cucumbers7
- brick and mortar location5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
4
Disappointing Mala Noodles at Brewery
My experience at this brewery was centered around trying their mala noodles, which unfortunately turned out to be the worst I've ever had. The noodles themselves were gummy, and the broth was disappointingly minimal, not even covering half the noodles. It also lacked flavor and was served warm, not hot, making the dish quite unsatisfying.
I'm giving it 2 stars instead of one because I appreciate seeing Asian food options at a brewery, and the other toppings were mediocre but edible.
- Asian food7
- other toppings5
- mala noodles1
- noodles2
- broth2
What Dump Truck offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options does Dump Truck by Plenty of Clouds offer?
At Dump Truck by Plenty of Clouds, you have several convenient choices. You can enjoy your meal with outdoor seating or dine-in for a full experience. If you’re on the go, takeout is also available. They serve both lunch and dinner, ensuring you can visit at your convenience.
Is Dump Truck by Plenty of Clouds a family-friendly restaurant with accessible options?
Yes, Dump Truck by Plenty of Clouds is good for kids, making it a great choice for families. Plus, you can bring your furry friends along as dogs are allowed. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Dump Truck?
Dump Truck holds an overall score of 6.8, reflecting a generally good experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (7.6) and Food (6.8), while Service (6.9) is decent, and Value (4.3) is an area for improvement.
What dishes are frequently praised at Dump Truck?
Many customers consistently highlight the flavorful dumplings and various noodle dishes, such as sesame and mala noodles, as standout items on the menu.
What are some common concerns customers have about Dump Truck?
Patrons occasionally express concerns about the perceived value for money, some inconsistencies in noodle taste, and extended wait times during busy periods.