Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Gim Wah – Seattle
Gim Wah - Seattle
Photo from Gim Wah
Gim Wah at a glance
Seattle Magnolia Village
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#712 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#41 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
171
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The Chinese restaurant Gim Wah Restaurant invites you to experience authentic flavors in Seattle’s charming Magnolia Village. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
This spot is known for its diverse offerings, including late-night food, happy hour drinks, and a full bar featuring hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails. Enjoy small plates or a complete meal, with options for both dine-in and convenient takeout service.
Overview: Introducting Gim Wah
Good
6.3
out of 10
171
Reviews
62.6%
Satisfaction
57
negative
7
neutral
107
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Gim Wah
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 62.6% and an average score of 6.5. Many of the 67 positive opinions rave about the deliciousness of dishes like the Mongolian beef and almond chicken, often noting the lots of flavor and the authentic American Chinese food experience. It sounds like there are some real standout items to discover!
However, the 34 negative opinions point to some areas needing improvement. Concerns include food being drowning in cooking oil or flavorless, and some finding dishes not fresh or even burned. There were also comments about portion size' being a letdown, suggesting inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
107
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
34
negative
6
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Mongolian Beef
- Authentic American Chinese
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Greasy, oily food
- Lack of flavor
- Inconsistent freshness
Often praised
- foodIt was hard to find good food at an affordable price, but Gim Wah delivered for our group of four. We sat in the dining room and had a great experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Mongolian beefI enjoyed the best authentic American (east coast) Chinese food. The almond fried chicken, Mongolian beef, and sweet and sour pork were all delicious, along with other menu items. It's a true institution in Magnolia.
- drinksGood strong drinks!
- Almond chickenFor what it is, they are awesome. I highly recommend trying the Oyster sauce Beef, the Gim Wah chicken, and Almond chicken. While none of these dishes will win any culinary awards, if you throw down another Gin and Tonic and order some chicken chop suey, you will love it!
- BBQ porkGreat BBQ pork
- Combo Aenjoy the Combo A
- Dry fried ribsthe Dry fried ribs
- Gim Wah chickenthe Gim Wah chicken
- Gin and TonicI highly recommend trying the Oyster sauce Beef, the Gim Wah chicken, and Almond chicken. While none of these dishes will win any culinary awards, if you throw down another Gin and Tonic and order some chicken chop suey, you will love it!
- Ginger Onion ChickenHad the Ginger Onion Chicken
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food wasn't even close to anything I've ever tasted
- Chinese foodliterally the worst Chinese food you could possibly eat
- freshnessnothing we ordered was fresh
- Bbq porkreceived 3 pieces of Bbq pork
- Egg Flower soupit was watery
- General Tso'sit wasnt even that good
- General's ChickenWhat I was given is not General's Chicken. it still tastes terrible.
- Mongolian Beef boxMongolian Beef box was 1/3 full of the cracker topping
- almond chickenHowever, the food wasn't great. I probably would order Mongolian beef instead of almond chicken next time.
- burnedentire dish was burned as you can see in the picture. Tasted like char
If youre looking for some classic American Chinese dishes like Mongolian beef and dont mind a bit of a gamble, it might be worth a try for those flavorful highlights. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in freshness, flavor, and portion sizes, as it seems some dishes can really miss the mark.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many guests raved about the friendly staff and knowledgeable servers, often highlighting the accommodating owner and chef who went the extra mile. The food pace was also frequently praised, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
These positive experiences are reflected in 17 favorable comments. However, the experience isnt universally stellar, leading to a rather mixed customer satisfaction of 58.6%. Some encountered rude hostesses or waitresses, and there were concerns about COVID protocols and long waits for takeout.
Overall, the service lands an average score of 5.9, with 12 negative opinions indicating areas needing attention.
Service
29
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Accommodating owner
- Good food pace
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Lax hygiene
- Long waits
Often praised
- serviceserver was having her dinner,but gladly hung around and took care of us
- staffgreat experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Host/server guyHost/server guy was nice.
- bar staffthe bar which features an all-star cast of curmudgeony staff
- barkeepersexcellent barkeepers
- chef/hostAllen is a great chef/host!
- dining areaopened it back up to serve our group which was incredibly kind
- food choicesMy experience at the restaurant was very positive, largely due to the owner and chef, Allen, who was incredibly accommodating in food choices. I particularly enjoyed the great BBQ pork, the green beans with chicken in black bean sauce, and the house special Hong Kong style chow mein.
- food paceWe sat in the dining room and had a great experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food came out at a good pace and was cooked to perfection. The Mongolian Beef and Sweet and Sour Chicken were the stars of the show.
- neighborhood small businessyou’re helping keep a neighborhood small business alive.
Frequently criticized
- COVID protocolsmasterclass in lax COVID protocols
- cashier maskCashier had no mask
- coughingcoughing all over the place
- hostessappalled at how she was treated by the hostess
- individual at the registerMy experience picking up food to go was concerning due to unsanitary practices. The individual at the register was not wearing a mask and was coughing. Additionally, there were no separate pens provided for sanitized and dirty pens.
- serviceservice was severely lacking
- snarky commentsincredibly rude hostess who spoke so many snarky comments
- take outWe ordered take out, proceeded to wait at the restaurant
- waitproceeded to wait at the restaurant for 10 minutes
- waitressWaitress was rude and pushy
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly staff and an accommodating owner, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering some less-than-stellar interactions or longer waits, as the service can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Ambience (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6 with 64.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting the comfortable, old-school vibe and fantastic music, especially in the excellent bar area. We saw 20 positive remarks about these aspects.
However, some experiences paint a different picture, with 10 negative comments pointing to issues like poor air circulation, a pervasive smell of smoke, and grease-dust covering decorations. A few even mentioned unpleasant dining room odors and dead cockroaches, suggesting areas needing significant attention.
Ambience
31
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming old-school vibe
- Fantastic music, bar
- Fun, dated decor
What people don't like
- Smells of pee, mildew
- Dead cockroaches seen
- Reeks of smoke, grease
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere and music was fantastic
- barThe bar is a horse of a different color and worth a visit
- bar areathe bar area looked really nice too
- bat scenethe bat scene makes up for it
- comfortableMy experience at this restaurant was very comfortable, offering a nice old-school Magnolia vibe. The drinks were good, and the food, specifically the Mongolian beef, was also good.
- decorThe decor is "classically dated" but very fun.
- friendsright friends to hang out with
- institutionAn institution in magnolia
- jukeboxthe bar has a juke box
- musicThe atmosphere and music was fantastic
Frequently criticized
- dining roomyour dining room is empty on a Saturday night
- air circulationpoor air circulation
- dead cockroachessaw dead cockroaches in the entrance
- grease-dustMy experience at this restaurant was the literal worst Chinese food I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was unpleasant, as it reeks of smoke and there is grease-dust covering the decorations. Regarding the food, I was particularly disappointed with the won tons.
- hole in the wallnever return to that hole in the wall
- pensnot separate pens for sanitized and dirty pens
- placeplace has really gone downhill
- restaurant atmosphereLooks more like a bar than a restaurant
- smokeit reeks of smoke
If youre seeking a casual, old-school bar vibe with good music and dont mind a bit of character, you might find it charming. However, if cleanliness and fresh air are top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
Value (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.5 score and a solid 75% customer satisfaction. Many folks rave about the fantastic price and prices, especially for lunch, noting that it leaves both your stomach and wallet happy. This positive sentiment is echoed in 3 out of 4 comments we looked at.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as one comment out of the 4 we reviewed pointed out a potential downside regarding price. This customer felt it was way expensive for the serving amount, ' suggesting that while many find the value great, some might feel differently depending on what they order.
Value
4
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap lunch options
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Expensive for portions
Often praised
- lunchMy experience at this restaurant was at an old-fashioned American Chinese restaurant and bar. They offer a super cheap lunch. While it was nothing special to me, I understand that some people really like this kind of thing.
- priceThe Mongolian Beef and Sweet and Sour Chicken were the stars of the show. If you want a nice spread of Chinese food in the Magnolia area that leaves your stomach and wallet happy, I can think of no better spot.
- pricesthe prices were great
Frequently criticized
- priceway expensive for the serving amount
If you're looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your stomach, especially for lunch, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few folks found certain items a bit pricey for the portion size, so choose wisely.
How are the prices at Gim Wah?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 13 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the numbers, most folks (10 out of 13, to be exact!) are spending in that $11–$20 sweet spot, right around our average. A few adventurous diners ventured into the $21–$30 and even $31–$40 ranges, but it’s clear where the main action is.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Chinese spot in Seattle. It hits that sweet spot where you get good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Gim Wah
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Food, Friendly Staff, Affordable Price
It was hard to find good food at an affordable price, but Gim Wah delivered for our group of four. We sat in the dining room and had a great experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food came out at a good pace and was cooked to perfection.
The Mongolian Beef and Sweet and Sour Chicken were the stars of the show. If you want a nice spread of Chinese food in the Magnolia area that leaves your stomach and wallet happy, I can think of no better spot.
- food10
- staff10
- food pace8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Surprisingly Delicious Chinese Food!
My experience at this restaurant was an absolute MUST! It's perfect for either takeout or dining in at the bar. The bar staff are an all-star cast of curmudgeonly characters, and they even offer jello-shots.
The food is exactly the Chinese I'm looking for, and shockingly, it's even better than expected. The sweet and sour chicken and the moo shu are my personal favorites. While you might not feel great about the health implications of your decision to eat here, your soul will give you a pass, especially since you're helping keep a neighborhood small business alive.
An added bonus is the bar's jukebox, though it's a new digital one, where you can pick your own music!
- sweet and sour chicken9
- moo shu9
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic East Coast Chinese Gem
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the best authentic American (east coast) Chinese food. The almond fried chicken, Mongolian beef, and sweet and sour pork were all delicious, along with other menu items.
It's a true institution in Magnolia.
- almond fried chicken9
- Mongolian beef9
- sweet and sour pork9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Portion Sizes for Dinner
My experience ordering dinner for two was quite disappointing. We received only 3 pieces of Bbq pork, 3 deep fried prawns, and 3 pieces of sweet and sour pork, which felt insufficient for two people. The food itself was okay, but the portion size was a major letdown.
- Bbq pork3
- deep fried prawns3
- sweet and sour pork3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Worst Chinese Food Experience
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I ordered General's Chicken, and while I understand it might be their version, what I received was not General's Chicken and tasted terrible. This was easily the worst Chinese food I've ever had, even compared to food from the Navajo Reservation.
I will never return. The host/server guy was nice, though.
- Host/server guy8
- General's Chicken1
- Chinese food1
What Gim Wah offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and food offerings are available at Gim Wah Restaurant?
At Gim Wah Restaurant, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and seating. They offer a variety of food, including late-night options and small plates, complemented by a full bar with cocktails, wine, beer, hard liquor, and happy hour drinks. Coffee is also available.
Is Gim Wah Restaurant accessible and what is the general atmosphere like?
Gim Wah Restaurant offers a cozy and casual atmosphere. It is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. The restaurant also provides amenities like high chairs, making it a good choice for kids.