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oChef » Zest Fast Food – Seattle
Zest Fast Food - Seattle
Photo from Zest Fast Food
Zest Fast Food at a glance
Seattle Brighton
- 🍔 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#384 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#5 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 10 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
259
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent hours
- Slow service
- Dated ambience
The restaurant, a popular Fast Food Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Brighton neighborhood, offers you a perfect spot for a quick bite. When you’re looking for convenience and speed, Zest Fast Food delivers.
You’ll find a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or using the convenient drive-through service. It’s a great choice for families too, being good for kids.
Overview: Introducting Zest Fast Food
Zest Fast Food offers a straightforward experience, often praised for its affordable prices and a delicious variety of burgers. Many customers highlight the excellent service and friendly staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
It’s a spot that has built a loyal following over the years. While generally well-regarded, some patrons have noted occasional slow service during busy periods.
The restaurant’s ambience has also drawn mixed comments, with some finding it a bit dated. Despite these minor points, it remains a popular choice for many.
Good
7.6
out of 10
259
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
44
negative
13
neutral
202
positive
Zest Fast Food earns a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 78%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 259 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 202 positive observations compared to 44 negative ones. The Food (8.1) is a definite strong suit, frequently mentioned for its quality and variety.
Service (6.9) and Value (6.8) also perform well, suggesting a good balance of attentive staff and reasonable pricing. The Ambience (6.5) is perceived as average, not detracting significantly from the overall experience but also not a major draw.
What people like
- Delicious burgers, fries
- Excellent value
- Friendly, fast service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent operating hours
- Occasional slow service
- Dated ambience
If you’re seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal with good value, Zest Fast Food is certainly worth considering. The strong Food and Value scores mean you’re likely to leave feeling well-fed without breaking the bank.
With a Recommendation Score of 8, it’s clear many patrons would suggest a visit. Just be mindful of potential wait times during peak hours and verify their operating schedule.
It’s a reliable choice for a casual, affordable bite.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zest Fast Food
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.1 and a fantastic 87.4% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners are loving whats on offer. Out of 167 total remarks, 146 rave about the quality food, especially the fresh, juicy burger, real shakes, and the standout hotlink burger.
Its a comfort food haven! However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 18 comments pointed out some issues, like burgers that fell apart due to bun issues, fries were a disappointment for being too greasy, and some found the shake a bit bland.
A few also felt the portions' were a bit small for the price.
Food
167
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
146
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Juicy burgers hit spot
- Delicious hotlink burger
- Great shakes, fries
What people don't like
- Burger falls apart
- Fries too greasy
- Small portions
Often praised
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer an affordable and delicious variety of burgers. The service was excellent and fast, and the owner is hospitable and friendly.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the food to be fresh and hot, easily the best fast food I've had on this side of town. It's hard to find good fried clams in this area, but they nailed it.
- friesMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! I had the best burger and fries I've ever tasted. And you absolutely cannot forget the sauce – it's something else entirely!
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! I had the best burger and fries I've ever tasted. And you absolutely cannot forget the sauce – it's something else entirely!
- hotlink burgerMy personal favorite burger in the world is the hotlink burger here!
- saucethe sauce they put on the burgers will have you coming back
- Hot Link BurgerGot the Hot Link Burger and added Egg and Bacon and been dreaming about it ever since!
- Hotlink burgerThe Hotlink burger isnt for armatures
- burgers and friesgreat little walk-up/drive thru for burgers and fries
- deep fried mushroomsI love there deep fried mushrooms
Frequently criticized
- food qualityFood quality is totally different than in the old days
- amountthis little amount
- bigger chainsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Hotlink burger was very good, and I appreciated that the burger was served nice and hot, unlike some of the bigger chains that serve warm food. I will definitely be eating there often.
- bunbun not being toasted
- burgerthe burger fell apart
- burger pattiesOnly wish I would have ordered 2 burger patties as one was not enough
- chickenchicken was not cooked all the way
- cod fishFor 10. 95 cents, I received only 3 pieces of small cod fish, which felt like they were money hungry. It was too expensive to enjoy.
- eggthey've been burning my egg
- fish and chipsSpent $8.00 for small fish and chips
If you're craving a classic, juicy burger and a delicious shake, this place is definitely worth a visit. While some minor issues with fries or portion sizes might pop up, the overall food quality and taste make it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The service here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.9 indicating a good experience for many. Out of 41 customer remarks, 24 were positive, often praising the friendly staff, great customer service, and kind and hospitable owner. Many appreciate the quick and efficient service, making for a pleasant experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 58.5%, reflecting some areas for improvement. About 12 opinions mentioned issues like slow service and bad wait times, especially during lunch time lines. There were also concerns about wrong hours and the lack of online ordering options, which can be frustrating.
Service
41
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
12
negative
5
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Hospitable owner
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Inconsistent hours
Often praised
- serviceThey offer an affordable and delicious variety of burgers. The service was excellent and fast, and the owner is hospitable and friendly. I highly recommend it to anyone!
- staffThe staff are some of the best people you can meet!
- Customer ServiceThe Customer Service is FANTASTIC 🤙🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
- ServiceService:5
- cook to orderthe cook to order!
- customerfeel heard and understood as a customer
- customer serviceWhile there's a neighboring burger joint with hotlink burgers, their prices might be a deterrent. Zest is a little hole in the wall, but they offer nice customer service, great prices, and good food.
- employeesemployees are always nice and polite
- experienceMy experience at this restaurant was the best as always
- impressedhe was impressed as well
Frequently criticized
- customer careyou don’t care about your customer
- hoursWrong hours
- locked inhe didn't want me telling people he locked me in there
- lunch time linesThe only problem is the lunch time lines
- online orderingshould have online ordering
- opening hoursnever open at 11 as listed
- operating hoursthey close too early and open too late
- ownerHe then muscled me in to staying in the restaurant kitchen
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was characterized by good food that was fresh. However, the service was a bit slow, which seemed to be due to only one or two people working. Despite the wait, it was worth it for the fresh food.
- smacktries to smack me
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and good service, its worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential waits, especially during peak hours, and double-check their opening times before you head out.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, the ambience score sits at an 6.5, placing it in the average range, while customer satisfaction is a 61.5% mixed bag. Based on 26 customer comments, with 16 positive observations, many appreciate the classic soda fountain style burger window and the old school burger joints feel. The family owned feel and consistent restaurant cleanliness also stand out, contributing to a generally positive atmosphere.
However, 7 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. Some find the location terrible and the place run-down, describing the inside as nasty looking. Concerns about ant and roach sightings also detract from the overall experience for a few, indicating a need for attention to these details.
Ambience
26
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic burger window
- Clean, well-stocked
- Family-owned feel
What people don't like
- Run-down appearance
- Pest issues reported
- Nasty looking inside
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe restaurant is always very clean and well-stocked with essentials like chips, lids, straws, and drinks. Overall, it's a great location, and I definitely recommend stopping by!
- Landmark for SeattleIt should become a Landmark for Seattle
- burger windowMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true Seattle gem, offering a soda fountain style burger window with old timey prices and quality food.
- essentials stockfull filled with chips, Lids, straws, drinks etc
- family owned feelFamily owned feel like I got to see them grow
- good memoriesSuch good memories
- great placethis great place since 1987
- hang outAlways have been a hang out
- health codesthey do have an excellent rating with health codes
Frequently criticized
- anta small Asian guy opens the window and a ant was on his paper
- atmosphereNot much to look at
- exitblocked me from the exit
- insidethe whole inside is nasty looking
- locationterrible location
- placeThe place looks run-down
- roacha roach was on the counter wiggling its legs on its back
If you're looking for a nostalgic, clean, old school burger joint with a local, family feel, this spot could be a charming find. However, be prepared for a potentially run-down exterior and some reported pest issues that might detract from the experience for those sensitive to such details.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 6.8 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 64%. Many diners, accounting for 16 positive remarks out of 25, rave about the affordability and reasonable prices. Terms like cheap, affordable, and modest cost frequently pop up, highlighting that you can get quality food without breaking the bank.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 7 comments point to some concerns. A few customers felt the price was too high for the quality, using terms like expensive and even money hungry. There were also isolated issues regarding charges' and refunds, suggesting some inconsistencies in pricing experiences.
Value
25
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Excellent value
- Cheap, good food
What people don't like
- Expensive for quality
- Problematic charges
- Perceived as greedy
Often praised
- pricesWhile there's a neighboring burger joint with hotlink burgers, their prices might be a deterrent. Zest is a little hole in the wall, but they offer nice customer service, great prices, and good food.
- cheapa darn good place to eat for cheap
- priceno complaints for the price
- $4For 4 dollars, fantastic
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer an affordable and delicious variety of burgers. The service was excellent and fast, and the owner is hospitable and friendly.
- affordableIt's been an affordable burger joint
- food pricesThe food prices are the best
- modest costWhile I haven't tried the french fries or onion rings yet, I'm confident they would be just as delicious. This place is a bit of a hole in the wall, but it's definitely worth the very modest cost for a truly delicious hamburger.
- old timey pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true Seattle gem, offering a soda fountain style burger window with old timey prices and quality food.
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
Frequently criticized
- priceprice should've been $4.50 for this little amount
- chargesowner of this place charged my card 3 times
- expensiveI also tried the Zesto fish and fries combo and a basket of seafood. It's not really that expensive.
- money hungryseem like they are Money Hungry
- refundHe wouldnt refund my money
If you're looking for an affordable meal and generally good value, this place is worth checking out, especially for its reasonable prices. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in pricing or charges, as a few customers found it a bit expensive for the quality.
How are the prices at Zest Fast Food?
You’re looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 42 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people usually spend, prices really cluster around the $1–$10 and $11–$20 ranges, showing a pretty consistent and accessible pricing.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Fast Food Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s not the absolute cheapest, but it offers good value for a quick and satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zest Fast Food
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Burger Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I've been eating burgers for 30 years, and their burgers never disappoint me. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating in each category.
- burgers10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Disappointing Service on Hot Link Burger
I went to try their popular hot link burger and milkshake. I asked if I could get an onion ring on my hot burger. The staff member responded, "I don’t know how to do that.
" When I inquired further, they repeated, "I don’t know how to do that. I can sell you onion rings on the side. " I agreed to get a side of onion rings, but I was left wondering why they wouldn't just put one on the burger.
Instead of being honest and saying they only sell onion rings as a side and can't put them on a burger, they chose to lie. I told the staff member they didn't care about the customer because they could have easily accommodated my request by just putting an onion ring on the burger. I won't be returning.
- hot link burger5
- onion ring5
- staff member2
- customer care1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Food, Terrible Location
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was really good, earning a perfect 5/5. However, the location was terrible, making it inconvenient.
The wait was also bad, but the people were nice. I really think they should have online ordering to make everything so much easier.
- food10
- people8
- location2
- wait3
- online ordering3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Absolutely Disgusted, Avoid This Place!
My cousin and I literally just walked over from the car detailing place and approached the window. A small Asian man opened it, and I saw an ant on the paper he was using to write on. Then, a roach was on the counter, wiggling its legs on its back, and the man tried to hide it as if I hadn't just seen it.
I was so grossed out that my cousin and I just walked off. If you walk up to the window anyway, the whole inside looks nasty. Please don't eat here; I'm going to call the health department.
- ant1
- roach1
- inside1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Affordable Quality Burger Joint
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's an affordable burger joint that offers quality that McDonald's can't beat. Everything's good 😋.
- burger joint8
- quality9
- Everything10
What Zest Fast Food offers
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options and parking are available at Zest Fast Food?
At Zest Fast Food, you can choose from convenient drive-through, dine-in, or takeout services. You’ll also find parking easy with both free street parking and a free parking lot available for your visit.
When can you dine at Zest Fast Food, and is it suitable for children?
You can enjoy lunch and dinner at Zest Fast Food, and they also offer dessert options. It’s a family-friendly spot, explicitly noted as being good for kids, making it an ideal choice for a family meal.
What is the overall verdict for Zest Fast Food?
Zest Fast Food holds a good overall score of **7.6**, with customer satisfaction at **78%**. Its **Food** (8.1) is highly rated, followed by good scores for **Service** (6.9) and **Value** (6.8). The **Ambience** (6.5) is considered average.
What are the standout features of Zest Fast Food?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and affordable variety of **burgers** and **fries**. The restaurant is also noted for its **excellent service** and friendly staff, offering great value for money.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Zest Fast Food?
Some patrons have reported occasional **slow service**, especially during busy periods. There have also been comments regarding inconsistent **operating hours** and the restaurant’s somewhat dated **ambience**.