Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
oChef » Tan Dinh – Seattle
Tan Dinh - Seattle
Photo from Tan Dinh
Tan Dinh at a glance
Seattle Yesler Terrace
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#268 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#6 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
241
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget Friendly
- Tasty Banh Mi
- Great Service
Frequently criticized
- Difficult Parking
- No Seating
- Limited Hours
The restaurant Tan Dinh, a Vietnamese Restaurant in Seattle’s Yesler Terrace neighborhood, offers you a casual and quiet spot for a quick bite. You can stop by for healthy options, whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner.
This welcoming eatery ensures you have a pleasant experience with its relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Overview: Introducting Tan Dinh
Tan Dinh offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking good food at a great price. Many appreciate the well-regarded Banh Mi and other items like chicken wings, often highlighted for their flavor and quality.
It’s often seen as providing the best bang for the buck for a quick meal. While the helpful service and friendly staff contribute to a positive visit, some aspects like inconsistent bread quality on certain items have been noted.
The tricky parking can also be a minor inconvenience for visitors.
Good
7.9
out of 10
241
Reviews
80.1%
Satisfaction
28
negative
20
neutral
193
positive
Overall, Tan Dinh achieves a solid 7.9 out of 10, indicating a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 80.1% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 241 pieces of commentary, including 193 positive remarks and 28 critical observations. Looking closer, the establishment truly shines in Service (8.9) and Value (8.8), both rated as excellent, suggesting a highly efficient and budget-friendly approach.
The Food (7.6) also performs well, landing in the good category. However, the Ambience (6.2) is more of an average aspect, indicating it might not be the primary draw for visitors.
What people like
- Exceptional Value
- Delicious Banh Mi
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- Tricky Parking
- Limited Seating
- Limited Operating Hours
Tan Dinh is a solid choice if you’re seeking a quick, affordable meal with friendly service. With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, it clearly resonates with many patrons.
It’s particularly well-suited for those prioritizing value and efficient service over a traditional dining atmosphere. While some minor practicalities exist, the core offering of tasty, budget-friendly food makes it a worthwhile stop.
If you’re in the area and need a satisfying bite without breaking the bank, Tan Dinh is certainly worth considering for its consistent quality.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tan Dinh
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.8%. With 123 positive remarks out of 158 total, many rave about the authentic Vietnamese food, especially the delicious Banh Mi and the consistent Cafe Sua Da. The chicken wings, particularly the fish sauce and garlic varieties, are also a huge hit, often described as divine and perfect for parties. However, not every dish is a winner.
There were 23 negative comments, with some patrons noting issues with the bread being stale or old. A few also mentioned finding gristle pieces in their meat or experiencing some deli food that tasted old or dry. While the Banh Mi is often praised, the bread can sometimes be a point of contention.
Food
158
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
23
negative
12
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Banh Mi
- Amazing chicken wings
- Authentic Vietnamese dishes
What people don't like
- Stale bread
- Old deli food
- Dry meat
Often praised
- foodThe food is a great value and it tastes really good.
- chicken wingsChicken wings (catering) were the best. They were crispy, flavorful, sweet n savory flavor.
- Banh MiGreat Banh Mi and coffee at a good price.
- breadBread is perfect, not harder like some other delis are.
- Bahn MiIn an era of $20 bowls and $18 lunch specials, Tan Dinh offers the best bang for the buck I’ve come across in my adventures. Packed with chewy sweet meat and crisp pickled veggies, I love this Bahn Mi. It costs $6.
- FoodFood:5
- fish sauce wingstheir fish sauce wings might be the best wings
- fried chickenI went early, so not all dishes were out yet. However, I asked for the fried chicken and they went out of their way to make it for me. The garlic flavor saturated my car, which I didn't mind at all!
- pork banh miI preferred the pork banh mi, like char siu.
- quick biteGreat place to grab a quick bite
Frequently criticized
- breadThe bread is one step away from being a crouton ( dry and old)
- meatOf the deli food I did try, half of it tasted old, even though I visited right after the lunch hour. The bread on my sandwich was stale and it didn't have much meat. The grilled meatballs were too hard and tasted old; I ended up throwing them away.
- Banh MiBanh Mi 2.25/5
- Banh Mi Dac BietWhat ruined it for me was the bread.
- baguetteI wish the baguette would’ve been crustier on the outside.
- bread on the sandwichThe bread on the sandwich tasted stale
- chao tomWorst chao tom ever. Chao tom are mixed with flour.
- chau tomChau tom was dry, not much shrimp, mostly eggy flour tasting
- coffeeThe coffee was pre-made ( espresso part and condensed milk sitting in cups in room temperature)
- deli foodHalf of the deli food tasted old
If you're looking for a quick, tasty, and authentic Vietnamese meal, especially Banh Mi or their famous chicken wings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that the bread quality can sometimes be inconsistent, and some prepared items might not be as fresh as others.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The service at this spot is truly a standout, earning an excellent score of 8.9 and boasting an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 92.7%. With 38 positive sentiments out of 41 total, guests consistently rave about the friendly guy, friendly people, and the owner for their awesome service. Many highlight the helpfulness, attentiveness, and quick responses, making every interaction a pleasant one.
However, theres just 1 negative observation, noting that the place can be close most of the time. While this isnt about the quality of the staffs interaction, its a practical point for those planning a visit, suggesting a quick check on their operating hours might be a good idea to avoid disappointment.
Service
41
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner
- Helpful staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Often closed
Often praised
- ownerThey offer a variety of other items besides banh mi, all at low prices. The owner was cool. It's definitely a good hole-in-the-wall to check out for fast and budget-friendly food to go.
- servicevery, very helpful service
- Friendly guyFriendly guy makes great Vietnamese food
- OwnerHighly recommend the caramelized shrimps and pork & veggie soup. Owner is nice and efficient.
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- attentivenessMy experience with Tan Dinh Deli for catering was outstanding. They were incredibly helpful, attentive, and flexible. I received very quick responses.
- awesome serviceWe always get awesome service
- call a few days in advanceMake sure you call a few days in advance to secure your order
- cateringMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive, making it my go-to place for catering. The fish sauce wings are particularly outstanding; I believe they might be the best wings in WA stateđź‘Ťđź‘Ť.
Frequently criticized
- close most of the timeclose most of the time in the weekday
If youre seeking a place where youll be met with genuinely friendly and efficient service, this spot is absolutely worth trying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on the staffs demeanor and helpfulness means youre in for a great experience, just be sure to confirm their hours before heading over.
Ambience (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, some folks really dig the vibe, calling it a good hole-in-the-wall with a decent atmosphere. Theres also appreciation for the unique building itself. Based on 4 positive remarks out of 12 total comments, it seems theres a charm to be found, even if the overall score sits at an average 6.2.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing. A significant concern revolves around parking, described as tricky and a challenge in the area. Plus, some found it to be a super small hole in the wall with no seating, which can be a real bummer.
With only 33.3% customer satisfaction, and 4 negative observations, its clear these issues impact the overall experience.
Ambience
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good hole-in-the-wall
- Unique building
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Tricky parking
- No seating
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- buildingI also love the building they are in
- hole-in-the-wallDef a good hole-in-the-wall
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking is tricky in the lot (big dip/drop)
- ParkingParking is a little tricky in this hidden/ random street of little saigon
- no seatingMy experience was at a super small hole in the wall with no seating, but the service was very, very helpful. I wasn't sure about many of the offerings, but the person behind the counter was incredibly helpful, providing recommendations and explaining each item.
If you're okay with a cozy, perhaps standing-room-only spot and can navigate tricky parking, you might enjoy the unique vibe. But if easy parking and ample seating are must-haves, this place could be a bit of a challenge for you.
Value (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to getting the most for your money, this spot truly shines! With an impressive 8.8 score and an outstanding 93.3% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are thrilled with the affordability. Out of 30 comments, a whopping 28 rave about the value for money and best bang for the buck, highlighting it as an affordable meal with a great price.
Whats even more remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding pricing. With zero negative comments among the 30 observations, it's safe to say that patrons consistently find the offerings to be incredibly fair and reasonable, leaving no room for complaint about the cost.
Value
30
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- Best bang for buck
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their pork bahn mi, and I was not disappointed! The sandwich was incredibly tasty and surprisingly affordable at just $4. The service was fast.
- pricesMy experience at this small little deli shop was fantastic, primarily due to the great prices. I was impressed with the value, noting that a Bahn Mi was only $6.
- low priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially considering the unbeatable low price. I found the grilled pork in the banh mi to be tasty, though it was a bit too dry and hard to chew.
- valueI’ve had sandwiches all across this beautiful country, and let me tell you, there may be no better value than Tan Dinh Deli. In an era of $20 bowls and $18 lunch specials, Tan Dinh offers the best bang for the buck I’ve come across in my adventures.
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordable fresh neighborhood shopMy experience at this affordable fresh neighborhood shop was quite positive. It's a bummer that no food has a label on it, which means I'll have to go back and try more!
- affordable meala good place to visit for a very affordable meal
- amount of foodDecent price for amount of food
- best bang for the buckbest bang for the buck I’ve come across
- budget friendly foodbudget friendly food to go
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for an incredible deal without sacrificing quality, this place is an absolute must-try. Youll find fantastic value here, making it perfect for a budget-friendly meal that truly satisfies.
How are the prices at Tan Dinh?
On average, you’ll spend around 16 per person – from 32 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits here, the prices are quite spread out. Many guests find options in the $1–$10 range, but there are also some premium choices pushing the average up, with a few diners spending over 40 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar places in Seattle.
Overall, we feel the pricing is fair for a Vietnamese restaurant. It offers a good range, so you can choose between a quick, affordable bite or a more indulgent meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tan Dinh
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Hidden Gem with Amazing Food!
My experience was at a super small hole in the wall with no seating, but the service was very, very helpful. I wasn't sure about many of the offerings, but the person behind the counter was incredibly helpful, providing recommendations and explaining each item. The food was delicious, and the chicken wings were divine!
The pricing was very affordable. I 10/10 recommend!
- service10
- chicken wings10
- food9
- no seating4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Food, Friendly Service, Some Misses
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The nem nuong was good, and the owner was very friendly, providing great customer service. The prices were great, and there was a lot of selection.
I especially enjoyed the chicken wings for catering; they were the best, crispy, flavorful, and had a sweet n savory flavor. However, the chau tom was dry, mostly eggy flour tasting with not much shrimp, and I wouldn't recommend that. The fried rice was good.
- nem nuong7
- owner9
- customer service9
- chau tom2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Authentic Vietnamese Food, Inconsistent Hours
I have always wanted to go back because of the great price and authentic Vietnamese food. However, it is close most of the time on weekdays. I spoke to the owner while he was singing, and he mentioned that he closes the store when daylight ends.
- great price9
- authentic Vietnamese food10
- owner6
- close most of the time3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Delicious Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the fish sauce wings, garlic wings, and spring rolls for a party, and everything was so good that there was literally nothing leftover. I only wish I had ordered double of everything!
The owner was also very kind and funny, adding to the overall positive experience.
- fish sauce wings10
- garlic wings10
- spring rolls10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Beware: Food was already bad!
Beware! My experience was that the food went bad already when I bought it. It was probably old food from the previous day.
- food1
- old food1
What Tan Dinh offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Healthy options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options are available at Tan Dinh Deli?
At Tan Dinh Deli, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, catering, and dessert. It’s a great spot for any meal you’re planning.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Tan Dinh Deli?
Tan Dinh Deli provides free street parking and a free parking lot, though finding a space can sometimes be difficult. The restaurant also features a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot for your convenience.
What is the overall rating for Tan Dinh and what are its strengths?
Tan Dinh holds a good overall score of 7.9. It particularly excels in Service (8.9) and Value (8.8), with Food also performing well at 7.6. Ambience (6.2) is considered average.
Is Tan Dinh a good option for budget-friendly meals?
Yes, customers frequently praise Tan Dinh for its excellent value and affordable prices. Many consider it to offer the “best bang for the buck” for a quick and satisfying meal.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting Tan Dinh?
Some visitors have noted that parking can be tricky, and the establishment typically offers no seating, functioning more as a take-out spot. Limited weekday operating hours have also been mentioned.