Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bar Vacilando – Seattle
Bar Vacilando - Seattle
Photo from Bar Vacilando
Bar Vacilando at a glance
Seattle Madison Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#392 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#51 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
525
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
- Easy ordering
Frequently criticized
- Spotty service
- Price concerns
- Pest problems
The restaurant Bar Vacilando in Seattle’s vibrant Madison Valley neighborhood offers you a delightful dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for a casual evening or a romantic dinner.
With a great wine list and an impressive beer selection, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal. They also cater to various tastes with healthy, organic, and vegetarian options, alongside delicious small plates and late-night bites.
Overview: Introducting Bar Vacilando
Bar Vacilando offers a generally positive experience, with many guests praising its delicious food and beautiful space. The atmosphere is often described as laid-back and classy, making it suitable for various occasions.
Many appreciate the convenience of their QR code ordering system. However, some aspects could use refinement.
While the value is generally considered average, certain items are seen as pricey. Service, though often efficient, occasionally suffers from inattention or issues with the ordering system, which some find annoying.
Good
7.6
out of 10
525
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
86
negative
24
neutral
415
positive
Bar Vacilando earns a solid 7.6 overall, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This is further supported by a strong 79% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 525 customer remarks, with 415 positive observations outweighing 86 negative ones. The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a high (7.7), closely followed by the inviting Ambience (8.2).
While Service (6.7) is generally good, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.9), which registers as average compared to other aspects.
What people like
- Delicious Food & Cocktails
- Beautiful Ambience
- Efficient QR Ordering
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Value Concerns
- Pest Issues
Bar Vacilando presents a compelling option for those seeking a pleasant atmosphere and enjoyable food. With a solid 7.9 recommendation score, it’s generally a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize a good meal in a comfortable setting.
While the food and ambiance are clear draws, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the perception of value. If you’re looking for a relaxed spot with tasty offerings and don’t mind the occasional service hiccup, it could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bar Vacilando
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid good customer satisfaction of 81.1%. Many guests rave about delicious items like the blunch tacos, brisket hash, and miso apple pie, alongside a thoughtful menu that includes meatless options and craft cocktails. With 206 positive remarks out of 254 total, it seems theres plenty to enjoy, from "amazing onion rings" to "delicious brunch" and "large portions.
"However, not every dish is a winner, with 35 negative comments noting that some "food was underwhelming" or even "overcooked or burnt. " There are mentions of "inconsistent drink quality" and disappointment with the "new menu" being less exciting than before. While some found the "menus execution" rudderless, these instances are less frequent, suggesting occasional missteps rather than a consistent issue.
Food
254
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
35
negative
13
neutral
206
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, creative dishes
- Excellent cocktails
- Thoughtful, varied menu
What people don't like
- Food sometimes underwhelming
- Dishes overcooked/burnt
- Inconsistent drink quality
Often praised
- foodThey have a QR menu that allows you to split up the tab immediately. Service was great, food came out very quickly and was absolutely delicious. The ambience of the back room is so cozy and romantic; they had space heaters and blankets, but we never felt cold, if anything we were feeling really warm and toasty by the end of the evening.
- drinksIt's a beautiful restaurant with great music, tasty food, and wonderful service. The chill vibes made it a great place for a meal or drinks. I highly recommend the Earl Grey Panna Cotta with Aromatic Bergamot Orange & Vanilla Pods.
- cocktailsIt's another solid tapas joint with fast service and good food. They also have an excellent lineup of cocktails and wine. The patio is located in the back on the right and offers lots of seating.
- friesThe fries were well seasoned and perfectly crispy
- onion ringsThe cocktails were the star of the show; I'd recommend trying the 'holy smokes' and the tequila one. For food, we ordered the tuna melt, the Reuben, and the ortolana, along with fries and onion rings 🥰. Generally, everything was great, but it's more of a heavy food place.
- burgerWife had the burger it also looked very good.
- food and drinksboth the food and drinks were wonderful
- sandwichesIf you're looking for lighter options, this might not be the spot for you. However, if you're craving delicious sandwiches, burgers, or pizza, this is a great spot with matching ambiance. I also really appreciated that they have a very accessible menu, clearly indicating what is GF, DF, NF, veg, etc.
- FoodFood:4
- ReubenReuben was so tasty
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food each time starts to go down
- friesordered fries twice and they never came
- Brussels sproutsThe Brussels are very spicy so be sure you really want that level of heat.
- baconbacon was burnt beyond being edible
- brunch serviceThey have one of the best tucked away, covered patios in Capitol Hill, which is a fantastic atmosphere. However, I was disappointed they stopped their brunch service.
- burger jointIt was fun to order several plates and share with your group. The space is still beautiful but now this is just another burger joint: / The food is decent but it doesn't stand out anymore. 2019 Beautiful space with a sweet little outdoor patio in the back.
- chaat chicken naan saladchaat chicken naan salad was a little sad
- chickensuspect it was leftover chicken
- cocktailthe cocktail I had was actively bad
- cocktailscocktails totally didn't have any alcohol
If youre looking for a spot with a generally creative and tasty menu, especially for brunch or cocktails, its definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might not always hit the mark, and recent menu changes have received mixed reactions.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests rave about the friendly and helpful staff, with 58 positive comments highlighting great service and attentive bartenders like Ben. Customers appreciate the menu knowledge and quick service, making for a pleasant experience. While the overall score for service is 6.7 (average), there are definitely bright spots.
However, 32 negative comments reveal areas needing attention. Many found the QR code ordering system frustrating, leading to slow service and disorganized service. There are also reports of staff being absent or neglecting basic needs like water refills, creating a less-than-ideal experience and contributing to the mixed 59.2% customer satisfaction.
Service
98
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
32
negative
8
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Frustrating QR ordering
- Slow, disorganized service
- Lack of attention
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's another solid tapas joint with fast service and good food. They also have an excellent lineup of cocktails and wine.
- staffThe staff was incredibly nice and helpful throughout the entire process, from organizing the food and drink menu ahead of time to quickly answering any questions that arose. They were also amazing during the event itself. We had about 32 people on the patio, and it felt comfortable, with room for a few more.
- ServiceThey have a QR menu that allows you to split up the tab immediately. Service was great, food came out very quickly and was absolutely delicious. The ambience of the back room is so cozy and romantic; they had space heaters and blankets, but we never felt cold, if anything we were feeling really warm and toasty by the end of the evening.
- bartenderWe ordered fries twice, and they never arrived, yet we were still charged for them on our bill. Thankfully, the bartender was SO SWEET and ensured we received a refund. Overall, the experience was meh.
- great serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the good food and great service, with Ben being particularly outstanding. The atmosphere was very relaxing, making it a perfect lunchtime getaway.
- BenBen is our usual lunchtime server and he's awesome!
- QR code orderinglove the QR code ordering.
- QR menuIt is an excellent place to share a meal with a group. They have a QR menu that allows you to split up the tab immediately. Service was great, food came out very quickly and was absolutely delicious.
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- app enabled ordering and payingapp enabled ordering and paying is clutch for convenience
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service which used to be hit or miss is now probably the worst
- orderordered one thing, but they brought another
- QR code orderingorder and pay through QR code which is annoying
- apologydidn't apologize what so ever
- attentionWhile the server was nice enough to bring a water bowl for our dog, who was tucked quietly beside the table, that was the high point. Tables around us received full attention, but it was downright odd to feel so ignored. We experienced no water refills despite the 85° temperature and "forgotten" requests for condiments.
- condimentsforgotten requests for condiments
- credit cardI absolutely love this place, but I fracking hate their ordering system SO MUCH. I just really don't want to be fiddling with a website, entering my credit card manually myself, and coordinating across multiple apps at the table. It ruins the experience!
- disabledDon’t go if you’re disabled
- disorganized serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by really good food and reasonable prices. However, the Gen Z QR-code ordering system, while modern, led to disorganized service. Despite the service issues, there was an expectation to tip full boat.
- emailsent an email to management the next day but no response
If you value friendly staff and quick service, you might have a great time, especially if you're comfortable with app-based ordering. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies and a potentially frustrating ordering system that could impact your experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.8%. With 141 positive remarks out of 152, guests rave about the outdoor covered seating, classy decor, relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful patio, creating a delightful experience. However, a handful of the 10 negative comments mention a lacked unique character, concerns about rats, cold air drafts, and some wheelchair accessibility issues.
While these are few, they're worth noting for a complete picture of the overall vibe.
Ambience
152
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful outdoor spaces
- Chic, relaxing atmosphere
- Dog-friendly patio
What people don't like
- Rats on tables
- Cold air drafts
- Poor accessibility
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was tasty, and I enjoyed both the appetizers and drinks. It's a good place to have a date night, offering a laid back but classy atmosphere.
- patioBooked the patio for a private event this past weekend, and it was great!
- spaceIt was fun to order several plates and share with your group. The space is still beautiful but now this is just another burger joint: / The food is decent but it doesn't stand out anymore. 2019 Beautiful space with a sweet little outdoor patio in the back.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant has unfortunately changed. In the past two years, I visited quite often and it felt like returning to my old continent, offering a cozy place with ambiance and good food. However, that's no longer the case.
- decorGorgeous decor, lots of plants
- outdoor patioThe space is still beautiful but now this is just another burger joint: / The food is decent but it doesn't stand out anymore. 2019 Beautiful space with a sweet little outdoor patio in the back. Good food and drinks too.
- vibeThe vibe of this place is one of my favorites
- barMy experience at this cute bar in a quieter part of Capitol Hill was great. The bartender was friendly, and I had an amazing Rueben sandwich.
- beautiful barMy experience was at a beautiful bar, which is a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat around Volunteer Park.
- beautiful spaceThe space is still beautiful but now this is just another burger joint: / The food is decent but it doesn't stand out anymore. 2019 Beautiful space with a sweet little outdoor patio in the back. Good food and drinks too.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI had been meaning to try Bar Vacillando since moving to the area 2 1/2 years ago. A hot afternoon seemed like the perfect time to check out their covered outdoor space, but the welcoming atmosphere went downhill from the time we sat down. While the server was nice enough to bring a water bowl for our dog, who was tucked quietly beside the table, that was the high point.
- cold airThe cocktail prices were very reasonable by Seattle standards, and the small bites were nice. However, we sat close to the door on a cold night and had to keep our jackets on because every time the door opened, we were blasted with cold air. This is something to be aware of if you choose a table near the entrance during colder weather.
- full eveningI wont bother for a full evening
- ratan enormous rat visited us at our table
- ratsrats walking on the table tops
- speakerssounds like the speakers are going in and out constantly
- table topsrats walking on the table tops
- tablesI was pretty excited about this new and gorgeous spot on 15th, but coming in on a sleepy Sunday afternoon turned into a bad experience. The place was always empty, but the staff were absent, the tables weren't bussed, and my order took forever. It's a shame because it's otherwise a great location.
- unique characterlacked a unique character
- wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Not if you have a service dog.
If you're looking for a spot with a truly beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, especially outdoors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential drafts or accessibility if those are concerns for you.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 and customer satisfaction at 47.6%. Many folks appreciate the reasonable prices, especially during Happy Hour, and find the menu affordable. The payment system also gets a nod for making ordering easy, based on 10 positive comments out of 21 total.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some diners felt things were expensive or pricey, particularly when charged for fries or faced with a $5 8oz soda. These concerns, highlighted in 9 negative remarks, contribute to the overall mixed sentiment regarding value.
Value
21
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great Happy Hour
- Affordable menu
What people don't like
- Expensive items
- Fries charged separately
- Overpriced soda
Often praised
- pricesthe prices keep this spot accessible to all
- Happy HourI loved the great indoor patio, which is equipped with Kantha quilts and heaters, making it perfect for dining year round. The craft cocktails were excellent, and they offer a nice Happy Hour. The menu is eclectic, ensuring it can please vegans and all palates.
- cocktail pricesThe cocktail prices were very reasonable
- happy hourTheir happy hour is one of the best!
- menuThe menu is really affordable
- payment systemPayment system makes it easy to order quickly
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price though, it should have come with the fries
- $5 8oz sodaa $5 8 OZ soda
- charged for friesthen we were charged for fries on our bill
- checkthe check was a mess
- expensiveexpensive restaurant
- gift card$25 gift card to come back
- priceyIt’s pricey (for what was served)
- tip full boatexpected to tip full boat
If youre looking for a good deal, aim for Happy Hour or stick to the main menu items praised for their affordability. However, be mindful of potential upcharges like fries or pricey drinks, which can quickly inflate your bill. Its a place where smart ordering can make all the difference in your overall value perception.
How are the prices at Bar Vacilando?
You’re looking at roughly 31 per person – reported by 45 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 31, many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good number of prices falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets. This suggests a nice mix, with some higher-end options balancing out more budget-friendly choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good range, so you can likely find something that fits your budget while still enjoying a quality meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bar Vacilando
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Decline in Quality and Value
My experience at this restaurant has unfortunately changed. In the past two years, I visited quite often and it felt like returning to my old continent, offering a cozy place with ambiance and good food. However, that's no longer the case.
The restaurant has become pricey for what is served, and the food is not tasty.
- ambiance7
- pricey2
- not tasty2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Holiday Dinner Experience!
We hosted our small group work holiday dinner here and the staff was incredible. It is an excellent place to share a meal with a group. They have a QR menu that allows you to split up the tab immediately.
Service was great, food came out very quickly and was absolutely delicious. The ambience of the back room is so cozy and romantic; they had space heaters and blankets, but we never felt cold, if anything we were feeling really warm and toasty by the end of the evening. Cocktails are incredible.
We can’t wait to come back.
- staff10
- QR menu9
- Service9
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Laid back but classy date night spot
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The food was tasty, and I enjoyed both the appetizers and drinks. It's a good place to have a date night, offering a laid back but classy atmosphere.
- food9
- appetizers8
- drinks8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Beautiful Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the sausage flatbread and the pork belly, both of which were absolutely delicious. The food menu offers a great variety, and the place boasts a beautiful ambience.
The service was excellent, with no wait time, and the atmosphere was rated a perfect 5. The food itself also received a perfect 5 rating.
- sausage flatbread10
- pork belly10
- food menu variety8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Beautiful Space, Mixed Food & Non-existent Service
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The space and ambience were beautiful, complemented by great mellow music, creating a lovely atmosphere. I ordered the cheeseburger, which was fantastic.
However, for the price, I expected fries to be included, and ordering them separately resulted in them being just 'meh'. The BLT looked appealing with perfectly toasted bread, but the tomatoes were thin and the bacon was burnt to the point of being inedible. The espresso martini was delicious.
Unfortunately, the service was non-existent. We felt unwelcome due to the lack of greeting or farewell, and the silent offering of water. This made the expectation of a tip feel unwarranted.
There's significant room for improvement to match the potential of the space to feel warm and inviting.
- space and ambience10
- mellow music8
- cheeseburger9
- tomatoes3
- bacon1
- service1
What Bar Vacilando offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Bar Vacilando?
At Bar Vacilando, you’ll find a casual, cozy, trendy, and romantic atmosphere perfect for various occasions. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service, and outdoor seating is available. They also offer catering services for your special events, and dogs are allowed if you wish to bring your furry friend.
Does Bar Vacilando accommodate specific dietary needs and offer convenient amenities?
Yes, Bar Vacilando provides healthy, organic, and vegetarian options to suit your preferences. You’ll also benefit from amenities like a bar onsite, free Wi-Fi, and a gender-neutral restroom. For convenience, free street parking is available, and the venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Bar Vacilando rate overall?
Bar Vacilando holds a good overall score of 7.6. Its Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.7) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (6.7) is good, and Value (5.9) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Bar Vacilando?
Many patrons appreciate the delicious food , especially the cocktails and sandwiches . The beautiful space and patio also receive frequent praise, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Bar Vacilando?
Some customers have noted inconsistent service , including issues with attention and the QR code ordering system. There are also occasional comments about certain items being pricey or concerns regarding pest issues in the dining area.