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oChef » Bowriders Grill – Seattle
Bowriders Grill - Seattle
Photo from Bowriders Grill
Bowriders Grill at a glance
Seattle Wallingford
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 39 of the guests
#209 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#31 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
355
Reviews
84.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Waterfront views
- Tasty dishes
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Hard to find
- Service delays
- Unreliable hours
The restaurant Bowriders Grill is a welcoming Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Wallingford neighborhood. You’ll find yourself drawn to its cozy ambiance, especially with the inviting fireplace.
It’s a spot where you can unwind and enjoy a memorable dining experience. This Seattle gem offers a comfortable setting for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Bowriders Grill
Bowriders offers a compelling experience, largely thanks to its stunning waterfront views and a generally positive impression of its food and drinks. Many guests appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the often friendly service that accompanies their meal, making for a pleasant outing by the water.
However, some visitors have noted that the restaurant can be tricky to find, and there have been occasional remarks about inconsistent service and operational issues. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment points to a place with significant appeal for those seeking a relaxed setting.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
355
Reviews
84.8%
Satisfaction
39
negative
15
neutral
301
positive
Bowriders achieves a commendable overall score of 8.1, reflecting a generally positive experience for most patrons. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 84.8%, indicating that the majority of the 355 opinions, which include 301 positive and 39 negative remarks, lean favorably towards the establishment.
Delving into the specifics, the Ambience (8.6) stands out as a particular strength, often highlighted by guests. The Food (8.1) also receives good marks, suggesting a satisfying culinary offering.
While Service (7.6) and Value (7.3) are rated well, they present areas where some guests have noted room for improvement, particularly concerning operational consistency.
What people like
- Stunning waterfront views
- Delicious burger and salmon dishes
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Challenging to locate
- Inconsistent service operations
- Unreliable operating hours
If you’re seeking a dining spot with a captivating waterfront setting and solid food options, Bowriders is certainly worth considering. Its strong 8.5 recommendation score suggests that for many, the positives, especially the atmosphere and culinary offerings, outweigh any minor inconveniences.
It’s a place that shines when you prioritize a relaxed environment and good company. Just be prepared for a potentially hidden entrance and perhaps a slight wait during busy times, but the overall experience is likely to be a rewarding one.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bowriders Grill
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a high 85.6%, its clear that many diners are loving what's on offer. Guests frequently rave about the delicious food, especially the salmon burger, generous portions, and overall food quality.
However, not every bite is perfect. Out of 132 comments, 11 did point out some areas for improvement. Some found the menu to be limited, while others mentioned portion sizes could be an issue or described some dishes as mediocre food served in paper containers.
Food
132
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
11
negative
8
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Amazing salmon burger
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Limited menu choices
- Mediocre food quality
- Food in paper containers
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was lovely! I was impressed by the best views in the area, the great food, and the fabulous and friendly service. I will definitely be recommending this spot to all my friends.
- drinksMy experience at the restaurant was defined by its open seating by the water of Lake Union, offering a cool vibe along with good eats. It's a fantastic spot for drinks.
- salmon sandwichWe had a salmon sandwich and burger and both were delicious!
- burgerI recommend this burger joint if you're traveling in Seattle and looking for a value-for-money restaurant with a city view. The burgers taste good and weren't too expensive. It's located near Gas Works Park, offering a great view.
- beerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed excellent burgers and cold beer, complemented by great service. The convenience of being accessible by boat at the adjacent fuel dock was a definite plus.
- burgersThe burgers and pale ale were amazing!
- pulled pork sandwichThe location offered a perfect view of Seattle and Lake Union, complemented by delicious hearty fare. We shared the salmon tacos, smoked chicken Caesar, and pulled pork sandwich. I enjoyed a lovely glass of Pinot Gris, while my friend had a root beer.
- salmon burgerThe salmon burger was amazing, and Huge.
- salmon skewersWe shared the salmon skewers, and the sauce that came with it really added something extra
- salmon tacosThe salmon tacos were delicious
Frequently criticized
- chicken sandwichOrdered a chicken sandwich with bacon. Got a pulled pork sandwich
- BLT wrapwife got the blt wrap like no bacon in it
- food qualityThe overall food quality was disappointing
- hamburgerHamburger is dry and no flavor
- limited menuThey had a 'limited menu'
- mediocre foodGot mediocre food served in paper containers
- paper containersfood served in paper containers
- portion sizestoo small portion sizes
- quality of foodMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its stellar location. While the wraps were just "meh, " and the prices felt high for the quality of food, the great waterfront setting made it well worth a visit.
- sandwichpaid 16 for a sandwich and was not pleased
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight for most, offering delicious and satisfying options. While a few minor critiques exist regarding variety or presentation, its certainly worth trying if youre looking for a tasty meal.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at 72.9%, its clear that the team often delivers a good experience. Guests frequently praise the "staff, " noting them as "friendly and personable, " and many highlight the "great service" and the dedication of the "whole team.
" Out of 70 total comments, 51 were positive, showing a strong appreciation for their efforts. However, there are a few bumps in the road. About 17 comments mentioned issues like "waiting time" and "slow service, " sometimes due to an overwhelming "workload" or a "disorganized ordering process.
" While the staffs attitude often remains positive even under pressure, these operational hiccups can lead to frustration for some guests.
Service
70
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, personable staff
- Great, attentive service
- Accommodating team
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Understaffed issues
- Disorganized ordering
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed excellent burgers and cold beer, complemented by great service. The convenience of being accessible by boat at the adjacent fuel dock was a definite plus.
- staffElias was absolutely incredible to work with from start to finish. Bowriders put on an amazing party for us, complete with a custom Seattle-focused food and drink menu and the absolute friendliest staff. We are rooting for Bowriders to re-open soon!
- ownerowner is super friendly we got to chat a bit
- MatthewMatthew is incredibly nice
- Chef MatthewAwesome Chef Matthew!
- EliasDespite a brief cancellation due to their temporary closure, the team, particularly Elias, was determined to make our event happen. Elias was absolutely incredible to work with from start to finish. Bowriders put on an amazing party for us, complete with a custom Seattle-focused food and drink menu and the absolute friendliest staff.
- attitudeThere was only the cook and one person handling everything from taking orders to serving and cashing out. Despite her impossible workload, she maintained a great attitude. Unfortunately, after waiting for too long in line, we decided to leave to find a place where we could actually get service.
- eventdetermined to make our event happen, even during the closure
- exceptionThank you for working with us and making our day so special, Bowriders. We know you made an exception during this pause in business, and we could not be more thankful.
- frictionno friction at all
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeDespite her impossible workload, she maintained a great attitude. Unfortunately, after waiting for too long in line, we decided to leave to find a place where we could actually get service. It's a great place with what looks like good food, but it's all for naught if guests can’t get service.
- serviceI gave it 5 stars for location and ambiance. However, the service was severely lacking due to being totally understaffed. There was only the cook and one person handling everything from taking orders to serving and cashing out.
- ordering processOrdering was disorganized
- parking timeWe get there at 7pm and we’re told it’s not until 8pm.
- phonesIt's incredibly infuriating to drive across town only to find them closed. Additionally, they never answer their phones when I've called to confirm their hours. It's a wonderful atmosphere if you can find them open, but it's advisable to have a backup plan.
- posted hoursthe one consistent problem seems to be their posted hours
- staffI gave it 5 stars for location and ambiance. However, the service was severely lacking due to being totally understaffed. There was only the cook and one person handling everything from taking orders to serving and cashing out.
- substitutionmy substitution wasn’t followed
- wait for our foodWe waited a while for our food
- website and social mediaplease, please, update your website and social media
Overall, you can expect good service here, especially from the friendly and accommodating staff. Just be prepared that during busy times, you might encounter some waiting or minor disorganization, so a little patience could go a long way.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
If youre looking for a place with an incredible atmosphere, youre in for a treat! The ambience here scores a fantastic 8.6, with an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.3%. Guests consistently rave about the stunning views, the beautiful waterfront setting, and the inviting fire pits, creating a truly cozy vibe.
With 121 positive remarks, its clear this spot shines. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A handful of comments (8 to be exact) noted that the place can be a bit tricky to find, and occasionally a docked boat might slightly obstruct a view.
Some also mentioned a small walkway leading in, but these are minor points in an otherwise stellar experience.
Ambience
134
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning waterfront views
- Cozy fire pits
- Pet-friendly
What people don't like
- Tricky to find
- Blocked view
Often praised
- viewsIt’s a bit tricky to find off the street, but the journey down the long path is well worth it. I was greeted by some of the best views in the city and incredibly welcoming staff. The atmosphere is great, with a cool fire pit table that looks like a boat, and also seating under cover in case of rain.
- viewI can’t say enough about this place. If you want a beautiful view, great ambience, and delicious food, don’t miss it.
- atmosphereOn a beautiful day, there is almost nowhere I'd rather grab lunch. Sitting right on the water with the wind in my hair is so nice. The food is excellent too!
- fire pitFor my birthday, all I wanted was to sit by a fire pit or fireplace and watch the sunset. This restaurant exceeded my expectations!
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, offering the best view in Seattle, with close-up vistas of the lake and boats against the entire Seattle skyline. The atmosphere was warm, cheerful, and relaxed, thanks to the attentive, friendly staff, the hidden location, and the widely spaced tables. The food was of the highest quality, simple yet delicious, and offered at the most reasonable prices in Seattle.
- settingBeautiful setting right on the water!
- vibeMy experience at Bowriders was fantastic. It offers a great vibe to hangout by the water, something Seattle really needs more of. The convenience of being able to get gas and takeout right at the dock is a huge plus.
- beautiful viewReally beautiful view and setting.
- fireplaceFor my birthday, all I wanted was to sit by a fire pit or fireplace and watch the sunset. This restaurant exceeded my expectations!
- patioIt has a patio with heathers and people were dinning outside with a fireplace.
Frequently criticized
- black gateTough to find the black gate
- dining areathe dining area was disorganized
- docked boatThe food was tasty and seemed relatively healthful. However, a docked boat was partially blocking the view, which was a minor disappointment.
- kitchenthe kitchen was disorganized
- mooring your boatmooring your boat can be difficult
- self-serving cupsTheir self serving cups are dirty
- small walkwaylooking for a small walkway
- tricky to findIt is a bit tricky to find
Overall, if breathtaking waterfront views and a cozy, inviting atmosphere are what you seek, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware it might take a moment to find, but the stunning setting makes the journey worthwhile.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this place generally shines! With a solid score of 7.3, indicating a good performance, and a strong 84.2% customer satisfaction, most diners are quite pleased. Out of 19 observations, 16 highlight the reasonably priced food and drinks, often calling it easy on the wallet and value for money.
However, a few voices offer a different perspective. Three comments noted that the prices felt a bit steep, describing it as pricey for what you get and questioning the overall value for money for the quality received.
Value
19
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Good value for money
- Easy on wallet
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Questionable value
Often praised
- pricesI was impressed by the great view and how well done the place was. The excellent food was complemented by excellent prices. I cannot wait to go back!
- priceThe location was beautiful, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date. I enjoyed the good food, which was also reasonably priced. The incredible views from downtown over Lake Union were a highlight.
- cheap drinkswonderful place to get cheap drinks
- easy on the walletThe service was amazing, and the food was good. It was also easy on the wallet, making it a great value. They also offer some docking options after 7 pm.
- food and drinksthe food and drinks are reasonably priced
- menufairly priced menu
- value for moneyvalue-for-money restaurant
- well pricedwell priced food and drink!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found it to be kinda pricey for what you get. I was hungry and stopped in for something to eat, paying $16 for a sandwich, and was not pleased with what I received.
- pricesthe prices felt high for the quality of food
- value for moneyNo value for money
If you're looking for a spot where your money goes a long way, especially for drinks and good food, this place is a solid bet. While a small number found it a bit expensive, the overwhelming majority agree it offers great value, making it worth a visit.
How are the prices at Bowriders Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 39 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Good news is, most folks spend right around this average, with prices clustering nicely in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 sweet spot.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 39 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a mid-range restaurant. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bowriders Grill
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Wedding Welcome Party at Bowriders
My husband and I recently had our Wedding Welcome Party at Bowriders, and it was everything and more than we could have imagined. Despite a brief cancellation due to their temporary closure, the team, particularly Elias, was determined to make our event happen. Elias was absolutely incredible to work with from start to finish.
Bowriders put on an amazing party for us, complete with a custom Seattle-focused food and drink menu and the absolute friendliest staff. We are rooting for Bowriders to re-open soon! If you’re considering hosting an event at Bowriders, let this be your sign – especially if Elias is on the case!
Thank you for working with us and making our day so special, Bowriders. We know you made an exception during this pause in business, and we could not be more thankful.
- event10
- Elias10
- party10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Great Summer Spot on Lake Union
My experience at Bowriders on Lake Union was fantastic, especially for a summer visit. The restaurant offers convenient access from the road and the dock, making it easy to arrive by boat or paddlecraft. While the nearby gas station can make mooring a bit tricky, the overall convenience is a plus.
The menu is smaller, but the prices are reasonable for the portion sizes. The atmosphere is pleasant with about three dozen tables and a back area that can accommodate a dozen people. The staff were really nice and quick with both drinks and service.
The food was good, with the burger being the best and the grilled cheese being solid. It's a great spot for summer drinks or a quick stop for boat fueling and a snack.
- access from the road8
- access from the dock8
- smaller menu6
- mooring your boat4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Stunning Views, Disappointing Value
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the food had a good flavour, the portion sizes were too small, even for European standards, leading to a feeling of no value for money. The menu was also limited and not the same as advertised online.
The views were stunning, but ultimately, I wouldn't recommend going here to eat.
- food flavour7
- views9
- portion sizes2
- value for money1
- limited menu3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Hidden Gem with Great Views
My experience at this restaurant was a great one, offering good food and great views on a warm summer evening. The atmosphere was much more pleasant and significantly less crowded compared to the adjacent establishments. However, be aware that it's a true "hidden gem" in the sense that it's difficult to find.
You need to look for a small walkway on the east side of Westward. It took us a while to locate it, even though we've lived nearby for nearly 30 years.
- good food8
- great views9
- pleasant atmosphere8
- small walkway4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Views and Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially on a sunny day. I enjoyed the amazing views of Lake Union. The service was great, and the overall atmosphere was very pleasant.
The food was also good, contributing to a very enjoyable visit.
- views10
- service10
- Food8
What Bowriders Grill offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
FAQs
Does Bowriders Grill cater to specific dietary preferences?
Yes, Bowriders Grill offers a variety of choices to suit different diets. You can find delicious vegan options, vegetarian options, and organic dishes on the menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What service options are available at Bowriders Grill?
At Bowriders Grill, you have several convenient service options. You can enjoy your meal with outdoor seating, dine-in, or opt for takeout or delivery, making it easy to fit your plans.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Bowriders?
Bowriders holds a strong 8.1 overall score, with customer satisfaction at 84.8%. Guests particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.6) and Food (8.1), while Service (7.6) and Value (7.3) also receive good marks.
What makes the atmosphere at Bowriders stand out?
Customers frequently praise Bowriders for its exceptional waterfront views and inviting atmosphere, often mentioning the unique fire pit and patio seating that enhance the dining experience.
Are there any common challenges visitors face at Bowriders?
Some visitors note that Bowriders can be tricky to find due to its hidden location. Additionally, there are occasional concerns about waiting time and the consistency of service, including communication about operating hours.