Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Bua 9 – Seattle
Bua 9 - Seattle
Photo from Bua 9
Bua 9 at a glance
Seattle Columbia City
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#519 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#25 Thai Restaurant out of 36 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
479
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Fast service
- Lunch deals
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- High prices
- Basic decor
The restaurant Bua 9 is a delightful Thai Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Columbia City neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual yet trending atmosphere perfect for a quiet meal.
This spot is known for its authentic flavors and welcoming vibe, making it a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Thai cuisine in the area.
Overview: Introducting Bua 9
Bua 9 offers a generally positive dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful dishes and efficient service. Many appreciate the fast takeout and the attentive staff, making it a reliable choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
The atmosphere, while casual, is often described as having a pleasant family-owned feel. However, some diners find the overall cost a bit high, especially for certain portions, leading to concerns about value.
While the food generally impresses, there are occasional remarks about inconsistent spice levels or a lack of flavor in specific items. The interior decor is also sometimes seen as quite basic.
Good
7.2
out of 10
479
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
105
negative
31
neutral
343
positive
Bua 9 earns a solid overall score of 7.2, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a healthy 71.6%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 479 total opinions, with a strong lean towards positive feedback (343 positive versus 105 negative remarks). The restaurant truly shines in its Service (7.8) and Food (7.3), which are consistently praised for their quality and efficiency.
While the Ambience (7.2) is also rated well, it’s the Value (5.2) that presents a more mixed picture, with some finding prices a bit steep. This suggests a focus on culinary execution and customer care.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Excellent, fast service
- Affordable lunch specials
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- High prices
- Basic interior decor
Bua 9 presents a compelling option, particularly if you prioritize well-prepared Thai dishes and efficient service. With a recommendation score of 7.6, it generally delivers on its promise of a satisfying meal, especially for those seeking quick takeout or a casual, friendly dining spot.
While some aspects like pricing and interior aesthetics might not impress everyone, the core experience of good food and attentive staff makes it worth considering. If you’re looking for a reliable Thai meal, especially during lunch, Bua 9 is a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bua 9
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a solid score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.7%. Many of the 238 positive remarks praise the vibrant flavor and authentic Thai food, especially popular dishes like Drunken noodles. Guests also frequently appreciate the generous portions that ensure you leave satisfied.
However, not every bite is perfect, as indicated by 67 negative comments. Some experiences mention dishes being too salty or issues with noodle quality, like mushy drunken noodles. There are also concerns about inconsistent spice levels and occasional quality control hiccups, suggesting some dishes might not always hit the mark.
Food
323
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
67
negative
18
neutral
238
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Thai flavors
- Generous portions
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent spice levels
- Salty dishes
- Quality control issues
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was focused on their fast and great takeout service. My food is normally ready in like 5 minutes, with the longest I have ever waited being 15 minutes. I particularly love the green curry, and the pad see ew is a close second.
- portionsisn’t skimpy at all with their portions
- FoodFood:5
- Thai foodThe owner is such a sweet lady, and the food is delicious. It's some of my favorite Thai food in the area. Just a fair warning, she starts her curry spicy level from 2 stars.
- flavornot too salty, not too sweet, flavorful in a good way
- spice levelspice level is no joke like at other places, very spicy
- Pad Thaithe Pad Thai is a burst of tangy goodness
- flavorsdelightful flavors of my meal
- portionI ordered the Pad see ew for $16, which I found to be not cheap. However, because I eat very small portions, one order was good for 3 meals. While I wish there was more meat and vegetable, the flavor was very good.
- portion sizesGood portion sizes
Frequently criticized
- spice levelThe service was good, but surprisingly, most of the folks were doing takeout. Heads up, the spice level was not very consistent. Definitely recommend if you are in the mood for some Thai in Columbia City, though I will come here just for Bua 9.
- flavordidn't have a lot of flavor
- foodfood was a major letdown, receiving a score of 1
- food qualityMuch prefer Thai Tom in terms of food quality
- meatmaybe 1 breast worth of meat
- quality controlGuess the quality control is kinda lacking unfortunately
- Bai 9 fried riceGot the Bai 9 fried rice. Was bland and didn't have a lot of flavor.
- Pad Khee MaoPad Khee Mao (Drunken Noodles), hoping for something rich and balanced, but they weren’t quite “drunk” enough in flavor and left an odd aftertaste
- Pad See Ewonly have flecks of beef and not fill up the whole container
- Pad eggplantPad eggplant was meh - maybe a 1/5
Overall, the food here seems to be a hit for many, especially if youre craving authentic Thai flavors and generous servings. While there are occasional reports of inconsistent spice or quality, its generally worth trying for a satisfying meal. Just be mindful of your spice preference!
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a commendable 79.8%. Many of the 67 positive comments praise the fast service, friendly staff, and attentive owners. Guests frequently mention quick takeout, efficient order handling, and the pleasant, accommodating nature of the team, making for a smooth experience.
However, not all experiences are perfect. The 15 negative comments highlight issues like extended waiting times, particularly for food delivery, and occasional staff communication problems. Some guests reported wrong orders, difficulties with refund requests, and perceived disinterest from staff, suggesting areas where consistency and attentiveness could improve.
Service
84
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, friendly service
- Accommodating staff
- Quick takeout
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Poor communication
- Order inaccuracies
Often praised
- serviceAmazing food and service, the waiter was impressive
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner greeted us and told us about the food and spices
- staffThe attentive and knowledgeable staff ensure you feel well taken care of
- takeoutMy experience at this restaurant was focused on their fast and great takeout service. My food is normally ready in like 5 minutes, with the longest I have ever waited being 15 minutes.
- peopleMy family loves this restaurant, and we order takeout from them on a regular basis. They're quick and efficient, the people are nice, and they really know how to stir-fry. As others have said, the food is not too salty, not too sweet, and flavorful in a good way.
- waitressAll were amazing, and the price was not as bad as some of the other restaurants around Colombia City. The waitress was knowledgeable and nice, recommending a couple of these items. Just be careful with the spice level – try medium first!
- carry outTheir carry out was a saving grace
- customer serviceGreat customer service too
- customize ordersThey offer excellent vegan options, and I was particularly impressed with their peanut sauce and noodle dishes. What stood out was their willingness to happily customize orders, and the staff were pleasant to talk with. They don't automatically use fish sauce in everything and can substitute coconut milk in beverages, which is great for dietary needs.
Frequently criticized
- staffI ordered the Pad Khee Mao (Drunken Noodles), hoping for something rich and balanced, but they weren’t quite “drunk” enough in flavor and left an odd aftertaste. When I politely shared my feedback, the response from the staff was surprisingly harsh. I was told, “You can’t just try something — you pay for it.
- staff memberGuy that took my order seemed extremely uninterested and checked out
- closeclose is set at 11PM rather than 12AM for clarity
- food deliveryUber driver said it was delivered
- hour to eathad a whole hour to eat but seemed like they where trying to close early
- hoursplease adjust your hours so that they are consistent
- receiptreceipt was from a week ago
- refund requesttried calling to get a refund to have the phone hung up on me
- servicethe service could improve by listening to customers with compassion and valuing feedback
- staff communicationkid and the woman that couldn't speak English at all
If youre looking for quick, friendly service, especially for takeout, this place is often a solid bet. Most guests rave about the efficiency and kindness of the staff. However, be aware that a few experiences mention communication issues or order errors, so its wise to double-check your order.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7.2, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%. Many guests (26 out of 39 comments!) loved the charming and authentic feel, often highlighting the cool open kitchen design and the cozy, clean atmosphere. It truly gives off those warm, family-owned restaurant vibes, feeling like a real hidden gem or a quiet little spot.
However, not everyone was swept away. A few comments (6 to be exact) pointed out some areas for improvement, like the lack of AC, relying on portable fans. Some found the inside area a bit small, with the decor described as plain, basic, or bland, making it feel less like a dining destination and more like a takeout spot.
Ambience
39
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
6
negative
7
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open kitchen design
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Family-owned vibe
What people don't like
- No AC
- Simple decor
- Small inside area
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereAlso the atmosphere because they have open kitchen
- open kitchenIt is open kitchen and it was so cool
- cleanlinessBut this visit left me disappointed — especially when choosing to spend Black dollars locally and being met with dismissiveness. The restaurant itself has plenty of seating, hand sanitizer available, fans for warm days, and an open layout that’s clean and casual. It’s conveniently located and a decent choice when other places are closed late at night.
- Street parkingStreet parking, nearby pay parking lot
- ambienceoverall ambience was fine
- family-owned restaurantPeak family-owned restaurant vibes
- gemyou've found a gem 💎
- hole in the wall placeit’s a good hole in the wall place
- mom and popThe vibe is small, mom and pop.
Frequently criticized
- ACthey do not have AC but have portable fans
- ambiance and decorrecommend just a tad more in terms of ambiance and decor
- atmosphereMy second time was way better than my first, so I'm updating my review. It's a take out place, not an atmosphere place. I'm not really criticizing it.
- decorplain Jane tables, chairs, floors & walls made it feel a little like it was a convenience store
- dining areathe dining area itself was mostly basic and bland
- inside areaThe owner was super sweet. It's best for takeout as the inside area is a bit small. Pickup orders are cheaper if you call versus ordering through an app.
If you appreciate a cozy, clean, and authentic vibe with an open kitchen, this spot is worth checking out. Just be aware that the decor is quite simple, and the lack of AC might make it more suitable for takeout or cooler days.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners have found some sweet spots! Folks often rave about the cheap eats and affordable prices, especially highlighting the lunch special as an amazing deal. Theres even a fantastic special on Wednesday that gets a lot of love, making it feel 1000% worth the price for 12 positive remarks.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.2, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather poor 36.4%. Out of 33 comments, 17 pointed to issues like overpriced entrees and egregious pricing, especially when considering Uber fees. Some even felt they werent getting the value for their money, with concerns about fraudulent charges popping up.
Value
33
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great lunch deals
- Special day value
- Affordable pickup
What people don't like
- Overpriced entrees
- High delivery fees
- Fraudulent charges
Often praised
- pricethe price was not as bad
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with good food and decent prices. The Massaman curry was really good, though a little spicy for me, but still yummy with a decent amount of rice.
- affordable priceslunch menu that has affordable prices
- cheap eatsMy experience at this restaurant was that of a peak family-owned restaurant with cheap eats that still offered high quality food. While it might not be the absolute best Thai food in Seattle, be prepared to sweat if you opt for a level 5 spicy!
- lunch specialthe lunch special is an amazing deal
- pickup ordersPickup orders cheaper if you call
- special on Wednesdayspecial on Wednesday, you get a dinner size Pad Thai for the price of a lunch size
- valueI’m extremely happy with the value of the food here.
Frequently criticized
- price$19 for rice, broccoli, carrots, and maybe 1 breast worth of meat
- pricesprices seemed a little high
- $17For 17$
- 4 platesgot charged $80 for 4 plates
- Uber feesTo make matters worse, everything arrived soggy and cold. Considering the total cost was almost $80 with Uber fees, this place is a hard pass!
- dishesAll over priced at $20 each
- entrees$20 for each entree that brakes your teeth!!!
- fraudulent chargesWhen I attempted to call for a refund, the phone was hung up on me. I intend to file a civil suit for damages to my company and for fraudulent charges.
- moneyi still hungry 16bucks later. Waste time and money
- overpricedIt's overpriced as well, or at least on uber-eats it is.
If you're hunting for a deal, definitely check out their lunch specials or Wednesday offers, as those seem to deliver great value. However, be wary of regular entree prices and delivery services, as these often lead to disappointment and a feeling of being overpriced.
How are the prices at Bua 9?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners find themselves in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets, showing a nice cluster around that mid-range sweet spot, with just a few venturing into the higher price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Thai restaurant, especially considering the mid-range average. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bua 9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Beef Pad See Ew in the Neighborhood!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with their beef pad see ew. I would describe it as my "death row meal" choice, which speaks volumes about its quality. The dish was rated 2 stars, and it was perfectly complemented by a thai iced tea.
For sure, this is the best in the neighborhood. The service and atmosphere both received a perfect 5-star rating, indicating a truly enjoyable dining experience.
- beef pad de ew9
- thai iced tea9
- best in the neighborhood10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Thai Food, Worth the Wait
My experience at Bua 9 was a pleasant surprise after passing by for years. The order came out quickly and was graciously served. The staff and even fellow patrons were real nice, which speaks volumes about the atmosphere.
It's true that it's hard to get bad Thai food in Seattle, but Bua 9's dishes were true to their intention and correctly spiced. The Panang curry with brown rice was delightful, and the Pad Kee Mao had perfectly cooked vegetables. The basil fried rice had the right wok hei, and the swimming rama was exceptional.
I will definitely return soon and won't wait so long next time.
- order9
- service9
- staff9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Lunch with Big Portions!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing! I had the garlic garlic chicken and the angel eggplant, both from the lunch menu. The portions were big, and the food was delicious.
I also enjoyed the spring rolls, which were also delicious!
- garlic garlic chicken9
- angel eggplant9
- big portions8
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Authentic Thai Gem with Generous Portions!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was incredibly authentic and they are not afraid of healthy portions. I celebrated my birthday here, and the service was impressive.
The waiter paid full attention to the wants and needs of my 15 close friends and family. Don't wait, and say goodbye to all other Thai restaurants; you've found a gem 💎!
- food10
- service10
- healthy portions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
3
Disappointing Chicken Portion
My experience involved ordering the crispy chicken, but I found that over half of the "chicken" pieces were actually just chunks of batter. For $19, I received rice, broccoli, carrots, and what seemed to be about one breast's worth of meat. While the food tastes good when a decent portion is provided, I definitely felt ripped off with this order.
My past experiences have been fine, though.
- rice, broccoli, carrots6
- crispy chicken2
- portion3
- meat3
What Bua 9 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
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trending
FAQs
What dining options and dietary choices can you find at Bua 9 Thai Cuisine?
At Bua 9 Thai Cuisine, you can enjoy a quick bite, lunch, or dinner with table service. They cater to various dietary needs, offering excellent vegan, vegetarian, and healthy options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.
How convenient is it to visit Bua 9 Thai Cuisine, considering parking and accessibility?
Bua 9 Thai Cuisine in Columbia City is fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. While street parking can sometimes be a bit tricky to find, both free and paid options are available for your convenience.
How does Bua 9 generally perform according to customer feedback?
Bua 9 holds a respectable overall score of 7.2, with customer satisfaction at 71.6%. Its Service (7.8) and Food (7.3) are highly rated, while Ambience (7.2) is good, and Value (5.2) is considered average.
What are Bua 9's main strengths?
Customers frequently praise Bua 9 for its delicious and flavorful Thai food, often highlighting generous portion sizes. The service is consistently noted as excellent, fast, and attentive, with many appreciating the quick takeout options.
Are there any common concerns about Bua 9?
Some diners have noted that prices can be a bit high for certain dishes, impacting the overall value perception. Additionally, while generally good, there are occasional comments about inconsistent food quality or a basic interior decor.