Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Little Beast – Seattle
Little Beast - Seattle
Photo from Little Beast
Little Beast at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🇬🇧 British Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#512 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 British Restaurant out of 2 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
355
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Dish availability
- Ambiance issues
The restaurant, a charming British eatery in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood, invites you to discover its unique appeal. You’ll find Little Beast to be a cozy and casual spot, perfect for an evening out.
Known for its great beer selection, it offers a trendy atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy. Whether you’re craving small plates or a full dinner, this place has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Little Beast
Little Beast offers a culinary experience centered around delicious food and excellent service . Guests often highlight the thoughtful preparation of dishes and the welcoming nature of the staff, contributing to a generally positive dining impression.
However, some aspects temper the experience. Concerns arise regarding the pricey nature of the menu and occasional inattentive service during meals.
The noise level and other ambiance issues have also been noted, suggesting areas for refinement.
Good
7.2
out of 10
355
Reviews
68.7%
Satisfaction
90
negative
21
neutral
244
positive
Little Beast achieves a respectable overall score of 7.2, indicating a good performance, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.7%. This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, there’s a segment of diners who leave with reservations.
These insights are drawn from 355 customer observations, with 244 positive remarks against 90 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8.2) is clearly a highlight, consistently receiving high praise.
Service (7.0) also performs well, reflecting attentive and knowledgeable staff. However, the Ambience (5.9) is considered average, and Value (3.3) is a significant area where Little Beast struggles, often cited as expensive.
What people like
- Delicious, thoughtful food
- Excellent, knowledgeable service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, low value
- Inconsistent dish availability
- Uncomfortable ambiance issues
Little Beast presents a compelling case for those seeking well-prepared food and attentive service in a pleasant setting. If you prioritize quality cuisine and a welcoming staff, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and some inconsistencies in dish availability or the overall dining environment. With a recommendation score of 7.7, it’s a place many would suggest, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding its value proposition.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Little Beast
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, earning a 8.2 score and a 82.4% customer satisfaction. Many diners, across 178 positive remarks, rave about the exceptional quality and execution, highlighting standout dishes like the Dry Aged Ribeye, hearty Sunday roasts, delicious meat pies, and perfectly crisp scotch eggs. The culinary team clearly knows their way around quality ingredients, delivering complex flavors and memorable meals.
However, not every experience was flawless, with 27 critical comments noted. Some guests were disappointed by popular items like pies and Yorkshire pudding being sold out, or found certain portions, such as the bone marrow, to be surprisingly small. A few also mentioned issues with food temperature or steaks being over-seasoned, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
Food
216
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
27
negative
11
neutral
178
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional meat quality
- Delicious Sunday roasts
- Complex flavors
What people don't like
- Popular items sell out
- Small portions
- Inconsistent food temperature
Often praised
- foodThe mència we had was served way too warm, but otherwise, the wines we tried were stunning, from chard to pinot to Pollard. While it'd be easy to criticize the things that weren't perfect, it was still a 5-star experience thanks to the delicious food and thought put into every dish, so we'll be back for Sunday roast in August. For my constructive feedback: I hope there'll be cask ale eventually, as that's what I miss most about British pubs.
- scotch eggAlso ordered a scotch egg and the rabbit rillette. Everything was amazing
- Sunday roastI highly recommend coming for the Sunday roast experience
- meatI was very much looking forward to a Sunday roast here, especially after our positive experience at Beast & Cleaver before the pandemic. The meal itself had all the components of a genuine English roast: meat, veg, yorkshire pudding, and gravy, and it was all incredible. However, the menu stated "beef fat potatoes, " but we only received one potato each, which felt incredibly stingy considering the prices.
- FoodFood:4
- cocktailsThe cocktails were also very good
- gravyI was very much looking forward to a Sunday roast here, especially after our positive experience at Beast & Cleaver before the pandemic. The meal itself had all the components of a genuine English roast: meat, veg, yorkshire pudding, and gravy, and it was all incredible. However, the menu stated "beef fat potatoes, " but we only received one potato each, which felt incredibly stingy considering the prices.
- meat piebest meat pie I've ever had
- roast beefMy partner got the roast beef and I got the pork
- scotched eggStarting with the bread and butter, sausage roll, and scotched egg, we were off to a very satisfying start. The sausage roll was above expectations, and the scotched egg paired wonderfully with the pickled nectarine. For mains, we were a bit disappointed that pies were already out by 7: 30 on a Saturday, and our backup option of pork belly was also out.
Frequently criticized
- Yorkshire puddingI was really excited to try The Little Beast in Ballard, especially for the pies that everyone on Instagram raves about. Unfortunately, they were sold out of all pies and even Yorkshire pudding by 7 pm. For a British pub that markets itself around these staples, it was a major letdown.
- Eton Mess dessertThe Eton Mess dessert was subpar — great on the outside and bland whip in the middle
- Yorkshire puddingsThe Yorkshire puddings that were really well done and in my wife's case on the edge of being burnt
- beef and gravymy beef and gravy was cold along one edge
- beef fat potatoesOne potato (even as amazing as it was) is incredibly stingy
- bone marrowbone marrow for $24 that came with 3 peas sized amounts
- bread orderjust having two small pieces of bread in an order was less than ideal
- depth of flavordid not have the depth of flavor or finesse you expect at this price point.
- dinnerFor a British pub that markets itself around these staples, it was a major letdown. Our dinner for 4 came to around $450, so we were hoping for a full experience.
- food temperatureEverything was cold
If you're seeking a truly exceptional meat-focused dining experience with standout dishes and complex flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that popular items can sell out, and some minor inconsistencies in portioning or temperature might occur. Overall, prepare for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63%. Many guests, in 34 positive remarks out of 54 total comments, frequently praised the staff for their quality service, menu knowledge, and overall great service, often highlighting pleasant interactions and attentive teams. However, there are some areas for improvement, as noted in 16 negative remarks.
Some experiences pointed to inattentive service, slow main courses, and inexperienced servers. A few mentioned teething problems and difficulties getting staff attention, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in the service delivery.
Service
54
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Attentive service
- Great menu knowledge
What people don't like
- Inattentive service
- Slow main courses
- Inexperienced servers
Often praised
- serviceI knew to expect quality food & service from a Beast & Cleaver establishment! I was completely blown away by how, only weeks in, the service was excellent: friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. The sausage rolls were incredible, and the meat pie's sauce had some magic ingredient that made it unique and a crowd pleaser.
- staffI knew to expect quality food & service from a Beast & Cleaver establishment! I was completely blown away by how, only weeks in, the service was excellent: friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. The sausage rolls were incredible, and the meat pie's sauce had some magic ingredient that made it unique and a crowd pleaser.
- ServiceService:5
- chefsI wanted to eat here since before it opened and it was amazing! The service was great, talking with the chefs was an added bonus and the Sunday pork roast was insanity. Can’t wait to come back and try the full menu!
- great servicegreat service
- menu knowledgeOn a second visit for my partner's birthday, I was even more impressed. Our server, Chris, provided excellent service and demonstrated great knowledge of the menu, which had recently rotated. He even comped a dessert for the occasion.
- owners and staffcongratulate the owners and staff of this restaurant for a job well done
- pleasant conversationhad a really pleasant conversation
- quality serviceknew to expect quality service
- server ChrisOur server Chris did not miss with recommendations
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was good initially... but got inattentive mid-meal
- birthdayUnfortunately, the rest of the experience left a lot to be desired. Despite making it clear on the reservation that it was my birthday, not a single member of the staff wished me happy birthday, which made the day feel less special. We were seated directly under a speaker, making it difficult to hear my partner and the server, and the music playlist was jarring.
- executionthe vibes and execution are off
- inexperienced serversWe were seated next to the front door, which was propped open in 50-degree weather due to a broken vent, forcing us to wear our coats throughout the entire meal. The service was also a letdown, with inexperienced servers. The busser repeatedly asked us about our course and whether plates should be changed, which is the restaurant's responsibility to manage.
- main coursesThe 120-day aged steak was also cooked beautifully, and both dishes were absolutely delicious. Service-wise, our main courses came out quite slowly, but the waiter handled it really well. He kindly took the price of our first drinks and fries off the bill, which was a thoughtful gesture we appreciated.
- ownerhe never got around to visiting our table
- owner responsesThe owner often responds to feedback by correcting or lecturing the customer.
- plate changeoverThe changeover was so awkward
- server availabilityserver was hard to track down
- service at the barService at the bar felt chaotic
If youre looking for a place with generally good and friendly service, youll likely have a positive experience here. Just be aware that some guests have encountered minor hiccups, so keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.9 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.7%. Out of 55 total opinions, 29 lean positive, highlighting a cozy and inviting atmosphere, charming interior space, and even an open kitchen concept. Many appreciate the decor, good vibes, and the feeling of it being a great place or a neighborhood gem.
However, 23 opinions point to some noticeable drawbacks. Guests have mentioned issues with loud music making conversation difficult, uncomfortable seating, and even concerns about cleanliness and flies. Some found the overall vibes off, with specific complaints about ventilation, a trip hazard from molding, and even the smell from garbage bins impacting the experience.
Ambience
55
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
- Charming interior space
- Open kitchen concept
What people don't like
- Loud music, hard conversation
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cleanliness, flies issue
Often praised
- atmosphereLittle Beast is a cozy neighborhood gem that instantly makes you feel at home with its inviting atmosphere. The menu is simple yet delicious, focusing on using only the finest ingredients.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The warm and rustic decor created a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by the friendly staff. I was particularly impressed with the quality of Guinness 🙂.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- spaceThe space strikes the perfect balance
- ambianceNice ambiance
- city needsExactly what the city needs
- dining experiencesuch a great dining experience
- gemWe also had the bone marrow on grilled bread and it was delicious. I'm so happy to have this gem added to Ballard and am already looking forward to coming back, as was our entire table. B&C did it again!
- great placeThis is a great place solo
Frequently criticized
- fliesThe hostess was on her phone, our server was engaged in a long chat with a butcher, and others were busy. Even with good food, the meal was constantly interrupted by flies, which seemed to be the norm. I would consider returning if the cleanliness and staff attention improved to match the price point.
- musicthe music repeatedly spiked to a level that made conversation difficult.
- seatingwe were seated directly under one of the speakers
- vibesvibes were off. was fighting off flies
- ambienceThe ambience of the place was awful
- atmospherefour stars for atmosphere, only due to the garbage situation out front
- back sectionthe back section was cold during our visit
- cleanlinessif they worked on the cleanliness of the place
- conversationThe staff was adequate, but the ambience was awful. The music was so loud that having a conversation was impossible. Despite asking them to turn it down, they only did so temporarily before increasing the volume again.
- doorthe door was propped open in 50 degree weather
If youre looking for a place with a potentially cozy atmosphere and dont mind a bit of background noise, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for a mixed experience, as some aspects of the ambience could be a dealbreaker for a quiet, comfortable meal.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a tough time, with a low score of 3.3 and customer satisfaction at just 10%. However, a few guests (3 out of 30 comments) did feel the prices reflected the quality, especially for a special occasion. They found it worth every dime for the rich, indulgent dishes.
On the flip side, the overwhelming sentiment (24 out of 30 comments) points to significant concerns about the overall value. Many found the price and bill to be outrageous, especially with mandatory tip or service charge additions. Guests often felt the price to quantity ratio was off, leading to an overpriced meal that didn't match the full experience they expected.
Value
30
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every dime
- Special occasion worthy
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- High price
- Mandatory service charge
- Poor price-quantity
Often praised
- pricesThe dishes are rich and indulgent, featuring perfectly rendered fat on roasted meats and savory sauces – definitely not light fare. The prices reflect the quality of ingredients and kitchen skill. Little Beast is an amazing restaurant for a truly satisfying, high-quality comfort food meal.
- special occasionThe pork belly was absolutely beautiful, and the Scotch egg was lovely. While it is a bit pricey, I found it to be worth it for a special occasion or a night out.
- worth every dimeIt was worth every dime
Frequently criticized
- priceI recently visited this restaurant and my experience was quite disappointing. While the food was fine, it was also very expensive. The staff was adequate, but the ambience was awful.
- billAs a guest, the bill feels inflated before anyone explains the philosophy behind it.
- pricesthe kind of prices that, elsewhere in Seattle, would buy you
- Value for moneyValue for money is where Little Beast truly stumbles
- auto-tipWhile the food was excellent, it was still at least 20% overpriced. The forced 23% auto-tip felt wrong after the overall experience. I'd say the food is great, but I probably won’t be back for the price.
- automatic service feea 22% automatic service fee already added to the check
- balanceCurrently, the food, atmosphere, service, and pricing are not aligned. There's promise, but the balance is not quite right yet.
- compulsory service chargescompulsory service charges withheld by the house
- costI would expect better for the cost
- full experienceFor a British pub that markets itself around these staples, it was a major letdown. Our dinner for 4 came to around $450, so we were hoping for a full experience.
If you're planning a special occasion and are prepared for a hefty bill, including automatic service charges, you might find some dishes worth the splurge. However, if value for money and transparent pricing are high on your list, this spot might leave you feeling disappointed and your wallet much lighter.
How are the prices at Little Beast?
On average, you’ll spend around 84 per person – from 45 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $81–$90 category. For a British Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is in this range, we see a wide spread in what people spend, with a notable number of diners enjoying more premium experiences above 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in Seattle?
Considering the average spend and the range of options, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a British Restaurant, especially with those higher-end experiences available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Little Beast
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Food and Service, Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed unique dishes of the highest quality, complemented by service of equal caliber. It was truly a great dining experience.
We arrived without a reservation and had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated at the bar, so I would definitely get a reservation next time. I also loved the open kitchen.
- unique dishes10
- quality10
- service10
- wait4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Sunday Roast and Rillette!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially for our Sunday roast meal. We also ordered a scotch egg and the rabbit rillette. Everything was amazing; the rabbit rillette was truly phenomenal.
The roast beef was cooked perfectly and was incredibly tender, complemented by delicious cabbage and peas, and a peppery brown gravy. I highly recommend this place.
- scotch egg9
- rabbit rillette10
- roast beef10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Decor, Delicious Dishes, and Excellent Service
My experience at this nice restaurant in Ballard was quite enjoyable. I really liked their decor and was impressed they have a new private dining space in the back. I came for an early dinner, and the service was great.
I ordered a few of their well-known dishes: chicharrones, scotched egg, and lamb neck korma meat pie. I wish I had more appetite to try their steaks, but I definitely want to come back for their Sunday roast.
- decor9
- private dining space8
- service10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Roast Beef and Smooth Old Fashioned
My experience at this restaurant was a solid choice, and I would definitely come back to try their other roast pork belly. I visited on a Sunday early evening at 17: 30 with a reservation. The Old Fashioned was very smooth; even as someone not a big whiskey guy, I found it very good and would order it again.
The scorched eggs were a very good choice, offering great crunch and not being dry. For the main dish, I had the roast loin of beef. The gravy was the star of the dish, adding plenty of flavor.
However, the Yorkshire pudding lacked flavor and required the gravy to be truly enjoyable. Dessert was also good, not dry, and beautifully presented, providing a great way to finish the meal.
- Old Fashioned9
- scorched eggs9
- roast loin of beef8
- Yorkshire pudding4
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Disappointing Roast Pork and Cold Food
My experience at the restaurant was quite disappointing. The roast pork was over salted and a bit flabby. To make matters worse, everything was served cold.
They had also run out of potatoes by 5 pm, leading to a sad substitution of sun choke. However, the staff were lovely.
- staff9
- roast pork2
- food temperature2
- potatoes3
What Little Beast offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Little Beast Ballard accessible for all guests?
Yes, Little Beast Ballard ensures a welcoming experience for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom facilities, making it convenient for all visitors.
What are the parking options available when visiting Little Beast Ballard?
When you visit Little Beast Ballard, you can look for free street parking or paid street parking. Be aware that finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult in the area.
How does Little Beast generally perform?
Little Beast holds a good overall score of 7.2, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 68.7%. Its Food (8.2) and Service (7.0) are strong points, while Ambience (5.9) is average and Value (3.3) is a notable concern.
What are the standout dishes at Little Beast?
Guests frequently praise the Sunday roast, calling the meat and gravy incredible. The scotch egg and meat pie also receive high marks for their quality and flavor.
Is Little Beast considered good value for money?
Many find Little Beast to be on the pricier side, with some opinions noting the bill feels inflated and dishes are overpriced, especially given certain portion sizes like the “one potato each” or small bone marrow.