Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Maa Kiin – Seattle
Maa Kiin - Seattle
Photo from Maa Kiin
Maa Kiin at a glance
Seattle Columbia City
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#466 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#21 Thai Restaurant out of 36 in Seattle
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
337
Reviews
71.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Thai
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Service Issues
- Parking Difficulty
The restaurant Maa Kiin is a vibrant Thai Restaurant located in Seattle’s lively Columbia City neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner.
This spot is known for its delicious Thai offerings, including healthy and vegetarian options, making it a versatile choice for any craving. You can enjoy a range of beverages, from wine and beer to refreshing cocktails, complementing your authentic dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Maa Kiin
Maa Kiin offers a taste of authentic Thai food, with many appreciating the flavorful dishes and generous portions that make for a satisfying meal. Guests often highlight the pleasant dining experience, noting the appealing decor and inviting atmosphere.
However, some experiences suggest inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes described as lacking flavor or being overly sweet. While the calm and peaceful ambiance is often praised, occasional service hiccups and parking challenges are noted by visitors.
Good
7.4
out of 10
337
Reviews
71.2%
Satisfaction
75
negative
22
neutral
240
positive
Overall, Maa Kiin earns a solid 7.4 on its restaurant score, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 71.2%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, including 240 positive remarks against 75 negative ones, providing a credible overview of the establishment. Delving deeper, the Food (7.6) receives strong marks, frequently praised for its quality and authenticity.
The Ambience (7.5) also contributes positively, creating an enjoyable setting. Value (7.4) is seen as fair, with many finding the portions and pricing reasonable.
However, Service (6.4) appears to be an area with room for improvement, as some experiences suggest inconsistencies.
What people like
- Authentic flavorful food
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Service inconsistencies
- Parking challenges
- Food safety concerns
Maa Kiin presents a compelling option for those seeking authentic Thai food in a pleasant setting. While the culinary offerings and atmosphere generally impress, be mindful of potential service delays and parking difficulties, which some guests have encountered.
With a 7.8 recommendation score, Maa Kiin is certainly worth considering. If you prioritize flavorful Thai dishes and a nice dining environment, and are prepared for minor inconveniences, you’ll likely find a satisfying experience here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Maa Kiin
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.6 score and a solid 74.5% customer satisfaction. With 164 positive remarks out of 220 total opinions, many rave about the delicious Kao Soi, authentic Thai food, and the overall flavorful dishes, often highlighting generous portions and tasty sauces. However, not every dish is a winner, with 43 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies.
Concerns include certain Pad Thai dishes being too sweet or mushy, occasional bland flavors, and some finding portion sizes to be on the smaller side, particularly for curries, alongside issues with spice levels not always meeting expectations.
Food
220
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
43
negative
13
neutral
164
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Kao Soi
- Authentic Thai food
- Flavorful dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small portion sizes
- Bland flavors
Often praised
- foodFood is really good and authentic thai food
- Kao SoiI definitely would recommend to a friend and plan on coming back another time. The Kao Soi came with a chicken leg, fried chicken pieces, noodles, raw onion, green onion, and I think some kind of wonton strips…? Probably wrong.
- Pad ThaiPad Thai and pineapple fried rice were amazing
- FoodWe had the garlic green bean entree and pad thai, plus tofu satay as a starter. Everything was terrific. The peanut sauce for the satay was flavorful but not too thick or overbearing.
- portionsGenerous portions of soft and fried noodles
- crab wontonscrab wontons... have all been amazing
- fried ricethe fried rice (basil and crab) ... were all very good
- pad see ewpad see ew... have all been amazing
- spice levelMy experience at this restaurant was really lovely. I enjoyed the nice authentic Thai food, which had a nice spice level. The takeout portions are great, and the dine-in experience is super nice.
- Khao SoiKhao Soi... have all been amazing
Frequently criticized
- Fresh RollsFresh Rolls had a tiny piece of shrimp, too much carrot
- butterfly pea flower teacouldn't tell me the ingredients in the butterfly pea flower tea
- curryThe curry in particular was tiny
- curry puffsCurry puffs were also dry and could really use a dipping sauce.
- foodoverpriced, bland food.
- green currymost of my green curry was fresh tofu by volume
- pad thaiSkip the pad thai personally, it was a little too sweet
- Noodle delightNoodle delight was disappointing
- Pad See EwPad See Ew... lacked flavor
- Pad See Ew noodlesPad See Ew noodles were all stuck together and chunky.
If you're seeking authentic Thai flavors and especially love Kao Soi, this place is definitely worth a try, as many find the food delicious and satisfying. Just be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in flavor or portion size, so choose wisely.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers appreciate the friendly staff and fast service, with some even calling it exceptional service. Based on 34 positive remarks out of 62 total customer comments, the team often hits the mark, contributing to an overall score of 6.4, which falls into the average range. However, its not always smooth sailing.
There are 23 negative comments highlighting slow service and frustrating waiting times, especially concerning takeout and pick up orders. This mixed bag of experiences is reflected in the customer satisfaction sitting at 54.8%, indicating theres definitely room for improvement in consistency.
Service
62
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
23
negative
5
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting time
- Takeout issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was tasty with friendly service. The space can be a bit cramped, but the trendy word for it is "cozy.
- ServiceThe Thai green tea is less fragrant than the one I’ve tried elsewhere, with a different taste too. Service was simple and good lol, just taking our orders and giving the check. For our 2 dishes and a drink, the total was only $38 before tip, which was a little surprising but not complaining lol.
- staffThe peanut sauce is truly the best I’ve ever had. I was very impressed with the good amount of food, the nice staff, and the cute space inside.
- serverThe server was also very friendly
- exceptional serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They have amazing food, and what truly stood out was their exceptional service. On a recent order, there was a mistake with the protein, and when I politely mentioned it, they not only corrected it but also gave me the order for free as an apology.
- friendly staffIt is easily the best restaurant in Columbia City without a question. I loved the flavorful dishes, the calm and peaceful ambiance, and the friendly staff. These aspects consistently bring me back time and time again.
- reasonable amount of timewe still got our food within a reasonable amount of time.
- servicesthe services were excellent
- take outTheir take out is a great alternative
- takeoutWe had takeout and it was fantastic
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service however could use work
- waiting timeSaid 20 minutes for takeout and it took more than 45
- closed randomlyI showed up multiple times only to find them closed randomly
- food safety ratingfood safety rating should be improved
- four calls to pick uptake four calls to pick up
- hostthe host locked eyes, gave a rude look
- inaccurate hoursnow they post inaccurate hours
- managementI do not blame the staff, I blame the management
- pick upI wish I could get my money back. Additionally, pick up took a while, even though there weren't many people. I wouldn't have minded the wait if the food had been delicious.
- pick up timelong after the pick up time
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly staff and dont mind potentially waiting a bit, especially for takeout, you might find the service acceptable. Just be prepared for a mixed experience, as consistency seems to be the main challenge here.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a solid 7.5 score and a strong 78% customer satisfaction, guests frequently praise the overall ambience, atmosphere, and interior design. Many of the 32 positive remarks highlight the cozy, calm, and peaceful setting, making it a truly enjoyable experience with plenty of seating.
However, it's not without a few minor quirks. Out of 41 total comments, 6 point out issues like difficult parking, and some found the blinking/color changing lights a bit annoying. A couple of guests also mentioned the pillows on the seats could be uncomfortable, slightly detracting from the otherwise pleasant space.
Ambience
41
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Calm, peaceful ambiance
- Cute, trendy interior
- Ample seating available
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Flickering accent lights
- Uncomfortable seat pillows
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was beautiful with its lovely decoration
- seatingHowever, there is not much parking in the area. The restaurant features a small bar and lots of seating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe service and ambience were great
- SeatingFor our 2 dishes and a drink, the total was only $38 before tip, which was a little surprising but not complaining lol. Seating is interesting, there’s a decent amount and a wall to separate the two sides. I definitely would recommend to a friend and plan on coming back another time.
- calm and peaceful ambianceIt is easily the best restaurant in Columbia City without a question. I loved the flavorful dishes, the calm and peaceful ambiance, and the friendly staff. These aspects consistently bring me back time and time again.
- dine indine in is super nice
- dining room detailsThe added details to the dining room are extremely cool.
- experienceWe absolutely enjoyed the experience.
- insideThe inside is nice and trendy
Frequently criticized
- parkingThis is a good lunch or dinner spot. However, there is not much parking in the area. The restaurant features a small bar and lots of seating.
- ParkingParking is a little rough
- atmosphereLED accent light strip that was glitching out and flickering
- blinking/color changing lightsthough the blinking/color changing lights were kind of annoying.
- pillows on seatspillows on the seats are a bit uncomfortable
If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy a meal, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a bit of a hunt for parking, and maybe dont sit directly under any flickering lights!
Value (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the value proposition here! This place generally gets a thumbs-up, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 71.4%. Many diners, 10 out of 14 comments, really appreciate the pricing and overall value, often noting its affordable and doesnt carry the higher prices of nearby spots.
Youll find plenty of praise for getting good bang for your buck! However, its not entirely without its critics. A few voices, 3 out of 14, point out some areas for improvement.
Some feel the prices have recently climbed, making it a bit steep for the quality offered. Others mention that portions could be more generous for the cost, or that the overall price tag' feels a little high.
Value
14
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- High price tag
- Small portions
Often praised
- valueThe food was delicious and the service was excellent. I was impressed by the fairly large portions, which, considering the quality, made it very good value. I can't ask for more!
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great food at an affordable price. The service was good as well.
- pricesThe prices are also really reasonable
- places in the neighborhoodThere are much better and more affordable places in the neighborhood.
- pricingdoesn’t have the higher pricing of nearby competitors
- totaltotal was only $38 before tip which was a lil surprising but not complaining lol
Frequently criticized
- portionsportions could be a bit better for the price
- price tagOn the positive side, the service and ambience were great, and the drink menu is fun if that's your preference. Given the lackluster food, small portions, and high price tag, this is probably not a place we'll revisit.
- pricesThey recently raised their prices, which feels a bit steep for the quality.
If youre looking for a spot that generally offers good value and reasonable prices, this place is definitely worth checking out. While a few feel the prices have crept up, most agree youll get a satisfying experience without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Maa Kiin?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 46 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.
Most guests tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing prices cluster nicely around this average, offering a solid mid-tier experience rather than a mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
How does this restaurant compare to similar ones in Seattle?
Considering its a Thai restaurant, wed say the pricing feels quite fair for the experience. It hits that sweet spot for a good mid-range meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Maa Kiin
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Pad Thai and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Pad Thai, which was hands down the best I've ever tasted in Seattle. The pineapple rice, ordered at a three-star heat level, offered a delightful and mouth-numbing spice.
I also tried the fresh chicken lettuce wraps, which you assemble yourself at the table. I highly recommend asking for an extra serving of the cucumber salad with the lettuce wraps, as it's delicious and there's significantly more chicken than salad to fill them. The fried rice was a surprisingly large portion, offering awesome value.
The aroma of the golden rice was simply magical. The service was both friendly and prompt, even though we visited late on a Friday night at 10 pm. I will definitely be returning to this awesome place.
- Pad Thai10
- pineapple rice9
- chicken lettuce wraps8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Amazing Thai Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They have amazing food, and what truly stood out was their exceptional service. On a recent order, there was a mistake with the protein, and when I politely mentioned it, they not only corrected it but also gave me the order for free as an apology.
This level of customer care is truly appreciated. It's absolutely worth going to for Thai!
- amazing food10
- exceptional service10
- Thai10
- wrong protein4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Decline in Quality
My experience at this restaurant was one of significant disappointment. It used to be a much better establishment, but now they post inaccurate hours and require four calls to pick up the phone. The food quality has also declined, with congealed noodles, dry beef, and generally bad plates.
I am really disappointed with the current state of the restaurant.
- inaccurate hours2
- four calls to pick up1
- congealed noodles2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Potential for Greatness, Off Night
We were seated immediately during the Sunday dinner rush and served water promptly. However, the restaurant was handling a significant amount of take-out orders, which impacted our dining experience. We observed three people waiting for take-out and a steady flow of customers coming in during our 80-90 minute stay.
Our order was taken after a while, but the kitchen seemed overwhelmed, leading to a considerable wait for appetizers. We also had to request water refills. Our server apologized for the delay, acknowledging that the service was atypical and that we had waited too long.
Despite the service issues, the sauces for our appetizers (fresh rolls, chicken satay, and grilled pork) were delightful, showcasing the kitchen's general competence. Unfortunately, the shrimp in the fresh rolls and my curry, as well as the chicken, were overcooked. The papaya salad's flavor profile was also off, lacking sufficient sourness.
I'm still giving Maa Kiin 4 stars because this felt like an off night, possibly due to short staffing or new kitchen personnel not closely monitoring protein cooking. The prep chef's skill with sauces is commendable, suggesting a strong potential for future excellent experiences. I suspect a visit at another time would warrant a 5-star review, and I plan to return when in the area.
I recommend giving them a try, but perhaps reconsider dining in on a weekend.
- sauces9
- off night6
- prep chef8
- take-out orders4
- water refills4
- shrimp3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Inconsistent Hours, Frustrating Experience
My experience at this restaurant was marked by frustration due to its weird hours. I showed up multiple times only to find them closed randomly, even when the posted hours indicated they should be open. This inconsistency made it difficult to plan a visit.
- weird hours2
- closed randomly2
What Maa Kiin offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Maa Kiin Seattle?
At Maa Kiin Seattle, you have several convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and traditional dine-in service. For dining, you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable table service. The restaurant also offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience.
Does Maa Kiin Seattle offer healthy or vegetarian choices, and what beverages are available?
Yes, Maa Kiin Seattle prides itself on offering a variety of healthy options and delicious vegetarian dishes to cater to diverse dietary preferences. To complement your meal, you can choose from a selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring a complete dining experience.
How does Maa Kiin generally perform according to customer feedback?
Maa Kiin holds a restaurant score of 7.4 with 71.2% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.6), Ambience (7.5), and Value (7.4) are well-regarded, though Service (6.4) shows some room for improvement.
Is the food at Maa Kiin considered authentic and good value?
Many customers praise Maa Kiin for its authentic Thai food, noting flavorful dishes like Kao Soi and Pad Thai. Portions are often described as generous, contributing to a good overall value.
What should I know about the service and atmosphere at Maa Kiin?
The restaurant offers a pleasant and trendy ambiance with comfortable seating. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies with service, including longer waiting times and occasional issues with staff responsiveness. Parking in the area can also be challenging.