Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Phê – Seattle
Phê - Seattle
Photo from Phê
Phê at a glance
Seattle First Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#563 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#58 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
599
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Drink quality
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- High prices
The cafe Phê in Seattle’s vibrant First Hill neighborhood offers you a delightful escape. You’ll discover a truly inviting spot where the aroma of great coffee fills the air, making it a perfect destination for your morning pick-me-up or a relaxed afternoon.
This trendy and casual cafe provides a cozy atmosphere, ideal for a quick bite or enjoying their excellent tea selection. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout, Phê ensures a pleasant experience.
Overview: Introducting Phê
Phê offers a compelling experience, often praised for its quality drinks and inviting atmosphere. While many appreciate the friendly staff and quick service, some visitors have noted considerable wait times and concerns about the price of certain items.
Despite these points, the overall vibe is generally positive, with a modern, cozy setting that many find appealing for a relaxed visit. The focus on unique beverages seems to resonate well with its patrons.
Good
7.1
out of 10
599
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
138
negative
58
neutral
403
positive
Phê achieves a 7.1 overall score, placing it firmly in the good category, supported by a Customer Satisfaction of 67.3%, which indicates a mixed but generally positive reception. With 403 positive remarks against 138 negative ones out of 599 total customer observations, there’s a clear leaning towards favorable experiences.
Looking closer, the Food (7.6) and Ambience (7.4) are definite strong points, consistently earning high marks. However, Service (6.6) sits in the average range, often praised for staff but sometimes challenged by long waits.
The Value (4.1) score suggests this is an area where Phê could improve, as some find items a bit expensive.
What people like
- Exceptional drink quality
- Inviting, modern atmosphere
- Friendly, efficient staff
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Perceived high prices
- Occasional item unavailability
Phê presents a strong case for its unique beverage offerings and pleasant setting. With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s certainly worth considering if you prioritize distinctive drinks and a good atmosphere over budget concerns or potential queues.
If you’re prepared for a potential wait and don’t mind paying a bit more for quality, you’ll likely find the experience rewarding. However, if quick service and strict value are your top priorities, you might want to manage your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Phê
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
With a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction rate of 73.4%, the food and drinks here generally hit the mark! Many of the 262 positive remarks rave about the quality matcha, Vietnamese coffee, and banh mi, praising their authentic flavors and unique drinks. Guests often highlight the creative recipes and delicious taste.
However, some of the 61 negative comments point to areas for improvement. Concerns include matcha availability issues, small portions for the price, and even food safety worries. Some found certain drinks too sweet or bitter, and wished for more hot drink options on the menu.
Food
357
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
61
negative
34
neutral
262
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious unique drinks
- Quality matcha, coffee
- Authentic Vietnamese food
What people don't like
- Matcha often unavailable
- Small portions, pricey
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- matchaI ordered the Earl Grey Matcha, and my friend had the Einspanner Matcha. The matcha itself was nice and subtle, with a hint of earthy notes. The drinks were not overly sweet, so it's advisable to ask for more syrup if you prefer yours sweeter.
- foodThis is how it came out - a small cup half full : (. The best three sips of my life though… I’ll come back to try the matcha.
- drinksThe banh mi was reasonably priced and also surprisingly good!
- coffeeI had the corn latte and my friend had the sea salt - I’d get either one again!
- Vietnamese coffeeI'm usually not the biggest fan of how thick Vietnamese coffee can be, but this place solved that. The drinks were strong and light, and they offered a good variety of unique flavors. Despite the long line, the service was pretty quick.
- banh mithe banh mi. It’s that OG Vietnamese style. Warm, crusty bread, loaded with pate, cold cuts, cucumbers, pickled veggies—the works.
- spam musubiI got the banana pudding hojicha latte, the fluff on top is kinda like a banana pudding flavored thick cream foam, and I can even taste chunks of banana.
- banana pudding matchaI've tried both the Koko Kloud and Banana Pudding Matcha, and found both to be delicious. For a Vietnamese cafe, they do a really good job with matcha drinks, although matcha isn't their specialty. They are currently out of matcha, so I recommend checking their Instagram for updates.
- hojichathe spam musubi is phenomenal!!!
- matcha latteThe matcha latte and spam musubi were very good.
Frequently criticized
- matchaMy experience at the restaurant was a bit disappointing as they were out of matcha when I visited. However, I was able to try the koko matcha kloud, which was good!
- foodIt felt like they didn't want customers there at all. The food was overpriced for what you get, and the taste was nothing special. Definitely not coming back and not recommended.
- matcha lattematcha latte was rich but tastes like grass
- banana matchathey were out of the banana matcha by 3
- banana puddingThey were out of the popular banana pudding
- food qualityIt's truly disappointing that the food and drinks were only average overall, but the most concerning aspect is that we suffered food poisoning. I hope they will investigate this and improve their food safety and quality.
- Earl Greytheir Earl Grey is clearly a ceylon earl grey
- European Quality coffeefar from European Quality coffee
- Yuzu matchaThe blueberry matcha we ordered was only slightly different from the matcha einspanner. I wish they still had their Yuzu matcha, but the drinks were still good. Overall, it was a Matcha/10 experience.
- banana pudding matchaI didn’t taste any pudding in the banana matcha
If you're seeking creative, delicious drinks and authentic Vietnamese snacks, this spot is worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential matcha stock issues and consider if the portion sizes align with your expectations.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a 6.6 score putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a 61.2%, which is also mixed. Many guests, based on 63 positive remarks, really appreciated the friendly staff, efficient line movement, and quick service, often highlighting the great hospitality and warmth they received. However, not everyone had such a smooth experience, with 29 negative comments pointing to some significant challenges.
Common complaints revolved around long wait times, slow service, and occasionally encountering unfriendly staff, with some feeling there was a lack of follow-up on orders.
Service
103
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient ordering
- Quick drink prep
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service
- Unfriendly staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant involved a bit of a wait, but it was ultimately worth the wait. I waited 30 minutes for my banana pudding matcha, and it was really good.
- staffThe Vietnamese iced coffee was also a highlight, described as rich and perfectly balanced. The café itself boasts a modern, cozy vibe, complemented by friendly staff and quick service. It's definitely a must-visit spot for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese drinks in Seattle.
- ServiceThe service was rated well, and the atmosphere was also a strong point. I appreciated the relatively short wait time, up to 10 minutes, and the indoor dining area provided a comfortable setting. The price per person was also very reasonable, ranging from $1–$10.
- waitThis cafe seems very busy every time I visit. I think it's worth a wait.
- wait timeThe Vietnamese iced coffee was also a highlight, described as rich and perfectly balanced. The café itself boasts a modern, cozy vibe, complemented by friendly staff and quick service. It's definitely a must-visit spot for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese drinks in Seattle.
- customer servicethe workers are very quick to take your order
- amazing jobgreeted with great hospitality & warmth
- baristasstaff friendly
- carethe line moved pretty efficiently
- conveniencegenuine connection I feel with the owners and staff
Frequently criticized
- waitI haven't been here on the weekend, but I'm told the line takes more than an hour. As much as I love this place, I'm not sure if I would wait that long just for a drink. But you do you!
- serviceI waited a 30 minutes just for a single drink, which felt like insanity. The parking situation was also difficult due to a long line and slow service. To top it all off, the food wasn't even good, making the entire experience not worth the wait or price.
- lineThe blueberry matcha was good and not too sweet (pictured). I haven't been here on the weekend, but I'm told the line takes more than an hour. As much as I love this place, I'm not sure if I would wait that long just for a drink.
- wait timeProbably took half an hour before we got to the front of the line.
- waiting timeStill waiting on our bánh mì after 20 minutes
- long linethere was quite a long line
- baristaThe barista had forgotten about me
- businessI’ve been here 3 times already, visiting around 11: 00 AM and 1: 30 PM, and not even once did they have matcha available. Honestly, I wonder why they even run this business if they never have what people actually come for. Really disappointing.
- customer serviceworst customer service I've ever experienced
- follow uplack of follow up on my drink
If youre in a rush, you might want to check the line first, as waits can be unpredictable. But if you have some time and value friendly interactions, youll likely find the service quite pleasant.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.4 and a solid 75.3% customer satisfaction. Many of the 70 positive comments, out of 93 total, rave about the cool vibe and aesthetic, praising the ample seating options and overall cleanliness of the space, making it a lovely spot to hang out or get work done. However, its not without a few minor snags, noted in 15 negative comments.
Some found the music a bit loud or the tables occasionally dirty. A few also mentioned a faint toilet smell or difficulty with parking and finding an outlet' for work, suggesting small areas for improvement.
Ambience
93
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe and aesthetic
- Ample, varied seating
- Clean and spacious
What people don't like
- Loud music/crowd
- Parking can be tough
- Occasional cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereI waited an hour for this, and while the drink is decent, I don't think the wait was worth it. The interior is quite minimal, but the open bar was interesting to watch. The overall vibe is nice, and the drinks are cute and tasty (8/10).
- spaceThe space has plenty of indoor seating, plus low chairs at the front like in Vietnam, which is really cute.
- vibeThe space is sort of minimalistic, industrial chic, so definitely pretty good for the gram
- AtmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the coffee while sitting on the little seats by the slightly open garage, which had a very cool interior design. I tried the corn latte and my friend had the sea salt; I would happily get either one again!
- seatingmodern ambiance with a low-seated table in the front offering a hat tip to a typical vietnamese cafe
- aestheticoverall vibe. - Reviewer Name: A
- interior designThe space was aesthetic
- Indoor dining areaThe Vietnamese iced coffee was also a highlight, described as rich and perfectly balanced. The café itself boasts a modern, cozy vibe, complemented by friendly staff and quick service. It's definitely a must-visit spot for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese drinks in Seattle.
- Parking spaceThe space feels cozy
- Viet-styled short chair/stool seatingThe atmosphere was great for meeting or just enjoying quiet afternoon tea.
Frequently criticized
- musicis rather loud with how busy it is and the music.
- parkingTough to find parking though
- bowlswash that bowl before serving the next customer
- dirty tablesI’ve seen some dirty tables and some had dishes on them
- experiencethe experience felt a bit disappointing overall
- finding seatingIt's a top option in Cap Hill, offering extremely creative drinks, both matcha and coffee. Be prepared for a line and difficulty finding seating, but it's worth it for what they deliver. While their matcha options might be limited at certain times or if they run out later in the day, the coffee options are also excellent.
- hypeit’s a bit overrated given all the hype
- loudis rather loud with how busy it is and the music.
- no outletthere was no outlet available
- playlistI love the space too. The only thing I'd recommend is to have a better playlist going to match the vibe. I was there at around 10 am and was hearing some 2010s R&B hits, and don't get me wrong, I love those, but it felt like it was some SiriusXM stuff and not the baristas' playlist.
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe and plenty of seating for a relaxed time or to get some work done, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get a bit loud, and parking' might be a challenge, so plan accordingly.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
While the overall sentiment leans towards needing improvement, some customers did find value, with 8 positive remarks highlighting aspects like a good price per person or finding certain items reasonably priced. Special promo offers also made the experience feel worthwhile for some, even though the overall score sits at an average 4.1. However, the conversation around value, based on 46 opinions, is largely dominated by concerns, with 33 negative comments.
Many felt items were pricy, expensive, or overpriced, especially regarding drinks price and food price. The non-dairy milk charge was a particular sore point, contributing to a low customer satisfaction of just 17.4%, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
46
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced items
- Worth the price
- Good promo offers
What people don't like
- Often expensive
- Non-dairy milk charge
- Small serving size
Often praised
- priceI ordered a strawberry matcha and absolutely loved it. The matcha itself was amazing and well worth the short wait and price. The quality was fantastic, and I enjoyed my drink down to the last sip.
- $11I visited from NYC, so their latte prices weren't shocking. However, unlike NYC sometimes, the Banana Bread Pudding Matcha I had at Phê was well worth the $11. Believe me, I'm the last person to ever spend that kind of money on a specialty drink, but it was so good, I debated on getting another.
- Price per personI appreciated the relatively short wait time, up to 10 minutes, and the indoor dining area provided a comfortable setting. The price per person was also very reasonable, ranging from $1–$10.
- pricesprices were reasonable
- promoI haven’t even tried their matcha yet, but all my friends swear on their mothers that it’s the best matcha ever, so obviously, it’s on my list. I stopped by over the weekend during Pride celebrations to try their coffee, and also because they had a promo: spend $35, get a free tote bag. The finance bro in me couldn’t resist.
- reasonably pricedThe banh mi was reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe parking situation was also difficult due to a long line and slow service. To top it all off, the food wasn't even good, making the entire experience not worth the wait or price. I ordered their matcha with mango and couldn't even finish it.
- drinksI'm so glad the matcha is finally back in stock! Although the drinks are a bit pricey, they are still worth the wait.
- foodthe food is quite overpriced for what it is
- pricingWhen I see pricing like this I take my business elsewhere
- $10for it being $10 as well as the long wait; i found it rather overhyped and was underwhelmed.
- $5I was so disappointed with the drink size for $5. This is how it came out - a small cup half full : (.
- coffeesran on the more expensive side for its size
- drinks pricethe drinks are steep in price
- expensiveit is a little bit expensive for the size
- food priceThe food is definitely expensive
If youre looking for a budget-friendly spot, this might not be your first choice, as many find the prices steep. However, if youre willing to splurge a bit for quality or can snag a good promo, you might find it worth the price for specific items.
How are the prices at Phê?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests actually spend in the 1 – 20 $ range, showing prices really cluster around the lower end of the mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
For a Cafe, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value for a casual spot without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Phê
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Great Matcha, Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with great quality and great service. They genuinely freshly whisk their matcha for each order, which is a fantastic touch. However, be prepared for crowds as it's usually busy.
On my first visit, I went before closing and managed to get the Strawberry Matcha and my friend had the Coconut Water Matcha, as they had run out of the Banana Pudding Matcha. The second time, around noon, the line was out the door, but the staff handled the busy hours super well and kind. The Banana Pudding Matcha was well worth the wait.
A note for those who prefer sweeter drinks: the matcha itself was barely sweet, but the Banana Pudding itself was described as super tasty and fresh, with toffee bits complimenting it well. My friend's Coconut Water Matcha was consistent. The restaurant's interior is modern, cozy, and cute.
The only drawback is that it's a bit on the pricier side.
- matcha quality9
- service9
- freshly whisk matcha10
- price4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Lively spot, but price not justified
My experience at this restaurant was lively. For the amount and flavor of the food, the price didn’t feel reasonable. This spot feels more like a one-time visit.
The line seemed long, but it goes by fast, and the wait was reasonable.
- one-time visit5
- wait7
- flavor5
- price3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Best Matcha and Vietnamese Coffee!
Hands down the best matcha and Vietnamese coffee I’ve had in a while! What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to one of their drinks and let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed!
I got the regular matcha latte (itsumi) and C5 (Vietnamese coffee with sesame cold foam).
- matcha latte10
- Vietnamese coffee10
- drinks10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Great Drinks and Worth the Wait!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I came here with my boyfriend, and we both loved the drinks. He particularly enjoyed his ca phe muoi, and I found the Match to be so good too!
Despite the long line, the experience was worth the price.
- ca phe muoi9
- Match10
- price8
- long line4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Fantastic Banh Mi, Service Lacking
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of great food and a less-than-ideal service. The atmosphere was wonderful, perfect for either meeting friends or enjoying a peaceful afternoon tea. I found the banh mi to be absolutely fantastic, clearly made with fresh ingredients and served on fresh bread.
However, the service was unfortunately not very pleasant; it felt cold and detached. Despite the service, the overall experience was good, enhanced by a good design and a decent selection of items.
- atmosphere8
- banh mi10
- fresh ingredients10
- service3
What Phê offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Phê in Seattle's First Hill accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Phê features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. When planning your trip to this cozy First Hill cafe, you’ll find paid street parking available nearby for your convenience.
What kind of dining experiences and atmosphere can you expect at Phê?
At Phê, you can enjoy a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, and dessert, perfect for any time of day. The cafe offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a relaxed gathering in Seattle.
How does Phê score overall?
Phê achieves a **7.1** overall score, indicating a good experience. Its **Food** (7.6) and **Ambience** (7.4) are particularly strong, while **Service** (6.6) is average and **Value** (4.1) could see improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Phê?
Many customers praise Phê for its unique and well-balanced drinks, especially the matcha and Vietnamese coffee, often describing them as delicious and high-quality. The modern, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common issues customers experience at Phê?
Some customers note significant wait times for orders, particularly during busy periods. There are also opinions suggesting that certain items, especially drinks, can be on the pricier side for their size, and occasional stock issues for popular items like matcha have been mentioned.