Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Sen – Seattle
Sen - Seattle
Photo from Sen
Sen at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍜 Noodle Shop
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#404 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Noodle Shop out of 1 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
527
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Billing issues
- Inconsistent quality
The restaurant Sen Noodle Bar invites you to experience a casual noodle shop right in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a comforting bowl of noodles.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner, this spot offers a welcoming environment where you can savor delicious flavors. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking an authentic noodle experience in the city.
Overview: Introducting Sen
Sen offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its delicious flavors and a cozy atmosphere that makes it a comfortable spot. Many find the pricing affordable, making it an accessible option for a good meal.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding portion size and occasional inconsistencies in food quality. While the service is often described as attentive, there have been isolated reports of billing confusion.
Good
7.6
out of 10
527
Reviews
75.7%
Satisfaction
94
negative
34
neutral
399
positive
Sen achieves a respectable overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 75.7%. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 527 customer observations, with 399 positive remarks outweighing 94 negative ones.
Diving deeper, Service stands out with an impressive (8.5), closely followed by Ambience (8.2), both rated as good. The Food also garners a good score of (7.5), suggesting a generally satisfying culinary offering.
However, Value (4.7) falls into the average range, indicating some diners feel portions or pricing could be better aligned.
What people like
- Delicious Thai dishes
- Welcoming, efficient service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Billing discrepancies
- Inconsistent food quality
For those seeking a comfortable spot with generally well-regarded Thai cuisine and attentive service, Sen is a solid choice. Its 7.8 Recommendation Score suggests many find it worth a visit, especially if you appreciate a cozy setting and flavorful dishes.
However, be mindful of potential small portion sizes, and it’s always wise to double-check your bill. If these minor points don’t deter you, Sen offers a pleasant experience that often hits the mark for a satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sen
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a solid 7.5 score and a 73.8% customer satisfaction rate. Many rave about the delicious food, flavorful noodles, and great broth, often praising unique Thai dishes. With 251 positive remarks out of 340, it seems most diners leave happy and satisfied with the quality and variety.
However, some experiences werent as stellar, with 64 negative comments noting concerns. A few found portion sizes to be on the smaller side, while others mentioned blandness in some dishes or a watery sauce. There were also occasional remarks about a heavy broth' or raw vegetables.
Food
340
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
64
negative
25
neutral
251
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, unique dishes
- Flavorful noodles, broth
- Great Thai variety
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Dishes sometimes bland
- Sauce can be watery
Often praised
- foodThis is my goto spot for myself and anytime I entertain visitors. I feel like this is food the owners want to make, instead of what they thought would sell in Ballard. The food is a 5/5, service is a 5/5, and the atmosphere is a 5/5.
- noodlesMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I found it to be a cozy and friendly place with great noodles. They also offer delicious mango sticky rice when mangos are available.
- FoodFood was so delicious
- fresh rollsThey also offer delicious mango sticky rice when mangos are available. I would definitely recommend checking it out when you're in need of a comforting bowl of noodles or some fresh rolls.
- boat noodlesIt's also such a cute little spot. I ordered the Singapore noodles, my partner had the boat noodles, and we indulged in the mango sticky rice, which might have been the best I've ever had. I highly recommend visiting this place and trying the rice before it's out of season.
- brothwish I knew the secret of that broth. It's so rich, layered in flavor
- flavorsMy experience at Sen Noodle Bar was thoroughly enjoyable. It's a good Thai spot with delicious flavors and an inviting atmosphere. Every dish we tried was good, well-seasoned, and satisfying.
- Thai foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's a cute, cozy spot with some lovely Thai food. We ordered soup based dishes, and they were incredibly soul warming.
- Pad ThaiMy husband had the Pad Thai and it was also delicious
- mango sticky riceI found it to be a cozy and friendly place with great noodles. They also offer delicious mango sticky rice when mangos are available. I would definitely recommend checking it out when you're in need of a comforting bowl of noodles or some fresh rolls.
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe sauce was watery and lacked flavor, and my 'spicy' dish had no heat at all. The vegetables were raw and hard, and the chicken was overcooked. Neither my dining companion nor I were pleased with the food.
- foodneither of us were pleased with the food
- portionsWhat used to be good is now just meh. The food quality has suffered, and the portions are really small. It's the first Thai restaurant where I'm still hungry after finishing my plate.
- sauceWe tried 3 dishes and none were worth ordering again. Everything was drenched in sauce, which made the dishes as a whole bland and unappealing. I ordered a spicy noodle with tofu, and it tasted a bit like peppered bbq sauce.
- dishesI’ve had take out here mid-pandemic and was underwhelmed, but recently I decided to give it a second chance in person. We tried 3 dishes and none were worth ordering again. Everything was drenched in sauce, which made the dishes as a whole bland and unappealing.
- extra vegetablesPaid $4 for extra vegetables in the pad thai. It came with barely any veg at all!
- noodlesHalf of my noodles were stuck together while cooking and didn’t have sauce on them.
- portion sizeThey were definitely better than your average spot. I'm giving them a 4/5, though, since the portion size feels a bit small for the price.
- Guay JubIf you decide to try out Sen Noodle, I recommend reading the 1 & 2 star reviews to see what to avoid and going in with a plan. We had the Roti, Guay Jub, and Mee Hokkien.
- MSGthe soup tasted like a lot of MSG
If youre seeking unique and flavorful Thai noodle dishes with a generally good track record, this spot is worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the portion sizes a bit small, and flavor consistency might vary, so manage expectations. Its a place that can truly shine, but occasionally misses the mark.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly excels! Boasting an excellent score of 8.5 and a solid 88.9% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests are generally thrilled. Many of the 80 positive remarks out of 90 total comments highlight the incredibly friendly staff, quick service, great recommendations, and a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels well-cared for.
However, a handful of the 8 negative remarks suggest occasional inconsistencies. Some guests unfortunately encountered an unfriendly host or a rude server, and a few mentioned longer waiting times for their food. While these instances are rare, they point to areas where the service could be more consistently excellent across the board.
Service
90
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude server
- Long waits
- Unfriendly host
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was a bit of a tight squeeze, especially on a busy night. However, despite the crowded atmosphere, the food was really good and the servers were very nice and on top of it. The service was excellent, with servers being attentive and efficient.
- ServiceSoutheast Asian dishes served fast and fresh!
- staffI had a great time here! It was my first visit, and I was impressed by the great atmosphere, nice staff, and pretty lights. I appreciated that they are transparent about where they source their meat, and the prices are affordable.
- serverI also enjoyed the spicy corn fritters, which were đź‘Ś, and the stir-fried noodles with tofu were a classic. To top it off, the server was very friendly and provided excellent recommendations. :)
- takeoutMy experience has been solely with takeout, so I cannot comment on the indoor dining. However, I typically call my order in, and it's ready within 15 minutes, even during peak hours! The food is consistently excellent, and I've had the opportunity to try many new Thai dishes that are unique to Seattle.
- StaffIt seemed it was cooked separately and just added on top of the noodles. Staff was very friendly.
- waiterwaiter, who was incredibly helpful and welcoming
- FoodFood comes out quickly, even when busy
- ServerServer was super friendly
- bill handledThe Singapore Noodles were delicious with some chili flakes on top. We had a little confusion with the bill where I was initially charged for a different order, but this was handled politely and professionally once I pointed it out. Great find!
Frequently criticized
- serverthe server who served us was actually there
- ServiceService:1
- employeethis girl who works there, she's very rude
- host and serverthe host and server were not the friendliest people
- taking my order'sshe doesn't like taking my order's
- trustI just don’t trust this particular server
- waiting timehadn't received our food by 8:20pm
The service here is largely a standout, with most visitors praising the friendly and efficient team. While there are isolated reports of less-than-stellar interactions, you can generally anticipate a positive and prompt experience, making it a place worth trying.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 84.7%. With 61 positive remarks out of 72 total, guests consistently rave about the cozy vibes, fun lighting, and family friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the cleanliness and inviting interior, making it a delightful spot for any occasion.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments point to minor comfort issues. Some found it warm in there, while others experienced a cool breeze when seated right next to the door. A tight squeeze was also noted on busy nights, suggesting it can feel a bit cramped.
Ambience
72
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
6
negative
5
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Playful lighting
- Family-friendly touches
What people don't like
- Can get warm
- Drafts near door
- Tight seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Sen Noodle Bar was thoroughly enjoyable. It's a good Thai spot with delicious flavors and an inviting atmosphere. Every dish we tried was good, well-seasoned, and satisfying.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is low key and cosy.
- placethis place is really nice
- vibeThe inside is a vibe too 👌🏼
- interiorEvery dish we tried was good, well-seasoned, and satisfying. The interior has a modern, laid-back vibe that makes it a great place to hang out with friends or grab a quick, flavorful meal. If you’re in the area, definitely check out Sen Noodle Bar—you won’t be disappointed!
- Cozy placeCozy place, always empty when we come
- amazing spotit’s an amazing spot to eat
- ambiancecozy ambiance
- ambienceThe ambience is perfect
- chilly dayGreat for a chilly day
Frequently criticized
- cool breezethe cool breeze racing through the place when the front door opened
- doorseated right next to the door
- establishmentNeedless to say, I was very upset by this incident, and I no longer trust this particular server. It has left a bad impression of the entire establishment. I was a regular, and I'm unsure if I will return.
- parkingparking can be somewhat difficult to find
- tight squeezea real tight squeeze if you go in on a busy night
- warm in thereIt was pretty warm in there though
If you're looking for a spot with genuinely cozy vibes and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit warm or breezy near the door, and might feel snug during peak hours.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some fans! While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 28%, which is on the lower side, a few folks found the prices and pricing to be quite reasonable and affordable. Out of 7 positive remarks, some even praised the food for being well-priced, making for a fantastic experience.
However, the value proposition seems to be a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7, placing it in the average range. Many of the 16 negative comments, out of 25 total, pointed to concerns about the price being too pricy for the portion sizes. There were also mentions of bill confusion and unexpected automatic gratuity, which definitely left some customers feeling disappointed with the overall cost.
Value
25
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable food
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Pricy for portions
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- pricesIt was my first visit, and I was impressed by the great atmosphere, nice staff, and pretty lights. I appreciated that they are transparent about where they source their meat, and the prices are affordable.
- affordableUnbelievable for how affordable!!!!
- foodThe food is cheap and okay
- priceI had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. The food was great and reasonably priced. However, the absolute best part was the waiter, who was incredibly helpful and welcoming.
- pricingGreat pricing too
Frequently criticized
- priceThey were definitely better than your average spot. I'm giving them a 4/5, though, since the portion size feels a bit small for the price.
- $20 dishsmall portion of noodle for a $20 dish
- auto tiphe didn’t realize the auto tip had been applied
- automatic gratuitycharging 25 dollars for gratuity automatically was not appreciated
- bill confusionThe Singapore Noodles were delicious with some chili flakes on top. We had a little confusion with the bill where I was initially charged for a different order, but this was handled politely and professionally once I pointed it out. Great find!
- cost for the experiencedisappointed a bit with the cost for the exoerience
- credit card chargemy credit card charge, it was markedly higher
- final billthe final bill was tampered with
- original billHe apparently didn't realize the auto-tip had been applied, likely an accidental addition. My best estimate is that he decided to add an extra 20% to the original bill himself, without my consent, not realizing the auto-tip was already included. This feels like fraud.
- parking situationThe only downside is the parking situation if you drive, there is no free parking
If youre considering this place, be mindful of portion sizes versus price, as this is a common concern. While some find the pricing fair, others feel its a bit steep for what you get, especially with potential billing surprises. It might be worth a try if you're not overly sensitive to price-to-portion ratios, but proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Sen?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Noodle Shop, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend between $11–$20 or $21–$30, showing prices cluster nicely around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
How does this Noodle Shop stack up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money?
For a Noodle Shop in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sen
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Experience with Cost and Quality
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. We were a group of 6 people, and we found the serving size to be too small for the price. Unfortunately, we discovered a live bug in my meal.
While the staff handled this situation quietly and respectfully, the overall experience was marred. Additionally, we were not pleased with the automatic $25 gratuity charge for a quick table order. While the food wasn't bad, the overall cost for the experience left us feeling a bit disappointed.
- serving size2
- live bug1
- automatic gratuity3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Pad See Ew Was Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was just okay. I tried the pad see ew, and while it was edible, I probably won’t be returning. A significant issue was that half of my noodles were stuck together and lacked sauce.
Additionally, the broccoli was crunchy and undercooked, and the chicken had very little flavor.
- pad see ew3
- noodles2
- broccoli3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cozy Thai Spot with Soul-Warming Soups
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! It's a cute, cozy spot with some lovely Thai food. We ordered soup based dishes, and they were incredibly soul warming.
A great bonus is that all their meat and tofu are sustainably sourced.
- Thai food9
- soup based dishes10
- meat and tofu9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Hidden Gem with Flavorful Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem in Ballard. Each time we visit Ballard, we make sure to dine here.
The meals are consistently super tasty and full of many flavors. The staff is very friendly, and the atmosphere is low key and cosy, making you feel like you're traveling somewhere new. They also provided a high chair and extra diapers, which was great for kid-friendliness.
- meals10
- flavors10
- Staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Pad Thai and Amazing Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Pad Thai, which was absolutely delicious, and the tumeric coconut noodles were insane. The flavors were so good, and I really loved the vibes inside.
It's a great place to go, especially on a chilly day.
- Pad Thai9
- tumeric coconut noodles10
- flavors9
What Sen offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Sen Noodle Bar?
At Sen Noodle Bar, you can expect a wonderfully casual atmosphere. It’s designed to be a relaxed and comfortable spot where you can unwind and enjoy your meal without any fuss. This makes it an ideal place for a laid-back dining experience in Ballard.
What service options are available at Sen Noodle Bar?
Sen Noodle Bar offers a variety of convenient service options to suit your needs. You can choose to enjoy your meal with table service inside the restaurant, opt for easy takeout if you’re on the go, or have your delicious noodles delivered right to your door.
How does Sen generally rate?
Sen holds a good overall score of 7.6, with strong marks for Service (8.5), Ambience (8.2), and Food (7.5). Value (4.7) is noted as average.
What do customers enjoy most about Sen?
Many appreciate the delicious flavors of the Thai food, the cozy atmosphere, and the attentive staff. The affordable prices are also frequently mentioned.
Are there any common concerns at Sen?
Some diners have noted issues with small portion sizes and occasional inconsistencies in food quality. There have also been mentions of billing confusion.