Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » The Kite Cafe – Seattle
The Kite Cafe - Seattle
Photo from The Kite Cafe
The Kite Cafe at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#157 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#26 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
223
Reviews
86.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Beach location
- Friendly staff
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Disorganized service
- Small portions
The restaurant The Kite Cafe in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers you a delightful spot for a quick bite. This casual restaurant is well-known for its excellent coffee, making it a perfect stop to refuel.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here, whether you’re looking for vegan options, vegetarian choices, or just a great cup of coffee to enjoy during lunch.
Overview: Introducting The Kite Cafe
The Kite Cafe offers a delightful experience, particularly for those seeking a scenic spot. Guests often highlight the excellent sandwiches and coffee, making it a pleasant stop.
The inviting atmosphere and prime location by the beach are frequently praised, creating a relaxing setting. While many appreciate the friendly staff and overall vibe, some visitors have noted occasional challenges.
These can include long wait times for orders and a sometimes disorganized service process, which might impact the flow of your visit.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
223
Reviews
86.5%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
193
positive
The Kite Cafe generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 8.3. This positive sentiment is echoed by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 86.5%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a considerable 223 customer observations, with 193 positive remarks outweighing 27 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (9.0) stands out as a particular strength, often cited for its appealing setting.
The Food (8.3) also performs well, consistently satisfying palates, and the Service (8.1) receives good marks for its attentiveness. However, the Value (5.4) is perceived as more average, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
What people like
- Scenic beach location
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Tasty sandwiches, coffee
What people don't like
- Significant wait times
- Disorganized ordering
- Small food portions
The Kite Cafe presents itself as a charming spot, especially if you prioritize a beautiful setting and quality casual fare. With a Recommendation Score of 8.3, it’s certainly worth considering for a relaxed meal or coffee by the water.
However, be prepared for potential delays in service, particularly during busy periods. If you’re not in a rush and value a great atmosphere with good food and friendly faces, The Kite Cafe could be a delightful choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Kite Cafe
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, things are looking pretty great! With a solid 8.3 score and an impressive 88.5% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks are happy. Out of 130 total pieces of feedback, 115 were positive, often praising the delicious sandwiches, bread, healthy options, and great coffee available.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled, with 15 negative remarks. Some found the amount of meat to be small, leading to a feeling of not a full meal, while others noted a lack of flavor or even raised food quality concerns. ' These are definitely areas to keep an eye on.
Food
130
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
15
negative
0
neutral
115
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Great coffee
- Healthy options
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Lack of flavor
- Food quality concerns
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at Kite Cafe was fantastic! This deli, located right on the beach in Seattle, offers fantastic sandwiches and top-notch coffee. The cozy, laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff created a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views.
- sandwichesThis is a great spot for coffee and snacks, perfectly located for the beach! The sandwiches are made fresh and worth trying, especially the Crown Hill and the Greenwood. The opening hours are reasonable, and it's an easy walking distance from the car park and toilets, remaining open through summer and winter.
- sandwichThis is a wonderful addition to Golden Gardens! I enjoyed the good options on the menu and a particularly tasty sandwich. It's great that they now offer espresso.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great place for a beach drink or some food. They even have a small selection of beach toys and kits available.
- FoodFood:5
- breadI’m not sure what bread they use but it is phenomenal
- grilled cheeseasking for when we can go back for the grilled cheese
- lemonadewe really enjoyed the lemonade
- saladloved their salad
- sunset sandwichWe ordered a mocha, a latte, and a sunset sandwich. All were very delicious. We definitely recommend stopping by and trying it.
Frequently criticized
- amount of meat and toppingsmall amount of meat and topping
- appetite” Google indicated they close at 7 PM. This led to sad music and a crushed appetite. The place itself looked great, but unfortunately, my taste buds will never know.
- boiled eggthe boiled egg was missing.
- bowlthe bowl would have been a lot more enjoyable if it was warm
- coffeeCoffee didn't taste the greatest
- cold sandwichIt felt like barely a full meal and only kept me full for about an hour. Additionally, there was a pretty long wait for a cold sandwich, even though I was the only person with a food order at the time.
- flavorjust not much flavor
- foodthe food was disappointing
- food poisoningit gave me explosive food poisoning
- full mealBarely a full meal
Overall, the food here is a strong contender, especially if youre looking for tasty sandwiches and good coffee. While most experiences are positive, be mindful that some found portions small or flavor lacking. Its definitely worth trying for a satisfying meal, particularly if you appreciate fresh, healthy options.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The service here really shines, boasting a score of 8.1 and a solid 78.6% customer satisfaction. Based on 33 positive remarks and 8 negative remarks out of 42 total, guests consistently praise the friendly and welcoming owners and staff. Many highlighted the service as super friendly, fast, and efficient, making visits enjoyable.
However, not all experiences were perfect. Some customers noted issues with long wait times, particularly for food orders, and found the ordering process to be disorganized. A lack of feedback on delays also left a few feeling frustrated, suggesting room for improvement in managing expectations.
Service
42
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Welcoming owners
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Disorganized ordering
- Poor feedback
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this super cute cafe on the beach was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious coffee and sandwiches, and the great service really made the meal. I definitely recommend this place for a scenic lunch in Seattle!
- staffThis deli, located right on the beach in Seattle, offers fantastic sandwiches and top-notch coffee. The cozy, laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff created a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views. I highly recommend it!
- ownersThe owners were friendly and welcoming!
- ServiceService:5
- OwnerOwner is a fantastic guy with a great attitude
- Tony and his teamTony and his team are amazing
- friendlyowners are super friendly!
- gal working the front counterthe gal working the front counter was delightful
- generousthey were generous and very kind about it
- humans behind itEven better humans behind it.
Frequently criticized
- disorganizedThey were very disorganized and made several shakes ahead of mine
- feedbackthe whole time I got zero feedback
- food ordersI arrived at 5: 45 PM, ready to eat, but was told, “No more food orders. ” Google indicated they close at 7 PM.
- long waitIt felt like barely a full meal and only kept me full for about an hour. Additionally, there was a pretty long wait for a cold sandwich, even though I was the only person with a food order at the time.
- ordering processthe biggest gripe is the ordering process
- people working therePeople working there were not very customer oriented
- wait timeThe biggest issue I encountered was the ordering process. While I understand that places can get busy and delays are expected, the lack of feedback on how long the wait would be was frustrating. I don't mind if the kitchen is backed up, but I would appreciate honesty.
- waiting timeIt took 30 minutes for them to make my two shakes.
Overall, the service is a major plus, driven by genuinely friendly staff and owners. While there might be occasional hiccups with wait times or organization, the positive interactions generally outweigh these, making it a place worth trying if you value warm hospitality.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is truly something special, scoring an impressive 9, with an excellent 97.6% customer satisfaction. Based on 41 positive remarks out of 42 total, guests consistently praise the perfect beach location, stunning ocean views, and charming kite decor.
It’s a welcoming place that offers a fantastic beach experience for all. Whats even better? There wasn't a single negative comment about the ambience!
This spot seems to hit all the right notes, from its convenient parking and wheelchair accessibility to its quiet noise level, making it a universally loved destination.
Ambience
42
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beachfront location
- Stunning ocean views
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThis deli, located right on the beach in Seattle, offers fantastic sandwiches and top-notch coffee. The cozy, laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff created a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views. I highly recommend it!
- locationI enjoyed a delish grilled cheese and the biggest pickle. The cafe boasts great views, good vibes, and a wonderful location. The friendly staff contributed to a fantastic atmosphere.
- placeSuper cute little place right on the beach!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- kitesIt's great that they now offer espresso. The people working there are nice, and there's also a good selection of kites to buy!
- parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
- addition to the beachGreat addition to the beach
- addition to the neighborhoodIt’s a great addition to the neighborhood
- beachright on the beach
- beach experienceMy experience at this restaurant was a great addition to the beach experience. It was wonderful to find a place that offers healthy delicious options.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a spot with an unbeatable atmosphere, this is it. The incredible beach location, ocean views, and welcoming vibe make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy. You definitely wont be disappointed by the setting!
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
Alright, lets talk value! Many customers are quite pleased, noting that its often worth the money with reasonable prices and even reasonably priced options for families. Out of 9 total comments, 4 positive remarks highlight finding fantastic, affordable, and convenient choices.
The overall value score sits at an average 5.4, suggesting that while its not top-tier, there are definitely some good deals to be found. However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as 4 negative comments bring up concerns about the price and even issues with money back. Some folks felt certain items were a little pricey or absolutely not worth it for the cost.
This contributes to a mixed 44.4% customer satisfaction for value, indicating that while some find good deals, others might leave feeling they overpaid or had issues with refunds.
Value
9
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the money
- Reasonable prices
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Pricey items
- Not worth cost
- Refund issues
Often praised
- pricefantastic, affordable and convenient
- reasonable pricesKite has reasonable prices
- reasonably priced optionskid friendly, convenient and reasonably priced options
- worth the moneyworth the money!
Frequently criticized
- pricecompared to the $20 price
- money backnever able to get my money back
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? It seems to be a bit of a gamble. If youre careful with your choices and look for those reasonably priced options, you might snag a good deal.
But be wary, as some items might leave you feeling like you paid a little pricey' for what you got.
How are the prices at The Kite Cafe?
On average, you’ll spend around 16 per person – from 30 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what others paid, most diners (20 out of 30) landed right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Seattle. Its a comfortable mid-range option that wont break the bank, offering good value for your meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Kite Cafe
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Perfect Cafe for the Park
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I enjoyed the amazing panini pressed sandwiches. The service was very calm and patient, even on a busy Sunny Sunday.
It's a perfect cafe for the park.
- panini pressed sandwiches10
- service9
- cafe9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Closed for Food Orders Early
I arrived at 5: 45 PM, ready to eat, but was told, “No more food orders. ” Google indicated they close at 7 PM. This led to sad music and a crushed appetite.
The place itself looked great, but unfortunately, my taste buds will never know.
- place5
- food orders2
- appetite2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Good Bread, Lacking Meat and Flavor
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The bread was good, but the sandwich itself was disappointing. It had very little meat on it and was under salted, resulting in not much flavor.
Overall, it was a 'meh' experience.
- bread7
- sandwich3
- meat2
- flavor3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Value and Cold Sandwich
I was very disappointed with my experience. The amount of meat and topping was very small, especially considering the $20 price for a GF bun and hot peppers. It felt like barely a full meal and only kept me full for about an hour.
Additionally, there was a pretty long wait for a cold sandwich, even though I was the only person with a food order at the time.
- amount of meat and topping2
- price2
- full meal2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Food on Golden Gardens Beach
This place has no business being this good! It’s just a small space right on Golden Gardens Beach, but the quality of food is incredible. Make the journey here and enjoy, as I went a few times while visiting and everything was delicious!
- quality of food10
- everything10
- small space6
What The Kite Cafe offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Coffee
Dining options
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available at The Kite Cafe in Ballard?
Yes, you’ll find convenient free parking at The Kite Cafe. There’s a dedicated parking lot, and guests usually report plenty of available spaces, making your visit hassle-free. This is especially helpful when you’re looking for a quick stop in Seattle’s Ballard area.
What kind of dining options and accessibility features does The Kite Cafe offer?
The Kite Cafe offers diverse dining options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian choices, ideal for lunch. You can enjoy your meal with dine-in service or opt for convenient takeout. The entrance is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does The Kite Cafe generally rate with customers?
The Kite Cafe holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.3, with Customer Satisfaction at 86.5%. Guests particularly appreciate the Ambience (9.0), Food (8.3), and Service (8.1), though Value (5.4) is perceived as more moderate.
What do customers enjoy most about The Kite Cafe's atmosphere?
Customers frequently praise the cafe’s location right on the beach, describing it as a cozy, laid-back spot with great views. It’s considered a wonderful addition to the area, offering a relaxing setting.
Are there any common issues customers experience at The Kite Cafe?
Some customers have noted issues with service, specifically experiencing long wait times for orders and finding the ordering process to be disorganized. A few also felt that food portions were small.