Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Top Dead Center – Seattle
Top Dead Center - Seattle
Photo from Top Dead Center
Top Dead Center at a glance
Seattle Greenwood
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 38 of the guests
#20 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#6 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Excellent
9.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
249
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Unique theme
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Indoor heat
- GF options
The restaurant Top Dead Center in Seattle’s vibrant Greenwood neighborhood offers a welcoming experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for any time of day.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy establishment provides a comfortable setting whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a meal. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and excellent service that makes this a local favorite.
Overview: Introducting Top Dead Center
Top Dead Center offers a truly distinctive experience, blending a unique motorcycle theme with a welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the delicious sandos and empanadas, alongside excellent coffee.
The overall vibe is often described as comfortable and friendly, making it a pleasant spot for many. While the outdoor seating is a definite plus, some visitors have noted the main indoor area can get a bit warm.
Additionally, those seeking gluten-free options might find the current selection somewhat limited. Despite these minor points, the establishment generally leaves a strong positive impression.
Excellent
9.1
out of 10
249
Reviews
98%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
244
positive
This establishment clearly hits the mark, earning an impressive overall score of 9.1. Customer satisfaction is exceptionally high at 98%, reflecting a consistently positive experience for nearly everyone.
This strong performance is built on a foundation of excellent feedback, with 244 positive comments against only 2 negative ones out of 249 total observations. Digging deeper, the Food (9.1) stands out for its quality, closely followed by the attentive Service (9.4).
The unique Ambience (9) also receives high marks for its distinctive character, and guests find the Value (9) to be well-aligned with the offerings. These consistent high scores across all areas paint a picture of a well-rounded and highly regarded spot.
What people like
- Delicious coffee, food
- Unique motorcycle theme
- Friendly, welcoming service
What people don't like
- Inside room heat
- Limited GF options
For those seeking a spot with character and substance, Top Dead Center comes highly recommended. With a strong recommendation score of 9.2, it’s a place that consistently delivers on its promise of good food, a distinctive atmosphere, and genuinely friendly interactions.
If you appreciate a unique setting and well-prepared comfort food, this is certainly worth a visit. While a few minor points exist, they don’t detract from the overwhelmingly positive experience.
It’s a solid choice for a casual, enjoyable outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Top Dead Center
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 97.7%, its clear guests are raving. Out of 133 total comments, a whopping 130 were positive, highlighting fantastic food, delicious empanadas, inventive sandwiches, and expertly brewed coffee that truly hits the spot.
However, it's worth noting that out of those 133 comments, there was one mention regarding the desire for more GF options. While this is a minor point, it suggests a small area for improvement for those with dietary restrictions.
Food
133
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
130
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic food
- Delicious empanadas
- Expertly brewed coffee
What people don't like
- Limited GF options
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at Top Dead was fantastic! I enjoyed their best coffee and absolutely delicious sandos, empanadas, and custard tarts. The restaurant also boasts a great vibe and convenient outside seating.
- empanadasMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful, especially on a sunny afternoon after a walk at Greenlake. I enjoyed their great coffee and tasty empanadas. The chill vibe made it a perfect spot to relax.
- foodThe bread was amazing, melted cheese, it was a great comfort food type of a sando that really hit the spot. This place won't be for everybody, this is for simpler folk that enjoy simple, wholesome food with a dash of old school atmosphere. Anyone who's ever stuck their head under the hood of their car, or spent a Saturday afternoon working on their bike would feel right at home here.
- drinksIt's an awesome place with great decor collected from really cool places! The food is great, as well as the drinks. They have beer on tap, along with other delights in the cooler.
- empanadaIt's a motorcycle-themed place with meetups planned for the future. I had an empanada, and I have to say, I don't think I've had a better one in Seattle. It was perhaps a bit unexpected from a motorcycle-themed coffee shop, but definitely not unappreciated.
- house mochaThe house mocha here is a new staple
- sandwichhand makes each delicious sandwich from fresh sliced ingredients
- FoodFood:5
- breadMy sandwich was warm and toasty. The bread was amazing, melted cheese, it was a great comfort food type of a sando that really hit the spot. This place won't be for everybody, this is for simpler folk that enjoy simple, wholesome food with a dash of old school atmosphere.
- custard tartsrecommend getting one of the custard tarts
Frequently criticized
- GF optionsWould love to see some GF options so I can try more food!
If youre looking for a place with truly delicious and well-crafted food, this spot is a definite must-try. From their fantastic empanadas to their expertly brewed coffee, youre almost guaranteed a delightful culinary experience.
Service (9.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Wow, when it comes to service, this spot absolutely shines! With an excellent score of 9.4 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear theyve nailed it. Based on 31 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, especially owner Andy, and his old school hospitality that makes even a quick stop feel special.
What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding service. Out of all 31 comments, not a single one mentioned a drawback, which is a rare and impressive feat for any establishment, highlighting a consistently positive experience for every visitor.
Service
31
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Owner Andy's hospitality
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
Often praised
- ownerThe owner knows what he’s doing!
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a cool little spot with good prices and friendly service. They also offer a nice little kids snack menu, making it a good option for families with children.
- staffSuper friendly staff
- AndyWe will definitely be back for coffee/tea soon. The vibe of the cafe is great, and Andy was so welcoming. It was so cool to learn about the history of the building from Andy.
- Owner AndyStopped in with my team to this fantastic new coffee shop—and it was the perfect pick! Owner Andy personally crafted our coffee, and it was exceptional. The empanadas and tarts were delicious, full of flavor.
- ServiceService:5
- owner Andychatted a bit with the owner Andy
- WiFisolid WiFi
- baristaFriendly barista
- charmEven if you're not into machinery, this place still rocks. Andy's old school hospitality and charm made me feel very welcome.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this is it. The service here is consistently praised, making it a definite must-try for anyone valuing a friendly and attentive experience.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here is absolutely stellar, scoring an excellent 9 and boasting an excellent 97.6% customer satisfaction. With 81 positive remarks out of 83 total, folks are raving about the welcoming atmosphere, the great vibe, and the cool motorcycle theme.
Plus, the outdoor seating is a huge hit, making it a truly inviting spot. Now, for the flip side, theres only 1 minor quibble among all those happy customers. One person mentioned the main inside room could be a bit warm.
But hey, with so much fantastic outdoor space, it seems like a pretty easy fix if you're feeling the heat!
Ambience
83
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Unique motorcycle theme
- Ample outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Inside room hot
Often praised
- atmosphereThe bread was amazing, melted cheese, it was a great comfort food type of a sando that really hit the spot. This place won't be for everybody, this is for simpler folk that enjoy simple, wholesome food with a dash of old school atmosphere. Anyone who's ever stuck their head under the hood of their car, or spent a Saturday afternoon working on their bike would feel right at home here.
- vibeI enjoyed their best coffee and absolutely delicious sandos, empanadas, and custard tarts. The restaurant also boasts a great vibe and convenient outside seating.
- spaceThe empanadas and tarts were delicious, full of flavor. The space is bright, airy, and comfortable, with plenty of natural light. A true neighborhood gem!
- outdoor seatingLove the outdoor seating / side room that welcomes a nice breeze outside of the sun.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceIncredible ambiance - this place is a motorcycle repair store masquerading as a coffee shop.
- decorawesome place with great decor
- motorcycle themekept the motorcycle theme alive which makes it unique
- seatingThe atmosphere is family-orientated and dog friendly. It has a great vibe with plenty of seating and an outdoor area. They also sell cool t-shirts, hoodies, cups, and caps.
- F1 racesthey throw on the F1 races on weekends!
Frequently criticized
- inside roomOr just browse the menu and pick something for yourself! One point of criticism I would like to give is that the main inside room is a little too hot to sit and hang out in. But since they have outdoor seating, it wasn't a huge problem!
If youre looking for a place with a unique, welcoming atmosphere and a cool motorcycle theme, this spots ambience is definitely worth checking out. With plenty of indoor and outdoor options, you're sure to find a comfortable corner to enjoy.
Value (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 4% of the guests
The value here is truly outstanding, earning an excellent score of 9! Customers are absolutely thrilled, showing an incredible 100% satisfaction. Based on 2 glowing remarks, guests consistently highlight the great price and prices for the quality received, making their experience feel like a real steal.
Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, it's clear that guests find the value exceptional. There were no negative comments or concerns raised regarding the pricing or overall cost, which is a rare and impressive feat for any establishment.
Value
2
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent value
- Good prices
- Quality for price
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceI had the tinned fish charcuterie board, and it was truly phenomenal. All the items on the plate were fresh and good quality for the price. My partner enjoyed the marscapone guava empanada, and we're definitely coming back soon to try more of the offerings.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. It's a cool little spot with good prices and friendly service. They also offer a nice little kids snack menu, making it a good option for families with children.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way without compromising on quality, this spot is definitely worth checking out. With excellent value and happy customers, you can expect a satisfying experience that wont break the bank.
How are the prices at Top Dead Center?
Expect to pay about 11 $ per person, based on 38 reviews. That places it in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, it’s fair – not the cheapest, but reasonable for a good meal.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners keep it budget-friendly, with a strong cluster of prices in the 1 – 20 $ range, though a few venture into the $21–$30 bracket.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 38 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Seattle, especially given the range of what people are spending. It seems like a good spot for a reasonably priced meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Top Dead Center
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Local Gem!
I highly recommend this place! It's a great way to support local businesses. My experience was fantastic, with a great ambience, enjoyable music, and delicious beverages including coffee, local beers, and cider.
The food was yummy and fresh. The staff was super friendly, and the concept is so fun! I loved the decor, including the festive red Vespa for the holiday season.
- ambience10
- music9
- beverages9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Chill Spot with Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the mushroom empanada and some wine, and both were absolutely great. It's a great chill spot that also plays good music.
The staff was friendly, and I think I've found my new local spot!
- mushroom empanada9
- wine9
- chill spot9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Evening Drinks and Yummy Empanadas
I stumbled upon this place one evening after a Green Lake walk and absolutely loved it! It's a great place for evening drinks, offering a good selection of wine and local beer. The atmosphere is very chill.
The empanadas were also yummy, and the owner was nice.
- evening drinks9
- wine and local beer8
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Motorcycle Gem with Delicious Treats
My experience at this relaxing neighborhood spot was fantastic. It's a motorcycle-themed hidden gem in Greenwood, perfect for kicking back with a coffee or beer. I highly recommend not missing the pastel de nata and the tiger chai!
- pastel de nata9
- tiger chai9
- motorcycle-themed hidden gem10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Nostalgic Comfort Food & Amazing Coffee
This is a great little shop that instantly brought back memories of my childhood with a daddy who hauled his tomboy daughter to the shop to help him work on cars all day, lol. But it's really a great little sando shop that has perhaps the best coffee I've had in a month of Sundays. No burnt beans here!
I'd love to say I knew what beans they were, but this coffee was as smooth as Antigua. Absolutely delicious. My sandwich was warm and toasty.
The bread was amazing, melted cheese, it was a great comfort food type of a sando that really hit the spot. This place won't be for everybody, this is for simpler folk that enjoy simple, wholesome food with a dash of old school atmosphere. Anyone who's ever stuck their head under the hood of their car, or spent a Saturday afternoon working on their bike would feel right at home here.
- coffee10
- sandwich8
- bread9
What Top Dead Center offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere does Top Dead Center offer?
At Top Dead Center, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for various occasions. You’ll find dining options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with comfortable seating. The menu includes small plates, organic dishes, and vegetarian options, complemented by great coffee and a wide tea selection.
Is Top Dead Center family-friendly and accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Top Dead Center is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and being good for children. It’s also highly accessible with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For parking, you’ll usually find plenty of free street parking and a free parking lot available, making your visit convenient.
What is the overall standing of Top Dead Center?
Top Dead Center holds an excellent overall score of 9.1, with 98% customer satisfaction. Its Food (9.1), Service (9.4), Ambience (9), and Value (9) all contribute to this high rating.
What makes the ambience at Top Dead Center unique?
The restaurant features a distinctive motorcycle theme with great decor and a comfortable vibe. It offers plenty of seating, including outdoor options, and even shows F1 races on weekends.
What kind of food and drinks can I expect at Top Dead Center?
Guests frequently praise the delicious coffee, including the house mocha, along with excellent empanadas and comfort food sandos made with fresh ingredients. They also offer a selection of drinks and custard tarts.