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oChef » Wally’s NW Soul – Seattle
Wally’s NW Soul - Seattle
Photo from Wally’s NW Soul
Wally’s NW Soul at a glance
Seattle Central District
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 24 of the guests
#322 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
165
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Soul food
- Atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Bathroom issues
- Poor value
The restaurant, an American Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Central District, invites you to experience its casual atmosphere. When you step into Wally’s NW Soul, you’ll find a welcoming spot perfect for a relaxed meal.
This Central District gem offers a straightforward dining experience, focusing on delicious American cuisine in a comfortable setting. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a laid-back lunch in the heart of Seattle.
Overview: Introducting Wally’s NW Soul
Wally’s NW Soul offers a vibrant dining experience where the food often hits the mark, with many praising the rich flavors and comforting dishes. Guests frequently commend the welcoming ambiance and the friendly service that contributes to a positive visit.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding the value for money and certain food preparations. While the overall vibe is strong, minor issues with amenities and occasional service lapses suggest there’s room for refinement.
Good
7.8
out of 10
165
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
37
negative
9
neutral
119
positive
Wally’s NW Soul earns a solid 7.8 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a commendable 72.1%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
This assessment is drawn from 165 customer opinions, with 119 positive remarks outweighing 37 negative ones, painting a clear picture of what to expect. The Food (8.1) is a clear standout, frequently highlighted as a major draw.
The Ambience (7.8) also receives strong marks for creating an enjoyable atmosphere, complemented by attentive Service (7.2). However, the Value (5.1) score suggests that some guests find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered, an area that could benefit from attention.
What people like
- Delicious soul food
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food preparation
- Bathroom amenity issues
- Questionable value for money
With a strong 8.1 recommendation score, Wally’s NW Soul is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking flavorful soul food and a pleasant environment. The positive experiences generally outweigh the negatives, making it a solid choice for many diners.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in certain dishes and the perceived value. If you prioritize a lively atmosphere and well-executed soul food, it’s a good bet, but manage expectations regarding every single item on the menu or the overall pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wally’s NW Soul
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot is definitely hitting the mark! With a good score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction sitting pretty at 74.5%, its clear folks are loving whats on their plates. Out of 110 remarks, a whopping 82 rave about the delicious yams, mac n cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken and catfish, often described as mouth-watering and bussin’.
However, not everything is a home run, with 21 critical comments. Some found the red beans and rice lacking seasoning, and the catfish preparation, like receiving strips instead of a whole filet, was a letdown for a few. A few also wished for larger portion sizes and found the hush puppies to be under-seasoned.
Food
110
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
21
negative
7
neutral
82
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious candied yams
- Gooey mac n cheese
- Flavorful wings
What people don't like
- Catfish preparation issues
- Unseasoned red beans
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodThe music, service, and food were all amazing.
- catfishMy husband had the fried lobster, greens, and catfish
- greensand greens and BABY, I was over there licking my fingers
- yamsI'm so glad I decided to go to this establishment. I had their catfish dinner with the Mac and Cheese and yams, and everything was good. Now I can stop going to Red Apple for their catfish and continue to support Wally's NW Soul!
- mac and cheeseListen… the food was INSANE 🤩🔥! I got the lemon pepper sweet chili wings, mac and cheese, and greens and BABY, I was over there licking my fingers like I had no home training 😭🙌. Everything was bussin’.
- soul foodbest new soul food in the city
- candied yamsThe best thing on the plate was the candied yams.
- candy yamsI had the mac n cheese, candy yams, greens, and buffalo lemon pepper wings.
- fried lobsterMy husband had the fried lobster, greens, and catfish
- hush puppiesI had the hush puppies and the prawn po' boy
Frequently criticized
- friesthere were literally only 13 fries.
- red beans and riceThe red beans need more onions, a diced bell pepper, and some bay leaves. Also, there was too much rice.
- Catfish poboy mealsThe fish was overcooked
- Simply Soul Foodway better than simply soul food. In my opinion some of simple soul food some is out of the can they food It’s not homemade
- catfishI was expecting 1 or 2 large catfish filets but, instead, received about 8 small catfish pieces.
- catfish dinnerI expected whole filet but instead got catfish strips which I hate.
- catfish piecesthin, dense, catfish pieces with barely much flesh on them.
- drinksDrinks were too sweet
- food qualityThe food was very mid
- fried chickenfried chicken wasn’t cooked thoroughly
If you're craving some standout soul food, especially the candied yams and mac n cheese, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes, like the red beans or certain catfish preparations, might not hit every note for everyone.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had truly positive experiences, often praising the friendly crew and the overall amazing Customer Service. Folks frequently highlighted the welcoming staff and even gave a shout-out to the owner, Wally, for making their visit special. With 18 positive remarks out of 27 total, its clear theres a lot to love, contributing to a good score of 7.2.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, as indicated by a mixed customer satisfaction of 66.7%. Some customers faced frustratingly long wait times or issues with their order not being fully completed. There were also concerns about a lack of customer service from certain register staff, with 8 negative comments pointing to areas where things could definitely improve.
Service
27
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Welcoming owner
- Good substitutions offered
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Incomplete orders
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- servicethe service, ambience, and vibe was both friendly comforting
- 40 mins driveIt was worth the 40 mins drive.
- Customer ServiceCustomer Service is amazing!!
- Everyone in generalEveryone in general was friendly
- ServiceGreat Service
- bagging food staffanother young lady bagging the food that was pleasant.
- crewsurrounded himself with a solid, friendly, welcoming, proficient crew
- ownergreater owner
- owner, Wallymeeting the owner, Wally, and he was super cool
- staffFriendly staff
Frequently criticized
- waitdidn’t compensate me for the wait
- company managementThe fried lobster was the only redeeming dish. We will not be returning due to the poor customer service and what felt like a poorly ran company. I suggest the staff focus more on customer satisfaction and food quality rather than spending time on karaoke.
- customer servicelack of customer service
- food deliveryFood was delivered in a bag even though we were dining in
- orderOrder was not completed, two items were not served
- register staffYoung lady running the register has zero personality, no customer service skills.
- staff focusworkers spend less time doing karaoke and focus more on customer service
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While many praise the friendly staff and owner, be prepared for potential waits or order hiccups. If you value a warm welcome and don't mind a possible snag, it might be worth a try.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel, this spot generally hits the mark! In 21 observations, with 16 positive remarks, guests frequently praised the atmosphere, music, and overall vibe. Many found the ambiance amazing, noting the good music and a family-friendly feel, contributing to a truly enjoyable experience.
This aligns with a strong 7.8 score and 76.2% customer satisfaction. However, a few of the 4 negative comments pointed out some minor issues. Concerns arose regarding the table being wet and the bathroom lacking privacy or basic amenities like soap.
There was also a specific mention of loud music near the cash register, which could be a bit much for some, suggesting areas for constructive improvement.
Ambience
21
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Good music
- Smooth vibes
What people don't like
- Bathroom issues
- Loud music
- Wet tables
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were also top-notch
- musicThe music, service, and food were all amazing.
- ambianceAmazing Ambiance & Feel!
- ambiencethe service, ambience, and vibe was both friendly comforting
- experienceI had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Wally, who was super cool and ensured I had everything I needed. The entire staff was friendly, and the food was excellent, making it a 10/10 experience. Thank you for the wonderful time!
- family friendlyFamily friendly and smiles aplenty
- good atmospherethe good atmosphere
- good musicand good music back in the CD!!
- good vibesenjoyed the good vibes
- kitchenThe kitchen sparkles from the window
Frequently criticized
- bathroomBathroom provided no security or privacy
- bathroom amenitiesno lock on the bathroom, no SOAP, no toilet seat covers
- loud musicthe music was so loud near the cash register
- tableTable was still wet, drying from being wiped down
Overall, the ambience here is a definite highlight, offering a great atmosphere and good music that most guests adore. While there are minor points about the bathroom and occasional loud music, these dont overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experience. If youre looking for a place with a fantastic vibe, you'll likely be very happy.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience quite reasonable, noting that the prices were decent and even affordable, making their meals feel definitely worth it. With a score of 5.1, the overall sentiment is average, yet 3 out of 7 customer comments highlighted the positive aspects, appreciating that their dishes were not only affordable but also delectable. However, the value proposition isnt universally praised.
With customer satisfaction at 42.9%, its a mixed bag, as 4 out of 7 comments expressed concerns. Many felt the price was insane for the quality, with some dishes running quite high, leading to the feeling that they weren't getting value for money for what they received.
Value
7
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Worth the price
What people don't like
- High prices
- Poor value
- Small portions
Often praised
- PricesPrices are decent
- affordableit was not only affordable but delectable
- pricedefinitely worth the price in my. Opinion
Frequently criticized
- pricethat price is insane for that quality
- Price per personspent 30.00 to get a smallest plate of catfish
- value for moneyPaying over $35 for the dishes I described was definitely not value for money.
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? It seems to be a bit of a gamble. While some find the prices fair and the food enjoyable, others feel the cost doesnt match the quality, especially for certain dishes.
If youre looking for a guaranteed budget-friendly meal, you might want to proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Wally’s NW Soul?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 24 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find themselves in that $21–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though there are some options for those looking to spend a little less or a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 24 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant. It offers a solid mid-range experience, which is often a great sweet spot for diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wally’s NW Soul
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Mouthwatering Food & Great Service!
My experience at Wally's was fantastic! The service was great and the staff were incredibly friendly. The food was absolutely mouthwatering 💛💛💛.
I'll definitely be back for more. We L🩵VE you Wally!
- Service9
- staff9
- FOOD10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Southern Cooking in Seattle
As someone who grew up in New Orleans and knows southern cooking well, I was eager to try Wally's. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. The loud music near the cash register made ordering difficult.
I ordered the catfish plate with potato salad and candied yams, along with hush puppies and a large side of red beans and rice. The food was a letdown. The red beans and rice needed more flavor, with too much rice and insufficient onions and bell pepper.
My potato salad was okay, but the sweet pickles were overpowering. The catfish, which I expected to be large filets, arrived as small, dense pieces. Even the hush puppies lacked seasoning.
The candied yams were the best part, but that's hard to mess up. For over $35, the value was poor. Wally's has little competition in Seattle, but in Louisiana, this would not survive.
This was my first and last visit.
- potato salad5
- candied yams8
- loud music2
- red beans and rice3
- catfish3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Experience with Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. There were several issues, including a lack of basic amenities like a lock on the bathroom, no soap, and no toilet seat covers. We also ran out of napkins, which made eating chicken wings difficult.
The food was decidedly mid, and for the $70 we spent, it was a significant letdown. The fried lobster was the only redeeming dish. We will not be returning due to the poor customer service and what felt like a poorly ran company.
I suggest the staff focus more on customer satisfaction and food quality rather than spending time on karaoke.
- fried lobster8
- bathroom amenities2
- napkins2
- food quality3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Soul Food, Welcoming Atmosphere!
As someone who recently moved here from Nashville, I've been on the hunt for a great soul food spot, and I'm so glad I found this place! I tried the hot honey lemon pepper catfish with mac & cheese and yams, and it was absolutely delicious – it truly felt like home. The strawberry crunch pound cake was also yummy.
I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Wally, who was super cool and ensured I had everything I needed. The entire staff was friendly, and the food was excellent, making it a 10/10 experience. Thank you for the wonderful time!
- hot honey lemon pepper catfish10
- mac & cheese10
- yams10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Food, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the catfish, which was delicious and well-seasoned. The greens were awesome, and the mac and cheese was amazing!
The prices are decent, and I look forward to eating there again soon!
- catfish9
- greens9
- mac and cheese10
What Wally’s NW Soul offers
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Dining options
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services are available at Wally’s NW Soul?
At Wally’s NW Soul, you can enjoy a pleasant dine-in experience. The restaurant currently offers lunch, making it a great spot for a midday meal in the Central District.
Where is Wally’s NW Soul located and what should I know about parking?
Wally’s NW Soul is situated in Seattle’s Central District at 2218 S Jackson St. If you plan to drive, be aware that parking in the area is usually somewhat difficult to find a space.
How does Wally’s NW Soul generally rate among customers?
Wally’s NW Soul holds a good overall score of **7.8**, with customer satisfaction at **72.1%**. Its **Food** (8.1) is highly rated, followed by **Ambience** (7.8) and **Service** (7.2), though **Value** (5.1) is an area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Wally’s NW Soul?
Many customers praise the delicious soul food, highlighting dishes like mac and cheese and candied yams. They also frequently commend the welcoming atmosphere, good music, and the friendly, attentive staff, including the owner.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Wally’s NW Soul?
Some diners have noted inconsistencies in food preparation, particularly with catfish and fried chicken. Concerns also include issues with bathroom amenities and a perception that the overall value for money could be better.