Saigon Boat Cafe
2632 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98116
Saigon Boat Cafe Menu
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Address :
2632 Alki Ave SW
Seattle, WA, 98116 - Phone (206) 932-5714
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Nathan R.
Remember "Monks" from Seinfeld? I didn't ever get the impression they thought the food or ambiance was great- it was just a place they loved, because they loved it. That's kinda how I feel about this place. From the awkwardly helpful waiter at lunch, to the boat themes- I dunno, it just feels good. Food is decent, but not great- still dig the pork sandwich and the Number 1 pho offerings, but gonna have to say the meat portions are still a little underwhelming for both. But, I don't care because like Frank Drebin said, " This is our hill, and these are our beans". Erm...it's late...and I'm mixing up my shows....HURRAY BEER!!! panko
(4)Steven P.
Steven Phavong LOVES this place. In fact Steven Phavong goes here to get his sanwhiches and his spring rolls. The Sandwhiches are cheap and the Spring rolls are mighty good. Let Steven Phavong tell you about the spring rolls. The spring rolls are DELISH (short hand way of saying delicious, duh lishhh), and they don't put any of that Rau Thom (literally in vietnamese SMELLY VEGETABLE HAHA) which is perfect because Steven Phavong does not like his Rau thoms in his spring rolls. the meat inside the spring rolls could be random, one day Steven Phavong could get nem and another day Steven Phavong could get shrimp. Best place ever, although Steven Phavong does not know why they need to increase their prices, the low prices was the only reason steven phavong comes here. After jogging in the morning , Steven Phavong gets a nice meal here.
(5)Todd W.
Good Vietnamese food. Had Pho and spring rolls to go. Fresh, tasty and affordable. Perfect location on Alki. Busy but friendly and fast.
(4)Tim M.
This is my favorite place in west Seattle for pho. Very friendly staff. I usually do take out since it is cramped. In the summer I enjoy eating outside but you need to order inside.
(4)Jena D.
Loved this place. Totally didn't expect the delicious seafood platter. Crab, mussels, clams, potatoes, corn, etc. old Country Boil at a Vietnamese restaurant? Hell yes. And it's tasty. The service was AWESOME. Food was great. We had meant to order two for four people, but ended up getting only one by mistake. It was still plenty of food. I am looking forward to having the Pho here, too. The patio is nice and comfortable. Situated next to a nice dispensary if you get there and need the munchies.
(5)Marie B.
You gotta eat here! If you're in the mood for fresh, delicious, authentic Vietnamese food, this place is the best. Everything I've had is terrific and they make it extra spicy for me if I ask them. Best of all they have $5 PHO EVERY TUESDAY!! I love it here!! Eat in (when it rains) or Take out (when it doesn't), great food, great vibe, great people.
(4)Holly S.
Great weather day - July 4th even! They were overwhelmed, so much that they called in another person to help. He looked like a businessman. Fine clothing, expensive haircut, blue tooth, and a can do attitude. Whipped the service into shape. By then, however, everyone had been sorely neglected, so I took a star away. I took another star for the food being average, and for my coconut bubble tea that tasted very artificial.
(3)Katie L.
Good food, cozy place. Seems like a great place to take your family. I would like to return in summer when the patio is open. It was very steamy inside and all the windows were fogged. It would be the perfect place to stop by for lunch or dinner after spending a day at the beach.
(4)Peter P.
CHECK YOUR BILL! Without an explanation we were charged $1 more each than was listed in the printed menu for two beers, an appetizer and an entree. We were alerted to the "mistake" only after asking for our itemized receipt, as only the total due was presented at the point of ordering. The owner then claimed it was impossible to refund the difference rather than the whole amount with her new Square POS system. The food here was OK but business ethics suffer, probably given the highly traveled location.
(1)Lin S.
Really good Saigon seafood feast! I would say it was better than what I've gotten from the Crab Pot. It was very flavorful, very fresh and the portion was decent amount for two people. Very surprise because I was hesitating to try a seafood meal at a Vietnamese place but I'm very glad to I gave it a chance.
(5)Dwight R.
There are not many places where I can take my wife and 3 kids under 6 and feel reasonably assured that we can blend with the other patrons, particularly if they decide to act like, well, children. The Saigon Boat Cafe was perfect. P.E.R.FECT. The appetizers were wonderful and kid friendly. Tightly wrapped and delicious spring roles. The fried tofu were feasted on as if they were french fries. The bowls of Pho were tremendous. 2 bowls and a couple appetizers fed our family of 5 with leftovers. And they enjoyed the lichee and mango tapiocca drinks. Best of all, view of Alki, right across from the beach. Parking is crapshoot, but the rest is easy peasy. Good stuff.
(4)Linh P.
Pho with "nuoc beo" is very flavorful and satisfying. Outside seating on an uneven ground throws seating comfortably a tad off.
(4)Tricia M.
Updated to 5 stars because we love this place so much and eat here so frequently. BTW try the seafood noodle soup, it's loaded with SO MUCH seafood and it hits lots of great spicy savory notes.
(5)Linda C.
The pricing overall is great as it is inexpensive. However, do not go to this establishment if you are looking for service. My fiance and I went in there looking for a real quick bite to eat. We placed our order at the counter and let the hostess know that we'll eat there and she assigned us a table right by the kitchen. We only ordered 2 sandwiches and waited over 20 minutes before they came out. I feel like they only came out after that amount of time was because the hostess saw me looking at her for a while and waiting. While waiting other guests were going up to the hostess and asking if their food was ready as well. How long does it take to make two viet sandwiches? The bread is already done, all you have to do is spread the pate and stuff all the other ingredients. The sandwich was not what i expected. There was barely enough ingredients inside to fill the bread. So if you want to stuff your face with straight carbs, come here!
(1)Denice R.
Had dinner here today which was the Grand Opening. I have many compliments about the restaurant and hope they maintain a long-term presence at Alki beach. We need small, quality, affordable, interesting restaurants on the beach. I'm glad to see their tight menu so they can focus on doing few things well. The prices are exceptionally fair. They offer six different Vietnamese sandwiches for $2.75. They offer three varieties of pho (veggie, chicken, beef) each in a different, complimentary broth for $5.95. The pho comes in one size bowl which is sufficiently filling for adults. They offer Vietnamese style coffee for $2.50 and chocolate for $1.95, as well as bubble tea and other beverages. The menu says they offer "all kind of cakes, pastry & cookies for your unforgettable taste upon your selection" which I didn't see or try yet. The small restaurant is cozy with tables situated at nice distances and provides a feeling of privacy yet togetherness in the space. I appreciate that the owners chose customer comfort over squeezing patrons in like sardines to make some extra bucks. The service was attentive and genuine, I could tell the servers really cared about what we thought about their food and our experience there. Very yummy! I'll be a regular. Hours are 9 am - 8 pm every single freakin day!
(5)Anna H.
Today is the pre-opening of Saigon Boat Cafe. I am very happy that the beach area finally have a Pho place! It is very affordable and very fresh ingredients makes a delicious boat of Pho. I can't wait to see their full menu this Saturday!
(4)Robert B.
I came in really wanting to like this cafe. It is really neat to have a good Vietnamese cafe on the beach on Alki. When I arrived, I was told to choose a table and wait. The cafe wasn't that busy, and after waiting 10 minutes to even be acknowledged and get a menu, I was ready to leave. As I was packing up my gear, an employee arrived and gave me a menu. I ordered a sandwich and a bubble tea, and was satisfied with my choices. The Vietnamese sandwich was well-seasoned and featured savory meats & crisp veggies on a fresh baguette, and the bubble tea was a real value, as it was mostly drink, not ice. These are good folks and deserve to succeed. Please check them out, and help them get better with time. I give the food 4 stars, and the service 2 (for now). They're new and getting their footing. Give them a chance! I will be back, and reserve the right to upgrade my rating!
(3)Nio S.
Again, on the money with this place! I can't get enough, with the sunny weather lately this place is awesome. This time I tried my wife's favorite chicken sandwich with no jalepeno. We even bought some to go after we left, we got lucky this time because last time we were here they ran out of bread.
(4)Ana D.
So, we finally had some decent weather and I wanted to take advantage and check out the beach. Stopped by this joint for the first time and picked up a "Charisu" BBQ Pork sandwich and a Diet Coke for $5! Then crossed the street and devoured it on the beach with that beautiful view that you have from Alki. It had the perfect amount of mayo and lots of that pickled daikon stuff. Man, that's all I really need in life, Aspartame and good Vietnamese food! The location was small, but nice and cozy. The service was quick and friendly. Can't wait to go back and try the Saigon Boat Sandwich and if the weather permits to eat it on the beach and make fun of rollerbladers. Yay!
(5)Lauren W.
Saigon Boat is one of our favorite restaurants to walk to on Alki. You can't beat the low prices or the delicious menu, not to mention the view. Our three top picks from the menu: * Charsiu Sandwich -- barbecue pork, French bread, veggies, and a flavorful mayonnaise. How is this bundle of awesome only $2.95?? * Veggie Pho --a small is huge, of course. The broth beats any other pho I've ever tasted. The veggie version is chock full of a yummy assortment of vegetables. * Grilled Pork Vermicelli -- seriously, how do they make the meat taste SO GOOD? I'm not even a real meat person, and I can't get over the flavor of this pork. Truly, truly delicious. The rest of the dish is noodles, salad, and pickled veggies, so it makes for a nice, light-feeling lunch. If you have kids, dishes like this are perfect to pull apart and share. This is our four-year-old's favorite restaurant based fully on the noodles and pork. And to drink? Why a fresh-fruit Avocado Smoothie, of course! We tried ordering a different flavor our first time, and the server wouldn't give it to us, made us try avocado instead. I'm so glad she was hard-nosed like that. You've got to try it. Watermelon is really tasty, too. The service, as you might guess then, is small-town, which I love. The people there know our family now and frequently offer our four-year-old sweet little gifts, like a free juice, Pocky, or lollipop, or even a plate of cream puffs for the whole table. Our only troubles have been with language barriers between us and some of the servers. We almost never get our smoothies as requested without tapioca pearls, which our preschooler can't stand (they get hard and frozen), whereas when my brother was visiting and wanted tapioca pearls, his bubble tea came without them, as did the replacement he asked for. Oh, well. Just point to what you want and enjoy whatever comes out. Occasionally during the summer, because they're rightfully so popular, they ran out of ingredients later in the day. I imagine they're planning for such shortfalls now, though. On nice summer days (whenever those are in Seattle), you can enjoy the outdoor seating. Otherwise, the inside is reminiscent of a trailer home decorated (somehow perpetually) for Christmas. They've also opened up a formal restaurant next door, but we prefer the café for the more basic menu.
(5)Karen J.
From the outside Saigon Boat seems an unlikely spot for really, good fresh food but don't judge things til you bite into a fresh roll or wrap your hand around a sandwich. Where can you get good food with a view of the Sound for $5.oo? I feel lucky to live nearby.
(4)Juan B.
This is a first. I've never been so offended by a waiter that I walked out. Never tried the food, never will. Should have stuck to Pho Aroma.
(1)Joe S.
Came in on a lazy Wednesday afternoon when I was supposed to be working from home. I ordered a Pho #6 (rare beef/meatball) and it came out quickly. Good sized portion, with a decent amount of flank and meatballs. I didn't see anything on the menu for the typical combo (tripe, flank meatballs, etc) which is my usual favorite. The broth was very flavorful, and for the price I'd take this place over Than Brothers any day. The service was attentive and friendly, and you can't beat the view of Alki. Will definitely stop by again!
(5)Michelle F.
I eat a lot of pho, and a lot of banh mi sandwiches. Both were average here. There weren't enough vegetables in the sandwich (and unless you get the grilled beef banh mi, the sandwiches have that nasty processed meat), and the cut of tripe was weird... Not at all what I expected. I wasn't overly impressed by either. However, their lemongrass chicken and rice dish was excellent. If I was to go back, I would order the rice plates. That was pretty dang tasty!
(3)anita l.
I love this place. It's tiny and can get steamy if everyone orders the pho, but the food is delicious and well-priced. Get anything with the grilled pork - bahn mi, or the noodle bowl and you'll be very happy.
(4)amber m.
Good food, unreliable service, but when it's good, it's good. There's one waiter there who's super nice, and though I'm often charged incorrectly, (I find out on my credit card statement a few days later I'm either double charged or gratuity wasn't added), I go back again and again, because the food is terrific.
(4)Dennis S.
I love the beach, and Alki Beach is probably Seattle's most photastic beach! And how cool is it that there's a Vietnamese/pho place right on the beach?! Few things turn me on more than the idea of eating pho on the beach, with a phozillion dollar view LOL. I went there sometime ago and ordered their pho dac biet and a Vietnamese ice coffee. The place is small and there were a few customers there; a lady was reading a book and a couple were engaging in an afternoon conversation while enjoying their lunch. I ordered a small pho dac biet ($5.95, a good price for pho now a days) and a Vietnamese ice coffee. Their pho was just ok. I'd hoped to fall in love with pho on Alki Beach but I didn't. The broth was good but it just didn't grab me. I want pho to grab me! Ha. What was especially disappointing to me was that the noodles were not fresh. They were brittle and broken up and I could hardly use chopsticks to eat it. I almost had to use a fork to eat my pho - a "pho pas"... ha again. But where I have to give much deserved credit is to their Vietnamese ice coffee, one of the best I've had! I love the beach, pho and coffee so I'll return to Saigon Boat House again. Maybe I'll go back in the Summer where I can sit in the patio and enjoy the photastic beach view, while soaking in the sun and throwing down a bowl of pho!
(3)Felix G.
It's all around good value and quality. Nice views and authentic feel. I'm glad I live within walking distance!
(4)Dawn H.
Great prices here. A small Pho is huge and very tasty. They have sandwiches for $3 if you're hungry but not looking to spend a lot of money. I love the fried egg roll vermicelli. There's a nice outdoor seating area for prime Alki peoPle watching. Sometimes the service here is lacking a bit and the only thing holding me back from giving them 5 stars, but since you can get a beer for 2 bucks might as well sit back, enjoy it and not mind the wait.
(4)Gene B.
One of the lesser expensive and definitely healthier choices to be found on Alki. A small house house has been converted into a small cafe that puts out all the basics of Vietnamese cuisine the you'd expect. Underline basic. While everything is pretty good here and the staff incredibly nice, there are no real standouts here. It's just average Vietnamese fare, no better, no worse than you'd find in a dozen other similar places around town and while that isn't bad, it also doesn't warrent the 4 stars I rather give them. On the plus side they serve beer and wine. On the potentially negative side, a lot of people bring their young ones in and in such a small space that can be more than a little... distracting.
(3)Brady D.
I live close to here and when I had really bad strep throat a while back this place was a godsend. I was too hopped up on cough syrup and vicodin to go very far so I prayed this would be good and it was. I got me a few bowls during my bout of grossthroat and it really hit the spot. I went back later and tried their other offerings and found this to be a solid little joint and a good value. I do kinda wish the place was shaped like a boat though.
(4)Monica O.
Was feeling adventurous and tried the avocado smoothie, figuring hey, I love guacamole and avocados on their own so why not? Glad I did because it was so light and refreshing and overall just a nice cool treat on its own. Then, against my better judgment based on unsatisfying past experiences, I decided to try the beef pho. Hallelujah, I finally found pho I like! The broth was so flavorful and there were plenty of noodles (although I would've cared for more beef). This place is right on the shore drive along Alki Beach so the view was fantastic and the service was phenomenal (probably didn't hurt that I had Vietnamese-American friends who speak Vietnamese with me though). Prices were fair and everything was fresh. This is such a nice place to go to after a nice day on the beach.
(4)Jeff G.
Huzzah Three Cheers for Saigon Boat. Hip Hip Hooray - It's a Pho place a few blocks from my house with a pretty location right on Alki Hip Hip Hooray - It's not just close and convenient it's very good! Great broth, fresh ingredients, several types of Ban Mih. Hip Hip Hooray - It's a cute comfortable spot run by a really nice family who are clearly pouring their hearts into this brand new business.
(5)Stephanie K.
I live on Alki and Saigon Boat is one of our weekly go-to's for a quick, cheap bite. The decor is tacky and the service can be spotty but I'm not really caring about that as I'm enjoying a giant bowl of their delicious Pho. The lemongrass chicken and fried rice dishes are delicious as well. I'm confused on what they're building next door since the signs have ranged from Teriyaki (there is no teriyaki on the menu next door) to a deli (they had a very small counter with a few less than pleasant items). Hoping they make it in to a teriyaki place since we're lacking one of those on Alki.
(4)Henrik B.
Opening night on Alki and still finding empty tables? I for one is glad, because it meant that I got to try Saigon Boat Cafe's menu in a very enjoyable atmosphere. If I start with the building. It's a small house just across the street from the beach. It's got a nice atmosphere with wood floors and a good size counter. I'm also glad that the owners have chosen to put in tables and chairs with personality, and not an excessive number of tables either. You don't feel as if you have to get to know your table neighbors unless you want to. Over all a welcoming house. Then the food. I like my Phô, and I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. I tried the Saigon Boat Phô, which had different kinds of meat, but als some broccoli and cauliflower, which added a nice extra to the soup. I also appreciated that the choices weren't too many, and that you didn't have to chose a size. Simplicity for all. My Vietnamese Milk Coffee rounded off the meal perfectly. Would I recommend this place? Oh, yes I would. Not only was the food good, but he service was very attentive and everybody seemed to genuinely care about what the customers thought. On top of that, the prices are low. They have sandwiches that look delicious, and I will try on of them some time soon. Keep it up, Saigon Boat Cafe!
(5)Jordan B.
Only had the bubble tea but it was so good!!! Service was really really good. Everything smelled and looked great. I'd definitely recommend this place
(5)Stefanie S.
Good food, pretty good prices. But the wait time for Vietnamese sandwiches and fresh rolls is OUT OF CONTROL. Been here a handful of times to place to go orders and waited at least 20 minutes if not 30-40 just for non-cooked items. Seriously?
(2)Hayley D.
We love Saigon Boat for their Veggie Tofu Pho! It has tons of veggies and its a great variety! I've been their for take-in and take-out and it is by far the best pho I've ever had! I went over to Bellevue to Pho all Day because I heard it was the best....NOPE sorry! Saigon Boat Cafe has the best Veggie Tofu Pho because of the flavor of the broth, size and amazing veggies they give! But I do wish they gave a cream puff like Pho Than Bros.
(5)Eugenio F.
Great for quick lunch or snack on Alki Beach. Quick, convenient, and consistently good -- been there three times in the last month now..
(3)Marin S.
I love that I can walk to Saigon Boat for take out. The thing that is so incredibly disappointing is that you never get what you ordered and they are inconsistent. My last attempt... I was so looking forward to the same delicious stir fry rice noodle dish I had last week. What I got was mushy noodles with a couple of baby bok choys and a few scallions in bland tasting sauce. None of the usual veggies I asked for... broccoli,cauli, carrot, you know the usual veggies we've all come to depend on. Major disappointment! What I've noticed is the food is way better during the week. It seems like the lady who is there, then, is the one with the mad skills. So if you want the best food from this place go during the week. I will continue to go because when they get it right it's food of the Gods but I will always open my containers and make sure I got what I ordered BEFORE I get all the way home. I may also just not call it in and go sit and wait for my take out. Even though that kind of defeats the purpose of take out.
(2)Jillian R.
Saigon Boat Cafe is just one of those places you sometimes pass by. It's tiny, next to a marijuana dispensary, maybe looks a little shabby. But give it a chance and you will have a great time. They have some of the best and most reasonably priced food on the block, as well as the cheapest beer. You can et a bucket of four long necks on ice for $10. During Seafair or Fourth of July this is a Godsend. The food runs the gamut from Ban Mi sandwiches that are hearty and delicious and cheap at $3.99, but not out of this world. But the sides and other Vietnamese fare and fusion food is out of this world. The eggplant side is like a main dish! At $7.95, it's huge and saucy with garlic and onions.... So great!! I can't say enough about it. And the fresh rolls are the definition of fresh, stuffed with two bonus shrimp! They also have Vietnamese coffee, bubble tea, more classy seafood... I don't think you will be disappointed if you check this out. Sit inside on a gray day and sip the egg and asparagus soup (sounds weird, is actually awesome and cures WHATEVER ails you... Especially with some sriracha thrown in!), or lounge in be patio and people-watch. Honestly, this place surprised me with its upbeat variety of music that made lunch feel like a rave. Plus, I got a tan just sitting in the sun.
(4)Izzy H.
[ 3.5 ] Inconsistent pho with hit or miss service. I tend to order to go from here primarily, but every time something from the order is missing. The people who work here are always nice and the beef pho broth quite delicious when they get it right and the perfect thing for a hangover cure. Sometimes its not flavored enough, sometimes its too oily and sometimes it comes missing all the herbs. And worse, sometimes its cold. But, hey! When they get it right, they get it right. Its just a matter of when.... Saigon Boat Café is (like all the restaurants on Alki) successful not necessarily because they are fantastic. Rather, they are all solidly average but have a monopoly because of their location. But! That grilled pork banh mi ... now that's something quick and easy to grab and you simply can't go wrong with that and a delicious iced Vietnamese coffee.
(3)Carolyn J.
We have eaten here twice and not sure about coming back. It was a good idea at the time to have soup during the breezy evenings on the beach. Great people watching location, that's about it. The tables are always dirty sticky and there are always used and dirty dishes at other tables. We waited along with another couple who were standing there for awhile before any staff showed up. (Later we discover there were 4 people in the back) The beef and chicken pho are average at best. There were no jalapeños on the condiment tray, like most pho places. The 4 member staff forgot to communicate amongst themselves as we also ordered a salad, we never got it. No apologies, they all just stood there. Revenue must not be that important. There were 3 other occupied tables and each time food was brought out the server had their cell phone with them, so odd. I got the feeling the staff did not want to be there, I don't blame them it's beautiful outside. Pass on this place when coming to eat on Alki, just stand in line Like the rest of Seattle when eating out on Alki on a nice day.
(2)Ryan H.
This place made our vacation and we ate their at least 3 times in only a week. It is a hole in the wall and we almost did not go based solely on appearance, I am worried that it is being taken down for construction of some condos and hope that this place is included in that construction because they had fantastic food and loved the bubble tea as well. The pho was fantastic and real affordable. We had 3 different entrees and all were fantastic! Service was so so but worth overlooking based on the flavors that came out of the kitchen. REcommend this place highly as apparently most folks do.
(4)Andrew P.
I would have to say I have had better Pho. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and we sat outside. The location is nice it is right on the water. Some of the tables outside were wobbly and we had to play with a few before we could find one we liked. When sat down it took a pretty long time for them to come get our order and the place wasn't even busy. Also i was pretty annoyed that they never refilled my water, I actually waited around for a waiter to come outside for more than 15 minutes and I had to ask her to refill it. I ordered a large Pho with everything on it. When the food came out i noticed that there wasn't as much food in it and ordering "large" really just meant you got extra soup. Other places that I have been too would fill my bowl up with a bunch of meat and noodles. I would say the price is a little bit more than most Pho restaurants but it makes sense since it is on Alki. Overall the location is nice, food tasted decent, but I'm not a big fan.
(2)Bibus S.
Friendly staff, really good food and very affordable. Plus, eating outside by the beach, could it get much better than that?
(4)Jennifer S.
This hole in the wall was perfect for warm vietnamese noodles and a sandwich on this windy day at the beach. The food was decent but the space is tight.
(3)Adrienne M.
The service here REALLY LACKS. last visit I asked about the champagne they had on the menu. Server never returned. This visit she dropped my food off and never returned to ask if I wanted anything else. I also often have to walk up and tell them I'm ready to go because THEY NEVER COME BACK. pho is pho pretty much the same everywhere. Since they are the only pho on Alki I'm here a lot but would go elsewhere if it was down here.
(3)Jonathan B.
I really enjoyed the mango fresh rolls and the banana smothered in sweet rice and coconut sauce. Unexpectedly fantastic taste and texture.
(4)Jade K.
I asked 3 times if any of the food we ordered contained any type of peanut oil. All 3 times I was told no. As soon as I tasted the pho I knew something was off. I have a severe peanut allergy and even the smallest amount peanuts can be life treating to me. The server never bothered to ask the chef only until after I told him I did not feel well. I asked that he bring me the bottle of the chili sauce to check for ingredients and he told me the chef did not allow him to show me the bottle. He then brought me a picture of the nutritional label and I had to ask him again for the ingredients list. He finally showed me a picture of the label and the first ingredient was peanuts. The lazy server did not even bother to get up a check when I asked the first 3 times! Once at the hospital I called to request a refund and the server was very rude. He gave me attitude and was sarcastic. Worst service in the world. If you have any type of allergies do not go there!
(1)Mallory D.
Ordered on eat24, and when I got to the restaurant my order wasnt ready. She wrote down what I wanted and began to make it. The only reason I came here was the convenience of online ordering and 30 minutes later I don't have food. Over promised, under delivered
(1)Brendan c.
Can't say it is the best but it's far from anything negative. The pho is rich and satisfying. The menu has many things to pick from so everyone can eat. It's a hole in the wall kind of place and not the prettiest place. However it is great on a sunny day with outdoor tables looking out over Alki Beach.
(4)Irene L.
Didn't know how a beach atmosphere and Vietnamese food would work together, and the quality of food and service leave me saying "ehhh" about this place. We got BBQ pork banh mi, mixed special pho, and the mango shrimp fresh spring roll. No complaints about the quality of the food, but we weren't particularly impressed either - it tasted like it should and filled our stomachs. (Oh I gotta give props to that banh mi bread though. Crackly crust and light interior! Though I doubt they bake their own bread...) Service - no frills and courteous, but even a little cold Decor - kitschy beach/surf-y feel, top 40s music. The outdoor seating is nice, but the slightly dingy interior leaves more than a little to be desired. Not bad if you're looking for an alternative to standard fare on Alki, but I'd try out other places before this one.
(3)Auberry E.
Come here for beer and sandwiches only. Bahn mi (sp?) is excellent. That's it. I live in the neighborhood and used to eat here all the time. I took a break while they figured out their problems with the health inspector. This place used to be amazing in all aspects, but now it's like watching someone die of a terminal illness as it goes further and further down hill. I just had the Worst. Oxtail. Soup. Ever. I think they used chicken broth- but it's flavorless, it's hard to tell. The oxtail is so tough I can't get a fork in it. Service is weak.
(3)Jose P.
Food is amazing! soups are really good, prices are cheap ,big portions and the sandwich is my favorite. $2.50 a beer if you get the bucket. IDK why they aren't busy; but i highly recommend. Idk about the service yet. Not to good!!
(5)Jennifer S.
Happy we picked this place for dinner and bubble tea!! They were super busy all day and out of some things but made me a great substitute and the food was awesome. We watched the sunset eating on the patio - Alki is louder at that hour but that is just part of the experience lol. They were out of tapioca but knew we really wanted that and made some more just for us. Highly recommend!
(5)Marcin L.
I had one of those bbq pork sandwiches with extra meat. The spiciness was unexpected but welcome. The sandwich roll was quality, the vegetables very good. The water had a good taste. A little on the chlorine end when finishing off the water by itself. I would give it four and a half stars I can't so I'm going to get them 5.
(5)Sheila F.
My husband and I tried Siagon Boat on a whim about a month ago and since then we've been back four times! I've been ordering something different each visit. The asparagus egg drop soup is very good. The Bahn mi sandwiches are good. The pho is good. The beef noodle salad is mostly beef and noodles, hardly any veggies, but it was still okay. I really like the fresh rolls. The service isn't the best but the staff is pleasant. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is shabby and it can get hot in there on warm days, but there is outside seating and the beach view is great. We'll be back again for sure!
(4)C H.
Average quality vietnamese food. Definitely not the best, but for the seattle area, I guess it's not bad. The highlight of my meal was the crispy baguette portion of the banh mi sandwiches. As others have said, their baguettes are light and crispy. The sandwich filling is just average in taste and freshness and portions are on the small side - more bread to meat ratio than I'm used to for a banh mi sandwich. This is also true of the pho beef noodles. I ordered the brisket and flank with tendon - the beef was overcooked and there wasn't much tendon in the noodle soup. I also tried their fresh shrimp rolls. Again, just average. And the I've had much, much better peanut sauce elsewhere. Service is incredibly slow. There were 3 people there today and they struggled to keep up with both to-go and sit-down orders. They were also out of a number of things. I tried to order their avocado shake but they were out of avocados. The table next to me tried to order their crispy spring rolls, but they only had the fresh spring rolls today. People who ordered bubble tea were told after the fact that they were out of the large boba straws. I had to get up a number of times to ask for things myself such as a spoon to eat the broth of my pho noodle soup. If I had to be completely honest and compare them to all the wonderful vietnamese places I've ever been do - both in the US and in vietnam, I'd probably rate them 2-stars. But knowing what the general food scene in seattle is like (overall disappointing in my opinion), and given the fact that I like supporting local ma & pa restaurants, I'm adjusting my rating to 3 stars.
(3)Leon H.
The were closed at 8:46!!! On their yelp account they say they close at 10 and I called 20 minutes previous to confirm their hours and when I showed up all the lights were off and they looked at us like we were stupid. Mmmmmmm
(1)Janet Y.
As a disclaimer, the only items we ordered here was bubble tea. While the tea part was good-- it was ruined by the stale bubbles. It was nearly inedible. The location is good right along Alki Beach, but it wasn't super clean inside or out. I have eaten at many Vietnamese restaurants with powerful smells, but the smell here was so overpowering, in an unappetizing way. Because of the location and nice people working here-- I'm hoping this place can really clean things up and turn this place around!
(2)Janae L.
I don't care how good their food is. Until they change their practice of putting up signs for parking in the handicap zone on Alki and illegally using their grandmother's pass to park , I refuse to frequent their restaurant. 4/14/15 I was asked by the restaurant to remove this post. I am not going to do that but I will assure you that I realize they did not put up the sign. I realize that it was probably put up by someone trying to make a statement. The reality is that I have personally seen people driving the vehicle they park there who are not handicapped. I'm sure there is someone who has a pass for the car. The reality is that while they are parked in that spot, someone who is truly handicapped cannot.
(1)Marta B.
The food is really good!!! I always have the vegetarian Pho and it is loaded with tofu and veggies, the broth is super tasty and the attention is awesome. I would give 5 stars if it wasn't for the decor... Kind of outdated... Not my favorite, and that is why we always do take out! Still, I love this place!!
(4)Ivy L.
My husband, two young daughters and I decided to go to Saigon Boat for dinner because it is relatively close to home and we were craving Vietnamese food. I am so glad we did! I have been here once before but do not remember enjoying the food as much as we did yesterday. We ordered the spring rolls, pho in beef broth, lemongrass pork and barbecue pork bun (vermicelli bowl). The service was great; my daughter spilled her glass of water all over the table and onto the chair and there was not even a hint of frustration from our server. The food was absolutely delicious (although I didn't get a chance to try the vermicelli dish). The only thing I didn't like was how fatty the lemongrass pork was but I would definitely order this dish again because it was so tasty. The beef broth was one of the best I've had - ever! This place is rather small so it would be challenging to come with my young kids on a busier day.
(4)Danny D.
Hmm I had an ok experience here a few months ago, today was pretty bad. The eggplant was nice, low on flavor but ok. The okra was terrible. The bun (vermicelli noodles with chicken) was meh. Service slow. Ok it's Monday and there's only one person working ... We ordered off the first big menu on the wall: Stir Fried Egg Noodles... But it wasn't available . Nothing stir fried was available apparently. Then the bill was like $42 ... Ugh. Ok I know it's alki, and etc etc, but I won't be coming back. So what ticked me off, after asking me how I liked everything (she was nice) I said the okra was terrible tue eggplant good and everything else ok. She's like. "Oh cool here's your bill". No offer to take off tue okra. I don't get it, make me happy and I might come back, be greedy and I definitely won't come back. Lame.
(1)Alex H.
This place for me is about location location location. I am on alki relatively a lot during the summer and often times you'll find me with my butt on a log, toes in the sand with a banh mi sandwich in one hand, and a boba in the other. My kind of life. Their service is pretty average from what I observed with other customers before me and after me. And I have to note this because I am vietnamese after all, the level of service drastically changes when you know the native language. The food itself, the pho is good. It's not the best but again, it's about the location which makes this cute little place so unique for me. Overall, I would and do come here again and again for their sandwiches and bubble teas.
(4)Samantha L.
This adorable little restaurant has the perfect location right off of Alki Beach. While checking out the beach for the first time, hunger hit and what better way to quell it than with super affordable and fresh Banh Mis? I wonder what this place is like in the middle of winter, but during the summertime it was lively, the staff were friendly enough, and the food was quick enough. What more can you ask for when you want a quick, cheap bite to enjoy out on a park bench? If I'm at Alki again, I'm stopping by this place for sure.
(4)Moaka C.
Terrible service with every order wrong or an hour late. Apparently the orders were forgotten.... food was mediocre at the very best. How they have a 4 star ratting escapes me. A very Terrible example of Vietnamese food!!!
(1)Jamie K.
Really liked this place. Stopped here while riding bikes around alki beach. Glad we picked this spot. Food was very fresh. Nothing deep fried. Casual place and atmoshphere but food is above what you would expect. Met the owner Peter. He was so welcoming and thankful. Would certainly come back bc I wanted to try everytjing on the menu!*
(5)Justin B.
This place has a friendly mom and pop feel to it. The soup is average to above average. They've recently added a bunch of items to their menu but have yet to try most of the new dishes. I usually get the spicy seafood soup and now I prefer that over the pho. Great place to stop by if you're in the area on a cold day.
(4)Jenn N.
I came here with my boyfriend and we ordered the wings appetizer, and 2 pork banh mi. The wings were meeeh. Pretty tasteless. The banh mi, however, was delicious!! I wanted to buy more to take home with us :) The meat was so flavorful, and it totally made up for the plain wings.
(4)Chrysta B.
Tried it for the first time a week ago (May 2014) and have been back twice since. My boyfriend and I used to go to the pho place two blocks from where we live on the south end of West Seattle, but we now drive all the way to Alki just to eat here. We met the owner today and he's the nicest guy, and the staff is great. In my opinion, their pho is the best I've had. The broth is delicious and the meat is very high quality (this coming from a person who doesn't often eat meat because most meat is not up to my texture standards). We've also had the fresh rolls, bubble tea, and asparagus soup with crab, and everything was top-notch. Good prices, great food, gorgeous view! Highly recommended.
(5)B S.
great place. theyre nice you can eat outside they have beer its cheap you have to ask for sprouts and mint with the noodle bowls - that was weird. i like this place
(4)Blossom K.
It was very disappointed. I have been here last year which was 2012 and it was amazing. the food was so good and cheap. But this time, August 2013... Food wasn't worth the price at all. I think the price went up as well. Firstly, prawn fresh roll wasn't right... The rice paper was super duper really thick so I couldn't even chew it well... It almost blocked my throat literally. (Please dont order it) Secondly, #73 fried rice... I am telling you. It was a disaster... I'm sorry but it wasn't worth $10 with tax really... Frozen veggies and 4 shrimps????? This place has become my No-no place. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. It was an awesome place last year (2012) though.
(2)Bailey M.
Can't complain! Clearly marked vegan menu items, good service, tasty enough banh mi and a beach view! The pho wasn't the most flavorful I've had but I really didn't care. The location makes up for it. My affinities for rice noodles and sand is strong! Put them together and it's magical. Great spot for lunch with a friend. Of course I am biased and think the sun should be shining at all times, and my only experience here is from when it was, but I wouldn't turn down a visit on a gloomier day. It's open year round!
(4)Kate B.
Great location, one of the few places that offered outdoor seating and permitted our dog. Served beer, and friendly service. Enjoyed the grilled chicken, and the chicken pho. Real chunks of breast, and tasted like a homeade chicken broth. Did see a lot of reheating in the microwave. Cheap, would come here again!
(4)Jim D.
Stopped by here last weekend around 11am, they were just getting going. We ordered two sandwiches and were very happy. We eat lots of vietnamese food in the U District, and this place held its own with the best of them! I ordered the Saigon Boat special (#1) sandwich - it was fair My wife ordered the bbq pork sandwich - it was excellent. Get this! now! Both were fresh, bread was soft and warm. I could stand to have a few more veggies, but was glad they included the peppers for a little heat! The perfect cheap lunch to eat while walking the beach!
(4)Tom T.
Reasonably Priced and great location. OK! $2.95 for a Vietnamese sandwich. OK! Pho on Alki Beach, especially on a cold day. OK! Bubble Tea. OK! Wait, what? You just opened a Teriaki place next door? Saigon Boat Cafe 2? OK! Now I'm a fan!
(4)Angie S.
**VEGS** - This place has great vegetarian options, they have a whole section of their menu dedicated! I had the tofu pho and veggie spring rolls. Prices were standard of a typical Pho restaurant. The quality was great and both dishes were very tasty. I believe this location has re-opened with new owners. I will be back here for sure.
(5)Cole C.
This place is amazing! Me and a close friend of mine went in for the special seafood feast.. We did not know what to expect because we thought it was a seafood restaurant from seeing the special. Peter the owner greeted us upon entering and hooked up us with the feast! For $38.95 this was a huge plater of fresh shell fish! King crab, shrimp, calms, mussels and more. One of the best dinning experiences of my life. Atmosphere is great right on Alki. Go here try some seafood or some delicious Vietnamese food and don't forget to get a beer bucket.
(5)Kyle A.
Great Pho. Sandwiches were cheap and just okay. Lacking ingredients but for 3 bucks what do you expect. Bubble Tea not so good. Balls were hard. ---- update: downgrading a star for as they raised everything on the menu by a dollar to gauge the tourists and locals for the summer.
(3)Dee M.
Whenever we crave pho, Saigon Boat is our go-to place. Always delicious and you can't beat the view :)
(5)Jean-Luc N.
The Pho there is a most: fresh ingredients, just delicious!
(4)Bam B.
We ordered 8 different dishes including vegetarian, all were delicious! The only reason I give them 3 stars is for the bill. Our bill was over charged by two meals! Lucky I reviewed it after paying, the cashier gave us our difference back. I look forward to coming back here in the summer!
(3)P L.
Ate here one day after the grand re-opening 4/2010 and I think it's pretty good stuff. I've been searching for a good Vietnamese place in WS for a while, so I don't have to drive to the ID or Rainier Valley. I'd definitely go back here. The pho is quite good. Better, I think, than Than Bros. Very flavorful broth and noodles weren't overcooked and soggy. The sandwiches are cheap ($2.75) and pretty flavorful though I wished I had asked for the bread to be toasted. The chicken sandwich doesn't compare to the one at Seattle Deli (my hands down favorite), but I'll be eating the sandwiches here since it's so close to where I live. Love the crispy egg rolls! I think they must have remodeled the inside because there's plenty of seating for about 10-12 parties.
(4)Paula R.
Their little Bahn Mi sammiches are delightful!!!! They have an assortment of sammies from Vietnamese ham to bbq pork and everything in between. With tax, it comes to a mere $3! Three dollah dollah bills, folks! Their Pho may not be the best pho evAR, but it's def worth it to stop by for some Bahn Mi and sit in the sun watching the tide roll in.
(4)Mama F.
This place was great. Fast service, friendly staff, great prices, delicious bubble tea and SUPER yummy Pho!!!! Will be going back and sending people there!
(4)Amanda S.
Cheap food. And great food! I love that two people can get full for $20, and have bubble tea, too! The sandwiches are super tasty (but a little small) and the pho is wonderful. It's a great place to eat and watch the waterfront at the same time (without having to pay a lot of money for it either).
(4)Tj Z.
They are finally open again!! Thank god, cause they must put crack in their veggie pho ;)
(5)Kali B.
Fantastic spicy seafood pho. Tasty beef sandwich. Great location with Alki Beach views. Cheap but tidy diner-type decor. VERY reasonable prices. Friendly service. I would totally go back if I hadn't moved away.
(5)Pamela H.
Cute place. Great Pho. I've been here a few times since I started this review. I try to have something different each time I go and so far everything has been lovely.
(5)Sam D.
Great place. Really tasty Banh Mi sandwiches, about $2.50 each. Great spot across from the beach, very friendly service.
(5)Zane M.
Some of the best Pho I've had. Cheap too....and people need to relax about the decor of the place. It reflects the price.
(5)L V.
Delicious food at reasonable prices. I am a regular here, stop by at least once a week. The grilled pork sandwich is the best. And they are only $3!
(5)k j.
I love this place so much. I live right next door and am a bit of a regular. The chicken noodle soup (Pho) is terrific, and a great price. The flavor is excellent and the service is fast. The owner is a super sweet lady, who always remembers me and greets me. She also remembers what I like to order. They have yummy bubble tea, also at a good price. I really like to sit out on their patio, and I've also ordered their food "to-go". I would recommend it if you want some good Pho while you're in West Seattle or on Alki. I used to like Pho Than Brothers, which is tasty and cheap, but their service is not friendly like Saigon Boat Cafe! :)
(5)Sharad A.
Veggie noodle soup is awesome. Service is a little slow though.
(5)Manika S.
I went there for pho, the pho felt lacking. Very slow service and bad, I had to ask for water to begin with after we had been sitting for 10 mins. Will not be going back
(2)Marco G.
Very new pho place on Alki beach, it is a very small restaurant but the food is great! the decoration is very simple but makes you feel comfortable, the service is great and the server was so nice and helpful. The pho is one of the best pho in town, have had lots and it is pretty close to the pho that my Vietnamese friend cooks! and very reasonable in price. Had also the spring rolls and they were fantastic! very fresh and delicious!! Usually I do have vietnamese coffee but it was late in the afternoon so I didn't have one otherwise I would've been awaken all night, instead I had a bubble tea, which was very good. It's worth trying it as I think its one of the best new vietnamese places in town.
(4)Mary Moon H.
It almost seems unfair to rate a place that is so new. They're still working out their kinks (hopefully) and still finding their groove. But since it's just blocks from my house I had to try it, which means I have to rate it due to my yelp addiction. So, here it goes: Saigon boat is in a great location, very cute, very small, good Pho. Not the best Pho I've ever had and me and my fiancee found it odd that it's only available in one size. The bubble tea was far too sweet and I wasn't able to drink it, which is why I took a star away, the second star is missing for the service. They seem to still be learning the ways of the restaurant world, as in don't bring one person at a two top (a table of two) their dish while the other waits for a good ten minutes for theirs, so hopefully I'll be able to re-rate this with a higher score once they get a good system because over all it was a good experience and I love that there is a Pho place so close to home!
(3)Rho M.
Ecstatic to see Saigon Boat on Alki's row of eateries. Nothing better than a steaming bowl of pho and a great view by a nice beach. On our visit, I had the bowl of brisket pho, and my three fellow diners went for a bowl of combination pho (not listed on the menu but available if you ask), and bbq rice plates. We also had taro and coffee bubble teas. All were very nice and up to par with the best of them. I can't wait for winter when the need for pho escalates! I live a block away and will definitely be a frequent diner.
(5)