663 Bistro — Restaurant in Seattle

663 Bistro (July 22, 2022)

It has been more than a year since I updated this review so here goes. I have visited this restaurant many times over the years. Although they have an extended menu, I almost always order the Chinese BBQ take-out for ease and normally a quick in-and-out. The location has not offered dine-in service for some time due to Covid, and does not look like it plans to do so in the immediate future. Because of the significantly less dine-on volume, I am pretty sure many of the stored foods do not turn-over as frequently as they previously were, and will likely suffer some quality compromises when they are eventually cooked.

There are certain dishes that are less likely to be less affected this way obviously, e.g. Braised Pork Belly with preserved vegetables (The dish is pre-cooked and frozen so you can reheat and enjoy anytime. Be warned that it is a very greasy dish with fatty pork belly, but it tastes heavenly served over white rice. A total comfort food!) My recommendation remains just to order from the BBQ meats either by weight, or in a rice box (Served with a side of vegetables, and a small duck soy sauce container to wet the rice dor added flavor.) You must ask for a container of the home-made hot sauce, whose flavor is specific to this store only. Currently a rice box with a single meat is $12 - lower end of the pricing spectrum compared with other similar BBQ stores.

The store also started offering select Dim Sum middle of 2921 to generate additional revenue compensating for the Covid restrictions. These offerings are mostly Baos, pre-packed in a large take-out plastic box stored in a display refrigerator. Prices range from $9 to $11 depending on your selection. They generally taste good, and are priced less than other more dedicated Dim Sum specific places. Worth a try, though nothing spectacular.

Customer service is ok. Beneficial if you speak the dialect, which I do. My preferred meat is roast pork. The flavor is consistently good, with little variation (The roast pork here is roasted in slab form, as opposed to roasting the whole pig. Better quality consistency as a result.) The other BBQ offerings were fine as well. Be adventurous, and try all of them.

Happy eating!

P.S. There's always a waiting line during peak hours. Do try to avoid that and come at less common hours (e,g, 2 p.m.).

2021

One of the better places to get Chinese roast pork. Reasonably priced and consistently delicious, when compared with other International...

I was intentionally going through multiple restaurants during the pandemic to support our local businesses. I normally order a lot so my employees can also enjoy lunch. In normal times, I'd head to Ho Ho Seafood Restaurant next door, but unfortunately they were closed on the day when I ended up heading into this place next door. What a mistake.

It was the beginning of the pandemic and it was unclear what the protocol there was. I asked the young man behind the counter if I should order with him or someone else and if they took credit card (they do). I can only say that this young man certainly had no intention to do business with me. While I look young and I was not particularly well dressed that day, the look on his face, and his attitude was of despise and he was impolite. He clearly didn't care to do business with me. Someone like that has no business being in a service industry.

I did end up ordering from the kind older gentleman who was preparing the roasted BBQ items at the counter instead. While the food was passable, the experience was one that I would not wish to repeat.

They missed out on multiple 4-figure orders when I donated those meals to multiple organizations. I went elsewhere instead.

I would not return and would not recommend this place regardless of the...

My trip to the 663 Bistro -- I was driving home from work when I received a phone call from my wife. Being on Beacon Hill at the time, it was easy to pull over and take the call. My 24 year old son was visiting and she wanted me to pick up Chinese food on my way home. The request was a little unusual because my wife usually dis'es Chinese as too greasy. My Son is a professional chef and he hangs with some serious gourmands, he had recommended the 663 Bistro on Weller. He and his friends love the place. He recommended the Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings. Well when I walked in I was a little surprised by the utilitarian entry, it was more like a storage room, boxes piled high no thought for decor. It was early so the bistro was mostly empty, but the people who were there were all speaking Chinese, as was the staff. I eventually walk through the entry to the main room and a very friendly maitre d' at the large counter ask if she could help me. I ordered Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings, Roasted Pork and sauteed pea vines in garlic sauce. About the Wings, they were the best chicken wings I have ever had. I am going back here with my friends as soon as I can find the time and the spare cash. Food - 5 Star, ...