Sadly, I'm going to edit my original review (see below). I went to Hello Em for a second time today and brought my mom and 2 youngest boys. I was really excited to share my first experience with them. However, we were not greeted initially despite someone working at the office desk next to the front door and at least 3 people behind the counter. You all saw me come in with my family and huge stroller. Why am I acknowledging you first? Then there were 3 dogs (that belonged to one of the workers) right next to the counter where we had to order. The dogs didn't bother us but one of my sons is wary of dogs and I could tell he was nervous. I was a little nervous too since I don't know these dogs and weren't sure how they would be around small kids and a stroller. They weren't on a leash connected to anyone or anything, they were just freely roaming and we had to stand right next to them to order. I asked whose dogs they were and they said someone who works here. But then that person didn't call for the dogs to move so I literally had to sidle up next to the dogs to order. I'm fine with you bringing pets to your business but you got to consider everyone that comes through may not be dog lovers. At least have your dog look like they can be contained to put people at ease and away from the counter so that people who are timid around dogs can still order. One of the servers seemed warm but not like my first visit. The other server we talked too gave us one word responses and looked genuinely uninterested in us. I get it, we ain't homies, but seriously have a little more customer service. Food and drink was still bomb but I may not be back for awhile... Bye Em. At least for now.
Amazing food! What Hello Em offers in food and drink is unique and different than any other Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle. A gem in the heart of Little Saigon! Also, I love how intentional the owners were with how they are sourcing their coffee directly from a coffee farm in Vietnam and capturing the history of Little Saigon in...
Read moreHello 'em coffee shop. We came here to check it out since we saw its interview on tv. We were curious about what they presented during the interview was a very interesting coffee with add-ons . The place is cute with of course Vietnamese decorations. A small coffee roaster where you can view the entire process standing in one corner of the coffee shop. You can watch it while you are waiting for your order or you can find a seat if there's one available. Inside is a yellowish couch for seating although it's kind of dirty & nasty so we never sat there. All the way to the back of the coffee shop is a little table with free books in Vietnamese language for those who are interested in learning their language or just trying to read Vietnamese. Red 🏮 lanterns, a bike, framed pictures & some bamboo lighting's adorn the place with about 10 seating areas of 2 to 4 persons. The place is an old spot that is repurposed into a coffee shop. Parking is limited in the front but there are parking across the street. Everything is pricey. I ordered the one that I saw on TV during the interview but to my disappointment it's like 90% emice cubes and in two sips, it's done. I did not see anything like what they showed on TV. Some cool things that they have are straws made of rice, cups and lids and red stopper that they use to prevent coffee from spilling. Service is ok. We find it not so different from any coffee shops. Bought a 10z coffee that cost $20.00. 😱. Three 12 oz coffee, a bag of coffee beans & 16 oz lemonade =...
Read moreHello Em Vietnamese Coffee is one of the few Vietnamese coffee shops we know of in the Greater Seattle area. Conveniently located in Seattle's downtown area near many other Vietnamese establishments, it's a great spot to grab an authentic Vietnamese coffee. Parking can be a challenge as it's mostly street parking, but we sometimes park in the Lam’s Seafood Market lot and walk over for a grab-and-go.
We usually visit on weekends, and the place is always crowded. The shop is small, so finding a seat inside is rare, and there's often a bit of a line. Their menu offers both drinks and food, featuring items typical of a Vietnamese breakfast. The drink menu is extensive, especially with various types of Vietnamese coffee. Some of the options are uncommon even in Vietnam but are worth trying.
I recommend the Maggi coffee and egg coffee for those who enjoy a stronger coffee flavor. If you prefer something with milk, the Viet latte (bac xiu) is a great choice. For breakfast, the breakfast sandwich is a simple and typical option that pairs well with their coffee. Both the drinks and the sandwich are delicious and authentically Vietnamese.
If you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Hello Em for a simple and delicious breakfast or brunch with a cup of flavorful Vietnamese coffee to...
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