Zig Zag Cafe — Restaurant in Seattle

I went there to meet a small group. I was a few minutes late because I am new to town and couldn't find it right away. It's tucked in a corner off the steps. I was surprised when I got to the door it was closed but someone opened it for me. It was a nice summer evening. No reason to close the door. Inside, I immediately spotted my group having drinks. There were around a long thin rectangular wooden bar. My drink (a fino sherry) arrived quickly and was of decent quality. Finally we got a table and took our drinks over and settled in. I must the say the atmosphere is great and jazzy very cosy maybe that's why they shut the door to make sure to preserve it? The menu was immediately disappointing to me as I only really wanted a light meal and starters were quite limited. I chose the scallops and they were miserable from several standpoints. First, they were not hot enough (a cardinal sin in food quality). Also, they were not well seasoned and to crown it all had a rather unpleasant crunchiness which was came from a weird batter NOT the pleasant crunch you might get if they cooked to a turn (crisped). I ate then but they left me wanting more despite the fact I started out not so hungry (there were 5 of them admittedly nicely arranged on the plate). So to get a bit more food, I also ordered a small salad and said I didn't want cheese but when it arrived it also had no nuts. I never said no nuts. They need to pay attention. Speaking of attention, why was the wait staff asking which entrée/plate went where (to which person). If you are properly trained you should rarely have to ask that as you visually place the orders but OK fine. At least at the end all of our cheques were split correctly. The price of the food is average for the area so no comment on that.

3 stars only. And 1.5 of the 5 were at the expense of food quality. I've had more temperature correct food at a JB's in Coeur d'Alene ID than this! I know it was busy but you then account for that and make sure the food is hot when it served not just when it leaves the kitchen.

To be fair, I would go back but only for a cocktail...

I went back to Zig Zag when I saw there were no cruise ships in town from my condo’s windows. That meant I could get a seat at the bar. Ricky and Elias were bartending, and with foresight, I began with an expresso martini. With the intent of doing some writing, I pulled out my iPad, and unfortunately it collapsed, breaking a glass. Ricky, being kind, made me feel less embarrassed by explaining the glasses are not expensive, used for the candles. That was a kind gesture. That empathy and warmth is one of the reasons the Zig Zag Cafe is special. I met a couple from Atlanta, via Texas, and discussed 1950s and 1960s Cold War novels and films. They were young, dot com, and at least forty years younger than me. They didn’t care, and their interests went beyond the keyboard. The Zig Zag does that. I was sad to leave, but it was Friday evening already, and time to meet my wife. In winter, your windows don’t need a good view. Local or tourist, hit up the Zig Zag.

When I visited Seattle in the past, the Zig Zag Cafe was one of my first stops. I moved to Seattle 22 months ago, and the Zig Zag was shuttered during the pandemic. Finally last night, New Year’s Eve 2021, I returned to this Seattle icon. The Zig Zag Cafe was as great as ever. Ricardo was my bar keep, and he kept me happy with drink and good conversation. Everybody was friendly and welcoming. This may be the best drinking spot in Seattle, perfect for both tourists and locals. I hope to become a regular. ...

If anyone ever asked me about my top memory of Seattle, this will probably be it. My coworkers and I were coming into the city for work, and planned to come to this place as part of our team event. Food, cocktails and atmosphere is top notch. What an intimate setting to have conversation over a great meal/ drink.

BUT what really made the night was what happened after. I left my backpack on the chair under the coat rack where everyone else hung their coats/ bags when we first got in. When I walked up to go to the restroom, I realized my backpack was missing - my passport, personal medication, work laptop etc were all in there. We reported it to the owner Ben who checked security cameras, but nothing came up. He did all he could but there was nothing I could do but to leave and try to get a passport done in the morning so I could get home. Half hour later, he called me back saying that it was found!!!

Apparently it was 2 customers who colluded to steal the bag; they ended up not paying their bill after 2 failed credit cards, and Ben somehow discovered that my backpack was under her coat, along with 2 other expensive purses that probably belonged to other people. I ended up giving a statement to the police when Ben reported the theft.

I am SO thankful for Ben and his dedication to his customers... it made my night and anyone who ever passes by Seattle needs to check out this little nook of a...