Neighborhood Cafe — Restaurant in Tukwila

I’m really disappointed because I actually liked this place the first time we came. Last weekend, they forgot our fries but made up for it with a free drink — we let it slide since they said the kitchen gets backed up when there’s a DJ.

This time, there was no DJ, so we figured it would be better. I even brought my cousin to try their food since we genuinely enjoyed it before. We ordered the Longanisa Smash, House Hash, Ube Pancakes, and Country Fried Steak. Half our order came out in about 20 minutes (the Longanisa and Hash), but my cousin’s food never came.

After 45 minutes, I went up to ask, and the staff just looked confused. No update, no apology — they just stared at the screen. Meanwhile, we watched several tables who ordered the same dishes get their food first. That actually sucks from POV. After over an hour, the food finally came out with just a quick “sorry for the wait.” We asked for a refund on his order, which they processed — but that also took forever.

They offered a gift card or to give us the rest of the food since it was already made, but at that point, we were just done. What made it worse was hearing the staff talk about the situation right in front of us — joking that we should’ve just taken the food. Not cool.

We stayed polite the whole time because we get that mistakes happen, but this was just unprofessional and uncomfortable. Honestly, our food was cold by then, and it’s not fun eating while your guest has nothing in front of them, it’s out of respect. We should’ve asked for a refund too and wish they could just give it.

The drinks were good 2/3 at least the Matcha Ube and Ube Coffee were great again. But the Turon Turon Milk Tea was horrible and separated weirdly; I threw it away after a few sips.

Really wanted to keep supporting this place, but after this experience, we won’t be...

There isn’t a whole lot of Filipino restaurants out here…but this place definitely represents. And in such a fresh and modern way. I admit, when I got up to order, I still didn’t know what I wanted because it all sounded good; but the long line behind me made me just spit out whatever I saw! I regret not getting the longinisa😣 and I didn’t know about the coffee flight!

We ended up getting the Neighborhood Plate with bacon and the House Hash. So yummy! The garlic fried rice was the perfect amount of “garlicky”. The eggs perfectly made. The Hash I felt could’ve been seared a little more. There was a lot of pork belly, though! But maybe could’ve been chopped up smaller. There wasn’t as much sear to any of the ingredients, so it all seemed one note; I couldn’t tell between a potato or the pork belly😕 but sure enough, it had a lot of flavor!

We got the Ube latte and the black sesame latte… I’ve never heard of that so I was excited to try it. And it was delicious! Subtle but just enough black sesame flavor and not too sweet! And the ube latte, yummmmm!!

They were out of the fried lumpia balls :( but got the Ube biscuits. Some may say it is dry, but love the crunch. Just enough ube flavor and that butter that comes with it?!? Sooo yum! I asked for a to-go container for it. It was like kettle-corn made into a butter!

I am definitely coming back to try more...

Update as of August 2024: They listened! We returned back over the past weekend and the breakfast salad (maybe it's the neighborhood salad now? Dunno, I just eat the food) has more dressing and more bread served. The boba pancakes were served with ube sauce this time and looked/tasted still yummy. I was impressed!

The setup is a little different, menu as well, and by the looks of it, they have their liquor license so mimosas are on the menu! Yum!

The coffee is still banging (I ordered a 16oz house drip coffee) which is sold separately to what I presume may be another small biz. Not as busy so we were easily able to settle in.

Will be coming back, clearly

Old Review: I would give 4.5 stars if I could. The Pinoy food was really yum! We had the breakfast salad (could use a little less dressing of the greens and one more slice of bread) and the boba pancakes. The boba pancakes were basically mini pancakes and then a bubble tea on a plate. Everything else around us looked scrumptious and you can see the tios and primos back there cooking.

Drip coffee was great, they gave a refill (courtesy?). Seating can be a challenge so we got a table as soon as we arrived and another ordered at the counter. Once finished, clean your own dishes.

I liked how small it was inside. Great menu offerings. Will come...