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Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Seattle, Seattle, WA

Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Seattle

4.5
4.5
4861 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Purple Café and Wine Bar pairs a global wine selection with a menu that combines classic American styles with seasonal Northwest ingredients.

We feature an expansive menu ranging from artisan cheeses, starters, soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas to pasta and seafood. We take a great deal of pride in utilizing the most fresh and local ingredients.

On the wine side of things our wine list features over 80 glass and 600 bottle selections. Over the years our wine program has been recognized with various accolades that include an "Award of Ultimate Distinction" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and being named "Best Wine Bar" by Evening Magazine's Best of Western Washington Viewers Poll.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:30 PM


Booked 62 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    American, Northwest, Wine Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Tue, Wed 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (206) 829-2280

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Keta Newhouse

  • Catering

    We offer a variety of box lunches and a la carte platters; great for corporate events, parties, picnics and other get-togethers! Orders are available for pick up and we ask for 48 hours’ notice on all pick-up orders to ensure availability. Please visit www.heavyrg.com/catering/

  • Private party facilities

    Book our Loft for your next corporate event, holiday party, or celebration! We offer full restaurant buyouts as well, whatever the size of your party we've got you covered! Please fill out a request form at www.heavyrg.com/group-dining/

  • Private party contact

    Private Events Team: (206) 838-3853

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown

  • Cross street

    University Street

  • Parking details

    Parking is available in the Financial Center Parking Garage located directly underneath our restaurant on the corner of 4th and University. Once on University Street heading East, the garage is on your right hand side just after 3rd Ave and before 4th Ave.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 4,861 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Great for fine wines

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Most Booked

  • Seattle

    Great for fine wines

  • Seattle

    American

  • Seattle

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Bday…. Great ambiance, service was great, food was good but overpriced
  2. CW

    ChrisWC

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful experience. The wine suggested pairings and dishes were impeccable, perfectly balanced cocktails and friendly, prompt, professional service.
  3. JK

    JayK

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    Our host had a weird attitude - not very attentive and she made a mistake with our gift cards and discounts, and did not tell us about it. The food was very good but a little expensive, especially the crab cakes - for the size.
  4. TE

    TeeElle

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    Where do I start with this disaster? I was very disappointed after wanting to try this place out after seeing this place (during my last trip to Seattle). We arrived at 530 pm (15 mins before our reservation). The hostess told us that if we wanted to be seated right now, she would have to seat us upstairs. Ok no problem. However on our way upstairs, there were numerous table for two seatings. Why could we not sit downstairs? Without any explanation from the hostess -it felt punitive. As for the food - the wild mushroom rissotto was warm and the wild mushroom they topped the dish with was room temperature. When I asked for a refill for a diet coke - it was flat. We order the some dessert(Italian spice cake) and it was awful. It looked like cooked hamburger with a meat texture. The flavor was not much better. When asked if we liked it- we told the waitress that we did not. Instead of offering to remove the offending item off the bill - she left it on there and gave us attitude. When the bill arrived, the credit card machine automatically directs the user to 25% gratuity. That is obnoxious! After this disastereous dining experience and rude service -the waitress was going to be lucky with the 18% I gave her. So I had to manually calculate the 18% all the while she was hovering over me watching me change the the tip from 25% to 18%. Once the transaction was completed- she walked off. Didn't apologize that we were dissatified or thanked us for our business. For the amount of $ I paid for this disappoininting dinner I expected MORE. Better service and better foood. I would NEVER return here.
  5. S

    Slye

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Generally good. But odd that one can only have one glass at a time. Odd for a good one bar when I wanted a couple of glasses to try side by side with the food. I remember this was an issue last time, but had forgotten. Now I will remember.
  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place, great food
  7. K

    Kate

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this spot! Good variety of vegetarian and vegan options and a good price range on food, so if someone in your party wants an $80 steak and someone else wants to spend more like $20 on an entree, that’s totally possible.
  8. j

    jkl1

    Los Angeles

    158 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    158 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Fun place. Interesting Duos on wine list. Good craft cocktails. Delicious baked Brie.
  9. SF

    SarahF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    if you are going to a show or concert, I recommend you make a reservation and let the staff know you have to leave by 15 minutes before your show starts, if it is close by. Great menu and options for smaller plates and full dinners.
  10. CK

    ChrissyK

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We went out to a family dinner before going to the 5th Avenue theater. The food was delicious and atmosphere was also great. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The only down side was the food took quite awhile to come out. The restaurant was very busy, but I would say it was still exceptionally long. Overall we had a great time and would definitely go again!
  11. LE

    LEFT

    Baltimore

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gorgeous interior, very high ceilings. Food was exquisite. The sommelier helped us select the perfect wine. Great place to dine before events at Beneroya.
  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great time and amazing food
  13. D

    Daniel

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    Food is general was too sweet. It's as if they literally sugar coat everything. Ambiance was great, might come back for Tuesday specials, otherwise not worth the sub-par dinner.
  14. AO

    AngieO

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an excellent experience at purple. Food was very tasty and service was awesome.
  15. G

    Garbo

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Service was outstanding as was the wine and menu offerings. Both entrees arrived less than warm but not cold. Our educated guess is they sat under the warming lights too long while we finished our starter. For the price we expected a better quality.
  16. B

    Birthdaydiner

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Shwarma special wasn’t good, tasted off, couldn’t finish it. Prices are high, $20 for a grilled cheese and tomato soup. Kids menu is gone. Restaurant was fairly empty so ambiance wasn’t great. Not the same bustling place for upscale eats.
  17. A

    Allan

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Overall excellent. Second time here quite a few years apart. Didn’t disappoint. Excellent calamari. Great wine selection.
  18. MS

    MimiS

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience2
    Our dishes were not stellar. The crab cakes had too much filler and a pasty quality. The crispy fall vegetables were good if a bit too greasy. The mushroom pappardelle was under seasoned. The clams in miso broth were delicious! The main irritant was a table of raucous people yelling and shouting up and down the table next to us. I realize that the cafe cannot control who eats at the restaurant, but, on top of the already noisy environment, it was too loud and noisy. The food was not as good as other times we have been there. We will come back but for different dishes and we will ask to be seated away from larger tables if possible. Our server was very good if overextended.
  19. JC

    JamesC

    Seattle

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lots of choices for our lunch meal. Food was delicious. Service was attentive and efficient. Love this central location in Seattle.
  20. AZ

    AndreaZ

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    We ordered the fried vegetables which our server had given us notice prior that they were battered and deep fried which was fine. However, when we started eating the dish we noticed it was total batter and 1pct vegetables. We first let our server know that there were no vegetables in the vegetable dish but our server was unempathetic and just shrugged it off. After we paid the bill we then let the manager aware of the situation who was appreciative of our feedback but left it at that. There was no offer of compensation or replacement of the meal. Other than that we ordered the vodka fusilli which was amazing. Ambience was great and service was quick. Temperature was also freezing in the restaurant so dress warmly.
  21. C

    Colton

    Edmonton

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Purple has a fantastic wine selection, inventive and flavorful food and professional service! Can’t go wrong.
  22. CM

    ClayM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Service was excellent. Pasta was over-cooked (×2 different meals) so that gets a 3. Wine Duo pairings were great. Ambience is good but a cold draft required coats while eating. Over-all a 4.
  23. KP

    KoraleeP

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a delicious experiencewith great ambience.
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Service from the door to the end was excellent. Appetizers were ok but the entrees were very disappointing and over priced. $35 for fresh pasta(pasta was best part of dish), with “wild mushrooms”. I put in quotes because for the cost there were barely any mushrooms, and it was a bland, slightly sweet sauce. Green salad was under seasoned, as in it needed salt and pepper. Ordered fried calamari which was mostly good until my daughter had a piece that tasted rancid. We are restaurant people and don’t like to complain if there isn’t something super obvious like all the calamari was bad or something clearly wrong with the pasta and they could repair it. But if the pasta is just boring and overpriced, what do we say? Don’t want to appear unreasonable. Portions are large. Sad this location kitchen was not up to the usual consistent goodness we have experienced with Purple in the past. I usually don’t write reviews but this experience is bugging me so I felt the need to do so.
  25. G

    Ginster

    Seattle

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food was excellent. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich and the coating on the chicken was extremely light and crispy, not heavy batter. Also it was a very large portion (two cutlets). I substituted yam fries which were very tasty and abundant although not crispy (which may be the norm for yam fries) and my companion’s french fries were likewise. The drinks are excellent too. It was extremely busy (lunch) but the service was excellent.
  26. SC

    SharonC

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Food was great, just a loud place in general. The wait staff is consistently good.
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great!! Service is fantastic, and space is beautiful!
  28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Steak was under seasoned a bit it came with fingerling potatoes and a salad that were basically obstacles in between my friends steak and his mouth lol. The portion was decent but it was ordered as medium rare yet received as medium so that was disappointing. Also the typical herbed salty crust was not present, grill lines definitely but the fatty sides weren’t ever properly seared which was very surprising..The presentation was great though.. overall executed and filling yet not examples. The seafood soup was generous in seafood with the scallops cl beautifully cooked and everything else..nothing was overlooked with I loved. The Spanish tomato base was straight forward, not spicy, just tomatoes lightly seasoned and salted. Ask for at least 3 lemons…
  29. MP

    MargaretP

    Philadelphia

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner. Food was delicious as usual. Look forward to returning when I come back to Seattle in February.
  30. AB

    AmandaB

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The spicy prawns and frites was great! Had a lovely time.
  31. TD

    TonyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great service, with a very knowledgeable waiter. timely service and great food and wine. the staff did an overall incredible job.
  32. LG

    LauraG

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience5
    We had reserved a table and first one we got suggested was right by the door. Hostess was able to give us a better one after I asked. What comes to food (pasta) those were too spicy and we didn’t receive all the orderded items. It was a bit messy experience but our waiter handeled it all well afterall.
  33. M

    Mark

    Seattle

    30 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    We went to take advantage of the Seattle Restaurant Week promotion. Somehow we missed the $65 charge. This restaurant is good but not that good. We chose the Duo starter which was as good and the pumpkin mousse for dessert which was very good. The salmon main was overcooked and single “lamb chop “ was like no other lamb chop I’ve ever seen, mostly a massive center bone. Nice service.
  34. DB

    DebbieB

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was AMAZING!!! We had the brie board, tempura vegis and the olives...YUMMM! For dinner the truffle mac and cheese and i believe a cauliflower bowl ( which is vegan ); these two dishes mixed together was BOMB! Very good portions and very flavorful!!
  35. M

    Mrsfish

    Seattle

    32 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Love the building and ambiance but can’t say the food was amazing. My friend thought the tomato soup was spicier than she expected and my roast beef French dip was bland and meat tough. Asked for additional dressings which didn’t come until I was almost done. Location was perfect for pre-Town Hall evening so I’d go again but probably just share the baked Brie app which is always filling and good.
  36. QJ

    QuentinJ

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Amazing vibe overall, the lighting was a bit dark for my liking but noise level and music was perfect. Food was fantastic.
  37. HF

    HawksFan12

    Dallas

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food and the atmosphere make this a must visit when in Seattle
  38. H

    Happyguest

    Seattle

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went to Purple for Seattle Restaurant Week. We both had great 3 course meals and a good value for $65 each. I also tried the 2 types of Albariño wine available by the glass and both were good. They were busy so the kitchen was a little slow but our server kept checking on our meals and brought them out ASAP. We will be back.
  39. M

    Marsha

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Waiters automatically set tip percentage at 22% very uncomfortable changing in front of waiter. I won’t be back due to lack of trust.
  40. AW

    AmyW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Wine and food was very good. Our only complaint was that one of the members of our party had three courses, and the last course was severely delayed. It appeared that it was due to the server not putting in the ticket in time, so we waited another 20 minutes for his dessert. Outside of that delay, it was a very lovely evening. And, had we not told the server we needed to leave by a certain time, and asked for the check so that we could leave, and still experienced that delay, we wouldn’t have had a problem whatsoever.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Extra space between tables

FAQs

Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Seattle offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (206) 829-2280.

Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Seattle is rated 4.5 stars by 4861 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:30 PM


Booked 62 times today
Google Map for Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Seattle

1225 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

Additional information

  • Cross street

    University Street

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown

  • Hours of operation

    Tue, Wed 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Northwest, Wine Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Parking is available in the Financial Center Parking Garage located directly underneath our restaurant on the corner of 4th and University. Once on University Street heading East, the garage is on your right hand side just after 3rd Ave and before 4th Ave.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Keta Newhouse

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (206) 829-2280

  • Catering

    We offer a variety of box lunches and a la carte platters; great for corporate events, parties, picnics and other get-togethers! Orders are available for pick up and we ask for 48 hours’ notice on all pick-up orders to ensure availability. Please visit www.heavyrg.com/catering/

  • Private party facilities

    Book our Loft for your next corporate event, holiday party, or celebration! We offer full restaurant buyouts as well, whatever the size of your party we've got you covered! Please fill out a request form at www.heavyrg.com/group-dining/

  • Private party contact

    Private Events Team: (206) 838-3853

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