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  5. Capitol Hill / First Hill

Volunteer Park Cafe

4.4
4.4
86 Reviews
$30 and under
Northwest
At VPC we are all about celebrating the fresh, local, and seasonal bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Our approach to food is simple and straightforward. Our belief is that community is built around the dinner table and we strive to nourish and sustain those relationships with our food….always fresh goodness.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Northwest, Organic, American

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner: T-Sa 5:30pm-9:00pm Monthly Sunday Supper -- please check out website

  • Phone number

    (206) 328-3155

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Chef Ericka Burke

  • Catering

    Our Baker can make wonderful Cakes, Bunts, Cookies, Quiches and more!

  • Private party facilities

    Volunteer Park Cafe offers large party options:14-20 people at our communal table, with Family Style menu options available.Parites larger than 20 guests require a buy out; prices vary- Please contact the restaurant for more information.Parties of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity.

  • Neighborhood

    Capitol Hill / First Hill

  • Cross street

    Galer

  • Parking details

    Parking is free and usually easy to find

  • Public transit

    Metro bus #10 drops you off two blocks west of us on 15th. And the #12 drops you off two blocks east of us on 19th.

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 86 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. Garrett

    Seattle

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I've always been a fan of brunch at VPC but had not made it in for dinner. We went on a weeknight, so it was fairly quiet and without the hustle and bustle of weekend brunch, which was a nice change. You won't see the counter full of delicious pastries, but the food and service were still amazing. I'll definitely be back!
  2. AnneM

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    If you've been thinking about trying Volunteer Park Café, go for dinner rather than brunch. You can make a reservation on Open Table, so you don't have to stand in a long line or deal with the crowds. Nor do you have to worry about the café running out of your favorite items. At dinner, the place takes on a more civilized, quiet atmosphere. The service is lovely, and the food is interesting, varied, and delicious.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2018

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    My husband wasn’t actually served the meal he ordered but he enjoyed the one he got. I had requested a bd shout out with my reservation. Maybe the restaurant doesn’t actually see those requests? Overall we had a great night! Such a cozy and welcoming environment.
  4. akfooody

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Volunteer Park Cafe is a very quaint, tasty restaurant with wonderful veggie dishes! Ate a wonderful stuff pumpkin dish with creamy polenta — perfect for a rainy, winter date!
  5. BrianW

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Had a great Prix Fixe menu for New Years. 5 courses in total, and all were very nicely done, the duck was especially nice. Dinner in total was almost 3 hours and seemed to go by much faster. I had previously typically only had brunch there but will definitely return for dinner soon.
  6. lucystro

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2017

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    I have been to Volunteer Park many times, but this was the worst service I have had. I am guessing they were unexpectedly short on staff, so I gave them some slack. On top of the insanely slow service, they only had ONE red wine by the glass because they were out of everything else. Again, I usually enjoy this spot, but it has a bummer of a dinner experience. Hoping it was a "one off."
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have eaten there several times and the menu has never let me down. Everything is awesome there! Not too crowded, not too noisy, affordable and quaint.
  8. MaryG

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Love the food and the historical space. Lovely spot to have a great meal.
  9. Phoodie

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We decided to head here for a pizza. It was my busy on a Sunday night and the Brussels sprouts were excellent! The waitress was very attentive and kind. Breakfast is also great here.
  10. ScottS

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    This was for my wife's birthday. We had a great time. There was only one server on at the time we sat down, so it took awhile for us to be greeted, but once our order was taken, timings were back to what's expected. The music went up in volume randomly in the middle of dinner. It was an adjustment, but it did not detract. The food is amazing! Comfort food is probably the best way to describe it. My brisket was some of the best I've had. It came with steamed kale, lightly salted and with garlic, as well as homemade grits, which was buttery and rich. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing spot for dinner. It was not busy, trendy or pretentious. It was a good honest meal; delightful.
  11. JavaJava

    Milwaukee

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Dining at Volunteer Park Cave is always a lovely experience.
  12. TomE

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    love the new heirloom tomato pizza. it was a great addition to the family favorite (prosciutto and arugula)....
  13. CapDiner

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Living on the hill you have many options for food yet we tend to gravitate towards VPC at least a couple times each month. It is your quintessential neighborhood restaurant that has a static menu along with a several seasonal dishes that change over the year. Dinner is my preference but many people look forward to their French toast for brunch or lunch salads. Some of my favorites are the fig flatbread and brisket. I would certainly recommend this place to my peers.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've been coming here for years - we never tire of it, we always look forward to it. Delicious food, creative, original, but never overly fussy. Everyone we've ever encountered on the staff was friendly, cheerful and helpful. This is just a lovely place.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved this place! We walked over from the volunteer park wading pool for an early dinner with our two little kids. The ambiance is comfortable and homey but also feels perfect for a special occasion. We sat on the benches near the window and it was a great nook for our toddler. There were even books and a puzzle for him. The food was outstanding and we loved our waitress.
  16. Jean

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2017

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Honestly not worth the hype (at least for dinner). Good ambiance but small and pricey portions.
  17. Karen

    Seattle

    70 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2017

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    I've been on Capitol Hill for years but this was my first dinner at Volunteer Park Café. Overall, it was fine but no one in our group is anxious to return anytime soon. The pizza was delicious, especially the Bianco, but the rest of the meal was ho-hum. Our caprese salad was expensive and mostly consisted of just cut tomatoes, with just a small dollop of burrata. The desserts were disappointing, especially the peach galette. The drink menu left a lot to be desired, as did our service. I recommend the pizza but maybe just for takeout... sorry.
  18. MaryEllen65

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 5, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The casual atmosphere and friendly ambience paired with the good food and excellent service make this a terrific choice for a cozy and yummy dinner. Have not tried this place for brunch but I bet it is great!
  19. MaryD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2017

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Every time we visit Seattle we like to have dinner at least one evening at Volunteer Park Cafe. We especially like the salads. The ingredients are always so fresh.
  20. pansyollie

    Seattle

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We feel so lucky to have this fantastic neighborhood gem within walking distance of our house. Wonderful food every time. Monthly Sunday suppers are amazing.
  21. RRcrossing

    Denver

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I love Volunteer Cafe for it's warm, neighborhood vibe. The food is always good and the service is personal and professional. The same was true when we went recently. The only drawback was the very limited dinner menu. One of only three main dishes was sold out by 6:15.
  22. JanetS

    Vancouver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2017

    overall2food4service4ambience2
    The occasion was Mother's Day dinner. Two of us ordered the pot pie which was tasty but small for $12 each. The third person ordered the French dip for $16. It was not very tasty and the person was still hungry after eating it. We did not order salad because they were $13 to $14 each, and they were extra. The drinks were around $3 each. Usually restaurants offer rolls or something more, but we got only what we ordered with no frills. The bill was over $53 for that small amount. It was way too expensive for what we got. I will not recommend Volunteer Park Cafe to anyone.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    London

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    This is well worth the trip, as the restaurant is in the heart of a residential area near volunteer park. I sat on my own in the window seat, ate a delicious sausage pizza followed by baked pears and ice cream. Great service and really good value. I'll be returning.
  24. Senior

    Seattle

    34 reviews

    2.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2017

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    The ladies enjoyed their ravioli once it finally arrived. Food was just ok in my opinion... the sausage pizza had about 6 or 7 small pieces of sausage. Service is extremely slow. One wait person handling the whole restaurant. A girl greets and pours the water.
  25. Kayt

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful little spot with delicious food that you tell is made with love! I came here 10 years ago when my daughter was in college and it's still a favorite when I'm in Seattle. They have amazing salads and good vegetarian options.
  26. Aaron

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    For a spot that is always hopping for brunch, I was surprised to find Volunteer Park Cafe so quiet (only one other couple) dinner on a rainy Thursday evening. This was our first dinner here, and we will definitely be back. Everything was delicious, and the service was friendly and attentive. This place is the definition of cozy neighborhood restaurant—every neighborhood should be so lucky to have a Volunteer Park Cafe in its midst.
  27. MySharonna22

    St. Louis

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The atmosphere is cozy and inviting in this neighborhood cafe. The service was excellent and we really enjoyed our meals--the lamb tagine and pot of gold.
  28. antialias

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food as usual. This was our first time trying VPC for dinner and we were not disappointed.
  29. haloosa

    Seattle

    71 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2016

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Went for Dine Around Seattle on a rainy Wed night just before Thanksgiving. Had a salad with poached pear and goat cheese. It was perfect - high-quality ingredients, and so fresh. Followed by the pork on a bed of parsnip puree or something - flavorful and so tender. The dessert, muck-muck, a baked liquid chocolate cake thing, was merely very good, perhaps a little too eggy, and not truly luscious. The place was only a third full, but very cozy on that rainy night
  30. Emma

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food was excellent. I had the roasted pork and my husband had the beef brisket. Both were delicious.
  31. TimTuck

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2016

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Food was good but we felt unwelcome. Place was empty at 7:00. They were cleaning up and preparing to close at 7:30 during Dine Around Seattle specials.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Didn't have the wine that I've had there before and liked, Maison Rouge, :(. Bianco Pizza however made me forgive :).
  33. Kristina

    Seattle

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are VPC regulars because we live one block up, but we have been out of town for a month. It was a treat to be back to neighborhood deliciousness. We had the special pizza with pears and Gorgonzola and the sausage pizza plus a Caesar salad. All were delicious and my spouse just enjoyed the pizza leftovers for lunch.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great casual atmosphere hiding sophisticated menus. Great meal and wine list.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Five of us tried this place for the first time tonight. All five of us loved everything about the experience. They'll be seeing more of us, for sure.
  36. pansyollie

    Seattle

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never a disappointment. Everything we've ever ordered has been fantastic here. We absolutely love having this restaurant in our neighborhood. Erika, the owner does a fantastic job for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We've enjoyed many Sunday Suppers (a set menu once a month or so). Neither of us like leaving town on NY Eve so we've been enjoyed our new tradition of walking up to VPC to celebrate the new year with our neighbors.
  37. JaneD

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great margarita pizza!!! Good prices. Easy atmosphere.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Has stayed one if my fav's since it opened. Highly recommend.
  39. Kristina

    Seattle

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I confess that we are regulars at VPC. Living one block away from such an inviting place that produces such delicious things makes it hard to stay away. Between the five of us we tend to order every single salad on the menu so we get to taste every one. Then we share a pair of pizzas and maybe an entree if we are hungry enough. We love their bruschetta and were a little sad that there wasn't one available on our last visit. Entre wise, the brisket is the best ever. In the dessert category, the chocolate caramel tart is worth every calorie. It's a great place - truly a neighborhood gem.
  40. Teamstrannon

    Seattle

    50 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Always a safe bet and good food

FAQs

Volunteer Park Cafe is rated 4.4 stars by 86 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Galer

  • Neighborhood

    Capitol Hill / First Hill

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner: T-Sa 5:30pm-9:00pm Monthly Sunday Supper -- please check out website

  • Cuisines

    Northwest, Organic, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Parking is free and usually easy to find

  • Public transit

    Metro bus #10 drops you off two blocks west of us on 15th. And the #12 drops you off two blocks east of us on 19th.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Chef Ericka Burke

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (206) 328-3155

  • Catering

    Our Baker can make wonderful Cakes, Bunts, Cookies, Quiches and more!

  • Private party facilities

    Volunteer Park Cafe offers large party options:14-20 people at our communal table, with Family Style menu options available.Parites larger than 20 guests require a buy out; prices vary- Please contact the restaurant for more information.Parties of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity.

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