Green Leaf
Seattle, WA 98104-3002
Phone: (206) 340-1388
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Jackson Street
- Specialties:
- Cheap Eats
- Best of Citysearch:
- Vietnamese Food 2007, Vietnamese Food 2006
- Hours:
- Daily 10:30am-10pm
Editorial Review for Green Leaf – by Jill Lightner
The Scene
Snug and often crowded, there's not much privacy on offer at this bustling International District restaurant. The décor is a step up from the average pho joint, but is still casual enough that it's not embarrassing to show up in workout clothes. Heavy ceramic bowls add welcome elegance, but bumping elbows with the next table happens frequently during lunch and dinner rushes. Multi-lingual servers are highly efficient, and work to accommodate everyone equally.
The Food
Equally appealing for a quick pho fix or a multi-course meal, this spot offers a wide range of possibilities. Well-crafted fresh rolls come built around fat prawns or firm tofu and a surprisingly crunchy centerpiece. Their lightnes leaves plenty of room for a refreshing green mango salad or beefy bowl of pho; the addition of brisket enriches the broth while adding minimal grease. Expect plenty of fresh herbs with almost every dish; if extra heat is desired, ask for a bowl of chili paste.
Hits: The menu variety is much larger than the majority of inexpensive Vietnamese places in town; this is a great spot to try new dishes or hunt down hard-to-find favorites.
Misses: During peak dining hours, narrow aisles are nearly impossible to navigate for strollers and wheelchairs, and noise can become a major factor as well.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe restaurant offers the "Special 7 Courses of Beef" for two for under $20 if you and your companion are indecisive and feeling especially carnivorous.
When to GoTo have the best chance of beating the worst of the crowds, start lunch before 11:30, and start dinner after 8pm.
Where to SitThe most privacy is available at the tables tucked into the alcove on the south side of the restaurant. During quieter times, the tables next to the windows have the most pleasant lighting.
What to DrinkA crisp Vietnamese lager matches well with most dishes, as do the sweet-tart flavors of fresh lemonade or tamarind soda
The ExtrasTheater off Jackson is just around the block, and offers a great mix of independent theater shows.
User Reviews for Green Leaf
04/24/2008 Posted by minnowtech
FYI foodluver238, besides pho, most Vietnamese food is not served hot. All dishes served with vermicelli noodles will be served at room temperature, like salad. One of the reasons why Vietnamese food is so light and refreshing!
04/23/2008 Posted by foodluver238
I have heard good things about this place, but it turned out horrible when I went there. The waitress was no help to my family and I. We had to get up and ask for help when they weren't so busy at that time. The food took forever to come and when it did it was cold. I do not recommend this place to anyone unless they want to have a bad time.
