Matt
Grillbird Phinney is a teriyaki place in Phinney Ridge, being it’s second place outside of West Seattle. It’s easy to get to, although parking can be a pain in this area sometimes. It’s a small shop, with only a few stools to sit at if you eat there. Unfortunately, the plates they give you are bigger than the countertop you eat on, so be careful with your food. Their menu is a good size, and prices are a bit high but portions are big. The food tastes good, especially using their different sauces. Their Mac salad was really good, a staple of many Hawaiian and some teriyaki plates. The staff were friendly. There were ants crawling around the countertop you eat on when we were there, so just be mindful if you don’t take it to go. Overall it’s a decent spot for lunch since there’s no real crowds here, but I’d hit some other local teriyaki spots before here.
… moreAmy Lin
I was really excited about this place as a seasonal health food restaurant, but once inside I found that their menu doesn’t quite match the concept. Unfortunately protein options like teriyaki and katsu aren’t that healthy; the sauces are on the sugary side. They also sell sugary drinks like Hawaiian Sun and Sangaria Royal Milk Tea. Okay, so the restaurant isn’t as health-forward as advertised. That’s okay, but the real issue I have is with the taste, quality, and value.
I’d say my food was no better than Americanized “Asian fusion” cafeteria food. A plate with sides is $24, which sets the bar high for a no frills to-go restaurant catering toward the lunch crowd. I ordered a build-your-own plate with half five spice beef and half katsu over cabbage, with edamame and sesame noodles as sides.
First, the katsu is dark brown, over-fried, with no flavor. It’s crunchy, yes, but the sweet katsu sauce is the only thing giving it flavor.
Second, the five spice beef is traditionally a Chinese dish that braises or stir fries slices of beef. This one was made more like shredded beef Texas bbq, and it’s bland to boot. If there’s five spice powder in here, I certainly couldn’t tell.
The cabbage is green and red cabbage dressed with vinaigrette, so expect a typical American salad with a hint of sesame and citrus.
The sides are unremarkable. I really don’t get the EDAMAME. The taste is confusing because the edamame is seasoned with a ton of spice, so they’re unreasonably spicy on the outside but super bland on the inside. The beans haven’t been shelled so you’re supposed to, what, pick up these cold, moist, seasoned beans up with your fingers? In Japanese cuisine, they are served hot and salted lightly so you don’t get Doritos fingers. In American salad, they’re served cold but shelled so you can eat them with a fork.
Unfortunately Grillbird is just another fusion place trying to make a buck off the mainstreaming of Asian cuisine, but they haven’t done their homework.
… moreJon Ogata
This is my second time dining at Grillbird, first for the (new) Phinney location. This is mainly a take out spot, with limited seating outside. Pro tip: while the wait isn’t terribly long, it’s best to order ahead of time.
I had the chicken katsu plate lunch highly recommend. The mac salad is the best, because they use the right mayo – Best Foods! Being from Hawaii, I can say this is one of the best in town! Will have to try Salad Party next time.
… moreTodd
Good teriyaki and very nice meat to rice ratio. I had the teriyaki and the bam-bam mix supper at the recommendation of staff. Bam-bam is slightly spicy but not overly so.
Good, fast place to get a meal.
… moreDaniel Ecklor
21 minutes for single burger. Order status update screen kept putting later orders ahead of mine, which was very frustrating for such a simple order. No ‘sorry for the wait’ or anything offered. The burger itself was decent. Cucumber salad side was extremely sour pickles, not terrible but so sour that I wouldn’t consider it a salad and very one note. Mac salad was pretty neutral tasting and nothing special. Might give it another shot for the teriyaki but wow ordering way ahead is necessary here.
… moreAnthony Braley
I got the 5 spice beef, and it was gone in 10 minutes. Which speaks to the quality considering the big portion sizes. My coworkers got the chicken sandwich and el jefe sandwich. We all agree that the food is surprisingly flavorful.
The staff was friendly, thoughtful and considerate as well. I picked up my order while in a rush, because onsite parking is tricky, but even with an oversight to get all my food, the staff was beyond understanding and helpful. Next I’ll order catering to try more of their food with the rest of my office.
… morekatie perkins
I have eaten at Grillbird and Salad Party at least 7 times since it opened on Phinney Ridge. Today I had a salad with Salmon. The salmon was cooked perfectly (just like last time). Usually I eat the entire salad but today I decided to save some to bring in for lunch tomorrow. My teenage son had Chicken Katsu which he loved. I love this place.
… moreJoel Horn
First time at Grillbird…it was special 🙂 We had the chicken and the beef (we wanted salmon but it was sold out). We loved them. And we also loved the sides especially the cucumbers. The serving size was too big for us so we will probably ordered one meal for two people…but that’s a positive, we will have great leftovers tomorrow for lunch..
… moreNatalie
Food was delicious, full of flavor, and fresh! Chicken was amazing, bok choy was fire, and cucumbers yummy! It’s nice to see a place that has bok choy. One of my favorite veggies. It was very clean and easy to use screens to order. Will be back!
… moreKelsey Foreman
The tofu + cauliflower combo is fire. I don’t know any other teriyaki-style place that puts this much thought and effort into a vegetarian / vegan protein. It’s so good.
The healthy version of me loves the shaved cabbage base, but also.. bring back the lo mein noodles please! ❤️
… more