Skillet Diner - Seattle

[c oliver]

http://skilletstreetfood.com/diner.php

We just returned from Seattle and had a memorable lunch at Skillet Diner in Capitol Hill. I understand from our SIL that it's a "hipster" place and it was definitely lively. They used to operate out of an Airstream trailer and just recently moved into these digs. Onstreet parking can be difficult but after eating here you'll want to walk it off :) Bussing would be better.

We shared the seared pork belly with waffle and two eggs and maple syrup and it was outstanding. Puts the old standby chicken and waffles to shame. Also had their "Bacon Jam Bloody Mary." Neither of us could taste bacon but it was a perfect BM, spicy but not too. We ogled other's food and the fried chicken "sammie" (hat the word but they call it that) and the chicken salad sandwich looked awfully good. With family in Seattle, we're up somewhat regularly and this will definitely be added to our must visit list.

[kaleokahu]

Hi, c oliver;

I like this place, too. I've only been there twice (just lunch), but both times were good.

This may just be me, but Skillet comes off to me as being a little too *special* for the quality and price of the food. It certainly has been amply buzzed and hyped, about as much as gleefully "heart attack" food can be. The place isn't out-and-out ostentatious, but for me something isn't quite right about it.

Have you tried Jules Maes or The Five Point for local flavor with history?

Aloha,
Kaleo

[c oliver]

Hi Kaleo,

Hadn't even heard of those two. JM's website wouldn't let me open the menu.

I didn't get that vibe about SD. It just seemed lively. There was a real mix of customers, they were busy but it wasn't frantic. I'll have to revisit (dang!) and look at it through your eyes :)

[kaleokahu]

You should try Maes. They claim to be the oldest continuously operated saloon in Seattle. I particularly like their chicken fried steak in sherry gravy, and their Lamb Burger. I donated the javalina head mount that hangs on the wall.

The 5-Point is a slummy little institution slinging food just as good as Skillet. Great place to nurse a hangover and watch people watching people nursing hangovers.

Aloha,
Kaleo

[c oliver]

Both sound like JUST our kinda place :) The divier the better! And CFS and lamb burgers are two of our faves. Thanks, Kaleo

[GreenYoshi]

For me, at least, the word is "overrated"

Skillet, both the truck and the diner, is a nice spot doing some pretty good food. It was GREAT when they were just an airstream slinging hearty, creative dishes in the back alleys of pre-Amazon South Lake Union.

Now after the adulation and the hype, they are what they always have been, just treated as if it were one of the best places in Seattle, which they just aren't.

[c oliver]

Hi GY,

I don't have enough to compare it to. But in these times, I love it when any business can prosper. Win-win :)

[jillsea85]

I agree. SOooo over it

[c oliver]

See, I'm not into 'flavor of the month' places. I just thought what we had to eat was really tasty.

[venice4504]

I concur. Last weekend we went to the new Armory at the Seattle Center and lunched at Skillet. The burger was bleh and waaay too much bacon jam/whatever. The fries were good though...but they were fries.

[DiggyK]

It's probably not THE best restaurant in Seattle but I find it consistently good. Plus hey it's my local cheap eats so I'll be happy once it slows down a bit and it's easier to get a table.

[bonlee]

It's a fun place with very good comfort food. We were there last year, but we likely won't have time for a revisit during our upcoming September visit.