« Magnolia, Seattle Restaurants

I have eaten at Serendipity's at least 5 times and they have the best breakfasts, coffee, and sandwiches. Their menu items tend to be on the healthy side and are very, very flavorful! There is a cute little play area in the back for toddlers. I eat there every time I stay in Magnolia.

Great capuchino and latte. Nice place to have breakfast or lunch, though the quality is hit-and-miss indeed. Yes, there are a lot of kids around, but I for one actually like that (even if I'm not taking my kid). Nice staff.

This place has below average service, at best.

Jennifer is the best looking waitress in Magnolia.

the menu is boring.

two lunches - mediocre; one breakfast, acceptable.

dinner does not entice me. the thought of dining with kids turns my stomach. and no liquor is a turnoff. (if there is gonna be kids, there has got to be booze.) and the menu is boring.

I did not have a good exp. there...it looked really dirty walking around in there and that took away my app.

Like everyone else in the neighborhood, we were eagerly anticipating the opening of this place. We wanted, really needed, for it to be good.

I think we've probably eaten there 3 times or so, and the first time was for breakfast. Let's see, I was pregnant at the time, so I had to order my eggs scrambled and cooked all the way through (which I made sure to politely emphasize). Sadly, this did not happen and they had to be sent back to be fixed. The bacon that came with my breakfast was WAY overcooked and brittle to the point of nearly cracking a tooth. I asked (politely, as always, lots of "please" and "thank-you's") if it might be possible to exchange it for some slightly less brittle bacon. When the (now hassled) waitress (owner?) returned, she put down a couple slices of ham (?), suggesting that maybe this was a better option for me. She left before I could offer any protest (which I wasn't planning on, because at this point my spousal equivalent and I were just laughing at the whole experience), at which point I turned my attention to my toast, which unfortunately was still as cold as when it had first arrived, and thoughtfully (not) served with freezing cold packaged butter pats.

The only thing that made the whole meal not be a total loss was the fact that we had a two-for-one coupon. Because at $10 a plate for that kind of "dining experience" YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.

The other time or two we went there they didn't really mess anything up, but it was so steadfastly mediocre I simply MUST refuse to return. And they can keep their dumb, germ-ridden kiddie play area.

I like the kids area and need the kids area. We rarely go out for a meal because of our little ones and love that they have a place for them to play. The food could be better, but since I get a break from having to make breakfast, I will return.

Great place to grab coffee and catch up with friends. Also, their burger and fries beats The Pub hands down.

Beating "The Pub" is not setting the bar very high at all. The Pub food is also awful.

I've been to Serendipity a few times and it's been very hit or miss. Twice, the food was amazing. I loved the breakfast burrito the first time I had it. The next time I ordered it, it was a completely different dish and not good at all. And the description on the menu didn't at all match what was actually in it. The third time I had the breakfast burrito, it was better, but still nothing like the first time. And again, it was made up totally different. Also, for a very long time, they had their old (cheaper) prices posted outside the door while they were no longer honoring them. I think they finally changed out that menu after we had mentioned it twice.

The last time I was there, I got drip coffee with my breakfast and it was undrinkable. And I'm not a coffee snob by any means. It was just crazy bitter like someone had measured out way too much to brew and then let it sit on the burner forever.

Service has varied from OK to really not too good. Not just serving time and such, but also professionalism of the staff.

I don't mind the kids so much as long as their parents can KEEP THEM IN THE PLAY AREA. Just because they have an awesome play area in the restaurant doesn't mean that it's OK to just let your kids run laps around the tables where people are dining. That's not acceptable in sit down restaurants without a play area, so I don't see why having a play area makes people think it's okay to let their kids act like hooligans. Duh, that's the purpose of the play area. To keep them happy and not running around like maniacs.

I really want to like this place and I want it to do well, but there are definitely changes that need to be made. Starting with a new cook and new menus that actually state *exactly* what is in the food instead of a rough approximation.

Sounds like you should eat at home.

I think all of my complaints were legitimate.

I'm sure. That's why you would be happier at home.

Yes, and I haven't been back since. But I'm sure the owners appreciate feedback.

According to http://www.decadeonline.com/main.phtml?agency=skc, at last surprise health inspection this restaurant got 20 points, with 1 high risk violation.

nice food but way too many kids... cant hold an adult conversation due to the child noise.

Serendipity Cafe is just what Magnolia needs! I go there with my kids and it's great. I can sip my perfect morning coffee while my toddler entertains herself in the play area. The food is delicous! My personal favorite is the chicken ceasar salad! It's so good and for all you people who are nit picking at the cafe, just give it a chance! Every restaurant makes mistakes in the orders. I love their gelato so much. Their coffee is better than starbucks! Don't choose name brand coffee over what's better!

Oh my god, your post totally changed my opinion of Serendipity!

Oh wait, no it didn't. It's weird how many people have written positive reviews of Serendipity (with extra punctuation marks cause they're so excited!) that have never reviewed any other restaurants in Magnolia. Look at reviews of most restaurants and you usually see familiar names. 14 of the 18 positive reviews here are by people (like you "Viv_S"!) that apparently don't eat anywhere else in the village and/or have no opinions about the food anywhere else. So even if you do exist and aren't 8 other people as well, there's no basis for me to have any respect for your opinions of quality dining.

Or Serendipity must just be that much cooler than everywhere else, and attract only customers with the same writing styles.

Emjay? I didn't say nuthin"!
It does appear though, that Ron, Mag Biz, John, Joe, christine, and suzies mom all agree with me, some even more vehemently!

Wow! you people are crazy not like this place. How many restaurants are kid friendly like that! And what do you expect! I would like to see you all try to tun a busy restaurant and make every meal com eout on time and perfect! Also, everyone likes things a diffrent way! So, if you didn't like the salad you got, try a sandwich or something! Besides, the gelato is so good and way less expensive than coco and cream! If you don't like the amazing gelato, then you people can just get your desert at the gas station! You uptight people have fun with living on subway and pizza! I agree with Micheal! Emjay... go find another place to bag on!

I love this place. Jen and Nannette are so great. You always feel welcome and they know us by name. Having owned a restaurant before you should never judge a place before giving them time to work out the "kinks" Give them a break they haven't even been opened a year. They are definently getting it together. You try opening a place and putting all your money and time into it and then you can talk!

I really wanted to see this place do well because Magnolia needed more "everyday" dining establishments. Like others previously stated - mediocre food at higher than needed prices coupled with poor service.

When they first opened I did speak to the owner about the poor/amatuer service and the overpriced chicken sandwich (2 small slivers of chicken on plain white bread with no condiments) and inedible side potato salad (undercooked boiled potatoes with no seasoning - only celery). I was very diplomatic and emphasized that I was bringing it to her attention because I wanted to see them do well in our neighborhood and thought she should know. Was very disappointed with her reaction - she became defensive and thought I just wanted my bill reduced. I then asked her if she had even tasted the food she was serving (esp the potatoe salad) and she said NO. I suggested that she go back to the kitchen and try to potato salad before serving it to anyone else. Next thing I see, her bringing another sandwich out to another patron with the same inedible potatoes on the plate! She just chose to ignore my suggestion. Number one rule in restaurants, never serve anything that you have not tried first. Each time I walk through the village and consider trying it again, I keep walking by as I'd rather give my money to a business that really tries to do the right thing.

I really want to like this place. I have been about 5 times with the last 3 times getting only the Gelato that is yummy! The food is not too great, but I hear there is a new chef? Hmmm, might give it one more go. I think the reason I don't really like it is because Magnolia is a friendly neighborhood with friendly people and I expect that with my dinner as well. The service is nothing to write home about. I don't mind the kids, but it is a little distracting. How do they actually get their kids to eat. Don't worry I was in the same boat 5 years ago (my son is now 11) and I think it was good I never let him play at the table. He is there to eat at dinner not play. Now If I can get that PS2 out of his hand while we wait?

Pretty darn bad. I won't go there again. Overpriced food, bad service, and random kids running around the kitchen area. That can't be safe, or sanitary. It's also a strange layout inside. I'm not quite sure why, but something just doesn't feel right inside.

Totally agree with you, Joe. My wife and I stopped in for breakfast one weekday morning. Food was overpriced. Service was sub-par -- had to ask for coffee refills and get up and get my own salt and pepper, yet the wait staff had plenty of time to chat with the visiting mothers and their kids.

Seems like a great spot for mothers and their kids, but not for someone ducking in for a good, quick meal at a decent price.

I won't go back. Ever.

I'm hoping Jenn & Nanette get things ironed out. It took a boatload of money to get the place up and running. I've been there 4 times...twice for breakfast and twice for lunch, and all 4 times the service was less than what it should be. The food so- so...not even "real good" for the prices they are asking. The wait time to get the food to your table borders on agony, especially if you're hungry, and you sit there staring and wondering how much longer it will be. There was no apology, and no updates on what day we might get our lunch. I'm not crazy about a play area within the restaurant walls. The ear piercing screams are a bit much from the toddlers and I will have to say that I would never go back. Why should I?...so so food that is on the higher price side with terrible service. I think its the service that sticks in my saddle. There is absolutely no excuse for lousy or bad service in this economy, and from people who I have talked to in Magnolia, I'm not alone.
John

Wow, emjay, I am trying to go after you. I think rather that the Magnolia Voice is a great tool for people to use to voice opinions and as such I have done so. I just felt yours to be rather harsh. That's all. I have no other affiliations to any other bloggers and am not out to argue with you, rather I would like to just go on and let you have your opinion and I will have mine.

Cheers,
M

Hmmm, Michael.. “I have also read your responses all over the Magnolia Voice and it seems that you go back and forth...” ???

I'm glad that you are following my postings, but I don't understand your comment: I’ve said that I disagree with the BAT lanes on Elliott and on the plans to reduce capacity on Nickerson. I voiced my opinion (seconded by others) that, while I thought the food at Serendipity was tasty, I thought the portions were small for the price, and I thought it was inappropriate for kids to be going behind the counter into the food service areas. Hardly back and forth, hardly sour; I'm not sure if they were negative comments, or simply my personal, hopefully objective, observations.

If anyone’s a misanthropist (yeah, there’s an h in it), that would be you, attacking the opinions of others, just cuz they don’t match your own.

You’ve certainly posted negative opinions - “terrible,” “awful,” “worst” - on at least a couple of different restaurants, but that's OK?

BTW, there’s a second person using the ‘emjay’ moniker; I’m guessing that’s you? The postings always seem to coincide with other “Michael” postings. (Moderators, can you confirm that?)Darcy seems to be on the same schedule as you too.
(Sybil, is that you?)

you have serious problems!

Patrick, Id pay $8.50 for a breakfast burrito as long as it was served by Jenn!!!!

Well said Michael!!

Wow, emjay, I reread all the other remarks and the majority of them enjoy the children friendly area. Its the misantropic responses such as yours, that we make fun of. I have also read your responses all over the Magnolia Voice and it seems that you go back and forth, kinda like John Kerry the Flip Flopper, like a fish at the Market. You are just a sour person, and I am glad you do not frequent Serendipity, as it makes it much more enjoyable for the rest of us!

Well, now they've raised the price of the breakfast burrito to 6.50 and no longer have breakfast sandwiches for 4.50. The burrito was very good. But, removing items under 5.00 (including their oatmeal) has taken them off our Sunday agenda. Yes, I suppose we are cheap, but we eat out both days on the weekend, and don't want to spend for a full breakfast both days.

It was good, and the waitress was awesome, but we'll have to find another place (which is tough because I don't care for pastries in morning). Too bad.

I like going there because Jenn is so cute!!!!

We like the breakfast burrito. It's about 5.00, which is a great price if you don't want to spend on a full breakfast.

Seems like great neighborhood option for people with younger kids.

Hey Michael, Jaye, and bananas . .
Where are your smarta$$ remarks to the other posters that have the same impressions / experiences that I had?

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The play area is a total life saver for those of us with toddlers.

The service has been acceptable, but not stellar. The food is good and made from quality ingredients. I might even say it was worth the price, except that on more than one occasion I've been served a dish that clearly had been refrigerated and then incompletely reheated. It's annoying to pay those prices for something that's cold in the center. (To be fair, I've never complained about it.)

Unfortunately, they've got me over a barrel with the kids area. It's this or McDonald's if I want to take my kids somewhere where they can burn off a little energy while we have a somewhat less hasty meal than usual.

I haven't tried the 5 for 5 menu yet, but it sounds like it could be a good deal for a family eating out. I hope the new chef works out to. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I have tried this place three times and want so bad for it to be good as we don't have enough restaurants in the village. We have kids but were distracted a bit by some running and grabbing the owners while we waited 30-40 minutes to get a sandwich. very little tuna salad on soggy bread and no apologies for the wait. it was "to go" and no water or anything while we waited. hope it gets better, and cheaper

I think this is a great family resturant with really good fresh food. For a 'family freindly' area Magnolia really has limited choices when it comes to dining - thankful for this establishment

New chef, "Five for Five" (five dishes, five wines, all $5) after 3pm, and really, really good food....fun and tasty!

Not a fan....tried it several times for lunch and dinner and was disappointed. Gelato is ok but not worth the price

Not many prawns in the prawn salad. Can see the kids running between dining area and food prep area when walking past - I'd never eat inside the restaurant, I got the salad to go. Despite only having 4 prawns, the salad tasted pretty good. But overpriced.

We visited a few times and had salads, sandwiches and some soup. It was pretty good, and it's a friendly, layed-back place to sit down. Nice for kids and parties.

This place is a major disappointment. Food mediocre, service spotty, prices too high.

Ker, Kindlyh sent! Don't leave us hanging here. What (more) were you expecting? Babysitting? (ain't gonna' happen - they'd need a child care license). Cheap food? (stay home, cook and clean up your own dishes - no offense - it's just part of enjoying someone else's culinary expertise and personal pampering). They can't fix what they don't know about so please do let them know.We love the place and eat there any time we get a chance.

Jenn - I was really expecting something more.

happy halloween people! Go to serendipity and other places in the village to go trick or treating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love serendipity!

emjay im sure that kids are running around and making your food but it was great food and i like my meatloaf that way.when i went there was no kids running around the whole time .im sure that you are right emjay?have a happy halloween emjey.................. not!!!!!!!!!

There chicken caesers salad is so good! Everyone should try there pumpkin gelato! Its the best!

I love serendipity cafe. There food is fantastic and their gelato is so good! Its a perfect place for getting homework done and eating good food that is healthy. Magnolia needed a place like that where people can go and feel comfortable. Wether your a mom with her child, a family looking for a good casual place to eat, or a couple wanting to enjoy a nice dinner. No matter what serendipity is just what magnolia needed! So quite up emjay!

I haven't been. I've heard the food is overpriced and not very good. I'll wait until I hear the food is good from someone I know. Then I'll try it. Until then, calm down everyone. Both sides are making me not want to go.

John, less you forget, regardless of Serendipity's proximity to the almighty Starbucks, all places that serve food, including the Village Pub - next door to Tullys - have coffee on their menu. While Starbucks and Tullys barely serve food ,and what they do serve is not made on the premises, with the exception of Serendipity's fabulous breads and pastries - which are contracted from places like the Macrina Bakery (I asked) , the Serendipity chefs are the behind-the-scenes cooks and "the hosts with the most", as far as we're concerned, for all their fare.

Emjay, you'll be happy to hear that all those "children belonging to the staff " ... who were "running all over the place" (or so you grumped) were merely cheap day labor hired to stomp the grapes for their excellent Chardonnay. Frankly, we didn't see displaced or disruptive kids anywhere on any of our visits.

We love the place and have been there often with our own children. If they had their way, they'd go there every single day. The food, the atmosphere, and the staff are great! The Angel Hair Pasta with Grilled Lemon Chicken is a "must have" and don't even think about leaving without having a dish of pumpkin gelato. It puts a new spin on the word "Yum-kin!".

Emjay, PHONE HOME ... GO HOME and then ... STAY THERE.

At LAST!!!! A barista who knows her stuff! I haven't had such a wonderful coffee from any of the "Corporate Coffee" houses.....Magnolia break your daily habit of the usually daily grind and try Serendipity out! Also, the weekend breakfast, just wake the kids, take them in their jammies and enjoy yourself while they play. I love the casual atmosphere with the kids play. Takes a load off my shoulders to be able to enjoy a meal and keep my kids occupied!

I love this place! We are here all the time. The Thomas Hammer Coffee is the best I've ever had. Kim their barista makes the best latte in town! Kudos for the Macrina Baked treats. Rachel should try their regular coffee not white coffee.

emjay - I am sure they were running all over the place, in the back, in the kitchen, they probably even made your food, climbing everywhere. I am sure it is like that every day. Yep, you aren't over the top at all. You tell it like it is don't you emjay, no exaggerating whatsoever!

I will keep Serendipity for myself and you can go eat at a Library or somewhere stuffy, just the way you like it!

Sincerely,

Mikey

Seems like a nice place, and I love that they have gelato. But that said, my only experience with Serendipity was the worst coffee drink in my life. I don't consider myself a picky person, but the "Steel Magnolia" (latte with hazelnut I think??) was the first coffee I ever voluntarily left on the table after only two sips.

Funny . . . our kids were sitting in the booth with us, so I hardly think we were thinking "only of ourselves . . . " Kids in the play area are one thing, kids running all over the place, including in the food prep areas, just doesn't make for a pleasurable dining experience. Coupled with the too high prices for the too small portions, you can have Serendipity all to yourself, Mikey!

Wow, what a great place for families! They need more restaurants that have an area for kids to play in so parents can enjoy their meals as well. And I welcome more people like Emjay to not frequent this establishment as we need less people in the communities that think only of themselves.

I had a meatlove sandwich that tasted very good. Too bad the meatloaf was 1/4" thick and only covered 50% of the too thin bread. Not nearly worth the price. Too high prices combined with all the kids (belonging to the staff?) running around convinced us to never return. Too bad, the Village needs more spots to dine.

Who measures there meatloaf sandwhich!?!!! That is just weird.
Oh ya ya and you mispelled meatloaf wrong! meatlove!

One who cannot spell "their" correctly has no business appointing herself as a volunteer member of the spelling police.

The Best part of this place is the fact that the guy doing the market analysis for Serendipity signed off on putting a Cafe across the street from a Tulley's and a Starbucks. Are coffee profits that high that cafe's are resorting to try and steal the overflow from Tulley's (which has a philosophy of trying to steal SBUX's overflow)? Or did this guy just not his java that morning? Hmmmmmm?
Things that make you go, Hmmmmm?