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    The Wayward Cafe

    4.2 (892 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Wayward Cafe Photos

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    THE WAYWARD CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Vegan Reuben and Asian fried chyken
    Starla C.

    I used to love this place, good service friendly staff and 100 percent vegan food. Now, they have reintroduced meat/dairy into their menus which is so unfortunate for the vegan community. I always thought the variety of food and portions were worth it, but I unfortunately do not think I will be going back since they aren't a real vegan joint anymore. The staff is still friendly but I've always had an issue with waiting at the door or being seated, and ordering. The place is completely empty and it would still take a while for someone to even seat us and then to also order, the food always comes pretty quick tho! I would say try this place for yourself if you still want good vegan food, you may have a good or bad experience‍

    The Chico Vegan Melt and side of fries.
    Will L.

    We were out running errands and it was nearing lunchtime. We saw Wayward Vegan as we were driving by and decided it was where we needed to stop. So glad we did! We puzzled over the menu for the while. There are a lot of burger and sandwich options. The burgers were all Beyond Meat, which we're not big fans of, so we skipped all of them (why don't they make their own patties, like some vegan restaurants do?). We focused on their sandwiches, which were all quite expensive. I say that now because when they arrived, the portions were huuuuuuge! As in, we had plenty for lunch the next day. So, honestly, not so expensive, given the portions. I ordered the TLTA (Tempeh Lettuce Tomato Avocado) (for $18.35), and my girlfriend ordered the Chico Vegan Melt (for $19.75). They were so delicious, as were the fries that came with them. As noted earlier, the portions were very large, so we took half the sandwiches home with us. The place is open with plenty of seats. But it was busy on a Sunday, so most of the seats were taken. We were able to get a table upstairs pretty quickly. Our food was served promptly once ordered. My girlfriend, who is vegetarian, really liked the place, as did I. We'll certainly be back.

    Hillbilly Omelet, sandwich
    Andrew H.

    Probably the best vegan restaurant I've ever tried. I completely forgot that eggs are not vegan and was fully convinced my omelette had eggs because the texture was so convincing. The fillings also tasted meaty too in the best way possible. If I was vegan, I think I would have to eat here everyday. The portion sizes are also pretty generous too, especially the sandwiches. The fries were also crispy yet soft on the inside.

    Allen W.

    My immediate first thought when i entered this spot was that it is prestine! Like as soon as you walk inside you feel how clean the environment is from the floors to the table. Even my silverware and glasses were spotless. The immediate relief entering this environment just brings me so much joy. My server Yureli was incredible! She is the epitome of stellar customer service. Her thoughtfulness cheer and consideration is single-handedly the reason why I can't wait to come back to visit. I am not sure if they are a minority owned business but it was so refreshing seeing so many Hispanic and Latino people inside of the space. This is especially critical, considering all of the stereotypes associated with veganism. Furthermore, they all had exceptional customer service and should all be recognized for such. Now for the part that I'm sure you all have been waiting for. Let me just start off by saying for starters I stumbled across this place on HappyCow and from the moment I tried them. This was all I ate for the remainder of my vacation. their menu is packed with a plethora of options from breakfast, which is served until 3 PM to lunch, which includes sandwiches and wraps and dinner which begins at 3 PM their wide variety allows them to have something for anyone. I have listed the items to below that I have the chance to try with a small rating and parentheses Pancake combo (9.5 / 10) Side Caesar salad (8/10) Fiesta crunch wrap (9/10) BBQ burger (7.6 /10) Possible drawbacks: - lt was honestly so cold (as someone who is never cold) it felt like I was practically eating outside. I attribute it to the building style. - it is just a tablet expensive which is to be expected with vegan options. But what one might consider is less entrées and more appetizers and or a happy hour.

    Mac Daddy Burger
    Jim M.

    Great variety available for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and it's all vegan. Lot's of comfort foods like meatloaf, pasta, and burgers. I tried out the Mac Daddy Burger thinking that it would be like a McDonald's Big Mac. The 2 burgers in it were more like Quarter Pounder sized and it was huge! Great food and I'll be back for more!

    Chicken fried steak, Belgian waffle, juevos rancheros, mango mimosas
    Alaina M.

    I think it's important to note that neither my partner or I are vegan, however I AM allergic to dairy & eggs. I tend to choose vegan options when I go out to be on the safe side because, well, I like to breathe! Most restaurants have a lackluster vegan option added as an afterthought or can adjust menu items, but it's hard to trust since dairy likes to sneak it's way into things... Including champagne! So the Wayward Vegan is perfect, because I know I can eat ANYTHING without worrying. The mango mimosas were divine, country fried steak was delicious, I've been dreaming of the Belgian waffle for the last month, and my normie, egg-eating husband ate all of his juevos rancheros. Looking forward to visiting again to try more of the menu!

    Front entrance sign
    Marcus S.

    Came here at the behest of my friend who is vegan. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the place is and how good the food is. Put in an order for take which took about 10 minutes. So, what was in the bag - "Hot Hunny Drumsticks" - "wings", celery, side of ranch. A little chewy, not hot which is sort of deceptive but good, sweet flavor. Along with that was the "Mac Daddy burger" - two patties, house sauce, lettuce, pickle, onion, and "cheeze". I was thoroughly impressed with this burger. It doesn't fully taste like a burger-burger, but it had a great grilled flavor, and the sauce added to that. It was also a decent size (which I appreciate given its price), but really, some burger spots the patty is disappointingly small or is more fixins than burger. The menu here is huge, with many options including breakfast and near me so I could see giving it another go here.

    Mexican Burrito from breakfast menu
    Ken M.

    Enjoyed the plentiful Mexican Burrito for breakfast. Saved the other half to go. Service was friendly and attentive from this apparently family-owned business. The corner location provides a good view of passersby outside.

    Three Stack Pancakes with Vegan Sausage
    Andy N.

    Wayward Vegan had been closed for dine-in for nearly three years and I haven't had the heart to visit unless it was to eat there since visiting Seattle. Finally their dining room has reopened and it was worth the wait. This is one of the BEST vegan restaurants in town and one where anyone can really enjoy, especially if they like some comfort food. From classic brunch items to burgers, this place really has it all. My partner and I split the 3-stack Pancakes special with vegan sausage and egg, and he got the California Crunch Wrap with them fries. I selected the choc chip pancakes and they were so chocolatey and fluffy that it was hard to finish! Generous portions all around and worth sharing. The vegan sausage wasn't anything exciting but everything else was top notch. The fries... we MUST talk about the spuds. Some of the best I've had. Get a basket if your meal doesn't already come with a batch. The wrap itself was massive and delicious too. If you're able to get a seat on the top floor, definitely do so. The views from above are nice to people watch while enjoying your food. I am ready to come back here whenever because they are just so good. Definitely visit if you're in town.

    Sunset Omelet, no onions

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    The Wayward Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Wayward Cafe

    Eureka!

    Eureka!

    4.0
    (1.1k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Casual dining

    5 star experience at Eureka! Our server Zed was very kind, calm, and attentive without ever being…read moreoverbearing, which made the whole meal feel easy and relaxed. I got the Fresno Fig Burger with fries since that is my go to, and it never misses. Other times i'll get their fish tacos. The fresno fig burger is consistently flavorful with the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and the fries come out hot and well seasoned every time. Service overall is quick, accurate, and genuinely kind. They check in just enough to make sure everything is good without interrupting the meal, which I really appreciate. Overall, it is one of those spots where everything runs smoothly and the food and service are consistently reliable.

    Located in U village, shopping mall next to UW campus…read more Hate to give bad reviews but we ordered HH appetizer and water and the appetizer came before our waitress came to greet us and take our order. At least someone came to let us know it was happy hour and that we could order something. It was also one of the worst burgers I've had in my life so dry no taste and texture of cardboard. I ordered it medium and my friend had hers medium rare and she said hers was really dry and horrible too. Had to ask for more water. Quite disappointed as it was my last meal in Washington before heading home and the burger was $20! Would not recommend this spot. We should've gone to dinner tai fung or also saw shake shack after I left. Sound was also really loud. Seatings were close so the people sitting next to us (facing us) bar type seating connected to tables could probably hear everything we talked about.

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    Eureka!
    Eureka!
    Eureka!

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    JOEY U-Village

    JOEY U-Village

    3.9
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$

    Joey never lets us down. Tried to go to DTF first to celebrate the almost end of school but it was…read morea 2-hour wait so we went to Joey's instead. Always consistent, great service and waited less than 10 minutes for a table. Service was great with my 8-year old recommended a kids burger instead of the full price adult version. So nice! I always get the fish tacos with fries and am never disappointed. We go to all the Joey locations - Southcenter, Bellevue, UV and we always get a consistent and good meal.

    Service was exceptional. Nice touch with a little bubbly to welcome you in. Eclectic menu to choose…read morefrom and some nice options both in food and drinks. Nice that they have regular test, low test and no test drinks depending on how much alcohol you want. Food was very tasty, we had the lobster pasta and the fajitas. The tortillas were very flimsy so messy but still nice flavor and good amount of food.. started with the hummus which is what I was told to try there and yes a creative hummus plate... which brings me to the only hiccup... The chef gets creative at times and apparently edamame is in season so randomly added to the hummus even though not on the menu. Found out half way through then had to verify what beans they were and couldn't eat rest of dish. Server was awesome about it and wasn't a problem but if you have any allergies be aware the menu MAY not be exact so make sure you ask if there are any "enhancements" if you have any known issues. Overall highly recommend.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Lobster and Shrimp Tacos
    Lobster and Shrimp Tacos
    Love the combo

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    Love the combo
    The Greenwood American Bistro

    The Greenwood American Bistro

    4.4
    (80 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Solid romantic dinner spot in the Greenwood area serving modern American, as the name suggests. We…read morewent on a Wednesday and it was not busy - just walk in (even though we made a reservation to be safe, they never asked). We got their signature sugarkelp pita and the salmon bowl. Overall, I would come back just for the sugarkelp pita because the other dishes are quite overpriced for what you get. The sugarkelp pita, as the name suggests, is a bit sweet and has seaweed. The umami and sweetness just works perfectly and the dip of carrot shmoo and salsa macha is addictingly good. The salmon bowl is a glorified rice bowl / bibimbap-like where you can make the bowl complete by mixing everything. The salmon is quite tender and fresh, but outside of that, for $36 it is quite steep, especially since the salmon is very tiny Service is okay - there is a lack of attention with water refills spilling the table and when I paid my card, the server placed the card directly on top of some food dropped in the table... but requests are fulfilled and food comes out at a relatively fast pace.

    Came for HH right when they opened so we were the only ones here but more folks walked in later…read more Service was good. Staff friendly. Food was good and complimentary popcorn a plus. Happy hour prices decent. Parking probably hard since it's street parking and right on 85th but we walked since we are close. A nice place for date night.

    Photos
    Bistro steak plate! Best potatoes ever. Steak was nicely cooked.
    Bistro steak plate! Best potatoes ever. Steak was nicely cooked.
    Beef tartare. Taste better than it looks.
    Beef tartare. Taste better than it looks.
    Hazelnut dessert.

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    Hazelnut dessert.
    Cafe on the Ave

    Cafe on the Ave

    3.0
    (548 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I really like this place. Solid food, good portions, and a menu with a surprising variety of…read moredelicious stuff to choose from. It's like a really good diner, and the best at carby, fatty student comfort food: kimchi fried rice, eggs benny, hot drinks in big mugs, Red Bull sodas, and a long plate of rose tteokbokki to share. You can study/work from open to close, stay fed, and use the bathroom as needed. The staff has great taste in music. It's the kind of place you'll miss when you move away. Docking one star bc twice now, I've had some rando [choice expletive] student come up to my table and say they need to relocate my group to another table bc they have an event they booked in the space and need to set up--well before their booking time begins. Most of the patrons are chill, but whichever student group is booking the space is annoying af. It's the single downside of this spot.

    The two of us visited Café on the Ave this past weekend during the UW Cherry Blossom Fest, mostly…read morebecause everywhere else was packed -- and honestly, their cute blossom décor totally drew us in. The sign out front advertised blossom corn dogs, and there was no way we were passing that up. You order at the cashier, and the setup is self‑serve. Food is brought out to your table based on your number, while drinks come with a buzzer for pickup. We tried the Blossom Lattes, which tasted like a rose latte, though a bit sweeter than I prefer. The Blossom Corn Dogs were definitely the highlight: half mozzarella stick, half wiener, coated in sugar and drizzled with pink mayo sauce. They reminded me of a Korean hot dog -- fluffy breading, perfectly crunchy from the deep fry, and surprisingly fun to eat. I did walk away with a full-on sugar coma afterward, but it was worth it for the novelty. Overall, a cute spot to pop into during cherry blossom season.

    Photos
    Main counter area to order.
    Main counter area to order.
    Breakfast Sandwich (veg)
    Breakfast Sandwich (veg)
    Cafe on the Ave

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    SWeL Restaurant

    SWeL Restaurant

    4.6
    (502 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$

    Great food and great experience. The appetizers: diable…read moreshrimp was excellent. 5 pieces, cooked to perfection and presented well, Jalapeño hummus was innovative with a good hunt of Jalapeño but not over powering. Mac and cheese was really goos and we reordered it, and the burrata was great, though I don't remember much about it. For the brunch, the main meals were good. I had their breakfast sandwich and it was tasty and of the right size. Their bread pudding was tasty though it was more of a French toast in a sweet gravy vs a gooey pudding. Interesting twist and it worked. Overall a great place. The service was exceptional and 2 people that took care of us were outstanding. I've been adopting a lower tip approach in Seattle owing the increase in minimum wage, and would like us to get to a European low tip or tip optional situation. This restaurant owing their amazing service made it hard to tip low, but I still had to to stick with my principle. Highly recommend this place for a nice sit down meal.

    The guru finds himself in Seattle looking for local fare. This is another place you yelpers said…read morewas good but I have some reservations. I came in super curious about this scallop dish they had. Now I've had scallops every which way possible. Scallops are so yummy they are next to impossible to ruin. But this dish called "oven fired bay scallops" changed my mind. It's basically scallops baked in cheese sauce. I took one bite of this thing and spit it out. I never thought I would hate a scallop dish but this is it. This is an absolute hot mess of a dish that should be taken off the menu and never be made again. The baking basically overcooked the scallops to the point that they are like rubber balls. On top of that all that cheese overpowered the subtle taste of the scallops to such a degree that I couldn't even taste the scallops. Then I tried their prawn appetizer. the chef made this one spicy. There was so much spice on it I could barely taste the prawn. I had to scoop it off the prawn before I could eat it. Those prawn were actually tasty and fresh and perfectly cooked. It really needed nothing more than some lemon juice. Then I had their rigatoni which was ok but the sausage that was in it was also a little spicy. What is this chef's obsession with spice? another thing I noticed was I was trying to find something light but they don't really have anything light. all of their pasta has a traditional tomato sauce or a cream sauce. All their salads are bit and full of cheese. Their pizzas are sizeable and full of toppings. This menu seriously needs to be redone. add a few light dishes and ditch some of the heavy ones. Overall food is decent enough for 4 stars but I am deducting a star for those two terrible appetizers. This is clearly the result of a young chef trying too hard. This chef needs to learn that sometimes less is more.

    Photos
    Bar and restaurant
    Bar and restaurant
    Oven fired scallops
    Oven fired scallops
    Pear Bread Pudding

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    Pear Bread Pudding

    The Wayward Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

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