Von's Restaurant

A friend and I stopped in recently after a mid-day shopping trip. This was a mistake. I immediately disliked the atmosphere at Von's - blaring, crass, nerve-jangling - and proceeded to like the food even less. Though the other reviews tend to badmouth the waitstaff, our waitress was very pleasant and prompt. However, she was swimming against the current. We were herded to a table placed so close to others that strangers were practically sitting in our laps. My Manhattan was one of the worst I've ever had - nauseatingly syrupy. I didn't even finish it. My friend's calamari caesar salad arrived with the calamari at room temperature, leaving them unappetizingly rubbery. My lamb shank was a disaster. It was bone dry, so much so that the meat had to be torn off the bone. There's really no reason to patronize this place. Pros: service, short wait Cons: atmosphere, food, noise more

We visited Von's April 17 after seeing a show at the Paramount.D iscovered a fun, funky place with a great menu. We didn't order any alcohol. We shared a plate of excellent pot stickers with a delicious sauce. My husband orderd a steak sandwich with french fries and I had a HUGE ginger pork salad. Prices were very good, overall quality great. The one poor overworked waiter did his best with a wry sense of humor, and the kitchen made a couple of goofs that he quickly corrected, and in compensation offered us a free dessert (we had the apple crisp, terrific indulgence!) Yes it's crowded, the staff needs help, but it was fun and we enjoyed chatting with our neighbors (people attending the big coffee conference at the convention center). Not a place for intimate dining (we ate in the bar, the restaurant being closed until later). Pros: Good food, large portions Cons: short on wait staff, crowded more

Great place to go with a couple of friends and enjoy great food and drinks! The bbq chicken and cornbread are unbelievable - melt in your mouth - and the baked beans are spectacular! My vegetarian friend and I ate there and she was rather pleased with the variety of the menu and drinks. Although it was very busy, we were seated promptly and never left wanting for anything. Great place to go after a day of shopping in downtown Seattle! more

The salads at lunch are fantastic.. GIANT portions and the quality is very good. The BBQ Chicken salad is fantastic. The martini's are a little small for me and not that strong so stick to a good beer and get what you pay for. Pros: Good Portions 4 Food, Wheel of fun in bar Cons: , crowded more

A group of us dropped in for drinks and a light snack. First off they specialize in martinis so most of us ordered some specialty martinis that go for $7 or $8. When they arrived they were basically Shirley Temples. Filled with syrup and soda. We asked what was going on and they waiter said he could put some more triple sec into the drink. Triple sec in a rude tone? I don't buy a martini for triple sec. Food was good. Would never go to this place again. Pros: good onion rings Cons: worst martinis ever, rude service more

I went here after a movie with a few friends and found it very collegiate. It provided service and ambience perfect for a good time. The smokers were mentioned a couple times by my L.A. friends, but I didn't find it in the least bit bothersome. I will definitely hit this place everytime I finish a good movie and want to chat it up. more

My boyfriend and I tried Von's last night for the first time. Nothing was good about the experience except each other's company. The waitress was clueless, drinks took forever, everything was slow. The food sucked too...the BBQ chicken salad is served with the meat on the bone (wierd for a salad) and the nasty rubbery chicken skin was falling off into the salad. Of course it took forever to get the bill, but once we paid we couldn't get out of there fast enough. Pros: cool tap handles Cons: poor service, below average food, orange glowing entry more