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Purple Cafe

1225 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 (Downtown)
206-829-2281
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Ranked #61 of 2,401 restaurants in Seattle
Price range: $20 - $40
Cuisines: Eclectic
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Restaurant details
Good for: Bar scene, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Neighborhood: Downtown
Cross street: Corner of 4th Avenue & University Street
Description: Purple Cafe and Wine Bar pairs a global wine selection with a menu that combines classic American styles with seasonal Northwest ingredients. We feature an expansive menu ranging from artisan cheeses, starters, soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas to pasta and seafood. We take a great deal of pride in utilizing the freshest, local ingredients that change with the seasons. On the wine side of things our wine list features over 80 glass and 600 bottle selections. Over the years our wine program has been recognized with various accolades that include an "Award of Ultimate Distinction" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and being named "Best Wine Bar" by Evening Magazine's Best of Western Washington Viewers Poll.
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490 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    236
    170
    59
    17
    8
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Clearwater/Tampa Bay Florida
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
59 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

Recently had dinner at Purple with 5 co-workers while we were in town for a conference. The food was very good - selection, presentation, taste. We shared appetizers, had a variety of entrees and ended with some delicious sea salt caramels and peanut butter truffles. Everyone was very pleased with their food. The wines were also to everyone's liking -... More

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See 3 more reviews by ClearwaterJen for Seattle
Rome, Italy
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
34 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

Like basically all restaurants I've been to in Seattle this one has not disappointed me either. Its high ceilings, big windows, candles and simple decor create a spacious, unique, warm atmosphere. Some might find it a bit noisy but I didn't. They have an excellent wine list, our waitress was very good at recommending food and wine, she was authentic... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ange516 for Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
28 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

First, we had excellent service. Our server was very kind and helped us get to our show on time. We loved her. The food is quite good - not overwhelming - but good. They had a nice mussel appetizer to try that was tasty. We ordered a few wine flights and they were alright - I wasn't overwhelmed there either.... More

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See 3 more reviews by robnleigh for Seattle
Newport Beach, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013 NEW

What a great experience we had here!!!! Just splendid! We came off the streets to this little place to have an afternoon cocktail. Sat at the window and watch the colors of the city turned from afternoon to early evening. (I love this city! LOVE this CITY!) We both indulged in some red wine flights and had the baked brie!... More

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See 3 more reviews by letstalktravel for Seattle
Vancouver
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013 NEW

I've been to Purple Cafe in Seattle 2 other times, but never had the awesome experience we did this time around all thanks to CT, the wine captain. With his passion for wines and food parings, it made our dining experience that much better, his service was excellent! He even took the time to write down all the wines that... More

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Chattanooga, Tennessee
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013 NEW

My husband and I walked into this restaurant without a reservation -- at lunch! All tables were reserved but we were able to find a spot for a lunch at the bar. We ordered the pizzeta, salad and a vegetarian sandwich with a glass of Pinot noir. One has a large selection to order from the wines served by the... More

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See 2 more reviews by born_to_travel55 for Seattle
Antimony, Utah
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

We've visited Purple a number of times since moving to Seattle and we are never disappointed. Service always prompt and professional, food arrives well timed. We visited again last night (May 10) to celebrate a couple of birthdays. There were 4 of us and I would encourage reservations. You will be seated without so don't fear, there may be a... More

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Wenatchee, Washington
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

We always go to the Purple Cafe at least once every time we go to Seattle. The appetizers, salads and special of the day are always excellent, as I'm sure everything else is. The have a wonderful wine list and the staff is very knowledgeable.

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See 3 more reviews by Patnjack for Seattle
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

We loved this place so much, we cancelled reservations on night 3 and went again! We wanted to try everything on the menu, and everything was amazing!! I loved the salted chocolates, the wine flight, the whiskey flight (our first tasting of Lafraugh) and the flat breads, cheese plate and, ok, everything. Super tasty. I can't wait to go again... More

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Seattle, Washington
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Purple is a good place for snacking (at a high price) and an excellent place if you want to enjoy some wine. Overall I find it to be a bit expensive but everything is of high quality. If you want to go make sure to make a reservation as it can easily fill up during peak hours

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See 4 more reviews by Chuckreis for Seattle

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