Farestart

FareStart has an amazing mission. In practice, however, the execution is flawed. In the latest experience, we were lost in the chaos of the lunch rush. After an hour of being forgotten, we were barely successful in flagging a member of the wait staff. Go because you support the cause. Prepare to be disappointed gastronomically and otherwise. Pros: Beautiful Space, Wonderful Mission Cons: Poor Execution more

I had a great lunch here, a bowl of soup and a hefty sandwich for $10 plus tip. Good service during the lunch rush and a nice space. The only downside was being asked to wait five minutes for the upstairs section to open (this was just after 12 noon). After 10 min. I asked how much longer it would take and was seated at the communal counter downstairs. I went here because it sounded like a good cause but will go back because it's really good value. Pros: Very good, cheap lunch Cons: Waiting to be seated more

I really like the food here and the Wait Staff are usually nice. I am writing this in response to the Elitist attitude the Chef (?) took with my Friend last Fri. She ordered the Apple Fritter dessert which came w/one scoop of ice cream and 3 fritters. She got half way through it and we asked the Server for another scoop of ice cream. She nodded and walked away. About 5 minutes later a guy in a white Chef's coat came up to our table and infomed my friend that they would not give her another scoop of ice cream because they make this dessert w/one scoop and that is that. When she asked why she could not just get a scoop of ice cream, he said "that is not how we roll here, and I do not think you want to buy a side order of 2 scopps for $3.50." Basically, he just refused to give her more ice cream, no matter what. Excuse me, but what ever happened to "the customer is always right", and since when does a "Chef" come out on the floor to refuse a Customer's request? We would have gladly paid for the scoop if they would have brought it. I considered this an insult and very unprofessional. I have enjoyed the food here, but honestly, there are plenty of other restaurants in the area that treat their guests with respect and would not hesitate to provide something as simple as a single scoop of ice cream! I would NOT reccomend Farestart if you want good service along with your food. Pros: good fries-unsalted Cons: snooty attitude more

FareStart moved into a new building just this past January. This is an amazing organization doing wonderful things. Their old restaurant space was okay, but certainly nothing special. The new restaurant space is FANTASTIC, I think one of the nicest around. The lunch menu is very good, and the lunch specials are outright amazing (we tried 2). It's very cool to look through the window and see FareStart students working hard to change their lives for the better. We also came for a guest chef night dinner recently and it was as fabulous as ever (we've been before and always love it). Elliot's Oyster House Chef, Jeremy Anderson, was the Guest Chef and he produced an incredible meal featuring Copper River Salmon. Great atmosphere, amazing, positive energy and incredible food and drink. Can't be beat for $25! Definitely make reservations, we waited and had limited seating options and were told these Thursday dinners are booking up solid well in advance. 7 p.m. student graduation ceremony is a special treat. Pros: what could be better than eating great food for a great cause? Cons: thursday dinners book up early. you might need a nap after lunch... the creme brulee is so good it's dangerous - more

FareStart Restaurant has the best tasting sandwiches, soups and salads and other hot entrees and they are all served to your table for the price of to-go food in a great new environment. They are one of the few places whose focus allows them to offer better food and service but not charge an arm and a leg. The prices are competitive with in-house subsidized cafeterias and the food is top notch. I love their deserts too and because they are so fast there is enough time to enjoy it before my lunch hour is up! Every Thursday night they open the restaurant for a fine dining experience, they talk a small amount about their program but for the most part its a full service fine dining experience with Northwest wines and featured chefs from many hot Seattle restaurants and all for $25 the only downside is that its such an incredible deal that you must book early. (Although I have squeezed in from cancelations at the last minute so always call). Its not to be missed and by the way its a great cause they support as well! Pros: Great Food, Full Service, Fast Lunch Location Cons: Must book early for Thursday Night fine dining more

FareStart is a training site for homeless people who want to work in a restaurant. It is an extended program that includes housing in addition to ... more

If you work downtown you must visit FareStart for lunch! Beyond supporting a great cause the food and service are truly wonderful! I had a simple tuna sandwich and they did it right. It was delicious! The turkey looked fabulous too. Great prices, fast service and they even have a salad bar!! You gotta go. more