Nobody Eats Alone At The Thomas Street Creperie & Bistro
At The Thomas Street Creperie & Bistro on Seattle's Capitol Hill, the food is simple, the wine plentiful, the conversation all-around and the service all-knowing. There's something for everybody, and anybody.
By Rebecca Teagarden Seattle Times Newspaper Review
It's just a little place on a side street. Capitol Hill. But not the Broadway, mohawk-hair part. Or the Pike, urban-upscale part. A quiet pocket of town where people live, some for decades, in solid brick buildings.
And there is where it is. The Thomas Street Creperie & Bistro, calling passers-by with a string of twinkly lights and a menu on a music stand. Food looks fine, nothing unusual. But something about the place pulls you up the steps and through the door. Maybe it's the wall paint inside, the color of shrimp and sage. Maybe it's the odd assortment of diners around the dozen or so tables laughing and jousting a finger into the air to make a point or refilling water glasses from long, slender bottles of clear glass and ceramic corks or the music-major jazz. Or maybe it's because nobody's inside at all.
Just know this, when you go to dinner at the Thomas Street Creperie & Bistro you've got to bring something to the table.
The evening's server hurries in out of the rain (and out of his last class at Cornish) around 7. First thing he does is plug in his guitar, starts to play. "Need any bread?" he asks. This is a confusing question, the first time. The composing major entertains and clears plates.
Like the conversation at the next table? By all means join in. Exchange names and push the tables together. Nobody eats alone here, even if you're all by yourself. Perhaps you'd prefer to sing or read something or take that shot at stand-up. You certainly may. As bellies fill, hearts open.
Adam — it's his place — shops, cooks, serves and brings things out you didn't order. He knows what you need. (And according to Adam, you always need dessert.) He sits and chats between orders. The regulars are so regular he's got their phone numbers on speed dial. Craig's a vegetarian. There are three things on the menu for him. Lamb and coq au vin for the carnivores. Wine all around.
About three hours in (has it really been three hours?) you think, 'I know what this is.' This is not Seattle. It's not hot or trendy or precious or hip. It's Paris or Hamburg or Leningrad or Rome.
When it's time to depart you will always leave something behind and take something to go.
I couldn't recommend it more. Please don't go.
There are many ways to measure success. In the case of the Thomas Street Creperie & Bistro, one can point to the continuing support given by the Capitol Hill community. During its first year of operation, this unique establishment has proved that size doesn’t really count. Distinctive dishes from the storied Mediterranean are served within the area of an average living room, where fresh ingredients combine with skillful seasoning – the palate does the rest. Despite the obstacles of unexpected weather and scaffolding used for maintenance, the warm welcome always offered at 421 East Thomas Street brought the first-timers and regulars, month after month, meal after meal au Bistro rue Thomas.
By any measure, the residents of Capitol Hill have shown their support --- and their good taste. You are cordially invited to follow their example! R.P
If you live in capitol hill and you love REAL food you have to try Thomas Street Creperie & Bistro! Its just a matter of time before this place will have a line waiting outside.This place is so small and the food is cooked on the spot. I went there with two friends and we were treated like old friends. We got so much for what we paid, it was definitely worth it. I had eggplant and it was really good, the stuffed pepper appetizer was to die for! I will definitely be back for more. -Julie U -
Last weekend I had brunch at this neighborhood bistro and I was so surprised how wonderful it was. The place is very small and charming and friendly. The food is fantastic. I had some poblano chiles stuffed with cheese and they were incredibly tasty. My friend's dish was really good also. The host is warm and friendly and makes you feel like a friend. This place is a real find. -Ann S-
Eating here was made me feel like I went to Barbados or same exotic place .
-Kathy-
Really good and the service was so great we felt we were treated like VIP's. The food was very healthy and simple but was still very tasty
-Eric-
The Lemon Rice Soup is to die for!
-Anna-
Great restaurant. It made eating an experience. The atmosphere was very warm and cozy with a cute guitarist playing in the background. All foods were really fresh and had a great authentic taste for a very reasonable price. The bistro is definitely different from what you usualy find in Seattle. It's very European and has a great interior design. The owner socialized with the guests, which brought a very familiar and welcoming atmosphere. Became one of my new favorite restaurants. Highly recommended!
This place has an awesome brunch. Its a fixed price and menu is limited to about three types of omelets and they are amazing. One omelet could feed two people. The omelets also come with an array of toast and croissant. Plus its really cozy and reminiscent of French cafes.
-Mary R-
