Grillbird Is A Build-Your-Own Teriyaki Spot In Washington That Is Basically Heaven On Earth
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published November 13, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Do you ever want a meal exactly how you want it? If you’re ready to take the reins of your gastronomic destiny, head to Grillbird. This quaint local joint serves up delicious teriyaki in the Gatewood neighborhood just North of Lincoln Park, and the consensus is clear: Grillbird may have the best build-your-own lunch in Seattle.
Sporting a playful, Gen Z aesthetic on the outside, Grillbird has all the makings of a regional institution like the world-famous Ezell's. Yet this spot remains blissfully West Seattle, which is to say, content to do its own thing. And when a kitchen does its thing so well, who are we to disapprove?
Choose your own adventure at the sleek counter. Some may opt for the plate, which neatly separates your selections, but as an avid "perfect bite builder," I'm a fan of the bowl. It's worth giving Grillbird props for its prices, which— by Seattle standards— are incredibly fair considering the portion sizes. Expect to spend $12 to $15 on your meal, not including a drink.
If the restaurant's atmosphere has fun with modern influences, the Grillbird menu stays true to the classics. The spring rolls are a crunchy delight, best-enjoyed post swim in the tangy-sweet chili sauce. But don't overlook more unconventional entries like the fried cauliflower with nori salt.
There's a delightful mish-mash of influences and flavors at Grillbird that somehow combine to create harmony on the plate. Does Hawaiian mochiko chicken go well with creamy macaroni salad and spicy garlic chicken? Upon further inspection, I'd say yes!
Still, truth be told, I'm a sucker for nostalgia. Though I'd love a bite of something more adventurous, I'm inclined to stick to what I know I love. The chicken teriyaki here is a resounding favorite among regulars and with good reason.
But if you have the time, I suggest taking your meal to go and eating at either Lincoln Park or Alki Beach just North. There aren't many better views of the city than the one you'll enjoy from Alki, although it's true that everything looks better when you've got delicious food in your mouth.
Too often, West Seattle is overlooked by visitors. True, this part of the city feels slightly separate— almost its own thing— but the vibrant culture here is totally unique and has a lot to add to the conversation about the Emerald City.
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