Seemor
COMMUNION Restaurant & BarB+Worth Trying
2350 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122
· New American restaurant, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1058 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy soul food with creative East African and Laotian touches; excellent cocktails, lively vibe, uneven service, and very expensive pricing.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Communion delivers exceptional food quality with creative soul food and standout dishes like deviled eggs and mussels & clams, supported by outstanding cocktails and strong destination appeal. However, inconsistent execution—ranging from saltiness to undercooked items—and uneven service attentiveness with frequent waits past reservations prevent grade A territory. The lively historic setting and chef-driven vision make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though reliability concerns hold it back from premium standing.
Restaurant Summary
Communion hums with a warm, lively energy where cocktails clink and plates land with purpose. Guests describe service that ranges from effortlessly charming to stretched thin, but many still leave glowing: "Every dish felt thoughtful and soulful." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans soul food at heart with creative East African and Laotian cues: berbere-kissed chicken, mussels and clams in coconut broth with sausage, and miso-buttered cabbage. It reads chef-driven and personal rather than flashy, with cocktails that often steal scenes. Expect bold seasoning, occasional heat, and a strong bar program to match. For families, the lively room and spiced, fusion-leaning menu mean options kids truly crave are limited. Mac n cheese and wings can work, but there is no clear kids menu and flavors skew adventurous. If your crew needs simple comfort plates, consider alternatives or plan to share milder sides.
At a Glance
- Destination soul food with creative East African and Laotian touches
- Excellent cocktails and standout dishes like deviled eggs, mussels & clams, and mac n cheese
- Service inconsistency—waits past reservations, slow drink delivery, and uneven attentiveness
- Very expensive; 5% surcharge and high tip prompts noted
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- soul_food_fusion_with_berbere
- award_nominated_chef
- powerful_cocktail_program
What People Love
- Emotion-forward flavors that feel soulful
- Inventive twists like berbere sauces and coconut broths
- Bartender craftsmanship and balanced signature cocktails
- Community-rooted vibe with stylish, lively room
- Must-order starters that set the tone
Points of Concern
- Service delays and late seating even with reservations occur with some regularity
- Some dishes run salty or arrive staggered; occasional undercooked item reported
- Limited substitutions and item outages frustrate guests
- Pricing is genuinely high with a 5% surcharge and strong tip prompts
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some hype-forward language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For creative menus, expect bold, adventurous flavors that may not suit conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$65-95 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Deviled Eggs and Shrimp Toast to anchor the soul-fusion theme
- Pair mussels & clams with a crisp white or a citrusy cocktail
- Balance richer mains with Classic Greens or Grilled Okra
- If spice-averse, confirm heat levels on berbere dishes
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktail lovers
- Food-focused celebrations
- Out-of-towners chasing buzz-worthy spots
- Adventurous eaters seeking soulful fusion
Location Insights
Area: Historic Central District hub with artsy, community-forward energy; draws food lovers and night-out crowds.
Safety: Generally busy and well-patrolled at night; standard urban awareness applies.
Nearby: Near neighborhood bars, indie shops, and other restaurants; lively evening foot traffic.
Central DistrictThe dining scene in the Central District is eclectic, featuring a mix of traditional soul food, modern American, and international cuisines. The social atmosphere is lively and community-oriented, with many locally owned restaurants and cafes that reflect the neighborhood's diverse cultural roots.
UnionThe Union area along E Union St is a small but distinct corridor known for its approachable dining options and neighborhood-focused businesses, offering a more intimate and less touristy experience within the Central District.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday16:00–21:00
Thursday16:00–21:00
Friday16:00–22:30
Saturday16:00–22:30
Sunday10:00–15:00, 16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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