Sunlight Cafe

Reviews

• RC

  Redmond Canuck

  5 days ago
  3.0
  I so want to love this place. We eat in the area often and decided to try TSC. Our waitress was amazing, but the kitchen was super slow even though there was only four people in the place. The food was just not very good. We had a burger and the tacos and everything tasted like it was out of a can or a bag and just not the quality you expect when paying $80 to eat out. Seems like maybe its a different story for the breakfast menu. Biggest turn off was the guy sitting at the counter reading a newspaper and scratching his face and butt nonstop, who then got up and put an apron on and proceeded to touch the cutlery and plates without ever washing his hands.
• ZI

  Zoe Iida

  Feb 4, 2026
  5.0
  The blushing lettuce salad with lemon tahini dressing and tempeh is my go to order! You have to try, for something fresh and delicious!We love their salads, and regularly go on the days we don’t feel like cooking but want to eat something closer to what we would make at home.
• HK

  Heidi Koonz

  Jan 31, 2026
  5.0
  Love love love!! The Sunlight is a treasured Seattle vegetarian cafe, celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. 🫶🌈💜💯 Super relaxed environment, local art, the food is locally adored. Lemon tahini, if you’ve never had it, a staple amongst the regulars…this salad dressing will change your life 🙌
• NW

  Natalie Weizenbaum

  Jan 30, 2026
  5.0
  Sunlight Café is a Roosevelt institution. I've been coming here since before I could read and their incomparable sesame crunch waffles have set the standard for what I look for in a waffle anywhere else. Homey, hearty, and delicious, Sunlight is probably my favorite brunch spot in the city.
• KF

  KM FM

  Jan 7, 2026
  5.0
  Sunlight Café | Seattle, WA 🌈☀️ While traveling today, I searched for a vegetarian breakfast spot and landed on Sunlight Café and wow, I’m so glad I did. The moment I walked in, I fell in love with the decor, music, and overall vibe. Warm, funky, and welcoming. Even better: LGBTQIA+ friendly and truly safe. Seeing the all-inclusive Pride flag proudly displayed brought me immediate joy. As a trans man, I felt comfortable, seen, and safe eating here, and that matters. You can sit upstairs or downstairs, with booth seating, tables, or bar seating available. There’s even a bar inside if you want a beer on tap alongside your meal. The staff was kind, friendly, and welcoming, and the café itself is spotless and visually pleasing. This place really captures the culture and aesthetic of the area. What I Ordered 🍋 • Lemon Poppy Waffle (vegan & gluten-free, soy-free) – $12.25 • Lemon Sugar Cookie with Jam (vegan & gluten-free, sweetened with agave, soy-free) – $3.95 Everything came out in under five minutes, which was impressive. The lemon poppy waffle is thin but delivers a fantastic crunch, exactly what you want in a waffle. It’s full of flavor, topped with real maple syrup, and served with vegan butter. The lemon flavor really shines, and there may be a hint of cinnamon or nutty warmth that leaves a delicious aftertaste. Tons of poppy seeds and tons of flavor. While I personally prefer a thicker waffle, I have to give credit where it’s due, finding a vegan, gluten-free waffle with this kind of crunch is rare, and they nailed it. The lemon sugar cookie with jam is on the tougher side and a bit dry for my taste, but the flavor is excellent. The lemon comes through from the first bite all the way to the finish, and the jam complements it beautifully. Flavor wise, it’s a win, even if the texture isn’t my personal favorite. Atmosphere & Accessibility Parking can be a bit tricky if you’re not from the area. Street parking only, and spots are tight especially for trucks or SUVs. You may need to circle the block. They also offer a wide variety of baked goods cakes, sticky buns, cookies, and more. Making this a great stop whether you’re hungry or just craving something sweet. Final Thoughts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For a vegan, gluten-free café, this is a solid 5 out of 5. While there are a few things I’d personally tweak, I fully understand how challenging vegan and gluten-free textures can be. From the exterior and interior aesthetic, to the fast service, to having my shoes complimented (which absolutely made my day), Sunlight Café delivered. If you’re in Seattle, Washington and looking for a funky, cultured, vegan café that’s been serving the community since 1976, this is your spot. Hours: • Wednesday & Thursday : 11 AM – 7 PM • Friday & Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM • Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM They’re also accommodating with food allergies and sensitivities, just let your server know. All dishes are prepared in the same kitchen using shared equipment, and special requests may include additional charges. Thank you, Sunlight Café, for the warmth, the food, joy, and complimenting my shoes! — The Traveling Truck Show 🚚💛