A cheap but wonderful place to eat in the
U-District and a plain food place you
really should try

Review by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid

I was chatting with some friends the other day about how few plain food places to eat there are in Seattle anymore. I miss such working class establishments like the old Andy’s Diner (they used to be where Cafe Septieme is now, on Broadway), or the downtown Minnies - which now is boarded up, probably about to become condos. One friend reminded me there is still the Hurricane, a late night spot for the goth crowd and others who like burgers and fries the old-fashioned way.

Then I remembered the fat, juicy Reuben sandwich I had at this place downtown. I just knew it was time to give this place a little glory because if there’s any place in Seattle where both delicious grub and sin mingle, it has to be The Turf Restaurant. It’s a place that until very recently had a cloud of smoke to greet you at the worn down doorway of this divey restaurant located on the corner of 2nd and Pike (after they moved from Pike, near where the Coldstone Creamery and before that Bang Mi Tobacco shop).

You probably won’t see little Janey and Jimmy tourist from Omaha planting their plush bottoms in those lived in booths or at the crowded, fifties cafe-style counter, but you should not let that stop the adventurous eater from wandering in. Because in this dingy, claustrophobic little diner is some of the best, down to earth food you will ever eat. I heartily suggest the Reuben, a heavenly nosh piled high with real corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, all on toasted rye bread. On the side you can either have what tasted like homemade potato salad, or fries. Believe me, these aren’t folks shy of food, or like a lot of Seattle places here lately, afraid of calories or large portions. Wash it down with a coke, or you could probably wander into the even darker bar area off to the side of the cafe and get something stronger if you choose. Another good thing, this meal won’t set you back more than about $20 bucks, including tip, and you can even afford dessert (you should get the wonderful apple pie ala mode) in that $20 bucks. Open seven days a week, until late, so check them out, just ignore the floor shows that often accompany your meal, or the dicey looking customers, some of whom are probably wanted for something. Oh yes, and do tip the waiter/waitress as these folks work hard to please you.

For those wandering through the U-District, or taking classes there and most likely on a budget, you’ll want to check out the fare at Samir’s Mediterranean Grill. I tried the gyros sandwich, which came with a little, very fresh salad, and advice from the owner on how to eat the messy wonder without losing any of the meat or veggies before it gets to your waiting mouth. I do think I would have liked more meat, like they served at the place my ex and I used to haunt in Chicago during my college days, but this is a good, filling and inexpensive sandwich. Accompany this with pop, then save room for the absolutely sinfully delicious, delicately crunchy, nut filled baklava, which Samir said he did make himself. If you’re an attractive female, there might be some innocent flirting that comes with this delectable treat, so be ready, and have a sense of humor, as Samir is proud of his food, and it seemed the flirting was part of the whole experience. It is located at 1316 NE 43rd Street, near the Häagen-Dazs ice cream store. Hey, take something home, especially the baklava, because trust me, it’s addictive.