Dan’s Kitchen

Welcome to Dan’s Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant located at 4301 Interlake Ave N #7517, Seattle, WA 98103, USA. Formerly a USese restaurant, this establishment has transitioned under new management by a young and polite couple from Shandong province, bringing with them the authentic flavors of Shandong cuisine. While currently experiencing a temporary closure at its Interlake Avenue North location, Dan’s Kitchen has garnered positive reviews for its high-quality food and welcoming service, and excitingly, has plans to reopen at this location after establishing a new venture on East Green Lake Way. For local users seeking a genuine taste of Shandong culinary traditions in Seattle, Dan’s Kitchen promises a delightful experience once it resumes full operations.

Under the new management, customers have noted a positive shift in the restaurant's offerings, maintaining a good quality of food that has attracted a loyal following. The new owners, a young couple from Shandong, are consistently described as polite and always wearing a smile, suggesting a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. This personal touch and dedication to customer service contribute significantly to the positive reputation Dan’s Kitchen has been building.

One of the standout dishes at Dan’s Kitchen, highly praised by patrons, is their Mapo Tofu. Described as a definite "rice thief," this spicy yet not overwhelmingly hot rendition of the classic Sichuan dish has proven to be incredibly popular. One reviewer even mentioned that their daughter, who typically avoids carbohydrates during dinner, found it so irresistible that they kept ordering white rice to accompany it. This speaks volumes about the flavorful and well-balanced nature of their Mapo Tofu, a testament to the authentic Shandong culinary approach with a nod to Sichuan flavors.

Another dish that has received accolades is their String Beans. Customers rave about their freshness and sweetness, enhanced by a subtle touch of chilies and vinegar. This careful seasoning highlights the natural flavors of the beans while adding a pleasant zing, making it a refreshing and flavorful side dish. The positive feedback on this seemingly simple dish underscores the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and preparing them with attention to detail.

Beyond these specific dishes, the reviews suggest that other items on the menu are also "good enough to attract customers back," indicating a consistent level of quality across their offerings. Additionally, their dessert has been particularly well-received, noted for being lightly sweetened with a brown sugar sauce, providing a satisfying and not overly sugary end to the meal.

For dumpling enthusiasts, Dan’s Kitchen offers a special treat: all their dumplings are handmade by the chef. This commitment to crafting dumplings from scratch is a significant feature, promising fresh and flavorful fillings encased in perfectly textured wrappers. One reviewer expressed anticipation to try them, and a later update confirmed that their Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) are indeed "good too," with a "springy wrapping that can hold the meat juice." This endorsement places Dan’s Kitchen as a strong contender for those seeking authentic and well-made dumplings in Seattle.

Adding to their dumpling repertoire, a customer who visited after a failed attempt at another dumpling spot specifically sought out Dan’s Kitchen for their soup dumplings and was thoroughly impressed. They found the pork soup dumplings, along with the wonton soup, hot & sour soup, and vegetable rolls, to be "all amazing." This reviewer, who had spent the previous month trying various soup dumplings, declared Dan’s Kitchen's version to be the best they had encountered, highlighting the "hearty" nature and excellent value at $13 for 10 dumplings. This strong recommendation further solidifies Dan’s Kitchen's reputation for exceptional dumplings.

It is crucial for local users to be aware of the latest update regarding Dan’s Kitchen's operational status. As of December 8, 2024, the Interlake Avenue North location appears to have been temporarily closed for approximately three weeks. A staff member was seen moving things out and indicated that the owners are in the process of starting up a new location on East Green Lake Way. The plan is to reopen the original Interlake location after the new one is settled. While this means the current location is temporarily unavailable, it signals an exciting expansion and eventual return to serve the Wallingford neighborhood alongside their new venture in Green Lake.

Given this temporary closure, there is no immediate promotional information available for the Interlake location. However, the positive reviews and the establishment of a new location suggest a strong foundation and a commitment to continuing to serve the Seattle community with their authentic Shandong cuisine and highly praised dishes. Local users are encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding the reopening of the Interlake location and the opening of their new restaurant on East Green Lake Way.

In summary, Dan’s Kitchen is known for:

• Authentic Shandong Cuisine: Under new management from Shandong province, offering genuine regional flavors.
• Highly Praised Mapo Tofu: A spicy yet addictive dish that is a customer favorite.
• Fresh and Flavorful String Beans: Prepared with a touch of chilies and vinegar to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Handmade Dumplings: All dumplings are made fresh by the chef, with the Xiao Long Bao and pork soup dumplings receiving excellent reviews.
• Delicious Dessert: Lightly sweetened with brown sugar sauce, providing a perfect end to the meal.
• Friendly Service: The new owners are described as polite and always smiling.
• Positive Customer Experiences: Consistent praise for the quality and taste of their dishes.
• Temporary Closure and Relocation Plans: Currently temporarily closed at the Wallingford location, with plans to reopen after establishing a new location on East Green Lake Way.

For local users in Seattle, Dan’s Kitchen, despite its temporary closure at the Interlake Avenue North location, holds the promise of authentic and delicious Shandong cuisine, particularly their renowned Mapo Tofu and handmade dumplings. Keep an eye out for updates on the reopening of their original location and the launch of their new venture on East Green Lake Way to experience the flavorful offerings and warm service that have garnered such positive feedback.