Off The Rez
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Restaurants Food Stands Canadian (New), Food Stands [Edit]
Seattle, WA 98101
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
20 reviews for Off The Rez
20 reviews in English
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Review from Rachel H.
5/6/2012
Tried Off the Rez tonight at the Fremont Mobile Food Rodeo --great venue to see some of the better food trucks in town.
'Bout time --we sorely need a food truck revolution here in Seattle.
Off the Rez's claim to fame is that they are Seattle's first Native American food truck. You think with the mostly adventurous eating we do, we'd know what Native American food was, but we drew a complete blank. Keyword: "Frybread."
Frybread? As in fried bread? Um, yes.
Well then. I can certainly get behind that.
Frybread is the base of Indian Tacos, which are topped with a seasoned protein (chicken, beef, pork) and also with cheddar cheese, shaved iceberg, pickled red onions and then all this is drizzled with cumin crema sauce. Its hard not to get behind this concept.
We ordered chicken chili verde (my personal fav), pulled pork with a honey bourbon BBQ sauce & w/ red cabbage sesame slaw, and a cinnamon sugar frybread.
Verdict? Native American food (assuming it tastes like this) is certainly not low-calorie, but it is now on the permanent adventurous eating agenda. Nom. -
Review from Ryan N.
Seattle, WA
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good but not great. One hit and I'm good. You get the point.
It's pretty much your choice of meat on top of a sugarless donut aka frybread.
No bueno on the beef taco since its pretty much just chili and beans.
Chicken chili verde was good only if you're a bbq sauce fan.
Pulled pork is where it's at: Slaw mixed with 10hrs worth of marinated slow-cooked pork.
Desert fryebread i.e . donuts are delicious: Cinnamon + Sugar or the Honey are worth the 2 extra $.
5 stars for originality. -
Review from Robert P.
Seattle, WA
5/8/2012
I can usually look past crappy service for good food, but the way Off The Rez handled themselves at the Fremont Mobile Food Rodeo was atrocious.
I gave my name as Robert and only after about a 20 minute wait and seeing many other people come and go with their orders, I finally asked if they'd lost my ticket. They called a " Rob " twice and both times when I stepped forward the order was wrong, and they were convinced it was another person in the crowd who simply hadn't heard them.
I finally asked the woman who took my order which name she put on the ticket, and she had no clue.
It was two tacos. One beef, one pork. How hard could it be? The food was handled so frequently and items were taken off the truck two at a time. Talk about inefficient. I flagged down a gentleman to try and find my order, and finally got my food. No apology for the wait, or the mix-up, or the amateur operation in general.
Luckily the food was stellar, and assuming this isn't the way the truck normally operates I'd love to eat there again. Hopefully next time they'll have their act together. -
Review from Yo M.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2012
My first! I was so excited about trying out Native American food. I found them in Capital hill on a Friday night and they had a good amount of people standing and eating by their truck. They don't have much on their menu (just four things I think) so we just picked three random things. Except the Fried bread the food was boring. It felt like I was eating a very confused Mexican food....(ya, confused) I have to just go back to give em a second chance....
The 3 stars are for their warm service and their all school hip hop music they were playing. It matters:) -
Review from Daren D.
4/10/2012
Their parking spot totally threw me off... man.
No big, though, right? This is one cool truck. Perched in an open garage driveaway, this is right by pretty hoppity hoppin' spots. One thing I wish they'd fix is to maybe perch the industrial/portable flood lights up on the wall or ceiling. On the ground, they just flash you heading out and makes it feel like "white light overload".
I tried the burger and a frybread with choco hazelnut. The burger was tasty, although somewhat semi-bite-sized. I've never frybread before so I asked the dude at the reg if it was similar to Elephant Ears - "yup!" Munched on that, I sort of pick up the similarity. It was good, no more, no less.
Their pandora station did happen to bust out Nothin' But A G Thang - that was dope, yo. :D -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Seattle, WA
4/9/2012
A delicious death - mouthwatering fusion street food. Have had the chicken, pork tacos ($4 each) - preferred the pulled pork:
Chicken Chili Verde (beer-braised chicken with smoked green tomatillos) - didn't really taste the beer flavoring
Pulled Pork (10-hour smoked pulled pork ith honey bourbon BBQ sauce, sesame slaw) - pure comfort food, very flavorful.
Tacos are hefty and served with Indian fry bread as the base - 1 taco is enough for a meal for smaller appetites.Listed in: Seattle Good Eats
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Review from Jennifer C.
Seattle, WA
5/8/2012
Off the Rez was one of the trucks I eagerly anticipated at last weekend's Mobile Food Rodeo and I was not disappointed. Though I went with just a simple piece of fry bread topped with blackberry jam and powdered sugar ($2.50), it was a most tasty treat. How can you go wrong with fried dough? Normally I'd wait until having more than one bite from a place before Yelping, but unfortunately I don't work in Fremont or SLU nor am I often in Cap Hill between 10 pm - 2 am so I'm not sure when I'll get back to this truck. Would love to see them set up some daytime weekend hours so I can go back for the fry bread tacos!
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Review from Corey G.
3/3/2012 1 photo
::: Oki! Tsaani-dabi?! :::
Blackfoot translation: "Hello! What's up?!"
There you go, you now know a Siksika (Northern Blackfoot) greeting. Now, to enjoy some Native cuisine, stop by this new Seattle food truck.
So, "what is Native cuisine?", you might ask. That's a topic too big for a Yelp review, but with this truck, you can have a slice of "intertribal" Native food. You see, the foundation of the menu here is fry bread. Fry bread's genesis comes from the Federal Government supplying only the minimum basics for survival (i.e. flour, sugar, lard) to tribes when they were forced onto Reservations (i.e. "da rez") after signing treaties. And so fry bread is the Indian way of making a dollar from a nickel and lemonade out of lemons, if you will.
Lots of diabetes later, we have fry bread. (Aieeeee, but it's a good kinda diabetes!) Sorry, just have to throw in a dash of Native humor. ;)
But seriously, in moderation, there's nothing like good fry bread. You can taste warm summer pow wow nights, broken treaties, a proud people, beautiful indigenous words, and lost loves.
:::::::::: OFF THE REZ ::::::::::
Representing Contemporary Native Cuisine, Blackfeet-style!
If you go to any pow wow, you will find fry bread stands lined up like covered wagons on the prairie. They can be hit or miss, but either way, they are a requirement when at a pow wow or Native gathering.
What I LOVE about Off The Rez:::::::: A Native Food truck is available in the city, whenever the Frybread Love strikes you.
What I ADORE about Off The Rez:::::::: They take Fry Bread cuisine and make it their own: modern, succulent, and cultural.
Yes, everyone will say their grandma made the best fry bread or bannock, but come on, you have to give these homies credit for their daring & creativity. Their Indian tacos are smaller than Pow Wow Indian Tacos, but I actually like that. They make Indian tacos look like art. I'm all about substance over abundance.
I went with a Pow Wow Slider. This was a super juicy and tasty "big slider". It was garnished with yummy veggies. My only gripe---it should have had little fry breads for the buns (vs. a slider bun). I'm the Pow Wow Burger/Bannock Burger assassin & I gobble them up like a Native Pac Man! But it's ok, I do like how they took a slider and made it their own: N8V style! I'll get more of these, NO DOUBT!
I got my bro a plain fry bread, and he gulped it down---in a traditional way. (He said he's had better, but it wasn't bad).
Now, I went to this truck at their late night weekend location in Capitol Hill. I was wondering where this truck would find real estate in the land where parking spots are as rare as the white buffalo. But there the truck was. It was slid in a cubical space like a Jenga block. The truck was in a covered area. There were a few benches, a condiment/napkin area, and drunk hipsters abound.
While waiting for my grub, I heard lots of hold-my-tongue funny questions/comments:
o "What are Native American Tacos?"
o "What does "Rez" mean?"
o "Can I just order naan?"
I talked with one of the guys here, and he's from Seattle. I'm assuming he's one of the owners [since he looked like one of my cousins. Aieee. ;) ] His family is from Browning (heart of Blackfeet Nation), and I told him my ex is from there. We both laughed. I gave him props for his truck and then bought an "Off The Rez" T-shirt.
Solid 4.5 Siksika Stars and holder my 1400th Yelp.Listed in: My Favorite Reviews (yes, I'm…, Going Native., My Yelpmarks
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Review from Shekinah S.
Seattle, WA
2/8/2012
3.5 Stars
Off The Rez made its SLU debut today, setting up shop on Harrison & Boren (next to a probably unusually slow Lumpia Land truck). According to the website (http://www.offthereztr...) it will be there every Wednesday for lunch, in Fremont for lunch on Thursdays, and on Capitol Hill on Friday and Saturday nights.
When I walked up I saw quite a crowd waiting in front of the truck. Yay -- good for business. Boo -- I was starving and I knew there'd be a wait. My appraisal:
YAY:
-- It's the first food truck to serve Indian (Native) food in Seattle (I'm Indian so I'm biased and openly admit that's why I rounded up)
-- The fry bread was PERFECT-- light and fluffy and just crisp enough on the outside. Overall it was a pretty tasty (beef) taco. But I ate it sitting down with a knife and fork. I don't know how you could eat these like a taco. The fry bread is small and there's a ton of dressing and toppings and the mess factor is high.
-- One taco only costs $4 and regular fry bread is $2 (assuming cash only)
NAY:
-- There was a 10 - 15 minute wait for food, and I watched one guy stand by the ordering window for a good 5 minutes before being acknowledged. The four people working seemed overwhelmed. But they were friendly anyways.
-- The taco was TINY. I prob coulda eaten two or had one plus an additional piece of fry bread. Not a very filling, though undoubtedly calorie heavy, lunch.
-- Not all items listed online were available. I guess either they ran out of stuff or were overwhelmed and streamlined the options to cope, or maybe it's growing pains.
I usually bring my lunch to work but if I'm in the mood I can see myself coming back since I'd like to support local and Native businesses. And twist my arm, I'll have me some fry bread.*
*Fry bread is not a centuries-old food, and it has contributed to the high rate of diabetes among Native Americans today. It came into existence when the US government tried to force tribes away from traditional ways of living and their homelands onto reservations and into the "civilized" world. People that were willing to cut their hair, give up their religion and land, and wear western style clothing were "rewarded" with government rations of white flour, salt, and lard. Delicious fry bread was one result of the ration system, but it has created a cycle of dependence for those that still live on reservations, which are some of the poorest areas in the US.Listed in: SLU 4 YOU
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Review from Thrill K.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I came here on opening night after hearing about OTR on the Boards.
They park to the left of Mario's. But before Bimbos. There was a line as the place is new. There was a little wait. But it was expected as the line was med big.
They had Beef Chili,BBQ?Pork. I think a Veggie option too. Plus Sweet versions too. Honey,Strawberry,Cinnamon,Whipped Cream?
I had a Beef Chili and a Pork FB. With a Strawberry FB for desert. The FB's a "Slider" size. Not traditional Fry Bread size. So they're a lot smaller than the ones Mom used to make.
But,they're very good for what they are. And will make a good addition to the Cap Hill Street Food Scene.
They also sell soft drinks too. Forks/Spoons/Napkins and Siraichi are all available for your dining pleasure. Don't be too drink when you hit them up as you'll be wearing or spilling your food. Your FB come in those little French Fry boats.
$4 for the main selections. And I think $2 for the Desert versions. Mexi Coke was $2 I think? If you're in the area and craving some Native Food,then stop by.
10pm - 2am
This place is Thrill Killer Approved. Check It OOOUUUTTT!!! -
Review from Leah B.
2/9/2012
I was excited to experience Off the Rez on their opening day in SLU. But I think I got my hopes up.
They didn't have everything on their online menu available at the truck that day. Beef chili and Veggie chili tacos and the pulled pork "sandwich" ($4/ea).
The sweet flatbreads they have are strawberry preserves, honey, and cinnamon ($2.50/ea)
You need atleast 2 of the tacos to not feel hungry. I thought they looked big at first so I only got one pulled pork and a strawberry preserves and I'm still hungry.
They're also not a finger food. You need a fork and knife or they'll fall apart on you.
I felt the staff was a bit frazzled (maybe 1st day jitters), but they didn't seem to get that it was raining outside so that the orders should be wrapped up and put in a bag. Mine was haphazardly thrown in and amazingly survived the walk back to the office.
Maybe if their tacos were $3 I'd feel better about my choice. But I'm still hungry -
Review from Lola R.
Seattle, WA
2/20/2012
Love this food truck! Delicious frybread that was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The service was really nice and friendly too. We got our food quick particularly considering there was a good amount of people there.
They advertise slider size for the frybread (about 4 inches around) and I would recommend 2-3, depending how hungry you are. I had a combo which was nice because you can try more than one type of topping/chili at a time and rewards you with a lower price for ordering more tacos at a time. Beef chili, veggie, chicken chili verde and pulled pork were the options. I had 2 Indian tacos and a sweet frybread to top it off. Really good and the slider size is better for eating at a truck because you don't have to use a knife and fork unless you want. It can be a bit messy but totally worth it! My friend tried the quinoa and the pow wow slider and loved it.
I think that every item is handmade by them which I liked. I'm hoping they'll add more locations around. -
Review from Ryan S.
3/21/2012
Another great Seattle food truck! What they call, "frybread" is basically a (fried) flatbread pastry. They are phenomenal! They serve it sweet (dessert) or savory (tacos). Tacos are $4/ea and you'll need at least 2 to be content. I went with the BBQ pork taco and it was served on a frybread with a healthy serving of pulled pork, cabbage (I think) and radish which were tossed in a light mayo dressing. I also had the quinoa succotash which, to my surprise, was served hot with a tomato sauce on top. Worth noting, the chili looked delish as well, but that was another $5, and I figured I'll be back. The prices are a tad steep for a food truck, but the qual of ingredients and taste were both excellent. Try it!
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Review from Kate S.
2/5/2012 1 photo
I dated a lovely young man throughout high-school and part of college who was part of the Blackfeet nation. His grandma was magic in the kitchen, especially when it came to frybread. Those simple ingredients came together in a way that was beyond words good, and I have never been able to replicate it satisfactorily. So when I heard about this food truck, with Blackfeet recipes to boot -- I was beyond excited.
Soft opening last night out by Big Marios... we pretty much staked the joint out. The people where friendly while we waited, the prices cheap (plain frybread $2, sweets $2.50, indian tacos $4), and after we ordered the service fairly fast. We got the veggie chili, beef chili, and honey fry breads to start.
The verdict?
Magic--this was just how I remembered. These are smaller puffy frybread -- not the larger flat ones you might be used to down in the SW, but it was just like his grandma used to make. Semi crispy, hot, and deliciously steamy and soft in the middle. The honey frybread was gone within minutes, and the tacos moments later. Both of the chilies we fabulous -- though the veggie seemed more like refried beans than chili to me. Shredded lettuce, cheese and tomatoes topped those suckers in a combo that I am already day-dreaming about. Once our meal was gone we promptly got back in line and ordered a plain frybread -- lust worthy in its simplicity.
This is my favorite food truck in the city to date folks -- i'll be making a point to stalk this around the city and try everything they have to offer 100 times over. -
Review from Brad R.
2/29/2012
These guys just showed up in SLU on Wednesdays and gotta say their flat bread chili verde chicken tacos and BBQ pork tacos are the bomb. Despite the 8 dollar price, for both, it was worth every penny. They also offer a slider which is more like a burger. I'll definitely be back for more. Plus they take credit cards. Awesome.
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Review from David M.
Seattle, WA
2/19/2012
My partner and i lived in Phoenix for five years and fell in love with Indian fry bread, either with refried beans or powdered sugar. We were excited to find out about this food truck and went to try it tonight on E. Pike st. We ordered two with powdered sugar. We were so disappointed. First of all, they are tiny, maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Ours were uncooked inside and raw dough is not very tasty. What really pissed me off is that they charged $2.50 each. This is a total rip off. Most cities have these fried dough treats, but they are always much larger. I am sick of the food trucks in Seattle offering marginal foods and being way overpriced. I thought food trucks were supposed to have less overhead so they can offer their wares at reasonable prices. i wont come here again.
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Review from Joe R.
Seattle, WA
3/11/2012
I cannot get enough of this place. I wish they could park right outside my window as I would just eat there three times a day.
Really nice staff, great food...I'm dreaming about it right now!!!
My friends and I also bought tshirts last night and they are pretty dope as well.
Love you OTR!! -
Review from Melissa L.
Seattle, WA
2/13/2012
stumbled upon their truck saturday night in capitol hill, and didn't experience the same frazzled service. i was greeted quickly and got my taco pretty fast too. they did mess up our order as we asked for 2 of the pork tacos and 1 beef chilli, but honestly they did us a favor. they gave us 2 beef chilli tacos and it was amazinggggggggg. the pork was just meh in comparison. i could see how people would think it's a tad messy, but i did a great job slightly intoxicated, no fork and knife, and one napkin. it's definitely not mission impossible status. i DEVOURED the thing. it's kind of like a chalupa, but way better! i do agree that it is relatively small and you'd need at least 2 tacos to get you full. that night, i dreamt of those tacos - seriously. i'll be back for more.
actually now that i think about it, i may have been a more than slightly intoxicated bc i started yellin out, off the rez is off the hook!!! it's catchy, maybe they'll adopt it :). -
Review from Becki M.
Seattle, WA
yum yum yum yum yum. look at the pictures. stalk this truck. find it and get your grub on. you will not be sorry. Bet.
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Review from Joe B.
Seattle, WA
4/4/2012
Kickass lunches - ask for the slider well done I'd you don't like rare beef. Lemon curd frybread is so amazing I want some right now just thinking about it. it can take a few minutes to get your order but it's well worth the wait. I love this place.
