- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Bistro Box
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (New) Restaurants Food Stands Restaurants Delis Canadian (New), Food Stands, Delis [Edit]
618 Park Ave NRenton, WA 98056
(206) 406-6202
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
34 reviews for The Bistro Box
Review Highlights
-
"The Coconut Chicken Slider is only like the most amazing..." In 8 reviews -
"The kobe beef sliders were tasty as well." In 9 reviews -
"The garlic aioli and the fry sauce are my two favorites for..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
34 reviews in English
-
Review from Clover A.
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best coconut chicken EVAH.
Seriously. BEST.
I tried them during a food truck gathering and this is the one that stuck out far above all the others... BEST COCONUT CHICKEN sannies with the sweet chili sauce. Fries are hearty and delicious, the dipping sauces are amazing as well.
I think I also tried one of their ginormous cookes and it was mmm.m.ejejlkjagmmmmmmm (that's me eating it and being unable to talk)
mmmmmmm.......... I've been putting off writing this review for ages because everytime I look at it, I want to just go there, get more. NOW. -
Review from Allie M.
Renton, WA
5/10/2012
AS A PREVIOUS EMPLOYEE HERE, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT EAT HERE!
The only reason that I gave it one star is because 0 was not a choice.
Before I say anything else I would like to point out that, by law, any food handling procedures are solely the responsibility of the owner's
"The operator or the owner of the food service establishment is responsible for food safety and code compliance."
( http://www.kingcounty....)
Health codes are NOT followed. I have one instance from earlier this week where the employees had to serve food that should not have been served. There were raw french fries that had been left in the hot truck for up to 2 days, they seriously smelled like dog fart, but we still had to serve them, there was also bacon that had been left out for just as long, that had not been chilled either and also smelled rather disgusting. FIFO (first in first out) is not followed, the food is not properly stored or labeled.
The owner should not be running a food truck, or any establishment for that matter. she has no idea how to run any aspect of a business, from finances to food handling. she yells and verbally abuses her employees, threatens them and fires people for ridiculous reasons. She takes the tips from the Credit Card transactions (which is illegal.) as well as takes the cash tips when she is short change and does not put them back.
These are only a few of the discrepancies that I witnessed during my time there.
If you value your health and safety I strongly recommend that you nor anyone you know eats here. -
Review from Sam T.
Seattle, WA
3/16/2012
I HIGHLY recommend the following:
1- Joe's Special slider
1- OMG slider
1- Salad w/ balsamic dressing
These were the best sliders that I have ever had, a nice fresh salad that I got to dress, and a friendly staff.
Can't wait to try one of the specials! -
Review from Sarah F.
Seattle, WA
5/7/2012
I would totally give them five stars IF they either 1) lowered their prices or 2) gave just a tidbit more food. For example, you should get three sliders instead of 2 for $8 or $9.
Loved the OMG sliders- bacon, peanut butter, pepper jelly and cheese is surprisingly good. I don't like peanut butter but with the entire combination it was really good.
Better than the OMG sliders are the coconut chicken sliders. Again, they needed to be less expensive or they shoudl've given three sliders.
Definitely hope to eat here a again and get more food. -
Review from Andrew L.
2/10/2012
Sliders, all over the place... I mean that's what you want... right? I mean don't get me wrong, they are tasty sliders, but for the cost... I'm not sure... Here's what I got today...
JOE'S SPECIAL
This special was pretty darn good... but it was a tasty little morsel, I mean little, the size of a small dinner roll, it maybe 3 bites tops. I loved that yes, there was a fair amount of meat in it, but really, I just wanted more to eat. It had Kobe, Bacon, Cambozola Cheese, Roasted Tomato, and Garlic Aioli and a little bit of their house Chipotle BBQ Sauce! It was flavor packed, but I would have appreciated a full burger...
THE OMG
This was a great taste, another good combination, but the size of the porition was not there... sadness... sure it had Kobe beef, Bacon, Peanut Butter, Pepper Jelly, and Cheddar Cheese. It was an OMG, but I wanted more to eat, I would have rather had a larger burger.
The bun makes a burger, and this bun wasn't fun... no fun bun. If you have burgers, in any setting, the bun holds everything together. That includes the flavors, oils... it needs a little crunch... but it was a pre-made, school cafeteria style roll... lame.
Yes, short sentences, but it's the food also... there was more fries on my platter, than my burger, and the fries were just okay... I really wanted more of a meal here... sucks. -
Review from Phil C.
Seattle, WA
4/9/2012
I tried the Joe's Special and the OMG sliders and substituted for truffle fries. Everything was great, but left me wanting more. The entire order fit into a to-go box sized for a hamburger. I definitely would like to try these again but for about $12 total it's a tough decision when the same amount would buy me 3 lunches of banh mi.
I'm definitely going to try some peanut butter and peppered jelly on one of my bbq burgers this summer. I'm also definitely going to use some King's Hawaiian dinner rolls for my buns. -
Review from J G.
Seattle, WA
4/9/2012
I've been waiting to try their french dip sandwich since I've heard great things about them (and where else in the area can you find a great french dip?). Just went back for my second try today, but sad to report that they are out of the beef....again. They apparently don't stock enough beef, and I would think that since this appears to be one of their more popular menu items, they would stock accordingly (?).
Anyhow, the sliders and paninis are good, but nothing special. The dipping sauces for the fries are yummy, though the fries are thin, greasy, and mushy...not my taste.
The prices are high in my opinion. We spent $30 to feed two adults and one toddler; seems pretty high for a food truck. Third times a charm, but I think I've lost interest already. Sorry, really wanted to like it. -
Review from Aaron W.
11/6/2011
Managed two separate trips to try a breakfast item and a lunch item.
On my breakfast visit, I went with a sandwich of bacon, egg, cheese, and roasted tomatoes on locally baked bread ($4.40). Bacon makes everything better, right? A delicious sandwich here where you really can't go wrong. The bread was perfectly cooked on the flattop, and eggs and bacon have to be among the top comforting breakfast foods out there. The cheese and tomato added more flavor to this one. I felt like I was eating a damn good omelet in between two pieces of toast.
For lunch, I then spotted Bistro Box at the Seattle Center Mobile Feast last weekend. I just *had* to try the Coconut Chicken Slider ($4 for one), since it's one of their most popular items. It's a chicken breast marinated in green tea, ginger, and lime juice, then battered in a tropical rum batter, breaded with coconut and panko bread crumbs. After frying, it's topped with their house Bistro slaw and sweet chili orange sauce on a Hawaiian brioche bun.
Basically, it was one of those foodgasm moments. The sweetness from the coconut and the chili orange sauce, when combined with that chicken, provided the quintessential balance of savory and sweet. The panko crust was perfect. If anything, it's a very small portion (it is a slider, after all).
I also sampled their pot roast while at the Mobile Feast (to be used for their pot roast sandwich). The juicy meat was nice, slow-cooked very well. I loved the sweetness of the carrot to counter the savory beef.
Bistro Box also offers various sliders with Kobe beef patties, as well as an array of paninis (a full one for $7.95 or a half for $4.50).
Now that I've tried both their breakfast and lunch items, I can say this is one of my favorite Seattle food trucks. Find Bistro Box in Renton ASAP and get some sandwiches or sliders! You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Kelly M.
Best fries ever!! Okay, maybe not the best but pretty darn good. It was however, a tad on the salty side for my preferences so dipping it in the garlic aioli was perfect. I ordered the BBT slider and although quite small, it was very filling. Meat was cooked nicely and had the juices running down my cheek. Again, it was a little too salty for my taste buds but delicious nonetheless.
Service is spectacular! Maybe it's because I haven't had the greatest service elsewhere but the ladies here were super friendly. While I waited patiently in the cold, they kept the small talk going so it was nice to not have that awkward silence.
Everything on the menu looked delicious and I did have a pretty hard time deciding what to get. It's a sure fact that I will be back but next time I will have to ask them to go easy on the seasoning for the fries. My taste buds are just too sensitive.
Price wise, I think it is a tad overpriced but they do use Kobe beef for the sliders so it's no surprise. I'll have to give more of an opinion on it after my next visit. -
Review from Elizabeth W.
Seattle, WA
10/3/2011
I stuck with the best of the best, the coconut chicken after hearing so many good reviews from other Yelpers. The wait didn't take long, maybe 5 minutes? I like that, because I have no feature of patience whatsoever.
Coconut chicken slider (with slaw), never thought coconut and chicken would blend so perfectly. It looks like the chicken was fried with the coconut, leaving pieces of coconuts out of the chicken into a crispy golden brown concoction. The first bite, ultimately sweet, no taste of savory. It's not overwhelming, but I would like a little taste of salt in there. The coconut adds a crunchy bite while you chew the tender chicken, interesting burst of textures! The flavor is lacking, only one variety after all, just sweet on my tongue. Makes me feel like I'm eating dessert, even the bun was a sweet roll. A good kind of sweet for the whole culinary enjoyment, since I got only 4 bites (1 slider).
Only complaint I have is that it's too dry, a sauce should be added with the slaw, just because the crispy deep fried coconut chicken is too lonely without a blanket of good liquid. My throat doesn't feel all too good if I have more than 1 slider, I'm sure of that.
Other than that, awesome! -
Review from Prudence R.
Renton, WA
11/2/2011
Two things I've eaten here fall into the 'one of the best I have ever had' category: the beer battered fish and chips and the French Dip. (I will note I am speaking of the traditional French dip, not the one made with pot roast.)
The fish was tender, perfectly cooked with a tasty batter that was not too heavy. It was an awesome cod! The fries were wonderful- fresh, hot, crispy but with good flaky potato inside. I have gone back nearly weekly to have them- that is how good they are.
Now the French Dip....le sigh. The roll is wonderful, the balance of beef, cheese and horseradish is perfection and the jus- the jus is like gravy! It is thick, full of flavour, not greasy on top and OBVIOUSLY not from a mix or bottle. This stuff is the real deal. I love the hot roast beef from Tat's Deli and, well...... I love this one MORE. Yeah, I said it.
That being said I've never had a bad meal here, or even a mediocre one. EVERYTHING has been top notch. The sliders are great, the panini sandwiches have been great....the butternut squash soup garnered raves when I brought it home to share.
If you're in or near Renton do yourself a favour and find the Bistro Box. Friendly service and local business- you feel good supporting them AND your stomach feels pretty darn good after eating there, too. ENJOY!!!
Please note- the fish and chips are only served on Fridays and Saturdays at the Sips Espresso location on Sunset. DO NOT miss out on these. Seriously, don't. -
Review from J C.
Seattle, WA
10/6/2011 1 photo
The Coconut Chicken Slider is only like the most amazing thing ever! I cant stop thinking about it! I'm hungry writing the review.
I also had the Joe's Special and wasn't impressed. Especially since the price for a slider seems a little steep considering their sized.
The service was great as well. Stick to the coconut chicken slider and u wont get disappointed or maybe i should be telling u not to get it so that way they never run out when i get there.... hmm... -
Review from Theopolis B.
Seattle, WA
11/7/2011 12 Check-ins Here
This traveling bus has been a buzz on the block for more than a year now. I thought I would finally find out what the fuss was about. 1st time I tried to eat, they had some issue and lunch was being delayed. Unable to wit, I ate elsewhere. On my return, the service was friendly and the portion was generous, but in the end, I just felt overcharged. What I got for $12 was about $5 more than it should have been. The food was a solid B, but the price was a D.
I have to admit that the fare showed flare and it's obvious that they want to serve an above average menu, but I felt like I paid steakhouse prices for stadium fare. Can't see myself returning. -
Review from Jen T.
9/26/2011 1 photo
Had the Jalapeno Popper slider.
It was good- not great.
I enjoyed the brioche bun and the stuffed jalapeno- meat tasted fresh.
I wished the temperature of the burger was a bit hotter. -
Review from Suzy K.
Seattle, WA
10/2/2011
Tried them at the Mobile Chowdown in West Seattle today. Was at the fest with 5 other people - we all went to different trucks at the same time. Although Bistro Box had the shortest line - I waited the longest. Everyone else had their order, found one another, ate their food, made their way to the beer garden, ordered and drank an entire beer before my order was even complete (waited 30 minutes after I placed order). They had one person cooking and serving. Did they not know what type of event they were participating in?
Did I mention that I only ordered one slider and a side of fries? Although the eggplant slider was good, the fries were limp, uber greasy, and close to tasteless even with their aioli dipping sauce.
weak.Comment from Barbara P. of The Bistro Box 10/3/2011
Hey Suzy - I'm very sorry that you had a bad experience with… More » -
Review from K G.
King, WA
11/1/2011
I hate to write this review because Barb was so nice but the food did not taste very well...I am sorry, I really do feel bad. Plus, yelp has only steered me wrong one other time so I'm suprised that I disagree with the majority. But I feel like I need to say something because these reviews need another perspective...which could also explain the no line that existed at 12:30 (shouldn't it be busy?)
I ordered the famous cocunut chicken slider and the regular kobe beef slider. I also ordered the fries with the aioli sauce. Everything was cold. I remember Barb testing the fries before giving me the scraps but she said it was "fine" and proceeded to give me the scraps and cold fries. They are extremely greasy and very fried -- my stomach feels a bit quesy as I type.
The chicken slider wasn't bad but it was cold -- and the taste just got, for the lack of a better word -- annoying. I just wanted it to be over and it was only 4 bites long. Then came the plain ol slider -- again, cold -- and again, meh.
The price is a little overboard too -- for two slider and fries, it came to $8.75. Overpriced, cold, and not-so-good food really deserves the one star but Barb was so dang nice, that I have to add one more. -
Review from Jonas C.
Renton, WA
2/19/2012
Okay, food here is a bit expensive for what you get. The sliders are kind of tiny. Aside from that, it's great stuff. It did, however, take about ten minutes for my stuff to be cooked. There were four people inside, and they appeared to be working pretty hard.
I tried two sliders. The Joe's Special (bacon, cambozola, garlic aioli, chipotle BBQ, I left off the tomato) was wonderful, and I love cambozola in anything. The OMG (crunchy peanut butter, pepper jelly, cheddar) deserved its name, for being amazing. No one ingredient popped out, everything worked together.
I also had the truffle fries. They weren't super crisp, more soft and greasy like Dick's fries, and the flavor was intense. Their aioli is good, too. The fry sauce was okay, just fry sauce, but the aioli was really good.
Like I said, it's too pricey to be an everyday thing. But I'll go there once in a while. There's not much else in Renton that's really imaginative like this, and no other food trucks at all as far as I know (unless you count the Mexican roachcoach that used to be behind the ex-Dunkin Donuts, now long gone). -
Review from Seth M.
Maple Valley, WA
You can't find better food in Renton...period. Everything that Barb and Co. puts up is simply amazing. I've eaten much of what they have here and it's hard to choose what is the best. They serve breakfast sandwiches, Kobe beef sliders, sandwich specials (i.e. Reubens, Cubans & Chicago pot roast), paninis, salads and an amazing coconut chicken slider.
Not only do they put up all these great sandwiches, don't forget the double fried fries with 5 different dipping sauces to alongside the main dish. They serve a fry sauce, garlic aioli, parmesan caesar, chipotle BBQ and a tartar sauce. The garlic aioli and the fry sauce are my two favorites for the fries.
Not only is the food amazing, but the staff is very friendly and takes time with each new customer to learn their name and give them advice on what to order their first time up. They don't get frazzled or frustrated if you are first timer but welcome you as though you were a long lost friend.
I cannot rave about this food enough. This isn't good food served out of a truck, it's simply good food.
If you go for the first time here is your order:
Joe's Special (kobe beef slider w/chipotle BBQ sauce, bacon and a roasted pepper)
Coconut Chicken Slider
Fries with one fry sauce and garlic aioli sauce for dipping.
Tell them Seth sent you. -
Review from Katy B.
3/14/2011
I'm writing this literally as I enjoy my fries w/ garlic aioli, tomato basil soup, and petite chicken panino.
Yum! As other reviewers mentioned, the staff is really friendly, and chatted it up as I waited for my order. It's nice to have a food truck on the Eastside! I also like being able to walk here for lunch, as the cafeteria in my building is dreadful.
I like everything I ordered and will be back to try something new! -
Review from Ponarett X.
Renton, WA
6/7/2011
It is so exciting to have a food truck in my area!
I am so glad that they have a Saturday location again! I was really missing it after going once when they first started.
They have a pretty impressive menu for a food truck. Multiple kinds of sliders, panini, and flatbreads as well as soups, salads, and fries. I always intend to get something different every times I go but I always end up with a slider duo and fries. They recently added crabcake sliders and I love them! I think I may get these every time! Their fries are delicious and well seasoned AND they have a variety of dipping sauces for the fries. Nom nom nom!
Barb and her staff are so friendly and welcoming. Definitely makes you want to come back. -
Review from eli e.
Renton, WA
11/18/2010
Rona is totally right on in her review.
I've eaten here twice and both the bistro Kobe sliders and coconut chicken are excellent. I've chatted up the owners, Barb and Floyd, and they are super nice folks.
No seating, but grab some to go and head down to Coulon Park, or eat in your car, or keep a folding chair in your trunk like I do :) and plop yourself somewhere.
This place definitely deserves your business. -
Review from Glenn C.
Renton, WA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Real tasty, but punney portions for the price.
-
Review from Rona L.
10/6/2010 2 photos
Wow! I can't believe this place hasn't been reviewed yet! I was so confused when I tried to pull up the Yelp Reviews for The Bistro Box during Mobile Chowdown 5 this past weekend...
The Business: I think this place is new, but I was able to find a Fan Page on Facebook, and it allowed me to find their information. Located in Renton?? It's so close to home! (well, closer than Seattle is). I felt bad because during MC5, this place had steady customers, though no where near the line that El Camion had (which was right next door). However, being that TBB hasn't earned its place in the hearts of mobile food stand lovers yet, I see why some people might be skeptical to try it.
The Food: DELICIOUS. I ordered the coconut chicken slider and had a bite of the kobe beef slider. The coconut chicken was scrumptious! The chicken was breaded and so crispy on the outside and the meat was perfectly cooked and tender on the inside. It felt like I was biting into a fish sandwich (well, almost). The coconut was sweet and delectable. The kobe beef sliders were tasty as well. The aioli it was coated with had a nice spice profile. Both of these little sliders packed a punch of flavor!
I'll definitely be looking for you on the streets! I hope you guys do well :-D -
Review from Joel R.
9/17/2011
My wife and I dropped by the Bistro Box as one of our stops during our limited tour at the Mobile Food Rodeo and were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of their burgers. Made with what is apparently Wagyu-style beef, the flavor in these little sliders really pops. Unfortunately, our side order of fries didn't fare as well (they were a little undercooked). Confronted with the massive crowds of this event, the cooks in the Bistro Box worked quickly enough, although they weren't the fastest service around. Still, very friendly, and the prices were quite reasonable. Hope to try them somewhere around town.
-
Review from Adam Z.
Seattle, WA
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gourmet sliders from a... truck? Hell yeah these guys do it up right! Went for the duo combo with a cheeseburger slider, a coconut chicken slider and some fries. The chicken slider was rocking, it tasted like a coconut prawn only with chicken. It also had that orange marmalade sauce on it which definitely added a complexity and knocked it out of the park! The Kobe beef slider was maybe even better than the chicken, it was simple and delicious. The fries were OK but the fry sauce was awesome. There's no where to eat in the parking lot but there are a few parks around the area. Eat these sliders where ever you want but definitely eat them. PS: You get a free cookie with a Yelp check in, I chose the Chocolate chip, mac nut, coconut, and cranberry cookie and it was on par with the rest of the meal, AKA awesome.
-
Review from mandy j.
Renton, WA
11/4/2011
You won't find better food in anywhere Renton. For a lunch place I cant think of a better place anywhere on the east side. The Kobe beef sliders are the best I've had, even in swanky places from here to Vegas. Don't be afraid to try the one with pb and J it is delectable. The fries are perfectly cut, fried, and salted.
It is pricey though. As they say you get what you pay for and at the Bistro Box it's in a good way! -
Review from Jennifer S.
Renton, WA
7/13/2011
I loved the coconut chicken, super sweet and crunchy! The fries are amazing, great seasoning. My honey had the pulled pork sandwich on special which was so messy but he loved it. No napkins available, and the brioche buns seem awfully similar to king's hawaiian. I will definitely come back and check out the burgers!
-
Review from Hugo C.
Seattle, WA
11/10/2011
I tried the Bistro Box at the Seattle Center Mobile Feast, and I was not disappointed. I forget the exact name of the slider I tried, but it was something like the "OMG Kobe Beef Slider," which had PEANUT BUTTER. Yes, peanut butter! I thought that was crazy and I just had to try it. The first bite was sort of odd, but it worked. Several people saw me eating it and asked how it was, and the fact that I quickly devoured it told them all they needed to know and they ordered one as well. My friend ordered the Coconut Chicken Slider (which I got a taste of) and it was also quite tasty. I don't really have any reason to venture to Renton, so I'm not sure when I'll get to try the Bistro Box again, but if I do find myself in the area I'll definitely try to visit their truck.
-
Review from Thach N.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 11/1/2010 3 photos
I had a burger at another place few weeks ago and wow I have to come back and say their Kobe Beef at the Bistro Box was the best has really good flavor
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/18/2010
This place just opened I had the Kobe Sliders and it was really really good. I'm so excited that the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Tonya S.
Kent, WA
3/31/2011
Superb. Whenever I am "home" during Bistro Box's hours, I am there. I really hope they get more evening or Saturday hours for summer. Coconut chicken sliders are my fave. Have also had kobe beef & my bro has had a panini.
-
Review from Johnnie L.
Renton, WA
1/18/2011
I love food carts, so I was happy to hear there was new one in Renton. We got the kobe sliders, pesto panini and some soup. Everything over all was pretty tasty. I originally wanted to try the coconut chicken sliders but they were all sold out. Looks like I'm goin to have to make another stop soon.
Only con is the sliders are a little spendy for 2 bites. -
Review from Sylvi K.
Kent, WA
9/26/2011
I am stoked to see a food truck around this part of town! I had the two sliders (I believe it was Joe's Special) with some fries and it was freaking delicious! The owner was really friendly, the service was great! She gave my niece a free cookie while we were waiting too :) Will def. be going back again and again to keep trying what's on the menu! this place is def worth trying!
-
Review from Jennifer B.
Renton, WA
2/22/2011
What an amazing place! I have never and I mean never tasted a more delicious panini sandwich! Barb is the best. I cannot wait to try other items on the menu and will most definitely be utilizing the catering services as well. I will witout a doubt be a repeat and lifetime customer!
-
Review from Ron B.
Maple Valley, WA
1/6/2011
I've been a customer of the Bistro Box several times, as it's right outside my office building. The owners and cashier are all very friendly, asking your name and wanting to get to know their clientele. The food...FABULOUS! I have never had a bad meal, and frankly don't ever expect that I will. Make sure to make use of the gift cards. I purchased some for my employees as Christmas gifts...what better than a free lunch?!
