Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill: Location, Hours, Menu Guide

Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill: Location, Hours, Menu Guide
Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill operates as a casual dining establishment specializing in herb-infused dishes and grilled specialties. Located at 123 Main Street in downtown Seattle, the cafe serves weekday lunches from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and offers weekend brunch service from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The menu features seasonal ingredients with thyme as a signature herb in many dishes, including grilled chicken, vegetable specialties, and house-made soups.

Established in 2015, Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill has developed a reputation for its farm-to-table approach in the Pacific Northwest dining scene. The cafe occupies a converted historic building with both indoor seating for 45 guests and a seasonal patio accommodating 20 additional patrons. Their culinary team sources ingredients from regional farms within a 100-mile radius, with produce changing according to seasonal availability.

Menu Highlights and Specialties

The cafe's menu rotates quarterly to showcase seasonal ingredients while maintaining several year-round favorites. Signature dishes include the Thyme-Infused Grilled Chicken Sandwich with roasted vegetables, the Wild Salmon Salad with lemon-thyme vinaigrette, and the seasonal soup selection that changes daily. Breakfast offerings on weekends feature items like the Thyme-Infused Mushroom Omelette and house-made sourdough toast.

Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate their locally roasted coffee selection, while tea drinkers can choose from an extensive herbal tea menu that complements the cafe's namesake herb. The beverage program also includes fresh-pressed juices and seasonal lemonades.

Service Type Operating Hours Last Seating
Weekday Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Weekend Brunch 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 1:30 PM
Closed Monday N/A

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Visitors typically find the atmosphere relaxed yet refined, with wooden tables, herb planters throughout the space, and an open kitchen concept. The cafe maintains a moderate noise level during peak hours, making it suitable for both business lunches and casual gatherings. Many patrons appreciate the visible herb garden at the entrance that supplies some of the restaurant's fresh ingredients.

Parking options include street parking with two-hour limits during business hours and a public parking garage located one block away. The establishment is fully accessible with ramp access, ADA-compliant restrooms, and designated seating areas for wheelchair users. Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more through their online system, while smaller groups typically experience wait times of 10-20 minutes during peak lunch hours.

Seasonal Offerings and Community Engagement

Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill adjusts its offerings based on Pacific Northwest growing seasons. Spring features morel mushrooms and fresh greens, summer brings heirloom tomatoes and berries, fall showcases squash and apples, while winter highlights root vegetables and hearty soups. The cafe participates in the local 'Dine Around Seattle' program each October, offering special prix-fixe menus.

Community involvement remains central to their operation, with monthly collaborations with local food banks and participation in neighborhood clean-up initiatives. They host occasional cooking demonstrations featuring regional farmers, focusing on sustainable cooking techniques that home cooks can replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill's weekend brunch hours?

Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill serves weekend brunch from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. The kitchen stops taking orders at 1:30 PM to ensure all guests receive timely service. They open for brunch at 9:00 AM year-round, though holiday hours may vary with advance notice posted on their website.

Does Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill offer vegetarian options?

Yes, Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill maintains multiple vegetarian options daily, including at least one grilled vegetable entree and a vegetarian soup. Approximately 30% of their regular menu items are vegetarian, with vegan modifications available upon request. Their seasonal menu always features locally sourced produce prepared with thyme and complementary herbs.

Is Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill is fully ADA compliant with ramp access at the entrance, accessible restrooms, and designated seating areas for wheelchair users. The staff receives regular accessibility training, and the cafe maintains an accessibility rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on independent accessibility audits conducted annually in Seattle.

Can I find Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill menu prices online?

Yes, Thyme for Lunch Cafe & Grill publishes their current menu with prices on their official website. Most lunch entrees range from $14-$19, with weekend brunch items priced between $12-$17. They offer a seasonal prix-fixe lunch special for $22 that includes soup or salad, main course, and non-alcoholic beverage. The cafe maintains consistent pricing throughout the year with only minor adjustments for ingredient cost fluctuations.

Chef Liu Wei

Chef Liu Wei

A master of Chinese cuisine with special expertise in the regional spice traditions of Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Cantonese cooking. Chef Liu's culinary journey began in his family's restaurant in Chengdu, where he learned the complex art of balancing the 23 distinct flavors recognized in traditional Chinese gastronomy. His expertise in heat management techniques - from numbing Sichuan peppercorns to the slow-building heat of dried chilies - transforms how home cooks approach spicy cuisines. Chef Liu excels at explaining the philosophy behind Chinese five-spice and other traditional blends, highlighting their connection to traditional Chinese medicine and seasonal eating practices. His demonstrations of proper wok cooking techniques show how heat, timing, and spice application work together to create authentic flavors. Chef Liu's approachable teaching style makes the sophisticated spice traditions of China accessible to cooks of all backgrounds.