"A soulful Central District landmark — book Communion for Kristi Brown's Seattle Soul cooking, a James Beard semifinalist and Seattle Met's 2021 Restaurant of the Year."
Communion opened in 2020 at 2350 East Union Street in Seattle's Central District, inside the Liberty Bank Building — the site of the first Black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest. Chef Kristi Brown, a longtime Seattle chef who built That Brown Girl Cooks over decades, calls her cooking “Seattle Soul.” The room earned her a James Beard semifinalist nod and was named Seattle Met's Restaurant of the Year for 2021, a homecoming for a neighbourhood that gentrification pushed out.
Chef Kristi Brown cooks soul food shaped by the Central District's closeness to the Chinatown-International District. Her famous black-eyed pea hummus — first made at the old Kingfish Cafe — anchors the menu, alongside “Hood Sushi,” catfish and grits, smoky berbere chicken, mac and cheese and local greens. The flavours are bold and personal rather than nostalgic. A full dinner with drinks sits in the upper-mid ($$$) bracket, and the bar program is a draw in its own right.
The room is warm and welcoming by intent — Brown's stated aim is a place where, in her words, the millionaire can sit with the homie. It runs sociable and full, with a lively bar, and feels rooted in its block rather than styled for a scene. It keeps set evening hours and books up on weekends, so reserve ahead, and come ready for a generous, convivial dinner rather than a quiet one.
For a first date, a birthday with friends or a warm group dinner, Communion fits beautifully: the bold cooking, the lively bar and the welcoming room set an easy, celebratory tone. A natural first-date and birthday table, and a memorable anniversary dinner in the Central District.
Not for a hushed, formal tasting-menu evening or a quiet corner — Communion is a warm, sociable, full room built for generous Seattle Soul cooking and a good time.
Communion is at 2350 East Union Street in Seattle's Central District, inside the Liberty Bank Building near 23rd Avenue.
Chef Kristi Brown, a longtime Seattle chef behind That Brown Girl Cooks, opened Communion in 2020 and is a James Beard semifinalist.
Kristi Brown's term for soul food shaped by the Central District's closeness to the Chinatown-International District — dishes like black-eyed pea hummus and 'Hood Sushi'.
The black-eyed pea hummus is the signature, alongside Hood Sushi, catfish and grits, smoky berbere chicken and mac and cheese.
Booking is advised, especially for weekend dinner, as the lively Central District room books up.
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