We tried out the new Southern Diner on 1st Ave last night, and it was an amazing experience. The diner occupies half of the building that used to be the Dragon Pearl. The interior is now bright and clean and inviting. The hostess/server, Andrea, was incredibly warm and friendly. Most importantly, the food was the best Southern cooking I have had on the west coast in the past 20 years.We had fried green tomatoes, a brisket sandwich, catfish with mashed potatoes and fried okra and a thick slice of cornbread. The cornmeal crust on the tomatoes and catfish was perfectly cooked: evenly coated, crunchy and not too salty. The okra was made from fresh, cut thick and perfectly cooked in a light crispy batter. The mashed potatoes were simply the best Ive ever been served in any restaurant, anywhere, and the white cream gravy was perfection. The brisket was tender and the sandwich itself was enormous. Even the cornbread was incredible, dense and sweet and practically melting in your mouth.Southern Diner has only recently opened and has limited hours for now: 5 to 10 pm, Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Although theyre only open during dinner hours for now, they serve breakfast as well, and I cant wait to go back and try it!Curiously, when we arrived, the parking lot was almost full. We almost drove away, worried about dining in a crowded space, but decided to hop out and check to see if it felt safe or not. It turns out that the restaurant was empty, we were the first patrons of the evening. Im so glad we decided to give it a try. Please, Burien, give this place a try...I dont want it to disappear!

They forgot the rice in my red beans & rice. A bit plain. Gumbos alright. Very good grits bowls though. Sketchy area. Still on the lookout for tasty authentic accessible Southern Cajun Creole in Seattle.

Wanted to try this place out and was disappointed that it was closed when I got there. I drove out of my way to get the fried green tomatoes. The google search results said it was open. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Ended up going to Denny’s. Which is always a last resort! 😐 Perhaps one day I can write a new review.

I tried to call to discuss with manager- but no answer on the phone.Is there a disappointed star? That was mainly it- excellent word of mouth reviews had me so excited to get some good southern cooking, like grandma made.Fried chicken- burned on the outside, drumstick raw at the bone. I have a photo but when you post here it goes on their google site. Maybe the manager will ask to see it.Mashed potatoes cold and runny, gravy? Blah.Best part of the meal collards and Mac and cheese.$37 for a meal and two extra sides.Parking lot full, for the bar next door. I would suggest they close the doors between the two - bar is a fun, loud, smelly one and all of that affects the feel of the restaurant.

Got Beef Ribs + Green beans and collard greens yesterday. Delicious! The biscuits and gravy were also great. Nice portions too!

I had wings, husband had barbecue pork ribs. Both excellent yum ,yum. Second visit.

DJd here 3 nights a week for nearly 2 years ...miss the staff and some regulars. Hope to ge back soon. And dont forget to tip your bartender.

They know me as Lloyd..great food new interior need website and phone number

Idk what to say, the waitress was great but everything else was subpar and horrible.

First, the food part isnt there yet as of 9-19. But what is there is a great little dive bar with nice friendly locals and cheap drinks. I wish they had Po Boys but I can make do with a drink in a bar that knows your name.

Not really impressed.