Ludi's Restaurant

When Ludi’s closed in 2019 after 17 years in business, they got a more heartfelt send-off than some people's great-grandma. Customers cried, homages were written, and out-of-towners rushed to eat there one last time. All for good reason—the food kicked ass. The thought that this Filipino diner would no longer supply Seattle with bright purple pancakes was devastating. 

Four years later, Ludi’s returned. So did the ube pancakes. Inside their new updated location (just a couple of blocks from the old Downtown space) you can pile into a booth among the same family-run diner surroundings—a sizzling griddle is the morning soundtrack, breakfast is served all day, and the food is as comforting as ever. 

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Come here intending to share a bunch of stuff. The ube pancakes—only available Friday-Sunday—are a must. These bouncy rice flour flapjacks are smothered in a coconutty ube glaze that maple syrup should be afraid of. If you want a little of everything, order the combo-silog. It’s a plate full of peppery longanisa, foot-long lumpia, a pounded pork chop, and garlic rice that we could eat fistfuls of on its own. The always-changing specials board is worth a peek too, where dishes like crispy kare kare, loaded omelets, and sisigsilog become last-minute add-ons.

Even though you can count on Ludi’s for a consistently great meal, strategy is key. On weekends, waits can be long, so coming on a weekday right when they open at 7am is a safe bet. Because even on a Thursday, by 7:30, a line already forms underneath the iconic yellow and blue sign. But if we're going to set an alarm, brave potential early morning frost, and deal with Downtown one-way streets for anything, it’s going to be Ludi’s. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Ube Pancakes

Yes, these are the pancakes all over Instagram. But unlike some viral foods that look great and taste otherwise, these sticky purple pancakes rule.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Beef Lumpia

Even if breakfast comes with lumpia, always order more. You’ll want to maximize on quality time with these crispy forearm-sized beauties.

Chicken Fried Steak

After doing some digging, you’ll find that there is, in fact, a steak cutlet underneath the peppery gravy and egg yolk. Focus on that—the underseasoned home fries on the plate are bland and boring.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Combo-Silog

This is the best way to go for a Ludi’s newbie, or just someone who doesn't want to risk missing out on anything. In this case, you get it all.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Sisigsilog

The combination of buttery garlic rice, runny egg yolk, fresh kick of tomato and onions, and pork sisig in this dish is a reminder of just how great a comeback can be.

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

Biscuit And Jam

With so many other great dishes on the menu, this side order is not the first thing to gravitate towards. But if something sweet and a bit more subdued than syrupy pancakes is on your mind, try this soft flaky biscuit that comes with some incredible housemade jam.