If ever the term “quaint” was appropriate, it would be in describing Capitol Hill teriyaki joint, Chopsticks. Friendly, family staff (Mom cooks the meals, daughter takes the orders, I think!), a small, inviting interior, and that mysterious intangible that makes you feel like hanging out all afternoon, Chopsticks makes you feel at home.

The teriyaki, however, is another matter.

Not good yet certainly not bad, Chopstick’s $6.50 teriyaki is average all the way. Overly grilled, slightly fatty, dark side chicken isn’t a deal breaker but it certainly makes me think Chopsticks is one of the few teriyaki joints where the extra buck white meat upgrade would be worth your while. An extra dollar, however, won’t change the OK honey mustard iceberg salad and decently portioned though a bit soggy white rice, the second and third members of this decidedly average triumvirate.

Like many other Seattle teriyaki shops, I suspect it is in their other dishes where Chopsticks excels. But with a series of hits and misses (good tempura, funny tasting soup, excellent looking spring rolls, and merely OK teriyaki), I’m not sure I will be back to find out, that is unless I'm in the neighborhood needing some relaxation and some chubby spring rolls.

Final verdict: I wanted to love Chopsticks much more than I actually did.