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Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard, Seattle, WA
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard, Seattle, WA
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard, Seattle, WA
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard, Seattle, WA
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard, Seattle, WA

Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard

4.5
4.5
300 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Located in Ballard since 2006, this location continues the Portage Bay Cafe mission of local, organic and sustainable fare. From our Crab Cake Benedict to our signature House-Made Challah French Toast, our items are carefully crafted to use the best seasonal and organic ingredients available. In addition to our famous brunch items, our menus include a variety of amazing salads and sandwiches.

Chef Chris and his team create weekly specials to further highlight our food-producing partners.

Portage Bay Cafe in Ballard is a large, airy, boisterous space with lots of energy. We look forward to serving you soon.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Breakfast
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon, Thu, Fri 8:00 am–1:30 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (206) 783-1547
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Chris Rivers
  • Private party contact
    Tracy Buck: (206) 551-4084
  • Neighbourhood
    Ballard / Fremont
  • Cross Street
    28th and Market
  • Parking Details
    We share a small triangle parking lot just to the west of our front door.
  • Public Transit
    There are bus stops just a block east of the front door
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 300 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Great for brunch

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Child-Friendly

  • Seattle

    Great for brunch

  • Seattle

    Child-Friendly

  • Seattle

    American

300 Reviews
  1. JennyS

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    From making reservations on my phone to the end of the meal, everything was easy and enjoyable. Excellent service and food!!!!

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  2. ElizabethM

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Our experience at Portage Bay was outstanding. We all enjoyed our meals and especially liked our trip through the breakfast bar to elevate our pancakes and French Toast. Our server was very attentive and kind. We will definitely be back!

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  3. BillB

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Excellent service and excellent food. Look forward to trying a new dish.

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  4. KristenS

    Seattle

    22 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    Overall4Food5Service5Ambience4
    Very busy spot, glad they take reservations and would recommend that you make one before you go! Food was fantastic albeit expensive but would suggest you plan for that and check this place out!! We are looking forward to going back so we can try out more if the menu!

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  5. TimH

    Seattle

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Portage Bay never disappoints. Great menu thriving atmosphere and friendly servers. It’s our go to breakfast place if we can get in.

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  6. skeletonlady

    Seattle

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall3Food3Service5Ambience3
    I have never experienced a more friendly, happy, polite group of waitstaff ever! Despite the restaurant being PACKED, the staff ALL were smiling and taking their time to speak with the customers. Amazing!!

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  7. MichaelR

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall4Food2Service4Ambience4
    The Swedish pancakes were great. Eggs Benedict, hmmm, English muffins were burnt and hard to cut so this kind of put a damper on the dish. The special seasonal baked French toast, French toast lovers that we are, wrong choice on the bread (rustic wheat style) made the meal un eatable. Daughter didn’t eat over half the dish, disappointed. The side of bacon was cold. Apologize for the somewhat negative comments but had to be honest. Will go back as this was not our first visit. The fruit bar was great by the way and the overall experience was okay this time. Location is somewhat cold, wear a sweater or hoodie!!

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  8. Bella

    Portland

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    Overall2Food2Service3Ambience2
    I took my daughter and 4 grandkids to celebrate a birthday. We were taken care of as far as table even though we were 15 minutes late. I asked for if they could make smoked salmon benedict though it wasn't a special and the fulfilled it. That's about where the great part ends. The salmon Bene eggs were cold and the salmon just big glop, my crab benedict was cold all of it even the potatoes, I informed the waiter that my coffee was undrickable and wanted it taken off the bill but he didn't even hear me he was moving to fast to care. I decided it wasn't worth the effort to complain about the rest of the meal and paid a very expensive and uneditable. This wasn't the same Portage I remember from 6 years ago. Shame

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  9. DeeAnna

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great food and service! It wasn’t as noisy as usual but still a bit loud for quiet conversation.

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  10. JamrsR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    Overall2Food2Service3Ambience1
    Cold eggs. Got potatoes when salad was ordered. Mistake was not corrected in spite of request. Way too noisy. Thinking noise is energetic is absurd.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    You Can’t go wrong with anything at Portage Bay. Always love the challah bread French toast + trip to the berry bar!! My husband had Joe’s scramble. Portions are great, ingredients are fresh, service is friendly!

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  12. Steveorino

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Had the Seattle benedict. Outstanding! We made reservations and were glad we did. There was a waiting line when we arrived.

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  13. MichaelR

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great place to have breakfast! Lots of families so it seems to be family friendly as well.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Great service accommodated change in party from 3 to 5 people. The food here is fresh and delicious. It’s Seattle so it is pricey- but worth it - kept me full until dinner. The pumpkin pancakes are so freaking good (had as part of Ranch Breakfast)

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  15. SFSaf

    Seattle

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    Overall3Food3Service2Ambience3
    Service was a bit icy. Food was good, but they were out of a few things by 12:30 p.m.

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  16. Joanna

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Love this place! The food was amazing and service was great as well

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  17. LaurenR

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    We're big fans, as there is always something for everyone - GF, Vegan, Dairy-Free.

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  18. William

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fast and friendly service, great tasting food, something for everyone on the menu, local organic ingredients. Dining with a conscience!

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  19. AnAre

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    Overall3Food4Service3Ambience3
    Having made a reservation, I would expect to get seated at the time of my reservation. Not having to wait 25 minutes to get seated. I know it’s busy and bustling on the weekends.

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  20. PatA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    Overall3Food2Service4Ambience4
    I had Eggs Benedict and order extra two poached eggs. Eggs on original order was HARD BOILED (poached). AS IN OVER COOKED. 2nd extra two were done right. Hit and miss restaurant. It could be very good. It could be not very good. No quality. No consistency. Would I take my 9 other family members there again? No. Would I recommend it to anyone? No.

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  21. CW24

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    This is a must when we go to Seattle and never disappoints.

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  22. JeremyH

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    Overall2Food4Service2Ambience2
    We arrived on time to be told we had to wait on the sidewalk for 10 mins. There wasn't an apology from the front of house staff, just an expectation that we would comply. We waited 20 mins before we were taken to our table. The waitress who served us was lovely. However, it's rude to make your paying guests who went to the trouble of reserving a table to wait outside. A complimentary drink might have been a nice move. This restaurant took us completely for granted. They were obviously over booked, and they should have warned us that they were running late so that we could have taken our time getting there.

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  23. RodT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience4
    Great food, nice atmosphere. Servers were great, even though it was crowded.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Mexico City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Food excellent. But you have to arrive early to avoid lines if you didn’t reserve.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Best French toast of my life! Will come back next time I’m in Sea

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    Overall2Food3Service4Ambience3
    I was eager to take my kids here for the first time having enjoyed it in years past. My oldest daughter was playing with her band in concert at the locks at 2pm with a 1:30pm call time so we made 1130 reservations. We arrived 6 minutes later than our reservation time but were not seated until a few minutes after 12 which was disappointing. Checked in with host twice explaining our time frame/reservations and around 11:50 she said we were “next” but two parties were called before we were finally called. Wait staff was attentive and quickly corrected an issue with one of my kids orders. Swedish pancake dish and omelettes adults ordered were great. Scrambled Eggs brought for kids were rubbery/overcooked, over seasoned and kids pancake was also dry and very dark. I make better at home.

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  27. LajraN

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fabulous! I drive from Tacoma just to have breakfast here

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  28. Debra

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great food, and they did a fantastic job of handling gluten sensitivity for 2 of our party!

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  29. Jesselleb

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    Overall2Food3Service2Ambience2
    What's the point of a reservation if you get sat 30 minutes after. Food was fine.

    1 person found this helpful

  30. Chb4

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience4
    Food was good, my only complaints would be that finding parking was difficult and there was no table available for my reservation time, you shouldn't have to wait to be seated if you have a reservation.

    1 person found this helpful

  31. KimB

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Consistently good! Make a reservation because the wait times are long on the weekend!

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  32. ACCC

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Just love brunch at Portage Bay. It's fast and reliable. Not fancy, but delicious. Do not miss the berry bar!

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    One of the best breakfasts we’ve had! Reservations made it super easy. The staff was great, the food was out quickly. It’s a little on the pricy side but worth it. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting a yummy, good quality breakfast.

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  34. Spilles

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great brunch place. Crowded, but our party 7 could comfortably hear each other. Great ambiance.

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  35. StevenR

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great food always consistently prepared. Service is outstanding and friendly. Always take great care of our dog in outdoor seating.

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  36. LindaK

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    Overall4Food3Service3Ambience2
    Two orders requested salad instead of potatoes. Orders came with potatoes. Server had to take back. Another order came with a sunny side egg when over easy was requested. Server brought another egg. Seems the cook isn't carefully reviewing orders...

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  37. chuckB

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience4
    We had a lovely breakfast. We can always count on the Portage Bay Cafe to deliver a great meal. It is our go to place when we have out of town guest.

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  38. FredD

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience3
    If you are looking for a quieter place to have breakfast with friends the Ballard Portage Bay might be the place. We met a friend going through a painful situation and had privacy for our conversation while enjoying excellent breakfast with just the right amount of attention from staff.

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  39. EvaD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Our server Andrew was fantastic! Smiling the whole time. He asked if we were celebrating anything and when we told him it was our teen son's birthday, he made sure there was a candle on his french toast. He checked in regularly and just made the meal even better. Thank you to Andrew! We hope we are seated in your section again next time.

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  40. Ozone

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
    Perfect Breakfast spot. Even the staff enjoy being there!

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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard using the Order Online button. Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard also offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (206) 783-1547.

Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard is rated 4.5 stars by 300 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard

2821 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    28th and Market
  • Neighbourhood
    Ballard / Fremont
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon, Thu, Fri 8:00 am–1:30 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Breakfast
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    We share a small triangle parking lot just to the west of our front door.
  • Public Transit
    There are bus stops just a block east of the front door
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chris Rivers
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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