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    Bay Cafe

    3.7 (219 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:15 pm

    Bay Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    BAY CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Bay Cafe

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    Courtney C.

    The location of this place is really neat. Right next to the marina, most tables have a great view of the boats, and with lots of windows, on a sunny day this place is great. There is also ample parking which is not common for Seattle restaurants. The service was okay. While the staff was friendly, it took a while to be sat, then a while for our waiter to come to our table and then we hardly saw him again and had to flag him down when we needed something. It was busier than I would expect on a Friday afternoon, so I could imagine wait times may be longer on busy weekends. The food was good. I had the seafood benedict to try something new and while I don't think it is something I would go looking for again, it was cooked well and was decent quality overall. The prices here are bit high for what you get compared to other brunch places though.

    Leonard Jack ..

    One of the best breakfast places in Seattle! Very large menu with so many great breakfast favorites. You will find an omelet (or 3) that you will love. Waffles and pancakes are top notch with the many toppings offered. Always pleasant service and nice owners. Add in the amazing view of the docks and water amd you can't go wrong with this choice! Highly suggest this place to start your day.

    Monte Cristo with hashbrown
    Philip P.

    Super packed for brunch. This is a nice upscale diner next to the water. Hashbrowns are freshly made if you're lucky enough to catch them on a new batch and most importantly, they have a lot of my favorite brunch items. Although, not really a brunch item I don't think, I ordered the rare in the wild Monte Cristo sandwich. Also had a cup of coffee which tasted kind of funny to me, but I'll take whatever caffeine I can get. The sandwich was missing the sticky syrup which it very much needed because it was otherwise dry without it. Definitely prefer it over jam and it wasn't powdered with sugar from what I recall. Not really much of a Monte Cristo to be honest. But I still ate it and got full from it. It was pretty large. Would not say this is the best place for a Monte Cristo, but from what I've had, it's a decent place to get a good hashbrown. I think I'll get a standard brunch item next time around.

    Jamie L.

    What a great little café. They're only open from 7 to 2 PM. The breakfast is amazing as is the fish and chips and chowder. The $13 biscuit and gravy with two eggs and hash brown is a hard deal to beat.

    $25 waffle eggs and bacon

    2/10 would not recommend. Overpriced low quality food. The waffle was hard and almost inedible. All I wanted was a waffle, eggs and hashbrowns but that wasn't an option unless I paid and extra $5-6 for a side because all they had were $20 waffle, eggs and bacon. I would've rather had sleep for breakfast

    oyster omelet. the bacon not mine

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    2 months ago

    Service was a little slow but ok overall. Food was good. Ambiance was cool overlooking the fishing boats

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    2 months ago

    Great food if you don't mind spending $160 for breakfast for 4 with coffee. Otherwise, the food was excellent, and the service was par.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I love oysters and the oyster omelette is my go to. Old style cafe with harbor views. Been here several times and will continue to frequent.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Everything is great! Super nice staff. Good food. Beautiful views of the water and the boats and the boardwalk. Highly recommend.

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food was delicious, the waitress was friendly and she exchanged nice conversation with my sons, the atmosphere was quiet and clean.

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    7 years ago

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    The Little Beast - Brussels sprouts (don't recommend)

    The Little Beast

    (36 reviews)

    Ballard

    We had an even better experience this visit (less salty, avoided things we didn't enjoy last time,…read morebetter menu options) and everything was spot on! Service was attentive and they asked about our experience this time too. The sunchokes were cooked to perfection and when combined with the ladysmith cheese? No better combination. My honey went with the bavette and I had the korma lamb pie and colcannon and we were both entirely satisfied with our choices. Grateful for the green chili removal at the start. The lamb was so tender with no need for anything else to stand out. The sticky toffee pudding was generous and a wonderful finish. We started with their butcher box which is such a stand out experience that we tried the dine in option again--so glad we did.

    If you're a meat lover, this place is worth checking out. When you walk in, you'll see a lively…read moreopen kitchen, with chefs grilling sizzling steaks. We came on a Friday night without a reservation and waited about 30 minutes to be seated at the bar. I actually prefer bar seating since I enjoy watching the action in the kitchen. We ordered the sunchoke salad, Beast Board, Scotch egg, foie bangers, and spotted dick for dessert. Everything was solid and well executed, but for the price, I was expecting more of a "wow" factor that never quite landed. My favorite dishes were actually the salad and the dessert. Maybe the $100+ steaks would have been the way to go.

    The Ballard Cut - Tommy steak. Get in there!

    The Ballard Cut

    (317 reviews)

    $$$

    Ballard

    The Ballard's Cut is an absolute gem -- a true Seattle staple that deserves every ounce of praise…read moreit gets. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captures you: modern décor, intimate lighting, and a warm vibe that feels both upscale and inviting. Everything is immaculately clean and thoughtfully designed, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. If you're a bourbon lover, this place is paradise. Their collection is incredible, but what truly sets them apart is the service. The Bourbon Curators, Ms. Hannah and Mr. Tommy, along with our amazing waitress Ms. Sassy, make you feel like a VIP from start to finish. They welcome you with open arms and create a personalized bourbon journey -- teaching you about flavor profiles, history, and how to discover different palettes you never knew you had. It's not just a drink menu... it's an experience. And the food? Michelin-worthy. We shared the Autumn Chicory Salad and the homemade Autumn Mushroom Pasta -- both beautifully crafted, rich in flavor, and perfectly paired with the bourbon experience. Every bite showed off the kitchen's talent and passion. We were actually recommended this restaurant by strangers we met at the Seattle Space Needle -- and wow, did they steer us right. The Ballard's Cut surpassed every expectation. If you love bourbon, phenomenal food, and top-tier service from people who treat you like family, then this is the place. Do not miss it.

    We came as a family of six. We were all unimpressed…read more It started with bread. We ordered it, it never came. When we asked, our server blamed a "computer system outage." For bread. I genuinely don't know what to do with that explanation. The food took so long. I ordered my steak medium rare and it arrived overcooked. I thought this was a steakhouse and yall can't even cook a steak medium rare? One person in our party never received their salad despite asking multiple times. Their stupid steak dish is $50 entree with zero sides. I added cauliflower for an extra $17 charge and received something I could have made in five minutes. Finally, we tried to order dessert and were told they were out of the item we all wanted. This place is a ripoff with terrible service.

    Brimmer & Heeltap - Grilled Whole Sardines with lemon and gremolata

    Brimmer & Heeltap

    (688 reviews)

    $$

    Ballard

    Absolutely delicious. Probably one of the best cocktails I've had in Seattle. All around the…read morecocktails were great. I usually don't even like mezcal but this was eliteeee. The service was amazing, our server walked us through the dishes and helped us choose. The chicken came out looking a little unseasoned but it was the table favorite because it had the most flavor out of everything else. Looks can be deceiving lol. That potato's are amazing and a good side dish! They have a little patio as well with heating!

    How I heard of this place: Not having realized how long the establishment has been around, some…read morefriends suggested we give it a go for our Taste Buds Dinner Club, and we made it happen. Type of cuisine: "We never tire of talking to our guests about how we got our quirky name. Inspired by two British drinking terms, Brimmer & Heeltap seeks to celebrate the moments that exist between the first sip of one's libation and the last drops lingering at the bottom of the glass. Since late 2013 we've delighted in creating an environment that is inviting, lively, and comforting. A sense of playfulness is present in everything we do, from the inventive dishes our culinary team prepares, to the friendly, genuine hospitality we provide. We're a bistro that takes pride in being a neighborhood place - the kind you can escape to at day's end for a delicious meal shared among friends." Ambiance: "Located in the former Le Gourmand space in beautiful Ballard, Brimmer & Heeltap offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere complete with an open kitchen, full bar, and multiple sections to drink and dine in. Our garden patio is one of the best-kept secrets in the city, offering a dreamy place to dine outdoors during Seattle's spring and summer months. We also have a tucked-away back studio that offers the perfect setting for special, private gatherings year-round. Just how many pennies does it take to cover a floor? Just ask Brimmer & Heeltap's proprietress Jen who collected tens of thousands of them from family, friends, and the community to help execute the vision of a cool gathering placed dubbed, naturally, the "Penny Room." This dining room, beloved for both its wall of menus and its shining penny floor, is a favorite place to break bread with loved ones, and plays into the restaurant's blend of nostalgic and contemporary design. The restaurant was designed in collaboration with Sean Sifagaloa of KRFTWRK and local builder Mike Marian, owner of Marian Built. Light, texture, metal, wood, and floral elements are all at play here. This historic building possesses a playful, familiar charm that we wanted to preserve in its latest incarnation." What I ordered: Wishing to sample a little of everything, we were served, family style, two orders of Bread ($9 each) - buttered with salt and pepper; Fritto Misto ($12) - assorted, lightly fried and pickled vegetables with tarragon aioli; Smashed Burrata ($19) - snap peas, preserved lemon, mint, basil, sherry reduction; Carrot & Tahini Dip ($16) - caramelized garlic, feta, pistachio, crudite; two orders of Heirloom Tomatoes ($21 each) - melon, chevre, crispy quino, soft herbs; Crispy Potatoes ($16) - whipped feta, hot honey, mint; Mushroom Agnolotti ($34) - roasted maitakes, chanterelles, whipped ricotta, miso butter, thyme; Roast Chicken ($42) - chickpea, berbere yogurt, marinated cucumber, mint gremolata. To finish off our meals, we shared the Olive Oil Cake ($14) - basil yogurt cremeux, strawberry gel, and the Chocolate Tiramisu ($16) - mascarpone, rum, amaretto, candied hazelnuts. What I loved: Oh man, every dish was delightful. I found something to savor and repeat in each of the dishes we were served. From the sweetness of the heirloom tomatoes, to the creamy burrata, from the crispy potatoes, to the fresh peas and everything in between. Our least favorite, at the table was the mushroom Angnolotti, inconsistent from bite to bite. The presentation of the Carrot & Tahini dip was a bit haphazard compared to the rest of the dishes served, but the flavor was still lovely. Why I loved it: The service was unparalleled, comfortable yet professional and quick to offer recommendations for our larger party. The decorations and quaint spaces truly welcoming, and the food, excellent. Cost: High ($40+ per person)

    Sunny Hill - Sausage from our friends at Preservation Meats.

    Sunny Hill

    (180 reviews)

    $$

    Sunset Hill, Ballard

    As a fan of Detroit-style pizza, Sunny Hill has been on my list for a while. Then I stumbled across…read morean article stating that Sunny Hill has one of top burgers in Seattle, so I had to go check it out. This place was fairly busy upon arrival. Someone came up to us immediately and politely asked us to wait a few minutes for them to set up the table for us. As we were waiting, someone else showed up to take our drink orders. As soon as she took our order, our table was ready. Very systematic and phenomenal service! This is within the first 5 min of being there! The building seemed a bit old and there was a rustic vibe to it. It's not very big and a bit intimate. I wouldn't say it's really designed for groups bigger than 4. Our food came out at a reasonable time after ordering. We had ordered the Arcade square pie with mushrooms, the Lord General square pie, and a Sunny Smash Burger with cheese. Hot honey on the side. Arcade - wanted to keep it somewhat simple with this one so I can get a general understanding of their pizzas. It was loaded with toppings. A bit too much, but I believe it's because of the added mushrooms. The dough was slightly too chewy. I tried it with and without hot honey. I preferred it without. The pizza had too much going on. The flavors were there, but it was a bit heavy. Lord General - this pizza was much better. The flavors were more balanced. It was lighter on the toppings, making it easier to eat with the dough. The sausage and soppressata were a very good combo. They compliment each other very well. Sunny Smash Burger - this burger was very solid. Although it's a smash burger, it's pretty big. The toppings were simple and delicious. The onions was definitely the star of the show. It was heavy on the pickles. A bit too much for my liking, but would be great for pickle lovers. This is great alternative for people who don't want a pizza. Overall it was a great first experience. My only regret is not getting a round pizza to taste the crust. The groups around us all had round pizza and it looked amazing. I'll have to try it next time.

    Sunny Hill Pizza is hitting on almost all cylinders, and when it's good, it is good. The pizza?…read moreDelicious. The waffle fries? Absolutely excellent ... don't sleep on them. The salads are solid too, though I'm still mourning the loss of the green salad. Bring it back, please! Now, the staff for the most part, they are the heart and soul of this place. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely a reason I keep walking through that door. So it genuinely pains me to say that there is one staff member who gives off a deeply uncomfortable energy. We're talking lingering stares, a passive-aggressive undertone that's hard to ignore, and an overall ick factor that follows you through your entire meal. It's an unsettling contrast to the warmth of everyone else on the team and honestly, that contrast makes it stand out even more. Look, the location is convenient, the food slaps, and 95% of the staff deserves a raise and so yes, I'll keep coming back. And, keep putting up with the passive-aggressive woman. But Sunny Hill, if you're reading this, a little check-in with your full team could go a long way toward making this place absolutely flawless.

    Stumbletown - Roast parsnips. Coffee rubbed, mole, queso fresco.

    Stumbletown

    (214 reviews)

    $$

    Phinney Ridge

    I went with friends on a weekend for a late lunch. It was pretty empty so we got a table right…read moreaway. After we were seated, we were told that the menu was out of date. We each ended up getting a sandwich and sharing a large fry. The fries were good especially with the aioli sauce that was included for dipping. I got a chicken parm sandwich. It wasn't mind blowing by any means but it was a good sandwich. This is also one of the sandwiches that was not listed on the old menu. I don't tend to crave sandwiches so I can't give a better review beyond it was good. I would recommend getting the fries though.

    I heard about this gin-focused bar and restaurant from a friend and had to check it out as gin is…read moremy favorite spirit. It's not a common favorite for others, and I often find most menus to be lacking in creative gin specials. Stumbletown fixed that problem for me. With a dedicated menu for gin cocktails to an extensive array of different distillers, I was amazed. We enjoyed our cocktails thoroughly and also enjoyed some light bites. The arancini was a special of the evening and came out perfectly hot and crispy. The calamari was also fried very well. I did dock a star because about 80% of the food items on the menu were unavailable even though it wasn't closing yet. We did also get a little lost and ended up at stumbletown's sandwich shop before we found our way here. Luckily they're close by each other!

    The Blue Glass

    The Blue Glass

    (355 reviews)

    $$

    Phinney Ridge

    How I heard of this place: I was invited to my friend's birthday dinner, and this is where we were…read moreset to meet. A neighborhood establishment that I hadn't heard of until I showed up! Type of cuisine: " The Blue Glass is the perfect place to take a date, have happy hour with friends, or a nice dinner out with loved ones! We source our food and drink from the incredible bounty of our region as well as the diverse community of local artisans right here in Ballard, Fremont, and Phinney Ridge. We take great pride in our food, drinks, and service" A southern inspired menu with a Pacific Northwest flair. Ambiance: Cozy and small, the darkness inside is accented with brightly colored artwork. Outdoors, a sidewalk patio, as well as a parking spot (likely from early Covid times), covered patio is also available for seating. A robust bar, intimate seating and music loud enough to hear, yet soft enough to carry dinnertime conversation. What I ordered: We started with a couple of orders of Fried Sage Brussels Sprouts ($14) - fried sage leaves and Brussels sprouts, tossed in a house honey-chili vinaigrette. Three of the eight of us selected the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich ($18) - local, organic, fried chicken thigh, dill pickles, shaved iceberg lettuce, and garlic aioli on a soft kaiser bun, additional Swiss cheese ($2), served with fries. For dessert, I sampled the NY Cheesecake ($10) and the Coconut Cardamom Rice Pudding Topped with Toasted Pistachio ($9), and the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake a la Mode ($10). What I loved: The Brussels sprouts were so good, we all wished we had placed our own, individual orders! The Fried Chicken Sandwich so juicy and crispy - and it didn't even need the addition of cheese for flavor nor for texture. As far as desserts go, the Rice Pudding was a delightful surprise of beautiful flavors. Why I loved it: The food is excellent, the space intimate and sweet and the service lovely. Cost: Average

    A perfect summer Elevening at The Blue Glass. From start to finish, the experience was fantastic…read more Their fish and chicken burgers were absolutely delicious - we opted for a side of ceasar salad. The fish was crispy and cooked to perfection and full of flavor! The chicken burger was equally impressive, crispy and juicy and seasoned just right. Beyond the delicious food, the atmosphere truly set this place apart. The open-air setting was ideal for a warm summer evening, creating a wonderfully relaxed and inviting vibe. Adding to the unique charm was the fantastic 80s music playing, bringing back great memories. A classic Dean Martin movie subtly playing on the screens - it was such a fun, unique touch that really enhanced the overall ambiance without being distracting. Beautiful art displayed around the restaurant! Excellent first time experience!

    Bay Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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