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    Ray's Boathouse

    3.9 (1.4k reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Ray's Boathouse Photos

    Business Info

    RAY'S BOATHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Ray's Boathouse

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    Estella K.

    Stunning views when you walk in. Staff were friendly & attentive and service was very quick as well. We went in for a mid day snack and ended up feasting on their HH deal! Everything was so flavorful and fresh and I can't wait to come back for dinner and try their full menu

    Ray's Pacific Northwest Chowder and salad
    Patrick W.

    Mmm... I had a funny feeling but granted it was a relatively quiet Monday night... The six of us came on the recommendation of a Seattle-ite. obviously, this place is an institution, but our first impression was overhearing someone asking to see the manager.... Uh oh we thought. In the end, the starters were pretty good. We had crab cakes, mussels and calamari. What unfortunately killed it for us was the sablefish was inconsistently cooked. One of us had to send it back because it was completely uncooked in the center even the waiter clearly noticed and apologized. That individual? He unfortunately had a very rough night. Let's just say severe stomach pains. Secondly while very subjective and a preference... one of us felt their scallops were undercooked... I'm not a chef, but if I see translucent areas... I might be concerned... and we are slight translucent areas... to the waiter's credit he offered to cook them further. And btw, the waiter however I must say was super professional, super knowledgeable, and clearly a very senior individual here. We thank him for waiting on our table. My knock is on the kitchen... I understand it's a quiet Monday night, but clearly they whiffed on some of the dishes. Me personally I never go to a place where yelp has less than 4.4 if I can avoid it. Overall Yelp was right on this one... definitely not 4.5 with hundreds of reviews

    Ciara W.

    Always a favorite! Ray's Boathouse never misses. The seafood is always incredibly fresh and cooked perfectly -- you can really taste the quality in every bite. The dishes feel elevated but never pretentious, just really well done. I especially love how you can sit by the water and enjoy that gorgeous view while sipping a cocktail from their great bar. It's one of my go-to spots for date night, but it's also perfect for getting together with a group of friends -- the vibe works for both. Every time I come, I leave already thinking about what I'll order next time. Truly one of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle.

    Fish and chips classic
    Chad P.

    Literally came here right after a funeral at the Elks club just next door. My mom suggested it and she had never been and I was in from out of town and was just fine checking it out. This place looks like it's been here for a while but it was very clean and didn't give me any weird vibes at all. Very friendly hostess staff and we were there around 4:00 so they were still just serving lunch. We had a great view of the bay on a very nice October day. I ordered just the standard fish and chips which to be honest we're actually pretty good. Portion maybe was a bit smaller but this is definitely more of a nicer place so that's expected of course. The coleslaw was also more high quality for sure. My mom just had some happy hour specials since she doesn't eat very much and that was all good. I would say definitely a good place for some good seafood! There's a lot to choose from in Seattle and this is probably one of the good ones.

    Sablefish in Sake Kasu
    Ashlee S.

    Sunset Vibes + Seafood Dreams at Ray's Boathouse Back in town this week and had the BEST team dinner at Ray's Boathouse . There were four of us, and we kicked things off with the crab appetizer ... it was so good we immediately ordered a second round . For my drink, I went with the Hot Girl Spritz (how could I not? ‍) and it was light, fun, and super refreshing. My entrée was the Applewood Grilled Sablefish in Sake Kasu and WOW buttery, smoky, and just absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. But honestly, the views steal the show . Sitting outside on a warm summer evening, cocktail in hand, and watching the sun set over the water? Pure magic . It's the kind of dining experience that feels unforgettable. Service was on point too --our server was kind, attentive, and gave great menu context + recs when we asked. Only thing to note: they apparently don't take reservations, so be ready for a wait ... but trust me, it's worth it. Ray's Boathouse is the ultimate combo of fresh seafood, dreamy vibes, and killer sunsets . I'd go back in a heartbeat!

    Oysters
    Alyssa T.

    A scenic dinner spot with lots of good food options. Parking seems to usually not be an issue, but the night we went they were also hosting a wedding so we ended up parking about a 10 minute walk away. The location has a decent sized parking lot out front for both the downstairs boathouse and the cafe on the 2nd floor. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating available. We were able to make a reservation through the restaurant's website (reservations are powered by RESY) which made seating very smooth. The service was excellent and we got a lot of good recommendations from our waiter. We were there during happy hour so we opted for the happy hour portions so that we could try more food. We were informed the happy hour prices are about equivalent to that of the regular menu but they appear lower in price since the portion size is smaller. Everything we tried was delicious and fresh. My favorite dish was the shrimp scampi bucatini. It was packed with shrimp and was very flavorful. The brown rice that came with the sablefish was very dry but the fish itself was cooked perfectly. There were a couple of flys that kept lingering around our table, but other than that it was an overall great experience.

    Outside
    Hannah S.

    Gorgeous view, boathouse feel. Food was good, not knock your socks off, but tasty! We asked for medium cooked salmon but it was definitely medium rare. Kind of disappointing. But the salmon was very special- caught in Washington which was we were looking for as visitors to the state!! $50 dollars ouch! Not photographed- Brussels sprouts were yummy too

    Steve A.

    While visiting Seattle, we were in search of classic, non-fried seafood with a great waterfront setting--and we found exactly that at Ray's Boathouse. Ray's delivers delicious, high-quality seafood with breathtaking views that'll have you planning your next visit before you even leave. The service is top-notch, the staff are genuinely welcoming, and the extensive wine list complements the menu perfectly. If you can, reserve a table by the water and time your visit for sunset--it's an experience you won't forget. Parking can be a bit tight, and while they do accept walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended as the place gets busy. Come for the food, stay for the view. You won't regret it. Thank me later.

    Dinner with a view at Ray's
    Sarah M.

    We passed Ray's boathouse during a boat tour/cruise during our time in Seattle. Ray's is an iconic institution there! We knew we had to have dinner at Ray's on our last evening in town. After parking and walking inside, we were immediately greeted by a kind hostess. She opted to seat us indoors or outdoors and we chose the first level outside patio. And, what a view it was (we even saw a seal swimming around nearby)! The waiter arrived and brought us water and we ordered our drinks, then perused the menu. The waiter was so kind and helpful and explained some of the favored menu items. We ordered the ahi tuna aqua chile appetizer that was a chef's special. It was delicious!!! We also each had entrees with local seafood. My husband had the sablefish and I had the halibut. That was some of the freshest seafood we've had! If you're in Seattle, don't miss out on Ray's. You won't be disappointed!!

    Calamari and Brussels sprouts
    Maylee W.

    The view! Ambiance was fabulous - I reserved a table on the main floor instead of the deck and was able to enjoy the spectacular view. Food - excellent choices for the Happy Hour - clam chowder, Brussels sprouts, tuna, mussels. The waiter even brought us more of that yummy bread for the mussels. Finished the meal with a tres leches crème brûlée. Service was so prompt! I highly recommend Rays Boathouse next time you are in Seattle!

    Exterior
    Pamela R.

    We've been here multiple times over the years, this night we celebrated our anniversary! What a fantastic meal with beautiful atmosphere and stellar service! We started with the mussels in a garlic wine sauce with crunchy, perfectly oily bread! My husband enjoyed the filet mignon with a herb butter, potatoes and veggies. My halibut was moist and flaky with pickled onions for a bit of sweetness. I do wish the gnocchi wasn't so rubbery but I just pushed it aside and enjoyed everything else. Drinks were pretty and delicious. I really appreciated how the server paced the food so we didn't feel rushed. We had plenty of time to enjoy our drinks and the view before the food came out. Tip- make a reservation, this place is busy. The sun set pretty late so plan on a later dinner to enjoy the sunset!

    Sun.peekimg out
    Renee J.

    Awesome view. Arrived before 5pm so we headed upstairs to enjoy happy hour couple of beers, chowder, and manilla clams...very tasty Then went downstairs and table next to window where we watched seals/sea lions, sailboats. The menu is different than upstairs, for example no fish and chips at restaurant only upstairs in Cafe. Arugula salad, bread, albacore tuna, tanner crab legs and finished with brownie ala mode....everything was wonderfully delicious.

    Sablefish
    Rachel H.

    This is a great place for a celebration meal! It definitely feels old school, but the view can't be beat. We had some great seafood dishes - halibut and sablefish. Both were well cooked and had unique accompaniments. Service was average - meal was well timed but nothing noteworthy.

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    Thank you Chad. We appreciate your kind words.

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    Ray's Boathouse Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ray's Boathouse

    Do you offer gluten-free and dairy-free menu or options?? What about soups with that allergy dietary restriction?

    Wayne, Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes, we offer gluten-free and dairy-free menu items, Our on line menu is your best resource (www.rays.com). We do list DF and GF symbols next to the appropriate options. We only offer one soup and that is… Read more

    Is it kid friendly?

    Keep in mind this is based on a single visit there, but my impression was it's family friendly. It is a nice enough restaurant that people would like to enjoy their meal without little kids screaming and running around, but as long as your kids are… Read more

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    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.

    Copine - Pork Belly Rillettes

    Copine

    (266 reviews)

    $$$$

    Ballard

    A Seattle gem for moments that deserve more -- food made with care, service that goes above and…read morebeyond, and flavors that are always on point. This is the place I choose when I want to make a special day even more special. Copine will be closing this May, and it's hard to believe that a restaurant loved for nearly a decade will soon be gone. I've followed Chef Shaun's food since the Book Bindery days, and the thought of not being able to taste his cooking for a while feels genuinely bittersweet. If you want one of Seattle's most memorable dining experiences -- both in flavor and in heartfelt service-- go before the doors close. Also the vibe is effortlessly chic, warmly inviting, and modern with a quiet sense of character. Our dinner started with an amuse that set the tone for a perfect evening. The mushroom soup was rich, comforting, and exactly what a cold Seattle night calls for. I'm still thinking about it. Every course that followed was crafted with intention and care -- the crab, the pasta, the duck -- each one beautifully prepared and a joy to eat. The wine pairing was spot‑on and elevated the entire meal. Copine may be nearing its final chapter, but it's delivering some of its best work yet. If you've never been, now is the time. And if you have, you already know why this place has meant so much to so many.

    Amazing prefix menu restaurant that was a beautiful balance of flavor and texture. I enjoyed every…read moredish that was put in front of me. I felt so satiated at the end of the meal. Copine also has a fantastic selection of cocktails, spirits, and wine. I haven't been this impressed with cocktails in a minute. Check out the menu and see what you like but if you need a suggestion you cannot go wrong with their cocktails (inferno, martini, etc..) Made reservations in advance and was promptly seated. Half of our party was running late but the staff were so understanding. Huge shoutout to the staff they overhead that we had birthdays in our party and brought out a beautiful presentation. They overheard our table saying happy birthday delivered such a wonderful experience. (Felt like I was in that one episode of the bear LOL). Thank you Copine team! *** Copine reminded me of a Michelin French restaurant in Tokyo called Florilege. If you enjoy Copine and happen to find yourself in Tokyo, I'd look into Florilege!

    Ristorante Picolinos

    Ristorante Picolinos

    (794 reviews)

    $$

    Sunset Hill, Ballard

    The loveliest little restaurant in town! We have been coming here since we were dating and now we…read morecan bring our kids. This place has always been special to us. Wonderful pasta dishes and appetizers. The bread and oil they bring to start is my favorite. Kids loved their meals and they were kind enough to serve spaghetti and meatballs to our youngest's exact specifications (IYKYK) and he actually ate it! The way they decorate for the holidays was so beautiful and we can't wait to come back in the summer and sit outside!

    I intentionally waited a couple of weeks to post this review so I could try to be as objective as…read morepossible, given our dreadful experience. The review has little to do with food, as we didn't get to eat much of it (more on that later), and EVERYTHING to do with the abysmal customer service we experienced at the hands of the hostess/manager (maybe owner?). The long story short is that our party of five adults had a reservation for the last seating (8:30 pm, closing is at 9:00 pm) on Christmas Eve. I called in advance, not once, but twice, to make sure that we wouldn't feel rushed due to the late seating, and was assured twice that we would not be. TWICE. During neither of those calls did the person on the other end mention that the kitchen closed at 8:45 pm -- which would have been good information to have, given that we were looking for a more relaxed experience and were very clear about that. When our party arrived (three adults at 8:32 pm and the other two at 8:37 pm), the hostess/manager (maybe owner?) informed us that the kitchen was closing at 8:45 and that we needed to have our entire order in before that (she did offer us the alternative of not being seated at all). We scrambled and made our selections just under the deadline, and ALL the food (appetizers and entrees) arrived on our table within 10 minutes. The table, designed for four people but accommodating our group of five, wasn't large enough to fit all the food that arrived in one fell swoop -- and suffice it to say that we totally felt rushed. The hostess/manager (maybe owner?) demonstrated ZERO customer service skills. We were visibly upset by the rushed treatment and explained that we had been assured TWICE that we would not be. She didn't bother to apologize for any miscommunication (there wasn't any miscommunication, but she could have at least tried to say there was). She didn't try to make things better in any way. The end of the story is that my husband used a little choice language (at the situation, not directed at the hostess/manager -- maybe owner?), and that's what she decided to focus on rather than trying to find a way to salvage our experience. Ultimately, and about five minutes after all of the food arrived, my husband asked if we could just leave -- without paying. At this point, we had nibbled on a few of the appetizers, and three of the five of us had sampled the entrees. The hostess/manager (maybe owner?) agreed we could, so we did (at 9:05 pm). In all honesty, if she had apologized and offered us ANYTHING, we would have stayed and paid the bill, including a generous Christmas tip for the wait staff. Instead, she lost at least a $400.00 tab due to her sheer rudeness. And our family had a Christmas Eve dinner of Costco spring rolls and homemade pie when we got home -- which we will definitely be laughing about for years to come! If you've made it this far, I will comment on the food. The osso bucco was absolutely delicious, according to our oldest son, who did his best to stuff as much of it as he could into his mouth when he realized we were leaving and likely wouldn't be able to find another place to eat dinner. We didn't get to try the pizza, but it looked tasty. The Caesar salad was simply terrible -- wilted and totally flavorless. The antipasto platter and brocolini was fine, if a bit on the small side for the price. The two pasta dishes were not just al dente, they were undercooked (probably because the kitchen was closing and rushed things). I know we ordered a couple of more things, but I don't think we got to try them before we left. To be honest, the food, besides the ossu bucco, wouldn't warrant a return visit, even if the hostess/manager (maybe owner?) had been a lovely person.

    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)

    Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard - Oatmeal Cobbler French Toast

    Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard

    (830 reviews)

    $$

    Ballard, Sunset Hill

    Portage Bay Café in Ballard is one of those places that earns its reputation every single time…read more It's been a regular stop for me for over a year and the consistency is what keeps me coming back. The food is always delicious, fresh, and reliable, no matter what you order. There's something comforting about knowing you're going to get a genuinely good meal, every visit. Customer service is consistently excellent. The staff is warm, attentive, and quick, even on those packed weekend mornings when the entire neighborhood seems to show up at once. They handle the rush with ease, and you never feel forgotten or brushed off. It does get busy; this is Ballard brunch, after all, so reservations are the move. Honestly, just hop on the app and book a table on your way over. It saves you from long waits and makes the whole experience smooth. Parking can be a little tricky, but that's pretty much the norm for this part of Ballard. Once you're inside with a drink of your choice in hand, it's worth it. Tons of great options on the menu, from hearty classics to fresh, lighter dishes. And the toppings bar? Always a win. Portage Bay Café is one of those rare spots that nails food, service, and atmosphere with real consistency; a true go-to.

    Aggressively middling…read more Dry eggs. Leaden, heavy pancakes. $7.00 for one measly sausage, precariously strewn atop a saucer. I can't in good conscience recommend wasting your money here. The only redeeming quality is the access to berry buffet, but I imagine that quickly turns into a Petri dish on the weekends.

    Ray's Boathouse - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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