Portage Bay Cafe
(206) 547-8230
4130 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle,
WA
98105
47.6576
-122.3177
Neighborhoods: Northeast, University District
What People Are Saying About Portage Bay Cafe
The Editor
Anna Roth
Citysearch
The Scene
Bleary-eyed UW students and neighborhood locals line up on the sidewalk during weekend brunch, sipping mugs of tea while waiting for their tables. Inside, the light, spacious room pays homage to Portage Bay's history: an old-fashioned crew boat hangs from the high ceiling, and old area photos grace the walls. The harried-but-talented waitstaff has service down to a science.
The Food
During brunch, a sweet order gets you a trip to the breakfast bar--a long line of bowls of all-you-can-eat fresh fruit, whipped cream and maple syrup for toppings. The sinfully delicious bananas Foster French toast is a favorite--three giant-size slabs of challah smothered in a rum/brown sugar sauce with sauteed bananas. Savory choices include a long list of mainly organic omelets, migas and scrambles accompanied by crisp baked red potatoes. Lunch consists of a seasonally-changing list of salads, sandwiches and burgers.
User Reviews
cheeseholm
May 18, 2009
Imagine trying to re-brand a university cafeteria as a mom-and-pop brunch destination, and you pretty much end up with Portage Bay Cafe. It suffers from this identity crises in that they are trying to be all things to everyone- a mass eatery with community sensibilities. I love the idea of local and organic going to the masses, but the problem is in the the execution of the idea. Consistently hit-or-miss dishes (stay AWAY from the Swedish pancakes), loud impersonal atmosphere (think food service cafeteria), really overworked servers, and a very obvious commitment to keeping things this way. Want brunch? Go somewhere else.
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TechGuy206
April 30, 2009
Portage Bay Cafe is a great location tucked away near UW. My girlfriend brought me here during lunch and we had to wait about 45 minutes to get seated. Sipped on a latte and spoke with people around me while waiting. When I got our food it was amazing and everything is organic. You definitely must try out the french toast w/ trip to the fruit bar along with the eggs benedict. If you go there during an off-hour (around 9-11am) or when it's rainy you don't have to wait in line. This place is growing on me the more I go.
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Anonymous
December 23, 2008
Now some people are absolutely in LOVE with this place. I haven't gone so far. I appreciate their healthy ingredients and their support of locally grown produce. They do have a wonderful breakfast bar in which you can get unlimited fruit, syrup, jam, butter, etc... But beyond their breakfast, I haven't found their lunch to be anything beyond eh. Perhaps I'm just not sophisticated enough to appreciate whole tuna and hard rolls for sandwich bread...
read full reviewThe Details on Portage Bay Cafe
Catering:
Ask about healthy, organic catering options. The space is also available for rent in the evenings.
Know Before You Go:
The portions are mammoth--share and pay the minimal split-plate charge or be prepared to take a doggy bag.
Parking:
Park for free in the lot behind the University Inn, but make sure you register with the cafe to avoid the tow truck.
What to Drink:
There's no alcohol served, but they do offer fresh squeezed juices, Mighty Leaf tea and organic, free-trade coffee.
The Extras:
On nice mornings, an outside patio offers alfresco brunch.
Category:
Restaurants, Banquet Rooms, Catering
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Breakfast, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Group Dining
