Ray's Boathouse Restaurant, Cafe & Catering

(206) 789-3770

6049 Seaview Ave NW (Thirty Seventh Place NW)
Seattle, WA 98107 47.67333 -122.40636

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Sunset Hill, Ballard

rays.com

Hours:

Boathouse: 5pm-9pm everyday

Cafe: 11:30am - 10:00pm everyday

Happy Hour 4:00-6:00pm & 9:00pm-Close

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 5.12.11

Category:

Catering, Barbecue Restaurants, Restaurants, Waste Management, Banquet Rooms, Recreation Facilities, Party Planners, Lounges, Reception Centers

Payment Methods:

Visa, American Express, Cash, Debit Card, Gift Certificate, Check, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Family-Friendly Dining, Lunch Spot, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Notable Wine List, Local Favorite, Waterfront Dining, Private Rooms, View Dining, Buffet, Outdoor Dining, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar

Nightclub Amenities:

Dance Floor

General Info:

References Available, Open 7 Days, Insured, Bonded

Lodging Amenities:

Meeting Facilities

Cuisine:

Tapas / Small Plates, Seafood

Event Planning Services:

Corporate Events

What People Are Saying About Ray's Boathouse Restaurant, Cafe & Catering

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – The main dining room attracts a well-dressed middle-aged crowd. Younger, more casually attired patrons--some with kids--favor the relaxed atmosphere and less-expensive fare in the cafe. Once in a while, the bar hints of Ray's early days, when Topsider-wearing sailors from nearby Shilshole Marina and slicker-clad commercial fishermen flush with cash swapped lies over shots and brews. The cafe's large outdoor deck offers sweeping views and al fresco dining in the warmer months. – – The Food – Seafood dominates the menu, which changes weekly, to ensure peak…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Reservations are highly recommended, especially in warmer months.
What to Drink:
Beer is the winner here. The 20 microbrews on tap include locals and internationals, as well as a special dry English cider.
When to Go:
Its best to arrive before 4pm for a seat outside on the deck--the reward is a spectacular sunset view.
The Extras:
Servers can supply blankets if the setting sun leaves a chill in its wake.
Save Money:
Happy Hour offers a large menu for under $5 a plate; it runs nightly from 4pm-6pm and 10pm-12am.
What to Drink:
A long wine list, strong on West Coast labels, offers many moderately priced selections.
Look Good:
Is the patio more chilly than you expected? Ask the staff for a fleece blanket to wrap around your shoulders.
Catering:
The restaurant offers a full catering service with a dazzling array of options.
Happy Hour:
Deals on drinks and select menu items upstairs at the cafe bar; no outside seating (Sun-Thu 4pm-6pm, 9pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-6pm, 9pm-11:30pm).
Save Money:
The more casual cafe offers a selection of free entrees on your birthday between 11:30am and 3:30pm--ID required.
1 Star Rating: Poor

11/26/11

Ray's Boat House- The One TO Miss

by Janet in Seattle at Citysearch

Rays boat House did not serve a fine dinner. The cod was not cut right and it was full of bones. The Manila Clams were cracked, leaving pieces of shells in the dish. The entree was served during the salad and the coffee was cold. THe server did not know anything about the dishes. She did not know what spices were used, just that they were fresh.

I have found more helpful servers and better dinners for half ot he price. It was not wroth my time nor my money.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/24/11

Great Seafood

by Roberts41 at Citysearch

This is a great place to take friends or family from out of town. Not only is the seafood excellent they have an incredible wine list. The service is always great and so is the atmosphere.

3 Star Rating: Average

05/08/10

Spirits and sunsets

by katherinem , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Every so often the weather gods smile on Seattle and Seattleites are fronted with the question of where to enjoy a drink or a meal and still enjoy the sun. In comes Ray's Boathouse and Cafe. Ray's is tucked away on the waterfront near Golden Gardens in Ballard and their outdoor deck is fantastic. There are two floors at Ray's and the Cafe and outdoor seating are upstairs. The lower level is enclosed but has lovely floor-to-ceiling windows that let you enjoy the waterfront view sans mosquitoes. Just a note, the Cafe is less expensive, which your pocketbook might like.

The food is typical Northwestern cuisine, nothing surprising but definitely tasty. I stick with the basics: fish and chips, Caesar salads, clam chowder, etc. The real draw to Ray's is the view. The sunsets from the outdoor deck are amazing, really amazing. Arrive early if you can, the deck fills up quickly.

  • Pros: Spectacular views
  • Cons: Crowded
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/06/10

Best Outdoor Seating Restaurant in Seattle

by roxygrrrrl at Citysearch

In Ballard, within walking distance of Golden Gardens, you will find the best oudoor restaurant deck in Seattle at Rays. Beautiful, great views of the boats coming into the Ballard locks and various wildlife. Sunshine on the deck in the right weather. This is one of the most romantic places to eat in Seattle because of the outdoor dining and views.

The seafood is special. Fantastic service, every time. The cocktail menu is worthy of note -- very creative drinks of all varieties -- so tempting it makes you want to try them all.

The food is so good here, you may want to come back several times so that you can try them all. :)

This is my favorite seafood restaurant in Seattle, for all of the reasons mentioned above.

The food and cocktails here are creative and fantastic, yes, but the amiance is simply best of breed here in Seattle. A dining experience includes both food and ambiance, and the combination here is unbeatable. Come here, and enjoy.

  • Pros: views, food, cocktails
  • Cons: no reservations on the deck
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/16/09

Excellent Service and Food

by TropicalGirl at Citysearch

I have been coming here for years and I have always loved what was on the menu as well as the location and the service. However the last time I visited Ray's was exceptional. The service was great throughout the night and when my keys were locked in my car by the valet (downside of the night) the bar tenders were super friendly and I got drinks and dessert on the house. I highly recommend the bartender Ben K, he was very friendly and made great drinks, and he was just fun to talk to. Overall, great visit, although the valet got no tip.

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