Ray's Boathouse Restaurant, Cafe & Catering
A Seattle waterfront staple, especially when there's celebrating to be done.
(206) 792-5565
6049 Seaview Ave NW
(at Thirty Seventh Place NW)
Seattle,
WA
98107
47.6717
-122.4054
Neighborhoods: Sunset Hill, Ballard
Hours:
Boathouse: Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-9:30pm
Cafe: Sun-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Ray's Boathouse Restaurant
The Owner
Ray's Boathouse Restaurant, Cafe & Catering
Owner
Since 1973 Ray's Boathouse Restaurant has been "the" place to go for internationally acclaimed Northwest seafood and waterfront dining. Located on picturesque Shilshole Bay in Seattle's fashionable Ballard neighborhood, Ray's is the ideal vantage point for savoring our postcard view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The finest sustainable Northwest seafood, artisan cheeses, local produce, Wine Spectator award-winning wine list of over 700 selections and our trademark hospitality, make Ray's an unforgettable dining experience. Open every day for lunch and dinner, with seasonal outdoor dining. Full-bar, private banquet rooms and full-service catering available.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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 freshness. Best are local creatures such as oysters, clams and Dungeness crab (from live tanks) and wild salmon from Alaska. The simplest preparations, such as oysters on the shell, provide the essential Seattle experience. The salmon dishes and the rich, black cod marinated in miso deserve special mention, although all of the fish dishes are expertly-prepared and dependably good.
User Reviews
sushidaisuki
June 07, 2009
Sunday 5 PM at Ray's was a drag. The bartender's were interested in turnover only and had quiite the 'tude. Not only was ther bar service as low as it can get, the plating was haphazard; our chese/fruit platter arrived with SLIVERS of cheese and grapes rolling around on the plate, until they rolled onto the counter . Appetizing... Then the bartender commented that it was happy hour and that for $32 he could serve us a lovely cheese plate. Love the service with a smile! As fast as we could, we scooted over to a table. Everyone smiled in relief, except the laconic waitress who took over at the table. DId everyone work too long at bunch? I'll have to take a break from Ray's until the summer staff is GONE! (Loved the WHITE Frog beer from Issaquah Brewery! sushidaisukimimi
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ryanxw
May 12, 2009
My wife and I have gone to Ray's for years. We tend to sit up in the Cafe for the view and the more relaxed atmosphere. The people are nice, view is great, but the food is really boring. The menu hasn't changed much at all over the past 5 years and the quality of the food isn't that great. Hey Ray... update the menu to compete with the other great restaurants around Seattle, eh? It's not 1920 and there's better food out there for the same $ now days.
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Ski2Sea
May 11, 2009
By far my favorite - and felt the need to give credit. Everyone you meet at Ray's is friendly and first class. I try different items and am NEVER disappointed! Ask the server to have the chef put together his reccommandation for the night- you'll be amazed!
read full reviewThe Details on Ray's Boathouse Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are highly recommended, especially in warmer months.
What to Drink:
A long wine list, strong on West Coast labels, offers many moderately priced selections.
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.
Look Good:
Is the patio more chilly than you expected? Ask the staff for a fleece blanket to wrap around your shoulders.
Category:
Catering, Restaurants, Lounges, Banquet Rooms
Payment Methods:
American Express, Gift Certificate, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Waterfront Dining, Private Rooms, View Dining, Lunch Spot, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Outdoor Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Cuisine:
Message from Ray's Boathouse Restaurant
- Waterfront Dining
- Fresh Wild Northwest Seafood
- Free Parking
Since 1973 Ray's Boathouse Restaurant has been "the" place to go for internationally acclaimed Northwest seafood and waterfront dining. Located on picturesque Shilshole Bay in Seattle's fashionable Ballard neighborhood, Ray's is the ideal vantage point for savoring our postcard view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The finest sustainable Northwest seafood, artisan cheeses, local produce, Wine Spectator award-winning wine list of over 700 selections and our trademark hospitality, make Ray's an unforgettable dining experience. Open every day for lunch and dinner, with seasonal outdoor dining. Full-bar, private banquet rooms and full-service catering available.
