Portage Bay Cafe - University District

Name: Portage Bay Cafe - University District
Address: 4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, United States, 98105
Telephone: (206) 547-8230
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

758 Reviews

$30 and under

Regional American (Northwest)

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 105 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Great for brunch
Vegetarian-friendly

Located in the University neighborhood of Seattle since 1997, this original location sets the Portage Bay Cafe mission of local, organic and sustainable fare. From our Crab Cake Benedict to our signature House-Made Challah French Toast, our items are carefully crafted to use the best seasonal and organic ingredients available. Chef Alex and his team create monthly specials to further highlight our food-producing partners.

Portage Bay Cafe on Roosevelt is a large, airy, boisterous space with lots of energy and we have covered outdoor dining all year round. We look forward to serving you soon.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Regional American (Northwest), Organic, Breakfast
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 08:00–13:00 Sat, Sun 08:00–14:00
Phone number
(206) 547-8230
Website
http://www.portagebaycafe.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Area
U Village / U District
Cross Street
42nd street
Parking details
The Roosevelt location is connected with the University Inn and offers complimentary parking in our shared lot. Additionally, there is street parking that is metered for up to 4 hours.
Public transit
There are bus stops within two to three blocks of our front door. University Ave. is merely three blocks east and offers many bus routes and options. This makes for convenient travel to and from downtown Seattle.
Additional
Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 758 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.2Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Seattle / Eastern Washington
Great for brunch
Seattle
Great for brunch
Seattle
Regional American (Northwest)

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Portage Bay Cafe in the University District offers a delightful brunch experience with "amazing gluten-free options" and "huge portions." The "unbelievable fruit bar" complements their delicious pancakes and French toasts. While service can sometimes be inconsistent, the "friendly and welcoming" staff and "fantastic atmosphere" make it a favorite Seattle breakfast spot.

758 Reviews

S
Sara
Seattle
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Our waiter never introduced himself. My frittata had a burnt taste to it. I had to get to go boxes because there was no staff to ask for them. Then to leave this comment I had to enter a verification code, log in, and enter another verification code. Not cool.
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J
John
Seattle
34 reviews
3.0
34 reviews
Dined on 9 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
I’ve been coming here for over a decade. This was an uncharacteristically poor dining experience. Waitstaff forgot about us and got our order wrong. 😬
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P
Peter
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our favorite brunch spot is an institution on the UW campus with convenient street and private lot parking in the back. Expect generous breakfast portions with well-prepared country potatoes that are neither too oily or overcooked. The pancakes and french toast are elevated with access to the fresh berry bar and fresh whipped cream with a side of 4 thick-cut pieces of smoked bacon. Eggs benedict lovers will enjoy the numerous Northwest flavor choices.
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J
Jennifer
Seattle
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 5 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great food but we were seated in a back area. We were visiting from out of town so it would have been nice to be in the main room where all the activity was and you can see the workers working. Humph
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J
Juri
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It’s very good restaurant! Especially, pancake is so delicious. You can add so many fruits and cream on the pancake.
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LT
LouiseT
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 23 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server Sarah E was excellent and the food delicious. Will definitely return and recommend to others.
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L
Lisa
VIP
Las Vegas
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Drinks were slow to come out—some people had food before drinks, food was good! Large portions!
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R
Ruta
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Gluten free lemon ricotta pancakes were Amazing! Service was great. The middle room with bare high walls was noisy especially with unruly kids banging silverware.
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B
Billy
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our family LOVES PB. The toppings bar- the rotating specials - the drink selections. We will always consider going here for a family breakfast :D Peter and the staff are great to us- a very welcoming establishment!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 28 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Recommend the Benedict and buckwheat pancakes. The portions are large and there’s plenty of options to choose from. Service was mid.
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FAQs

Portage Bay Cafe - University District offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (206) 547-8230.

Portage Bay Cafe - University District is rated 4.6 stars by 758 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 105 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Portage Bay Cafe - University District

4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Additional information

Cross Street
42nd street
Area
U Village / U District
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 08:00–13:00 Sat, Sun 08:00–14:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Regional American (Northwest), Organic, Breakfast
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
The Roosevelt location is connected with the University Inn and offers complimentary parking in our shared lot. Additionally, there is street parking that is metered for up to 4 hours.
Public transit
There are bus stops within two to three blocks of our front door. University Ave. is merely three blocks east and offers many bus routes and options. This makes for convenient travel to and from downtown Seattle.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.portagebaycafe.com/
Phone number
(206) 547-8230

Portage Bay Cafe - University District

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

French Toast (VEG)

Swedish Pancakes (VEG) (GF)

Pancakes (VEG)

Menu

What 758 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Portage Bay Cafe - University District offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Portage Bay Cafe - University District restaurant rated?

Is Portage Bay Cafe - University District currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information