Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard

Review summary

1. I

   Innocent

   Seattle

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   This brunch spot is definitely not a hidden gem though it’s not for the faint of ear. The menu is fantastic, with dishes that are both creative and perfectly executed. Every bite feels like a treat. The staff is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive vibe. The noise level can be overwhelming, especially during the weekends. It’s not the place for a quiet, leisurely meal or deep conversation. If you can tolerate the buzz, though, the food and service make it worth it. Best enjoyed with good company and a love for lively atmospheres!
   

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2. K

   Karen

   Seattle

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 15 November 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   My friend wanted to have brunch here to celebrate her birthday. I booked a table via OpenTable, and noted that we were celebrating a birthday. Don't know why the app even asked, as nobody made any mention of the celebration while we were there. The place was FREEZING inside. Everyone around us was huddled in their coats. It was difficult to enjoy our brunch because we were so uncomfortable. I eventually ordered a cup of decaf coffee, not because I wanted one, but because it was so cold. Instead of bringing me cream for the coffee, they brought milk, which made it terrible. The food is okay, but expensive. I had steel cut oats, which were bland. I had wanted something with a bit more protein, but they only seemed to offer peppered bacon, and I don't care for it peppered, I just wanted regular bacon. My friend had their crab benedict (I think it was called the Seattle benedict) . She enjoyed it, but was disappointed in the fruit that came with her meal, as she wanted the berry bar instead. Ultimately, my friend enjoyed her birthday brunch well enough, but probably won't request we return there in future.
   

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3. H

   Helen

   Seattle

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 10 November 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 1

   Heard good things, so I decided to try for Sunday brunch to celebrate a special birthday. The venue was loud, not particularly well kept but clearly popular. Mimosa's were served in massive chunky water glasses, which was a but disappointing. Decided not to take the poached egg recipes as I don't like poached eggs cooked with vinegar and didn't want to rely on the kitchen getting my order right. Sides potatoes had dill added to them, which tasted awful. Side fruit serving had apple quarters that had not even been cored. The "toast" was a huge hunk of sweet bread that was not really toasted, I left mine. My son had bananas fosters and enjoyed, though portion was huge. A friend had the Swedish pancakes with berries, probably a better choice but I'm not into sweet breakfasts. Left with an unsatisfied feeling. Will not come here again.
   

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4. v

   victoria

   Seattle

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 6 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fabulous vegetarian dishes!!!! Loved it. Service and food were great!
   

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5. G

   Gary

   Seattle

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 3 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food with lots of breakfast options and specials of the day. The wait time for food is never long. And the service is also excellent, with a friendly wait staff. My coffee cup always gets refilled promptly. PBC is one of the few places in Seattle that serves yummy Swedish pancakes with lingonberry sauce.
   

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6. A

   Anita

   Seattle

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 30 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything about our order was perfect. The portions are so large that we each needed a box to take the rest home. My favorite order is the Swedish pancakes.
   

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7. M

   Michelle

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 19 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food and great service as always. We love this restaurant and A especially appreciate the Ballard location. It’s always busy so I would definitely recommend making a reservation.
   

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8. E

   Elena

   Seattle

   7 reviews

   4.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 19 October 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It pains me to lower my praise for Portage Bay Ballard. We've been going for years. But the food quality has been slipping over the last 5 years. Today I had a classic Benedict which I've always loved; the sauce was not as thick and rich as it used to be. The potatoes continue to be dry. I just don't have that satisfied feeling that I used to get from our breakfasts there.
   

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9. A

   Andrew

   Seattle

   13 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 13 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a nice brunch date! Had reservations at the counter, which turned out to be great. Company was great, seating for our 11:30 reservation was on time, and breakfast was delish. The vegan meat option (tbh, I didn’t ask what it was) was very flavorful and added good texture. I’ll find out because it was a good option. Only - minor - down was the toast was very thick and not all that toasted. Still ate it all though.
   

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10. J

    J

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 13 October 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3

    We had a reservation with open table. Staff sat two “walk-in” parties one of which two people were not present yet. This is the second time I have gone there. The food is only ok. It’s almost as if they are trying too hard to make the food different than traditional breakfast or brunch style.
    

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