I am kind of a cleanliness nut. I check out King County health inspection reports of restaurants I go to...weird I know. Salmon Bay Cafe is one of the few places I can look past the old fixtures... More

I am kind of a cleanliness nut. I check out King County health inspection reports of restaurants I go to...weird I know. Salmon Bay Cafe is one of the few places I can look past the old fixtures and often times fruit flies and enjoy the cheap meal. The weekends are always busy, while the weekdays fisherman fill the booths. Salmon Bay Cafe is the cheap version of the Hi-Life (IMO). You've got your lifelong Ballard residents and your hipster kids shaking off their hangovers. Coffee is strong and always refilled. The menu is pretty traditional breakfast fare. Omelets are the main thing on the breakfast menu, they are big and fluffy with a variety of toppings. The potatoes are delicious. Fruit is not always ripe. The french toast and muffins are nothing to write home about. I've only been there for lunch a few times, it's been fine. Filling and cheap. The staff is friendly and fast. They are open for breakfast and lunch only.
Less

This is a no-frills cafe in the industrial section of Ballard. I went there this Sunday with a mild hangover and was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the operation. No wait, but pleasantly... More

This is a no-frills cafe in the industrial section of Ballard. I went there this Sunday with a mild hangover and was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the operation. No wait, but pleasantly full. Parking is easy. I had a scramble with sausage, mushrooms, spinach etc, OJ & coffee for six bucks. Service was fast and unobtrusive. They also keep all the families with kids in one section, which is a godsend when you're desperately hoping that the world isn't too loud until your headache settles down. This place is a keeper.
Less

Salmon Bay Cafe offers great food in an appealingly (to me) gritty setting in Ballard's industrial zone. Unlike the more fashionable breakfast places, you will almost always get a table without any... More

Salmon Bay Cafe offers great food in an appealingly (to me) gritty setting in Ballard's industrial zone. Unlike the more fashionable breakfast places, you will almost always get a table without any waiting, though the place seems to be full a lot of the time. I love the stuffed french toast. It is surrounded by fruit and looks like a party on your plate. The scrambles are also good; Jill's Scramble has spinach and related yummies all mixed up together. The wait staff will always be nice to you, a nice bonus. Kids are welcome. This is a great place to bring your out-of-town guests, as long as you warn them about the lack of ambience before you go.
Less

I know a little cafe located in Ballard by the name of Salmon Bay Cafe. It is in a very quiet area by the water so you have a great view while munching on your pancakes. The workers are terrific and... More

I know a little cafe located in Ballard by the name of Salmon Bay Cafe. It is in a very quiet area by the water so you have a great view while munching on your pancakes. The workers are terrific and very nice. The food is the best! I recommend their pancake meal and clam choder. The meal itself will only be around $7.00. so you are saving yourself some big money! Bring a friend and tell me what you think!
Less