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As all the reviews say, Portage Bay Cafe is great but often crowded. If you're waiting with a tiny tot in tow, be sure to ask to sit in the extra room. There's a spill-over room (attached to the... More
As all the reviews say, Portage Bay Cafe is great but often crowded. If you're waiting with a tiny tot in tow, be sure to ask to sit in the extra room. There's a spill-over room (attached to the hotel next door) where they send people when the restaurant is full - but it's also perfect for groups with kids. It's not atmospheric but it's uncrowded and the kind of place where a toddler can roam free (not possible in the rest of the restaurant). Now it's our go-to place when we meet friends with kids for brunch.
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Portage Bay Cafe is great for breakfast and brunch on the weekends, albeit it's consistently crowded. They're really good about addressing this fact and doing what they can to make the wait more... More
Portage Bay Cafe is great for breakfast and brunch on the weekends, albeit it's consistently crowded. They're really good about addressing this fact and doing what they can to make the wait more pleasant. Great pancake bar with fresh fruit, and tons of other tasty choices including astounding Challah French toast, chai oatmeal or the ranchers breakfast which guarantees a consequent four hour food coma nap.
They're not overly pretentious or in your face about the fact they're organic and fair trade and as my title mentions, they have a mug on the front counter that simply says 'I Hate Bill O'Reilly'. I laugh. Every time.
I don't believe they serve alcohol or mimosas however. I've found the best bet to avoid chastisement when it comes to mid morning drinking is the Rusty Pelican, for which my review can be found here:
http://www.judysbook.com/members/sarah/posts/2006/1/246054/
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This cafe in the University District stands alone with it's superior customer service--all of the staff, including the manager, are appropriately attentive and genuinely care that your meal is never... More
This cafe in the University District stands alone with it's superior customer service--all of the staff, including the manager, are appropriately attentive and genuinely care that your meal is never just satisfactory.
For gourmet omelettes with exotic spices, meats and cheeses, or for their uncomparable Pancake Breakfast Bar (which serves any fresh fruit you can think of along with fresh homemade cream, syrups and jams), the Portage Bay Cafe is the only choice for the ultimate brunch experience.
Try to get there early though, many people already know how good it is!
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Need more quality control. I noticed some inconsistency in the
Mache salad, such as missing a half egg, or pine nuts.
Sometimes the greens are not very fresh.
Pros: organic ingredients ,... More
Need more quality control. I noticed some inconsistency in the
Mache salad, such as missing a half egg, or pine nuts.
Sometimes the greens are not very fresh.
Pros: organic ingredients , mostly well made dish, good ambience
Cons: inconsistency, missing ingredients , some dishes are salty
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The Portage Bay Cafe is a great little cafe in the U-district on Roosevelt right before the University Bridge. They have a little espresso and baked goods counter for a quick take-out breakfast and... More
The Portage Bay Cafe is a great little cafe in the U-district on Roosevelt right before the University Bridge. They have a little espresso and baked goods counter for a quick take-out breakfast and a sit down restaurant for bigger meals. Their brunch is what they are known for - it's great! They have a wide variety of egg dishes and pancakes. If you get the pancakes they come with a trip to the *breakfast bar* which has lots of different kinds of fruit, whipped cream, syrup, etc. So good. Their lunches are good, too. Things here aren't cheap (expect about $10/breakfast or $15ish for lunch), but they are very good. A note: they get really busy for brunch on the weekends, so be prepared to wait. Also, the waitstaff isn't the most attentive in town, so you might have to flag someone down if you need anything.
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You cannot beat Portage Bay for breakfast. The staff is always friendly, without "hovering" and the food is great. Of course the best part about Portage Bay is the pancake bar. They bring you a... More
You cannot beat Portage Bay for breakfast. The staff is always friendly, without "hovering" and the food is great. Of course the best part about Portage Bay is the pancake bar. They bring you a stack of pancakes and you add your own toppings - berries, fresh whipped cream, etc. It is the perfect way to start a weekend morning!
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The Portage Bay cafe is in an odd place - basically you better keep your eyes open because if you miss it, you're heading over the University bridge. They have a small parking lot with free parking... More
The Portage Bay cafe is in an odd place - basically you better keep your eyes open because if you miss it, you're heading over the University bridge. They have a small parking lot with free parking and there is lots of street parking around the area. It's also a short walk from the UW campus. Lunches are great - mostly sandwiches and salads. Brunch is legendary - if you get anything with pancakes you get a trip to the "breakfast bar" to load up on fruit, fresh whipped cream, etc. to top your breakfast. So good.
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We love going to breakfast here---if you order pancakes or french toast you can add your own berries/fruit, whipped cream, butter, nuts, and warm maple syrup from heaping bowls at the counter. ... More
We love going to breakfast here---if you order pancakes or french toast you can add your own berries/fruit, whipped cream, butter, nuts, and warm maple syrup from heaping bowls at the counter. Lunch is great as well (they do not serve dinner). They use local, quality ingredients in everything they make and it all tastes delicious! Outdoor seating when weather permits as well.
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Great food, especially for a change compared to all the Asian restaurants around the U-District. The prices are reasonable and it is a great place to enjoy a nice meal in a quiet place. While it is... More
Great food, especially for a change compared to all the Asian restaurants around the U-District. The prices are reasonable and it is a great place to enjoy a nice meal in a quiet place. While it is a hike from the Ave and the University it is definitely worth the trip at least once!
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Great brunch menu that features old favorites in exciting reincarnations. The buffet/bar is fabulous, with fruits and whipped cream. The long wait and the tables packed in like sardines are not so... More
Great brunch menu that features old favorites in exciting reincarnations. The buffet/bar is fabulous, with fruits and whipped cream. The long wait and the tables packed in like sardines are not so fabulous, though. This isn't the place to go when you've finally drug yourself out of bed and are starving for brunch.
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