Portage Bay Cafe & Catering

I’ve been to this place twice, once 6 years ago and 2 weeks ago. The only 2 things I remembered from my first visit were unmemorable food and overprices. But since my friend wanted to have lunch there I figured why not give it shot.\r \r I asked the server about several sandwiches and she recommended the burger for $13. I must say, I looooove a good burger. BUT, I would have been much more pleased with a Dick’s burger (of which is not even that great in my opinion). \r \r I felt cheated. I paid $13 for a mediocre burger where the server claimed that it was the best item under the sandwich list. At least I’ve confirmed why more

I’m a huge fan of a great brunch, especially something that is a pick me up after a fun night out on Friday or Saturday. My friend has been to Portage Bay a ton of times and was surprised I hadn’t gone yet – well, I hadn’t really heard about it. I love that she had known about it because she knew to call and make a reservation for us about a half hour before we arrived.\r \r You must try the eggs benedict or the SW Scramble – both big plates and great for the price. Don’t forget to begin your meal with a mimosa! Unlike other breakfast/brunch joints, theirs were light and I really think I could’ve just stayed there all day drinking them. I’m already planning on going back this weekend with a few more friends to see if I can convert them from our usual brunch joint to Portage Bay.\r \r Things to remember: Call ahead and make a reservation (we only had to wait about 5 min before we were seated) * try not to have more than 4 people * don’t forget the mimosa! Pros: energetic environment, lots of street parking, great brunch Cons: very packed for weekend brunch more

I went to this place with 3 friends for brunch, and we were told that the wait was ""about"" 30 minutes. There were around 25 people waiting to be seated, and the restaurant was packed, so we were happy to wait. We were not so happy an hour later, as we were still waiting to be seated, and had witnessed several groups of people that had arrived after us get seated before us. The man that was seating people didn't seem to know what he was doing. At one point, he went up to a family of 3 that had arrived 40 minutes after my group had, and told them that they would get the next table. He was apparently friends with the man, and talked to him for several minutes...right in front of everyone that was waiting. I was not pleased. When we were seated, I asked our waitress if the man was the manager, and she informed me that he was actually the owner. I laughed. He needs to be more professional...or at the very least, make sure that no one can hear/see him being unprofessional. I liked our waitress. She was attentive and nice. The food was pretty good, but it's nothing to get overly excited about. Pros: eggs, bacon Cons: long wait, the owner's favoritism towards patrons more

The yellow curry tofu scramble looked like a healthy choice, but when it arrived sopped in oil, it was anything but appetizing. I had to wipe the grease off my mouth after every bite! GROSSS!!! I won't be going back there! Pros: close to where I live, organic fare Cons: greasy food, no lunch on weekends more

Spectacularly good food. The lines on Sunday a.m. tell the tale. Get there at 1:30 or so to get a seat on the outdoor patio on Sundays... earlier and you will have to wait. Delicious. Go there. Pros: Delicious, organic, outdoor seating, special! Cons: big lines on Sunday a.m. more

Slow service\r Rude service/host\r surley waitress\r Inaccurate orders\r Very poor accoustics-horribly loud\r The quality of food wasn't wrth the 50 minute wait to get it after we sat down. Pros: tasty food Cons: service and ambiance more

I ordered the ""Rancher's Breakfast,"" which included home fries, eggs, bacon, and French toast -- the meal was so huge that I was able to forego my lunch! The delicious toppings bar for my French toast (and pancakes, and waffles) offered lots of fruity selections to dress up my food! The waitress was a bit sassy, but tolerated me when I took forever to decide upon my food. Unfortunately, the acoustics in the restaurant (maybe thanks to the exposed, high ceilings?) make the place quite loud, even when there aren't that many customers present. Go for the good food, but expect to yell if you want to converse with your tablemates. :) Pros: Piping hot coffee, many veggie/vegan choices, pancake bar Cons: Very loud atmosphere, expensive more

This place is great-their breakfast menu is well rounded, including omelets, waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage....everything you can think of...and they have a *delicious* breakfast bar as well! Good coffee-it's strong and they always bring out cream. The ladies working this joint are all sharp and very nice, even though you can tell it must get stressful with the high volume. In order to avoid the wait, get here early. Pros: Fast service, great food, cozy atmosphere, friendly service Cons: Long waits more

I had a b/day brunch party of 20 for breakfast. The manager did have the wrong time down, so we waited for about 45 minutes. However, the food and service were excellent, I can not complain. The breakfast is the best in Seattle. I haven't had anything better, and I am a huge breakfast buff. They serviced my table about 15 minutes after ordering for 20 people. The service was excellent. I can't wait to go back.! :) Thanks again to the manager! Pros: Great service, Amazing food, reasonable price Cons: long line, crowded, a bit noisy more

I was there this weekend with my wife (8 months pregnant) and another couple. For the most part, the food was a little better than I expected, and we were enjoying a nice morning out with friends. I had just finished my coffee and we had paid. As we were wrapping up our conversation and on our way out the manager (I guess) asked if we could leave so that they could give the table to someone else. To us, this was exactly like saying ""you are no longer welcome"". He wasn't warm or apologetic or humble to say the least. He had sort of a face that seemed to say ""you should know, the customers that haven't given me there money yet are better than you, naturally."" Well, they have our money, but they no longer have our patronage. For the classy image they try to portray, the know very little about hospitality. Now that I think about it, the food was pretty average... Pros: Food tries to be healthy Cons: Manager is full of himself more

After seeing the rave reviews we gave the new PBC on Terry Street 2 chances. 1st visit- eggs were so overcooked they were barely edible. The Cafe was not very busy - but we had to get up and get our own coffee. Not a good sign . Plus we both thought the waitress was surley. Visit 2 - we sat at the counter. My vegan hash was overcooked. My husband had the oatmeal- overcooked and waterey. the ONLY coffee refill came as our plates were removed. Plus sitting at the counter we had the added joy at the end of our meal = to watch the prep cook put a bandaid - over his finger cut- over the food prep area. Thanks. they were lucky i did not ralph on the counter. A little TOO ORGANIC for me. Not nice. If this is the visible part- hate to see the rest. If you don't go- it will be the luckiest day of your life! God only knows what you will be saving yourself from. PS the prep cook- the bald one in the white coat- Should be fired! Cons: staff more

i guess at some level it was just a simple risk but it paid off. this place is ALWAYS packed. for a place off the beaten path, this place is busy. lunch weekdays etc its a little lighter but still busy which is pretty amazing. $10'ish omlets etc but its so worth it. They do pretty much only organic etc. Its packed because its worth it. follow a place that is packed - the crowds in terms of ""food"" know. its telling. great ambience, well run, professional - even really nice service - but there are plenty of places that have that and do just ok. this place rocks because of the food. its always worth it. you get so much and the toppings bar is endlesss. kudos to the portage bay movement. we need more of these place. I just told my server: its funny how many restaurants just dont get it. take a page out of portage bay cafes book for seattle breakfast, brunch and lunch. Pros: food, food service. you get a lot of food Cons: parking sometimes. id say its on the easier side but still a consideration. more

I first learned of this great place to eat about 2 years ago when i got a call from John (owner) asking me to re paint the place. ..Since then it's been my favorite breakfast place to eat... and I've tasted most restaurants in the area. I would recommend Portage Bay Cafe to all!! TIM\r \r Pros: FRESH AND JUST WHAT I ORDERED Cons: A LITTLE PRICEY BUT AWESOME more

I have to congratulate this place for perfection. i work in the restaurant business and i have to say, it is a struggle to have a good environment, good food and SMILEY wonderful service, it is harder to accomplish than you would think. So, staff please keep up the smiley service it is such a relief to dine in you establishment. we will be your new regulars!! Cheers!!!!!!!!! Pros: Service Food Clean Cons: Even parking was easy they have a parking lot more

This place was amazing. The decor was modern but not stark, and it just seemed nicely done. I met a friend for lunch here because her office had had them cater a lunch there and she love it so much. I love the fact that I could get amazing french toast even-though it was 2pm...talk about a new brunch spot. I was also excited about their organic concept that didn't sacrifice flavor or dishes I love. So I can take my other ""go green"" friend here and he will get off my back, HA! I would highly recommend checking this place out. Pros: Parking was easy, food was amazing, organic more

my friend and i came in for lunch the other day and to my wonderful surprise, breakfast was still being served, for i am a huge fan of breakfast. i had the hash - eggs, mushrooms, potatoes - yum! my friend ordered the french toast and totally got a kick out of going up to the toppings bar for his choice of fresh berries and syrups. to sum it up, it's great, healthy food in a modern & casual space - a must try. more