April is for Salmon Recovery! Celebrate Long Live the Kings

April is for Salmon Recovery! Celebrate Long Live the Kings

Young Coho Salmon for Long Live the Kings

At Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe, Earth Month is a time to celebrate and protect our local waters.

We are proud to support and highlight the impactful work of Long Live the Kings year round but especially in April. They are celebrating 40 years of salmon restoration work in 2026 and we wanted to share some of their recent wins!

  • Tracking Real Fish with Survive the Sound: In 2025 their Survive the Sound fish tracking race allowed 75,000+ people to track live steelhead migrating through Puget Sound, all the while learning about the benefits salmon provide local communities. This year the race is back with a fresh look, new games, and fun prizes. Sign up now, build your team, and compete to see if your favorite fish will survive its migration starting on April 27!
  • Re-Imagining the Hood Canal Bridge: LLTK has been hard at work over the last three years testing acoustic seal deterrents and guidance structures to solve the 50% mortality rate facing juvenile steelhead at the Hood Canal Bridge. This Fall, LLTK also began exploring more permanent solutions, meeting with Hood Canal residents at libraries, grocery stores, and ferries to learn more about what local residents want to see in a future fish friendly bridge. LLTK and their partners are using this information to lay out a vision for what a new bridge might look like that better meets the needs of Hood Canal residents and local salmon populations.
  • Re-Connecting Juvenile Salmon Habitat in the Nisqually: Habitat fragmentation from human development is a major barrier to healthy salmon populations in Puget Sound. In response, LLTKs and its partners at the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Joint Base Fort Lewis McChord have launched a new effort to reconnect nearly 400 acres of historic off-channel wetlands back to the Nisqually River. Re-establishing this connection will provide essential habitat for the salmonids who call the Nisqually River home.

This Earth Month, we invite you to learn more and get involved. Protecting salmon helps preserve the future of Puget Sound. Donate here to support their efforts!

What To Do in Ballard When You’re Getting Married

Wedding Reception at Seattle's Best Waterfront Event Venue at Ray's Boathouse in Seattle

Weddings at Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard are a stunning site. Few Seattle neighborhoods rival the charm, views, and romance found here. Nestled along the shores of Puget Sound, this seaside enclave offers the perfect blend of Pacific Northwest beauty and laid-back sophistication.

So before you tie the knot at Seattle’s best waterfront wedding venue, Ray’s Northwest Room, we’ve put together some fun ways to spend a dreamy day in Ballard before (or after) you say “I do”.

Start with sweeping views at Sunset Hill
Perched high above the water, Sunset Hill Park is one of Ballard’s most romantic hidden gems. With panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, it’s an ideal spot for a quiet moment together—or even a first look or engagement photos.

Stroll the shoreline at Golden Gardens Park
A short drive from Ray’s, Golden Gardens Park offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest beach experience. Think driftwood-lined shores, grassy picnic areas, and unobstructed water views. It’s a favorite for couples looking to soak in some natural beauty—whether you’re walking barefoot in the sand, enjoying a casual picnic, or snapping candid photos with the Sound as your backdrop. For guests in town for your Seattle waterfront wedding, this is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of the city.

Savor a waterfront lunch at Ray’s Cafe
No Ballard itinerary is complete without a stop at Ray’s Cafe. Perfect for a relaxed midday break, our casual dining spot pairs fresh Northwest seafood with unbeatable waterfront views. Enjoy clam chowder, salads, fish and chips, sip a glass of wine, and watch boats drift across Puget Sound—it’s an effortlessly romantic experience that reflects the spirit of a Seattle wedding by the water. It’s also a delicious preview of the culinary excellence you can expect from one of the best waterfront wedding venues in Seattle.

Explore Ballard’s charm together
Beyond its iconic viewpoints, Ballard invites couples to slow down and explore. Wander along Ballard Avenue’s boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and tasting rooms, or visit the historic Ballard Locks to watch boats pass between the Sound and Lake Union. Every corner of the neighborhood offers something memorable—perfect for creating meaningful moments in the lead-up to your big day.

From scenic overlooks to beachfront strolls and unforgettable dining, Ballard sets the stage for romance at every turn—and offers everything you need to complement a celebration at the best waterfront wedding venue in Seattle.

Looking for a Seattle wedding venue? Contact Ray’s events team today to tour and book a date! [email protected] or 206-789-6309.

Celebrate Washington Wine Month at Ray’s!

Washington Wine Bottles at Ray's Boathouse and Cafe

March is Washington Wine Month and Ray’s has partnered with one of our favorite wineries, Long Shadows Vintners, to offer a special lineup of wines by the glass.

Try them all in our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Cafe this month. Our Wine Director Darrell has some excellent pairing ideas to make ordering easy and so delicious. Cheers!

Poets Leap Riesling
Columbia Valley, WA 2024
Cafe Pairings: Thai Mussels and Sablefish Sake Kasu
Boathouse Pairing: Korean Chili & Sesame Crusted Albacore Tuna
Complex off-dry Riesling with white blossoms, bright citrus and minerality

Cymbal Sauvignon Blanc
Columbia Valley, WA 2023
Cafe Pairings: Seared Oregon Albacore Cobb Salad and Dungeness Crab Cakes
Boathouse Pairings: Pan Seared Diver Scallops with Pork Belly and Grilled King Salmon
Japanese pear, kumquat and green papaya with freshly cut grass and clove. Intense yet beautifully balanced

Pedestal Merlot
Columbia Valley, WA 2020
Cafe Pairing: Grilled Ribeye
Boathouse Pairings: Grilled Ribeye and Filet Mignon
Aromas and flavors of ripe plums, chocolate, spicy oak, and graphite define the aromatics. This Merlot is concentrated, has ripe, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish

Easter at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe April 5, 2026!

Guests dining at Ray’s Boathouse seafood restaurant and bar on the Seattle waterfront

Gather the family at Ray’s for a delicious Easter brunch or dinner at Seattle’s best waterfront seafood restaurant on Sunday, April 5, 2026!

Easter reservations are strongly encouraged for our 2nd floor Cafe grand holiday buffet and our 1st floor Boathouse holiday menus. We can accommodate parties of 10 people or fewer, including high chairs.

RESERVE RAY’S 2ND FLOOR CAFE HERE.

RESERVE RAY’S 1ST FLOOR BOATHOUSE HERE.

CAFE EASTER BUFFET (2nd floor)
Enjoy our Cafe grand holiday buffet from 9am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). $110 per person including coffee, juice and sodas (excluding tax and gratuity). $50 for children 5 to 11 years of age.

Cafe Menu
Complete range of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts, plus Ray’s traditional carving and shellfish action stations featuring Northwest seafood. Breakfast items will be served on the buffet until 3pm then we will transition to a dinner buffet until 9pm.

The Cafe Bar will be open from 9am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating) and is seated on a first come basis. Cafe Bar is 21 and over only.

BOATHOUSE EASTER BRUNCH & DINNER (1st floor)
Boathouse Brunch
10:30am (first seating) to 3pm (last seating)
Enjoy our best-selling a la carte Boathouse appetizers, salads and entrées along with holiday inspired breakfast and brunch specials.

Boathouse Easter Brunch a la Carte Menu
• Berry Parfait, vanilla bean whipped yogurt, mixed berries, house made granola, honey
• Avocado Toast, toasted Seawolf Sourdough, smashed avocado, 6 ½ minute eggs, pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, everything bagel seasoning
• Vegetarian Quiche, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, gruyere, fried breakfast potatoes, mixed green salads
• Steak and Eggs, Coulotte Steak, two eggs, fried breakfast potatoes, chimichurri
• 8 oz house ground beef burger, brioche bun, American cheese, shredded lettuce, special sauce, fried breakfast potatoes
• Two Eggs, choice of bacon or Uli’s breakfast sausage, fried breakfast potatoes, toasted Seawolf sourdough
• Challah French Toast, Uli’s Breakfast sausage, spiced Vermont maple syrup, Chantilly cream, fresh berries, fried breakfast potatoes
• Hangtown Fry, fried oysters, scrambled eggs with Pancetta, chives, hollandaise, toasted sourdough
• Chicken Schnitzel Salad, pounded and breaded chicken breast, avocado mousse, gem lettuce, green goddess, pickled red onions, radish, toasted sesame seeds

Boathouse Dinner
3pm (first seating) to 8pm (last seating)
Enjoy our full a la carte dinner menu alongside an $85 Easter inspired 3-course dinner menu of appetizer, entrée and dessert (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Full children’s menu available all day.

Boathouse Easter 3-Course Dinner
choose one item from each course

Appetizers
• Cucumber and Avocado Gazpacho, mint, English peas, pickled red onions, yogurt GF
• Strawberry and Arugula Salad, goat cheese, honey balsamic vinaigrette, toasted almonds GF
• Sumac Crusted Albacore Tuna, tzatziki sauce, pickled fennel, radish, cucumber GF

Entrees
• Double R Ranch Spice Rubbed Prime Rib of Beef, garlic whipped potatoes, seared broccolini, demi-glace GF
• Fresh PNW Halibut, carrot-ginger puree, fried Yukon potatoes, seared asparagus, miso beurre blanc
• Roasted Cauliflower Steak, chili garlic labneh, hot pepper relish, pomegranate syrup GF

Desserts
• Carrot-Coconut Cake, candied pecans, cream cheese frosting, butterscotch sauce
• Chocolate Budino, miso caramel, chocolate sable cookie
• Olympic Mountain Ice Cream/Sorbet

Kindly review our Easter guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties of up to 10, including highchairs.
*All of our availability is posted on RESY. If the time and party size you are seeking is not listed, it is not available. This includes Cafe Lounge high top seating.
*All reservations are for inside tables only.
*We cannot accommodate window seating requests.
*Walk-ins are only accepted for our bar top seating in the Cafe and Boathouse bars (both ages 21 and over). Our Cafe Lounge high top seating accepts reservations but is also ages 21 and over.
*Sorry, no promotional discounts available. Loyalty cards accepted and encouraged!

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Ray’s May 10!

Celebrate your Mother and the Mother figures in your life on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant! Our first floor Boathouse will serve some of our best-selling appetizers, salads and entrées along with Mother’s Day inspired a la carte breakfast and brunch specials. And our upstairs Cafe will offer a grand holiday brunch buffet. RESERVATIONS We can accommodate parties of 8 people or …

6049 Seaview Avenue NW
Seattle, WA 98107-2690

BOOK A TABLE  AT RAY’S BOATHOUSE

Ray’s Boathouse elevates local, sustainable seafood with global flavors and Northwest inspiration nightly.

BOOK A TABLE  AT RAY’S CAFE

Classic seafood dishes with seasonal preparations in our upstairs Café overlooking Puget Sound.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Simply choose either Ray’s Boathouse or Ray’s Cafe in the first drop down, then find your table.

* indicates required
Book your Ray's Boathouse reservation on Resy
Book your Rays Cafe reservation on Resy