Seattle Cocktail Week April 19-26 at Ray’s!

Author: lauren

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Seattle Cocktail Week April 19-26 at Ray’s!

Hand holding a cocktail overlooking the water views at Ray's

Seattle Cocktail Week is back from April 19–26, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe! As a top Seattle restaurant with iconic Puget Sound views, Ray’s delivers an experience that blends expertly crafted cocktails, fresh seafood, and an unforgettable waterfront restaurant setting.

A shoutout to Ray’s hardworking bartending team, who craft, shake, stir, and pour your favorite sips year-round. Their creativity and precision are behind every memorable cocktail you enjoy.

At Ray’s Café, where casual dining meets a relaxed, beachy vibe, the cocktail lineup is bright and inviting:

  • Lucy in the Sky – Tito’s vodka, pamplemousse liqueur, raspberry, lemon, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing, slightly tart sip that’s perfect on the rocks.
  • Sunset Boulevard – Michter’s US★1 Kentucky Straight Rye with cardamom-infused Campari and Madagascar vanilla–infused Carpano Antica sweet vermouth.  A rich and aromatic cocktail. Available at both the Cafe and Boathouse.

Downstairs at Ray’s Boathouse, the mood is elevated and welcoming, with panoramic water views that define this beloved waterfront restaurant. The Sunset Boulevard shines as a perfect companion to golden hour.

  • Unintended Consequences – a bold blend of Don Julio Reposado tequila, Koch Elemental mezcal, Lustau PX sherry, and mole bitters. The result is smoky, complex, and deeply satisfying.
  • Garden Party (NA cocktail) – available at both the Cafe and Boathouse, it adds a fresh, herbaceous NA option with a kick of heat, that pairs beautifully with Ray’s signature seafood.

Whether you’re stopping in for casual dining or celebrating a special night out, Ray’s Boathouse and Café are essential stops during Seattle Cocktail Week for anyone who loves great drinks, incredible seafood, and waterfront views.

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

Ray's red neon sign at Sunset over Shilshole Bay

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 fewer, including high chairs.

RESERVE 1ST FLOOR BOATHOUSE

RESERVE 2ND FLOOR CAFE

BOATHOUSE A LA CARTE (1st floor)

Boathouse Brunch
10am (first seating) to 3pm (last seating)
Enjoy our best-selling appetizers, salads and Boathouse entrées along with holiday inspired breakfast/brunch specials.

Boathouse Dinner
3pm (first seating) to 9pm (last seating)
Enjoy our full Boathouse dinner menu featuring shareable and small plates with sustainable, local seafood like Wild Alaskan King Salmon, NW Sablefish, handmade pasta, vegetarian dishes and more!

Full children’s menu available all day in the Boathouse.

CAFE BRUNCH BUFFET (2nd floor)
Enjoy our upstairs Cafe grand holiday brunch buffet from 9am (first seating) to 2pm (last seating for buffet) for $110 per adult and $50 per child ages 5 to 11 (pricing includes juice and sodas but excludes tax and gratuity).

Buffet Menu
Complete range of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts, plus Ray’s traditional carving and shellfish action stations, as well as breakfast and brunch items. Buffet items will be available until 3:30pm when the buffet closes.

Cafe brunch reservations are accepted from 9am to 2pm on Mother’s Day (reserve in our Cafe Lounge from 9am-2pm only if whole party is ages 21+). No reservations needed for the Cafe bar top, ages 21 and over only.

Cafe Dinner: At 2pm we will begin serving the entire a la carte Café menu. Cafe dinner is walk-ins only.

Please note: we will not be offering Happy Hour in the Boathouse or Cafe on Mother’s Day.

We can’t wait to share this special day with you and yours at your favorite Seattle restaurant!

Kindly review our Mother’s Day guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties of 8 or fewer, 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 for ages 21+.
*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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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!

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Best Happy Hour in Seattle at Ray’s Cafe

Ray's 2nd floor Cafe Happy Hour

If you’re searching for a standout Seattle restaurant with stunning views, excellent seafood, and relaxed casual dining, Ray’s Cafe happy hour should be at the top of your list. Located right on Puget Sound, Ray’s Cafe is a classic water view restaurant that delivers both atmosphere and flavor.

Ray’s 2nd floor Cafe offers a popular happy hour that draws locals and visitors alike, thanks to its unbeatable combination of fresh seafood, drink specials, and panoramic waterfront views. As a true waterfront restaurant, the Cafe overlooks the Olympic Mountains and water, making it one of the best places in Seattle to unwind after work or kick off an evening out.

The happy hour menu offers Ray’s seafood favorites. Guests can enjoy items  like:

Manila Clams
Penn Cove Mussels
Clam chowder
Ceasar Salad
Tuna Poke
Crispy Calamari

All offered at special happy hour pricing. These dishes highlight the Pacific Northwest’s local ingredients while staying approachable and perfect for sharing. Pair your food with a happy hour cocktail, local beer, or Washington wine, and you’ve got an ideal casual dining experience.

What makes Ray’s Cafe stand out among other Seattle restaurants is its ability to feel both elevated and laid-back. Whether you’re meeting friends, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply craving seafood with a view, this waterfront restaurant delivers consistently.

For anyone looking to experience a quintessential Seattle happy hour, Ray’s Cafe offers the perfect mix of seafood, scenery, and relaxed charm. It’s proof that some of the best casual dining in Seattle happens right on the water.

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Fresh Oysters and Bubbly at Ray’s all February!

Group of friends cheering at Ray's Cafe on the Waterfront in Seattle WA

Winter is oyster season at Ray’s Boathouse!

There’s a reason seafood lovers wait all year for winter oyster season. The icy winter waters of the Pacific Northwest produce plumper oysters that are richer in flavor, with a clean, briny flavor that makes them ideal for slurping by the dozen. And there’s no better place to enjoy them than at Ray’s Boathouse, Seattle’s iconic waterfront restaurant.

This month, Ray’s is celebrating peak oyster season with Bubbles & Bivalves, happening all month long at Ray’s Boathouse and Café. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or gathering a group of friends, this is your invitation to slow down, sip something sparkling, and savor the best of winter seafood.

Bubbles + Bivalves = Seafood Heaven

Fresh oysters and Champagne are a classic pairing for a reason. The crisp acidity and fine bubbles perfectly complement the richness of cold-water oysters, creating a match made in seafood heaven. During Bubbles & Bivalves, you can pair your oysters with Champagne or sparkling wine, available by the bottle or by the glass.

Our oyster selection changes daily based on availability, showcasing exceptional varieties from Taylor Shellfish, including:
• Shigoku
• Miyagi
• Virginica
• Olympia

Be sure to check our fresh sheet for the day’s selections. Each oyster is served with Ray’s classic red wine mignonette, plus a limited-time passionfruit mignonette that adds a bright, tropical twist to the briny bite. Cheers to that.

Winter Cocktails Worth Lingering Over

In addition to bubbly, we’re pouring special seasonal cocktails designed to shine alongside fresh oysters:

Fancy Pants
Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac, spiced-orange syrup, triple sec, lemon, cava

The Bitter Frenchmen
Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Campari, lemon, topped with rosé

Each cocktail is balanced, elegant, and perfect for sipping while watching the water just beyond our windows.

A Seattle Waterfront Classic, Your Way

Ray’s Boathouse is a beloved Seattle restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful casual dining, and unbeatable water views. Whether you’re here for oysters, cocktails, or a full seafood dinner, you’ll find a seat that fits your mood.
• Ray’s first-floor Boathouse is open nightly for dinner from 5–9pm, with happy hour from 5–6pm. Reservations are recommended.
• Ray’s second-floor Café is open daily from 11:30am to 9pm and welcomes walk-ins for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Winter oysters don’t last forever. So grab your date, gather your friends, and join us by the water for Bubbles & Bivalves—because cold waters make better oysters, and oysters always taste better at Ray’s.

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Enjoy Double Loyalty Points Jan 20-31, 2026!

Thank you, loyal guests!

Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe, is incredibly grateful for the community that continues to dine with us year after year. As a heartfelt thank you to our loyal guests, we’re excited to offer Double Loyalty Points January 20-January 31, 2026—our way of giving a little extra back to those who make Ray’s such a special Seattle restaurant.

From January 20–31, 2026, Ray’s Loyalty Card members will earn 3 points for every $10 spent (instead of the usual 1.5 points) when dining in the Boathouse and Café. Since one point equals $1 in dining credit, your next visit will be even more rewarding. Double points are available during daily business hours from 11:30am to 9:00pm, making it the perfect excuse for a relaxed lunch, sunset dinner, or casual dining experience with friends and family.

Whether you’re savoring our fresh, locally sourced seafood, enjoying classic favorites, or simply soaking in the views, there’s no better time to visit your favorite water view restaurant. With sweeping vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Ray’s remains one of Seattle’s most beloved waterfront restaurants, ideal for both special occasions and everyday dining.

Please note that this promotion applies to dining in the Boathouse and Café only and is not valid for Ray’s Northwest Room or catering events.

Not yet a Loyalty Card member? Signing up is FREE and easy. You can enroll online or ask our host or server during your next visit and start earning points right away—yes, even on that same meal.

We can’t wait to welcome you back, thank you in person, and help you earn rewards while enjoying the best of Seattle seafood and award-winning waterfront dining.

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Ray’s 2026 Wedding Open House!

Score an invite to our Wedding Open House at Ray’s Northwest Room!

Dreaming of a waterfront wedding in Seattle with sweeping Puget Sound views and unforgettable cuisine? If you’re considering Ray’s as the setting for your 2026 wedding, now is the perfect time to take the next step—and score an exclusive invitation to our Wedding Open House.

Couples who book Ray’s Northwest Room for a 2026 wedding by February 15, 2026 will be invited to attend our Wedding Open House on Sunday, March 8, 2026, a special event reserved exclusively for confirmed 2026 wedding couples. This is your chance to experience what makes Ray’s one of Seattle’s most sought-after waterfront wedding venues.

During the open house, you’ll enjoy samples of Ray’s acclaimed catering menus, thoughtfully crafted by our culinary team and rooted in the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Sip on handcrafted cocktails, wine, and beer as you take in the relaxed elegance of the Northwest Room, beautifully styled to spark inspiration for your big day. From ceremony to reception, you’ll be able to envision how your wedding can unfold in this stunning water-view space.

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with trusted local wedding vendors, including florists, DJs, and other creative partners who can help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re just starting to plan or refining the final details, the open house is designed to inspire and excite.

Learn more from incredible and trusted vendors including Aria Style, Bond In Bloom, Alexander Party Rental, Jason Goldfarb Photography, Emma Wargo Photo Company and more!

After the event, be sure to schedule time with Ray’s experienced event team. They’ll be happy to answer questions, talk through timelines, menus, and logistics, and help ensure every detail reflects your style and priorities.

Ready to say “I do” at Ray’s Boathouse? Contact Ray’s Catering to book your wedding today and secure your place at our Wedding Open House!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 206-789-6309

Photo Credit: Emma Wargo Photo Company

Seattle Cocktail Week April 19-26 at Ray’s!

Seattle Cocktail Week is back from April 19–26, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe! As a top Seattle restaurant with iconic Puget Sound views, Ray’s delivers an experience that blends expertly crafted cocktails, fresh seafood, and an unforgettable waterfront restaurant setting. A shoutout to Ray’s hardworking bartending team, who …

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6049 Seaview Avenue NW
Seattle, WA 98107-2690

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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.

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