Fall at Ray’s Boathouse: Cozy Dining, Fresh Seafood, Stunning Views

Author: lauren

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Fall at Ray’s Boathouse: Cozy Dining, Fresh Seafood, Stunning Views

Grab your favorite sweater and head to Ray’s to experience Fall at Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant—thank you Seattle Times for naming us the city’s favorite once again! Crisp breezes, golden sunsets, cozy blankets, and a glass of wine pair perfectly with our seasonal seafood dishes and warm hospitality.

Chef Kevin and our talented culinary team have created new Fall menus for both our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Café, highlighting the best of the Pacific Northwest this season.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, award-winning happy hour, or a memorable dinner, Ray’s is your go-to Seattle restaurant for every occasion. Join us daily for:

  • 2nd Floor Café – Walk-in casual dining for lunch, happy hour, and dinner starting at 11:30am. Plus, enjoy the covered and heated deck (open weather permitting) for unbeatable views of Shilshole Bay.

Pacific Northwest Manila Clams
house-smoked bacon, leek, white wine, cream, apple cider, butter, herbs, toasted baguette

Lacinato Kale Salad
sliced apples, pickled shallots, candied pecans, maple-balsamic vinaigrette GF/DF

Seared Oregon Albacore Cobb Salad

Pan Seared Fresh Wild Alaskan Halibut
Uli’s chorizo, corona beans, white wine, kale, cherry tomatoes GF

Fusilli Pasta
creamy tomato sauce, Grana Padano, basil

  • 1st Floor Boathouse – Elegant seafood dining with happy hour and dinner service starting at 5pm daily.

Arugula Salad
Honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar, Marcona almonds, red onion GF/V

Mixed Greens Salad
candied pecans, Craisins, maple-pecan vinaigrette, blue cheese, pears GF/V

Fennel Dusted Albacore
pear chutney, hazelnuts, brown butter vinaigrette, chive oil GF

Roasted Delicata Squash
fried sage, brown butter vinaigrette, whipped goat cheese, toasted walnuts

Fresh Burrata
roasted red and gold beets, pistachio pesto, orange, toasted pistachio V/GF

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to take in the Puget Sound, and Ray’s makes the perfect backdrop for gathering with friends and family at a true water view restaurant.

Explore our newest menus and join us for a season full of flavor and cozy waterfront moments!

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Ray’s Boathouse Wins Big in The Seattle Times’ Best of PNW!

Ray’s Boathouse Seattle WA sunset view dining

We are beyond honored to share that Ray’s Boathouse has been recognized in The Seattle Times’ Best of PNW People’s Choice poll! Thanks to our incredible guests, we received awards across four categories:

• Best Waterfront Dining (Gold)
• Best All-Around Restaurant (Silver)
• Best Outdoor Dining (Bronze)
• Best Happy Hour (Bronze)

For more than 52 years, Ray’s has proudly served Seattle as a locally-owned restaurant. Your continued support makes it possible for us to share the very best of the Northwest—fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and breathtaking waterfront views—day after day.

As a Seattle restaurant known for our waterfront dining, we’re grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to create memorable experiences for our community. Whether you’re here for casual dining, a special celebration, or just soaking in the sunset with friends, we’re thrilled to be your go-to spot for seafood on the water.

From the entire Ray’s team—thank you for voting for us and for being part of our story for more than five decades. Here’s to many more meals, memories, and sunsets together at your favorite water view restaurant in Seattle!

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Boathouse Happy Hour Stuns in September

September Stuns at Ray’s Boathouse!

September is one of the most magical months to visit Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard. The cotton candy sunsets reflecting across Shilshole Bay make this time of year unforgettable, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than at our Seattle restaurant right on the water.

Start your evening with our 1st floor Boathouse Happy Hour, offered nightly from 5–6pm (excluding holidays). Sip a cocktail, local beer, or a glass of wine while enjoying fresh Northwest seafood like local Albacore, mussels, and clams. It’s the perfect way to ease into the evening and celebrate the flavors of the season.

For those looking to fully settle in, our waterfront restaurant dining room is available by reservation every night, offering panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Prefer something a little more spontaneous? Our Boathouse patio is open for walk-in seating, weather permitting, so you can savor your meal in the open air with the sea breeze at your back.

From happy hour bites to elegant seafood dinners, Ray’s is the ultimate water view restaurant in Seattle to enjoy September’s beauty. Join us soon and raise a glass to sunsets, seafood, and the simple joys of waterfront dining.  Cheers!

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Thanksgiving 2025 at Ray’s!

Ray’s Boathouse guests dining in Seattle WA

Join us for Seattle’s beloved Thanksgiving tradition at Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe on Thursday, November 27, 2025!

1st floor Boathouse – Beautiful 3-Course Thanksgiving Dinner from Chef Kevin with children’s options.

2nd floor Cafe – Grand Holiday Thanksgiving Buffet for adults and children featuring a full Thanksgiving spread, fresh seafood, salads, appetizers, desserts and more.

RESERVE BOATHOUSE (1st floor 3-course)
Boathouse reservations are available from 11:30am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating) online for groups of 8 or fewer, including highchairs.

RESERVE CAFE (2nd floor buffet)
Cafe reservations are available from 11:00am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating) online for groups of 10 or fewer, including highchairs.

Reservations are required for all parties on Thanksgiving.

Kindly review our Thanksgiving guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties of up to 10 in Cafe (2nd floor) and 8 in Boathouse (1st floor) 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 accepts reservations but is also ages 21 and over.
*Sorry, no promotional discounts available. Loyalty cards accepted and encouraged!

1st FLOOR BOATHOUSE DETAILS
Our first floor Boathouse will offer a delicious 3-course seasonal Fall menu of soup or salad, choice of entrée, and dessert for $85 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Our children’s menu will include a $25 traditional turkey plate (excluding tax and gratuity). A menu of our Boathouse greatest hits will also be available all day.

1st FLOOR BOATHOUSE BAR
The Boathouse bar top will be open with the 3-course menu available if the entire party is over the age of 21. No bar reservations taken, seated on a first come basis.

1st Floor Boathouse Thanksgiving 3-Course A la Carte Menu
Choose one from each course

Starters
Mushroom Velouté Soup – Sautéed chanterelle mushrooms, whipped ricotta, herbs V
Roasted Beets Salad – Whipped goat cheese, arugula, sherry vinaigrette, pistachios V/GF
Seared Oregon Albacore Tuna – Avocado mousse, chili garlic marinated cucumbers, chive oil GF DF

Entrees
Oven Roasted Turkey – Herbed stuffing, garlic whipped russet potato, green beans, cranberry, glazed carrots
Prime Rib of Beef – Spice rubbed prime rib, garlic whipped russet potato, brussels sprouts, green beans, Demi-Glace GF
Braised Delicata Squash – Braised delicata squash, farro, fried sage, butternut squash-coconut emulsion V
Alaskan Halibut – PNW pan seared halibut, cauliflower puree, potato gnocchi, house smoked bacon, brussels sprouts

Desserts
Traditional Thanksgiving pies served with vanilla bean whipped cream
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Pecan Pie
Olympic Mountain ice cream or sorbet

2nd FLOOR CAFE DETAILS
Enjoy our signature Cafe buffet upstairs for $110 per person (includes coffee, tea, juice and sodas – excludes tax and gratuity) with a variety of guest favorites.

Children 5 to 11 years old are $45 each (excluding tax and gratuity), children under age 5 dine free.

2nd FLOOR CAFÉ BAR & LOUNGE
The Cafe lounge will accept advance reservations if the entire party is over the age of 21. Cafe bar top will be available for walk ins only. Only our buffet menu will be available.

2nd Floor Cafe Thanksgiving Buffet Menu:
(some salads and desserts subject to change)

Salads & Chilled Items

  • Farm Lettuces and Greens Salad spring mix, chopped romaine, sliced red onion, white balsamic vinaigrette, dried apricot, aged white cheddar cheese (GF)
  • Roasted beets Salad, sherry vinaigrette, arugula, Goats milk cheese (GF)
  • Market cheese board domestic and imported cheeses, marinated mozzarella balls, dried fruit (GF)
  • Ray’s cured meats platter hot coppa, salame Toscano, sliced prosciutto, finocchiona salame
  • Vegetable Platter grilled vegetables, olives, pickled peppers, marinated artichoke hearts
  • Roasted Delicata Squash Salad pomegranate, arugula, pepitas, maple-balsamic vinaigrette (DF)
  • Kale and Honeycrisp apple salad, lemon vinaigrette, honeycrisp apples, grana Padano, pickled shallot (GF)
  • Caesar Salad chopped romaine lettuce, grana Padano, creamy Caesar dressing, house made croutons
  • Fruit Platter honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, mixed berries (DF & GF)
  • Fusili Pasta Salad butternut squash, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, Pecorino Romano cheese, paprika vinaigrette

Seafood Bar & Shucking

  • Half shell oysters mignonette, cocktail, lemons (GF)
  • Peel and eat prawns cocktail, horseradish. Lemons (GF)
  • Dungeness crab Clusters lemon, bopo (GF)

Carving Station

  • Spice rubbed prime rib of beef horseradish cream, demi-glace (GF)
  • House smoked NW salmon ginger-peach compote (GF)

Hot Entrée & Side Dishes

  • Manilla clams white wine, garlic, herbs and butter (GF)
  • Penn cove mussels coconut curry broth (GF)
  • Butter whipped Washington Russet potatoes (GF)
  • Oven Roasted Turkey cranberry sauce, herbed gravy
  • Pan seared PNW Rockfish roasted cherry tomatoes and mini sweet peppers, lemon-chive beurre blanc (GF)
  • Traditional Herbed Stuffing
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Corn Pudding (GF)
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts house smoked bacon, toasted garlic, chilies (GF)
  • Blistered green beans garlic, lemon (GF)
  • Glazed carrots brown sugar, fresh herbs, shallot, butter (GF)
  • Garlic Prawns garlic, smoked paprika, chili flake, EVOO, herbs, lemon (GF & DF)

Desserts

  • Mini Holiday Pies: Pumpkin, Pecan, and Apple
  • Cheescake Bars: Blueberry-Lemon, Caramel
  • Crème Brulees: Vanilla, Earl Grey, Chocolate
  • Tartlets: Sweet Potato with toasted marshmallow fluff, Cranberry
  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Variety of housemade cookies

We look forward to seeing you this Thanksgiving!

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Sip Summer: Refreshing Cocktails at Ray’s Cafe

There’s no better way to enjoy the last weeks of summer than at a Seattle restaurant with a stunning water view and fresh, vibrant drinks. At Ray’s Cafe, we’re serving up three refreshing cocktails that pair perfectly with sunshine, sea breeze, and the best seafood in town.

Pink Grapefruit & Strawberry Sangria – A Taste of Summer
Our guest-favorite sangria is light, fruity, and endlessly sippable. Crafted with dry rosé wine, Giffard Pamplemousses liqueur, Aperol, vodka, lemon, grapefruit, strawberry purée, and soda. It’s summer in a glass—served over rocks for the perfect chill.

Spicy Watermelon Margarita – A Sweet & Spicy Favorite
This vibrant cocktail balances juicy watermelon with a hint of heat, creating a bold and refreshing sip. A must-try for margarita lovers looking for something new. Pueblo Viejo blanco tequila, agave, lime, watermelon, jalapeño, Scrappy’s fire biters, rocks, Tajin rim.

Citrus, Spice & Everything Nice – Zero Proof, Full Flavor
Our zero-proof creation delivers layers of flavor, spice, and citrus—perfect for a mindful night out. Seedlip ‘Spice’ N/A spirit, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, up.

Enjoy these cocktails in our casual dining space—the 2nd floor Café—where panoramic views of Puget Sound create the ultimate backdrop for a late-summer evening. Pair your drinks with our signature seafood dishes, from fresh oysters to wild local salmon, and soak up the best of the season.

Visit Ray’s Café
Experience why we’re one of the top waterfront restaurants in Seattle. Join us for cocktails, casual dining, and unmatched seafood—before summer slips away.

Explore our menu or reserve your table today.

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Host Your Next Seattle Business Event at Ray’s Boathouse

Aerial view of Ray's waterfront seafood restaurant in Seattle WA

When it comes to Seattle business event venues, Ray’s Boathouse offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines modern amenities with a breathtaking waterfront location. Whether you’re planning an executive meeting, corporate retreat, or networking reception, Ray’s Northwest Room delivers the perfect setting for productivity, collaboration, and inspiration.

Why Ray’s Northwest Room is Perfect for Business Events

  1. Waterfront Setting with a Professional Atmosphere

    Impress clients and colleagues with a venue that blends natural beauty with modern convenience. Our waterfront events space features sweeping views of Puget Sound, creating a refreshing backdrop for strategic discussions and creative thinking.

  2. Cutting-Edge Technology

    Stay connected and efficient with high-speed Wi-Fi, AV equipment, video conferencing tools, and interactive whiteboards. From hybrid meetings to dynamic presentations, our space is fully equipped to support your needs.

  3. Flexible Layouts for Any Event

    Whether you need a sleek boardroom for 12 or a spacious configuration for a seminar of 80, our versatile room setups ensure a seamless fit for your format.

  4. Convenient Seattle Location

    Located at 6049 Seaview Ave NW, our venue offers easy access to parking, nearby accommodations, and downtown Seattle—ideal for local and out-of-town guests.

  5. Expert Event Coordination

    Our experienced catering and events team handles every detail—from setup to cleanup—so you can focus on achieving your event goals.

Ideal for All Types of Business Gatherings

    • Corporate Meetings & Strategy Sessions

    • Team-Building Retreats & Workshops

    • Networking Events & Client Receptions

    • Training Seminars & Product Launches

Book Your Event Today

Elevate your next corporate function by choosing one of the most unique business meeting venues in Seattle.

Contact us today to schedule a tour or reserve your date!

Phone: 206-789-6309

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rays.com/businessmeetings

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Ray’s Boathouse one of the most unique business meeting venues in Seattle?

Our combination of stunning waterfront views, modern technology, flexible layouts, and expert event planning sets us apart from other Seattle business event venues.

2. How many guests can Ray’s Northwest Room accommodate?

Our space can host intimate meetings for as few as 12 people or larger gatherings of up to 80 guests.

3. Do you provide catering for corporate events?

Yes! Our in-house catering team can customize menus to fit your event, from light breakfast spreads to elegant plated dinners.

4. Can you host hybrid meetings or video conferencing?

Absolutely. We offer high-speed Wi-Fi, AV equipment, and video conferencing tools to ensure smooth virtual connectivity.

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Soak Up Late Summer at Ray’s Boathouse & Café!

August is here, and there’s no better time to enjoy the best of Seattle dining than at Ray’s Boathouse & Café. Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch with friends or a breezy evening dinner, our stunning waterfront restaurant offers the ideal setting for summer memories.

Dine Al Fresco on the Boathouse Patio

There’s something truly special about summertime at Ray’s. The sea breeze, panoramic views of Puget Sound, and unbeatable Pacific Northwest seafood create a one-of-a-kind experience at our Seattle dining destination.

Our Boathouse patio is open nightly for happy hour and dinner, with walk-in seating available, weather permitting. Sip your favorite drink, savor fresh local seafood, and watch the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains—it’s Seattle summer magic at its finest.

Prefer to dine indoors? The Boathouse dining room offers the same breathtaking views with a cozy, elevated atmosphere. Reservations are available nightly.

Catch Up Over Lunch in the Café

Upstairs in the Café, the vibe is bright and welcoming—perfect for a midday meetup. Whether you’re visiting with coworkers or catching up with family, our Café offers casual dining with a view and a rotating menu of seasonal specials like:
• PNW Lingcod Piccata
• Watermelon & Tomato Salad
• Ceviche
• Burrata with Seasonal Fruit

Pair it all with a cold drink and soak in the sunshine on our walk-in Café patio, open daily at 11:30am for lunch, happy hour, and dinner (weather permitting).

Visit One of Seattle’s Best Waterfront Restaurants

If you’re looking for a Seattle restaurant where you can enjoy world-class seafood and unbeatable views, Ray’s is your go-to. Whether you’re on the Boathouse patio or the Café deck, every meal comes with a generous helping of waterfront charm.

Come see why Ray’s is Seattle’s favorite water view restaurant—especially in August.

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Celebrate Washington Wine Month at Ray’s this August!

August is Washington Wine Month, and there’s no better place to raise a glass than Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe! Experience Ray’s to find out why it’s a beloved Seattle restaurant known for stunning waterfront views, fresh seafood, and relaxed casual dining atmosphere.

All month, we’ll be featuring three standout pours from one of our favorite local producers and longtime partners, Long Shadows Vintners. Sip and savor these exceptional Washington wines while enjoying panoramic views of Puget Sound and a menu full of local seafood favorites.

Featured Wines at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe this August:

Pedestal Merlot
Columbia Valley, WA | 2020
Rich and expressive, this Merlot offers aromas and flavors of ripe plum, chocolate, spicy oak, and graphite. Its ripe, chalky tannins and deep mid-palate weight make it the perfect pairing for grilled meats or our signature seafood dishes.

Cymbal Sauvignon Blanc
Columbia Valley, WA | 2023
Vibrant notes of Japanese pear, kumquat, green papaya, and freshly cut grass are layered with a hint of clove. This wine is intense yet beautifully balanced—ideal with shellfish, fresh oysters, or one of our crisp summer salads.

Poet’s Leap Riesling (Boathouse only)
Columbia Valley, WA | 2024
A refined, off-dry Riesling featuring delicate white blossoms, zesty citrus, and a hint of minerality. It’s a refreshing companion to spicy seafood dishes or as a light sip to enjoy with our water view restaurant setting.

Whether you’re a wine lover or simply looking for a memorable casual dining experience in Seattle, this is the perfect time to visit Ray’s.

Join Us at the WA Winemaker Picnic!
We’re also excited to support the Washington wine industry at the Auction of Washington Wines’ Winemaker Picnic on Friday, August 15. Join Ray’s Executive Chef Kevin Murray and team on the gorgeous grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle for delicious bites, over 100 Washington wines, prizes, and more! All benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital and WSU Viticulture.

Get tickets here and come celebrate the best of WA food and wine with us.

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Spend the Summer at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

Casual dining on the waterfront at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe

Summer is officially here in Seattle, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by dining at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe. As a beloved Seattle restaurant with stunning water views, Ray’s is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy fresh seafood, and make the most of these beautiful long days.

Ray’s has been a favorite waterfront restaurant for locals and visitors alike for decades. Nestled right on Shilshole Bay in Ballard, it’s the ultimate destination for casual dining on the Seattle waterfront. Whether you’re looking for a lively lunch with friends, a fun happy hour, or a sunset dinner with a breathtaking view, Ray’s has you covered.

Water View Dining at Its Best

One of the best things about Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe is the unbeatable water view. Both the Boathouse and the Cafe feature spacious patios where you can soak up the sun, watch the boats drift by, and catch one of Seattle’s epic sunsets over the Olympic Mountains. If you’re searching for a water view restaurant that offers an authentic Seattle experience, look no further.

Our outdoor patios are open daily for walk-in seating, weather permitting, so grab your shades, bring your friends, and get ready for some of the best casual dining on the Seattle waterfront.

Fresh Seafood and Summer Flavors

At Ray’s, we believe great seafood starts with the freshest ingredients. Our new summer menus are bursting with the best the season has to offer—sweet corn, juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, local greens, and the freshest Pacific Northwest seafood.

Whether you’re craving oysters, wild salmon, or a hearty seafood platter to share, our chefs have crafted dishes that celebrate the flavors of summer. Pair your meal with a crisp local beer, a refreshing cocktail, or a glass of wine as you relax by the water.

The Perfect Seattle Restaurant for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a fun dinner with friends, or a special date night, Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe has something for everyone. The Boathouse downstairs offers an elevated seafood dining experience, while the Cafe upstairs is perfect for a laid-back vibe with classic favorites like fish and chips, burgers, and tasty shareables.

We’re open every day at 11:30am for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Our welcoming team is ready to make your summer days delicious, memorable, and full of waterfront fun.

Make Ray’s Your Summer Tradition

Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe is more than just a Seattle restaurant—it’s a place where memories are made. From spectacular sunsets to mouthwatering seafood and friendly, casual dining, it’s the best way to experience everything Seattle’s waterfront has to offer.

So, gather your crew, swing by, and grab a seat on our patio this summer. Let’s toast to sunshine, fresh flavors, and good times at your favorite waterfront restaurant. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ray’s!

Plan Your Visit to Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe

📍 Located in Ballard on Shilshole Bay — see our hours & directions here.

📅 Open daily for lunch, happy hour & dinner.

🌅 First come, first served patio seating — weather permitting.

View our menus and reserve in our 1st floor Boathouse! We’ll see you soon!

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 …

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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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