Celebrating 50 Years this June!

We’re 50!! Thank you to everyone who has spent the last six months celebrating with us (and to many, the last 50 years). This June we’re diving into our 50th summer season so grateful for this community.

Though our roots in Ballard date back to the 1930s, the Boathouse and Cafe that you all know and love came to be 50 years ago when our owners had the idea to take a steakhouse approach to fresh, sustainably sourced fish and local seafood, grilling and preparing it simply to let the seafood shine.

50 years later we are honored to continue this same approach with the love and support of the incredible Ray’s community!

We remain locally owned and operated in the same location we opened at in 1973. After a devastating fire in 1987, another fire in the 90s, and many economic ups and downs, we’ve always bounced back with the help of our hard working team and unwavering support from you, our loyal guests.

We thank all of Ray’s staff, past and present, for being stewards of our mission and we thank our guests for making Ray’s a tradition that continues on with each generation.

Please raise a glass with us this month and cheers to the next 50 years!!

Highlights of Ray’s history, 50 years & beyond:

  • Ray’s begins: In 1939 namesake Ray Lichtenberger moved his growing boat rental and bait house to the current location and later opened a coffee house. Through the 1960s Ray’s operated as both a casual fish and chips cafe and boat rental. In 1973, Russ Wohlers, Earl Lasher and Duke Moscrip bought Ray’s Boathouse and transformed it into a nationally respected seafood restaurant while maintaining its cordial atmosphere. Moscrip left to pursue other restaurant ventures and Elizabeth Gingrich joined the ownership team in 1975. Seattle Sonics star Jack Sikma would join the ownership team a few years later and is still an owner today.
  • Under Wohlers, Ray’s built its reputation on seasonal dishes prepared simply to highlight the flavors of impeccably fresh seafood and the freshest locally grown produce.
  • Ray’s became part of a Pacific Northwest food revolution by helping to introduce its distinctive regional cuisine built around Northwest products, microbrews and wines.
  • This approach drew national recognition from top food critics, writers, chefs, and personalities including Julia Child who received a personal tour of the Puget Sound from Russ’ seaplane in the 1990s. It also captured the hearts and palates of locals and tourists who packed the restaurants nightly to enjoy the fresh, seasonal fare.
  • Many “firsts:” Ray’s was the first to reintroduce Seattleites to Olympia oysters, the region’s only native oyster, elevated Northwest delicacies such as singing scallops, Loughborough Inlet spot prawns, Copper River Salmon, Bruce Gore “frozen at sea” salmon and the then-novel concept of serving red wine with fish.
  • In 2002 Ray’s earned an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation.
  • Notable Employees: Ray’s has had the pleasure of employing and fostering many local chefs and notable figures including Chris Cornell of Soundgarden who worked as a line cook in the 1980s.
  • Sustainable seafood before it was popular: In 1976, Ray’s was also the first local restaurant to purchase its own wholesale fish buyer’s license, allowing it to buy directly from the fisherpeople, ensuring the freshest catch—light years ahead of today’s “sustainable seafood” consciousness
  • Ownership from within: Two new co-owners stepped into the partnership from within the Ray’s family after Gingrich retired in 2017: Tom Olsson, a longtime Ray’s team member who started in Ray’s kitchens and worked his way to Chief Financial Officer, and General Manager Douglas Zellers, best known for managing iconic local restaurants.

Photo by Ali Nassersaid

April Seafood Spotlight: Alaskan Halibut

Enjoy two Alaskan halibut specials at Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe this April in celebration of our 50th year!

Halibut has been a guest favorite since day one at Ray’s. This meaty yet tender fish has the most incredible flavor and is perfection on the grill or pan seared until crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

This April enjoy a classic halibut dish from our founding chef/partner Russ Wohlers – Pan Seared Halibut with Smoked Tomato Coulis. As well as a new dish from Executive Chef Kevin Murray – Halibut Tiradito.

Enjoy them both today through April 30 in our Boathouse or Cafe!

50th Anniversary April Halibut Specials

Pan Seared Halibut
creamy polenta, smoked tomato coulis, sautéed king oyster mushrooms, fried leeks 50
Halibut Tiradito
ají amarillo-yuzu leche de tigre, scallion, radish, cilantro 22

February Seafood Spotlight: Olympia Oysters & Schramsberg

This February we’re celebrating oysters as part of our 50th anniversary guest favorites! Specifically we’re showcasing Olympia oysters paired perfectly with Schramsberg sparkling wine. A match made in seafood heaven!

Ray’s has a long history with Olympia oysters — the only oyster truly native to the West coast, that was incredibly abundant but fell victim to over-harvesting and became nearly extinct by the 1980s.

To help save this oyster, food visionary Jon Rowley brought attention to its rich flavor and local history. He partnered with Ray’s to host an event for local and national media serving only Olympia oysters and Schramsberg sparkling wine to help revive the once-beloved oyster and keep it thriving for decades to come.

And it worked! Through demand and dedicated oyster farmers, Olympias became abundant once again and are now enjoyed throughout the region.

Start your lunch or dinner with Olympias and Schramsberg at Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe this February – available now until sold out!

50th Anniversary
Olympia Oysters & Schramsberg

Olympia Oysters on the Half Shell GF
red wine mignonette, wakame-lime mignonette
$4 each,  6 for $22

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, CA 2019
$10 3oz / $19 6oz / $75 BTL
vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon and tart apple leading to a crisp, clean finish

Shellfest Returns January 6-31!

Join us for Shellfest Friday, January 6-31, 2023 and try an array of delicious new shellfish dishes created by our Executive Chef Kevin Murray and team!

We’re highlighting Dungeness Crab on our Shellfest menu with one dish representing a classic preparation from Ray’s history and the other a new dish created by Chef Kevin.

Shellfest Menu 2023

  • Oysters on the Half Shell GFred wine mignonette $4 each, 3 for $12,  6 for $22
      • Royal Miyagi – British Columbia, CAN smooth textured meats with a mild brininess and kiwi-like finish
      • Samish Pearl – Samish Bay, WA full firm meat relinquishes delicate cucumber notes and a crisp salty brine
  • Baked Oyster Rockefeller butter, parsley, bread crumbs, herbs $5 each
  • Chilled Peel & Eat Prawns GFOld Bay dusted, butter sauce, piquillo aïoli $22
  • Penn Cove Mussels GFsteamed in a spicy tomato broth $20
  • Manila Clams GFTom Kha, Thai basil, scallion, chili oil $20
  • Sautéed Prawns GFGarlic herb butter, charred lemon $21
  • Seared Yucatan Octopus Chorizo bean purée, ancho chili aioli, crispy potato, red radish, cilantro $26

Ray’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!

January Feature: Dungeness Crab

  • Black Pepper Crab Steamed gai lan, garlic, scallion, jasmine rice. Small (4oz) $30 or Large (8oz) $56 (classic Ray’s dish)
  • Crab & Avocado Salad GFJicama, winter citrus, arugula, citrus vinaigrette, candied pine nuts $28 (new dish from Chef Kevin)

Items subject to change throughout the month without notice. Menu is available for lunch and dinner daily.

This limited menu ends January 31, 2023 so make sure to enjoy it while it lasts!

Cafe Lunch Served on our First Floor thru February 9

Ray’s Cafe will be undergoing maintenance now through Thursday, February 9 and will be closed during this time.

Our Cafe lunch menu will be available daily from 11:30am-3pm in our first floor Boathouse during this time. For dinner we’ll offer our regular Boathouse menu with the addition of some Café favorites including our Burger, True Cod Fish & Chips, and Seared Oregon Albacore Cobb Salad.

Our limited time Shellfest menu will be available for both lunch and dinner.

Hours of operation January 2-February 9:
Lunch – 11:30am-3pm (last seating at 3pm)
Dinner – 5-9pm (last seating at 9pm)
Happy Hour will not be offered during this time and we will be closed from 3-5pm.

Lunch is walk-ins only. Please reserve Boathouse dinner online here.

Thank you for your patience during this time!

New Fall Dishes at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

Fall has arrived and our Executive Chef Kevin Murray, along with Ray’s talented culinary team, has created a cozy line up of delicious new dishes!

Try them all in our first floor Boathouse or upstairs Cafe. while you sip on Fall cocktails and take in the views. Dine inside or on our covered and heated Cafe patio.

Reserve a table in the Boathouse online here. Cafe is walk-ins only. See you soon!

Boathouse
House Smoked Sablefish rapini, quinoa, miso glaze, chili-lime cucumbers, cilantro (GF)

Pan Seared Sea Scallops creamy polenta, braised kale, pancetta vinaigrette, Grana Padano, toasted pecans (GF)

Cafe
Pacific Manila Clams house-smoked bacon, leek, garlic, shallot, apple cider, cream, butter (GF)

Chicory Salad Belgian endive, Treviso, bleu cheese crumbles, sliced pears, candied walnut, balsamic vinaigrette (GF)

Grilled Wild Alaskan King Salmon maitake mushrooms, sautéed leeks, fried Yukon potatoes, whole grain mustard beurre blanc

Pan Seared Sea Scallops porcini dusted sea scallops, lentils Du Puy, house smoked bacon lardon, mirepoix, fennel cream (GF)

Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut chorizo, white bean and kale stew, lemon gremolata (GF)

Wagyu Sirloin Steak Frites Snake River Farms American Wagyu, shoestring fries, garlic aïoli, port demi-glace

Grilled Double R Ranch Ribeye seared Brussels sprouts, braised cippolini onions, garlic whipped potatoes, port demi-glace (GF)

Summer Drinks & Eats at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

Summer has officially hit our Boathouse and Cafe menus! Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant is cooking up fresh, sustainable seafood, local fruits and vegetables and of course plenty of cold cocktails (and beer and wine)!

Join us in our first floor Boathouse for dinner nightly at 5pm or our upstairs Cafe daily at 11:30am for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Boathouse reservations can be made online here for indoor dining (deck is first come), and our Cafe is walk-ins only.

Here’s a peek at some new menu items from starters and cocktails to entrees and desserts. We’ll see you soon!

Boathouse

Seared Yucatan Octopus romesco, red potatoes, salsa verde, pickled red onion and parsley salad

Seared Wild Alaskan Halibut warm orzo and sundried tomato salad, Castelvetrano olives, arugula, onion and fennel slaw

Pan Seared Sea Scallops focaccia and heirloom tomato panzanella, lime aioli, pickled mustard seeds, cucumber, toasted hazelnuts

Strawberries and Cream Washington strawberries, house-made brown sugar ice cream, roasted strawberry sauce, orange sponge cookie, miso streusel

Raspberry Chocolate Verrine milk chocolate mousse, raspberry gelee, brown butter peanut crumble

Dino-Mite! High West American Prairie Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, lemon, egg white 17

Rhu the Day El Corazon Blanco tequila, lemon, grapefruit, rhubarb-raspberry-rosemary Syrup 1

Cafe

Hatch Chile Prawns charred corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, spicy hatch chiles, lime, cilantro

Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut sweet corn purée, charred corn succotash, scallion

Pan Seared Sea Scallops herbed yogurt, roasted summer squash and peppers, fennel/herb salad, lemon oil

Raspberry Chocolate Verrine milk chocolate mousse, raspberry gelee, brown butter peanut crumble

Honey Poached Apricot Tart strawberry-stone fruit sauce, salt & pepper diplomat cream, citrus curd, candied pistachios

Shellfest Returns January 5 to Ray’s Cafe!

We’re thrilled to kick off 2022 with the return of our beloved Shellfest in the Cafe!

Join us starting Wednesday, January 5 to enjoy new selections of delicious shellfish dishes created by our Executive Chef Kevin Murray and team.

Menu items include the following with new dishes popping up at the chef’s whim:

Alaskan Spot Prawn Appetizer shell on salt roasted prawns, lemon, thyme, butter sauce, fresh herbs (gf)
Manila Clams chorizo, sherry, oregano, butter (gf)
Penn Cove Mussels white wine, shallot, garlic, dill, butter (gf)
Baked Oyster Rockefeller butter, parsley, breadcrumbs, herbs
Coconut Fried Shrimp Thai-style chili dipping sauce

Items subject to change throughout the month without notice.

This limited menu ends January 31 so make sure to enjoy it while it lasts!

Ray’s Cafe is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:30am to 8pm and is walk ins only. We’ll see you soon!

New! Ray’s Family Meals To-go

Try our new Ray’s Family Meals to-go with four delicious family-style menus! Each ones comes fully cooked and is hot and ready to eat at pickup. Family Meals are available to order online daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. only on Ray’s Toast page.

Order a meal for one to two people or build a bigger family meal by adding two or three of the same meal or mixing and matching. We’ve also included recommended wine and cocktail pairings for each meal that can be added on for an additional cost. Cheers!

Ray’s Family Meal Menu:

True Cod Fish & Chips Meal (serves 1-2) $30
Cup of Ray’s New England Style Clam Chowder
2 piece True Cod fish and Chips
Cookie Bag (house baked cookies that change daily)

Pairing suggestions:
Torre Oria Brut Cava Sparkling Wine (bottle)
Underground Wine Projects ‘Mr Pink’ Washington Rosé 2019(bottle)
Black Cherry Margarita (serves 2)

Ray’s Famous Sablefish Dinner (serves 1-2) $62
Caesar Salad
1 large Crab Cake with orange-tarragon aïoli
Sablefish in Sake Kasu

Pairing suggestions:
Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir ‘Pierre Leon’ Willamette Valley, OR 2014 (bottle)
Sokol Blosser Estate Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, OR 2018 (bottle)
Barrel-Aged Brooklyn Cocktail (serves 2)

An Evening of Seafood (serves 2) $80
Bowl of Ray’s New England Style Clam Chowder
Ray’s Seafood Salad featuring Oregon bay shrimp, house smoked Alaskan Coho salmon and house smoked scallops
Pan Seared Sea Scallops with squid ink spaghetti OR Alaskan King Salmon with sweet corn purée and sautéed asparagus
Mississippi Mud Pie

Pairing suggestions:
Treveri Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine from Washington (bottle)
Seven Hills Sauvignon Blanc Walla Walla, WA 2019 (bottle)
Ray’s Barrel-Aged Negroni Cocktail (serves 2)

Ray’s ShellFeast (serves 2-3) $105
Bowl of Ray’s New England Style Clam Chowder
Prawn Cocktail
Mediterranean Mussels with Thai style red curry, coconut milk broth
1lb King Crab with butter and lemon
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Corn on the Cob
2 rolls with Butter

Pairing Suggestions:
Bollinger Champagne (bottle)
Treveri Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine from Washington (bottle)
Ray’s Private Select Woodford Reserve Perfect Manhattan (serves 2)

Cafe Happy Hour Starts Today!

Seattle’s best seafood restaurant offers Happy Hour in our upstairs Cafe Monday through Thursday from 4-6pm!! Enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails, wine and beer all at special Happy Hour pricing while you take in gorgeous waterfront and mountain views!

Ballard’s best happy hour is a must-try for you and your crew, and we look forward to seeing you today!

Ray’s Cafe Happy Hour Menu
Monday – Thursday 4pm – 6pm
(no substitutions)

Beer & Wine
Bad Jimmy’s Brewing Bad Light  4
Rotating Red or White Wine  7

Wells
Mixed Drinks 7
Martini 10
Manhattan 10
Negroni 10

Cocktails
Moscow Mule Absolut vodka, ginger beer, lime  8
Margarita El Jimador Blanco tequila, lime, sour, triple sec, salt rim  8
Irish Mule Jameson Irish whiskey, lemon juice, ginger beer  8

Fancy Booze
Buffalo Trace Manhattan  12
Grey Goose Martini  12
Bombay Sapphire Martini  12

Food
Clam Chowder  4
Classic Caesar  5
Chilled Calamari + Basil Bruschetta citrus marinade, sesame, jalapeño 6
Butter Lettuce + Bay Shrimp horseradish vinaigrette, roasted tomato  8
Ahi Poke “Nacho” * marinated yellowfin tuna, jalapeño, sambal aioli 8
Manila Clams sherry wine, Calabrian pepper, butter, oregano 8
Penn Cove Mussels Thai-red curry sauce, scallion 8