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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!

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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)

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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

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Easter Brunch & Dinner April 12 at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

Spring is in the air at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant! Gather your friends and family for a beautiful, waterfront Easter brunch or dinner on Sunday, April 12, 2020 in the Boathouse and Café.

Reservations are highly recommended and available for groups up to 8 guests (including children and highchairs). Reserve in the Café or the Boathouse today!

Café
Brunch Buffet
Enjoy our Grand Holiday Brunch Buffet from 9am-2pm (last seating) featuring a Carving Station with House Smoked Wild Salmon, Raw Bar with oysters on the half shell, breakfast dishes, appetizers, salads, sides, desserts and much more! $65 per guest for brunch, juice and sodas, and $32.50 for children 5-11 (prices exclude tax and gratuity). View menu details below; menu subject to change without notice.

Dinner
We will open for dinner at 4pm serving our regular menu until 7pm.

Bar
The Cafe Bar will have the same menu offerings and hours as above for brunch and dinner but is on a first come basis with no reservations taken.

Upstairs Cafe Brunch Buffet Menu

Menu subject to change without notice

Salads
Spring Panzanella salad
Spring mixed green salad
Chicory Salad, Pecans, apple Manchego, sherry vinaigrette
Classic chopped Caesar salad
Soba noodle salad, sesame, sweet soy, ginger, peppers, edamame
Antipasto assorted meats and pickled vegetables
Caprese salad
Roasted Beets with French Feta, Hazelnuts, arugula and sherry vinaigrette
Assorted fresh fruits and berries

Raw Bar
Chilled peel & eat prawns
Oysters on the half shell
Dungeness Crab Leg

Breakfast
Eggs benedict
Scrambled eggs
Brioche french toast
Uli’s breakfast sausage
Carlton Farms Bacon
Pan seared true cod, broccolini and lemon caper beurre blanc
Sautéed garlic prawns
Grilled herbed chicken breast, green bean and cherry tomatoes
Crispy breakfast potatoes, old bay, scallion
Penn Cove manila clams & mussels
Three cheese mac n’ cheese
Bay shrimp mac n’ cheese
Green Beans with walnuts and lemon
Washington spring asparagus
Whipped Washington russet potatoes
Roasted cremini mushrooms

Carving Board
Roasted RR Ranch prime rib of beef
House smoked wild Alaskan Salmon

Dessert Table
Assorted house made desserts and pastries

Boathouse
Brunch
We are serving some of our best-selling appetizers, salads and Boathouse entrées along with a $35 holiday-inspired, 3-course brunch menu (beverages, tax and gratuity not included), from 10:30am-3pm.

Dinner
Spring-inspired 3-course menu with choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for $65, alongside the Boathouse’s full dinner menu from 3-7pm.

Bar
The Boathouse Bar will have the same menu offerings and hours as above for brunch and dinner but is on a first come basis with no reservations taken.

Boathouse Easter Brunch

Menu subject to change without notice

Appetizers
choice of one
Ceviche fresh halibut, jalapeno, citrus marinade, cilantro
Dungeness Crab Salad pickled cucumber, micro greens, lemon aioli
Washington Asparagus prosciutto, hazelnuts, chili
White Bean-Truffle Parmesan, crouton, Fresh herbs

Entrees
choice of one
Frittata spring vegetables, basil, eggs, feta, mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
Brioche French Toast house smoked bacon, fried red potatoes, maple syrup
Espresso Braised Beef espresso braised bottom round, tomato, ramp, chard, fried polenta, pecorino Romano
Pan Seared Halibut fregola Sarda, wild mushroom, English peas, beurre blanc

Dessert
presented at dinner

Boathouse Easter Dinner

Menu subject to change without notice

Appetizers
choice of one
Ceviche fresh halibut, jalapeno, citrus marinade, cilantro
Dungeness Crab Salad pickled cucumber, micro greens, lemon aioli
Washington Asparagus prosciutto, hazelnuts, chili
White Bean-Truffle Parmesan, crouton, Fresh herbs

Entrees
choice of one
Applewood Grilled King Salmon white bean bruschetta, glazed baby carrots
Espresso braised Beef braised bottom round, tomato, ramp, chard, fried polenta, pecorino Romano
Pan Seared Halibut fregola sarda, wild mushroom, English peas, beurre blanc

Dessert
presented at dinner

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Enjoy Shellfest at Ray’s January 7-24!

Our annual shellfish celebration returns Tuesday, January 7 for lunch and dinner with a special menu available for only three weeks in the Boathouse while our Café undergoes renovations. Executive Chef Paul Duncan has created a mouthwatering menu with Dungeness Crab, Shrimp, Scallops and more!

Reserve today for lunch or dinner and don’t miss this limited time menu before it ends on Friday, January 24!

Sautéed Day Boat Garlic Prawns  – $16
White wine, garlic, butter, fresh herbs

Popcorn Shrimp – $16
Crispy Rock Shrimp and popcorn, Louis dressing

Dungeness Crab Clusters  – $25
Emulsified butter sauce

Pan-Fried Oysters – $18
Wakame salad, garlic aioli

NW Bouillabaisse  – $26
Alaskan King Crab, clams, mussels, grilled baguette, rouille

Chilled Peel & Eat Shrimp – $14
Spice poached, cocktail sauce

Sea Scallop Carbonara – $18
House smoked bacon, egg yolk, cream, linguini

Alaskan King Crab Knuckles – $32
Half pound, chimichurri, fried garlic

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Ray’s Cafe Limited Summer Menu Aug. 1-15!

Ray’s Cafe is offering an exciting limited summer menu August 1-15!

Join us on our famous Cafe patio to enjoy the best views in Seattle while you sip on our house Bloody Mary with a Bering Sea King Crab Leg(!), and a fresh Dungeness Crab Roll!

Grab your sunnies and we’ll see you on the patio!!!

Ray’s Cafe August 1-15 Special Menu

“The Deadliest Cocktail” Ray’s Bloody Mary with house infused spicy vodka, a giant Bering Sea King Crab Leg garnish and a spicy rim, $44

Dungeness Crab Roll fennel and green apple slaw, New England style hot dog roll, $24

House Smoked Salmon Salad local snap peas, frisee, green goddess dressing, $14

Washington Blueberry-Passion Fruit Parfait coconut panna cotta, passion fruit chai, local blueberries, $10

Avennia ‘Oliane’ Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, WA 2017 $16 glass/$62 bottle. Barrel fermented with native yeast, the aromas of lemon verbena, lemon oil and herbs emerge. The flavors are tart, racy and acid driven, with a long, drawn out finish. It’s elegant and subtle.

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Take a Peek at Ray’s Award-Winning Catering Team

Ray’s Catering hosts Seattle’s best private events, from weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and life celebrations to fundraisers, networking events, luncheons and business meetings. In 2018 we also took home the award for Best Rehearsal Dinner in Seattle Bride!

The Ray’s Catering team works hard behind the scenes to make these events come to life, from planning all of the details to cooking delicious menus! In particular our Catering Sous Chef Gustavo Guerra is a vital part of the team. He creates Ray’s seasonal catering menus and prepares the dishes with help from his talented team. His knowledge of cooking and food and his eye for what pleases a crowd makes him excellent at his job!

If you are planning an event contact our Director of Catering Amanda Viereck and host it with Ray’s either here in Ballard or at a venue of your choice!

We offer private events at our Northwest Room located next to Ray’s Boathouse, with a private deck overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, indoor/outdoor spaces, custom menus and much more! Contact us to select your date then plan your menu, beverages and more while our team coordinates the details.

Call 206.789.6309 or email rayscatering@rays.com today! Learn more about our Catering team here.

Take a look at our Northwest Room and Chef Gustavo’s newest menu items:

 

 

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Ray’s turns 45: Thank You to Our Guests & Team!

Ray’s turns 45 on Saturday, June 23rd and we want to first and foremost thank our incredible, loyal guests for getting us here. Without you this would not be possible. To our team, thank you for being our family.

Thank you Ballard. We’ve worked with your grandparents, parents and children. You’ve been our team, our clients, our purveyors and our partners. And thank you to our guests from all over the world who visit Ray’s as an iconic Pacific Northwest restaurant!

We look forward to continuing to serve you for the next 45 years and beyond! Follow our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for specials, gorgeous sunsets and all the fresh seafood your eyes can possibly handle.

Make your reservations for the Café at 206.782.0094 or online; or in the Boathouse at 206.789.3770 or online to celebrate with us all summer long!

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Shellfest Returns to Ray’s Café Jan. 17-31!

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Shellfest is back this winter at Ray’s Café from Wednesday, January 17 through Wednesday, January 31!

Our Executive Chef Paul Duncan has created a delicious, limited-time Shellfest menu featuring an array of fresh, local shellfish including oysters, snow crab, clams, shrimp and more in our upstairs Café.

Enjoy them while they last and try them all from January 17-31! Make your reservations for the Café at 206.782.0094 or online today.

Café Shellfest Menu

  • Popcorn Shrimp breaded and fried, served with tartar and cocktail sauce ($12)
  • Oysters on the Half Shell served with lemon and cocktail sauce (Market Price)
  • Full Pound of Steamed Clams with house smoked bacon, white wine, oregano and butter ($16)
  • Blackened Shrimp sautéed in butter, onions and bourbon, served with garlic bread ($16)
  • Mussels in Marinara simmered in spiced tomato broth, linguini and fresh basil ($23)
  • Peel & Eat Shrimp poached and served chilled with lemon and cocktail sauce ($9)
  • Snow Crab & Frites poached legs, seasoned shoestring fries, served with tartar sauce and butter ($21)
  • Smoked Scallop Carbonara house smoked scallops, bacon, cream, roasted pepper, squid ink spaghetti ($23)