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Christmas Eve and Day Dining at Ray’s 2025

Join us at Ray’s for festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining!

Our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Cafe will be serving up your favorite dishes and seasonal specials on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, 2025!

Reservations are available now and strongly encouraged for both dates for groups of 10 people or fewer (including highchairs):

Reserve Boathouse Christmas Eve – first floor
Reserve Boathouse Christmas Day – first floor

Reserve Cafe Christmas Eve – second floor
Reserve Cafe Christmas Day – second floor

Reminder: Ray’s Cafe opens at 12:30pm on Christmas Day!

RAY’S 1st FLOOR BOATHOUSE
Christmas Eve: reservations from 2pm (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). 3-course holiday menu with soup or salad, choice of entrée, and dessertfor $85 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). We will also serve our normal menu offerings.

Christmas Day: reservations from 2pm (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). 3-course holiday menu with soup or salad, choice of entrée, and dessertfor $85 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). We will also serve a limited Boathouse a la carte menu.

Full children’s menu is available both days. Boathouse bar will be open with the same offerings for guests ages 21 and over, no reservations taken.

RAY’S 2nd FLOOR CAFE
Christmas Eve: reservations from 11:30am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). Normal Cafe menu along with seasonally inspired a la carte specials.

Christmas Day: reservations from 12:30pm (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). Normal Cafe menu along with seasonally inspired a la carte specials.

Full children’s menu is available both days. Cafe Bar & Lounge will be open with the same hours and menus with no reservations needed, ages 21 and over only.

Kindly review our Christmas guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties up to 10 guests (including highchairs).
*All reservations are for inside tables only.
*We cannot accommodate window seating requests.
*Walk ins are only accepted for our bar top and lounge seating (ages 21 and over).
*Sorry, no promotional discounts available. Loyalty cards accepted and encouraged!

We look forward to celebrating the season with you and yours at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

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Ray’s Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Is Here!

Ray’s Boathouse on the shores of Ballard has always been a special place in special location that produces something that speaks to our specific area of the planet. We consistently seek to bring this uniqueness forward to our guests so they may experience what our little part of the globe has to offer in its purest form.  We do this in part by complementing our food with unique beer, wine, and spirits.

Years ago we decided to source barrels of hand selected Bourbon from iconic producers near Louisville such as Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forrester to help support our December Steakhouse Pop-Up.  After a few years of doing this we started to think internationally. After some discussion we decide to visit Mexico and source a barrel of tequila.  In doing our research it became obvious to us that Herradura located in La Hacienda de San José del Refugio in the town of Amatitán in the lowlands of Jalisco (nine miles south of the town of Tequila) was our destination.

The Hacienda Herradura was founded in the 1500’s, the birthplace of tequila as we know it today, and the creators of the Reposado category. Upon arriving the history of this location was apparent. This is something that is so deep and amazing that we don’t have time to explore it here, but I highly recommend that you do.

With only enough time to be away from Ray’s for a few days our experience was a bit of a whirlwind. What sticks with me the most is the level of hospitality and kindness that not only the ambassadors of Herradura provided to us, but the people of Amatitán in general.  From restaurant and hotel staff, to drivers and passerby’s, the feeling of being welcome and appreciated was memorable.

Here’s some highlights:

  • Our guided tour took us from the estate Blue Weber agave fields, to the giant agave ovens, and then the distillery.
  • It culminated with us sitting in a private tasting room hand pulling samples from 3 different barrels of Double Reposado, an expression that is only available to those who visit in person and purchase a whole barrel.
  • This Double Reposado spends 11 months in charred American White Oak barrels, then expert distillers transfer the tequila to fresh barrels for an additional month of flavor-elevating rest.
  • This novel process results in a refined, intense sipping tequila.
  • Of the three barrels we tasted one stood out as exemplifying the true micro climate at Casa Herradura. It has the roundness of tropical fruit pulled in from the trees planted around the estate which the native bats cross pollinate.
  • This pollen and fruit plays with the ambient yeast that inoculates the open fermentation tanks.
  • This tropical flavor/aroma is mixed with the sweet potato style flavor coming from whole roasted agave piñas producing an amazing tour of Herradura in a glass. True terroir.

We highly recommend you visit Seatt and give this a try for yourself.  We hope that you get transported back in time to a place where tequila was first born.

– Douglas Zellers, Ray’s GM and Co-Owner

Enjoy Ray’s Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila in our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Cafe!

Boathouse

The Plot Twist – Ray’s Herradura Double Reposado Tequila, house tamarind syrup, lime juice, ancho chili rim, large rock

Cafe

Raymance – Ray’s Herradura Double Reposado Tequila, Benedictine, hibiscus syrup, cranberry, orange bitters, lime

 

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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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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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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!

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Father’s Day at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

Ray's Boathouse Seattle's best waterfront business meeting venue

Treat Dad to an Epic Father’s Day at Ray’s!

Feast on Father’s Day only specials on Sunday, June 15 at Ray’s, Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant! Specials include Grilled Kalbi Short Ribs with jasmine rice, kimchi, ginger-garlic green beans, and gochujang barbecue sauce. And Grilled Prime NY Strip with garlic whipped potatoes, grilled Washington asparagus, and ramp butter.

Don’t forget the drinks! Here’s a few Dad-approved selections:
Buffalo Trace ‘Ray’s Private Selection No. 1
Old Forester 100 Proof ‘Ray’s Private Selection No. 4
Dad’s Perfect Manhattan Buffalo Trace ‘Ray’s Private Selection No. 1’ Bourbon, Carpano Classico sweet vermouth, Dolin dry vermouth, orange and Angostura bitters, up

Celebrate with delicious steak, fresh seafood, mega Seattle waterfront views, and great memories! Enjoy a casual lunch or dinner in our 2nd floor Cafe, or an elevated dinner in our 1st floor Boathouse.