Thanksgiving 2025 at Ray’s!

Tag: Ray’s Cafe

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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.

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Copper River Salmon is Here!

Fresh, wild Copper River King and Sockeye salmon is on the menu at Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe, Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant! From the icy waters of Alaska to your plate, enjoy this local, seasonal delicacy while it lasts, during a casual lunch or date night out.

Grilled Copper River King or Sockeye sautéed morel mushrooms and leeks, fried baby rainbow potatoes, Pinot Noir gastrique.

You know we love to pair it with an Oregon pinot noir, but there’s many other delicious options our sommeliers can help you select from our wine lists. Don’t miss out on enjoying this perfect fish at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant!

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Celebrate Easter at Ray’s April 20, 2025!

Gather the family at Ray’s for a delicious Easter brunch or dinner at Seattle’s best waterfront seafood restaurant on Sunday, April 20, 2025! 

Easter reservations are strongly encouraged for our upstairs Cafe holiday buffet and our first floor Boathouse holiday menus. We can accommodate parties of 10 people or fewer, including high chairs.

RESERVE RAY’S UPSTAIRS CAFE HERE.

RESERVE RAY’S FIRST FLOOR BOATHOUSE HERE.

CAFE EASTER BUFFET (2nd floor)
Enjoy our Cafe grand holiday buffet from 9am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). $95 per person including coffee, juice and sodas (excluding tax and gratuity). $47.50 for children 5 to 11 years of age.

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 A LA CARTE (first floor)

Boathouse Brunch
10:30am (first seating) to 3pm (last seating)
Enjoy our best-selling Boathouse appetizers, salads and entrées along with holiday inspired breakfast and brunch specials.

Boathouse Easter Brunch A La Carte Menu

  • Fresh Berry Parfait vanilla whipped yogurt, fresh berries, house-made almond granola, honey GF
  • Avocado Toast  toasted Como loaf, smashed avocado, pickled red onion, cherry tomatoes, everything bagel seasoning DF
  • Vegetarian Quiche fried breakfast potatoes, mixed green salad V
  • Steak & Eggs*  8oz Double R Ranch bavette steak, two eggs, fried breakfast potatoes, chimichurri GF
  • 8oz 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 Como loaf
  • Challah French Toast  Uli’s breakfast sausage, spiced Vermont maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, fried breakfast potatoes
  • Prawns, Grits & Eggs*  Del Pacifico Day Boat prawns, Anson Mills grits, chorizo vinaigrette, two eggs, Como loaf
Boathouse Dinner
3pm (first seating) to 8pm (last seating)
Enjoy our full a la carte dinner menu alongside an $80.00 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 Dinner 3-Course Menu

Choice of one from each

Appetizers

  • Caramelized Carrot Soup, coconut milk, carrot top pesto, fried carrot chips GF
  • Roasted Beet Salad, arugula, goat cheese, pistachio, anchovy, sherry vinaigrette GF
  • Seared Oregon Albacore, green curry coconut milk sauce, wakame GF/DF

Entrées

  • Double R Ranch Spice Rubbed Prime Rib of Beef, garlic whipped potatoes, seared broccolini, demi-glace GF
  • Panseared Wild Alaskan Halibut, pearled couscous, sauteed snap peas and mushrooms, lemon-chive beurre blanc
  • Panfried Tofu, Roasted Cabbage, harissa-chimichurri, cabbage cream, fresh herbs GF

Desserts

  • Chocolate Pot de Crème, Chantilly cream, brownie biscotti crumbles
  • Spiced Carrot Cake, cream cheese frosting, candied pecans
  • OIympic Mountain Ice Cream/Sorbet GF
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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Sip & Celebrate Washington Wines this March!

Celebrate Washington’s incredible breadth of wines at Ray’s this March during Taste WA Wine Month! We’re featuring special cellar selection glass pours and Washington selections by the bottle.

Raise a glass of WA wine at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant. Cheers!

Cellar Selections by the Glass
3oz & 6oz pours

Woodward Canyon Chardonnay
WA 2023
aromas of white floral, crushed apple, seashell, and pear marry perfectly with understated oak creating subtle spice and vanilla notes 

Figgins Estate Red
Walla Walla Valley, WA 2018 
Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Petite Verdot. Explosive nose of candied cherries, blueberries and pencil shavings. The palate has layers and layers of plum and dried figs 

Selections by the Bottle

 Gorgiste ‘Ray’s 50th’ Rosé

Columbia Gorge, WA 2022

This Gamay Noir Rosé from the Rainmaker Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA is a delightful and playful expression of the varietal. On the nose, the wine exhibits subtle mineral undertones intertwined with vibrant red fruit aromas. On the palate, it is light to medium body, with bright acidity that brings a refreshing crispness to each sip.

Delille ‘Chaleur Estate’ Blanc

Columbia Valley, WA 2022

blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. classic Sauvignon Blanc notes of gooseberry lead on the nose, followed by green apple, apricot and white flowers.  The palate has flavors of lemon brioche and peach-infused mascarpone, buttressed with flinty, mineral qualities.

Gorman Chardonnay

Columbia Valley, WA 2023

100% barrel fermented in French oak.  25% of the barrels are new. This is an expressive offering of chardonnay, with notes of marzipan, barrel spice and herb. Rich, full-bodied, textured flavors follow

Delille Cellars ‘Sagemoor Vineyard’ Riesling

Columbia Valley, WA 2022

Bosc pear, lychee, Meyer lemon and wet stone are showcased initially on the nose.  A touch of residual sugar is just enough to balance out the bustling acidity and create a more full-bodied mouthfeel, full of honeysuckle, dried apricot and jasmine.  There is a freshness and liveliness to this wine that makes it very easy to enjoy on its own but will pair easily with a variety of seafood dishes.

Beautiful Figgins Estate Vineyard in Walla Walla pictured above.

Sip Into Summer with Seasonal Cocktails at Ray’s Cafe

Summer is the perfect season to relax over lunch with a refreshing cocktail and fresh Northwest seafood. At Ray’s Cafe, you’ll find handcrafted seasonal drinks, delicious cuisine, and one of the best waterfront settings in the city. If you’re searching for a Seattle restaurant that combines incredible views with casual dining, Ray’s is the perfect …

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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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