Ray's Cafe Archives

February 1, 2025February 1, 2025

Oysters & Bubbly All February at Ray’s!

Bring on February! The perfect month to indulge in fresh, Washington oysters at Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe.

Facts: icy winter waters produce plumper oysters, that are richer in flavor and ideal for slurping by the dozen.

So grab your date or group of friends and join us at Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe for Bubbles & Bivalves all month! Pair your oysters with Champagne or sparkling wine for a match made in seafood heaven! Choose a bottle, or opt for a glass of bubbly in 3 and 6 ounce pours.

Oyster selections will change based on availability, served with Ray’s classic red wine mignonette and limited time passionfruit mignonette.

Sparkling Wine Pairings

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, CA 2019 13 3oz / 26 6oz / 94 bottle

Aromas of Granny Smith apple, tangerine, and lemon-lime. Flavors of fresh grapefruit, and white peach

Jacquart ‘Mosaique’ Brut Champagne, FRA NV 16 3oz / 32 6oz / 126 bottle

Fresh, delicate, and white fruit-forward. Notes of pear, peach, apricot, white flowers, and rose

Bubbles

by the bottle

Bollinger ‘Special Cuvée’ Brut Aÿ, Champagne FRA NV 145 btl

The bottle that started it all. James Bond’s favorite

Laurent Perrier ‘La Cuvée’ Brut Champagne, FRA NV 94 btl

Floral aromas of brioche and sweet orchard fruits. The palate is soft and approachable

Argyle Brut Willamette Valley, OR 2019 62 btl

Founding winemaker, Rollin Soles, came to the Willamette Valley in the 1980’s to make this wine. It is the foundation on which everything at Argyle is made. Orchard fruits, citrus peel, and toasted brioche are framed around a creamy center and long, graceful finish

Mestres ‘1312’ Brut Reserva Cava Penedes, ESP 2020 46 btl

Green apples, orange zest, notes of white fruits, flowers, herb cuttings, and brioche toast. On the palate it is fresh, revealing a great balance

Gran Moraine Brut Rosé Willamette Valley, OR 2022 118 btl

That rare domestic rosé that captures the vibrant acidity of Champagne, offering delicate strawberry, raspberry flavors laced with steely minerality and sprinkle of graham cracker on the finish

Pierre Trichet ‘L’authentique’ Brut Rosé Champagne, FRA NV 85 btl

It reveals notes of crushed / fleshy strawberry and a hint of raspberry associated with fine notes of ripe white fruit (peach, pear) as well as discreet hints of mandarin and exotic fruit

Landmass ‘Heavy Glow’ Brut Rosé Columbia Gorge, OR 2023 68 btl

Refined yet playful, this sparkling rosé of comprised of Champagne varietals, shows off notes of honeydew melon, vanilla biscuits, pears, and bright minerality.

See you soon on the Ballard waterfront for fresh local oysters!

Ray’s first floor Boathouse is open nightly for dinner from 5-9pm and happy hour 5-6pm. Reserve here.

Ray’s second floor Cafe is open daily 11:30am to 9pm and accepts walk-ins for lunch, happy hour and dinner.

January 2, 2025February 1, 2025

Valentine’s Weekend at Ray’s February 14-16!

Take in Ray’s gorgeous waterfront scenery with your special someone this Valentine’s Weekend! Secure your Valentine’s reservations now at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant to join us in our first floor Boathouse or upstairs Cafe.

Reservations can be made for the Cafe here on Friday, February 14, 2025 and for the Boathouse here from Friday, February 14-Sunday, February 16, 2025.

BOATHOUSE (first floor)
From 5pm to 9pm (last seating) February 14-16 enjoy our full Boathouse dinner menu or choose our special Valentine’s inspired 3-course pre-fixe menu for $80 (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Full children’s menu available.

CAFE (second floor)
Our upstairs Cafe is accepting reservations for Friday, February 14 from 11:30am to 9pm (last seating). Enjoy our full Café menu alongside a decadent lineup of Valentine’s Weekend specials from February 14-16 (February 15-16 is walk-in seating).

Please note – we will not offer Happy Hour in the Boathouse or Cafe on Friday, February 14.

First Floor Boathouse Valentine’s Weekend 3-course Menu

Choice of one per course

1st Course

Foie Gras Terrine toasted brioche, blueberry compote, toasted almonds

Citrus Carpaccio with Dungeness Crab and Avocado ^GF/DFarugula, citrus vinaigrette, candied pine nuts, Fresno chili curls

Artichoke and Parmesan Soup fried baby artichokes, crème fraiche, herbs

2nd Course

Grilled Double R Ranch Filet Mignon ^GFgarlic whipped potatoes, roasted baby carrots, sauce bordelaise

Pan-seared Wild Alaskan King Salmon lemon-herb orzo, sautéed haricot vert, ikura-chive beurre blanc

House-made tagliolini sautéed mushrooms, Grana-Padano, black truffle

3rd Course

Raspberry-Rose Crème Brûlée ^GFfresh raspberries, caramelized shell

Chocolate Ganache Tart toasted hazelnuts, chocolate Chantilly cream, caramel

Olympic Mountain Ice Cream or Sorbet^GFseasonal selections

Second Floor Café Valentine’s Weekend Specials

Dungeness Crab and Winter Citrus Salad ^GF/DFarugula, avocado, candied pine nuts, citrus vinaigrette

Grilled Double R Ranch Filet Mignon ^GF6oz, garlic whipped potatoes, roasted baby carrots, port demi-glace

Sesame Crusted Albacore Tuna ^GF/DFsautéed mushrooms and snap peas, soy-ginger-lime sauce, pickled cucumbers

Chocolate Ganache Tart toasted hazelnuts, chocolate Chantilly cream, caramel

Raspberry-Rose Crème Brûlée^GFfresh raspberries, caramelized shell

We look forward to celebrating with you!

December 17, 2024February 1, 2025

New Year’s Eve at Ray’s!

Ray's Boathouse guests dining on the waterfront in Seattle WA

Come dine at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe on New Year’s Eve and take in the gorgeous views as you raise a glass to 2025 with friends and family!

On Tuesday, December 31 Ray’s first floor Boathouse and second floor Cafe will offer a New Year’s Eve Surf & Turf special in addition to our normal menus .

New Year’s Eve Steak & Cake special – Grilled Double R Ranch New York Strip (12 oz) and one Dungeness Crab Cake, cauliflower puree, grilled broccolini, hollandaise $65.

Reservations for both restaurants are strongly encouraged! Toast to the new year at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant. Cheers!

BOATHOUSE (first floor)
5pm (first seating) to 9pm (last seating). Reserve your table.

CAFE (second floor)
11:30am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating). Reserve your table.

We’re Open New Year’s Day!
Ray’s Boathouse and Cafe will be open regular hours on New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1! Join us starting at 11:30am in the Cafe for Bloody Mary’s, Fish & Chips, Clam Chowder and all of your favorites. The Boathouse will open at 5pm for dinner. Cheers!

December 2, 2024February 1, 2025

Steakhouse Pop-Up at Ray’s this December!

Steakhouse pop-up at Ray's Boathouse in Ballard

We’re thrilled to bring back our guest-favorite Steakhouse Pop-Up for a second year!

Ray’s Steakhouse Pop-Up features a limited number of steaks per day served with classic steakhouse sides and the option to add special sauces or compound butter.

Enjoy these delicious specials at Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant through December 31, 2024 in our first floor Boathouse and upstairs Cafe (excludes 12/24 and 12/25)!

Reserve your table today in the Boathouse, our Cafe is walk-ins only (except on select holidays). Cheers!

Steakhouse Pop-Up Menu

Grilled Steaks & Chops
(served with demi-glace and seared broccolini)
Bavette Steak 8oz
Filet Mignon 8oz
Strip Steak 12oz
Ribeye 14oz
Snake River Farms Kurobuta Bone-in Pork Chop

Sauce/Butter Add-ons
Sauce au poivre
Chimichurri
Calabrian Chili Butter
Hollandaise
Dungeness Crab Oscar

Accompaniments
Prawn Cocktail
chilled Del Pacifico day-boat prawns, cocktail sauce

Loaded Baked Potato
Bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives

Mac & Cheese
Fusilli pasta, Tillamook white cheddar, parmesan breadcrumbs

Truffled Creamed Spinach
Chopped black truffle, herbed bread crumbs

Wedge Salad
Iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, scallions, bacon

Alaskan Tanner Crab Cluster
steamed with butter sauce

House-Smoked Salmon Collars

Plus our special House-Ground Steakhouse Burger!

November 1, 2024February 1, 2025

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day at Ray’s!

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

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

Our first floor Boathouse and second floor Cafe will be serving up your favorite dishes and seasonal specials on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024!

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

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 dessert for $75 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 dessert for $75 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.

1st Floor Boathouse Christmas Eve & Day 3 course Menu

choice of one from each

Appetizers

Creamy Cauliflower Soup, roasted cauliflower, Pinot gris soaked golden raisins, pecorino romano, herbs
Kale and mixed green salad, orange segments, pomegranate, feta cheese, pecans, champagne vinaigrette
Seared Oregon Albacore, blood orange-avocado salsa, ponzu, watercress

Entrée

Panseared PNW Halibut, creamy polenta, sauteed kale and mushrooms, beurre blanc, toasted walnuts
Spice Rubbed Prime Rib of Beef, garlic whipped russet potatoes, seared brussels sprouts, demi-glace
Lemon Ricotta Agnolotti, sauteed mushrooms and fennel, parsnip puree, sundried tomato pesto

Desserts

White Chocolate Peppermint Crème Brulee, white chocolate custard, caramelized shell
Apple Crisp ala mode, granny smith apples, oatmeal crumble, caramel, Madagascar vanilla ice cream
Olympic Mountain Creamery ice cream/sorbet

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

Christmas Day: reservations available 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.

2nd Floor Cafe Christmas Eve & Day A La Carte Specials

Creamy Cauliflower Soup, roasted cauliflower, Pinot gris soaked golden raisins, pecorino romano, herbs
Spice Rubbed Prime Rib of Beef, garlic whipped russet potatoes, seared brussels sprouts, demi-glace
Braised Short Rib Ragu, red wine and tomato simmered short ribs, rigatoni pasta, ricotta salata, herbs
White Chocolate Peppermint Crème Brulee, white chocolate custard, caramelized shell

Kindly review our Christmas guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties of up to 10.
*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!

October 24, 2024February 1, 2025

New Fall Menus at Ray’s!

Dive into new Fall menus at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe! We love seasonal changes and showcasing local flavors in delicious new ways.

Our first floor Boathouse has a new selection of small and shareable plates to mix and match alongside main dishes. And our upstairs Cafe has introduced some delicious new sandwiches as well as a PNW Seafood Gumbo.

Take a peek into our new menus below and click for full menus: Boathouse and Cafe. Then join us to try them all at Seattle’s best seafood restaurant!

Ray’s Cafe

Seafood Gumbo
PNW salmon & whitefish, clams, mussels, prawns, Uli’s andouille sausage, green bell pepper, okra, jasmine rice, scallion (pictured)
Seared Dungeness Crab Cakes
sweet potato puree, fried brussels sprouts, honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans
Chicories Salad
Treviso, Belgian endive, blue cheese crumbles, sliced pears, candied walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette GF
Smoked Scallop Carbonara
house-smoked bacon and bay scallops, bucatini, pecorino romano
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
spicy fried chicken thigh, cilantro slaw, buttermilk aïoli, bread and butter pickles, King’s Hawaiian Bun (pictured)

Ray’s Boathouse

Seared Diver Scallops
braised pork belly, cauliflower puree, radicchio, pork jus, toasted pecans (pictured)
Honeycrisp Apple Salad
mixed greens, red onion, Honeycrisp apples, blue cheese crumbles, craisins, toasted pecans, apple cider vinaigrette GF (pictured)
Dungeness Crab Cakes
grapefruit, goat cheese and fennel salad, stone ground mustard aioli, pine nuts, olives, basil oil
Pan Seared Wild PNW Halibut
creamy polenta, sautéed greens, chanterelle mushrooms
Butternut Squash Risotto
pepitas, fried sage, basil oil

Ray’s upstairs Cafe is open daily from 11:30am to 9pm for walk-ins during lunch, happy hour and dinner. Ray’s first floor Boathouse is open daily from 5-9pm for happy hour and dinner. Reservations accepted and encouraged for the Boathouse. Cheers!

September 15, 2024February 1, 2025

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month our Executive Sous Chef Gustavo Guerra has prepared some incredible specials hailing from Veracruz, Mexico. The flavors and traditions of these dishes date back over 200 years and are still beloved today.

Rotating specials will be offered daily in our upstairs Cafe and first floor Boathouse from Sunday, September 15 through Tuesday, October 15. Look out for the below dishes as well as some surprise options that will show up throughout the month!

Chiles en Nogada Stuffed with Prawns
Fire roasted poblano pepper stuffed with sautéed prawns, tomatoes, onions, garlic, corn, and almonds, topped with nogada sauce (walnuts, cream and goat cheese), and pomegranate seeds

Camarones en Adobo
Sautéed prawns, onions, peppers, garlic, over adobo sauce made with guajillo andancho chilis and achiote. Topped with pickled green tomatoes, jalapeños andwakame

August 2, 2024February 1, 2025

Summer Lunch in the Cafe!

Albacore Cobb Salad, fresh seafood at Ray's Cafe in Seattle WA

Grab a friend and catch up over lunch at Ray’s Cafe this Summer!

Choose from so many fresh seasonal menu items with the best PNW seafood you love!

Ray’s upstairs Cafe opens daily at 11:30am. Walk-ins welcome. See you soon!

Ray’s Cafe Menu Highlights

Oysters on the Half Shell rotating selection with red wine mignonette

Alaskan Tanner Crab Cajun Boil red potatoes, corn on the cob, Cajun butter sauce

Charred Corn & Dungeness Crab Salad shredded romaine, lime aïoli, cherry tomatoes, onion, avocado, cotija cheese, jalapeño, cilantro, lime

Smoked Scallop & Bay Shrimp Salad chilled smoked scallops and bay shrimp, mixed greens, shaved fennel, avocado, grapefruit, Marcona almonds, citrus vinaigrette

Seared Oregon Albacore Cobb Salad pink peppercorn crusted tuna, romaine/spring mix, red wine vinaigrette, house smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cucumber, 6 ½ minute egg

Fresh Wild Alaskan Halibut garlic whipped potatoes, sautéed green beans, roasted grape & fennel salad, Banyuls gastrique

Ahi Poke Bowl soy-ginger marinated tuna, sesame encrusted rare tuna, wasabi aïoli, jasmine rice, wakame salad, pickled cucumber, edamame, carrots, wontons

Steamed Alaskan Tanner Crab WA asparagus, fried Yukon Gold potatoes, butter sauce, lemon

Seared Dungeness Crab Cakes cucumber-peach salsa, basil-lime aïoli, blistered mini sweet peppers, basil

Blackened Neah Bay Rockfish Sandwich whole grain mustard aïoli, avocado, red onion slaw, ciabatta bun, choice of French fries, sweet potato fries, Caesar salad, or garden salad

Pan Seared Sea Scallops coconut milk-green curry sauce, jasmine rice, fresh mango-cabbage slaw, crispy shallots, Thai basil, lime

Spring Pea Cacio e Pepe bucatini, pancetta, green peas, snap peas, cacio e pepe butter, breadcrumbs, herbs

Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash sautéed quinoa, mushrooms, spinach, roasted red bell pepper sauce

Grilled Double R Ranch Bavette Steak roasted baby carrots, toasted walnuts, bleu cheese crumbles, Banyuls gastrique

July 18, 2024February 1, 2025

New Cafe Summer Menu!

It’s Summer at Ray’s Cafe and our new menu is filled with fresh PNW seafood, local ingredients and the best seasonal produce available! Enjoy lunch, happy hour and dinner at Ray’s upstairs Cafe daily starting at 11:30am, and see why Ray’s has the best waterfront dining in Seattle! Walk-ins welcome. See you soon!

Oysters on the Half Shell rotating selection with red wine mignonette

Alaskan Tanner Crab Cajun Boil red potatoes, corn on the cob, Cajun butter sauce

Warm Brie honey drizzle, bourbon blueberry compote, Marcona almonds, rosemary croccantini