Portage Bay Cafe and Catering

Slow service
Rude service/host
surley waitress
Inaccurate orders
Very poor accoustics-horribly loud
The quality of food wasn't wrth the 50 minute wait to get it after we sat down.

Pros: tasty food

Cons: service and ambiance

Posted 09/04/09

I ordered the "Rancher's Breakfast," which included home fries, eggs, bacon, and French toast -- the meal was so huge that I was able to forego my lunch! The delicious toppings bar for my French toast (and pancakes, and waffles) offered lots of fruity selections to dress up my food! The waitress was a bit sassy, but tolerated me when I took forever to decide upon my food. Unfortunately, the acoustics in the restaurant (maybe thanks to the exposed, high ceilings?) make the place quite loud, even when there aren't that many customers present. Go for the good food, but expect to yell if you want to converse with your tablemates. :)

Pros: Piping hot coffee, many veggie/vegan choices, pancake bar

Cons: Very loud atmosphere, expensive

Posted 06/06/09

This place is great-their breakfast menu is well rounded, including omelets, waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage....everything you can think of...and they have a *delicious* breakfast bar as well!
Good coffee-it's strong and they always bring out cream.
The ladies working this joint are all sharp and very nice, even though you can tell it must get stressful with the high volume.
In order to avoid the wait, get here early.

Pros: Fast service, great food, cozy atmosphere, friendly service

Cons: Long waits

Posted 04/28/09

I had a b/day brunch party of 20 for breakfast. The manager did have the wrong time down, so we waited for about 45 minutes. However, the food and service were excellent, I can not complain. The breakfast is the best in Seattle. I haven't had anything better, and I am a huge breakfast buff. They serviced my table about 15 minutes after ordering for 20 people. The service was excellent. I can't wait to go back.! :) Thanks again to the manager!

Pros: Great service, Amazing food, reasonable price

Cons: long line, crowded, a bit noisy

Posted 04/05/09

I was there this weekend with my wife (8 months pregnant) and another couple. For the most part, the food was a little better than I expected, and we were enjoying a nice morning out with friends.

I had just finished my coffee and we had paid. As we were wrapping up our conversation and on our way out the manager (I guess) asked if we could leave so that they could give the table to someone else.

To us, this was exactly like saying "you are no longer welcome". He wasn't warm or apologetic or humble to say the least. He had sort of a face that seemed to say "you should know, the customers that haven't given me there money yet are better than you, naturally." Well, they have our money, but they no longer have our patronage.

For the classy image they try to portray, the know very little about hospitality.

Now that I think about it, the food was pretty average...

Pros: Food tries to be healthy

Cons: Manager is full of himself

Posted 03/15/09

After seeing the rave reviews we gave the new PBC on Terry Street 2 chances. 1st visit- eggs were so overcooked they were barely edible. The Cafe was not very busy - but we had to get up and get our own coffee. Not a good sign . Plus we both thought the waitress was surley. Visit 2 - we sat at the counter. My vegan hash was overcooked. My husband had the oatmeal- overcooked and waterey. the ONLY coffee refill came as our plates were removed. Plus sitting at the counter we had the added joy at the end of our meal = to watch the prep cook put a bandaid - over his finger cut- over the food prep area. Thanks. they were lucky i did not ralph on the counter. A little TOO ORGANIC for me. Not nice. If this is the visible part- hate to see the rest. If you don't go- it will be the luckiest day of your life! God only knows what you will be saving yourself from. PS the prep cook- the bald one in the white coat- Should be fired!

Cons: staff

Posted 02/20/09

i guess at some level it was just a simple risk but it paid off. this place is ALWAYS packed. for a place off the beaten path, this place is busy. lunch weekdays etc its a little lighter but still busy which is pretty amazing. $10'ish omlets etc but its so worth it. They do pretty much only organic etc. Its packed because its worth it. follow a place that is packed - the crowds in terms of "food" know. its telling. great ambience, well run, professional - even really nice service - but there are plenty of places that have that and do just ok. this place rocks because of the food. its always worth it. you get so much and the toppings bar is endlesss. kudos to the portage bay movement. we need more of these place. I just told my server: its funny how many restaurants just dont get it. take a page out of portage bay cafes book for seattle breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Pros: food, food service. you get a lot of food

Cons: parking sometimes. id say its on the easier side but still a consideration.

Posted 01/16/09

I first learned of this great place to eat about 2 years ago when i got a call from John (owner) asking me to re paint the place. ..Since then it's been my favorite breakfast place to eat... and I've tasted most restaurants in the area. I would recommend Portage Bay Cafe to all!! TIM

Pros: FRESH AND JUST WHAT I ORDERED

Cons: A LITTLE PRICEY BUT AWESOME

Posted 10/20/08

I have to congratulate this place for perfection. i work in the restaurant business and i have to say, it is a struggle to have a good environment, good food and SMILEY wonderful service, it is harder to accomplish than you would think. So, staff please keep up the smiley service it is such a relief to dine in you establishment. we will be your new regulars!! Cheers!!!!!!!!!

Pros: Service Food Clean

Cons: Even parking was easy they have a parking lot

Posted 09/19/08

This place was amazing. The decor was modern but not stark, and it just seemed nicely done. I met a friend for lunch here because her office had had them cater a lunch there and she love it so much. I love the fact that I could get amazing french toast even-though it was 2pm...talk about a new brunch spot. I was also excited about their organic concept that didn't sacrifice flavor or dishes I love. So I can take my other "go green" friend here and he will get off my back, HA! I would highly recommend checking this place out.

Pros: Parking was easy, food was amazing, organic

Posted 06/24/08

my friend and i came in for lunch the other day and to my wonderful surprise, breakfast was still being served, for i am a huge fan of breakfast. i had the hash - eggs, mushrooms, potatoes - yum! my friend ordered the french toast and totally got a kick out of going up to the toppings bar for his choice of fresh berries and syrups. to sum it up, it's great, healthy food in a modern & casual space - a must try.

Posted 06/15/08