Insider Pages Reviews for Portage Bay Cafe and Catering

1 Stars: Never again (by Advisor)

Advisor — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: Delicious, Nutritious, and Cheerful! (by grunge_girl)

grunge_girl — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

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. :)

5 Stars: I love this place! (by Foody)

Foody — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: THEE BEST BREAKFAST IN SEATTLE! (by mocha4581)

mocha4581 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT

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!

1 Stars: Very rude management. (by RevQ)

RevQ — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:00:00 GMT

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...

1 Stars: Poor kitchen etiquette (by jazzmean)

jazzmean — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: how did they do this? (by johncleaver)

johncleaver — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: Top quality catering (by C M.)

C M. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:43:00 GMT

I've eaten one of Portage Bay's delicious catered meals at a Bar Mitzvah. The food was fresh, gourmet, and healthy, which is a rare find these days in the catering business.

5 Stars: Wonderful Breakfast (by K U.)

K U. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:03:00 GMT

Portage Bay is a great place to go for flavorful, filling breakfast with a group of people. The morning scene is full of hustle bustle, but my friends and I always join in on the fun. The Wild Salmon Omelette is one of my many favorites from the list of organically inspired items on the menu. Even though the place is usually full on weekends, service is impeccable and it's worth the wait.

5 Stars: Awesome food & service! (by TruePaintingServices)

TruePaintingServices — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Perfect Everything!!! (by amigrubbs)

amigrubbs — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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!!!!!!!!!

5 Stars: Yes yes yes (by john k.)

john k. — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 06:43:00 GMT

This is a unique place in South Lake Union. The interior is mostly cool - a huge space. Great pictures on the wall. Open windows. The tiki thing going at the front is a little amiss but ok. The food is mostly gorgeous. Organic, local, etc. A communal table. Great sandwiches and of course their semi famous brunch. Pretty cool place. A standby you can depend on for years to come....

5 Stars: I want to move to South lake Union Now! (by choirboy_lap)

choirboy_lap — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: wonderful breakfast! (by csmk)

csmk — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.