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Portage Bay Cafe - University District, Seattle, WA

Portage Bay Cafe - University District

4.6
4.6
757 Reviews
$30 and under
Northwest

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 125 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for brunch
  • Vegetarian-friendly
Located in the University neighborhood of Seattle since 1997, this original location sets the Portage Bay Cafe mission of local, organic and sustainable fare. From our Crab Cake Benedict to our signature House-Made Challah French Toast, our items are carefully crafted to use the best seasonal and organic ingredients available. Chef Alex and his team create monthly specials to further highlight our food-producing partners.

Portage Bay Cafe on Roosevelt is a large, airy, boisterous space with lots of energy and we have covered outdoor dining all year round. We look forward to serving you soon.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Northwest, Organic, Breakfast
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 8:00 am–1:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (206) 547-8230
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    U Village / U District
  • Cross street
    42nd street
  • Parking details
    The Roosevelt location is connected with the University Inn and offers complimentary parking in our shared lot. Additionally, there is street parking that is metered for up to 4 hours.
  • Public transit
    There are bus stops within two to three blocks of our front door. University Ave. is merely three blocks east and offers many bus routes and options. This makes for convenient travel to and from downtown Seattle.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 757 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Great for brunch

  • Seattle

    Great for brunch

  • Seattle

    Northwest

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Portage Bay Cafe in the University District offers a delightful brunch experience with "amazing gluten-free options" and "huge portions." The "unbelievable fruit bar" complements their delicious pancakes and French toasts. While service can sometimes be inconsistent, the "friendly and welcoming" staff and "fantastic atmosphere" make it a favorite Seattle breakfast spot.

757 Reviews
  1. John

    Seattle

    34 reviews

    3.0

    34 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    I’ve been coming here for over a decade. This was an uncharacteristically poor dining experience. Waitstaff forgot about us and got our order wrong. 😬

    Is this helpful?

  2. Peter

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our favorite brunch spot is an institution on the UW campus with convenient street and private lot parking in the back. Expect generous breakfast portions with well-prepared country potatoes that are neither too oily or overcooked. The pancakes and french toast are elevated with access to the fresh berry bar and fresh whipped cream with a side of 4 thick-cut pieces of smoked bacon. Eggs benedict lovers will enjoy the numerous Northwest flavor choices.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jennifer

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great food but we were seated in a back area. We were visiting from out of town so it would have been nice to be in the main room where all the activity was and you can see the workers working. Humph

    Is this helpful?

  4. Juri

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s very good restaurant! Especially, pancake is so delicious. You can add so many fruits and cream on the pancake.

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  5. LouiseT

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Sarah E was excellent and the food delicious. Will definitely return and recommend to others.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Lisa

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    23 reviews

    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Drinks were slow to come out—some people had food before drinks, food was good! Large portions!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Ruta

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Gluten free lemon ricotta pancakes were Amazing! Service was great. The middle room with bare high walls was noisy especially with unruly kids banging silverware.

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  8. Billy

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our family LOVES PB. The toppings bar- the rotating specials - the drink selections. We will always consider going here for a family breakfast :D Peter and the staff are great to us- a very welcoming establishment!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Recommend the Benedict and buckwheat pancakes. The portions are large and there’s plenty of options to choose from. Service was mid.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Rebecca

    VIP

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service was amazing per usual! Our server was very attentive and made sure we were able to order quickly with our 2 year old. One of our favorite brunch spots in Seattle!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Portage Bay Cafe - University District offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (206) 547-8230.

Portage Bay Cafe - University District is rated 4.6 stars by 757 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 125 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Portage Bay Cafe - University District

4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Additional information

  • Cross street
    42nd street
  • Neighborhood
    U Village / U District
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 8:00 am–1:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Northwest, Organic, Breakfast
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    The Roosevelt location is connected with the University Inn and offers complimentary parking in our shared lot. Additionally, there is street parking that is metered for up to 4 hours.
  • Public transit
    There are bus stops within two to three blocks of our front door. University Ave. is merely three blocks east and offers many bus routes and options. This makes for convenient travel to and from downtown Seattle.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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