Address: | 391 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA |
Phone: | +1 206-462-6400 |
Site: | portagebaycafe.com |
Rating: | 4.2 |
Working: | 7:30AM–2:30PM 7:30AM–2:30PM 7:30AM–2:30PM 7:30AM–2:30PM 7:30AM–2:30PM 7:30AM–2:30PM 7:30AM–2:30PM |
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Patricia Rodriguez
This is a super popular brunch place, but Ive found it relatively easy to get reservations, even just a few hours beforehand. Weve been twice and entrees that come with a trip to the breakfast bar where you can add fresh as well as macerated fruit, mmm whipped cream, and nuts to your dish are fantastic. This includes things like pancakes (not crispy, but a good balance between fluffy and cake-y, you get two), Swedish pancakes with lingonberry, and classic or bananas foster French toast (three big pieces, but according to some reviews it used to be four). On the downside, prices are high for the quantity of food that you get, and for the savory items Ive tried that comment unfortunately extends to the quality of the food. The wait for entrees has been half an hour both times that Ive eaten here. Their tex-mex options look okay, but the pork belly benedict and mushroom scramble Ive had were supremely disappointing. The pork belly pieces are pretty small and lacked every reason that cut has become so popular - dry and not at all unctuous. For $16.50, you should get something a little more special than what would be even meh bacon. And the mushroom scramble. God, I regret ordering it while my husband had yummy banana cream pie pancakes. For $14 and a promise of cultivated/foraged mushrooms, I got mushrooms with no browning that were indistinguishable from boiled baby bellas. I also would have liked for there to be more kale, less shallot. The best thing I can say about the dish is that the eggs werent overcooked. I so longed for the earthy aroma of mushrooms but it was nowhere to be found, due to the boiled-like cook on the mushrooms and the tragic lack of seasoning. I dont need much salt in my food, but we honestly wondered if the cook had forgotten it altogether. You can almost certainly make yourself a better scramble at home. Bottom line - stick with the breakfast bar entrees.
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Annie McGraw
I have never been more disgusted with a restaurant in my life. For something as "trendy"and pretentious establishment, I expected my concern to be taken a little more seriously but what I got back was nothing short of despicable. Ive had better luck complaining at Pita Pit. I tried to have lunch there one day, and they informed me they were out of chicken completely. Since they dont offer much and I dont eat seafood, its kind of a hit to the small menu. I bought the awful salad without meat that I could have made at home for much cheaper. I mentioned this in a email (After complimenting their cleanliness), stating that I wish their restaurant could carry out the great "service" they were said to have, and to let them know they ran out of FOOD. Well, no. Instead, this is what I got back: "We might have responded to this [my email], but since you think our food is so over-priced we probably wouldnt be able to satisfy you anyway. Thanks for the feedback, Jeff Smith GM" Is this really the way to run a business? He didnt like something I said so hes not going to grace me with his words in return? I dont deserve to be responded to?? This Jeff guy needs an ego check. I thought they were respectable enough to want to know if something was off. An "Im sorry" would have been sufficient or nothing at all. I never ASKED for anything in return anyway. I never ASKED for free food. I never ASKED for reimbursement. Was it really necessary to insult me?
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Shawn Besabella
We werent exactly sure how reservations worked, so we decided to go in early (9AM). It was already buzzing when we rolled in. Apparently you can call in ahead of time to put your name on the list to be seated. Thankfully since it was just two of us, we were seated in under 10 minutes (at the bar). I was impressed with the service; we were quickly served with menus and waters considering how busy it was. Also, the waitress didnt bother us too much and quietly refilled our waters without making a fuss. I ordered the Phils Breakfast and then the Oatmeal Cobler French Toast. On the Phils Breakfast I got it with bacon, scrambled eggs, and it came with a side of their roasted potatoes and a slice of wheat toast. I wasnt to impressed. The bacon and eggs were pretty standard. Unfortunately, the slice of wheat toast was hard as a rock and the roasted potatoes were a little too seasoned for my liking. The Oatmeal Cobler French Toast was everything. It was perfectly crusted with oatmeal, and then covered in a raspberry compote. Ive never really had great french toast at a restaurant because its usually been too greasy or sweet. This however was savory and just sweet enough from the raspberry compote. It definitely was a lot of food, but I was curious to try their savory and sweet offerings. If I were to go back, I probably would just go back for more french toast and then just a savory side.
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michael brooks
I support everything this company stands for. Local sustainable ingredients and creative amazing dishes. Plus a toppings bar?! UM... yes! There is a long list of everything they try to source locally on the back of the menu. But not only are they trying to get things from nearby they are also striving to have a creative, diverse but not TOO large menu. It really is a beautiful balance they strike here. Our order was the fancy breakfast sandwich and classic french toast. The toast of course coming with as many visits to the toppings bar as you would like. This is basically all the seasonal fruit and fresh hot syrup and whipped cream your heart could possibly desire. The sammy was decadent with prosciutto and fig jam spread. Sweet and savory all in one. The bread was giant and fluffy, didnt tear apart my mouth like Texas toast crispy style. A loud vibrant space with an open concept both kitchen and seating. I like what theyve got going on. Go before 9 and sit outside if you can. Otherwise theres always a wait and outside is blissfully peaceful on a quiet city morning.
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Jessica Tupper
The setting is PNW chic - open wood, a large bar, benches while you wait. And you will wait, especially on the weekends. Before someone nicely pointed out that there were two spots at the bar, we had a 20-30 minute wait ahead. The food is good, if not thrilling, and priced at about $11-$19 per meal. The omelet was good and full of vegetables, and the accompanying potatoes had a lovely kick of paprika. The oven baked custard was given a heavy hand with the ginger, which doesnt let the blackberries sing as much as Id like. You get one pass - theyre very clear about this - at the toppings bar, which had some of the worst blueberries Ive tasted in ages. I swear the aftertaste was reminiscent of how nail polish remover smells. I suspect this is a better selection in the summer, and I went in December, but Id rather see more citrus than unpleasant blueberries. Also, this location lacks both waffles and ice cream, something Ive heard mentioned for the U-District location. Both would be welcome, and Im definitely giving this place another shot in the summer.
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LELAND HAWKES
When you go to a new city I feel its so important to experience the local culture. In my opinion that can only be done by hitting the streets and going where the locals go. A big part of any culture is the food, some would say thats the biggest part! Portage Bay Cafe was an 11 on a scale of one to ten. Beautiful open facility with a warm and inviting feel. Plenary of space so you dont feel squished and a ton of natural light which made for a great ambience while dining. The menu is huge! Everything is locally sourced responsibly and is organic and free of GMOs and unnecessary chemicals, not to mention FRESH! The food you are served matches the prices that you pay, so bang for your buck is a bullseye! The wait staff is so kind and welcoming and for out of towers they are more then willing to share information on great spots to hit and even better food to take advantage of. Conclusion: I would highly recommend Portage Bay Cafe to anyone traveling for business or pleasure to Seattle. Its a must on any trip itinerary!