Wild sockeye salmon from Bristol Bay have a distinctive wild flavor and ruby red flesh. At Ray’s, Seattle’s best waterfront restaurant, we honor the hardworking fisher people of Alaska, by simply grilling this beautiful fish over applewood with salt and pepper, to let the fish shine.

Enjoy our Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon special from Chef Kevin at Ray’s Cafe and Boathouse from November 17-23!

Grilled Fresh Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon with onion soubise, sauteed Brussels sprouts and mushrooms, hazelnut gremolata

Who does Salmon Week support?
Seattle Salmon Week supports the 8,000+ Alaska fishermen and the long-term protections of Bristol Bay by sharing the story of its salmon and its people and taking a step further to connect patrons with the food on their plate.

About Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon + Bristol Bay, Alaska:

With its vibrant red color and incredible taste, Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon is a showstopper on any plate. Packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and essential nutrients, it’s one of the world’s most sustainable superfoods.

For over 130 years, generations of small-boat fishermen have been hand-harvesting this wild salmon in the pristine waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska. This region is home to the largest wild salmon run on the planet! Each summer, more than 8,000 fishermen head out to Bristol Bay to bring this rich, abundant, all-natural salmon to families and tables across the U.S.

Bristol Bay isn’t just a place, it’s a living symbol of sustainability and community. Vast, spectacular, and thriving, it’s an ecosystem that has supported fishing families for over a century. And thanks to world-renowned fishery management, it continues to deliver the premium, wild-caught sockeye that chefs and seafood lovers can’t get enough of.

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Our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Cafe will be serving up your favorite dishes and seasonal specials on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, 2025!

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

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

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 dessertfor $85 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 dessertfor $85 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.

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

Christmas Day: reservations 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.

Kindly review our Christmas guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties up to 10 guests (including highchairs).
*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 at Ray’s Boathouse & Cafe!

The post Christmas Eve and Day Dining at Ray’s 2025 appeared first on Ray's.

Years ago we decided to source barrels of hand selected Bourbon from iconic producers near Louisville such as Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forrester to help support our December Steakhouse Pop-Up.  After a few years of doing this we started to think internationally. After some discussion we decide to visit Mexico and source a barrel of tequila.  In doing our research it became obvious to us that Herradura located in La Hacienda de San José del Refugio in the town of Amatitán in the lowlands of Jalisco (nine miles south of the town of Tequila) was our destination.

The Hacienda Herradura was founded in the 1500’s, the birthplace of tequila as we know it today, and the creators of the Reposado category. Upon arriving the history of this location was apparent. This is something that is so deep and amazing that we don’t have time to explore it here, but I highly recommend that you do.

With only enough time to be away from Ray’s for a few days our experience was a bit of a whirlwind. What sticks with me the most is the level of hospitality and kindness that not only the ambassadors of Herradura provided to us, but the people of Amatitán in general.  From restaurant and hotel staff, to drivers and passerby’s, the feeling of being welcome and appreciated was memorable.

Here’s some highlights:

• Our guided tour took us from the estate Blue Weber agave fields, to the giant agave ovens, and then the distillery.
• It culminated with us sitting in a private tasting room hand pulling samples from 3 different barrels of Double Reposado, an expression that is only available to those who visit in person and purchase a whole barrel.
• This Double Reposado spends 11 months in charred American White Oak barrels, then expert distillers transfer the tequila to fresh barrels for an additional month of flavor-elevating rest.
• This novel process results in a refined, intense sipping tequila.
• Of the three barrels we tasted one stood out as exemplifying the true micro climate at Casa Herradura. It has the roundness of tropical fruit pulled in from the trees planted around the estate which the native bats cross pollinate.
• This pollen and fruit plays with the ambient yeast that inoculates the open fermentation tanks.
• This tropical flavor/aroma is mixed with the sweet potato style flavor coming from whole roasted agave piñas producing an amazing tour of Herradura in a glass. True terroir.

We highly recommend you visit Seatt and give this a try for yourself.  We hope that you get transported back in time to a place where tequila was first born.

– Douglas Zellers, Ray’s GM and Co-Owner

Enjoy Ray’s Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila in our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Cafe!

Boathouse

The Plot Twist – Ray’s Herradura Double Reposado Tequila, house tamarind syrup, lime juice, ancho chili rim, large rock

Cafe

Raymance – Ray’s Herradura Double Reposado Tequila, Benedictine, hibiscus syrup, cranberry, orange bitters, lime

The post Ray’s Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Is Here! appeared first on Ray's.

Book a cozy Seattle Winter wedding at the best waterfront wedding venue in Seattle!

When you book a wedding at Ray’s private Northwest Room in January, February or March 2026 you not only get our best rate of the year but you also receive 10% off photo and floral services and 15% off DJ services from our partners listed above!

Contact Ray’s events team to book today! 206-789-6309 or rayscatering@rays.com

The post Seattle Winter Wedding Special 2026! appeared first on Ray's.

Make Waves with Surf Ballard

Just down the road from Ray’s, Surf Ballard invites you to dive into Puget Sound in a whole new way. They offer surfboard and wetsuit rentals, lessons, and plenty of local knowledge for beginners and pros alike. There’s no better way to start your day on the water—and you might even catch a few seals cruising by.

Get Inspired at the National Nordic Museum

A cornerstone of the community, the National Nordic Museum celebrates the art, culture, and innovation of the Nordic countries that shaped Ballard’s roots. Wander through stunning exhibitions, discover Nordic design, and enjoy a moment of reflection in their serene courtyard. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves art, history, or a good story.

Stroll Through the Ballard Brewery District

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’re in luck. Ballard’s Brewery District is a hop-lover’s paradise, with more breweries per square mile than anywhere else in Seattle. Each spot has its own personality making it the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and tasting adventure. A few faves include Lucky Envelope, Reuben’s Brews, Stoup Brewing, Urban Family Brewing, and more. We are proud to offer many of these beers on tap at Ray’s! If you’re interested in something a little more spirited, look no further than Wildwood Spirits Distillery and Tasting Room in Ballard.

Adventure Awaits with Fish Finders

For those drawn to life on the water, Fish Finders offers guided fishing trips right out of Shilshole Bay. Whether you’re chasing salmon, lingcod, or simply a peaceful day on the Sound, their local guides know these waters like family. It’s a quintessential Ballard experience—and who knows, you might bring home the catch of the day!

Relax at Golden Gardens Park

Enjoy your day the local way, with a trip to Golden Gardens. This beloved beach park is just around down the road from Ray’s and perfect for a sandy stroll, a game of volleyball, or a cozy fire pit evening with friends. As the sun dips behind the Olympic Mountains, you’ll see why Ballard sunsets have become legend.

Discover Art & Design Around Town

Ballard’s creative energy shines through local artists and makers like Henry and Andy Miller, whose bold murals and sculptures add life and color to the neighborhood. Keep your eyes open as you wander—you never know where you’ll find your next favorite piece of art. Visit MyBallard for neighborhood news, business listing and more.

Make Ray’s Your Home Base

After a day of exploring Ballard’s best, there’s no better way to unwind than with a front-row seat to the bay. Enjoy fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and the unbeatable sunset views that have made Ray’s Boathouse a Seattle icon for over 50 years.

Ballard is our home—and we’re proud to share it with you. Come see what makes this corner of Seattle so unforgettable.

The post Ray’s Guide to Exploring Ballard appeared first on Ray's.

Chef Kevin and our talented culinary team have created new Fall menus for both our 1st floor Boathouse and 2nd floor Café, highlighting the best of the Pacific Northwest this season.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, award-winning happy hour, or a memorable dinner, Ray’s is your go-to Seattle restaurant for every occasion. Join us daily for:

• 2nd Floor Café – Walk-in casual dining for lunch, happy hour, and dinner starting at 11:30am. Plus, enjoy the covered and heated deck (open weather permitting) for unbeatable views of Shilshole Bay.

Pacific Northwest Manila Clams
house-smoked bacon, leek, white wine, cream, apple cider, butter, herbs, toasted baguette

Lacinato Kale Salad
sliced apples, pickled shallots, candied pecans, maple-balsamic vinaigrette GF/DF

Seared Oregon Albacore Cobb Salad

Pan Seared Fresh Wild Alaskan Halibut
Uli’s chorizo, corona beans, white wine, kale, cherry tomatoes GF

Fusilli Pasta
creamy tomato sauce, Grana Padano, basil

• 1st Floor Boathouse – Elegant seafood dining with happy hour and dinner service starting at 5pm daily.

Arugula Salad
Honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar, Marcona almonds, red onion GF/V

Mixed Greens Salad
candied pecans, Craisins, maple-pecan vinaigrette, blue cheese, pears GF/V

Fennel Dusted Albacore
pear chutney, hazelnuts, brown butter vinaigrette, chive oil GF

Roasted Delicata Squash
fried sage, brown butter vinaigrette, whipped goat cheese, toasted walnuts

Fresh Burrata
roasted red and gold beets, pistachio pesto, orange, toasted pistachio V/GF

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to take in the Puget Sound, and Ray’s makes the perfect backdrop for gathering with friends and family at a true water view restaurant.

Explore our newest menus and join us for a season full of flavor and cozy waterfront moments!

The post Fall at Ray’s Boathouse: Cozy Dining, Fresh Seafood, Stunning Views appeared first on Ray's.

• Best Waterfront Dining (Gold)
• Best All-Around Restaurant (Silver)
• Best Outdoor Dining (Bronze)
• Best Happy Hour (Bronze)

For more than 52 years, Ray’s has proudly served Seattle as a locally-owned restaurant. Your continued support makes it possible for us to share the very best of the Northwest—fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and breathtaking waterfront views—day after day.

As a Seattle restaurant known for our waterfront dining, we’re grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to create memorable experiences for our community. Whether you’re here for casual dining, a special celebration, or just soaking in the sunset with friends, we’re thrilled to be your go-to spot for seafood on the water.

From the entire Ray’s team—thank you for voting for us and for being part of our story for more than five decades. Here’s to many more meals, memories, and sunsets together at your favorite water view restaurant in Seattle!

The post Ray’s Boathouse Wins Big in The Seattle Times’ Best of PNW! appeared first on Ray's.

September is one of the most magical months to visit Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard. The cotton candy sunsets reflecting across Shilshole Bay make this time of year unforgettable, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than at our Seattle restaurant right on the water.

Start your evening with our 1st floor Boathouse Happy Hour, offered nightly from 5–6pm (excluding holidays). Sip a cocktail, local beer, or a glass of wine while enjoying fresh Northwest seafood like local Albacore, mussels, and clams. It’s the perfect way to ease into the evening and celebrate the flavors of the season.

For those looking to fully settle in, our waterfront restaurant dining room is available by reservation every night, offering panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Prefer something a little more spontaneous? Our Boathouse patio is open for walk-in seating, weather permitting, so you can savor your meal in the open air with the sea breeze at your back.

From happy hour bites to elegant seafood dinners, Ray’s is the ultimate water view restaurant in Seattle to enjoy September’s beauty. Join us soon and raise a glass to sunsets, seafood, and the simple joys of waterfront dining.  Cheers!

The post Boathouse Happy Hour Stuns in September appeared first on Ray's.

1st floor Boathouse – Beautiful 3-Course Thanksgiving Dinner from Chef Kevin with children’s options.

2nd floor Cafe – Grand Holiday Thanksgiving Buffet for adults and children featuring a full Thanksgiving spread, fresh seafood, salads, appetizers, desserts and more.

RESERVE BOATHOUSE (1st floor 3-course)
Boathouse reservations are available from 11:30am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating) online for groups of 8 or fewer, including highchairs.

RESERVE CAFE (2nd floor buffet)
Cafe reservations are available from 11:00am (first seating) to 8pm (last seating) online for groups of 10 or fewer, including highchairs.

Reservations are required for all parties on Thanksgiving.

Kindly review our Thanksgiving guidelines for a seamless experience!
*Reservations for parties of up to 10 in Cafe (2nd floor) and 8 in Boathouse (1st floor) including highchairs.
*All of our availability is posted on RESY. If the time and party size you are seeking is not listed, it is not available. This includes Cafe Lounge high top seating.
*All reservations are for inside tables only.
*We cannot accommodate window seating requests.
*Walk-ins are only accepted for our bar top seating in the Cafe and Boathouse bars (both ages 21 and over). Our Cafe Lounge accepts reservations but is also ages 21 and over.
*Sorry, no promotional discounts available. Loyalty cards accepted and encouraged!

1st FLOOR BOATHOUSE DETAILS
Our first floor Boathouse will offer a delicious 3-course seasonal Fall menu of soup or salad, choice of entrée, and dessert for $85 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Our children’s menu will include a $25 traditional turkey plate (excluding tax and gratuity). A menu of our Boathouse greatest hits will also be available all day.

1st FLOOR BOATHOUSE BAR
The Boathouse bar top will be open with the 3-course menu available if the entire party is over the age of 21. No bar reservations taken, seated on a first come basis.

1st Floor Boathouse Thanksgiving 3-Course A la Carte Menu
Choose one from each course

Starters
Mushroom Velouté Soup – Sautéed chanterelle mushrooms, whipped ricotta, herbs V
Roasted Beets Salad – Whipped goat cheese, arugula, sherry vinaigrette, pistachios V/GF
Seared Oregon Albacore Tuna – Avocado mousse, chili garlic marinated cucumbers, chive oil GF DF

Entrees
Oven Roasted Turkey – Herbed stuffing, garlic whipped russet potato, green beans, cranberry, glazed carrots
Prime Rib of Beef – Spice rubbed prime rib, garlic whipped russet potato, brussels sprouts, green beans, Demi-Glace GF
Braised Delicata Squash – Braised delicata squash, farro, fried sage, butternut squash-coconut emulsion V
Alaskan Halibut – PNW pan seared halibut, cauliflower puree, potato gnocchi, house smoked bacon, brussels sprouts

Desserts
Traditional Thanksgiving pies served with vanilla bean whipped cream
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Pecan Pie
Olympic Mountain ice cream or sorbet

2nd FLOOR CAFE DETAILS
Enjoy our signature Cafe buffet upstairs for $110 per person (includes coffee, tea, juice and sodas – excludes tax and gratuity) with a variety of guest favorites.

Children 5 to 11 years old are $45 each (excluding tax and gratuity), children under age 5 dine free.

2nd FLOOR CAFÉ BAR & LOUNGE
The Cafe lounge will accept advance reservations if the entire party is over the age of 21. Cafe bar top will be available for walk ins only. Only our buffet menu will be available.

2nd Floor Cafe Thanksgiving Buffet Menu:
(some salads and desserts subject to change)

Salads & Chilled Items

• Farm Lettuces and Greens Salad spring mix, chopped romaine, sliced red onion, white balsamic vinaigrette, dried apricot, aged white cheddar cheese (GF)
• Roasted beets Salad, sherry vinaigrette, arugula, Goats milk cheese (GF)
• Market cheese board domestic and imported cheeses, marinated mozzarella balls, dried fruit (GF)
• Ray’s cured meats platter hot coppa, salame Toscano, sliced prosciutto, finocchiona salame
• Vegetable Platter grilled vegetables, olives, pickled peppers, marinated artichoke hearts
• Roasted Delicata Squash Salad pomegranate, arugula, pepitas, maple-balsamic vinaigrette (DF)
• Kale and Honeycrisp apple salad, lemon vinaigrette, honeycrisp apples, grana Padano, pickled shallot (GF)
• Caesar Salad chopped romaine lettuce, grana Padano, creamy Caesar dressing, house made croutons
• Fruit Platter honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, mixed berries (DF & GF)
• Fusili Pasta Salad butternut squash, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, Pecorino Romano cheese, paprika vinaigrette

Seafood Bar & Shucking

• Half shell oysters mignonette, cocktail, lemons (GF)
• Peel and eat prawns cocktail, horseradish. Lemons (GF)
• Dungeness crab Clusters lemon, bopo (GF)

Carving Station

• Spice rubbed prime rib of beef horseradish cream, demi-glace (GF)
• House smoked NW salmon ginger-peach compote (GF)

Hot Entrée & Side Dishes

• Manilla clams white wine, garlic, herbs and butter (GF)
• Penn cove mussels coconut curry broth (GF)
• Butter whipped Washington Russet potatoes (GF)
• Oven Roasted Turkey cranberry sauce, herbed gravy
• Pan seared PNW Rockfish roasted cherry tomatoes and mini sweet peppers, lemon-chive beurre blanc (GF)
• Traditional Herbed Stuffing
• Mac and Cheese
• Corn Pudding (GF)
• Roasted Brussels sprouts house smoked bacon, toasted garlic, chilies (GF)
• Blistered green beans garlic, lemon (GF)
• Glazed carrots brown sugar, fresh herbs, shallot, butter (GF)
• Garlic Prawns garlic, smoked paprika, chili flake, EVOO, herbs, lemon (GF & DF)

Desserts

• Mini Holiday Pies: Pumpkin, Pecan, and Apple
• Cheescake Bars: Blueberry-Lemon, Caramel
• Crème Brulees: Vanilla, Earl Grey, Chocolate
• Tartlets: Sweet Potato with toasted marshmallow fluff, Cranberry
• Chocolate Mousse
• Variety of housemade cookies

We look forward to seeing you this Thanksgiving!

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Pink Grapefruit & Strawberry Sangria – A Taste of Summer
Our guest-favorite sangria is light, fruity, and endlessly sippable. Crafted with dry rosé wine, Giffard Pamplemousses liqueur, Aperol, vodka, lemon, grapefruit, strawberry purée, and soda. It’s summer in a glass—served over rocks for the perfect chill.

Spicy Watermelon Margarita – A Sweet & Spicy Favorite
This vibrant cocktail balances juicy watermelon with a hint of heat, creating a bold and refreshing sip. A must-try for margarita lovers looking for something new. Pueblo Viejo blanco tequila, agave, lime, watermelon, jalapeño, Scrappy’s fire biters, rocks, Tajin rim.

Citrus, Spice & Everything Nice – Zero Proof, Full Flavor
Our zero-proof creation delivers layers of flavor, spice, and citrus—perfect for a mindful night out. Seedlip ‘Spice’ N/A spirit, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, up.

Enjoy these cocktails in our casual dining space—the 2nd floor Café—where panoramic views of Puget Sound create the ultimate backdrop for a late-summer evening. Pair your drinks with our signature seafood dishes, from fresh oysters to wild local salmon, and soak up the best of the season.

Visit Ray’s Café
Experience why we’re one of the top waterfront restaurants in Seattle. Join us for cocktails, casual dining, and unmatched seafood—before summer slips away.

Explore our menu or reserve your table today.

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