Portage Bay Cafe opens earlier than expected

Posted by Geeky Swedes on July 9th, 2009

After nine months of planning, designing, building and prepping, Portage Bay Cafe is officially open at 2821 NW Market.

We talked with owner Amy Fair Gunnar who says that they were hoping to open on Friday but since they got all their permits lined up early, they decided to open today. The popular cafe prides itself in serving locally-grown organic food. The Ballard location is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the third location for Portage Bay. They’re also in South Lake Union and Roosevelt.

Tags: Ballard Facebook

Nina

This is great news! Portage Bay Cafe in Seattle has been one of the most well known places to grab an organic breakfast. The long lines out the door at the U-District location definitely indicate their popularity and deliciousness! Especially with the toppings bar!

leavinglasballard

i wanted to make it there for breakfast today but had to settle for lunch. i thought it was good but not spectacular, and the portions were HUGE . personally, i prefer a meal-sized meal that's appropriately priced; totally un-american, i know. i still plan to rally myself earlier and try their risotto benedict the next friday i have off.

leavinglasballard

i wanted to make it there for breakfast today but had to settle for lunch. i thought it was good but not spectacular, and the portions were HUGE . personally, i prefer a meal-sized meal that's appropriately priced; totally un-american, i know. i still plan to rally myself earlier and try their risotto benedict the next friday i have off.

HeatherHeather

I went by yesterday and was told the hours were 8-2 daily...? I don't care, I'm still going to hit it up today! BEST NEWS EVER! I'll be a regular, heh.

amy fair gunnar

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on our first day! To JMI, you're right, we had planned on opening on Tuesday at 7:30, but got delayed by city closures. We're very excited to have made it happen today. We didn't get permitted until 10:30 and opened at 10:45!

Amy & John
Owners, Portage Bay Cafe

Claudia

My family and I had lunch there today. The food was tasty, but I do hope they will add a child's menu, or at least have some smaller plates to order.

While there, I saw no less than 4 small children in the restaurant. The menu items are adult-sized portions but it doesn't seem to me a child can eat such a large amount - at least one of mine can't, my daughter, who at age 5 and 38 lbs doesn't necessarily want to eat the spicy entrees that I crave so splitting the entree with her doesn't really work for me.

Claudia

My family and I had lunch there today. The food was tasty, but I do hope they will add a child's menu, or at least have some smaller plates to order.

While there, I saw no less than 4 small children in the restaurant. The menu items are adult-sized portions but it doesn't seem to me a child can eat such a large amount - at least one of mine can't, my daughter, who at age 5 and 38 lbs doesn't necessarily want to eat the spicy entrees that I crave so splitting the entree with her doesn't really work for me.

Cass

I JUST had lunch there. I had 3 eggs with onions and cheese. Chicken sausage and fruit. Delicious! The staff are really helpful and nice and the environment is very relaxing. Go visit!

Meghan O'Connor

I hope they get enough business to stay open, since, you know, most people are at work during the week in those hours.

gurple

The one in the U district certainly does. Dunno how long it took to build their reputation to that point, though, or how much that reputation will carry over to the Ballard location.

I hope they hit that magical balance between enough business to stay open and not so much that I can't get in the door.

Fauxnothing

I hope they fill up that huge place with non-driving people, as there is never any parking there. The lot fills up quickly with Curves and Stone Gardens, plus employees and folks who rent the lofts. And, there's virtually no street parking.

your neighbor

I find it humorous that people drive to Curves to exercise.

Fauxnothing

Me, too.

Bill

I take the elevator up and down at the LA Fitness.

kim1234

and they're usually the ones that will circle the parking lot for a front spot and have the gall to get out sweaty in their gym clothes. proven intelligence!

Jmi

Just a heads-up - I went this morning - 7/9 - for breakfast as I'd heard they opened on Tuesday. They were serving this morning but the 7:30am opening (when I showed up) is wrong, they told us they wouldn't be open on weekdays 'til 8:00. Good Luck and so glad they're in the neighborhood.