Living in a coastal state certainly has its perks. Our waterfront dining options are second to none here in Washington—you can enjoy everything from fried seafood with ocean views to fine dining by some of our shimmering lakes.

But when it comes to waterfront dining in Washington, nothing beats Ray’s Boathouse, Cafe & Catering. Between the restaurant’s rich history, the breathtaking Puget Sound views and the genuinely delicious food, it’s no wonder this place is considered such a beloved gem.

Tucked in the corner of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood on the shores of Shilshole Bay, Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering is a popular place to dine in any season.
Giles Belin / Google
Unless you have a reservation or arrive right at opening time, getting a table here in the summer is no easy task. However, the winter sunsets here are equally as enchanting.
It all started in 1939, when Ray Lichtenberger moved his growing boat rental and bait house to this location and opened up a coffee house a few years later.
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook
Ray built the neon sign that flashes "RAY’S" in 1952. And throughout the 1960s, this place operated as both a laid back fish and chips cafe and a boat rental business.
In the 1970s, Russ Wohlers, Earl Lasher and Duke Moscrip bought Ray's and transformed the place.
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook
But, while Ray's Boathouse is known as a fine dining spot, Ray's Cafe, which is upstairs, has a bit more of a casual environment. Guests can dine where they feel most comfortable.
Ray's Boathouse is downstairs, with plenty of tables by the massive windows that overlook the Sound...
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook

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... but if you're hoping to dine outdoors, you'll have to eat at Ray's Cafe.
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook
Neither option will disappoint—the food here is as good as the views. But if you sit on the Ray's deck on a summer afternoon, you can see the Olympic Mountains pretty clearly.
One might assume that a place like this would be focused on seafood, and you'll definitely have some tasty fish and shellfish options on the menu.
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook
From salmon and halibut to mussels and chowder, Ray's serves a scrumptious selection of whatever is available locally.
But both Ray's Boathouse and Ray's Cafe offer other options as well, like steak and pasta.
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook
And whether you opt for something by land or by sea, you can't go wrong—the food here is all fantastic.
Ray's is open daily from 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Ray's Boathouse, Cafe & Catering / Facebook
You can make dinner reservations for Ray's Boathouse, but the cafe is walk-in only.

Have you ever enjoyed a meal at Ray’s?

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Ray's Boathouse, 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA