Salmon Bay Cafe — Restaurant in Seattle

Salmon Bay Cafe is the place where I truly met my stepfather. When I was about 5 years old, I met my would-be stepfather, and was, admittedly, rather rude to him. I didn’t like the idea of another man coming into my mother’s life, especially because at the time my mother and I were struggling financially and, as a young child, I wasn’t what you would call the biggest fan of change. After they married however, he asked me if I wanted to go out to breakfast with him each Saturday morning to which, of course, I sad yes. It was then that we drove the 8 minute drive to Salmon Bay Cafe, where I always was given a cup of crayons to color my menu with, and served a chocolate chip pancake in the shape of Mickey Mouse with bacon on the side. And of course, we talked about everything: from how 2nd grade was going and the playground drama to his past girlfriends, family, and education. It was there, at Salmon Bay Cafe, with its always inquisitive and ever-so amiable waitresses that I felt comfortable with him in my life. Over pancakes and breakfast burritos I met my stepfather and he met me. Now, as an 18 year old about to attend college in the fall, I write this with only love and likely nativity - but please, to anyone reading this, go to Salmon Bay Cafe. Drink their hot chocolate, smell the scents of robust coffee and crayons, hear the sounds of children laughing, and maybe, if you listen close enough, you’ll be able to hear a man and his daughter growing to truly love...

Ballard’s Secret In-Plain-Sight — Salmon Bay Café

Why isn’t this place more packed? It serves delicious, hearty, and sometimes innovative diner fare until 2pm (3 on weekends), at great prices, in a neighborhood not known for sit-down cheap eats. The current owners cleaned the place up a few years ago, retaining the nautical theme that has been delighting fisherfolk and dockworkers for ages. They updated the banquettes and added a full bar. These days the servers are less sneery and more cheery (sorry sassy waitress lovers). The café is bright and airy, not dismal like the bars nearby. So why is it still easy to get a seat?

The problem has to be Shilshole Ave. That sleepy drag—just two lanes—creates an outsize psychological barrier, making the Salmon Bay side of the street seem “un-Ballard” in its lack of gentrification. Adding a crosswalk would help, as would clean-up of the railroad tracks (they’re rather rutty in places).

But hey, Ballard people, cast off your perceptual filters! Take advantage of this light-filled little secret in your backyard—a taste of real, old waterfront Ballard.

(Side trip: check out the Salmon Bay pocket park next...

I really wanted to love this place but it was kind of disappointing. One of my party was 5 mins late. They came to take our order after a few minutes but we weren't ready. After that, it took about 25 minutes before we decided to flag the server and get our order in. I understand we should've been ready earlier, but at the same time it doesn't take 25 minutes to look at the menu and decide.

Service aside, food was also rather disappointing. I got the shrimp Eggs Benedict and it was too shrimpy for my taste. It wasn't bad per say, but they used tiny shrimp that totally overpowered the rest of the dish. That might have just been a poor dish choice on my part. Regardless, the other person in my party got french toast which came with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. While she said the french toast was good, the scrambled eggs and bacon side simply did not look appetizing at all.

On top of that, portions were single serve for about $15-20, whereas other brunch places I've been to are the same price point and are basically two giant servings.

I'm sorry to say I'm probably not returning. There are better brunch...