We've been going to Both Ways Cafe for so many years and were concerned when it changed hands, but to our delight, it's got the same great food, people and wonderful neighborhood vibe. Seriously, the omelette and biscuits and fruit were amazing today and my husband had the eggs benny and commented on how the hollandaise sauce was terrific. We love this place, but get there early! read more

Disclaimer: great neighbourhood place but not quite a gourmet breakfast spot if that's your aim. I'd visit over and over. The space is super cute and wholesome, exactly the vibe we were looking for. We all genuinely enjoyed our meals and had a great experience overall, even if it wasn't a 5star The drinks were outstanding (definitely the highlight), the staff were warm and efficient, and the food came out quickly. The biscuits are freshly baked and leaned more savoury than sweet though the flavour doesn't quite come through. French toast was a bit drier than expected, and the eggs were good , more dense than light. If you love that kind, these omelettes are for you. read more

We were in the area and wanted brunch, so we found a highly rated spot nearby (Both Ways Cafe) and were unfortunately disappointed. Service was pretty inattentive, took a while to take our orders and seemed like they wanted us to hurry up. They also never came by to refill waters while they were chatty with other customers. Favoritism to regulars is fine, but when at the expense of other customers, I'd say the business isn't very welcoming. Omelette - was very underwhelmed. Everything was pulling water from my mouth, so I sipped water after every bite. I guess that helps me feel full, but I was shocked. The potatoes were seasoned well, with a nice saltiness, but were dry. Most biscuits are already dry, but I felt like the biscuit here was somehow drier and had nothing to pair with. Biscuits and gravy exists for a reason, so the added biscuit seems flawed to begin with. I enjoyed the random assortment of fruits, but nothing special. The omelette itself was okay, but followed the same common theme of being more dry than expected. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Everywhere else in Columbia City/Seward Park area is closed on Monday. I thought I would give Both Ways Cafe a chance after 2 cockroach sightings about 2 years ago. The food was average, and the service a bit below average. The place is cute, unique and cozy. There were No cockroach sightings today. My water glass sat empty for far too long, and the waitress seemed disinterested In me , and it is not busy here. I think this place has ha all it's chances. read more

I had the two eggs breakfast and my food was cold. My mom had spam, rice and eggs and her rice tasted like fish. I believe this place may have been understaffed at the time. No one ever asked how our food was and it took a long time for us to be acknowledged when we walked in the door. read more

This cafe has been a fun spot to treat ourselves to a great breakfast these last few years- they have lunch all day too but I gravitate towards biscuits and gravy like a crazy person. Anyhoo this is my fav biscuits and gravy in Seattle. I think based on this latest visit the gravy recipe has changed a little this time (different level of seasoning) but while it's different it's still very good. You know what hasn't changed tho? The amazing incredible biscuits- TALL AS A MAN I'd say, a good crust on the outside while still soft on the inside. Even if you aren't getting biscuits and gravy you really should substitute your toast with the biscuit. Food is most important to me but the charming decor and dining room makes it feel really special and personal. The service is friendly and fast, willing to answer questions about the menu, and focused on making sure you have everything you want/need even on your way out. anyway- BISCUITS! Get some! read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Biscuit & Gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here on a Saturday for brunch, and it was super packed! Since it was a pretty cold day, most people opted to sit inside. I came with a fairly large party of 6, but what was originally estimated to be a 30 min wait tuned into a 1-1.5 hour wait :/ Upon finally getting seated, I ordered the biscuits and gravy with 2 eggs. The wait for the food was super long as well, taking well over half an hour, probably over an hour. The food, upon being served, was unfortunately not really worth the wait either. The gravy on the biscuits was quite under seasoned, with everyone at our table feeling the need to sprinkle copious amounts of salt on it, and the biscuits were super dense. The eggs were done nicely though, so that's a plus. Overall, I won't be coming back here again, if I wanted to wait so long for food I'd be better off driving somewhere else. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Biscuit & Gravy with 2 eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I usually order my breakfast at Both Way Delivered Saturday's breakfast was very disappointing. New cook? Crowded? The biscuit sauce was bland, the biscuit wasn't cooked enough. Raw in the middle. The Bacon ( side order) was over cooked. Hard and very dry. My order was 2 egg breakfast and the potatoes were still raw in the middle. This is the second time the side of bacon was over cooked and not hot. ( left over from previous day and just warmed)? I live very close so I try to order from neighborhood businesses. I'll think twice next week read more

Delicious brunch at Both Ways Cafe! And the prices were reasonable. Get there early as it will fill up quickly. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Two Egg Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love this quaint café! They have a variety of delicious meals! They also have a little pastry case! I love their potatoes with cheese and bacon! They have a lot of unique dishes that you may want to try! I would definitely recommend this restaurant! They also have room for families and there's also outdoor seating weather permitted! I think they also have wine and beer! You will not be disappointed! read more

Pretty sure this is under new ownership? Not sure if that's whats up but, was there on a recent morning and had the most disappointing breakfast I've ever had. and that's including breakfasts I've cooked for myself! I've been a regular customer over the past at least 7 years. It was not busy. It took 40 minutes to get two biscuits, grits, eggs! the eggs were cold, the grits were soupy and the biscuit was hard. it took another 30 minutes to get our waitress to bring us a check! Will not be going back anytime soon. it's too bad, I used to love this place. read more

I was pretty disappointed. Came in and tables were open but all were dirty. Felt like I was a bother, wanting to sit down. Ordered a sandwich and she brought the wrong one. It was good- bread was especially good. Cute place, whimsical but also really messy, but likely the focus is more on catering. Could see if you lived in neighborhood this would be good spot, possibly the pastries would be good, we didn't try any. May try again- perhaps I just got there on a bad day. read more

The service was spotty and weird. I thought "disaffected PacNW service" had come and gone, but I was wrong. When we put our names in we asked if we could have coffee while we waited...were were told that they were too busy for it that? Then, as we were waiting, other folks that had put their names in were sipping on coffee? What the heck? Luckily the food, and especially the ambiance, were great! Everything came out fresh and looked like it was probably made from scratch. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - veggie omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A regular breakfast spot for us. Love the neighborhood local vibe. The sweets in the case are always a hit. Fun mimosas. Love the servers, especially the always entertaining Amanda! Is it the weekend yet? Ready to go back! read more

Food was good, & that's it. Waited for outside seating because I had the pup, no problem. It is right by the road. Got seated at a dirty table - not wiped at all. For dog friendly? The water bowls outside are disgusting and don't look like they've been changed all week. I bring my own anyway. I ordered an iced tea, small glass which is fine but wasn't offered a refill once. Service meh, ambiance inside I have no idea. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Gross man - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This has been the only time I've ever been here, but we loved it so much, that I have to mention it! We got there, shortly after the breakfast rush and before the lunch peeps started rolling in. It's a small little spot with about the same amount of seats outside, as there are inside. Tons of neighborhood folks roll in and out of here, so that's the first good sign, another was that people were willing to sit outside, in the CHILLY NW weather, to enjoy a meal there! I don't blame them, because the location is cozy, the service is straight to the point, but also loving, at the same time AND.....the food was insane y'all! The potatoes and biscuits! Oh...myyy!!! read more

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VERY walkable neighborhood - Lakewood. Also if someone really cannot go up 3 steps inside the historic 1909 cafe bar with original mirrored wood bar, just rool the wheelchair up to one of the outdoor tables iin the heated tented section of the outdoor cafe. Perfectly walkable neighborhood! On Bus Route 50, near Lake Washington Bouvlevard Greenway bike/pedestrian lakeside path. Walking distance from light rail and Columbia City. If you come often all the staff will know you and you'll get to know other regulars too. Hang out with your neighbors! Friendly local hang out. Biscuits are the best. Friendly casual service. Don't be in a hurry here. Enjoy the local scene! Extra busy breakfast time and weekends. read more

The food, ambiance, and service were all fantastic! It was a beautiful day so it was great to sit in the outdoor area with our pups!

New owner, new adorable space makeover, sweet servers but... the food wasn't just not at all what I'd expected from BWC, mostly, they had some of the best biscuits in town and... I'm sad to say it's just... not remarkable. It's okay. Like I would get toast next time probably as the French toast looked amazing. The grits made me rethink if I like grits at all so to be fair, that may the issue but they were unflavored - no salty no sweet. We loved the vibe so sorry to say, but the food wasn't the same caliber of the previous BWC. read more

I recently discovered Both Ways Cafe in the Seward Park/Lakewood community. First the food is really good and they are accommodating to what you like. Potatoes with hollandaise? No problem. Half a sandwich? No problem. Today Manda gave me the best service! She even remembered what I ordered last time! Sam, the owner's mom, works there, and she is so gracious. Both Ways Cafe is a kischetchy kind of place like the old cafes on Phinney Ridge before Seattle got too big for its britches, stickers and eclectic art, an atmosphere with mismatched tables and chairs, the Neighbourhood joint you've always wanted, but didn't know you needed. Check it out! Get there early on the weekend, be kind to the servers, and chill out, for crumb sake. Great food, plenty of it, and really nice people. A total winner! read more

This is a very cute, very Seattle cafe. The wait is long, the line is always there, and for good reason. The staff is amazing and delight. The food takes a long time to come out, and it's all hand made, hand cooked with every ounce of love and care. And it's absolutely impeccable! Be ready to relax, be in no rush, and enjoy time to talk with your friends/family. This cozy dive is a room away from home. read more

My first visit here. The place is almost like Sanford and Son inside, so I was a tad apprehensive. The breakfast sandwich without tomato was slamming! For my taste, I added Tapitio and their house Jelly, which was great by the way. The side of grits were good too. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Breakfast sandwich with bacon, minus tomato. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Delicious breakfast plate, I'm so happy they included a little side of fruit even though it was technically only grits or fruit. Lovely cafe where you can sit outside...I noticed the birds know about it too! The staff are super sweet and they even have a little pastry case inside. Highly recommend this local small business and would come again read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Truth be told we don't go out for breakfast very often. My wife is an amazing cook so it seems a little crazy to go out for something that we can have at home so easily. There are always exceptions to that line of thinking of course and going for a walk on a nice morning is one of them. Getting delicious baked goods is another very compelling reason. That brings us to Both Ways Cafe. It's walkable to us and serves up excellent baked goods and a commendable breakfast burrito. If you're in the Seward Park area it's worth a trip. We'll definitely be back to try more of everything. read more

I come here often and the food is incredible every time!! Everything is fresh and made to order, so order yourself a nice hot coffee as you skim the newspaper while the magic happens in the kitchen. Browse the art inside and peak at todays offerings in the pastry case. If you're feeling very PNW today, grab a seat outside. What's not to love? From the homemade biscuits to the rotating flavors of home made pastries (coffee cake, cookies, scones, muffins etc)!! If you're too full from my favorite Northwest scramble or veggie sausage breakfast burrito, you're gonna want to take some home, trust me it's worth it EVERY time. read more

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I LOVE THEIR EGG BISCUIT SANDWICH! the biscuits are so warm, flaky but not dry, fluffy on the inside. Sometimes the service takes awhile but definitely worth it! also if it's raining it might be hard to find seating inside. read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Biscuit Biscuit and Egg Sandwich w/ Home Fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Tip: Order the French toast "custard-y." I hate French toast when it's just an egg wash on the outside and dry bread on the inside, so I tend to be very cautious ordering it in restaurants. On my first visit I explained that to the server and what came out was the MOST BEAUTIFULLY custard-y, bread-pudding-y French toast I've ever had in my life! It was so good that I thought about it for weeks afterward, and didn't even bother to look at the menu the second time I went in. I just said "French toast with sausage, please," and so did my friend, because she hadn't ordered it the last time and was consequently envious. Unfortunately, I didn't mention my love of fully-soaked custard-y toast this time and what came out had a layer of soaked egg batter on the outside but a core of mean, dry bread on the inside. I know some people prefer it that way, but they're nuts and it was a crushing disappointment after the heavenly first time. I *HATE* sending stuff back to the kitchen but I also really hate choking down dry bread, so I girded my loins and asked for the not-dry, custard-y preparation. What came out was GLORIOUS. Just look at the beautiful cross section of toast in my photo, fully saturated with delicious custard-y vanilla cinnamon batter! OMG so good! The manager (and owner?) swung by the table to check on us and didn't seem to resent that we'd sent the French toast back. She said that there's sometimes a variation in how the house-baked bread turns out and how the individual cooks prepare the food, but telling the server you want it "custard-y" will absolutely guarantee they get it right every time. I'm so glad because I'm going to be there a lot! read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Make sure to order the white bread French Toast "custardy" to get a fully-saturated, fluffy cross-section like this one! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a review for two visits to Both Ways Cafe, 6/2/19 and 3/21/21. 4 stars for the near identical items ordered onsite/preCovid and takeout/pandemic 1 year mark, but an added star for the stellar service received. Easy to locate, off of Rainier Ave S on Genessee in South Seattle, before Columbia City and near Leschi/Seward Park. It is rare to locate established neighborhood breakfast/brunch spots, especially after the one year mark of the C19 pandemic. This is off the beaten path, but worthwhile to seek out especially if you don't want to wait in a long line at another popular Columbia City breakfast/brunch spot. *Visit #1 6/2/19, I found myself at Both Ways Cafe after picking up my Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event gear from Seward Park. I ordered the Spinach and Havarti scramble with breakfast potatoes, biscuit/butter/jam, and fruit garnish. I added also a side of bacon and a tasty mocha. I remembered enjoying sitting at the sunny counter by the entrance. Everything just hit the spot and I was happy to try this popular spot. Posts from fellow Yelpers and Richard, Ly, and Wendy reminded me to keep BWC on my breakfast/brunch radar screen. *Visit #2 3/21/21, I stopped in after photographing the Oberto and Borrachini's Bakery business closures. The end for two Seattle iconic locations. Thankfully, Both Ways Cafe continues to exist as the only business on their corner. It was pouring rain and saw hardy souls having brunch under the outdoor tarps. I was glad they had a posted menu by the entrance, as their online menu was in very tiny font beyond the power of my reading glasses. They were doing brisk takeout for four other parties, while I waited for my order. However, creature of habit, I ordered the Spinach and Havarti scramble with breakfast potatoes, BIG biscuit/butter/jam, and fruit garnish. Again, another side of bacon, but no mocha this visit. I did buy three giant cookies though: chocolate chip, peanut butter, and ginger molasses. I ended up eating this breakfast/brunch entree in three parts though: the bacon while on the road, two hours later the microwaved scramble and breakfast potatoes, and two days later the biscuit halved with butter/jam and butter/honey. Tasty, but I do recommend eating all components together shortly after receipt. The cookies were ranked as tied for 1st were the chocolate chip (me) and peanut butter (The Homie), bringing up 2nd place was the ginger molasses (me). This was more of a gingersnap (good with tea) versus moist, chewy texture at other sites. I did see remnants of breakfast breads and scones while onsite (come early for better selection), but I'm a sucker for stacks of homemade cookies. Both visits demonstrated though quality and welcoming service whether onsite or as takeout. Glad to see that Both Ways Cafe going strong during the pandemic. read more

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I was feeling in the mood for something brunchy and lunchy at the same time. Both Ways is an ideal place for such indecision. Stuff tried: Veg and havarti sandwich: mushrooms, zucchini and some onions in there. Nice spruced up fancy grilles cheese! Spjnach and gruyere scramble: appreciate the use of cheeses not common in most breakfast egg dishes! Very yummy Biscuits: i like the high rise biscuits here flaky and crumbly! Soup o the day: i think today was some type of vegetable chili? It was good hearty. Chocolate chip cookie: they strategically place all or their in house baked goods at the entrance for those impulse buyers like moi. Wow this was fantastic! Thin and crisp loaded with melty chips Good amount of outdoor seats available! More stuff to try! read more

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Very good food, server was super sweet and helpful. Got the bfast burrito which was great and the house special egg scramble

Came in on a Thursday morning. Only one waiter, who was frazzled and greeted us with three different reasons as to why she couldn't serve us. Ordered ham and cheese sandwich, turkey pesto sandwich, and french toast. An hour later, when the food came, ham and cheese was utterly flavorless, as was the french toast (and nearly raw, to boot). Pesto sandwich was perfectly fine. read more

First time here for breakfast after walking at Seward Park. Super friendly wait staff and the woman who took care of us couldn't have been more accommodating. Thought about ordering biscuits and gravy and she was more than happy to give me a sample of the gravy which I might add, was some of the best I've ever had and that's a huge statement! Nice and creamy and lots of pieces of sausage which most times you don't get...it's mostly gravy. Ended up ordering the ham and swiss omelette and I wanted it soft with no brown. She said, I got you, and she did. It was perfect although I could have used a little bit more cheese inside. I also bought a caramel pecan roll which I haven't dived into yet but looks delicious. Definitely a place you should try! read more

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The atmosphere is very laid back and easy going. It has a small eating area inside and some seating outside. I got a grilled sandwich and it was a little overcooked. It was still pretty good though. Their soda is in cans, not a fountain. I thought the menu was a little limited but was able to find something yummy. There is lots of street parking around. I parked down the street and walked a block there. It's a cozy place that is good for a quick bite. read more

This place is cool. Everyone there was friendly. Got just the two egg breakfast but it came with a pile of bacon, great roasted potatoes and some fruit. The big hit was the amazing crunchy, soft, delicious biscuit. I would go back just for that! Seemed like homemade jam too. They have great drinks, coffee, sandwich specials. Baked goods looked snacking. This would be my go to spot. read more

Amazing omelette special!!! Perfect place to have a brunch and chill! Service is great and the food portion is huge!! read more

Such a lovely spot to have breakfast with family on a Saturday morning. Nice funky vibe, lots of freshly baked temptations to drool over as we waited for our plates and great coffee. The service was good but the best part was the owner Sam. She was frosting gf cupcakes for a catering job and overheard my table chatting about me being gluten free. (It was tough seeing all the treats behind the counter.) She asked me about my reasons for being gluten free (family with celiac disease) and then mentioned she was considering adding gf baked goods. After our breakfast arrived she gave me one of the gf cupcakes she was frosting. How cool is that? And it was really good! The breakfast was really, really good too. Biscuits the size of a fist, inch thick toast and some of the best home fries I've had in a long time. Do yourself a favor and stop by The Both Ways Cafe. read more

Impressive biscuits, half AP& Cake flour I think. Skip potatoes and they may offer fresh fruit unless they run out. Pastry case, cookies, muffins, and scones are not to be ignored. Well trafficked local spot, so, it can get bust. Parking might be a short walk, but shouldn't be too bad. We DID walk away at 1300, the list was 30 minutes and they closed at 2 that day. Open at 8 daily. read more

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Cute cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and fresh baked breads. Got the Denver omelette - standard and eggs tasted like they might be carton? Could be wrong. Honey wheat bread was tasty. Home fries were fine. Got blueberry muffin to go (not too sweet and great amounts of crunchy goodness around the muffin!) and a biscuit (haven't eaten it yet but my friend said they were yummy). read more

Both Ways Cafe & Catering - Denver omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Okay experience here. Stopped in on Saturday around 11:40 for brunch and we waited a bit for a table. The restaurant was slowing down, so we didn't anticipate a long wait. We were seated within 5-10 mins at the community table. My friend ordered an americano upon sitting. After about 15mins, her drink still hasn't come so she ended asking a passing waiter for a coffee. Our food finally arrived another 10 minutes later. My biscuit and gravy (and eggs) were super bland and the biscuit was hard. I wasn't super impressed. Then two checks were dropped off from two different servers, one had the americano that never came and the other didn't. I wouldn't come back just because food was subpar. read more

Love this neighborhood treasure! Fresh food for breakfast --especially-- and lunch or just sit down and have a lovely fresh baked goodie and a great hot cup of coffee... read more