Really tasty diner food. Friendly and prompt service. Terrific original and authentic environment. What's not to like?!

In so many ways, you'll get a classic diner experience at Salmon Bay Cafe. The feel of age, and no recent updates in decor or furniture. The sign in sheet for tables seemed a bit unnecessary, and they seemed to have many open tables. And seemingly limited waitstaff. Food was best described as average, but, I'm not saying to avoid this place, so if you are in the area, try it out. read more

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4 stars (usually...) I love a good diner and this is often one my go-to spots in Seattle. We can usually get seated fast, and the service is usually great. I always use the coffee test to note how attentive the servers are (do they refill your coffee with out you asking? Again, usually). Their menu has a great variety from Benedicts and omelets to pancakes (I cant speak to lunch as I always stuck to breakfast; however, there is a large menu full of burgers). Most of these come with a side of potatoes/hash-browns and a side of toast (sub fruit for extra $). Some of my favorites are the Joes Scramble, The Ballard Industrial, The Magnolia Omelette, and the Pancake Combo. In general, I like everything Ive had here. And again, they are pretty consistent. ?Unfortunately, today was an off day (the food was under-seasoned, the service was a little slower, and the eggs were slathered in sour cream). Ill give them the benefit of the doubt because they're usually pretty great. read more

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Great spot for brunch! Came here a few times already after work. Great service and food. My go to entree is always the country fried steak. Tasty and fair portion. Enough to fill you up! Will be back! read more

Salmon Bay Café - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Overall good cafe. The friendly service set it apart for me. Lots of smiles and happy dispositions. I had the chili burger with steak fries. The chili was better than average however the beef burger meat quality was lagging a bit. My wife has the omelette. She said it was the best omelette she'd ate quite some time. The 4 egg omelette was cooked just right for her. A friend had the club sandwich. Very generous and tasty turkey. Extra fresh tomato and the bread toasted just enough. It did at times get quite noisy. read more

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I had the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich and clam chowder, both were good. Service was good too. Just a little ole diner nothing special.

This is such a hard place to review because it had several highlights and several lows..... this is the place for a morning cocktail..... which we didn't get with the kids on a Monday at 930. It had several tables filled and the one waitress was in busy, it took us over 9 min to be sat and she walked pasted us several times with out a "hello" or acknowledgment that we were there. Once we sat down, she was very attentive. Food: our egg dishes were great. My quesadilla was sooooo good and huge pieces of mushrooms. However, we ordered a fruit cup and got the worst dish where the fruit was still in the skin and felt very old..... I would recommend the home fries over the hash browns. And we asked for the bacon to be extra crispy, but it was not and it was oily! the decor has a lovely old time feel throw back. Somewhere this place claims to be waterfront, but you are basically in a marina parking lot.... If you are standing up you can see small parts of water, def not water front. I would def recommend and go back, just not for the fruit! read more

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Came in on a Saturday morning, not too busy excellent service and tasty bloody marry. read more

Salmon Bay Café - Front menu - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Came for breakfast and based on the menu I look forward to stopping in for lunch. The food was not greasy but has the diner style to it, and they offer hash browns/hash brown patty/country potatoes with much of their breakfast menu. There is also a $12.50 option where you pick three items if you are over 65 which I think is a great option! Everything else on the menu falls in par with Seattle pricing - about $16-19 per meal. The huevos rancheros was really good and portioned perfectly, it also came with a potato option that I wasn't ready to indulge in. The steak was a nice maybe 5-6 oz portion with perfectly cooked eggs, in this case nice and fluffy scrambled, with crispy hash browns and an English muffin that could've used an extra cycle in the toaster. The service was very friendly and on point! The restaurant sits right along a marina but from my seat I didn't get a view but like that the restaurant was clean and decorated nautically without being dusty or grimy. Can't wait to return again and again. read more

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Ambience. B Service. A Food. B- Price. B Today found in Ballard near water. Has private parking lot. A throwback to past. Old pics on wall. Cool banquets. Nice aqua colors. Views of parking and street. Very local clientele. Has a full bar. Server very friendly seating. Good for brunch. Had the crab Benedict. Small tablespoon of fresh crabmeat. Tasty but very sparse. The poached eggs were hard boiled. Asked server to make more poached eggs and she also gave more crab meat. That satisfied to my liking as this dish is $20! Love the grill house red potatoes. They were nice and crispy and fluffy inside - "home fries!" Overall, I wouldn't rush back. It's okay today! read more

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If you're looking for a good sized breakfast, this place is not for you. Ordered the Eggs Benedict. Almost no hollandaise and almost no Hashbrowns. For $18.50 you should look elsewhere. read more

Diner breakfast. Nothing fancy. Edible and decent value. Nearby and need breakfast? This will do. Worth traveling to from another neighborhood? No. read more

friendly service and stereotypical diner/ greasy spoon foods. I bot a benedict which was good, husband ordered a special monte cristo that was yummy, and our son was thrilled his giant kid pancake came with a face (made from fruit). coffee leaves a bit to be desired but it's bottomless... cute ambiance/ theme- laid back environment perfect for a family breakfast read more

Great decaf coffee, service, omelettes, and ambience. Made for a great solo breakfast session. This place never disappoints.

I was told that everything here is exceptionally average- I thought the omlette was super good. This was an old school diner, a relic from days gone by. I'd love to come back sometime soon- was a good spot! read more

Ive been here twice for lunch. Burgers are phenomenal...I had the California burger and it was perfect...juicy and flavorful. My lunch date had the Eggs Benedict and said it was perfect. This is a small, old fashioned cafe and is somewhat hidden, but it is a real gem in my opinion. Service was good, food was great, and the menu is simple but well done. It focuses on breakfast but the lunch options are great. Negatives are that the parking lot is small, although there is plenty of street parking available, and the cafe closes at 2:00PM (not a problem for me as Im only ever in the neighborhood at lunchtime. read more

Old school fisherman's diner - service was fun, decor fits the style perfectly and the food was delish. Had the bbq salmon burger: salmon often gets lost in such a dish but it was the star here and came through just like I had hoped for. Parking is quirky but so what - you get in and relax. read more

I had two eggs with homestyle potatoes and toast this morning. It was perfect. Two eggs over easy, and delicious, perfectly-cooked potatoes with a sprinkling of scallions. The hot sauce and ketchup were both right there, in clean bottles. The coffee and service were excellent too. It's difficult, I'm sure, to get something so simple so right. Salmon Bay Cafe does! read more

Salmon Bay Cafe had a delicious smell when I walked in the door The menu has scrambles, omelettes, pancakes, burritos and more. It was hard to make a decision, but I settled on a vegetable scramble, home fries and dark rye. There is a jar of raspberry jam in the table. The portion was large and the food was delicious I could have gotten an alcoholic beverage with breakfast, if I had wanted one read more

Salmon Bay Café - Vegetable scramble, home fries and dark rye toast - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Stumbled across this awesome spot when we were cruising for breakfast on our way out of town. You can miss me with breakfast at a fancy spot; I don't want to put on my Sunday best to eat bacon and eggs. Salmon Bay Cafe has the kind of atmosphere that beckons you to come in in your jeans and kicks and have a stick to your ribs breakfast. Definitely try the eggs Bennie, they were delicious and the hollandaise sauce was excellent! read more

Salmon Bay Café - Eggs bennie and hash brown patties - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Long live old school diners! We've been looking for a diner, and that is exactly what this is. It is exactly what we expected and wanted, down to the diner coffee. The portion sizes are generous for the price, and everything we've had so far has been delicious. I had the Magnolia omelet the first time, and last time I had Eggs Benedict! They did not disappoint. Highly recommend if you are into traditional diners and diner food, you'll love this place! read more

Had the biscuits and gravy with 2 eggs and hash browns. Hash browns were the best thing about the meal. The biscuits were very dry and the gravy was paste like. The eggs were not very warm. Wife picked the place. I'll pass on this venue for future visits read more

Service is very nice Food is very good It's a cafe clean and nice not to noisy Play fun music read more

Salmon Bay is a somewhat remarkable diner on Shilshole in Ballard - it has parking and it's exactly as you expect it to be from the outside. It's a diner and it's quick, inexpensive and great for breakfast (why I came). Walk in from the side, wait to be seated at a booth or grab a spot at the bar, the atmosphere is super casual - just people looking for a meal. I came on a weekday so it wasn't full, just a few other tables. I ordered right away: Joe's scramble and a cup of coffee. Scramble with toast and hashbrowns, though here were other choices (normal diner!). The food came out hot and it was exactly what I wanted, a little slow on my coffee refill but the service was friendly and I wasn't rushed or interrupted too often during the meal. Overall, I think this is super good for what it's trying to be: pretty good food at decent prices with quick service. I will be back eventually! read more

I didn't go here for years and now it's our go to breakfast or brunch spot. I would put their Bloody Mary up against Hattie's any day. My boys love their pancakes, big juicy sausages and the biscuits and gravy. I like their Benny and have also had their French dip and chef salad. Just a great all around cafe. I work from a booth sometimes and the staff is friendly about it. read more

One of the hard things about leaving the east coast is finding a great diner on the west coast, which are usually few and far between. However, this little hidden gem in Ballard is the perfect west coast diner that you've been looking for. Each weekend is usually packed with locals. It offers a quaint dining experience, located near the locks. They feature a "Fresh Baked" item every weekend as well, anywhere from a blueberry muffin or some other interesting combo. The cinnamon rolls are brought in but they are both super fresh and delicious. I've gotten a few different omelettes here and haven't gone wrong. Just watch out for anything with bacon since it'll be a little greasier (if you don't like that). The staff is friendly and helpful in giving feedback on menu items when asked. Definitely my new local stop. read more

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I've lived in Ballard for 9 years and only just started eating at Salmon Bay. I thought it was a total dive and avoided it. But one day, the Hubs and I went and it was great. He had been before, but somehow, had never convinced me to go. Now, I'm a fan. I've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there. Each time, the food was good. The prices were good too, and are especially reasonable for pricey Ballard. Also, I love the nautical, old school decor. I can pretend I'm an old sea dog, finally home. I'm docking the place one star for service. I've enjoyed friendly service from most of the staff, but one time at lunch, our server was too quick, and took my friend's lunch away before he was finished. When I protested, the waiter did not apologize. My friend waved him away, I think too embarrassed or offended to make him bring it back. read more

waiter seated me and never returned. sat for 15 minutes without acknowledgement, not even a water. Left hungry.

Cute little diner on the water. Very nice wait staff-5 star! Lots of great breakfast choices. The prices were reasonable and the view is quite nice. Cute place to dash in for a quick breakfast! read more

Salmon Bay Café - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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*I ordered the biscuits and gravy. I will defend her attorney.What I got served to me was two good size biscuits with barely enough gravy to cover it. On top of that the gravy was cold, room temperature at that. Even the extra gravy I requested was still not enough to cover the biscuits now cut in halves. I would have payed more to get the appropriate amount of gravy. *The service was excellent and friendly. *The restaurant it's self is clean. read more

1. This has been my go to breakfast place in Ballard for 20 years. I have a soft spot for pancakes and it's hard to resist not ordering them every time. 2. They do a great job with omelets including several seafood choices. Can't go wrong there. 3. They recently started serving dinner. We tried it and enjoyed it. It you're looking for down home vibe and food make the walk from down a block Ballard Ave to give them a try. read more

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Finally found a place that I'm comfortable in, in Ballard! Comfortable booths, pleasant music playing at a comfortable volume, good food, reasonable prices, good service, nice environment. I'm over 60 and have only lived in Ballard for 5 months. I'm not comfortable with the hip, trendy, loud, overpriced, hectic places I've found here, but unfortunately this is the area that had a senior housing apartment available, so here I am, an older, laid back Oregonian, living in a place and culture somewhat foreign to me. I had a mimosa and a senior breakfast, with scrambled eggs, bacon and a pancake. Everything was very good, and filling. I will definitely become a regular! read more

Great and welcoming staff. Fast efficient and absolutely friendly. We love the atmosphere and will definitely be back. For more food reviews follow us on Instagram @guahanfoodies We highly recommend. Thank you Salmon Bay Café! read more

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Good food, great coffee, lots of seating available and relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast quesadilla 7 out of 10 stars.. Industrial scramble 8 out of 10 stars.. Coffee 10 out of 10 stars.. We'll be back.. read more

Salmon Bay Café - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My husband and I have been going here for two years and it is our favorite place in all of Seattle. The food is good diner food and the view of the water is nice. However, the best part about this place is the staff; they are so kind and always provide wonderful service. We have a favorite waitress who knows us by name and always makes us feel at home. Whenever we have family or friends come to visit, this is one of the first places we take them. 5 stars all day. read more

Enjoyed the most amazing breakfast during my visit to Ballard! The Ballard Industrial Scramble with a cinnamon roll substituted for the toast was a great way to start my day! The portions were generous and the service was attentive... Miguel brought lots of coffee refills. Would definitely go here again! It's by the marina and not as fancy looking as the places on Ballard Ave, but I really enjoyed it! PS - the leftover portion of the cinnamon roll was a great breakfast the following day...still soft and delicious! read more

Salmon Bay Café - Ballard Industrial Scramble with a cinnamon roll substituted for the toast option and a cup of coffee. - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place was alright. The ambience was extremely cheesy, yet adorable. The food was diner food. And they were extremely understaffed. Overall, would consider going back if we can't land a table in Ballard, which is the reason we ended up there in the first place. Cool view. read more

The best breakfast place in Ballard. Have tried multiple menu items and it's all good (especially a fan of the crab melt, but also the best cinnamon roll in town!) If you're in the mood for a boozy brunch, their cocktails are excellent as well. There's not much else to say, if you want a really good breakfast/brunch place in Ballard, this is the place. read more

Perfect breakfast! Had the Benedict - the hollandaise, the eggs absolutely perfectly executed! Hash browns are to die for! read more

Not my first time here -- my husband used to be a regular years ago and he first introduced me to SBC about 5 years ago. It has definitely cleaned up and put on a new face since I first came. Almost unrecognizable from the decor..but it's the same great food at a terrific price. I have only ever had breakfast here and just about everytime it's the Magnolia Omelette. Bacon bits (real, of course), cheese, avocado and sour cream are ample as filling. I found mine just a tad shy on avocado this time, but it seemed like there was more crispy bacon than usual. The flavor combo is outstanding! And, for a keto-loving diner as I am right now, it's the perfect start to a busy day! I also have had the theory that places that have good breakfast, generally have mediocre or lousy coffee and vice versa. Can't say that of SBC; the coffee was hot, strong and plentiful. Larger mugs than before so you have a great amount to drink and keep the coffee warm. My big trauma was that I couldn't eat the potatoes today. Ok, I had ONE (really just one this time) and it was hot, crispy and fresh. Again, the portions were very generous and my husband and I were able to split the one omelette breakfast easily. Love this place, will definitely be back. You'd never guess from looking at the place that it's a real gem, but don't pass by without giving it a shot! read more