I've lived a little less than a mile from here for 10 years now and have driven past so many times without giving it a second thought. It doesn't look like much from the outside I suppose, but my husband wanted to go out to breakfast with the whole family for Fathers Day and we were on a bit of a time crunch so we chose Shay's. Everyone was so happy with our choice! I got a breakfast burrito which was delicious, my husband got something with corned beef and the kids ordered a range of food from pancakes to chicken fried steak and even one order of chicken nuggets and fries. Everyone ate their whole plates which is compliment to the chef for sure! The coffee was watery and not great. The service took a bit. The decor is old and unappealing. But all that aside the staff is friendly and the food is great which makes this place a solid 4 stars! We will definitely be back. read more

The staff here are so sweet and have the best customer service. So much experience and attention to detail. Portions are large and super filling. Would come back! They have a variety of options and all seem super tasty. read more

Shay's Restaurant - Country style omelet, mashed potato omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

In the past few days, I've had a hankering for indie old school diner type spots. I have recently stopped at 65th Street Cafe & Restaurant in Seattle and Shari's in Shoreline. Third stop was yesterday's dinner with The Homie at Shay's Restaurant and Lounge (11/11/22). Again, despite being a Shoreline resident since March 2002, this was my first visit. It has been around since 1983 and under current ownership since 1992. Longevity and flying under the radar as a mainstay along Hwy 99/Aurora. Crowded private parking lot out front shared with a Korean grill spot and hair salon, but I was able to find a spot by the main entrance. Upon entering, we chose a corner two top. There were various table configurations and counter seating in the main dining room. There's also an adjacent bar/lounge. A good sign was that there were regulars enjoying their meals and each other's lively company. We were warmly greeted, handed menus, flatware, napkins, ice water, and told of the evening's soup: clam chowder but there's also some chili available. Yes, the interior is dated, popcorn ceiling, but with homey, humorous decor. Thankfully, the initial odd scent dissipated. I had a ravenous appetite since my last meal was nine hours ago. There was a nice variety available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert...just about everything looked appealing. Also, there's a senior menu for 55-plus for additional savings. Breakfast served anytime, but switch over from lunch to dinner happens at 4pm. Again, my phone was having issues so I was not able to take current photos of the interior and menu pages. The lone entree photo taken was provided by The Homie. We both started with cups of clam chowder with saltines. Clam chowder was hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. The Homie ordered the Chicken Fried Steak topped with sausage gravy, mashed potatoes, and daily veggie side. In addition, a chocolate shake that came with the metal container it was hand mixed in. I opted for the Friday Prime Rib special ($27.95, 8 ounces, medium rare with horseradish and au jus) with a baked potato (w/bacon, green onions and butter) and daily veggie side. Prime Rib is also available at 10 oz and 16 oz, but at market price. This is was reminiscent of Wedgwood Broiler's (another OG in Seattle) prime rib, but Shay's version was much more flavorful. I was a happy camper with the tasty daily veggies - I ate and poached all the broccoli and yellow zucchini. I left behind the onions and cauliflower though. Traded protein bites, but gave a sizable portion of prime rib to The Homie to feast on. I really enjoyed how delicious and tender the prime rib was. Both the prime rib and au jus was on point and not overly salty. Food provided was very generous. I had to box up my entire baked potato and fixings. The Homie had to box up some of his chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. A truly satisfying meal, great service, and yet again my bad for not detouring much sooner. Face palm, over 20.5 years later! Shoreline has a handful of indie gems, but definitely enjoyed the OG Shay's Restaurant and Lounge. I look forward to future visits to check out additional menu items. read more

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My friends Doug Lotz and Ole Patton recommend this place. Douglas is a childhood friend. I remember attending Girl Scouts at his home, about 50 years ago. Ole was in my high school class. Someone we all respected, because of his tough reputation. So, incredible meeting him almost 50 years later on the bus. Ole doesn't remember me, it appears he has suffered some cognitive damage. But he tells me how much he loves Shay's restaurant. He says he takes his mother here. I'm in the Shoreline neighborhood and haven't gone to Shay's in many years. Take my baby granddaughter to try out a Sunday breakfast. First, the ambiance is nice. Feels like a welcoming place. You have to seat yourself. Waited about 10 minutes at stand, before realizing I needed to seat myself. After seating myself m another wait. Apparently service is limited. Only two servers attempting to serve a full restaurant. We are acknowledged after about 15 minutes. Wanted to order a more complete breakfast, but appeared staff and cooks were very busy and there would be an extended wait for food. Cranky granddaughter was not patient. So ordered easy food, like soup and sandwiches. This came relatively quickly. Great service, there were older servers who acknowledged you and tried hard to provide prompt service. Unfortunately, they were quite busy and were only able to give minimal service. Would have ordered more, if they would have acknowledged me. Food was good, looks like they prepared food to order. Sandwich and soup were both fresh and delicious. In summary, good food. Overtaxed service. Long wait for food. Just a more difficult experience for an easy breakfast order than I expected. read more

We've been eyeing this place and finally tried it but were pretty disappointed. It was about $50 for 2 of us and the breakfast was not good. I got the pancake sandwich with over hard eggs and side of hash browns. The eggs were super runny and the hash-browns were so bland and gummy. I took 2 bites and honestly should have asked to get it off our bill. The server was nice but really wouldn't recommend. read more

This place has a lot of character if you don't mind cracks in the leather seats of your go-to 'breakfast all day' hangout. The service was friendly and the food was tasty. read more

The food is great, old school diner. Karaoke Is fun with lots of drink options Come on in and give it a try Thursdays and Saturdays 8pm to Midnight read more

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I've driven past this place for years and finally decided to give this place a try. The decor is a blast from the past and brought back nostalgic memories of what dinners used to be. I was greeted promptly and had my beverage within seconds from a friendly server. The selection of breakfast menu items was plentiful and I wanted to try all of them. I decided on the meat lovers omelet. The omelet was almost too big to eat, but Im no quite, I finished it! The hash browns were good but could of been a little more crispy but definitely not a deal breaker. I will definitely be back. Their prices are fare and the service was top notch. read more

I went here for breakfast and it was a good breakfast and good value. I'll be returning here again.

Stopped at Shay's today for the first time for breakfast. It was a cute place, very good food, and excellent staff! We will return!

Exactly what you're looking for from a diner experience. Extensive menu with anything you'd want (shout out to the Monte Cristo!) The breakfast food was all pretty good and had generous servings. The mashed potato omelette was particularly unique. The exceedingly friendly service was just the cherry on top. Pro Tip: The claw machine is only $1 and actually gives you a chance of getting stuff! We got two beanie babies and felt like kids again. read more

Older place but good food and friendly staff. If you want a restaurant with a bar this is your place! Not fancy, but the food has been solid. read more

Drove by this place for years... not in a great location but the staff is really nice, the food is great, and lots of options on the menu. I will be back. read more

Great old diner vibe, very relaxing. Good service & the scrambled eggs and ice tea were awesome!

Awesome home town restaurant. Excellent service and excellent food At a great price. I eat here every time I am visiting my son in Seattle.

If you like the way the world is headed, don't come here. Things at Shay's are the way "it used to be." It still has a choice of sitting in the classic American diner setting, or sneaking into the lounge. Regardless, the waitress will call you 'sweetie' and gladly serve you a stiff coffee, or something stronger if you're of that persuasion. Shay's is a genuine "local" watering hole. Whether you sit out at the counter or back in the bar, if you strike up a conversation you're likely to meet your local blue collar worker or their spouse. Painters, sailors, machinists, fishermen and truck drivers are fixtures here. Don't be surprised in the mornings when they all argue over how much the showcase is worth on the Price Is Right. If you're lucky, you'll run into the 'Mayor of Shoreline' or Greg, the charismatic chef who's been working here for more than 40 years. If you're REALLY lucky he'll even tell you how he lost his hand... but that's not likely. You only live once, so have the biscuits and gravy, or a world famous mashed potato omelette. Their BLT is better than most and the turkey bacon croissant comes with thick pieces of white meat, not any damned sissy sliced deli meat. You'll tip well because they treat you well... and you'll be remembered next time. See you there. read more

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This is a true dive but has been here for decades! I have some since I was in diapers. 3rd generation. Great staff that have been here since I was young. I like their food. I have gotten hash browns which are great and even their prime rib dinner on Fridays. (see picture). Parking can be tricky but for those who don't know, there is a gravel lot on the hill behind shays with stairs into the restaurant. As for drinks, They come stiff and affordable. The regulars are also friendly. Typically an older crowd comes here but I think it's great for all ages. read more

Shay's Restaurant - Prime rib dinner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Food was great. Place is a cozy dinner and excellent and friendly staff. The Prime Rib was very tasty, and they've also got dinner lunch and breakfast all day read more

Worst corned beef and cabbage meal ever. Dry, cold, salty. So disappointing. Was so excited to go to Irish pub on saint patrick's day

This place is always huge portions, great home style greasy-spoon diner food. I always have to request a box! Highly recommend the eggs Benedict or Reubens. Their bar area is nice and dark, mellow crowd, good music. I was super sad this was the first year they didn't have their traditional st patrick's day corned beef and cabbage since their longtime lead cook passed away (RIP GREG). Friendly staff makes you feel like you've been coming here for years. read more

Been going here for a few years since the closing due to C-19'(2020). Prime rib Friday is back!!! Yay! Stop by and give it a try. See you next Friday! read more

Shay's Restaurant - Prime rib and mixed veggies. Delish! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Shay's is the kind of local restaurant that lives somewhere between a diner and a "family restaurant". It's a little rough around the edges, but it has the heart of a place run by real people, not cogs in a corporate machine. While not exactly cozy, it's got a comfortable ambiance with the usual homespun kitsch: signs about the virtues of bacon, lots pf pictures of chickens, that sort of thing. It's absolutely nicer on the inside than it looks on the outside--a sketchy looking strip along Aurora in Shoreline. Like so many places, they're understaffed at the moment, with just one server shared between the dining room and the lounge. Despite that, the service was warm and personable. The food was quite good. I got the New York Steak Sandwich. It was pretty tasty on a perfectly toasted bun with sautéed mushrooms. The house-cut fries were nice, too. For dessert, I got a yummy strawberry sundae that was overflowing the glass. In short, the main thing that Shay's has to offer is both simple and rare: it's a genuine local spot without pretensions. It's the opposite of all the slick, hip chain restaurants that seem to be infesting the city. read more

I completely ignored the other reviews.... Why??? My mother is a gourmet cook and she told me "those reviews have not had the Prime Rib". Martha Stewart worked for my mom at one time. True story. Nearly my entire family has been in the food industry at at some point. Food is in our DNA. My mom knows good Prime Rib and she pressed "Chris.. Shay's has the most incredible Prime Rib and their Prime Rib Dinner is only $15.00 on Friday nights". She was right. The Prime Rib was divine!! The vegetables were excellent too. Baked Potato.. can't mess that up! The restaurant is not updated. It is not fancy but the Prime Rib is freaking delicious! I will come back!! Ask for Debbie and tell her my mother Sharon and I sent you! Follow me to see my future reviews! read more

Shay's Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

I love a good dive bar. And if you like a good dive bar, you'll love Shay's. I went recently on a Saturday for karaoke with some new friends, and the restaurant was closed but the tiny bar area was hopping. I was a little disappointed that they only had two beer taps - Budweiser and an Elysian IPA, so I ordered a mixed drink which was super strong to the point I almost couldn't drink it. So I downshifted back to beer and had a bottle of Stella. (STELLAAAAAA!) The karaoke was fun, too. This is definitely an older crowd, so if you go for karaoke don't plan to sing anything released after 1982 if you want the patrons to get into it. I chose a 70's disco song which got everybody dancing. Food is limited in the bar - the bartender was acting as cook too. We ordered some fries and mozza sticks for the table. The fries were good but the mozza sticks were meh. If you're going for fancy vibes and good food the bar might not be your best choice. But if you like it dark, divey and shady you'll love Shay's! read more

Fun little diner along Aurora Avenue, and the perfect place for an early AM breakfast. Old-school breakfast choices and decent coffee, plus comfy booths, friendly service and plenty of parking. I feel like I have been transported back to the Seattle of my youth. read more

this is very difficult time for all restaurants since the pandemic. I very much enjoyed the brunch here. very nice service and delicious food! clean and have hand sanitizer for customers. i hope this kinda family owned brunch places are able to be there forever. support local business more ! read more

Shay's Restaurant - dope! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

I have been wanting to try this place for awhile now. It's hard to find a good breakfast spot. I ordered the Cornbeef Hash , hashbrowns, poached eggs. Everything was cooked very good. Looking forward to trying more stuff. Great Service. Claw machine inside. read more

Shay's Restaurant - Cornbeef hash, hashbrown, poached eggs. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

I live in Renton, but it's worth the drive to Shoreline for the delicious and bountiful breakfasts. It was my first visit. I ordered the senior 2-egg omelet with sausage and cheese, hash brown potatoes, and slice of toast. The omelet was excellent -- one of the best I've eaten. The service was top notch with fill ups of coffee ever present. The hash browns were freshly grated potatoes. Two thumbs up for this restaurant. read more

Definitely a divey place off of Aurora in Shoreline. I've had the breakfast a couple times cause I used to work nearby. I'd say the breakfast is decent. Not mind blowing but the service is good & friendly. I had the California cheesesteak, it was made fresh with freshly shaved prime rib. The fries were cooked fresh as well. Very good experience! read more

Shay's Restaurant - California Cheesesteak - Hot - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

I've loved Shay's for a looooong time and can't believe I haven't written a review for them. I know that at first glance, Shay's is dumpy and divey but all that glitters isn't gold and Shays has been around for 30+ years for a reason and they deserve a shot! The food is consistent and fantastic, I've never ever had a bad meal (one time I did get onions on my chili-gasp!!) and all the people I've introduced Shays to have had great experiences. This is comfort food through and through, there is nothing hip about the food, atmosphere or service. It's simple, full of effort, consistent and hits a spot that you might not even know needs a hit. My favorites are: Eggs Benedict, Ham and cheese omelette, club sandwich and hot beef and turkey sandwiches. Their hollandaise is delicious and creamy perfection and the ham they use is so thick and yummy! I've heard great things from family and friends about pigs in a blanket, the super burger, the Great Dane burger, corn beef hash and the chili. The service has remained top notch throughout the pandemic with all the staff clearly working their butts off to provide great food, great service and to keep the restaurant open. We supported them on a bi-weekly basis, ordering takeout that was hot, fresh and delicious and always ready when they said it would be. And we never once had a bad meal or experience. I'm so thrilled to see that they're opening for full service beginning next week which includes bringing back their prime rib on Friday and Saturday! Shoreline is lucky to have this durable gem that while not perfect (everyone has bad days) has continued to fight to serve great food. Give them a shot and support them and go get loved on by the wonderful waitresses who don't ever seem to break stride! read more

Been going to this place for over 30 years. Usually go for breakfast or lunch and it is always delicious. The servers are very friendly and the food always arrives quickly!! I would highly recommend this place, it is an old school diner type restaurant, nothing fancy but good food!! I would give them five stars., but the only thing is they need to update their bathroom. read more

Came here for breakfast while getting my oil changed. Homey and definitely a place for regulars. The eggs Benedict has a super generous slice of ham and the bloody Mary is standard. Friendly staff. Would come back. read more

Not bad but Nothing to write home about, but accomplished the task. Had the chicken fried steak. Pretty slow getting the food and they weren't busy. But the waitress was nice and attentive. read more

Shay's Restaurant - Chicken fried steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

As much as I wanted to like this local joint (I went for breakfast), I can't imagine going back. The breakfast (pancakes, eggs and sausage) was standard, though tasting of that grill spray ... But the bathrooms were gross, the seat in my booth had upholstery that was falling apart, and worst of all, the sign in the window from the King County Health Department didn't inspire confidence in their food safety. My waitress was friendly and efficient, but my overall impression is of a tired joint that hasn't kept up with the times. read more

Love the all day breakfast! I'm always a fan. Today I brought my family there for the first time and they loved the breakfast and really happy with the service. Really not much to say... Food is good. The waitress is funny and nice. Great place to chat and have coffe all day! read more

Shay's Restaurant - Benedict with hashbrown! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Fish and chips are excellent...and the Prime rib dinner is worth the price ...even the sides are good....I bus from Everett just for the food and a drink at the lounge. Unfortunately i did not realize that the kitchen was completely closed on one of my visits...so call ahead.... read more

Take away as good as sitting down. Make sure to call ahead just in case they are clsed

Ordered the Thanksgiving meal from this place. It was a good price for lots of food, 2 adults couldnt finish. Everything tasted okay, nothing special, pretty standard. The customer service was friendly. read more

Shay's Restaurant - Thanksgiving meal - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

how do we know that the employees are tested and vaccinated if they don't check the patrons. food is great, but meeting requirements from the state is imperitive regarding covid. read more

The outside does look sort of seedy and once inside, there is a faint moldy smell BUT, it's a fantastic restaurant! It's an old school diner with wonderful food. We have had Thanksgiving there with traditional food and lots of it. But you can also have anything you want, whenever you want. Fries are homemade, not cooked from frozen. Turkey is real turkey, not a molded roll. It's not fancy in decor but it will always be one of our top favo restaurants. Never, never had a bad meal here. read more