I must start by saying I really enjoy this restaur...

I must start by saying I really enjoy this restaurant. My wife and I have been here several times for different special occasions. The food and staff are both great.

Rays boathouse is right on the water in a lovely location not too far from downtown Ballard, but also far enough away to make it have a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. Depending on the time of year you go, you can often seen boats coming and going by as well as you have a great view out over the water and across to the Olympic Mountains.

The restaurant has an upstairs "cafe" style kitchen and sitting area that has a separate menu from the downstairs fine-dining area, I think they call it the "boathouse" seating.

We've been to both dining areas and both are wonderful. In the summer, in the cafe seating you can sit outside on their covered porch that does have heating if it gets a little chilly and they offer you blankets as well. Both inside and outside are wonderful. The fine dining area has a wonderful aesthetic with really nice lighting and great overall ambience.

The menu in the fine dining is well thought out and just the right size. Also, their sea scollops are amazing. The wine selection is very nice, too! They even had a hard to find South African wine that is just fantastic and I was pretty impressed they had it.

Lastly I must say, when we went the other night and had dinner in the fine dinning area (which again, both areas are great, it just depends on what kind of experience and menu you're looking for) I experienced perhaps some of the best waiting service I've ever received at any restaurant. Similar or otherwise. Our waiter was just absolutely fantastic. Courteous, knowledgable, and friendly.

I definitely recommend Ray's Boathouse and I hope you enjoy your time should you give it a visit! If you're going for the fine dining experience I suggest getting a reservation though as it is pretty popular so it's probably best to call ahead. However, the upstairs cafe seating usually has a little more availability.