Portage Bay Cafe

My favorite restaurant for breakfast or brunch in Seattle. I always order the same item, Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberry Butter. Sooo good!! I’ve eaten at three of their locations and never had any problem.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I have high expectations for GF pancakes and, especially, for lemon ricotta pancakes. I was disappointed in these. They were heavy and chewy, not light and airy like I would expect. The berry bar is nice, but likely a source of cross-contamination. Coffee is good. Service is safe and fast. I would order something else if I'm ever back in Seattle.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

I got sick!!!! Twice in 2 different branches! I had the pancakes and they told me they are made in a gluten free facility but there was definetly gluten or cross contamination in those pancakes!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I had the huevos rancheros and they were very mid but I did not get sick here and the staff was very kind

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

great restaurant! i got gf french toast and it was delicious! the server showed me all the gf options on the menu and was very kind! i really recommend checking out this place!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I stopped in for weekday breakfast meeting last week and had a really knowledgeable server who recommended the hashes without potatoes (those are fried in the shared fryer). I had the Joe's Scramble and it came out flagged. I subbed the toast out for sauteed greens instead, that were a little sweeter than I was expecting but the extra veggies were good. The scramble was tasty and huge--our server offered GF toast but that would have been too much food. No reaction afterward.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Great food, lots of GF options. Loved the gf toast.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Gf Swedish Pancakes and French toast were amazing! Loved the berry bar.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Emailed restaurant in advance. General manager replied: “Thank you for reaching out!

We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate those with severe allergies. When a server notifies the kitchen that a customer has an allergy, the kitchen will clean the cooking surfaces and will use fresh cooking utensils. The food will also be marked with an allergy flag so that the plate doesn’t get confused with any others by the food runner.

There are a number of items on our menu that are gluten free, and a number of others that can be modified to be gluten free. I recommend you check out our menu online here: https://www.portagebaycafe.com/brunch-menu. Any item marked “gf” is gluten free by default. Items like our omelettes and scrambles that usually come with wheat toast can be gluten free by substituting our gluten free bread. You can also check out our allergy book, which breaks down our menu and highlights the major allergens in each dish:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/544ab456e4b0f3ba72eb800a/t/60b0690a08aa190da562a44e/1622173962901/Allergy+Cards+Summer+2021.pdf.

I hope this info is helpful. Your server should be very knowledgeable about the menu and will also be able to answer any questions you have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions.”

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

My boyfriend and I have celiacs and this cafe had a lot of good gluten free options, vestry marked, on the menu! Staff was also amazing and super friendly!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I ordered the gf French toast - it was amazing, so fluffy and thick! I told the server I had a “gluten allergy” (celiac) and the server told me that it would be prepared separately. The dish came out with an “allergy” toothpick which also felt reassuring. No issues for me!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Pretty sure I got wrecked by the vegan gluten free hash with no toast which I figured was the safest option on the menu. The first time it came out the server said the line cook put toast on it by habit and then took it off and she asked me if that was okay or if I was celiac. That was a good sign. The dish was then remade. However next day I’m having problems.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Wonderful gluten-free pancakes, French toast and hash dishes. I am not celiac. It seems to me that they are good about cross-contamination but I cannot swear to it. A good place to go with friends who want a traditional breakfast.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Had the gluten free French toast with homemade in house bread and complimentary berry bar and fresh cream! As a celiac this was a dream meal! Great service and fun cool atmosphere

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

DELICIOUS GF FRENCH TOAST. I was a bit concerned it wasn’t gluten free because it so good! their food is fresh and the service is amazing. Definitely would recommend if you’re in the area.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Good selection of GF, staff seems knowledgeable. I always get a scramble and GF banana pancakes

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers outdoor seating

What a great recommendation from a friend — Swedish pancakes are GF and GF French Toast and regular GF toast are options too!! We really enjoyed the atmosphere and all the offerings! This is a must try!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great GF options and staff was knowledgeable. Also great options for my non-celiac husband. Flavorful and great quality!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I think they had a slip a few years back but seem to take GF and other allergies very seriously now. I'm still fairly new to being diagnosed but have felt yuck after eating at some places and felt GREAT after eating here. Plus their GF bread is YUM. Frankly everything was yum. They do have a dedicated toaster so even had toasted bread. YAY!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers outdoor seating

We ordered the swedish pancakes and the farmer's hash. Both gluten free (chose gluten free toast with the hash). Everything was wonderful with generous portion sizes. We did contact-less pickup on a Saturday morning and food was ready quickly with fast pickup. Definitely would order again!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Was great, the staff was knowledgeable about gf options, food came out with allergy toothpick and I didn’t have any issues afterwards! The Swedish pancakes were so good!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Many gluten free options. If you have celiac, ask for food to be prepared separately. Waiter was very accommodating. Banana pancakes were delicious!!

UNSAFE!!! Menu had multiple gf offerings; wait staff assured me they do gf all the time. I was VERY clear that I was celiac & it was NOT a lifestyle choice. My gf Swedish pancakes were paraded out with a flag listing “allergy”, & manager assured me all care had been taken. Food was delicious, had a lovely brunch with family. One hour later, I was vomiting explosively from the Chihuly museum back to our apartment. My family was terrified as I was too sick to talk for hours. The meal may have been gluten free, but when you cook gf pancakes on a griddle where you’ve cooked wheat products, it’s contamination. Much staff retraining needed. My first visit with my son & newest daughter-in-law was nearly ruined as I was too ill to do much. Definitely not friendly for celiac & sensitives.

Celiac friendly?

No

They warn about cross contamination, but I've never had a problem eating the Swedish pancakes. They're delicious.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Went to brunch there 2 days ago. Service was awful, when food came it was tepid, eggs were overcooked. Bacon was burnt around the edges and chewy in the middle. My friend has been in the bathroom with food poisoning from the crab cakes for a solid 24 hours and I an starting to experience symptoms of cross contamination. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Celiac friendly?

No

Good options, high cross contamination

Celiac friendly?

No

Decent GF options. I got the buckwheat pancakes and they were great. Great fruit bar.

Gluten-free pancakes!! I have eaten several gf dishes/gf places lately and felt bad afterwards. That wasn’t the case here! I wish I had tried this place earlier.

Wait staff was knowledgeable and food was great! I had the chilahuevos with uli's chorizo. We sat on the patio near a heater and it was very nice. Menu has several gluten free options. I am celiac and did not get sick.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was a bit worried going here since there are many opportunities for cross contamination at a breakfast place. I generally stay away. I ate here often prior to my celiac diagnosis. I was pleasantly surprised at my ability to eat here safely. I had the farmer's hash with bacon. It was served with gluten free bread, but I did not eat the bread. The food was delicious and most importantly, I did not get sick. I will go back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent food. Menu has GF options clearly marked. Food arrives with allergy flag.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

It was ok. The service wasn’t the best. They had a few options. I was super excited to try their gf bread, but the server didn’t care to offer it to me. I ended up getting gf pancakes- they were ok. VERY SWEET... kinda saggy. :( Their berry bar was delicious and their homemade whipped-cream was absolute Devine. Less sweet then the actual pancakes.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Lots of GF options. I had French toast (with topping bar). Egg options too! Delicious!!! Strawberry kiwi mimosa 😍

Wonderful! House made GF bread sooo good. Had GF banana fosters French toast, amazing. Staff very knowledgeable

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Delicious gluten free French toast and my daughter didn’t get sick. Good options. Huevos Rancheros were amazing!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I have been here several times now. The homemade gluten free bread is amazing. I prefer as toast than in French toast. My new favorite is the Swedish pancake which is gluten free as the standard. They also offer a GF banana pancake that I have not tried yet. I’ve only eaten breakfast food here so far, but sandwiches looked awfully tasty when my table mates got these on my last visit. I highly recommend checking it out.

I love this place!! Always have the GF Swedish Pancakes. It’s the only way they make them—gluten free, with tapioca starch and rice flour. You can also add more fruit and whipped cream from the “toppings bar.”

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So good. I was real sad when I took that last bite of my Swedish pancakes. I was warned that they make bread for all of their locations here, so there is a risk of cross-contamination (flour floating in the air and such) but assured me they do all they can to prevent it in other ways. Gf folks can choose from Swedish pancakes, buckwheat pancakes, French toast and vegan banana pancakes. They have a toppings bar for your pancakes and toast which was an awesome touch.

Not a ton of options, but the breakfast hash thing was pretty good. No stomach problems after.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We stopped in for breakfast, once we got there the server did everything to not convince us to stay, including reminding us "you know this is a bakery". The sous chef came out and assured me she could make something safe. I would not recommend this place if your truly celiac.

Celiac friendly?

No

Good options. Lots of gluten free if you're intolerant. For celiacs there are fewer options but they seem to know gay they're doing. I was very clear about how sensitive I am and how sick I would get. The waiter was great and went through their process with me. No reaction and the pancakes were wonderful. Speak up and you should be fine!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They have items listed as vegan & GF. The gluten free pancakes were amazing!! Fresh fruit bar with the pancakes to pick your own toppings. All locally sourced. Staff was very knowledgeable.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Eat here frequently. Celiac. Have never reacted

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The menu is confused and confusing. We received glutinous toast on our gluten free order. There were bits of other menu items in my hash. They do not get my vote of confidence. Not celiac friendly.

Celiac friendly?

No

Love their GF French toast.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Had the best gf breakfast here on a recent visit to Seattle. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes, with lemon/raspberry topping. It also included a trip to the breakfast bar which had fresh fruit. So nice to eat a real breakfast. More gf choices available.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

What a great place! The berry bar is phenomenal. There is outside seating with heaters and blankets. The food was tasty and so many gf options.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Delicious food, lots of GF options, and aware of safe preparation

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Gluten free pancakes, eggs, and French toast options. French toast is made from house made challah.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The staff is very knowledgeable and they do a great job of identifying and separating GF. Their allergen menu online is impressive. And delicious food!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent