GF French Toast and in the back is my husband's plate they made sure the glutinous toast was on the side so I could try his food too!

Portage Bay Cafe

27 recent ratings
$$ ā€¢ Cafe
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Safety Rating
26 ratings

As rated by the community

391 Terry Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109

Most Recent Reviews


Symptomatic Celiac
2 weeks ago

I loved the lemon ricotta pancakes and was excited to learn they included a trip to the berry bar for extra toppings. I also had a half serving of the Farmers Hash Bowl which was delicious. The gluten free bread was not memorable. I’d skip the toast and eat more pancakes next time.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Pancakes, Toast
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Vegetarian options
Celiac
1 month ago

I’m pretty sensitive and have been here many times - I’ve never gotten sick. The pumpkin pancakes are delicious!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Pancakes
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
1 month ago

Really enjoyed eating here. Wait staff was nice and knowledgeable. They have banana pancakes that are dairy free and gluten-free and an assortment of other pancakes that are gluten-free, however they do have dairy in them. I enjoyed one of their bowls and did not feel sick the day after eating here. I’d recommend this restaurant for celiacs!

Safety
Taste
Variety

Important

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.
Information contained in this listing is based on reports by the community. Please verify all information directly with the establishment.

Reported safety features

Other

Collections
In 17 Public Collections

Photos


GF French Toast and in the back is my husband's plate they made sure the glutinous toast was on the side so I could try his food too!
Banana pancakes with 2 eggs and a mimosa šŸ˜
yummy GF french toast!
Gluten-Free Pancakes at Portage Bay Cafe
Gluten-Free Breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe
GF Swedish Pancakes (taken/shared 10/20/21)
Swedish pancakes- super sweet .. and kinda doughy.
GF Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries and Lingonberry Butter.
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Symptomatic Celiac
1 month ago

The food was marked in the menu and staff was knowledgeable. Had a basic breakfast eggs, potato, and bacon. It was great.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Bread/Buns, Pancakes, Toast
Asymptomatic Celiac
2 months ago

Four of us went for a great brunch! Crab Benedict, smoked salmon Benedict, ham and apple butter sandwich - all on their homemade GF toast and a scramble with fresh veggies. Plus lemon ricotta pancakes with raspberry and chocolate chip cherry pistachio cookies for later. The coffee was also great, but the food was fresh, delicious and filled us up. Great experience, I’d come back in a heartbeat!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Pancakes, Cookies, Toast, Sandwiches
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — No dedicated fryer
Symptomatic Celiac
3 months ago

My favorite brunch place in Seattle as a celiac. They are very knowledgeable about allergies/celiac and cross contamination and the food is great. Menu is labeled with GF

Safety
Taste
Variety
Symptomatic Celiac
5 months ago

Very knowledgeable about celiac and cross contamination.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns, Pancakes, Toast
Safety
  • — No dedicated fryer
Gluten Intolerant
5 months ago

The GF French toast was amazing and can use the fruit bar that had fresh berries, coconut, chocolate chips and other things. Husband's eggs, bacon and potatoes were great They made his plate gluten free and put the toast on the side so i could try it (I did ask for that.) Only thing that was gross was the coffee. It was a dark brew that tasted so burnt it was undrinkable. Others with glutinous pancakes and French toast can use the fruit bar too so might get contaminated.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns, Pancakes, Toast
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Dedicated fryer
GF French Toast and in the back is my husband's plate they made sure the glutinous toast was on the side so I could try his food too!
Symptomatic Celiac
5 months ago

This place was highly recommended from friends who used to live in the area. The menu was labeled with what was gluten-free and dairy free if it wasn’t labeled, the waitress was super knowledgeable and went right back to the kitchen staff to ask any and all questions that I had I had the banana pancakes and the waitress offered to bring me out my own selection of fruits, so I can add them as a topping since there was a fruit bar for everyone else, highly recommend this place. The food was amazing.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns, Pancakes
Safety
  • — Dedicated kitchen space
  • — Other dedicated equipment
  • — Knowledgeable staff
  • — Food flagged
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Good with other allergies
  • — Brunch
  • — Breakfast
Banana pancakes with 2 eggs and a mimosa šŸ˜
Wheat Allergy
6 months ago

The gluten free French toast was really good! I’m always hesitant about gluten free bread but this is the best gluten free bread I’ve tried! They are giant slices so I recommend sharing with another person

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
6 months ago

Excellent breakfast here. Clear cross contamination protocol. Potatoes are baked & GF, GF toast is huge; we also had the Swedish pancakes and absolutely delicious!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns, Pancakes
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
6 months ago

Delicious! Gf French toast was great.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns
Celiac
6 months ago

Such a yummy and filling way to start the day! The gluten free lemon ricotta pancakes were delicious as was the whipped cream and fresh berry bar. The berry bar is included with the pancake order but everyone does go up with their plates. If you are sensitive or want to avoid any chance of cross-contamination, you can ask them to bring you out fresh berries & whipped cream from the kitchen. My daughter ordered the gluten free huevos rancheros and was so pleased with the mole sauce that they put on it. We would definitely be regulars if we lived nearby!

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Celiac
7 months ago

The owner is INCREDIBLE. He came it to discuss there very stringent allergy safety protocol for gluten free. The GF Swedish pancakes were fantastic as were the GF banana pancakes. The owner has a peanut allergy so it was very reassuring how serious they took the needs our ur celiac son.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Pancakes
7 months ago

I felt safe and generally well taken care of. The house made gluten free toast was solid with good texture. Service was friendly and the food came out quick.

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
7 months ago

Very good GF pancake options & felt safe partaking in berry bar - amazing fresh blackberries & raspberries

GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Pancakes
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Gluten Intolerant
8 months ago

We were in town visiting and stopped here for brunch based on the great reviews. I’ve only ever had one menu item, so I can’t judge the food as a whole. I ordered the gf French toast and it was incredibly dry. Just not great. It came with a trip to the berry bar (berries, whipped cream, and some other toppings like nuts), but the server didn’t recommend it if it had a serious allergy as everyone goes up there with their own plates and shared utensils. They brought me my own berries separately, and I did risk it on the whipped cream as the French toast was so dry, it needed all the help it could get from toppings. I just dug around to the bottom of the whipped cream to try to get an untouched section. I didn’t get sick, but wouldn’t recommend the French toast. Make reservations!!!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast
Safety
  • — Knowledgeable staff
  • — Food flagged
Symptomatic Celiac
11 months ago

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.

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
GF Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries and Lingonberry Butter.
Celiac
1 year ago

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.

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Food flagged
Other
  • — Healthy options
  • — Breakfast/Brunch
  • — Outdoor seating
1 year ago

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!

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — No dedicated fryer
1 year ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
1 year ago
Safety
Taste
Variety
Symptomatic Celiac
1 year ago

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!

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
1 year ago

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.

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Knowledgeable staff
  • — Food flagged
  • — No dedicated fryer
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Healthy options
  • — Reservations recommended
  • — Vegetarian options
1 year ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
2 years ago

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.”

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Knowledgeable staff
  • — Food flagged
  • — Staff accommodates
  • — No dedicated fryer
2 years ago

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!

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
2 years ago

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!

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
2 years ago

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.

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Gluten Intolerant
2 years ago

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.

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Taste
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Celiac
2 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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.

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Knowledgeable staff
yummy GF french toast!
Celiac
3 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Other dedicated equipment
  • — Knowledgeable staff
  • — Food flagged
  • — Staff accommodates
  • — No dedicated fryer
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Good with other allergies
  • — Delivery
  • — Healthy options
Gluten-Free Pancakes at Portage Bay Cafe
Gluten-Free Breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe
Celiac
3 years ago

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!!

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
GF Swedish Pancakes (taken/shared 10/20/21)
Celiac
3 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
3 years ago

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!

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety
  • — Dedicated kitchen space
  • — Other dedicated equipment
  • — Knowledgeable staff
  • — Staff accommodates
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Good with other allergies
  • — Healthy options
  • — Takeout
3 years ago
Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Good with other allergies
  • — Delivery
  • — Healthy options
Celiac
4 years ago

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!

Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Delivery
  • — Takeout
  • — Breakfast/Brunch
  • — Online ordering
4 years ago

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!

Safety
Celiac
5 years ago

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

Celiac
5 years ago

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.

Safety
Symptomatic Celiac
5 years ago

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

Safety
Celiac
5 years ago

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.

Safety
Celiac
5 years ago

Good options, high cross contamination

Safety
5 years ago

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

5 years ago

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.

Celiac
5 years ago

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.

Safety
Symptomatic Celiac
5 years ago
6 years ago

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.

Safety

Reviews of this Chain

Celiac
3 weeks ago

Solid breakfast place! A bit pricey but good food. I would not use the pancake bar if you are sensitive to cross contamination.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Pancakes, Toast
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Hashimoto's
1 month ago

The server was very kind and assured me they would clean the area/utensils before making my food. My plate even came with a little toothpick in it that said “allergy” :) the menu has a lot of gf options clearly labeled. It was a very positive experience!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Bread/Buns, Pancakes
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
1 month ago

Love how careful they are with food intolerance and allergy. I come here every time I visit my family in Seattle. They are very helpful and willing to have conversations about the food and cross contamination. I am very sensitive Celiac and have never gotten sick.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Bread/Buns, Pancakes
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
Symptomatic Celiac
1 month ago

Portage Bay has a few delicious GF menu items. We had Swedish Pancakes and Pumpkin Pancakes (vegan). They also make GF bread with which they will make you French Toast or a Benedict. They understand GF.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — French Toast, Bread/Buns, Pancakes, Toast
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
4 months ago

Their house made GF bread was a heavenly experience. Lovely place, lots of GF options. Delicious!

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Taste
Variety

More Info