14 Best Breakfast Spots in Seattle

06/26/2023 | by Andy | Bars & Restaurants

In Seattle, it’s easy to wake up and find the finest coffee at your doorstep, so why not pair it with a delicious breakfast or brunch? 

Seattle’s breakfast scene is a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy cafe or a bustling brunch spot, Seattle’s breakfast game offers fusion foodies delights as well as downhome classics. Stop in at one of Seattle’s renown doughnut shops for good measure, and you’ve got yourself a tasty start to your day. 

Join us on a mouthwatering journey as we explore the best breakfast spots in Seattle so that you can fuel up for a day of sightseeing. Let’s dig in!

The Fat Hen

Photo Credit: John Li
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 1418 NW 70th St., Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Ballard

With its charming decor and cozy ambiance, The Fat Hen is a beloved breakfast spot in the Ballard neighborhood. The menu boasts a delightful selection of European-inspired breakfasts, with  French and Italian-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. 

Try the Welsh toast, similar to a cheesy Croque Madame if you have savory cravings. If something sweet is what you’re after, the cardamom granola packs a healthy and delicious punch. Pair your meal with a cup of their expertly brewed coffee for the perfect start to your day.

Portage Bay Cafe

Photo Credit: Portage Bay Cafe
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: University District

With a farm-to-table ethos, Portage Bay Cafe’s menu boasts organic and sustainable ingredients. But the real showstopper? The breakfast bar, where you can customize your pancakes and French toast with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, nuts, and other fruit toppings. 

Our personal fave? The Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, complete with freshly whipped cream and pure maple syrup. 

And if savory is more your style, don’t miss out on the Dungeness Crab Benedict, served with poached eggs and a hollandaise sauce that’s packed with flavor, or the hugely popular migas.

Beth’s Cafe

Photo Credit: Beth’s Cafe
  • Price point: $
  • Location: 7311 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Green Lake

Beth’s, the legendary Seattle diner, has faced pandemic-related struggles but has proven to be a resilient survivor! Though no longer open 24/7, this cozy spot still welcomes early risers with delicious breakfast options that won’t break the bank. Despite it all, Beth’s remains one of the city’s most warm and welcoming places – a true gem!

Beth’s infamous 12-egg omelets will satisfy even the hungriest of diners (at a slightly higher price tag now). Aside from omelets, you can indulge in other diner breakfast classics like french toast, short stacks, and even a bacon waffle. 

Geraldine’s Counter

Photo Credit: Karen Neoh via Flickr CC2.0
  • Price point:  $$
  • Location: 4872 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Columbia City

Step into the lively Columbia City neighborhood and discover Geraldine’s Counter – a bustling and family-friendly diner serving up breakfast classics with a twist. Indulge in their extensive menu, bursting with options to satisfy every craving. For breakfast with a fiery Mexican flair, savor the Chorizo Scramble – packed with spicy chorizo, peppers, onions, and gooey cheese. 

Or, for a sweeter start to your day, delight in the Banana Bread French Toast – thick slices of homemade banana bread topped with caramelized bananas and fluffy whipped cream.  This beloved neighborhood joint is known for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty breakfast options. 

Rachel’s Bagels and Burritos 

Photo Credit: Rachel’s Bagels & Burritos
  • Price point: $$ 
  • Location: 5451 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Ballard

Once known as Porkchop & Co, this Ballard shop has risen from the ashes as a breakfast haven during the pandemic. With a stay-at-home order, a fridge full of ingredients, and a bagel shop already in the planning stages, the owners of Porkchop & Co quickly pivoted to create heavenly bagel sandwiches and burritos for takeaway. Years later, the concept has stuck, and the bagel shop has gone ahead full force. 

No one’s complaining, either–based on the lines out the door, these perfectly chewy bagels are a hit across the board. Treat yourself to toppings like za’atar and shichimi togarashi (a Japanese chili pepper and spice blend). 

And the sandwich options? 

Take the Nick and Nora, a playful take on avocado toast with a spicy chili crisp twist. Plus, their one-pound breakfast burritos are a must-try if you’re feeling extra hungry. Stuffed with Oaxacan cheese and guajillo chili salsa, this burrito will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the day.

Lola

Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup via Flickr CC2.0
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 2000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Belltown

Start your day off right at Lola, a breakfast hotspot nestled within the Hotel Andra. Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of the Mediterranean with dishes like octopus hash, brimming with braised octopus, kale, and potatoes, or the Lola Breakfast. Inspired by a Greek grandfather’s legacy, the menu at Lola is a true celebration of all things Mediterranean.

Glo’s

Photo Credit: barkmrandi
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 928 East Barbara Bailey Way, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Step into the cozy world of Glo’s, where local flavor and comfort blend together seamlessly. Glo’s is a Capitol Hill institution that has been serving hearty breakfast classics since 1987. Indulge in classic breakfast and brunch favorites like eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. 

But the true star of the menu? The mouthwatering smoked salmon eggs benedict, complete with succulent smoked nova lox, juicy grilled tomato, and two perfectly poached eggs. Join the weekend brunch rush in Seattle, or savor the experience on a quieter weekday. Either way, Glo’s is the place to be for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Biscuit Bitch

Photo Credit: Biscuit Bitch
  • Price point: $
  • Location: 1909 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Belltown

Get ready for breakfast with an attitude. With a cheeky name and delicious Southern-style biscuits, Biscuit Bitch is a must-visit breakfast spot. Biscuit Bitch’s trailer park to table breakfast biscuit sandwiches have taken downtown Seattle by storm! 

This sassy and down-to-earth joint is all about takeout only for now, but trust us, it’s worth it. The Hot Mess Bitch with sausage gravy, eggs, cheesy grits, and a Louisiana hot link is a standout favorite, but don’t sleep on the Easy Bitch with sausage gravy and eggs – it’s a classic for a reason. Come hungry, as their house-made country-style gravy packs a punch! They also have a location at Pike Place Market.

Tilikum Place Cafe

Photo Credit: Tilikum Place Cafe
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 407 Cedar St, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Belltown

Tilikum Place Cafe brings a touch of Europe to Seattle with its cozy ambiance and delectable Dutch and Scandinavian-inspired dishes. 

Don’t miss their savory Dutch baby pancake with bacon and Gruyère or their delightful strawberry almond cake. Space is limited, and this popular Seattle breakfast spot fills up fast, so make sure to make reservations beforehand. Try asking for a spot in front of their large, glass windows to watch more of Seattle go by.

Morsel

Photo Credit: Wendy
  • Price point: $
  • Location: 5000 University Way NE Suite D, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: University District

Dreaming of fluffy, crispy, flaky biscuits? Look no further than this U District biscuit haven, where you can dig into creative breakfast sandwiches. Morsel’s signature sandwich, the “fast break,” is a towering masterpiece of eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese on your choice of biscuit slathered in heavenly tomato jam. 

But if you prefer your biscuits plain, you also have options. Morsel offers a variety of butter and jam pairings, including unique flavors like strawberry balsamic, chocolate hazelnut, and raspberry. And for those with gluten intolerance, Morsel has got you covered with their delectable gluten-free biscuits.

Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge

Photo Credit: weber_sd via Flickr CC2.0
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 601 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Queen Anne

Come indulge in some comfort food at Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, a Creole-inspired restaurant that will leave you wanting more. The rustic wooden booths and floor-to-ceiling windows create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Grab your squad and make a reservation because there’s plenty of room for all. Their menu is massive, but don’t miss out on their delectable hashes and scrambles. 

We highly recommend the Acadiana Scramble with mouth-wateringly delicious ingredients like Dungeness crab, shrimp, andouille, tomato confit, asparagus garlic confit, and creole hollandaise. And, of course, this taste of the Big Easy wouldn’t be complete without ordering a plate of beignets!

Saint Bread

Photo Credit: Marcie Fowler – Shining Hope Images
  • Price point: $
  • Location: 1421 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: University District

Get ready for a taste of the Far East at this waterfront bakery! Saint Bread is devoted to the dough and will transport your taste buds to an oasis of flavor. Try the buckwheat furikake croissants or the Japanese melon pan for a perfect pastry indulgence, not to mention the cinnamon-Okinawan sugar toast. 

And if that’s not enough, their seasonal treats include local plums nestled in a bed of frangipane with flaky croissant dough. You can also enjoy full meal options like fried egg sandwiches with ooey-gooey American cheese served on house-made Hawaiian buns or an okonomiyaki-style tortilla packed with eggs, cabbage, sweet potato, green onion, ginger, mayo, bonito flakes, and Bulldog sauce. 

The Station

Photo Credit: The Station
  • Price point: $
  • Location: 1600 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Pike/Pine

Step into a world of community and creativity at this coffee shop oasis! Local artists adorn the walls, pop tunes pump from the speakers, and a library machine dispenses short stories by the door. 

The real masterpiece at The Station is the early morning menu – hearty breakfast sandwiches and a biscuit and chorizo gravy dish that will make your taste buds sing. And let’s not forget the drinks – indulge in a flavored mocha or latte, but don’t miss out on the showstopper, the Cafe Cola. Made with Topo Chico, espresso, and chocolate, it’s a sip of heaven in every cup.

Skillet Diner 

Photo Credit: Skillet Food
  • Price point: $$
  • Location: 1400 E Union St, Seattle, WA
  • Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Love breakfast? All day long? Skillet is your dream destination! This cute, retro-style eatery is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast in Seattle (or breakfast for dinner, why not?). The fried chicken and waffle or Mike’s scramble are must-tries, but the energetic vibe will keep you coming back for more. 

It’s perfect for families, and the dishes are always a delight. There’s even a location at the Sea-Tac airport, just in case you want one more fix before you leave town!

Rise and Grind Seattle Style

Seattle’s breakfast scene is a food lover’s paradise, with an abundance of charming cafes and eateries offering a diverse range of delectable dishes. From classic American breakfasts to international flavors, each breakfast spot provides a comforting culinary experience that will satisfy your morning cravings. 

Next time you stay at an Emerald City vacation home, be sure to embark on a breakfast adventure and explore these incredible establishments.