Where to Eat Breakfast in Seattle: 24 Amazing Spots

Have you ever found yourself searching for where to eat breakfast in Seattle on a weekday? Yeah, I’ve been there too.

Seattle is a great brunch city, but sometimes you need a quick breakfast before work. Or maybe you’re visiting during the week and want a full breakfast with eggs, avocado toasts, granola bowls, waffles, bagels, pancakes, strong coffee, and other brunchy delicacies.

For those times, here’s a list of where to get breakfast in Seattle outside of your typical 11 am – 3 pm Saturday and Sunday brunch time.

Where to Eat Breakfast in Seattle

Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it with more breakfast spots in Seattle as I discover good ones.

Portage Bay Cafe

website | neighborhoods: South Lake Union, Roosevelt, Ravenna, West Seattle & Ballard (get directions) | hours: 8 am – 1:30 pm weekdays (2 pm Sat & Sun) | best for: migas and pancakes

Portage Bay Cafe is one of my all-time favorite places for breakfast in Seattle. I’ve been here so many times over the years as it uses fresh local ingredients and has something different on the menu for everyone.

Their fluffy pancakes and waffles are super popular because there’s an amazing topping bar that’s basically unlimited. Maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, chopped nuts – you name it, they’ve got it. But honestly, I’m a sucker for their savory stuff.

The migas is my go-to dish. It’s kind of like a quesadilla topped with eggs. If you’re looking for something traditionally brunch-worthy with a twist, the Dungeness crab eggs Benedict is served with perfect poached eggs and soft crab.

You’ll need to get here early as there’s always a queue out the door. Their reservation system doesn’t guarantee you a seat, but it lets you skip to the front of the queue when you arrive.

Pro tip: Only the West Seattle and South Lake Union locations are open daily. So if you’re planning to go to one of their other locations, check their website to make sure they’re open first!

Rachel’s Bagels & Burritos

website | 5451 Leary Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | hours: 8 am – 1 pm Wed – Mon | best for: bagels and breakfast burritos

Rachel’s Bagels & Burritos serves some of the best bagels in Seattle. I visit whenever I want to grab authentic New York-style bagels that are thick and chewy. My favorite is the za’atar-flavored bagel with cream cheese because it’s super unique and herbaceous!

Pro tip: Rachel’s is only open for takeout and delivery.

Glo’s

website | 928 E Barbara Bailey Way (get directions) | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | hours: 9 am – 3 pm daily | best for: eggs Benedict

If you’re wondering where to eat breakfast in Seattle, you can’t beat Glo’s. It’s a classic old-school diner with a homey, east coast feel. I used to stop by Glo’s at least once a week when I worked near their old location because I just couldn’t resist the greasy spoon goodies and cinnamon swirl toast.

This spot is probably best known for Benedicts. Each is served with a side of shredded hash browns, gooey poached eggs, and a selection of toppings. The smoked salmon Benedict with cured nova lox is one of my favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any of the ones on their menu.

Cafe Flora

website | 2901 E Madison St (get directions) | neighborhood: Madison Valley | hours: 9 am – 9 pm Mon – Fri, 8 am – 2:30 pm & 5 – 9 pm Sat & Sun | best for: vegetarian breakast

I’ve been brunching at Cafe Flora for years because the food is just so darn delicious. It’s one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Seattle and is ideal for days when you’re craving healthy plates that are loaded with veggies.

You can order virtually anything on the menu, but the huevos plátanos are next-level. The crispy corn tortillas are topped with seasoned tofu, over-medium eggs, black beans, fried plantains, avocado-pepita pesto, pickled red onions, and cotija. Throw in a Bloody Mary and you’ll have a breakfast of kings on your hands.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a sweet treat afterward, head to their sister restaurant Flora Bakehouse for glorious pastries and cakes.

El Moose

website | 5242 Leary Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily (3 pm on Sun) | best for: Mexican breakfast

When anyone asks me where to eat breakfast in Seattle, I’ll always mention El Moose. I love it so much that I even included it in my self-guided food tour of Ballard (and that’s high praise!)

They serve homestyle Mexican dishes in a vibrant and modern dining room covered with artwork. My go-to orders are the chilaquiles or machaca con papas in a taco. And I can’t resist ordering their handmade tortilla chips and guacamole to start!

Fat Hen

website | 1418 NW 70th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | hours: 8 am – 2 pm daily | best for: skillets and farm-to-table fare

The Fat Hen is a teensy neighborhood cafe in Ballard that serves farm-to-table fare and baked goods. I don’t think I’ve ever managed to get a table without waiting as there’s always a hefty line (especially on weekends). So, it’s a good idea to grab a reservation if you’re in a smaller group.

They tend to use fresh and seasonal ingredients, meaning the menu changes slightly throughout the year. But any of the kickass skillets served with a hunk of Grand Central baguette and local eggs will have you coming back for seconds.

Geraldine’s Counter

website | 4872 Rainier Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Columbia City | hours: 8 am – 3 pm daily | best for: French toast & hash browns

No list of where to eat breakfast in Seattle is complete without Geraldine’s Counter. This breakfast spot rules thanks to its hearty comfort food and laid-back setting. You’ll find classics like homemade granola and their famous French toast, but the shredded hash browns are where it’s at. They’re perfectly golden with just the right level of crispy. I’m being serious when I say that it doesn’t matter what you order, just make sure it comes with the hash browns!

The Crumpet Shop

website | 1503 1st Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | hours: 7:45 am – 3 pm Wed – Sun | best for: crumpets

The Crumpet Shop is a popular spot for breakfast in Pike Place Market. It’s cheap and cheerful, and it’s always super crowded as their crumpets are just that good. If you’re not familiar, crumpets are like a better version of English muffins served warm. It’s a great way to start the day before exploring Pike Place Market like a local.

They come straight off the griddle before being toasted and topped with sweet or savory toppings. If you’re not sure what to order, the ricotta crumpet with preserves or the green eggs and ham (with a hefty serving of pesto!) are always great picks.

Tilikum Place Cafe

website | 407 Cedar St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | hours: 10 am – 2 pm Fri, 9 am – 2 pm Sat & Sun | best for: Dutch baby pancakes

This European-style bistro is a cozy spot to visit if you’re trying to figure out where to eat breakfast in Seattle near the Space Needle. It’s right in the heart of the city, yet it feels off the beaten path given its location just off Denny Way.

You can grab omelets or savory crumpets around brunchtime, but it’s the Dutch baby pancakes that put this place on the map. You need to order them around 25-35 minutes before you plan to eat because they’re all made to order. They’re always light and fluffy and I love topping them with lemon and powdered sugar to let the pancakes truly shine. For a savory option, try bacon and cheese instead!

Bake Shop

website | 221 1st Ave W (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne/Uptown | hours: 7 am – 6 pm Mon – Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat, 6 am – 5 pm Sun | best for: breakfast sandwich

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is just how dang cute Bake Shop is. It’s bright and airy with a ton of plants, and there’s a mini shopping area in one corner where you can pick up wine or take-home pantry staples (hello homemade cookie dough!). So it’s where to get breakfast in Seattle if you also need to pick up a last-minute gift.

They make all their baked goods in house. You can grab whatever looks good that day from the case, but if it’s on the menu get the quesadilla cake. It’s neither cheesy, nor stuffed like I assumed by the name. Rather it’s a sweet muffin not too unlike a vanilla birthday cake in taste, but with more density like cornbread.

You should also get the breakfast sandwich. It comes on a homemade semolina sourdough roll and is filled with kale-leek frittata, gouda, ham, pickled daikon, and hot sauce mayo. It’s one of the more interesting breakfast sandwiches I’ve had thanks to the combo of textures and flavors.

I loved the heat from the mayo balanced with the zippiness of the pickled daikon. The kale added earthiness while the ham and gouda added that creamy, fatty mouthfeel. I’ve been thinking of this sandwich non-stop, so it’s a must order when you go!

Sabine

website | 5307 Ballard Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | best for: Turkish eggs and toast

Sabine is a small and charming cafe in Seattle that serves Middle Eastern-style brunches and huge sharing plates. The interior is hip and casual, but they also have an incredible terrace which is a gorgeous place to sit during the warmer months. It’s tricky to get a seat on weekends as they don’t accept reservations. But if you arrive just before opening, they should be able to squeeze you in.

I’m a total sucker for the Turkish eggs here. The dish features fried eggs, whipped feta (ridiculously good!), herbs, arugula, avocado, seeds, and rich Aleppo butter which you can slather over bread. If you’re not feeling eggs, any of their toast dishes are unreal.

Volunteer Park Cafe

website | 1501 17th Ave E (get directions) | neighborhood: Stevens | hours: 8 am – 5 pm Wed – Sun | best for: baked goods and toasts

It took me a while to swing by Volunteer Park Cafe when I moved to Seattle, but boy was I glad when I did. This is one of my go-to places for breakfast in Seattle because they always have a range of freshly-baked treats on display and a focused, but well-executed menu.

They tend to have a rotating selection, but get any of the tarts or the cinnamon roll if they’re available. If you want to enjoy the homey atmosphere and do some people-watching from the front windows, order a toast or egg sandwich.

Watson’s Counter

website | 6420 24th Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | hours: 8 am – 3 pm daily | best for: fried chicken or cereal French toast

If you’re trying to figure out where to eat breakfast in Seattle, make a beeline for Watson’s Counter. It’s the perfect spot for takeout, quick eats, and the best fried chicken in town. They used to be located on 15th Ave NW, but they’re now in Addo’s old location.

They’re probably best known for their iconic cereal French toast. It’s a delicious combination of cider bread with a cereal crust, maple syrup, orange-rosemary whipped cream, and a choice of Fruity Pebbles or Frosty Flecks. It sounds weird, but it’s one of the best breakfast dishes in Seattle – hands down.

General Porpoise Doughnuts

website | neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Downtown, Laurelhurst, & Pioneer Square (get directions) | hours: 7 am – 3 pm daily (8 am Sat & Sun), except Amazon Spheres, which is only open 9 am – 5.30 pm weekdays | best for: brioche stuffed doughnuts

I’m not usually a doughnut eater, as I grew up around chains like Dunkin Donuts. But the doughnuts at General Porpoise genuinely changed my mind.

This place is run by restauranteur Renee Erickson who is known for creating some of the cutest restaurants in Seattle. The doughnuts are slightly pricey, but they’re insanely fluffy and filled to the brim with delicious custards, creams, and curds.

The vanilla custard donut is a must order. You can literally see the vanilla beans in the custard and it works beautifully with the sweet brioche donut. If they have the chocolate marshmallow, that’s another winner.

Bounty Kitchen

website | neighborhoods: Queen Anne & Capitol Hill | hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon – Fri, 10 am – 3 pm (Queen Anne) or 4 pm (Cap Hill) Sat & Sun | best for: breakfast sandwiches

Bounty Kitchen is one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Seattle that operates as a counter service joint. That means you’ll usually get your food in a flash. The vibe is airy and welcoming and you can easily sit by the huge windows and watch the world go by.

The dishes are on the healthy side, but they never skimp on flavor. My absolute favorite thing to order is the good morning sweetheart breakfast sandwich. It’s filled with egg, cheddar, arugula, and a tangy sun-dried tomato paste that pulls everything together.

Dahlia Bakery

website | 2001 4th Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | hours: 8 am – 3 pm daily | best for: breakfast sandwiches and cookies

I used to go to Dahlia Bakery all the time when I worked downtown years ago. I’d splurge for their roast turkey sandwich, tomato soup, and life-changing peanut butter cookie that’s one of the best cookies in Seattle.

They’ve since moved into the old Dahlia Lounge and expanded their menu to offer breakfast daily. The breakfast sandwiches are sinful and I always have to get one when I come in. They’re crafted with homemade English muffins and topped with goodies like bacon, cheese, fried eggs, and paprika aioli.

Skalka

website | 77 Spring St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | best for: khachapuri

If you haven’t had khachapuri, you’re missing out. It’s a Georgian delicacy that looks like a boat-shaped pizza. The crust is thicker and it’s stuffed with cheese, egg, and other interesting toppings.

Skalka makes the best version of this dish in Seattle, and it just so happens that they’re open early so you can get your fix for breakfast. My go-to is the classic version with just cheese and egg, but they offer beef straganoff, chicken ragu, and veggies too.

Hi-Spot Cafe

website | 1410 34th Ave (get directions) | neighborhood: Madrona | hours: 8 am – 2:30 pm daily | best for: a true neighborhood breakfast joint

I remember first visiting Hi-Spot for a ladies’ brunch almost a decade ago. The media doesn’t talk about this spot anymore since it’s been open so long, but locals know this is one of the best gems in the quiet Madrona neighborhood.

Their specialty is comforting diner food like omelets, huevo rancheros, pancakes, and the like. I love their corned beef hash, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Secret Congee

website | 6301 Seaview Ave NW (get directions) | neighborhood: Sunset Hill | hours: 7 am – 3 pm Tues- Sun | best for: congee

You might not think of Asian porridge when considering where to eat breakfast in Seattle, but Secret Congee may just change that. This casual spot near Golden Gardens serves an excellent version of the ultimate Asian comfort food.

Their version is deeply flavorful on its own, but the interesting mix-ins are what put them over the top. The pork belly congee is my favorite, so much so that I put them on my list of the best soups in Seattle.

Kona Kitchen

website | 8501 5th Ave NE (get directions) | neighborhood: Maple Leaf | hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily (9 am Sat & Sun) | best for: Hawaiian grindz

I’ve become obsessed with finding the best Hawaiian food in Seattle considering I go to Hawaii every year and stuff my face with hearty breakfast dishes. Kona Kitchen is the OG Hawaiian joint in Seattle, and they have a huge breakfast menu.

Don’t miss the loco moco served with a flavorful hamburger patty, gravy, and egg. If I’m feeling wild, I’ll customize it to also add chicken katsu like I always get at my favorite restaurants in Maui.

14 Carrot Cafe

website | 2305 Eastlake Ave E (get directions) | neighborhood: Eastlake | hours: 8 am – 2 pm Wed – Sat (3 pm Sat) | best for: vegetarian comfort classics

14 Carrot Cafe is another beloved neighborhood breakfast joint in Seattle. The vibe is homey, and sometimes that’s just want you want in the wee hours of the morning.

I enjoy their chicken chilaquiles because it’s a Midwest spin on the Mexican classic. However, people also rave about their omelets and French toast, so get what looks good to you!

Sea Wolf Bakers

website | 3621 Stone Way N (get directions) | neighborhood: Fremont | hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily | best for: baked goods

One of my favorite places on this list of where to eat breakfast in Seattle is Sea Wolf. I love them so much that they’re on my self-guided food tour of Fremont. It’s owned by two brothers and is in a space that’s airy and warehouse-y, which adds a bit of kinfolk-esque hipster vibes.

But this place isn’t just serving looks. The baked goods are exceptional. In fact, you’ve probably eaten their bread before because they supply most of the restaurants in Seattle.

My go-to order is the cheddar lye roll. It’s like the best version of a pretzel, amped up with real cheese instead of that questionable queso dip you get at a stadium. If you’re craving something sweet, don’t miss their cinnamon roll.

Saint Bread

website | 1421 NE Boat St (get directions) | neighborhood: University District | hours: daily 7 am – 6 pm (3 pm Sun) | best for: unique savory baked goods

Saint Bread is a trendy breakfast spot in Seattle right on Lake Union by the UW campus and Agua Verde Cafe, one of the best restaurants with a view. It’s an order-at-the-counter, take-a-number restaurant that serves the hipster crowd. The indoor area is tiny just for the kitchen, but there is a lot of outdoor covered and heated seating that gives it a good vibe.

Besides a breathtaking stained-glass window, Saint Bread is known for making interesting sweet and savory baked goods using interesting ingredients. For example, two of my favorite pastries are the black sesame bun and gochu-doodle, the latter of which is a cookie that includes Korean gochujang. Grab a few to try and decide on your favorite!

In addition to baked goods, the must-get breakfast item here is the fried egg sandwich with Thai-style turkey sausage. You can choose to have it on a Hawaiian bun or melonpan. Definitely get the latter. It’s a Japanese bun that has a cookie-like crusty top. It’s sweet-ish, but not cloyingly so. It makes a great vessel for the gooey cheese, egg, and sausage.

They serve Proud Mary Coffee, a roaster out of Australia that has a cafe in Portland that’s one of the most fun places to eat in PDX. You can purchase beans to take home in their larder, which is full of a bunch of other great wines, condiments, and foodie goodies.

Pro tip: They have a sorta hidden food truck out back called HINOKI that serves wood-fired, Japanese-inspired food.

Voula’s Offshore Cafe

website | 658 NE Northlake Way (get directions) | neighborhood: Portage | hours: 6 am – 2 pm Tues – Fri, 8 am – 2 pm Sat & Sun | best for: Greek-leaning greasy spoon

Voula’s is a hidden gem only locals know about. It’s on a busy, desolate intersection near that doesn’t get much foot traffic, but you should visit for exceptional diner food.

You’ll find hashes, pancakes, and other classic breakfast fare. I particularly love anything with their Greek sausage, which you can get as a side or as part of a dish like the Greek Hobo scramble.

Golden Daisy

website | 2518 Beacon Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Beacon Hill | hours: 9 am – 3 pm Wed – Mon | best for: dim sum

One of my favorite cheap eats in Seattle is dim sum, but you wouldn’t think it’s where to eat breakfast in Seattle since most restaurants reserve it for the weekend brunch crowd. But Golden Daisy comes through on the weekdays when you’re craving dumplings.

This spot is takeout only, but I’m not above eating their exceptional fried dumplings in my car. They also make superb roast duck and classic dumplings, and dishes are as cheap as $1.95 for huge portions!

Pro tip: This spot is cash only, so plan accordingly!

More Seattle restaurants to try

Once you make your way through this list of where to get breakfast in Seattle, check out my other guides for more eats.

• Best Weekend Brunch in Seattle
• Seattle’s Best Coffee Shops
• Where to Get Great Sandwiches in Seattle