If you live in Seattle long enough you’ll hear rumors that Ray’s used to be a real restaurant—the Canlis of Ballard, if you will—offering an upscale Northwest fare with incredible views. Either that was an urban legend, or boy, have times changed.

But let’s start with the positives: the view of Shilshole Bay is gorgeous—an uninterrupted expanse of blue dotted with sailboats. Especially at sunset, the view nearly justifies putting up with the mediocre food and Midwestern tourists, although we feel compelled to mention that you get the same view down the road over a picnic basket at Golden Gardens Park. The casual deck of the cheaper upstairs café is our preferred perch; the more formal dining room, large windows be damned, is ugly and dated, and the service is cheesy. It’s actually more difficult to get a table in the café than in the dining room.

Wherever you sit, expect overcooked grilled salmon (you can try ordering it “rare” if you want some dark-pink color within); underseasoned halibut; greasy, flavorless under-fried calamari and clams. The one dish that stands out on a thoroughly disappointing dinner menu is smoked sablefish. The fish is buttery and laid atop a tender tangle of sautéed spinach, and a slightly crisped ring of brandade. Sadly for those who come seeking Seattle seafood desserts, mostly old standards involving meringues and mousses, often turn out to be the best part of the meal.