Tiny bar offers a wide Amari selection and inventive cocktails crafted by Jeff's deep knowledge. Intimate seating creates a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Spacious feel and close bar seating invite flavorful drink lovers to enjoy unique experiences.
Cocktails focus on a wide variety of Amari like Aperol, Campari, Montenegro, and Averna. Jeff the bartender uses his encyclopedic knowledge to craft inventive, delicious drinks including a Malort cocktail.
"You have to try their inventive cocktails, especially the bitter ones."
"The oysters here are carefully sourced and skillfully prepared."
"The bartenders are super friendly and knowledgeable."
Good to know
Barnacle serves as a waiting area for the Walrus & the Carpenter.
The drink selection at Barnacle is extensive and unique.
Barnacle offers a more intimate atmosphere with bar seating.
Converted firehouse blends a lively sports bar with a laid-back upstairs lounge. Craft cocktails like Feral Sherryl shine in the relaxed setting. Free games such as pool add fun to the eclectic vibe and local artwork brightens the space.
Craft cocktails feature prominently with travel-inspired flavors and unique blends like the Feral Sherryl and Ripley. The upstairs lounge offers a laid-back vibe ideal for enjoying these drinks.
Good to know
Happy hour runs every day before 7pm with great value for money.
Comedy shows and special events happen regularly throughout the week.
The menu features a variety of Italian-inspired bites and craft cocktails.
Wood burning oven creates a modern, cozy vibe with real roses adding a classy touch. Cocktails reach bar quality, featuring the unique Mae Ploy 24. Atmosphere stays low key and inviting, perfect for quiet nights or casual outings.
Cocktails here reach actual cocktail bar quality with a well-balanced menu that stands out among Thai restaurants. The Mae Ploy 24 cocktail offers a unique and delicious experience worth trying.
Good to know
The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly, accommodating diets upon request.
Prices for most menu items are around $15, with some lower options available.
Late night hours make it convenient for post-work dining.
Cocktail bar shines with artisanal cocktails that balance creativity and flavor. Cool interior and covered outdoor area set a lively or quiet mood. Ideal for small groups, service is attentive and complements the inventive menu.
Creative cocktails showcase clear effort and balance without being over-the-top. Service complements the craft cocktail selections that are both fun and delicious.
Good to know
Happy hour is limited to 2 hours after opening and before closing.
They charge a 3% fee for using a credit card.
Parking on Ballard Avenue can be challenging; street parking is available.
Cozy Italian spot shines with authentic pizza baked in a unique oven and a classy bar area. Cocktails impress, especially the Marmaletta NA option, though drinks can be ice-heavy. Outdoor seating is family and dog-friendly, perfect for relaxed gatherings.
Cocktails come out on point with a fantastic NA option called Marmaletta. Drinks sometimes have lots of ice, which can limit how much you get to sip.
Good to know
Happy hour features half-sized pizzas and drink specials from 4-6pm.
The menu includes a variety of vegetarian pizza options.
The restaurant is family-friendly and accommodates kids well.
Small bar offers a cozy atmosphere with a rotating cocktail menu featuring creative blends like rhubarb and mezcal. Thoughtful, flavorful dishes pair well with drinks. Outdoor patio is dog-friendly and heated for warmth.
Cocktails rotate frequently, offering a fresh and inventive menu each visit. The selection features high quality spirits and creative blends like the perfectly balanced 'Too Good for Your Home' with rhubarb and mezcal.
Good to know
Happy hour offers half-price drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.
Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
The bar has a rotating cocktail menu that changes frequently.
Warm, rustic decor sets a cozy English pub vibe with wooden tables and an open kitchen. Cocktails are fun and very good, offering a lively menu with enjoyable flavors. Music can get loud near speakers, making conversation tough, while some draughty spots and outdoor garbage smell affect comfort.
Fun and very good cocktails create a lively drink menu. The selection offers decent variety with enjoyable flavors.
Good to know
A 22% automatic service fee is added to all checks.
The restaurant often runs out of popular menu items by 7 PM.
Expect high prices, with meals averaging around $100 per person.
Historic firehouse turned lounge offers Caribbean-Latin fusion vibes with a lively DJ and huge TVs for sports fans. Cocktails like Ballard Sky come at great prices, perfect for shifting from dinner to party mode. Outdoor patio with fire pits adds to the energetic scene.
Cocktails feature great prices and a menu with standout drinks like the Ballard Sky and Cantarito. Staff assist with choices, making it easy to transition from dinner to lounge vibes.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.
The venue transforms into a nightclub after 9 p.m. on weekends.
Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.
Space blends western saloon and dim-lit speakeasy styles with unique rooms like a cozy lounge. Craft cocktails shine with well balanced flavors made by a skilled mixologist. Atmosphere stays intimate and laidback with spot-on music and quiet vibes.
Craft cocktails come with well balanced flavors and high quality ingredients. A real mixologist crafts each drink, often creating great cocktails from vague requests.
Good to know
Happy hour offers great deals on drinks.
The bar claims to be open until 2 am but often closes at 1 am.
The bar closes when it gets slow, so hours may vary.
Small space with a cozy vibe and heated patio invites lively chats. Creative cocktails taste like fresh juice, featuring the dirty chai for warmth. Casual atmosphere blends comfort with unique flavors for a vibrant night out.
Cocktails taste like fresh juice and come in unique varieties. The dirty chai cocktail offers a warm, cozy flavor.
Good to know
Happy hour runs all day on Mondays with great food deals.
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and busy weekends.
A 22% service charge is automatically added to all bills.
Beautifully restored historic home offers a cozy, romantic vibe with vine-covered brick walls and candlelit warmth. Fast, seasonal cocktails like "a snake in my boots" deliver bold flavors. Heated patios and an open kitchen create a homey atmosphere perfect for enjoying expertly crafted pasta dishes.
Fast cocktails come with seasonal options like "a snake in my boots" that stand out for their flavor. Drinks pair well with food, offering a delicious experience.
Good to know
Reservations are required a few weeks in advance for dining.
A mandatory 23% service fee is added to all bills before tax.
Expect to spend $100-150 per person for a full meal.
Compact space offers a cozy, intimate vibe with stylish, dark decor. Cocktails shine with silky smooth blends featuring green chartreuse. Fresh seafood dishes come in generous portions, making it a perfect spot for quiet, flavorful dining.
Silky smooth cocktails feature complex flavor combinations without being overly sweet. The menu is tightly curated, showing notable care in crafting drinks that warm from the inside out.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with $2 oysters and drink specials.
The restaurant accommodates various dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free options.
The Garrison is 21+ only; no children allowed.
New American spot shines with intimate atmosphere and stylish French decor. Cocktails impress with carefully crafted drinks and smart non-alcoholic options. Quiet, cozy vibe makes it perfect for focused dining and conversation.
The cocktail menu offers carefully crafted drinks alongside non-alcoholic pairings. Options include prix fixe menus with an optional second course and cocktail add-on.
Good to know
Reservations are required at least one month in advance due to high demand.
The restaurant is open Thursday through Saturday only.
The menu changes weekly, offering a rotating selection of dishes.
Stylish Spanish tequila bar offers a vibrant atmosphere with warm lighting and a cozy feel. Cocktails are strong and well-balanced, featuring classic and fun flavors at great prices. Extensive tequila selection and lively music make it perfect for happy hour and outdoor seating.
Cocktails come strong and well-balanced with wonderfully-crafted flavors. Options range from classic to more fun choices, all at reasonable prices.
Good to know
Matador Ballard does walk-ins only and can be incredibly busy at peak times.
The kitchen closes at 1 a.m., making it a late-night dining option.
Happy hour offers 5 street tacos for $10, a great deal.
Indoor rooftop space offers breathtaking city views through wall-to-wall windows and features soaring ceilings with sparkling chandeliers. Atmosphere feels intimate and cozy, suited for weddings and live music events with a relaxed, friendly vibe. Large dance floor and adjacent hotel suites add to the venue's appeal.
Good to know
Parking is very tight below the hotel, so plan accordingly.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early if you want a cocktail, as the bar closes early.
Food and beverages are available during events.
Board game café offers extensive game library and spacious seating for casual and tournament play. Frequent events serve tasty cocktails like rare mead that pair well with food. Atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly, perfect for all ages.
Frequent events feature tasty cocktails including rare mead. Cocktails pair well with board games and food, but no light beer or olives appear despite some menu listings.
Good to know
Tuesday nights feature free play for MTG players and a Pioneer tournament.
Parking can be challenging, so consider arriving early.
The restaurant is often busy, expect a wait time for seating.
Old library turned pub offers a dog-friendly patio and lively college bar vibe after 10:30 PM. Creative cocktails like the Tim Tam Slam shine in a chill afternoon setting. Large beer garden serves pub-style dishes alongside a pool table for fun.
Creative cocktails like the Tim Tam Slam stand out among a wide selection of cool drinks. The spot offers a chill vibe perfect for afternoon cocktails, though some drinks can be hit or miss.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with $6 specials on select items.
Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.
Wing night on Mondays offers wings for $0.75 each.
Nearly 100-year-old building offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic Scottish pub decor and live bagpipe music. Enjoy an extensive whiskey selection and well-executed fish and chips. Cocktails shine during Happy Hour, paired with tasty snacks like shrimp tacos and scotch eggs.
Cocktails come with a thorough scotch whisky list and include a NA cocktail named after the bartender. Happy Hour pairs drinks with shrimp tacos, fish and chips, and a scotch egg.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm with discounted food and drinks.
Fish and chips are $13 during happy hour, shrimp tacos are $12.
Children are not allowed in the main bar area but can sit on the patio.
Huge sports bar offers tons of TVs and a lively vibe with local sports stars on the walls. Outdoor patio has foosball and heaters for social fun. Cocktails stand out at $20 each, paired with good food and a wide drink selection.
Wide selection of cocktails and beer pairs with good food. Cocktails cost around $20, which stands out in a sports bar setting.
Good to know
They charge $5 for fries on a $15 burger.
The big issue was they didn't accept cash.
Reservations are recommended for large groups during major sporting events.