Nordic. Eclectic. One of a Kind.
Overview
Despite being one of Seattle’s fastest developing neighborhoods, Ballard still manages to maintain its charm and character. Old Ballard, with its cobblestone streets, chic restaurants and adorable storefronts, is a favorite visiting spot for visitors and locals. The sandy beaches of Golden Gardens are perfect for picnics, walks, volleyball or just watching the sunset over the Puget Sound. In addition, Ballard has a strong maritime history and is the home of Seattle’s commercial fishing fleet. There are a range of dry dock and marine industrial uses located along the Lake Washington Ship Canal, as well as beautiful marinas. The neighborhood provides easy downtown access and is in proximity to I-5 and 520, making it an ideal location for both locals and commuters.
Food
- Asadero Ballard: Swanky Mexican joint serving mesquite grilled meats, house made tortillas, and a variety of sweet and spicy salsas for one of the best dining environments in Seattle
- Pestle Rock: This stylish eatery features the best of Thailand with authentic cuisine from the Isan Peninsula and paying tribute to the traditional methods of cooking and eating with large portions and encouragement to eat with your hands!
- La Carta De Oaxaca: With chef roots dating back three generations, the La Carta women having been passing down their trademark secrets from generation to generation, fuzing the best of the past with the best of the future!
- Portage Bay: Ballard features one out of two of the most iconic breakfast & brunch joints in the city. How could we not include this on the list? Giant portions, locally sourced, with organic and sustainable food options. Any breakfast craving you’ve ever had will be met in full satisfaction behind these giant wooden doors.
- Un Bien: One of the few Caribbean influenced venues in Seattle, however more are bound to show up after the success of this colorful little sandwich shop! People just can’t help but come back for another bite of their breaded masterpieces! The roasted pork shoulder is a must!
- Ray’s Cafe: The go-to place for casual dining with a view. This waterfront restaurant and bar sports multiple levels to fit your desired ambience and sun exposure. Offering fresh seasonal dishes, a robust wine list, Ballard microbews, and stunning views of Puget Sound – you won’t be disappointed.
- The Fat Hen: Trendy breakfast and lunch restaurant serving Italian and New American cuisine. This tiny rustic neighborhood favorite knows how to pack punch and leaves a lasting impression on any who stop by.
Coffee
- Ballard Coffee Works: Experience and experiment with coffee in its richly diverse forms and varieties. Boasting independent tasting rooms for wine, beer, and fine dining, you can find pretty much anything your looking for here, including a quality cup of Joe.
- Anchored Ship Coffee Bar: With their trademark logo that perfectly matches the Ballard aesthetic, and a variety of menu options from java drinks, to pastries and sandwiches, this local source of liquid energy is here to stay!
- Cafe Besalu: One of the most highly rated pastry/coffee shops in Seattle. Serving mouthwatering croissants, danishes, fruit tarts, and pretty much every other baked good under the sun – don’t miss out on this local gem! Just looking at the food is satisfying!
- Grumpy D’s Coffee House: This Northside coffee stop is a locally owned cafe with a unique venue and character. Enjoy the cafe classics like espressos, java drinks, snacks, and WiFi, or stop by for open-mike/live music nights – whichever suits you!
- Salt & Sugar Cafe & Bakery: Specializing in fresh waffles and baked goods, this bakery is also home to a pretty killer cup of coffee. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s never not the right time to eat a pastry.
Drinks
- Ballard Beer Company: This beer hall’s claim to fame is being the neighborhoods spot for tasting all that the Ballard breweries has to offer. If it’s local to the area, it’s here, and it’s probably on tap.
- Pie Bar Ballard: What goes best with a nice pint of Beer? That’s right! A steamin’ slice of pie! Actually though, if you haven’t had this combo – it’s a fantastic! Fruit or savory pies, wine or beer – a selection fit for any Ballard resident!
- The Stepping Stone: “Fastest service in the west”, you’ll barely be finished saying your order and they’ll probably already be done. Great cocktails, solid selection of wine and beer with a cozy atmosphere, and, once again, super fast service.
- The Pine Tavern: Enjoy this laid-back bar with a cocktail menu packed with creativity, as is the beer variety. Don’t miss out on the brisket, pulled pork, hot brat, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and smoked potato salad, among other smokey BBQ and sides that will appeal to any BBQ fan. Bring your furry friend and enjoy a little taste of the PNW!
- Ocho: Their menu is constantly evolving into something better, always making sure their tapas match the quality and flavor of their drinks. Enjoy anything from sangria to delicious house cocktails served by knowledgeable bartenders in this candlelit watering hole.
- Sloop Tavern: An old-fashioned tavern with a refined aesthetic. From their drinks to their decorations, there is no extra fluff involved. If it doesn’t make an improvement, then it doesn’t need to be there.
Parks
- Golden Gardens: One of the most robust public parks in Seattle offering sandy beaches backed by manicured green space, and amazing views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Always a great place to spend the day!
- Salmon Bay Park: A gorgeous little neighborhood park when visitors enjoy a smattering of picnic tables placed amongst towering trees and rolling grassy hills. Featuring a large playground, multiple seating areas, bathrooms and all the other must haves for your local park!
- Ballard Playground: Sandwiched in-between the Ballard Community Center and Adams elementary school, this area was built for kids to let loose and roam free, while also providing a mix of sport fields for competitive and recreational play.
- Gilman Playground: This in-city 3.9-acre play area is surprisingly large and well-rounded for the location, with sports fields, a playground (of course), as well as a wading area for the summer months!
- Sunset Hill Park: One of the best spots in the city for viewing the sunset. With the Olympic mountains and Elliot bay as a backdrop, it is the only skyline that rivals views of the downtown Seattle.
- Loyal Heights Playfield: Again, just across from the Loyal Heights community center, this park is home to all the major sport Courts you’d need as well as a robust playground area and plenty of space to walk or run.
Schools
WalkScore
89 – Very Walkable: Most errands can be accomplished without a mode of transportation.
54 – Good Transit: There are many public nearby transportation options.
88 – Very Bikeable: Robust biking infrastructure with convenient commutes and fun trails in almost every direction.
