Ballard, Seattle: A Complete Guide to This Cool, Historic Neighborhood

Ballard is home to us now, and we couldn’t be happier. It feels more like our situation in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, where everything was walkable, and I could go more than a week without moving my car. It’s definitely more of a favorite for the locals and more off the beaten path, but there’s so much to explore here that I recommend all visitors spend at least a few hours in this neighborhood. So, we put together a full Ballard, Seattle neighborhood guide with our recommendations.

Let’s dive into our full Ballard neighborhood guide, which I will update constantly as we discover new favorites.

A Little Background on the Ballard Neighborhood

Ballard used to be independent of the city of Seattle. Some early European settlers flipped a coin over the land in Salmon Bay because no one wanted it. It seems silly now because it’s one of the most popular areas to move to, focusing on urban density and adding modern apartment buildings. 

The neighborhood was historically centered around the marine industries of fisheries and canneries. It’s right on the water and home to one of the large Seattle marinas along with Golden Gardens Park, which offers access to Puget Sound and beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains. 

Thanks to the generations of fishermen who hail from Sweden, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries, it’s home to many Scandinavian cultural centers. You can join the Syttende Mai parade on May 17th each year, where the entire neighborhood celebrates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution. 

Another popular festival and celebration in Ballard each July is Ballard Seafood Fest. There is a main stage for live music with a beer garden, plus a huge collection of local restaurants serving up their best seafood offerings. Grab a token for the Salmon BBQ meal with a huge piece of fish, a helping of coleslaw, and a French roll. 

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Our Complete Ballard, Seattle Neighborhood Guide

Now that you’ve got a little history—let’s dive into the fun stuff. This is a list of places that we love in our neighborhood. It’s broken down by restaurants, bars, and things to do. Plus, we’ve included two sample itineraries if you’re planning a visit for something special and want to take the decision-making out of it. 

14 of the Best Restaurants in Ballard, Seattle

For a little background, we eat mostly vegetarian with some seafood sprinkled in. These are our recommendations for our favorites, but we will keep updating this list as we try new spots in the neighborhood. 

Delancey

Pizza is a staple for us. I wouldn’t call myself a pizza snob because I love all flavors, but I would bring anyone to Delancey. This wood-oven spot keeps the flavors classic. The ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible, and it’s a delight. The line gets long, but when we show up about 10 minutes before they open, we almost always have luck getting seated. My trick is to ask the servers to suggest a bottle of wine. We have always been pleasantly surprised.

Rough & Tumble

This sports bar prioritizes women’s sporting events and has a great menu. The patio opens up with giant windows, and it sits just a block off the main drag of Ballard Ave. The mac and cheese is my personal favorite, so I haven’t strayed too far from that. But I do appreciate the veg options they have. I can’t wait to watch some Olympics here. 

Spice Waala

This spot has one of the simplest menus, but don’t be turned off by it. It’s Indian Street Food, and you can choose between four different wraps called Kathi rolls. I love both the vegan and vegetarian options. Plus, there are monthly specials for ice cream flavors and mango lassis. And there are a collection of snacks to order. I haven’t purchased their bigger jar of chutney yet, but I will the next time I’m in there.

Gracia

Check out Gracia on Ballard Ave for a nice meal that involves mezcal or a good margarita. We have done a la carte tacos and have been extremely impressed with the options we’ve tried. The guava margarita stays in my head, though, plus dessert. The churros came as two small fried pastries with chocolate fondue, rivaling my absolute favorite churros in San Diego. Make a reservation to ensure you have a spot because this spot gets busy during the dinner rush.

Portage Bay Cafe

With five locations in Seattle, this isn’t just a Ballard spot, but it’s still worth a mention. The brunch options are gigantic and will ensure that you are full until dinner time. Make sure to check the specials board. 

Joli

This Stumbletown spot is known for its gin selection, but we love the small plate menu. There are always good seafood options, and great vegetable-forward dishes. Everything is swapped out for the season, so the menu is always changing. 

Matador

Another great Mexican spot with some of my favorite fish tacos. Come during happy hour, which is daily from 4:00 to 6:00 and late nights. The fish tacos are on special for $7. Try their special cocktails each month that feature in-season fruits and vegetables. How often will you see a sweet corn and cilantro margarita on the menu? 

Rachel’s Bagels & Burritos

I’m not going to tell you that any bagels are as good as East Coast bagels, but this spot is a solid choice for breakfast. Put in a takeout order and grab it from the shelf when you arrive. It’s perfect if you’re planning a hike or outdoor activities and need the energy. The burritos are one pound, so you won’t feel like you need more. 

Ocho

This small tapas spot has a seasonal menu with something for everyone. The dishes are Spanish-inspired. The deviled eggs have been on the menu each time we’ve returned. The Sangria is another crowd favorite. A happy hour special is available during the week, and a brunch menu for the weekends.

Ray’s Boathouse

For waterfront dining in Ballard, head to Ray’s. A cafe and a fine dining restaurant provide views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The seafood here is what keeps people coming back. They just celebrated their 50th anniversary, so you know it’s good. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a wonderful dinner experience with views, add Ray’s to your list.

The Monkey Bridge

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine can be found at the Monkey Bridge. It brings us back to our time in Hanoi. We haven’t eaten at the restaurant yet, but we have ordered takeout here multiple times. From Bahn Mi sandwiches to noodle dishes, it’s got everything. 

Rupee Bar

This is the only one we haven’t tried yet on this list. But we’ve had multiple friends tell us that it’s their favorite restaurant in the city. It’s a James Beard winner as well. Enjoy the Sri Lankan and Indian-inspired menu that changes each season. I’ve got my eye on a few cocktails that look incredible as well. 

Kiss Cafe

I love a good sandwich. Kiss Cafe serves a huge menu of hot and cold sandwiches, along with some random breakfast options available all day long. They have a well-stocked beer fridge and a few other drink options. The patio is in the shade most of the day, so it’s perfect for a quick bite to cool down on a hot day.

Sabine

This popular brunch spot often has a line on the sidewalk, but don’t be discouraged. You order your food before grabbing a table, so the line moves quickly. The Mediterranean dishes are perfect any time of day. If you miss the daytime menu, make your way to the back of the restaurant, and you’ll find a smaller bar that serves food well into the evening. I’ve been trying to recreate the whipped feta at home but have yet to perfect it.

Best Bars and Breweries in the Ballard Neighborhood

Kings Hardware

Kings is perfect for any occasion. They have great cheap beers and jello shots, but you can also order food and cocktails. There is a back patio and a covered area on the front, so there are plenty of outdoor spaces to hang out. Play a few rounds of skeeball while you’re there, and make sure to take in the unique decor on the walls.

Balebreaker & Yonder Cider

Ballard is a beer drinkers haven. With tons of breweries within walking distance from each other, each Ballard resident will have their favorite brewery. Balebreaker is mine. I love their beer, and I love their outdoor space. Plus, the space is shared with Yonder Cider if you are hanging out with non-beer drinkers. They serve frozen cider slushies in the summer and hot ciders in the winter. 

Little Tin Apothecary

Craft cocktails with funky names and a very festive patio are tucked in this spot right on Ballard Ave. I would recommend sticking to one drink here because they are expensive, but you won’t be disappointed. The flavors are interesting and fun; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more Instagram-worthy bar.

Ballard Beer Box

This brand-new spot is perfect if you want a beer and a pizza. Not only do they feature local craft beers on tap, but they have a wall of refrigerators with beers from all over the world. In addition, their chef is whipping up pizzas all day. Sit on the back patio on a nice day or enjoy a blast of cold AC on a hot day. 

Reuben’s Brewery

Reuben’s is a classic right in the middle of the brewery district of Ballard. With a wide selection of beers, you can do a flight and try multiple types. The outdoor space is great, and they have a resident food truck on site with fries and sandwiches. I think the reason I love this spot so much is that it’s central and perfect to start a brewery tour. 

Olaf’s

This is our favorite local spot. It’s a corner bar a few blocks from the main drag and incredibly dog-friendly. There is a great bar food menu with soft pretzels, wings, and other fried foods. But the bar has a secret. Once inside, look to the right and see a door resembling an important female organ. You just have to take your photo in the doorway. Pass through, and you’ll find yourself in a room filled with pinball machines and classic arcade games. 

Shingletown Saloon

Looking for line dancing lessons or karaoke? The Shingletown Saloon is my favorite people-watching spot. I would not recommend it if you don’t like country music because it feels like a Nashville bar was plopped into the middle of Market Ave in Ballard. There’s a peach and bourbon drink that I’m tempted to recreate with a bit less sugar.

Skal Beer Hall

If you want to pay homage to the Scandinavian roots of Ballard, look no further than Skal Beer Hall. This bar/restaurant features some Nordic dishes using PNW ingredients. I love trying a new beer and snacking on their small plates with salmon or asparagus, or baked cheese. The decor, instead, will make sure you think you’ve been transported to a Norwegian lodge somewhere on a fjord. 

Cloudburst Brewery

There are two locations of this brewery in Seattle, and both are wonderful. But since we are focused on Ballard, this spot is on Shilshole Ave, tucked on the back side of the historic district in between some industrial buildings. The beer garden is covered and heated. If I had to choose a favorite beer in Seattle, I think I’d definitely put Cloudburst in my top two. Hoppy Little Clouds always hits the spot, but they have other great options, and their can design is incredible.

The Dray

If you want a dog-friendly watering hole, that’s on the eastern side of the neighborhood, the Dray is a nice small spot with some pub snacks and an extensive tap list. It’s never packed but never empty. Fresh coffee is brewed throughout the day, so you can recharge here for a midday pick-me-up if you want.

Tractor Tavern

This is a historic music venue right in downtown Ballard. Check the event calendar to see what shows are coming up. There’s a great little bar inside, and the venue is the perfect size, so it’s easy to see the band and enjoy the show.

Other Fun Things to Do in Ballard

In between the eating and drinking, there are some fantastic places to explore in the Ballard neighborhood and great local small businesses to shop at. 

Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens is one of the best parks for mountain and waterfront views in Seattle. With wetlands and marshes on the north and Shilshole Marina on the south, it’s the perfect place to spend a summer day/evening. The sun sets over the Olympic Mountains, and it’s popular to have a beach bonfire when the park allows it. Hang out in the sand and watch for whales and large boats in the sound.  

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks & the Salmon Ladder

This is the last stop in the Lake Washington Ship Canal before boats get out into the Puget Sound. There is more boat traffic here than any other lock in the United States, plus there are one million visitors annually. When the locks were constructed, they changed Salmon Bay from saltwater to freshwater. In addition to watching the boats move through here, you can see the Salmon ladder and watch the large fish swim upstream in the later summer and fall months. The Locks are attached to the Botanic Gardens, and it’s a beautiful place to walk on a nice day. Plus, it’s 100% free of charge for visitors. 

Ballard Ave Historic District

The historic district is located along Ballard Avenue and is the best place to walk and do some shopping. With unique clothing stores, PNW-themed gift shops, and old-fashioned candy shops, you’ll have many fun options if you want to pick up a souvenir or just do some window shopping. 

My favorite shops are: 

• Standard Goods
• Secret Garden Books
• Woodland Mod
• Venue
• Ballard Consignment
• Good & Well Supply Co
• Sonic Boom Records

National Nordic Museum

When the Nordic Museum opened in 1980, it was the only museum in North America to represent the five Nordic nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. A huge renovation happened in 2018, and Congress proclaimed it the National Nordic Museum the next year to acknowledge the museum’s efforts. There are different traveling exhibits that cover unique parts of the culture, plus it has one of the best gift shops I’ve ever seen.

Sunday Farmers Market

Ballard has a year-round farmers market each Sunday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Get your hands on local produce, farm-fresh eggs, unique snacks and condiments made locally, and some wonderful food trucks and food tents. Get the same flowers you can find at Pike Place Market without having to brave the crowds downtown.

Macefield House

Edith Macefield was a real estate holdout in 2006 when she said no to a $1 million offer to sell her house. The commercial development was forced to build up around her home, quickly reminding people of the Disney Pixar film Up. The publicists for the movie attached balloons to the roof of her house as a promotional tie to their film, but the production began a few years before she refused to sell. Even though the movie wasn’t about her, she became a local legend for holding strong and refusing to move out of her historic farmhouse. You can still see the house just across the street from the PCC Market and then treat yourself to their incredible deli afterward.

Majestic Bay Theater

The Majestic Bay movie theater was once the longest continuously operating movie theater on the West Coast, but it closed in 1997. After some renovations, it reopened with three screens and is still showing new movies in a vintage-style theater. If you need a rainy-day activity, you can always sneak in here. Tuesdays are $6.00 all day for all seats.

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Sample Itineraries to Explore the Ballard Neighborhood in Seattle

My Ideal Day in Ballard

• Morning coffee at Venture Coffee – order the brown sugar & lavender latte and the raspberry croissant. For a sweeter treat, I’d head to Dough Joy for a special donut.
• Stroll through the Ballard Farmer’s Market, picking up some new strange condiments or in-season veggies
• Kayak around the Shilshole Marina/Golden Gardens area and sit in the park afterward with the dog, reading a book on the blanket
• Lunch at Matador (likely the fish tacos)
• Retail therapy on Ballard Ave and Market with a stop at Secret Garden Books, Sonicboom Records, and Standard Goods (plus any other store that grabs my attention)
• Cool down with a beer at Cloudburst
• Walk to the other end of Ballard and get a pizza at Delancey and a good bottle of wine
• If there’s any room, head to Balebreaker to sit around one of the fire pits

How to Celebrate a Special Occasion in Ballard

• Start with pre-dinner drinks at Little Tin Apothecary
• Enjoy a slow dinner at Gracia
• Catch some live music at Tractor Tavern
• Sleep at the Ballard Hotel
• Enjoy a morning brunch at Sabine

Where to Stay in Ballard, Seattle

Ballard has a few options for places to stay while visiting. You aren’t too far from downtown if you want to just explore for a day or two, but I also think this is a great place to stay. 

Check out Hotel Ballard or the Ballard Inn for classic hotel rooms in smaller boutique hotels. These spots are centrally located to everything on this list without being more than 15 minutes from the city center.

Another option is renting a townhouse. VRBO has some great centrally located options but will give you more room if you’re traveling with a family. This townhome has plenty of room to spread out and an outdoor patio. There’s a single-family home in the same area with lots of bedrooms and a basement to hang out in. 

The neighborhood has multiple grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s, PCC (the community market), Fred Meyer, Safeway, and QFC. Getting around on foot, on rental bikes, or with the bus system is easy, so don’t worry about needing a car. 

Enjoy Your Visit to Ballard!

We hope you love this neighborhood as much as we do. Things are always opening, closing, or changing, so we will keep updating this list to add new favorites or remove places that have closed down. Save this to refer back to when you’re in the neighborhood and let us know if you’re going to be in our neck of the woods.

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