Where to Eat in Ballard
These six places span a wide range, from a quick sandwich to a special occasion dinner. Browse them in any order, since they are listed in no particular ranking.
Un Bien
Find this Caribbean sandwich shop on Seaview Avenue NW, run by the family behind the original Paseo menu. Order the roast pork sandwich that keeps fans coming back, and add the fire-roasted corn when it is in season. It is a natural pick for a casual lunch or takeout, but the sandwiches are famously messy, so grab extra napkins on your way out.
Beast & Cleaver
Make your way to NW 80th Street for this butcher shop, well regarded as one of the city's standout places for meat. Pick up chops and links to cook at home, drop by for sandwiches at lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, or book its after-hours tasting menu dinner, known as The Peasant. Steaks, burgers and house sausages take the spotlight, while the salads and wine list earn their own praise, so keep it in mind for a date night or dinner with visiting family.
GoodMart
From the team behind Local Tide, GoodMart puts seafood first at its spot on Ballard Avenue NW. Every main gets its own preparation and arrives with rice and salad, so you might choose apple-miso black cod or panko-crusted ling cod. Not in the mood for fish? Go for the popular beef hambagu instead. Walk-ins are welcome, which makes it an easy lunch with kids or out-of-town guests.
Ocho
Pull up a seat at Ocho, a tapas bar that has become a familiar name for a meal in Ballard. Share small plates with a group, or grab a bite before heading out to the breweries and bars nearby.
Pestle Rock
For Thai, settle in at Pestle Rock, a longtime neighborhood restaurant in Ballard. Its steady local following makes it a reliable choice for a relaxed weeknight dinner.
Asadero Prime
Asadero Prime is a steakhouse built around choice, letting you shape your own beef-centered meal. Meat lovers who want something more hands-on than a standard steak dinner will feel right at home here.
Spend the Rest of Your Day in Ballard
Sunday makes a natural day to visit. Browse the Ballard Farmers Market, which runs year-round on Sundays where 22nd Ave NW meets Ballard Ave NW, with listed hours from 9 am to 2 pm, though it is wise to confirm before you go.
History fans can seek out the Ballard Carnegie Library on NW Market Street. It opened in 1904 and served readers until 1963, and today this City of Seattle landmark houses a pub.
After your meal, head west toward the water. Stroll the Puget Sound beach at Golden Gardens Park and take in views to the Olympic Mountains, or catch the outlook from Sunset Hill Park, a small overlook above Shilshole Bay. Closer to the center, Ballard Commons Park is an easy place to rest between stops.
