10.0 For Ocho
Cameron July 24th, 2008
When we approached the super chic, super crowded bar, Ocho, 24th and Market, our Ballardian defenses immediately set in. We were a little intimidated and skeptical of the latest bar and restaurant to open in the historic neighborhood of Ballard. But with usual Ballard congeniality and sincerity, we were greeted with friendly smiles from the staff and a complex, savory and smokey aroma from the tapas roasting in the back. We came for the margaritas, and stayed for the margaritas… and the sangria, shrimp, chorizo and grilled peppers. This Spanish-styled restaurant serves authentic tapas without the Euro price. The average dish (from 4pm-2am) is $4.00.
But they don’t mess around with the booze. The cocktails are quirky and artistic. The Picador, a vodka or gin based cocktail with cucumber and maraschino liquor, is garnished with a stick of rosemary with a skewered beet. Their margaritas are $10 and it’s even named “The $10 Margarita” in the menu. The popular pint-sized drink is not Patron based, as one might suspect with the price, rather El Tesoro—a liquor that’s considered a work of art among Tequila epicureans. And the sangria, $8, is based more with a generous serving of Brandy rather than cheap wine. Which explains why we were loaded after only one round—even with our livers of steel.
