Cameron August 14th, 2008
Perched beneath the shadows of the Ballard Bridge like an anchored looming pirate ship, is the Jolly Rogers Taproom, adorned with skull and cross bone flags and a fortified iron-gate patio for the summer patrons. When we spotted a lively bunch of Ballardians enjoying the summer evening out on the terrace, we knew we would fit in well here.
Home of the Jolly Rogers Winter Ale, loaded with 9% alcohol and guaranteed to make your eyes drift in opposite directions and snarl at strangers, the Taproom hosts 14 freshly brewed uniquely Northwest Maritime ales and lagers. Also fresh is all the produce in the menu; the onions and pickles are chopped in the Taproom’s kitchen before they’re drowned in deep-fried deliciousness. We recommend the onion rings; they’re so huge and thick you could plop one on your head and it’d pass for a yarmulke.
Even though we were the obnoxious drunk girls talking too loud on our cell phones, no one punched us out, and to us, that is good service and good people.
Jolly Rogers Taproom
1514 NW Leary Way
Ballard WA 98127
www.maritimebrewery.ypguides.net
Erin August 11th, 2008
I’m really bad with accents. Call it ignorance, call it American, call me hard of hearing - it’s something I struggle with. Especially at Thai restaurants, when I typically resort to pointing at menu items instead of insulting a beautiful language with my ugly attempts at pronunciations.
One such case where this is not necessary is Mae Ploy on 15th Ave and 65th. This little rinky-dink Thai assemble just passed its annual and seems to be holding down the fort as far as Thai goes in Ballard, despite their handful of tables that are rarely full even during peak rush hours.
Inexpensive, fast, flavorful and above all friendly to non-Thai speakers, Mae Ploy offers family-style eats in not only the portion sizes of their entrees but in the way that the family owned restaurant is ran every minute their doors are open by every member of the family. Not once have I been there - be it Saturday night or Wednesday for lunch - when at least three members of the family also have not been there. I hope they love their jobs.
The Fam also allows you choose “Thai spice,” something us sensitive-palated people have never done nor plan to but for those of you who load up your Saracha, going with the under-the-table double spices is advised.
As far as the food goes, three words - Tom Kah Soup. The coconut based delicacy goes down like water. Toss some brown rice in there (available with no additional cost, surprisingly) and you’ve got …
Annika August 3rd, 2008
It’s unfortunate that Ballard doesn’t have nearly the same amount of dessert places as it does pizza and pasta places and neighborhood bars. But the places to get dessert are great nonetheless.
For ice cream, try The Scoop at Walter’s ( 6408 32nd Ave NW). Their ice cream is probably some of the best ice cream I have tasted. My favorite is Lavendar Honey, but they have other chocolate and fruit flavors. The Scoop also has donuts and coffee. Beware, they do close up shop early at 7pm.
For cupcakes, try Cupcake Royale (2052 NW Market Street). They have everything from chocolate to peppermint to orange to red velvet. Cupcake Royale also has mini cupcakes for the kiddies, or if you just want a small treat. You can eat in or take out, and they have good coffee, too.
For frozen yogurt, try Mooberry ( 2019 NW Market St). Mooberry just opened up this spring and it is quite good. They have a variety of different flavors and add-ins.
For ice cream, try Little Coney (8003 Seaview Ave NW). Its a great little place to stop on your way to Golden Gardens to grab some ice cream or burgers.
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.
Erin July 10th, 2008
Name: The Old Town Ale House
Age: 13 Years
Actual of the Physical Bar: 110 Years
Beers: Belgium features with a hint of Washington flavor
Why Flemish? The people of Belgium have created a reputation for themselves as pint professionals, boasting more than 120 breweries in the nation, producing 1000 odd brewskis that are tagged with the Flemish name. Belgium is to beer as France is to wine as Spain is to soccer as New York is to cabs. The beer is as native as the people.
Why the Ale House? A wide range of bottlenecks are offered, varying from pilsners with 5% alcohol per volume to 10% triple imperials. The Belgium draft (along side of the Washington tapped beers) fluctuates on its beer handouts but is currently sporting the classic Hoegaarden White, Chimay “White Label” Triple and Lindeman’s Lambic (also with its own rotating flavors). The beers stand alone as a meal and the purpose of “eating and drinking together” is lost in the Flemish translation of the beverage.
Standout Bar Decor: Former taps from the list trim the wall that closes in the kitchen and gives a promise from libations past that more great beer is to come. And they have free post cards so when you get too full from the Flemish delicacies to leave, you can send your mother a letter informing her of your move to Belgium.
photo courtesy of Old Town Ale House
Cameron July 9th, 2008
Chili-man, Mike Semandiris, contacted Ballardblog and asked us to inform our loyal readers that the Chili Parlor will be closed this week due to intense construction interference, but will be up and ready to cater to your chili and beer desires by Friday night (July 11th) and onward.
And to make up for the temporary closure, the Parlor will offer a “Construction Special” all next week: $1.00 Miller High Life Pints 4pm-7pm Monday through Friday.
Thanks, Mike! We will see you soon..
Cameron July 7th, 2008
Edith Macefield (1922-2008), Ballard’s most famous “hold-out”, brought national attention to the community when she refused to sell her property of almost six decades to commercial real estate developers. Just around the corner, Mike’s Chili Parlor is Edith’s retail equivalent.
Crossing the Ballard Bridge, you can see the words “MIKE’S” and “CHILI TO GO” on painted plywood and flickering neon signs, circa 1955, modestly promoting the Parlor’s existence off of 15th and Ballard Way. The same construction monstrosity that bordered Edith’s home also casts a shadow on its north-end over the dusty brick bar. Like two rebel bookends nestled against a bourgeoisie mega-center, the two properties are remnants of Old Ballard, representing a similar struggle against gentrification.
We visited the the Parlor because we’ve heard that it is the home of Seattle’s best chili. And we were thirsty. In the short time that we were there, we immediately felt at home; the bartender was boisterous but called us “honey” and little touches of the “old country” graced the interior of the building.
We ordered the “Big Ass Bowl” of chili (seriously, that’s the name of the size) with onions, cheese and jalapeños, and the chili pasta. The sauce was peppery and not too thick or floury, like the junk that comes in a can. This …
Annika July 1st, 2008
ahh…Dining in Ballard. Ballard has become a popular hot spot for a wide variety of restaurants and other eating establishments. 9 times out of 10 my friends want to “meet at my place and walk over to said restaurant.” Lucky for me, I do not have to get in my car, fight traffic and hunt down a parking spot. After living in Ballard for 2 years, I have discovered my favorite hot spots for food at all times of the day.
For breakfast, check out Vera’s (map). It’s a 50s diner/greasy spoon. Looks may be deceiving but the food is yummy! Plus, the service is friendly and efficient. Two perks for early morning eats.
While waiting for the oh-so-popular Ballard Ave stores to open up, why not travel a bit east for your mid-morning coffee. You would never know that Sip n Ship has some of the best coffee beverages. I tend to get their soy chai but I’ve had their other beverages and they were great! They even have a cute store with cards, stationery, and gift wrap. I find myself buying the majority of my cards at this shop! Plus you can address, purchase a stamp, and send out your cards at the mail center. They have plenty of postage deals and a nice, helpful staff.
For your picnic lunch to take to the Locks, I recommend the Great Harvest Bread Company. Their bread is made fresh two times daily, ingredients are fresh, and their …
SeattleMeg June 22nd, 2008
Your first reaction on getting that coupon in the Val-Pak envelope is to laugh. “Snoose Junction Pizzeria“? What’s a Snoose? Apparently, Scandinavians in the area called snuff and chewing tobacco “snoose”, and Snoose Junction was a nickname for the area when Ship captains would stop here to unload illicit loads before hitting Seattle proper. While smoking isn’t allowed inside these days, the pizza is certainly good enough to think you’re getting away with something. That something? A great deal on good food.
You can get your pizza fix here by the slice or by the whole pie. A delighful arrangement of regulars fill the large menu board along with the option to create your own masterpiece. Calzones, hot sandwiches and some salads fill out the menu along with sodas, wines and beers. It’s very family-welcoming, even if there isn’t a whole lot of room.
I noshed on slices of plain cheese and a cold bottle of Sarsparilla from Wyoming. My partner enjoyed cheese and pepperoni with a icy fountain Coke. (2 drinks, 4 slices, less than $20) The crust was thin yet sturdy and didn’t crack along the bottom when I folded mine in half. Get a few napkins for the little bit of grease run-off while you wait for it to cool from their warming oven! The sauce is perfectly not too sweet, not too seasoned, and the cheese doesn’t string out too far. I was …
Erin May 9th, 2008
There I stood - or staggered - on the cobblestoned paveway of Ballard Avenue, several glasses of wine down with a confused frown deciding which Ballard wine bar got the best of me. I did some serious research on the Avenue’s wine bar circuit for the rest of us Sweds who get lost when it’s something other than schnapps with the smorgasbord.
With the recent restaurant/bar trend featuring small plates/tapas, Portalis WIne Shop/Bar and diVino fall right into the grade. However, I can wholeheartedly say that my experiences with both wine bars was far from middle grade.
My Wine Trails of Ballard began at Portalis (www.portaliswines.com), home to former German ER doc Jens Strecker, with their vast selection in retail wines originating from Chile to New Zealand and South Africa, as well as a couple local favorites.
The menu gave a few small plates to choose from - all with fancy titles that essentially translate out to fish spread on crusted bread - and an intricate tasting menu for the evening (it was a Wednesday). I ventured out to Italy and tried their version of the Pinot Noir grape, also known as Nebbiolo. I found it to be a little hallow and flat but drank it anyway since it was just under $10… Only to find out 7/8 through the glass that the bottle I was drinking from was corked… The bartender quickly retaliated, giving me a …
Perched beneath the shadows of the Ballard Bridge like an anchored looming pirate ship, is the Jolly Rogers Taproom, adorned with skull and cross bone flags and a fortified iron-gate patio for the summer patrons. When we spotted a lively bunch of Ballardians enjoying the summer evening out on the terrace, we knew we would fit in well here. 
