Ballard Neighborhood Guide
Within 5 Minutes
All of these spots are just a few minutes from the house!
This is my favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood. The coffee is high quality, they have creative sweet drinks, and the bakery is great. I highly recommend the breakfast sandwiches (add Mama Lil’s peppers if you like spice!)
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Venture Coffee Co
5819 24th Ave NWThis is my favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood. The coffee is high quality, they have creative sweet drinks, and the bakery is great. I highly recommend the breakfast sandwiches (add Mama Lil’s peppers if you like spice!)
This french bakery is wildly popular, and on the weekends you’ll see lines running out the door. I highly recommend the croissants (super flaky!) and the onion and gruyere pastry, but everything here is great. On the weekends they also have a delicious quiche.
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Cafe Besalu
5909 24th Ave NWThis french bakery is wildly popular, and on the weekends you’ll see lines running out the door. I highly recommend the croissants (super flaky!) and the onion and gruyere pastry, but everything here is great. On the weekends they also have a delicious quiche.
This bakery sells a wide variety of delicious, freshly baked bread. On the weekends, they also serve an amazing cinnamon roll and other sweet baked goods. They open a little later than the average bakery, so don’t head over before 9 AM.
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Tall Grass Bakery
5907 24th Ave NWThis bakery sells a wide variety of delicious, freshly baked bread. On the weekends, they also serve an amazing cinnamon roll and other sweet baked goods. They open a little later than the average bakery, so don’t head over before 9 AM.
If you’re looking for a place to watch a sports game, this is your bar! Super friendly service, good food, lots of beer on tap, and lots of TVs inside.
Old County Bar
5811 24th Avenue NorthwestIf you’re looking for a place to watch a sports game, this is your bar! Super friendly service, good food, lots of beer on tap, and lots of TVs inside.
This place is a Ballard classic, serving up a variety of burgers at a reasonable price. The burgers are solid, but I really go here for the crispy onion rings and milkshakes.
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Scooter's Burgers
5802 24th Ave NWThis place is a Ballard classic, serving up a variety of burgers at a reasonable price. The burgers are solid, but I really go here for the crispy onion rings and milkshakes.
You can’t beat walking to the gym! Edgeworks offers both bouldering and rope climbing, including an outdoor rope climbing wall. They recently re-branded from Stone Gardens to Edgeworks.
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Stone Gardens Seattle
2839 NW Market StYou can’t beat walking to the gym! Edgeworks offers both bouldering and rope climbing, including an outdoor rope climbing wall. They recently re-branded from Stone Gardens to Edgeworks.
This is a solid Korean restaurant right around the corner, serving up spicy soups, Korean noodles, bi bim bap bowls, and more.
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Kimchi House
5809 24th Ave NWThis is a solid Korean restaurant right around the corner, serving up spicy soups, Korean noodles, bi bim bap bowls, and more.
Coffee and Tea Shops
With lots of huge tables and a large space, this coffee shop is ideal if you want to stay and work for a longer period of time.
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Mabel
7001 24th Ave NWWith lots of huge tables and a large space, this coffee shop is ideal if you want to stay and work for a longer period of time.
The coffee here is great, and they have some nice outdoor seating.
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Ballard Beer Company
2050 NW Market StThe coffee here is great, and they have some nice outdoor seating.
Papá Changó Cafe
5410 22nd Avenue NorthwestThis is a new shop I have been meaning to try. I’ve heard great things about it.
Cozy shop dedicated to serving hot tea and tea lattes. They also have some bakery items.
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Miro Tea
5405 Ballard Ave NWCozy shop dedicated to serving hot tea and tea lattes. They also have some bakery items.
Casual Restaurants
Great local spots for a quick meal or carry out.
This new shop serves rotating flavors of bagels and cream cheese, bagel sandwiches, and enormous breakfast burritos that you can carry out. The flavors are unique and some of the best in Seattle.
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Porkchop & Co.
5451 Leary Ave NWThis new shop serves rotating flavors of bagels and cream cheese, bagel sandwiches, and enormous breakfast burritos that you can carry out. The flavors are unique and some of the best in Seattle.
This unassuming shop serves some of the best falafel and gyro sandwiches in town for take out. If you like garlic, I highly recommend adding some garlic sauce to your order, too.
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Mr. Gyros
5522 20th Ave NWThis unassuming shop serves some of the best falafel and gyro sandwiches in town for take out. If you like garlic, I highly recommend adding some garlic sauce to your order, too.
A solid ramen shop that I go to often. Sitting at the bar is fun, if you can get a seat. My favorite is the black garlic ramen.
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Arashi Ramen
5401 20th Ave NWA solid ramen shop that I go to often. Sitting at the bar is fun, if you can get a seat. My favorite is the black garlic ramen.
They serve a variety of noodle and soup dishes that are excellent. I highly recommend the lamb fried rice – a server recommended it to me once, and I always order it now.
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Sen Noodle Bar
2307 NW Market StThey serve a variety of noodle and soup dishes that are excellent. I highly recommend the lamb fried rice – a server recommended it to me once, and I always order it now.
This restaurant used to be known as Paseo, and served a very famous sandwich. Despite the name change, the sandwiches here are still amazing. The Caribbean roast is the most popular, but the shrimp and scallop sandwiches are also delicious. Want a date night tip? Grab your sandwiches, walk across the street past the Elks Lodge, and eat your dinner on the quiet beach there.
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Un Bien
7302.5 15th Ave NWThis restaurant used to be known as Paseo, and served a very famous sandwich. Despite the name change, the sandwiches here are still amazing. The Caribbean roast is the most popular, but the shrimp and scallop sandwiches are also delicious. Want a date night tip? Grab your sandwiches, walk across the street past the Elks Lodge, and eat your dinner on the quiet beach there.
This new banh mi shop opened just down the road from my house. They serve a lot of tasty sandwiches and bowls!
CrackleMi - Vietnamese Grill & Cafe
5605 22nd Avenue NorthwestThis new banh mi shop opened just down the road from my house. They serve a lot of tasty sandwiches and bowls!
This shop serves great Thai food in a casual setting. Their Pad Thai is way better than most, and their braised pork with red rice and garlic noodles are also great.
Pink Bee
2010 NW 56th StThis shop serves great Thai food in a casual setting. Their Pad Thai is way better than most, and their braised pork with red rice and garlic noodles are also great.
While it isn’t technically in Ballard, it had to be on the list, because this place serves some of the best fried chicken you can find. The sides are awesome, too. Be warned – their Nashville hot chicken is *truly* spicy. They mean business here! If you don’t like spice, you can get it “naked”.
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Sisters and Brothers
544 Elliott Avenue WestWhile it isn’t technically in Ballard, it had to be on the list, because this place serves some of the best fried chicken you can find. The sides are awesome, too. Be warned – their Nashville hot chicken is *truly* spicy. They mean business here! If you don’t like spice, you can get it “naked”.
This is a great spot for fish and chips (or any fried seafood and chips) and chowder. The panko-breaded cod is especially good. They have outdoor seating so you can sit and look at the docks on a nice day.
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Chinook's At Salmon Bay
1900 W Nickerson StThis is a great spot for fish and chips (or any fried seafood and chips) and chowder. The panko-breaded cod is especially good. They have outdoor seating so you can sit and look at the docks on a nice day.
Parks
The locks are only a pleasant ten-minute walk away. You can come for a stroll or to check out the boats coming and going. Across the locks is a small park where Great Blue Herons like to roost. If you are lucky, you might spot a sea lion or a seal!
There is also a Salmon Ladder where you can see fish during migration.
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Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StThe locks are only a pleasant ten-minute walk away. You can come for a stroll or to check out the boats coming and going. Across the locks is a small park where Great Blue Herons like to roost. If you are lucky, you might spot a sea lion or a seal!
There is also a Salmon Ladder where you can see fish during migration.
Sunset Hill Park is the perfect walking or running destination. It sits only 1.5 miles from the house, and you'll get expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The way to the park is all uphill, which I think makes you appreciate the view even more. :)
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פארק סאנסט היל
7531 34th Ave NWSunset Hill Park is the perfect walking or running destination. It sits only 1.5 miles from the house, and you'll get expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. The way to the park is all uphill, which I think makes you appreciate the view even more. :)
Probably the most famous park in the area, Golden Gardens Park includes a park, a beach, and a boat marina. It's only a 5 minute drive away. If you like to walk or run, it's a little over two miles all the way out on the nice, paved, Burke Gilman trail.
If you do choose to walk, you can stop by Ray's in the hopes of seeing lounging sea lions out on the docks.
Please note, although I occasionally see people swimming here, it's not really a swimming beach as the water in the Sound is ice cold year round!
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פארק גולדן גארדנס
8498 Seaview Pl NWProbably the most famous park in the area, Golden Gardens Park includes a park, a beach, and a boat marina. It's only a 5 minute drive away. If you like to walk or run, it's a little over two miles all the way out on the nice, paved, Burke Gilman trail.
If you do choose to walk, you can stop by Ray's in the hopes of seeing lounging sea lions out on the docks.
Please note, although I occasionally see people swimming here, it's not really a swimming beach as the water in the Sound is ice cold year round!
This expansive park is a haven for trail runners, walkers, and birders. It contains so many walking trails that I still sometimes get lost! You can always find something new to explore here.
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פארק דיסקברי
3801 Discovery Park BlvdThis expansive park is a haven for trail runners, walkers, and birders. It contains so many walking trails that I still sometimes get lost! You can always find something new to explore here.
This lesser known sibling of Kerry Park boasts far fewer crows but still excellent views of the sprawling downtown and, on a clear day, Mt. Rainier.
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Bhy Kracke Park
1215 5th Ave NThis lesser known sibling of Kerry Park boasts far fewer crows but still excellent views of the sprawling downtown and, on a clear day, Mt. Rainier.
Possibly the most iconic view point in Seattle, with views of the city, the sound, and Mt. Rainier (on a clear day). The night views are gorgeous, too.
It does get crowded, so if you struggle to find parking, you can head over to its neighbor Bhy Kracke park instead.
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פארק קרי
211 W Highland DrPossibly the most iconic view point in Seattle, with views of the city, the sound, and Mt. Rainier (on a clear day). The night views are gorgeous, too.
It does get crowded, so if you struggle to find parking, you can head over to its neighbor Bhy Kracke park instead.
If you are traveling with kids, this park boasts a nice playground and lots of space to run around.
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Salmon Bay Park
2001 NW Canoe PlIf you are traveling with kids, this park boasts a nice playground and lots of space to run around.
Activities
You can rent kayaks and Stand Up Paddle boards here and take them out in Puget Sound. The views are beautiful, but be warned -- the water is very cold all year round if you fall in!
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Surf Ballard
6300 Seaview Ave NWYou can rent kayaks and Stand Up Paddle boards here and take them out in Puget Sound. The views are beautiful, but be warned -- the water is very cold all year round if you fall in!
Ballard hosts a popular farmer’s market every Sunday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM all year round. It’s on Ballard Ave, about a ten minute walk from the house. There’s always a good variety of fresh produce, prepared food, and snacks at the market.
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Ballard Sunday Farmers Market
5345 Ballard Ave NWBallard hosts a popular farmer’s market every Sunday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM all year round. It’s on Ballard Ave, about a ten minute walk from the house. There’s always a good variety of fresh produce, prepared food, and snacks at the market.
Founded in 1979 but housed in a brand new building, the National Nordic Museum is the only institution of its size and scale in the United States to present the history and culture of the entire Nordic region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the regions of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, and the cultural region of Sápmi) and the legacy of Nordic immigrants to the United States.
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מוזיאון נורדי לאומי
2655 NW Market StFounded in 1979 but housed in a brand new building, the National Nordic Museum is the only institution of its size and scale in the United States to present the history and culture of the entire Nordic region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the regions of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, and the cultural region of Sápmi) and the legacy of Nordic immigrants to the United States.
A popular concert venue only a short bus ride or drive down from Ballard. This vibrant club features funk, jam & EDM music, plus regular live bands, DJs & a patio.
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Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th StA popular concert venue only a short bus ride or drive down from Ballard. This vibrant club features funk, jam & EDM music, plus regular live bands, DJs & a patio.
Take a stroll down Ballard Ave and you’ll find a little bit of everything – boutique clothing, furniture, home goods, coffee, and snacks. The beautiful, 19th-century brick buildings and tree-lined streets make the walk a charming one, whether you buy anything or not.
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Ballard Avenue Northwest
Ballard Avenue NorthwestTake a stroll down Ballard Ave and you’ll find a little bit of everything – boutique clothing, furniture, home goods, coffee, and snacks. The beautiful, 19th-century brick buildings and tree-lined streets make the walk a charming one, whether you buy anything or not.
Another family friendly destination, full tilt has a good-sized collection of pinball and some other arcade games, along with a wide variety of creative ice cream flavors that everyone will love.
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Full Tilt Ice Cream
5453 Leary Ave NWAnother family friendly destination, full tilt has a good-sized collection of pinball and some other arcade games, along with a wide variety of creative ice cream flavors that everyone will love.
Another 10 minute drive from Ballard, the zoo is situated inside Woodland Park, and it’s a fun destination for families. During the winter season, it’s still worth coming out in the rainy weather to see their special lights display.
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גן החיות וודלנד פארק
5500 Phinney Ave NAnother 10 minute drive from Ballard, the zoo is situated inside Woodland Park, and it’s a fun destination for families. During the winter season, it’s still worth coming out in the rainy weather to see their special lights display.
Interbay has a covered driving range, so you can practice your swing no matter the season. They also have an 18-hole mini golf course. The min golf is pretty basic in design – you won’t find windmills or giant animals here – but it’s still a lot of fun
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Interbay Golf Center
2501 15th Ave WInterbay has a covered driving range, so you can practice your swing no matter the season. They also have an 18-hole mini golf course. The min golf is pretty basic in design – you won’t find windmills or giant animals here – but it’s still a lot of fun
During this hour-long interactive experience, you’ll discover the origins of cacao, see how we craft our chocolate from scratch in Seattle, and learn about the close partnerships we’ve cultivated with the farmers we source from. The best part? Lots of chocolate samples!
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Theo Chocolate
3400 Phinney Ave NDuring this hour-long interactive experience, you’ll discover the origins of cacao, see how we craft our chocolate from scratch in Seattle, and learn about the close partnerships we’ve cultivated with the farmers we source from. The best part? Lots of chocolate samples!
Neighborhoods
Just a 10 minute drive or bus ride from Ballard, Fremont is a quirky, artsy neighborhood full of restaurants and bars. There is some fun nightlife here, including a pinball bar!
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Fremont
Just a 10 minute drive or bus ride from Ballard, Fremont is a quirky, artsy neighborhood full of restaurants and bars. There is some fun nightlife here, including a pinball bar!