Addicted to Toast

Get out the way mac-n-cheese, toast is my ultimate comfort food. When I saw Ballard had a toast bar, I was thrilled. Nervous Nellie's is in a retail-free block off the main strip so it took me awhile to actually stumble across it, and from the number of customers I've seen not too many other Ballardites know about it either. Or maybe it's because Nellie's is outrageously friggin' expensive. One slab of toasted buttered bread runs $2.75. I understand that it's Great Harvest bread but c'mon I can buy a whole loaf at the store for $1.99. It was pretty good but at those prices I could end up in the streets from indulging my toast habit a little too often. Nellie's also offers other toast toppings like and assortment of jams, cinnamon sugar, cheese, Nutella, and creamed fish roe in a tube. Yeah, it's a Scandinavian thing. This is Ballard after all. Sorry Nervous Nellie's I'll only be coming here for special occasions or emergencies, like when they finally cancel America's Next Top Model.

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Coffee • Ballard

Mmmmmmole.

Oaxaca, Mexico has one big culinary claim to fame. Super stellar mole' sauce. The cooks at Ballard's own Carta de Oaxaca do their namesake proud. The Mole' Negro Oaxaqueno throws your choice of chicken or pork into the deep end of a pool filled with mole'. Forget forks; use the fantastic homemade tortillas as a sauce mop. Melted cheese is my weakness and the quesadillas here truly hit the spot. You won't find an oily yellow mess masquerading as cheese at Carta de Oaxaca. Fresh Oaxaqueno cheese is liberally stuffed between the tortillas before being fried and smothered with guacamole, salsa fresca, and of course, mole'. The only downside is that I hardly ever get to eat here. Why is it that every newish bar/restaurant in Ballard is smaller than my linen closet? Oaxaca is tiny so that means a long wait and no real space to spend those fifty minutes. Rumor round the 'hood is that they have opened a back patio--but for the love of God, don't tell anyone.

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Restaurants • Ballard

Japanese Cheer

I've completely bitten off all my fingernails while excitedly waiting for O'Shan to open. I love sushi and for the longest time Ballard has been a one horse neighborhood in terms of Japanese restaurants. The new owners have done a great job of transforming the interior from the former tex-mex chili pepper decor to a softly lit bamboo paradise. The table settings are as cute and pretty as the food you'll enjoy. Instead of cheap paper-wrapped chopsticks, they give you ones made of smoothly rounded wood. No bamboo splinters here. The menu features all the traditional Japanese stuff and standard sushi options, with things even the squeamish will enjoy (teriyaki and yakisoba). My seaweed salad tasted like the ocean and my spicy tuna set of firecrackers in my mouth. Both positives in my book. From my seat at the sushi bar I could even watch the cook tempura batter and fry the crab for my spider roll. And best of all, the prices are fantastic. Five buck for a California roll, four bucks for a heaping helping of seaweed salad, ten for a dragon roll. During the next blizzard I'll only have to walk three slippery blocks to get my fix of raw fish. Excellent!

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Restaurants • Ballard

Love of Country

Is there anyone in Seattle who doesn't know about the Tractor? Regardless, the hub of Ballard's live music scene deserves some props. Hell yeah, what up Tractor? Alt-country rules here but Rockabilly, folk, and indie rock fill in the gaps. Every fall Bettie Page and Stray Cats lookalikes spill out of the Tractor and their retro rides for the Rockabilly Ball. The open space is perfect for live shows and they keep it real with cheap beer and Jack-n-Cokes. Go ahead and order your Martini with extra olives. It will still come in a plastic cup. I've never seen anyone eating here, but supposedly they offer an excellent selection of TV dinners. I'll have to remember that the next time I want to get my Swanson on. Discarded cowboy boots and tractor tires decorate the space, rounding out the good ole' boy theme. But the best part is the huge horse painting on the wall next to the bar. My boyfriend questioned where one would put such a large painting of a horse in a house. I'm just happy it ended up at the Tractor. 

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Nightlife • Ballard

First on the Trail!

Whoa, Second Ascent is totally sick. As in, THE place to shop for all your recreational outdoor needs. In my experience most people who would actually use an ice axe, crampons, and $350 mountaineering boots don’t hold jobs where they make bank, so used gear shops are our best friends. Plus, buying pre-loved gear is the planet friendly green way to go. Second Ascent will gladly take your cast offs for either cash or store credit. Before storming off to REI make a stop here, because they carry everything from guidebooks to bikes. The also have a wicked maintenance shop for bike tunes and repairs. My only complaint is that they don't provide ski tuning services. They have a huge selection of ski and winter gear though. With a super friendly staff and dog friendly policy who could ask for more?

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Shopping • Ballard

It's Good For You!

I love this place. Even when I lived an hour outside of Seattle, I managed to get here at least one Sunday a month. Why Sunday? Dunno--maybe I've subconsciously associated the fries at this place with the sacred. Their fries are thin and crisp and tossed with Parmesan and savory, unidentifiable spices; they always come hot and the salty seasoning melts on your tongue. I could rave about everything else on the menu as well: the onion rings are lightly battered and crisp; the onions inside are cooked through but still firm enough that you don't feel like you're eating mush. The Caesar salad has huge, crunchy, spicy croutons and comes with whole anchovies on request. The cod in the fish and chips is battered in Panko, so it's crisp and light and cooked through but still firm. The sandwiches come on giant rolls and sometimes a wet nap (brilliant!). To top it off, they've got quality servers that anticipate your needs such as bringing a pitcher of Coke to a thirsty table of three or ensuring your beer glass never goes dry. This place must be heaven.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Ballard

The Joy of Living

I love my neighborhood. Getting a cup of coffee and walking down to the outdoor market on a fall Sunday is perfection. Slaloming around dogs and children while browsing the gorgeous produce gives me that feeling that the world really can be a good place. Not only is the Ballard Farmer's Market open year round, almost everything is organic and you can find what you need for the week. Produce dominates but cheese makes a strong showing, followed by a smattering of meats, smoked salmon, and baked goods. My favorite place to stop is the Little Prague bakery where I always buy a slice of raspberry strudel just like my Oma made. The street performer across from the booth usually sings selections from the Disney songbook--his rendition of "Under The Sea" is killer. Watch your back, Elton John.

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Shopping • Ballard

Cool Beans

Anyone who wishes for year-long winters will love grabbing a cup of coffee at the Java Bean. Pining away for the first snow day and the chance to lay down some sick turns? In the middle of July it's still a cozy mountain lodge after a hard day of skiing inside the Java Bean. Antler chandeliers and a wood stove complete the image. Although the coffee isn't bad I really only come here because it's convenient. No wi-fi and expensive drinks are a turn off. Two seventy-five for a tall Americano is ridiculous. Even if it is fair trade, shade grown, organic coffee so many other places offer the same at a better price. I would kill for a butter horn however, which tastes just like a Pop Tart. At ninety-nine cents it's a steal. Friendly baristas and comfy couches tempt me to make this my neighborhood coffee stop but so far I'm not totally convinced.

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Coffee • Ballard

Drinkers of the Bar, Unite!

There are lots of reasons to go to the German-themed People's Pub. There's the tap beer selection, which is a who's who of Deutsch brews, but also tosses in some other Euro favorites (like Strongbow cider) for good measure. There are the board games and the high probability of scoring a table on any given night. Happy hour lasts till 7 so you don't have to leave work early to partake. There's a late night happy hour too. But personally, I'd go there for the food. The fried pickles are a popular item (I find them a little overwhelming and I'm so over aoli as a concept) as is anything ending in "schnitzel" or "wurst." I'd recommend the fried tomato sandwich and the bread pudding. But whatever you decide to order, don't forget to throw in some spatzle. Spatzle is the German's greatest contribution to side-dishes. This incredible cross between noodles and dumplings can be enjoyed smothered in butter or blanketed with cheese. And it's also fun to say. It's pronounced "shpetz-luh." See? Fun! It's true the service can be spotty but the pluses definitely outweigh the minuses. Say it with me now. "Shpetz-luh!"

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Nightlife • Ballard

Aurora Avenue Without the Prostitutes

I've been in lots of dirty bathrooms. Driving all over the country, hitting up bars--hell, even running a 10K where people have pre-race jitters. You're bound to come across them. The women's bathroom at the Bit Saloon ranks right up there with the filthiest. The good news is that even if you wanted to sit down, there's no room in the tiny, claustrophobic space so you're forced to do an awkward side-straddle. The men's room goes one better by regularly having a dollar bill in the urinal that without fail is removed by some brave soul by the end of the night and presumably used to buy beer. Get in, get out, that's my advice so that you can get back to drinking and listening to good, low cost (free--$5 cover) music on any given night. For a change, the crowd is not your typical Ballard Carhartt-wearing, bearded industrial folk. It's more like Aurora Avenue without the prostitutes (I know, I know--what's Aurora without the prostitutes? But trust me! You don't even miss them with the rest of the eye candy in the place).

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Nightlife • Ballard

Scandarific

I absolutely must have 91 Ways to Serve Lefse for my cookbook collection. What to do? Thank Norway I live in Ballard and can just roll down to Olsen's Scandinavian Foods. Mmmmmm, I'll just pick up some frystekake and svinneribbe while I'm here. And look, a Viking Power mug. That will certainly make my morning coffee feel pretty. Would I like a sample of pickled herring? Well, maybe just two or three. Gotta get those Omega fatty acids somehow. Lutefisk? No thanks, I'm watching my lye intake. But this Uff Da apron would make a perfect Administrative Professionals Day gift. Thank you Olsen's for keeping the dream of a Scandinavian Ballard alive.

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Shopping • Ballard

Out of the Abyss

In Ballard a new bar opens about every four hours. Those attempting to straddle the next level of hip and visit all the trendy places require several disco naps and a case of Red Bull. There is something different about the Stepping Stone however. I think its called craftsmanship. The gorgeous woodwork alone makes this place worth a look. Hand crafted black walnut booths and a buttery yellow bar made of salvaged fir are a few of the embellishments. An overall warmth pervades the space like a big downy blanket. The lack of hard liquor keeps the rowdy post-college crowd away. The Stepping Stone emphasizes organic and sustainable products so the wine, beer, and sake list contains some unique options. Advertised mostly through local buzz, it is quickly becoming the choice neighborhood spot to chill.

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Restaurants • Ballard

Amatory Mercantilism

What do dorky single girls do on Friday night? Well, I wander through the sinfully beautiful produce displays and luscious bakery section at the Ballard Market. For a foodie like me, it's almost as good as looking at David Beckham's underwear (ads). They cover all the bases with a tremendous wine selection and a knowledgeable staff to provide great recommendations for all price ranges. Every cook has had the experience of trying a recipe that calls for a small amount of an obscure spice that you will never use again. I rely on my local store for just this situation because they sell spices in bulk and I can purchase just ¼ teaspoon if I want. While the Ballard Market stocks many of the same items you'll find at the PCC or Whole Foods, it's locally owned making it a better choice for those who don't want to shop at a chain (remember how a block of Fremont was destroyed to make way for the PCC and upstairs condos?).

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Shopping • Ballard

Cows of Destiny

Dude, I freakin' love this fro-yo trend. It's so much healthier than the cupcake or bacon fads, and luckily Seattle has been providing us with a few quality Frozen Yogurt establishments to choose from. Mooberry is newish to Ballard and I'm crossing my fingers that they'll last longer than the now defunct Ben & Jerry's across the street. The flavors are simple: Original (which is like vanilla/minty/awesome), Strawberry and Random Flavor of the Month. All are always refreshingly delicious and light. The small size goes a long way and the toppings are everything from fresh fruit to cap 'n crunch. Plus, my personal fave: the keep your punch card there system. And the employees are super friendly. Like they might actually like their jobs friendly. Who knew? Anyway, go Mooberry when you want some yummy desert type thingy that won't leave cellulite on your ass the next morning. Believe me, I checked.

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Shopping • Ballard

Charge! Andale! Toro!

The Matador is the anchor of Ballard's bar epicenter with its metal cow skull keeping watch over the drunks heading to the bus stop at 2:03 Saturday morning. I can never figure out why this place is so crowded except that dim lighting and tequila shots make everyone look a little foxier. At night the amber glow from the hanging candle lanterns spills out onto the sidewalk with the inviting ambiance of a Goth sex dungeon. The Matador promotes itself as a tequila bar and they do have an impressive selection, although I thought the point of drinking tequila was to get shit-bombed, not savor it like fine wine. So I wouldn't know the difference between a $5 and $50 shot. And yes, they actually have tequila that costs that much. The food is rather unremarkable and expensive but I think they're hoping that after guzzling a few margaritas you won't care. If you are looking for the scene to be seen, this is your place.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Ballard

The Seattle of Old

Vera's is a great breakfast diner. It's fairly spacious and you won't be waiting as long (or at all) just to sit down, like many of the busy, weekend brunch spots. The house omelette was a proper meal for about $9. The veggie eggs benedict was fantastic. Our waitress was rushed but friendly; no complaints about the service at all. The seating is almost all comfy booths in classic diner style. Despite its popularity it feels more like a family-owned, neighborhood joint and anyone who comes here thinking they'll get unique service cause of the price tag on their linen shirt is sadly mistaken. If it was closer to where I lived I'd be here all the time.

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Restaurants • Ballard

Sugartown Vintage

Bring that hot pink Adidas track jacket over here, it's giving me a toothache. I'm on a sweet, sweet trip to Sugartown. One of Seattle's newer vintage stores, this one specializes in 80s fashions from jean jackets to off-the-shoulder t-shirts. Equal space is devoted to both men's and women's swag and the accessory selection is as far reaching as a Bon Jovi guitar riff. If you look closely you may be able to weed out a few items from earlier decades but honestly there are better places to find 40s, 50s, and 60s gear. Whether you rock neon colors and side ponytails on a daily basis or are simply looking for something for a theme party, put Sugartown on your list of stores to visit, and God bless the 80s.

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Shopping • Ballard

Ahoy!

Long before Johnny Depp dragged it up on screen and inspired pirate fantasies, Maritime Pacific Brewing Company was serving up libations to Ballard’s community of sailors, boat builders, and fishermen. Pirate flags hang from the rafters while a nautical chart painted across the floor helps you find your way back to your seat after one too many pints. All the beer flowing from the fourteen taps is made right next door and you can take that yummy brew to go by the keg or bottle. Teeny tiny fish sandwiches, Lil’ Mahis, and a Hefeweizen make a sunny spring day complete.

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Nightlife , Restaurants • Ballard

Since 1930-Something

The stately black building that greets you as you cross the Ballard Bridge is a long-standing institution. It was one of several Chinese restaurants opened by the Louie family in the Seattle area in the 1930’s. The remaining Louie’s restaurant upholds the class and tradition from that era. The high backed chairs and tall, private booths, elegant Chinese decorations and impeccable, attentive service will make you feel like you’re really dining out; not just grabbing a quick bite to eat. All your favorite Chinese entrées are available and prepared to precision. One simply cannot complain about their hearty plate of General Tso’s chicken or a steaming pile of moo shoo wrapped in a flowery pancake. Be sure to order the egg rolls, fat and fresh out of the fryer. They are spiced with just a hint of nutmeg and served alongside a trio of dipping delights. Louie’s is a unique dining experience.

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Restaurants • Ballard

Puerto Rican Smorgasbord

Ballard is no longer simply a neighborhood of Scandinavian bakeries and lutefisk eating contests. Numerous Latin restaurants can now be found in between the Volvo service specialists and Sons of Norway meeting hall. Yes, La Isla has amazing food but I go there for the drinks. In particular the deliciously minty, delightfully potent, and thankfully large mojito ($5.50). Stop by during happy hour (daily from 3-6 pm) and the already affordable price is knocked down a dollar! Strict vegetarians beware–there isn’t much on the menu for you. If you’ve traveled in Latin America this shouldn’t be a surprise as meals sin carne aren’t plentiful. Fried plantains, catfish fingers, and empanadas are just a few of the Puerto Rican specialties you can enjoy while people watching along Market Street. Que rico!

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Restaurants • Ballard