Guidebook for Seattle
Entertainment & Activities
Whether you opt for one of their fantastic special occasion/themed group dinners with several courses & wine pairings for each course, or one of the theme cooking courses - you won't be disappointed!
1417 NW 70th St
1417 Northwest 70th StreetWhether you opt for one of their fantastic special occasion/themed group dinners with several courses & wine pairings for each course, or one of the theme cooking courses - you won't be disappointed!
A great park - just a 5-minute walk away. Catch a local softball or soccer game, or if the field is free - toss the frisbee or ball around yourself! Also features a playground and a community center.
Loyal Heights Playfield
2101 NW 77th StA great park - just a 5-minute walk away. Catch a local softball or soccer game, or if the field is free - toss the frisbee or ball around yourself! Also features a playground and a community center.
A great place to get some exercise (at lap swim), or hang with the kids (open swim). This is an indoor pool, so you can enjoy it year-round.
14 residents recomanen
Ballard Pool
1471 NW 67th StA great place to get some exercise (at lap swim), or hang with the kids (open swim). This is an indoor pool, so you can enjoy it year-round.
A great place to come on a hot day since it features mini fountains that are designed for children and the young-hearted to skip through and cool down. It also features a skateboard bowl.
10 residents recomanen
Ballard Commons Park
5701 22nd Ave NWA great place to come on a hot day since it features mini fountains that are designed for children and the young-hearted to skip through and cool down. It also features a skateboard bowl.
One of the few original Seattle movie theatres that still shows movies. This theatre has been meticulously renovated with comfortable seats & amazing sound. 3 screens, often featuring a family film.
96 residents recomanen
Majestic Bay Theatres
2044 NW Market StOne of the few original Seattle movie theatres that still shows movies. This theatre has been meticulously renovated with comfortable seats & amazing sound. 3 screens, often featuring a family film.
Seeking some exercise that is meditative yet challenging? This is the place for you. Kula features a variety of yoga classes for various experience levels - drop-ins are welcome!
Kula Movement
5340 Ballard Ave NWSeeking some exercise that is meditative yet challenging? This is the place for you. Kula features a variety of yoga classes for various experience levels - drop-ins are welcome!
Believe it or not, we are only two miles away from lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) However, you'll be able to safely view these creatures and even more exotic beasts from the lovely environs of our city's fine zoo! During the summer, you may even want to get tickets for one of the weekly Zoo Tunes concerts where you can bring a picnic and enjoy some fine music in the park.
625 residents recomanen
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave NBelieve it or not, we are only two miles away from lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) However, you'll be able to safely view these creatures and even more exotic beasts from the lovely environs of our city's fine zoo! During the summer, you may even want to get tickets for one of the weekly Zoo Tunes concerts where you can bring a picnic and enjoy some fine music in the park.
Try out your sea legs with a stand up paddle board rental! It's a good work out and an easy way to get out on the water!
17 residents recomanen
Surf Ballard
6300 Seaview Ave NWTry out your sea legs with a stand up paddle board rental! It's a good work out and an easy way to get out on the water!
Essentials
Nearby grocery stores, drug stores, and medical services.
Need a blood test? Have an emergency? Baby decided to come early? Ballard Swedish Hospital has ya covered!
5350 Tallman Ave NW
Need a blood test? Have an emergency? Baby decided to come early? Ballard Swedish Hospital has ya covered!
Only 1/2 mile away and has all of the essentials and then some. Food, bakery, florist, pharmacy, and the nearest (and usually cheapest) gas. We even have fabric shopping bags that you can borrow.
8340 15th Ave NW
8340 15th Avenue NorthwestOnly 1/2 mile away and has all of the essentials and then some. Food, bakery, florist, pharmacy, and the nearest (and usually cheapest) gas. We even have fabric shopping bags that you can borrow.
Fantastic produce market open year-round. Also carries a few other staples (milk, bread, etc.) staffed with friendly and helpful employees.
6501 15th Ave NW
6501 15th Avenue NorthwestFantastic produce market open year-round. Also carries a few other staples (milk, bread, etc.) staffed with friendly and helpful employees.
Wonderful fish market that also sells accompaniments to outfit a full meal (some fresh veggies, bread, seasonings, lemons, and even some meat options). Staff is super friendly and helpful.
2364 NW 80th St
2364 Northwest 80th StreetWonderful fish market that also sells accompaniments to outfit a full meal (some fresh veggies, bread, seasonings, lemons, and even some meat options). Staff is super friendly and helpful.
A fantastic grocery store with great produce, fresh deli, flower market, good wines and great cheese.
1400 NW 56th St
1400 Northwest 56th StreetA fantastic grocery store with great produce, fresh deli, flower market, good wines and great cheese.
Need to mail a package or pick up some stamps for postcards? The closest post office is a 15-minute walk or a 2-minute drive away.
45 residents recomanen
United States Postal Service
8306 Greenwood Ave NNeed to mail a package or pick up some stamps for postcards? The closest post office is a 15-minute walk or a 2-minute drive away.
R&R Studio
7407 Greenwood Ave NHair services.
Our standard grocery - great selection of produce, meats, fish, cheese and wine + weekly sales. Friendly and helpful staff, and offers free covered parking.
5700 24th Ave NW
5700 24th Avenue NorthwestOur standard grocery - great selection of produce, meats, fish, cheese and wine + weekly sales. Friendly and helpful staff, and offers free covered parking.
X Spa = relaxation & value! Xochil is an aesthetician/massage therapist, offers mani-pedis, facials, and massage ($70 for an hour deep tissue massage), and hosts seasonal specials. Visit www.xochilspa.com to book your appointment. Address: 3417 Evanston Avenue North, Suite 412.
3417 Evanston Ave N
3417 Evanston Avenue NorthX Spa = relaxation & value! Xochil is an aesthetician/massage therapist, offers mani-pedis, facials, and massage ($70 for an hour deep tissue massage), and hosts seasonal specials. Visit www.xochilspa.com to book your appointment. Address: 3417 Evanston Avenue North, Suite 412.
Food Scene
1415 NW 70th St
1415 Northwest 70th StreetFamily-friendly Italian with gourmet pizza.
8000 24th Ave NW
8000 24th Avenue NorthwestGreat bakery that specializes in Scandinavian baked goods.
A bit of a neighborhood secret featuring phenomenal Lebanese dishes. Go on Sunday for the Chef's Tasting Menu for an assortment of dishes at a bargain price. Kid-friendly too!
2408 NW 80th St
2408 Northwest 80th StreetA bit of a neighborhood secret featuring phenomenal Lebanese dishes. Go on Sunday for the Chef's Tasting Menu for an assortment of dishes at a bargain price. Kid-friendly too!
Great happy hour specials for both sushi and drinks. Very popular with yummy sushi.
38 residents recomanen
Billy Beach Sushi & Bar
5463 Leary Ave NWGreat happy hour specials for both sushi and drinks. Very popular with yummy sushi.
A great restaurant for any meal, but especially good for brunches!
57 residents recomanen
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard
2821 NW Market StA great restaurant for any meal, but especially good for brunches!
A lovely cafe with a selection of yummy sandwiches and a few soups, and a HUGE assortment of microbrew bottles. Guests are allowed to bring their dogs, so if you're a dog lover, this is a nice treat.
16 residents recomanen
Kiss Cafe
2817 NW Market StA lovely cafe with a selection of yummy sandwiches and a few soups, and a HUGE assortment of microbrew bottles. Guests are allowed to bring their dogs, so if you're a dog lover, this is a nice treat.
A great place for UK-style pub food, a wide assortment of draft beers, and plenty of TVs to showcase soccer games worldwide.
11 residents recomanen
The Market Arms
2401 NW Market StA great place for UK-style pub food, a wide assortment of draft beers, and plenty of TVs to showcase soccer games worldwide.
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love this place - an assortment of non-traditional cupcakes, ice cream and hand-crafted coffee drinks.
163 residents recomanen
Cupcake Royale
1111 E Pike StIf you have a sweet tooth, you'll love this place - an assortment of non-traditional cupcakes, ice cream and hand-crafted coffee drinks.
Local favorite for burgers (traditional, chicken, veggies), fish and chips, freshly squeezed lemonade, and milkshakes. Eat there, or get your meal to go and visit the Ballard Locks and Botanical Garden across the street where you nosh on your burger while watching a variety of boats travel back and forth between Elliott Bay and Lake Washington.
Closed on Mondays. Menu: http://www.redmillburgers.com/redmilltotemhouse.htm
21 residents recomanen
Red Mill Totem House
3058 NW 54th StLocal favorite for burgers (traditional, chicken, veggies), fish and chips, freshly squeezed lemonade, and milkshakes. Eat there, or get your meal to go and visit the Ballard Locks and Botanical Garden across the street where you nosh on your burger while watching a variety of boats travel back and forth between Elliott Bay and Lake Washington.
Closed on Mondays. Menu: http://www.redmillburgers.com/redmilltotemhouse.htm
Stunningly good croissants, quiche, brioche, and other pastries - and great coffee to boot. Open Wednesday - Sunday (7am - 3pm).
155 residents recomanen
Cafe Besalu
5909 24th Ave NWStunningly good croissants, quiche, brioche, and other pastries - and great coffee to boot. Open Wednesday - Sunday (7am - 3pm).
A Ballard institution that has survived the test of time. Great place for comfort food and a reliable bar - also a popular brunch scene with a variety of bloody marys.
45 residents recomanen
Hattie's Hat Restaurant
5231 Ballard Ave NWA Ballard institution that has survived the test of time. Great place for comfort food and a reliable bar - also a popular brunch scene with a variety of bloody marys.
Seattle has A LOT of places to get great coffee. We think this is one of the better places in Ballard.
47 residents recomanen
Caffe Fiore
224 W Galer StSeattle has A LOT of places to get great coffee. We think this is one of the better places in Ballard.
It's a gourmet ice creamery, it's a bar, it's a pinball arcade. Really? How can you go wrong??!?
28 residents recomanen
Full Tilt Ice Cream
5453 Leary Ave NWIt's a gourmet ice creamery, it's a bar, it's a pinball arcade. Really? How can you go wrong??!?
One of Chef Ethan Stowell's celebrated restaurants. A great place for a special occasion that doesn't require uber fancy attire. Can't decide on which yummy dish to try? Opt for the Chef's Menu!
59 residents recomanen
Staple & Fancy
4739 Ballard Ave NWOne of Chef Ethan Stowell's celebrated restaurants. A great place for a special occasion that doesn't require uber fancy attire. Can't decide on which yummy dish to try? Opt for the Chef's Menu!
Fantastic Greek food with a menu established from family recipes - a gem for Seattle.
7 residents recomanen
Plaka Estiatorio
5407 20th Ave NWFantastic Greek food with a menu established from family recipes - a gem for Seattle.
If you like oysters, you should check this place out...but come early (the restaurant is small and there is often a line). Also has tasty small plates, so there is something for everyone!
246 residents recomanen
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NWIf you like oysters, you should check this place out...but come early (the restaurant is small and there is often a line). Also has tasty small plates, so there is something for everyone!
Mouthwatering unique Thai dishes (menu items focus on fare from the Isan Peninsula) - really yummy food and a great atmosphere!
51 residents recomanen
Pestle Rock
2305 NW Market StMouthwatering unique Thai dishes (menu items focus on fare from the Isan Peninsula) - really yummy food and a great atmosphere!
Truly a treasure of our neighborhood. Open Sunday from 10am-3pm, offering a cornucopia of produce, flowers, artisan cheese, meats, pies, oysters, salmon (etc!) all from local farmers and super fresh!
220 residents recomanen
Ballard Sunday Farmers Market
5345 Ballard Ave NWTruly a treasure of our neighborhood. Open Sunday from 10am-3pm, offering a cornucopia of produce, flowers, artisan cheese, meats, pies, oysters, salmon (etc!) all from local farmers and super fresh!
Solid Vietnamese food - various noodle dishes and tasty bahn mi sandwiches.
17 residents recomanen
The Monkey Bridge
1723 NW Market StSolid Vietnamese food - various noodle dishes and tasty bahn mi sandwiches.
This bar has it all - tasty menu items, a great happy hour (for drinks and food), friendly staff, great music, and lots of ambience. This is one of our favorite local bars.
12 residents recomanen
The Gerald
5210 Ballard Ave NWThis bar has it all - tasty menu items, a great happy hour (for drinks and food), friendly staff, great music, and lots of ambience. This is one of our favorite local bars.
Some of the best Mexican food in Seattle. This place is always busy (a testament to its tasty food), but seating is family-style, so it usually doesn't take long to get a table.
100 residents recomanen
La Carta De Oaxaca
5431 Ballard Ave NWSome of the best Mexican food in Seattle. This place is always busy (a testament to its tasty food), but seating is family-style, so it usually doesn't take long to get a table.
Hands down - one of our favorite local places. Ridiculously delicious food, tasty cocktails, alluring atmosphere and a super friendly staff. Also has patio dining for the warmer nights.
72 residents recomanen
Brimmer & Heeltap
425 NW Market StHands down - one of our favorite local places. Ridiculously delicious food, tasty cocktails, alluring atmosphere and a super friendly staff. Also has patio dining for the warmer nights.
A small restaurant in Ballard that provides satisfying, well-crafted meals in a casual setting. Breakfast and lunch are centered around a small menu of sandwiches, salads made from scratch.
5451 Leary Ave NW
A small restaurant in Ballard that provides satisfying, well-crafted meals in a casual setting. Breakfast and lunch are centered around a small menu of sandwiches, salads made from scratch.
Only a 5-minute walk from our house and relatively new in the neighborhood. What a welcome addition - every dish we tried was delicious, the service is friendly, & it boasts warm & interesting decor!
17 residents recomanen
Brunswick & Hunt
1480 NW 70th StOnly a 5-minute walk from our house and relatively new in the neighborhood. What a welcome addition - every dish we tried was delicious, the service is friendly, & it boasts warm & interesting decor!
The place earns rave reviews for great meals & friendly service. It serves breakfast & lunch from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. everyday, and it's only a 5-minute walk away! (Get some goodies at Honare afterward!)
143 residents recomanen
The Fat Hen
1418 NW 70th StThe place earns rave reviews for great meals & friendly service. It serves breakfast & lunch from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. everyday, and it's only a 5-minute walk away! (Get some goodies at Honare afterward!)
Cuban sandwiches (and platter-style meals) that will make your mouth water hours after you've devoured them. This hidden gem is only a 5-minute walk away, which is both an asset and a danger. Their "restaurant" is sheltered outdoor seating, or get your sandwich as a takeaway (with plenty of napkins) and head to the Sunset View Park for a picnic dinner with a view of a spectacular sunset against Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. (The park is a flat 1-mile trek that will help you rationalize the calories in the sandwich you are about to devour ;)
136 residents recomanen
Un Bien
7302.5 15th Ave NWCuban sandwiches (and platter-style meals) that will make your mouth water hours after you've devoured them. This hidden gem is only a 5-minute walk away, which is both an asset and a danger. Their "restaurant" is sheltered outdoor seating, or get your sandwich as a takeaway (with plenty of napkins) and head to the Sunset View Park for a picnic dinner with a view of a spectacular sunset against Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. (The park is a flat 1-mile trek that will help you rationalize the calories in the sandwich you are about to devour ;)
Ramen is our go-to comfort food, and Arashi Ramen supercedes our expectations! They serve tasty, creative ramen dishes at a reasonable price. They also have a variety of appetizers, rice bowls and toppings available if you want to branch out and try new things. Their restaurant is cozy with clever décor, or if you would prefer takeout, they can have your order ready within minutes. You can also order online if you prefer.
26 residents recomanen
Arashi Ramen
5401 20th Ave NWRamen is our go-to comfort food, and Arashi Ramen supercedes our expectations! They serve tasty, creative ramen dishes at a reasonable price. They also have a variety of appetizers, rice bowls and toppings available if you want to branch out and try new things. Their restaurant is cozy with clever décor, or if you would prefer takeout, they can have your order ready within minutes. You can also order online if you prefer.
Some of the best Cuban sandwiches you can get your hands on this far north. Mouthwatering and messy...pick up some tasty goods for a picnic at the beach, but be sure to get plenty of napkins!
136 residents recomanen
Un Bien
7302.5 15th Ave NWSome of the best Cuban sandwiches you can get your hands on this far north. Mouthwatering and messy...pick up some tasty goods for a picnic at the beach, but be sure to get plenty of napkins!
Here you'll find a great assortment of traditional greek dishes at a great price and within walking distance! They even have live music from time to time!
10 residents recomanen
Taki's Mad Greek
1471 NW 85th StHere you'll find a great assortment of traditional greek dishes at a great price and within walking distance! They even have live music from time to time!
Family run Thai restaurant with a diverse menu that has been serving neighborhood families since 1987. It's a 10 minute walk away - so you can choose to eat in the restaurant, or choose take out instead.
33 residents recomanen
Thai Siam Restaurant
8305 15th Ave NWFamily run Thai restaurant with a diverse menu that has been serving neighborhood families since 1987. It's a 10 minute walk away - so you can choose to eat in the restaurant, or choose take out instead.
This family run Mediterranean restaurant serves some of the yummiest gyros and falafel in town. And the wait staff are super friendly!
25 residents recomanen
Mr. Gyros
5522 20th Ave NWThis family run Mediterranean restaurant serves some of the yummiest gyros and falafel in town. And the wait staff are super friendly!
Boasts an award winning game store featuring a large tournament area, Minis tables, two private rooms and is home to Café Mox, where you can eat great food and have a cold beer as you play games with your friends.
19 residents recomanen
Cafe Mox
5105 Leary Ave NWBoasts an award winning game store featuring a large tournament area, Minis tables, two private rooms and is home to Café Mox, where you can eat great food and have a cold beer as you play games with your friends.
Delicious baked goods, including an assortment of mouthwatering macarons!
84 residents recomanen
Rosellini’s Fine Cakes & Baked Goods
1413 NW 70th StDelicious baked goods, including an assortment of mouthwatering macarons!
Delcious vegan sweets within a 5-minute walk...Frankie & Jo's serves a creative array of so-called “plant-based” ice cream flavors, like salty caramel ash and gingered golden milk, and there’s a cactus garden back patio for warmer weather enjoyment.
42 residents recomanen
Frankie & Jo's Ballard
1411 NW 70th StDelcious vegan sweets within a 5-minute walk...Frankie & Jo's serves a creative array of so-called “plant-based” ice cream flavors, like salty caramel ash and gingered golden milk, and there’s a cactus garden back patio for warmer weather enjoyment.
Ballard's newest ice cream shop is wildly popular, but don't let the line scare you...they are very efficient at serving people and you can likely get your cone within 20 minutes and be able to enjoy as many samples as you like while you wait. Salt & Straw features a monthly changing menu of 17 flavors, ranging from mainstays like honey lavender and sea salt with caramel ribbons to Seattle originals with local ingredients like Elm Coffee, Westland Whiskey, Beecher’s Cheese, Ellenos Yogurt, and Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Ice cream is available in scoops served in cups, waffle cones, and sundaes, as well as by the pint (if you opt for a pint, you can bypass the line).
95 residents recomanen
Salt & Straw
714 East Pike StreetBallard's newest ice cream shop is wildly popular, but don't let the line scare you...they are very efficient at serving people and you can likely get your cone within 20 minutes and be able to enjoy as many samples as you like while you wait. Salt & Straw features a monthly changing menu of 17 flavors, ranging from mainstays like honey lavender and sea salt with caramel ribbons to Seattle originals with local ingredients like Elm Coffee, Westland Whiskey, Beecher’s Cheese, Ellenos Yogurt, and Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Ice cream is available in scoops served in cups, waffle cones, and sundaes, as well as by the pint (if you opt for a pint, you can bypass the line).
Gather is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks. At brunch, the menu changes seasonally, but always includes a range of indulgent “hangover specials” and a mix of sweet and savory entrees, like brioche bread pudding French toast, biscuits and gravy, duck confit hash, and a smoked salmon croque madam.
Gather Kitchen & Bar
5605 22nd Ave NWGather is open for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks. At brunch, the menu changes seasonally, but always includes a range of indulgent “hangover specials” and a mix of sweet and savory entrees, like brioche bread pudding French toast, biscuits and gravy, duck confit hash, and a smoked salmon croque madam.
Plant-lovers rejoice, but you need not abstain from animal products to enjoy the all-vegan menu at No Bones Beach Club. Enormously portioned dishes like eggplant fries, sizzling lettuce wraps, and jackfruit flautas are deeply satisfying, particularly when paired with the tasty Tiki-themed cocktails.
22 residents recomanen
No Bones Beach Club
5410 17th Ave NWPlant-lovers rejoice, but you need not abstain from animal products to enjoy the all-vegan menu at No Bones Beach Club. Enormously portioned dishes like eggplant fries, sizzling lettuce wraps, and jackfruit flautas are deeply satisfying, particularly when paired with the tasty Tiki-themed cocktails.
This is our go-to poke place. Friendly staff, huge portions, fresh selections for tuna, spicy tuna, albacore, salmon, and scallops with several options for add-in fixings. They also serve Matchaman ice cream if you want to top your meal off with something sweet.
Poke Square
1701 NW Market StThis is our go-to poke place. Friendly staff, huge portions, fresh selections for tuna, spicy tuna, albacore, salmon, and scallops with several options for add-in fixings. They also serve Matchaman ice cream if you want to top your meal off with something sweet.
Conscientiously-sourced ingredients whipped up into delicious Mexican food that pairs well with straightforward, nearly flawless tequila, mezcal, and sotol drinks.
19 residents recomanen
Gracia
5313 Ballard Ave NWConscientiously-sourced ingredients whipped up into delicious Mexican food that pairs well with straightforward, nearly flawless tequila, mezcal, and sotol drinks.
If you want a great biscuit, you can't go wrong at Biscuit and Bean. The biscuits are slightly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and stand up well to a variety of fillings and toppings.
52 residents recomanen
Biscuit & Bean
5905 15th Avenue NorthwestIf you want a great biscuit, you can't go wrong at Biscuit and Bean. The biscuits are slightly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and stand up well to a variety of fillings and toppings.
Parks & Nature
Great park only a few blocks from our house with a fun playground for the kids and picnic tables and giant trees scattered across the park.
23 residents recomanen
Salmon Bay Park
2001 NW Canoe PlGreat park only a few blocks from our house with a fun playground for the kids and picnic tables and giant trees scattered across the park.
Watch the sun set against the Olympic Mountains from this quaint park with breathtaking views of Elliott Bay.
83 residents recomanen
Parc de Sunset Hill
7531 34th Ave NWWatch the sun set against the Olympic Mountains from this quaint park with breathtaking views of Elliott Bay.
Great place to watch the sun set or sailboats from the beach. Also fun to walk the beach at low tide and spy colorful kelp and starfish. Dip your toes into Elliott Bay (though anything beyond wading knee deep may be too cold for some). Includes a playground, bonfire pits, picnic facilities, public parking, and bathrooms.
728 residents recomanen
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NWGreat place to watch the sun set or sailboats from the beach. Also fun to walk the beach at low tide and spy colorful kelp and starfish. Dip your toes into Elliott Bay (though anything beyond wading knee deep may be too cold for some). Includes a playground, bonfire pits, picnic facilities, public parking, and bathrooms.
A great urban park for views, hikes, beachcombing (hiking paths down to the beach), kite-flying, and lighthouse afficiandos.
756 residents recomanen
Parc Discovery
3801 Discovery Park BlvdA great urban park for views, hikes, beachcombing (hiking paths down to the beach), kite-flying, and lighthouse afficiandos.
Only a few blocks away, this community resource includes a playground, a playfield for local soccer and baseball games, an indoor gym and a basketball court.
Loyal Heights Community Center
2101 NW 77th StOnly a few blocks away, this community resource includes a playground, a playfield for local soccer and baseball games, an indoor gym and a basketball court.
This has always been one of my favorite parks in Seattle...sit for a bit and enjoy the views of Lake Union and its sailboats, kayaks, and sea planes, with a stunning back drop of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle. This is also a great place to fly a kite or to relive your childish side by rolling down the steep grassy hill. :)
860 residents recomanen
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayThis has always been one of my favorite parks in Seattle...sit for a bit and enjoy the views of Lake Union and its sailboats, kayaks, and sea planes, with a stunning back drop of the Seattle skyline and the Space Needle. This is also a great place to fly a kite or to relive your childish side by rolling down the steep grassy hill. :)
On sunny days, it feels like most of Seattle is here walking their dog around the 2.7 mile loop, renting a paddle boat to see if they can spy the eagle that sometimes perches upon a tree in Duck Island, taking a quick run on the outer (3.2 miles) or inner loop, or chipping off of the 9-hole golf course. Or, you can just get a coffee or brunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy the view!
624 residents recomanen
Green Lake
On sunny days, it feels like most of Seattle is here walking their dog around the 2.7 mile loop, renting a paddle boat to see if they can spy the eagle that sometimes perches upon a tree in Duck Island, taking a quick run on the outer (3.2 miles) or inner loop, or chipping off of the 9-hole golf course. Or, you can just get a coffee or brunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy the view!
This is a super secret park tucked away on Queen Anne hill with superb views of the city. Go here and feel like a local!
23 residents recomanen
Bhy Kracke Park
1215 5th Ave NThis is a super secret park tucked away on Queen Anne hill with superb views of the city. Go here and feel like a local!
Getting Around
See the city at your own pace and rent a bike for the day! We have Seattle bike maps available with our room and Seattle has many rails-to-trails bike paths and dedicated bike lanes on the main roads.
5522 20th Ave NW
See the city at your own pace and rent a bike for the day! We have Seattle bike maps available with our room and Seattle has many rails-to-trails bike paths and dedicated bike lanes on the main roads.
We live only 3 blocks from a bus line that goes directly to Seattle Center (Space Needle + International Fountain) and downtown. However, if you want to escape the city for a day or two, this Enterprise car rental location is only 1.5 miles from our house. Budget-friendly prices to allow you to see a bit of the beauty outside of Seattle (i.e. Snoqualmie Falls to the east, Mount Rainier to the south, La Connor tulip fields to the north, or Bainbridge Island to the west) - to name only a few day-trip destinations.
71 residents recomanen
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
331 NW 85th StWe live only 3 blocks from a bus line that goes directly to Seattle Center (Space Needle + International Fountain) and downtown. However, if you want to escape the city for a day or two, this Enterprise car rental location is only 1.5 miles from our house. Budget-friendly prices to allow you to see a bit of the beauty outside of Seattle (i.e. Snoqualmie Falls to the east, Mount Rainier to the south, La Connor tulip fields to the north, or Bainbridge Island to the west) - to name only a few day-trip destinations.
Arts & Culture
A lovely eco-building with a green roof and free internet access. Also hosts family events on a weekly basis - check here for schedule: http://www.spl.org/locations/ballard-branch
17 residents recomanen
Ballard Branch - The Seattle Public Library
5614 22nd Ave NWA lovely eco-building with a green roof and free internet access. Also hosts family events on a weekly basis - check here for schedule: http://www.spl.org/locations/ballard-branch
Drinks & Nightlife
Sloop Tavern
2830 NW Market StGreat low-key bar - a favorite among the sailing set.
Lovely historic Irish bar with wood booths, chandeliers, and frequent live music.
21 residents recomanen
Conor Byrne
5140 Ballard Ave NWLovely historic Irish bar with wood booths, chandeliers, and frequent live music.
Populuxe Brewing
826 NW 49th StNearby micro-brewery
This is a nano-brewery in the true sense of the word - tiny brewing system and a minuscule, rustic tasting room. Check their website for tasting room hours.
14 residents recomanen
NW Peaks Brewery
4818 17th Ave NWThis is a nano-brewery in the true sense of the word - tiny brewing system and a minuscule, rustic tasting room. Check their website for tasting room hours.
One of Ballard's local breweries with a fine selection of hand-crafted brews.
22 residents recomanen
Hilliard's Beer
1550 Northwest 49th StreetOne of Ballard's local breweries with a fine selection of hand-crafted brews.
Unique bar with cozy atmosphere and tasty cocktails. Always has good people and good music - and some nights you may be lucky enough to happen upon a DJ spinning an assortment of fun tunes.
37 residents recomanen
Hazlewood
2311 NW Market StUnique bar with cozy atmosphere and tasty cocktails. Always has good people and good music - and some nights you may be lucky enough to happen upon a DJ spinning an assortment of fun tunes.
A fun place for music. Bands vary, but alt-country and rockabilly are commonly featured (I first saw Neko Case here, and more recently we saw Camper Van Beethoven). My husband and I also met here!
165 residents recomanen
Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NWA fun place for music. Bands vary, but alt-country and rockabilly are commonly featured (I first saw Neko Case here, and more recently we saw Camper Van Beethoven). My husband and I also met here!
Family friendly (and dog friendly) nano-brewery with a big outdoor seating area complete with picnic tables, cornhole games, and a nightly rotating food truck. Great spot to contemplate life on a sunny Seattle day.
58 residents recomanen
Peddler Brewing Company
1514 NW Leary WayFamily friendly (and dog friendly) nano-brewery with a big outdoor seating area complete with picnic tables, cornhole games, and a nightly rotating food truck. Great spot to contemplate life on a sunny Seattle day.
Another one of Ballard's amazing nano-breweries. Enjoy some local ale (or porters, or stouts) while tucked away in their quaint courtyard.
115 residents recomanen
Reuben's Brews
5010 14th Ave NWAnother one of Ballard's amazing nano-breweries. Enjoy some local ale (or porters, or stouts) while tucked away in their quaint courtyard.
Tucked away just before you get to Ballard Avenue with its array of restaurants, bars and live music venues, you'll find "Grog". Relatively new to Ballard - it offers some great Happy Hour light bites and craft cocktail specials.
Grog
5410 Ballard Ave NWTucked away just before you get to Ballard Avenue with its array of restaurants, bars and live music venues, you'll find "Grog". Relatively new to Ballard - it offers some great Happy Hour light bites and craft cocktail specials.
Portalis can provide you with a vintage that suits your special occasion...and it's just a 5-minute walk away!
16 residents recomanen
Portalis Wine Shop
6754 15th Ave NWPortalis can provide you with a vintage that suits your special occasion...and it's just a 5-minute walk away!
The Sunset Tavern
5433 Ballard Avenue NorthwestHave a drink, and check out a local band in the back room!
Phenomenal craft cocktails in a cozy, stylish setting...all within a 5-minute walk from our home! If you're hungry, they have a few scrumptious savory and sweet option to tempt you.
44 residents recomanen
Essex
1421 NW 70th StPhenomenal craft cocktails in a cozy, stylish setting...all within a 5-minute walk from our home! If you're hungry, they have a few scrumptious savory and sweet option to tempt you.