|
Mike's Chili Parlor
Category:
Bars
1447 NW Ballard Way
Seattle,
Washington 98107
(206) 782-2808
I can't believe that I've lived in the Ballard area for so long and had no idea this place...
More
I can't believe that I've lived in the Ballard area for so long and had no idea this place existed. Of course, it took my partner, Michael, to be the one to introduce me to it. This is the man that eats chili at home like there's no tomorrow and thinks tuna added to canned chili is the most wonderful gastronomical combination that you wouldn't realize he's an accomplished cook that puts me to shame in the kitchen.
But, beyond that... we strolled into Mike's Chili Parlor tonight and partook of a few dishes: 1) a bowl of chili, 2) a chili dog, and 3) fries. We also had Manny's Pale Ale and a Black Butte Porter as beverages. Overall it was a fine meal and we left satisfied. Michael had pounded down his whole bowl o' chili and I was amazed he didn't order the optional "big ass bowl of chili" for $8.50 that was highlighted on a yellow construction paper sign at the bar. I've a feeling that if he had gone for it I would have regretted it for the next day or so.
I was pleased at the variety of beers on the menu as there were standard domestics and microbrews. However, the only green vegetable in the whole place is the jalapenos' so don't be looking for anything healthy in this place. Prices seem fair and reasonable and throughout the evening Michael and I were thinking of all of the friends that we know that would enjoy a place like this one. While we were there (dinner time) we saw long time regulars and newer Ballard-ites. A co-ed soccer team was also there taking advantage of the long middle bar stool seating area while smaller parties were at booths and some of the small stand alone tables.
For those that give the area Mike's sits in a thumbs down it must be realized that the large block area behind Mike's is still waiting for that little old Ballard lady to die off so the land developer can get ahold of her house. She's been written up in the local papers for her stand to stay in her home and I say "more power to her." Gentrification can always come later although I'm sure the developer is gnashing his teeth. What's cool in Mike's place is that you can see history through the photos that hang on the wall - this business has been in place since roughly 1915. That's a heck of a feat with a small, family owned business nowadays. Kudos to this Greek family for doing it as well as to their ability to keep that chili recipe a secret for so long. I give them a rating of great because for what they offer and purport to be they do an excellent job of providing exactly what they advertise. No frills and no attitude other than a cheeky one.
Hide
|
|
I first discovered this place when I went for a beer after work with a friend- that was three...
More
I first discovered this place when I went for a beer after work with a friend- that was three years ago and this is still my favorite place to eat on California Ave. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The food is simple and delicious, whether you want a nice big salad or a juicy burger. The best fries in Seattle! Really, there is no other place like it- casual, inexpensive, and wonderful. Check it out! Great beer, great folks, great food- what more could you ask for!?
Hide
|
|
Linda's Tavern
Category:
Bars
707 E Pine St
Seattle,
Washington 98122
(206) 325-1220
Linda's is a friendly bar on Pine street about 4 blocks south of Broadway. Walk into this bar and...
More
Linda's is a friendly bar on Pine street about 4 blocks south of Broadway. Walk into this bar and you'll probably feel as though you've just entered a hunter's cabin; the decor features Pacific Northwest heritage, including at least one stuffed bobcat/panther. My friends and I have never even tried visiting on a Friday or Saturday as it is packed (and mostly with people who are cooler than us; it seems to be a hangout for the pierced/tattooed crowd). But I've been several times during the week when there is a little more breathing room. The prices are reasonable, the food is excellent, and the service is friendly. The onion rings are the best yet that I've had in Seattle; the burgers are thick and juicy.
Hide
|
|
Chop Suey
Category:
Music
1325 E Madison St
Seattle,
Washington 98122
(206) 324-8000
This place is awesome! Great decor, quick service at the bar and everyone is very laid back. I...
More
This place is awesome! Great decor, quick service at the bar and everyone is very laid back. I used to live a block away and I would go here all the time. They have tons of great shows and they used to host YO SON hip-hop on Sunday nights- YO SON hasn't been the same since it left Chop Suey. But if you've been hearing a lot about this place you should probably just come on by and check it out. Great prices to get in.
Hide
|
|
Murphy's Pub
Category:
Bars
1928 N 45th St
Seattle,
Washington 98103
(206) 634-2110
My husband and I stopped by Murphy's for the first time on Saturday night. Despite the fact that...
More
My husband and I stopped by Murphy's for the first time on Saturday night. Despite the fact that it was quite busy, we were able to find a nice table and were served quickly. The waitress was very nice and attentive, always refilling my drink and asking if she could get us anything else.
They had an eclectic beer selection, which my husband really appreciated. The appetizer selection was good, a little off-beat and different which was refreshing. We stuck with something safe: chips, salsa and guac. It was excellent.
Prices were reasonable, we'll definitely be back.
Hide
|
|
Joe Bar
Category:
Bars
810 E Roy St
Seattle,
Washington 98102
(206) 324-0407
Joe Bar is within walking distance from our house, so my husband and I like to walk up there for...
More
Joe Bar is within walking distance from our house, so my husband and I like to walk up there for him to get a mocha. I'm not a coffee drinker, but he loves it.
They have tables and chairs outside and the people who work and hang out there are very friendly.
Hide
|
|
Stumbling Monk
Category:
Bars
1635 E Olive Way
Seattle,
Washington 98102
(206) 860-0916
The Stumbling Monk is a pleasant little tavern located on Olive Way about 2 blocks south of...
More
The Stumbling Monk is a pleasant little tavern located on Olive Way about 2 blocks south of Broadway and roughly two blocks north of Summit. Being a tavern, it serves only beer and wine (no hard liquor). There is no kitchen, so you'll need to eat before your visit. The establishment has about a dozen specialty beers on tap, mostly microbrews from foreign lands. The staff is very helpful with recommendations; just let them know how you like your beer (i.e. bitter or smooth). My friend and I were very pleased with the service. The tavern is small and on weekends gets quite crowded. The acoustics of the building are very poor, so you may have trouble carrying on a conversation without yelling. There is only one small single-user bathroom, for the guys and gals to share (somehow, this just adds to the charm of the place), with a small sink just outside. The lighting in the bar is just right (not too bright and not too dark) and adds to the pleasant ambiance. Despite the noise level and the bathroom accommodations, you will likely feel very comfortable in The Stumbling Monk. Every time my buddy and I visit we ask ourselves "Why don't we come here more often?" The fact that they don't serve food is the only real drawback, but they more than make up for it with the non-smoking atmosphere.
Hide
|
|
I'm a big fan of the Barking Dog having been coming here semi-frequently since they first opened...
More
I'm a big fan of the Barking Dog having been coming here semi-frequently since they first opened up. Last weekend I ventured in with one of my real estate clients after a long morning of house, townhome and condo viewings. We both ended up with the Vietnamese sandwich - mine with tofu and hers with the chicken option. Tasty! I recommend it although the bread was a bit different (more chewy) than I anticipated. The sauce was flavorful but not overwhelming and they put the jalapenos on the side (thank goodness!). The waffle fries that come with the sandwiches (you also have a choice of salad or soup) were so good we had to stop ourselves from continuing to eat them so we could focus on our sandwiches.
The sandwiches here are big enough of a portion size that we could have shared but since we got different types I took my other half home and enjoyed it later as a lunch the next day. It was all still good to me the second time around.
Hide
|
|
Two Bells Tavern
Category:
Restaurants
2313 4th Ave
Seattle,
Washington 98121
(206) 441-3050
I'll echo what everyone else has said and say that the burgers here are fantastic! My favorite is...
More
I'll echo what everyone else has said and say that the burgers here are fantastic! My favorite is the bleu cheese burger which is served on a home made roll and dripping with blue cheese and spicy mustard. Good treat! They have a good beer list too, but I'm usually lunching with the work folks, so I droll over it while ordering my iced tea.
This place has been around since before Bell Town was Bell Town, so it's a great little local joint - very relaxed and friendly and the service is the same.
Hide
|
|
High Dive
Category:
Bars
513 N 36th St
Seattle,
Washington 98103
(206) 632-5656
High Dive is the Best Live Music Venue in the City of it's size period! Live Local Music 7 nights...
More
High Dive is the Best Live Music Venue in the City of it's size period! Live Local Music 7 nights a week. Sound system is second to none! Happy Hour is 5-8 seven days a week with 4 dollars for some of the Best food your gonna get anywhere. Booze at Happy Hour is 3 dollar wells and draft as well as 4 dollar PBR pitchers. You gotta check this place out!
Hide
|