Thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon and Vermont white cheddar cheese on a big hand-formed patty with the basic fixin's make this burger the reason a number of my friends and I hit Bad Albert's before heading a number of blocks up Ballard Ave to the Tractor tavern, Sunset tavern, or Conor Byrne's Irish pub for the happenin' Ballard weekend music scene.
The fish and chips are also very good, their salads are big and bountiful, and they have a great selection of microbrews on tap to wash down the realtively healthful bar food. Always good music (blues/jazz), and TV's unobtrusively placed in the top corners will give you a view of a variety of sports events (Sumo had our attention last time we were there) while everyone is too busy eating to banter.
This is a good place for groups of 2-6, as there aren't many options in the small place to get more than that at the same table. The owner is often on the floor in jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt - dress is casual - making Bad Alberts very much feel like a reliably friendly neighborhood bar.
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