A Morning Walk Down Ballard Avenue
Begin at the terminus of Ballard Avenue at
Market Street
. Walk down the west side of the street. Get into gear at Kavu (5423 Ballard Ave), an independent retailer of active wear that’s appropriate for dense woods or dinners out. Cross the street to Marley’s Snowboards (5424 Ballard Ave NW)
if you’re considering a ski trip to the Cascade Mountains. Where 22nd
Avenue meets Ballard Avenue is a large brick belltower, rebuilt from the
original when Ballard’s City Hall tower was destroyed by Seattle’s
devastating 1965 earthquake. At 5344 Ballard Avenue, Olivine Atelier
entices with a luxurious boutique featuring local and European designer
clothing and makeup. At the next intersection, you’ll notice the highly
stylized roof crest of what’s now the Starlight Hotel (5300 Ballard Ave NW), which still has “Bank Building” across the top a full century later.
Cross the street. Look for
Tractor Tavern
, a musical outlet for local and touring musicians who play jazz and country rock. Second Ascent (5209 Ballard Ave NW) specializes in clothing and gear for budget-minded fans of outdoor recreation. Find a remnant of days gone by at Dock Street Brokers (5101 Ballard Ave NW), whose signage matches the style of its century-old structure at 5109 Ballard Avenue. If you’re hungry, turn back and stop in The Other Coast Cafe (5315 Ballard Ave NW) for East Coast-style sandwiches.
Shops
-
Turtle Press
Shop
for hand-carved art stamps, hand-bound books and journals, tree-free
and recycled decorative papers, and other artful tools perfect for
inspiring creativity. The outlet also sells toys and gift items themed
with its mascot, the turtle.
-
Cookies
From
edible adornments such as multicolored sprinkles to cutters and storage
jars, this tiny store’s shelves are fully stocked. It also sells the
best chocolate-covered macaroons in town.
-
Me ‘n’ Moms
This supply store for mothers and children sells cribs, consignment clothes, and imaginative toys at bargain prices.
-
La Tienda Folk Art Gallery
Markets
fine handmade crafts and artifacts from all over the world, including
jewelry, ceramic bowls, carved wooden utensils, music and instruments.
-
Olsen’s Scandinavian Foods
One
of several Scandinavian import shops – this one specializing in their
own smoked fish and homemade lutefisk – the traditional delicacy of cod
soaked in lye.
-
Archie McPhee’s
Call on the famous mail order gag gift company, which sells items in the rubber chicken category of humorous gifts.
-
Metropolis III
This
store has an enviable and loyal clientele of women in the age (or
attitude) range of 25–55. The owner-operator specializes in updated
contemporary fashions, using comfortable and versatile natural fabrics
such as cotton and stain-resistant tencel.
-
Imagination Toys
This
store stocks plenty of kid stuff from entertaining and inspiring
puzzles, spy and detective toys, to inexpensive novelties that are
appropriate for gifts.
-
Ballard Used & Rare Books
Have the staff search for an elusive out-of-print book, or browse the shelves for old but not forgotten favorites.
-
Dandelion Botanical Company
Opened
in 1996, this urban herbal apothecary stocks organic herbs, medicinal
oils and tinctures, teas, and bath and body supplies.
|
Order direct from Archie McPhee’s fabulous funhouse website, www.mcphee.com
|
|
Places to Eat
-
Lockspot Café
This eatery combines American staples at the busy take-out window with a bar and a restaurant inside.
-
3005 NW 54th
-
206 789 4865
-
-
Anthony’s Homeport
Diners find excellent service, and fresh seafood that includes king salmon, Dungeness crab, and local oysters.
-
6135 Seaview Ave NW
-
206 783 0780
-
-
Burk’s Café
Loyal
clientele come here for Burk’s southern cuisine, specifically Cajun and
Creole styles. Order alder-smoked barbecue, jambalaya, or blackened
rockfish to your heart’s content.
-
5411 Ballard Ave NW
-
206 782 0091
-
Hattie’s Hat
A
great source for huge breakfasts and American rib-sticking dinner
standards with a twist: Guinness stout meatloaf, homemade creamed corn,
sweet potato fries, and braised southern greens.
-
5231 Ballard Ave NW
-
206 784 0175
-
Other Coast
Bridge
the distance to New York City-style delicatessens by grabbing a
sandwich here. Stick to basics such as the reuben with stone-ground
mustard or the 12-inch meat or vegetarian subs.
-
5315 Ballard Ave NW
-
206 789 0936
-
India Bistro
Relish
meat and vegetarian plates prepared in North Indian style. Recommended
dishes include spinach or mustard greens with paneer, spicy daal,
succulent lamb or chicken tandoori and naan.
-
2301 NW Market St
-
206 783 5080
Delicious tempting naans
-
La Carta de Oaxaca
Beeline
to this Mexican bistro with tremendous flair, and select from several
entrees. The spartan decor is unusual, too – wall art consists of
backlit photos of the region where all the flavors originate.
-
5431 Ballard Ave NW
-
206 782 8722
-
Salmon Bay Café
This bastion of inexpensive eats attracts blue-collar workers and a large youth crowd. Great four-egg omelettes.
-
5109 Shilshole Ave NW
-
206 782 5539
-
Breakfast & lunch only