« Ballard Restaurants

We went with friends last summer, they liked it and they are very hip. Someone ordered a something-or-other and a tiny plate with two pea-sized morsels of food on it was served. If I owned a restaurant, I would be ashamed to serve such a tiny portion. Sorry - I think it's over-priced, and kind of a put-on. The little food which was served was very tasty.

Sitting outside at Ocho on balmy summer nights is simply divine. I always eat way too much because I must try everything and some of the drinks kind of taste like grandma's soap, but I keep going back. What can I eat today. When winter comes, sitting inside is an entirely different experience, as the music kills any chance of a conversation. Just keep ordering food and saying yum at the people across the table. Bond over food, enjoying the tastes and experience instead of ruining everything with conversation. Then go home and talk all night.....if thats what you are into.

I used to go to Ocho at least once a week and was in love with their tapas. However we've stopped going due to the horrible service we coninued to recieve. On numerous occasions I've seen one of the owners sneak friends of theirs ahead of the long line of waiting customers (who were patiently waiting for tables). When confronted she blew us off. I just can't justify giving my hard earned money to someone as arrogant as her. No longer a fan of Ocho.

Worst service ever - NEVER EVER returning.
I don't know who they think they are, but it seems they only cater to friends. Don't go here if you are looking to have a good time!

Zach takes a whole lot of inspiration from the locals to.....

Zach takes a whole lot of inspiration in his writing from the locals to...

My favorite place in Ballard and possibly Seattle - their food is AMAZING!!

I'm so glad this place opened up in Ballard! Great food, great prices. I love sitting at the bar and chatting with the owner. He does a good job helping us match our drinks and food and pacing us over several hours. A truly Spanish experience of lolly-gagging over a fabulous meal. Try the garbanzo beans with greans. Yummy!

I've lived in Spain and this is the best Spanish food I've had outside of the country- my only complaint was that the tortilla espanola did not taste anything like the real thing. Definitely get the calamari and a good Rioja to drink.

Very good food, good music - but too loud for any conversation.

I'm fifty-something and I had a wonderful time at Ocho! Great food, charming staff and the price was right.
THANK YOU OCHO!

I hear that they're changing chefs.

This is one of my fave places and am so glad it's just down the street. Great prices and some of the offerings are truly craveable. I really like the ambience. (but I guess I am a thirty-something). We love to take out of town guests there.

Excellent food, loud music and not as many hipsters as I'd feared from the looks of it. The beautiful stained glass sign is best seen from the inside.

What a GREAT addition to the Ballard restaurant scene! Their tapas are wonderful and reasonably priced. Drinks are great as well. Service is usually quite good, and their main bartender is wonderful and attentive. The only downside is the size of the place - very small - but the food makes up for it being standing room only on some evenings. Try the Patatas Bravas - they are crisp and tasty and truly one of the best versions of this tapas classic I've ever had.

Simply delicious... if you can't handle some lively action with your neighbors and good music playing, I would suggest heading somewhere less awesome. Yummy food, yummy drinks, friendly staff and fabulous decor.

This place may have good food, but I couldn't wait to get out of there. I suppose if you are a thirty-something who likes standing at a bar, listening to loud music, and not being able to hear what someone 12 inches away is saying, this is the place for you. Add postage stamp sized tables jammed tight, the cherry on top.

Music. I like music - everyone does - right? But you would think it would be a clue to the staff when they have to repeat every question, and answer what?? to every answer. The request to turn it down just a notch was ignored.

So, we finished up $70 worth of half a meal and a couple of drinks and went over to the bar at Carnegies. Where we spent the other $100 but could feel relaxed on a friday night.

Seriously folks, if you want frantic stimulation go to Ochos. If you want relaxation - and a little personal space, go somewhere else.

The food is ultimately irrelevent. There is WAY too much great food in this town to suffer while eating it.

We ate at Ocho last night-The food was interesting-surprising-tasty-reasonably priced-served at a nice pace for eating and enjoying-and the ginger beer and rum cocktail I had was outstanding! The staff was friendly-helpful-and we felt well taken care of. Kudos to the owners and staff for creating an awesome little nook that feels big and serves awesome tasting plates.

That's my ChowHound writeup. Cool! Definitely one of my favorite cuisines and one of my favorite local restaurants ...

It's a great place! i am so happy to hear my old neighbors who are an awesome guy & gal with a definite "ballard flair" have opened this place! it makes me happy to know it is actuall ballard folks running a new little joint and not the huge commercial places. everytime i pass there, it is packed full. yes, small, but a great spot to make a stop by on your evening outing in ballard. Way to go you guys! Much congrats....jules:)

sage (my rottweiler) and i used to live 3 houses from you on 80th street, next to joe. i am happy you have made this happen!

such fantastic food! the menu changes daily and there are some nice cocktails on the menu too. very well priced

great food, good prices & good service. It's tiny but you don't feel crowded...