Over the last few months, Ballard has been blessed with some terrific new neighborhood bars. First The Dray, then The Stepping Stone and now The Traveler on Leary near 8th Ave.

The European-style pub opened a few days ago, and we dropped in to take a look around and grab a drink at the bar.

It’s a great space — not too small, not too large — with wood, brick and art on the walls. The full bar features many specialty drinks, such as The Perfect Seattle (bourbon, Chartreuse and a twist of orange.) On the menu, you’ll find salads, two kinds of mussels, Belgian-style frites, bistro steak and sandwiches, including the tasty-looking Irish Interloper (corned beef and sauerkraut).

Owner Scott Laney told us The Traveler is a classic European pub — casual and “neighborhood” — which for some of us may be a welcome respite from the increasingly busy Ballard Ave. and Fremont scene.

Right next door, construction on Anita’s restaurant is coming along nicely, including heaters for outdoor seating. As we wrote back in May, it’s the creation of Anita Ross, the talented chef behind “Anita’s Crepes,” the very popular food stand at the Ballard Farmers Market.