« Ballard Restaurants

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• Mike
  This place is awesome! Nothing incredibly fancy about it - but its great burgers, good price, and good location. The owner is very nice and friendly. Stop by if you've never been there before. Ballard wouldn't be the same without it!
• Big fan
  I was so, so happy when these guys opened up a regular joint. I'd only ever been able to get their delicious food at festivals. Now, the world's best Blackened Salmon burgers are no longer a "sometimes food"!
• Somewhere in Sunset Hill
  I'll never go back to this place. Seeing the inside in daylight reveals a very, very dirty restaurant. If the dining area is this bad and poorly maintained, what is your expectation of the kitchen?
  
  I'm not overly picky, but the place was disgusting, and they had just opened, so it wasn't like the end of the day. Tabletop condiments were dirty and caked with their contents, the area around the fountain drinks was sticky, grimy, and unclean. Just look at all of the crap on the wood trim; lots of food and garbage. The booth was caked with food remnants, hair stuck in condiments, and even the windows were dirty.
  
  Don't just take my word for it. Check out their inspection history with King County:
  
  http://www.decadeonline.com/insp.phtml?agency=s...
• Jeff
  The worst thing about this place is choosing between the blackened salmon and the black & blue bacon burger. Plenty clean and nice people every time i've been in the year i've been going, and it's always awesome food!
• Ballard Bros Fan
  Ballard Brothers has fantastic food, great handmade fries & jalapeno poppers and their salad dressing is awesome! Nice workers and I asked - they all have their training and permit. Sounds like "Somewhere in Sunset Hill" is some kind of liar or competitor (Probably owns Wendy's next door - yuck horrible food). I read the health report because I thought "Sunset's" blog was so mean and nasty, and It's nothing. Check out the other restaurants, and even the biggies have missing towels every once in awhile. When I visted Ballard Bros, I became a fan, and, their place was clean! "Somewhere in Sunset Hill" obviously doesn't care about supporting local Ballard businesses with the most excellent seafood burgers.
• e-diddy
  Whoever made the post on Jan 9 must have been at a different restaurant. This place rocks. I was just there for my first time on Jan 11 and it was extremely clean and fast, friendly service. You cant beat the prices and the food was outstanding. I wish they had a Ballard Bros. on the eastside. Keep up the good work guys.
• woodchuck
  BBB kicks ass- their fries are the best and no one has anything even close to compare with their blackened salmon.
  Their burgers are a real deal. I’ve lived in Ballard for 20 years and BBB opening the store has created a great option for great food in a family friendly place at normal prices and good folks.
  How malicious and uptight is the lady that was complaining about condiment bottles?
• Overly Anxious
  I had just stepped into the place without a chance to even glance at the menu ... The guy behind the counter was so pushy when asking what I wanted to eat, had I been here before... simple questions yes, but it was the tone in which he delivered it. Maybe it was due to the place being empty and he was anxious to do something... I know how about cleaning the front of the restaurant. With no business you would think the place might be spotless. After reading the health inspection, which I wish I had read 1st, I don't think I will go back. The burger was just OK, nothing to rave about and the fries tasted like the oil hadn't been change in awhile. I'm no expert, but I don't see what all the buzz is about for this place.
• Fan of the Cajun Salmon
  I am addicted to the Ballard Bros Cajun Salmon sandwich. It is the best I have ever eaten . Today I popped in for a fix, and discovered the fries have changed. For the better!
  They were so crispy,but tasted like a real potato. The place was clean and the staff was very pleasant. It's always great to chat with the owner.
• NXNW
  I've visited Ballard brothers many times, always had a good experience. The blackened salmon burger is top notch. The owner is visible, friendly and an advocate of sustainable business. Hmm, a locally owned, green oriented business with a great product, seems like the Ballard Way to me. You Betcha!
• Joe
  Whats not to love about Ballard Brothers? Good burgers, great cajun sauce for the fries [or onion rings if you are so inclined], great prices, friendly people and a community minded owner that is passionate about sustainable business practices. Seriously, where else are you going to find a burger place with a compost bin?
  
  Regarding "Somewhere in Sunset Hill"s comments on cleanliness.... I've never had an experience like that at Ballard Brothers. And in the grand scheme of things, the health department report they linked to isn't a scary one... you want to see scary look at Zesto's report...
• Somewhere ELSE on Sunset Hill
  After eating here yesterday, I decided to leave a blurb on myballard. I read all the other reviews first (just to see where my humble opinion stacks up), and I agree with most of them- my "Halibut on a stick" was delicious and a bargain!
  
  But I have to say that I'm surprised at the comments of 'somewhere on sunset hill'. I didn't see any of what he/she spoke of, and more than that, it seems a bit malicious to put the link to the health dept (good to know for all restaurants, but still malicious). Especially if you don't know what you're talking about- that got me thinking- I clicked the link but then compared others from the myballard list and EVERY single one of them goes up and down in their scores. You should look and see.
  
  As far as 'fast food' and fish n chips, though...Ballard Brothers ROCKS!
• Dan from upper Ballard
  Ballard Brothers has the best halibut fish ever! I go there once a week at least. And as for the comment of the place looking dirty, I disagree. For example, they clean the salt and pepper shakers so they are immaculate.
• Culinarian
  Just had first visit to the "new" Ballard Brothers. Iam a foodie, twenty years in the biz... fine dining the last 15. I have been a BallardBrothers fan for the last ten, ever since my first Bumbershoot, fresh off the boat from Hawaii. I'll never forget my first bite of the blackened salmon...warm, moist and spicy,mmmm! As for my visit yesterday, I was blown away. Sure the restaurant is a bit generic- as far as decor goes they have some work to do. But it was clean and appeared very organized- and being a restaurant GM I feel I am extremely qualified to inspect and report. Much more so than the OCD and obviously jilted soul of the Sunset Hill blog. Do you have an ex that works there that dumped you or something? Or are you a corporate rstaurant robot that wants to see every family owned business shut down? Every restaurant has a bad cleaning day here and there... often its because they have someone no show on the staff and that table or bathroom check that usually gets done hourly has to wait until shift change. Deal with it, tell a manager and givethem a chance to work on that area of opportunitybefore you get a bnch of people who live paycheck to paycheck a chance to keep food on their table by not ruining their business from your blasphemous blog. I think the place is always more than average clean andthe staff & food is passionate and top notch for the price point. So if you read these blogs remember that Mr. Sunset is in the minority and has a hude dose of bad juju coming his (or her) its his own fault.Yay BBros! Keep up the good work and I'll be back soon!
• ndrw
  had my very first ballard brothers experience yesterday + it was a doozy - that cajun salmon was so friggin tasty i couldnt think about anything else until id obliterated that dang ol sandwich - at which point i turned my attention to the perfectly crunchy fries. in a culture of ever expanding portion sizes its refreshing to know there are still some places that dont waste a whole sack of potatoes on each side of fries. also took a bite of my friends juicy black+blue burger which also ruled tho it didnt trump the salmon. all that plus speedy service+a friendly owner - this spots definitely my new joint
• Somewhere in Sunset Hill
  Wow, I love all of the attacks. No, I don't have an ex who works there. No, I don't manage the Wendy's next door. Nothing of the sort.
  
  And no, I'm not against local businesses, especially restaurants. In fact, I probably spend 90% of my restaurant dollars in Ballard at locally owned establishments (and I do shop at the market every Sunday -- how's that). I am loyal to our local businesses.
  
  But I don't think it's malicious to link to the King County restaurant inspection site; inspections are public record and every restaurant has to meet the same criteria. If you're not interested, don't read them.
  
  Please note that I never criticized the food; I like the food. I've been a patron since they were up on 15th at the old location and have been there many times.
  
  But good food isn't a defense for a dirty establishment. I don't care what "experts" weigh in (like the guy who is a GM -- or whatever), if any reasonable person had been there with me on my last two visits, I bet they would have agreed that the place was unacceptably unclean.
  
  I hope they've cleaned it up -- I'll check it out again in the next week and I'll let you know what I find. But I'm not going to let my enthusiasm for local restaurants blind me to the filth I saw that day.
• Jon Aiken
  Well, let's see... Where to begin... First off, I love this restaurant! From the old converted Iver's building (Yeah, Reality Recycling!) to the simplistic but ample menu. Everything is affordable and down right delicious. I'm a huge fan of the Black and Blue burger, but I've tried almost everything at one point or another and I can testify to the quality. The staff are "colorful" characters that range from the friendly neighborhood hippy to the college kid working his way through school, all the way to the owner, who is always very nice and genuinely interested in my comments and feedback... This for me, is greatly appreaciated, as it lets me know he’s intersted in more than just my 10 bucks that day. All in all, I find that Ballard Brothers offers amazing food at affordable prices from a local kitchen with a strong interest in my opinions and taste... You can't top that!
• Anthony
  I love this place, ofcourse the typical Cali transplant expecting an Ocho or whatever won't enjoy what they have to offer. I loved going here ever since it was north of BHS, the blackened cajun chicken burger is one of a kind.
• Sarah
  This place is my favorite quick dining choice. Super friendly service from both the owner and employees keep me coming back. The blackened salmon sandwich is fantastic--a must-try for all. Tonight I was talked into the halibut on a stick and I have to say, it was equally delicious. Go there! Order the fish on a sammy or a stick! You won't be disappointed!
• Jimmy Woods(NES champ)
  You want clean? Eat a bigmac. That'll clean out your colon really fast. I love ballard bro's more than burritos and that's a lot of love.
• Wayne
  Been eating the blackened salmon forever (Bumbershoot, BSFF, etc.). Currently hooked on the halibut-on-a-stick.
• Shay
  Always friendly staff, quick service, great prices and stellar food. The cajun salmon sandwich is my fav... I am never disepointed! Check it out! You won't regret it!
• Beth
  Amazing fries!
  
  Really enjoyed this place, everyone is very friendly, food is great, and prices are pretty cheap.
  
  Also - greatly appreciate how everything is compost-able and the staff's quest to make sure everything gets composted.
• Ian
  This place is great. I truly believe that the fish and chips are the best in Seattle. Every monday a friend and I make a ritual of the Halibut and chips for lunch. They are fantastic. The salmon burger is great too but I am addicted to the Halibut and chips.
• Christian
  One word: Delicious! The burgers are great and the fish and chips are fantastic, perfectly cooked, great people as well. If you can it's worth it to get the halibut and chips.
• renee
  I love the grilled salmon and their fries are terrific. Switching to "green" products and composting is to be supported and praised!
  The owner is really attentive and keeps the place clean and running smoothly.
  Super addition to the neighborhood!
• seano
  Ballard Brothers rules! The Cajun Blackened Salmon is a weekly favorite, and the halibut, cod, and burgers have all partied with my tummy and tongue many-a-time! Go deh!
• Jan & Brooke--Magnolia
  Ballard Bros. has become our restaurant of choice in Ballard. Friendly service, greatest food for the buck, and, yes, the place is CLEAN! No wonder we keep going back.
• Tracie F.
  i have been to ballard brothers "the restaurant" about a dozen times, but have also experienced the food at various events.
  
  my restaurant experiences have always been quite pleasant. the staff are nice and ready to take your order--- with a bit too much gusto? sure, sometimes it seems that way--- but when i indicate i haven't decided yet, the response is a very friendly "sure thing, just let me know when you are ready".
  
  is the place always immaculate when i walk through the door? no, of course not--- it's a busy place with a lot of turn over. but it does seem that the employees are doing their best to clear things up in a timely manner. maybe it seems "unclean" to some people because, in all honesty, the space is a bit run down (looks like long john silver's definetly left some wear and tear on the place)...
  
  having said that... if the decision of where the profit is going is between keeping a good staff and quality food vs new carpeting and fancy booths, i for one give my vote to the former.
  
  because everything else aside, the food is GREAT. not just in flavor (oh, those fries!!!) but in dollar value too. and i don't know about you, but that's something that very important to me these days. :)
• Matt Laun
  Great fish and chips. Get in there now while they have halibut on a stick, 3 piece with chips for $8.50! The brothers are nice guys too. And the place is spick and span on my visit (to reports of cleanliness from other posts).
• Les
  I have the unique pleasure of working near by to Drew's Ballard Brothers restaurant. Unique because he has single handedly cured my anexoria with his wonderful bacpon cheese burgers and crispy french fries, not to mention the fish and chips and salmon and the. . . well I could go on but I understand there is a limit to the web so I'll leave room for scientific stuff.
  To make it short the food here is so good you feel you have to tip the cooks.
  Don't feel you have to rush right down because I hate waiting in long lines! Keep it up Drew!!!
• Les
  I have the unique pleasure of working near by to Drew's Ballard Brothers restaurant. Unique because he has single handedly cured my anexoria with his wonderful bacon cheese burgers and crispy french fries, not to mention the fish and chips and salmon and the. . . well I could go on but I understand there is a limit to the web so I'll leave room for scientific stuff.
  To make it short the food here is so good you feel you have to tip the cooks.
  Don't feel you have to rush right down because I hate waiting in long lines! Keep it up Drew!!!
• jbo
  With an over abundance of pizza and burgers in Ballard, few places stand out. Ballard Brothers is one exception. The salmon burger is awesome. Regular burgers are substantial and reliably tasty. The employees are always friendly. What more can you ask for in a burger joint?
• mo
  Food to die for! Service with a smile! Eco friendly. All together fantastic enough to make me drive from tacoma just to eat here.
• Shell
  I can't express in words how great this place is, but I'll try anyway. First of all, what a menu and amazingly low prices. The blackened salmon burger is perfect. I enjoyed it so much I came back 3 days later. My dining companions had the halibut and chips (yum!) and a cheeseburger (super tasty!). The service is good and friendly with no pretense; just the way I like it. Go here. NOW!
• Klara
  Oh my gosh....the grilled salmon burger with those wonderful grilled onions just melt in your mouth...I couldn't believe it was THAT tasty!
  My better 1/2 had the moist chicken burger and we both enjoyed the crispy fries that come with the meal....Plus they get extra points for being green conscious, their serveware is all recyclable!
• Ballardian
  I used to be a regular at the old location up on 15th /75th and have been there a bunch since the move but although I agree the food can be REALLY REALLY good-specifically the Cajun Salmon, it seems like its been uneven more often than not lately.
  Fish being soggy or overly fishy tasting(old?). Perhaps the honeymoon is over for me. Anyway, I do think the owner-who I've met a few times since he's very hands on there-is a cool guy so I'm sure I'll be back.
• Jason
  The BBB is fantastic (along with the Salmon Burger). I keep going back and forth between Ballard Brothers and the Red Mill Blue Cheese/Bacon Burger. While I think the burgers taste just a little better at Red Mill, the Salmon Burger, compostable plastic ware, and general coolness of the owner make this my first choice.
• Relaxed one
  Their Health inspection was better than Volterra's, Sam's Sushi, Zayda Buddy's or Ballard Market Seafood Dept.........
• Seattlemedic7
  So I heard this place was gonna be good so I took my empty stomach there and was not happy after I left. I ordered their special 6 wings for 5.95 and the fish and chips. the wings were under cooked and the sauce tasted old. The fish and chips basket was VERY disappointing, they were small pieces of cod maybe 3 inches long by 2 inches wide and only got 2 in a basket with some fries. I do not recommend these 2 items to anyone. It would take every other place in Ballard to be closed before I go back to this place.
• nik hammer-ellis
  i moved to bellingham and ballard brothers is one of the things i miss the most. i got a homie workin there whos been there for quite some time and i have several other friends who have worked there. they have the best burgers ever, hands down. and they have something that is not on the menu called a crispy chicken BLT its unreasonably delicious. its basically the crispy chicken sandwhich add bacon. its worth all the calories.
• milo dakkat
  Yuk. Walked in. Walked out. Too disgusting to even try the food. Zesto's is cleaner than this.
• Relaxed One
  Read Zestos Health dept report and you probably wouldn't even set foot into Zesto's parking lot again.......
• seattlemedic7
  I'm all about giving places a 2nd try. But not a 3rd. Tried the cod and fries this time, not bad. the black and blu burger was a little under cooked and bland, it was covered in blue cheese dressing which took what little flavor the burger did have away. The best part was the fries and the cold drinks.
• loveburger/hatedirty
  I went here recently and I DID like the burger and fries. But, the restaurant had an odor similar to a porta potty fragrance. Every piece of furniture had a layer of grease/oil on it. They should hire a professional cleaning crew to come in and do a good thorough cleaning of the dining area. I would go back again if this happened, otherwise, don't think I'll be going back.
• Brooke Albertson
  We are regulars at Ballard Brothers and return again and again. They have the best seafood value in town, plus friendly service. They are in the process of remodeling, which in no way detracts from the food--especially their unbeatable blackened salmon, in either burgers or salads. We already are looking forward to our next visit!
  
  Brooke & Jan--Magnolia