Ocho's plates are small, yes, but I've had Tapas in Spain on numerous occasions and they're about the same size and price. In Spain, they're not intended as an affordable meal, they're to take the hunger edge off as you drink your beer and wine until 10pm before going to dinner! However, if they're not delicious, they're just crappy and expensive bar food.
My Ballard Forum » Open Forum
Favorite "new" bars in Ballardia
(85 posts)-
IStream
offlineMemberPosted 3 years ago # -
Chef Wahoo
offlineMemberWe don't go out to bars much, but we like brewpubs. It's not Ballardia, but McMenamin's in Fremont is great, and they sell hard ETOH. And while technically not a bar, I love(d) the Jolly Roger. The food is excellent, and their seasonals can be very good. Or, at least, I liked them when they were still open! They were painting the floor the other day, so hopefully they'll reopen soon.
We had a really good happy hour at Picolino's last year. Generous wine pours, the appetizers were a great price, and they had an olive rosemary spread that was TDF. Now we'd just been to a funeral, and the rain had started pouring, so we were just glad to relax, talk about our late friend, and have someone else serve us. The nibblies were tasty, but I wouldn't want to eat dinner there anytime soon. Then, the food wasn't great, and it was very spendy.
Now I am craving a trio of Po'Lil Oysters, and a dark pint of something.
Posted 3 years ago # -
SunsetGirl
offlineMemberI just visited the Shelter on Friday for the first time. I love the outdoor fireplace area, though it was a little cold to be out there for long. The inside was very nice too and I could see this become a regular stop. I love Zayda Buddy's bar, it's not very busy and the servers are very nice. I also love the Coppergate. I think the Viking ship bar and boobies everywhere is an interesting theme. I also absolutely love their french fries and go back again and again just for them.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Frayed Knot
offlineMemberLadies play nice!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Chef Wahoo
offlineMemberI don't mind the term, I had a family member who made up nicknames for every city around. It bugged me as a child, but I found it endearing once I was a grown-up.
But I just realized that "Ballardia" sounds a bit like "giardia". We maybe should avoid nicknames that rhyme with a gastrointestinal parasite.
Sorry, Allison!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Melissa
offlineMemberwhat the heck is "Ballardia"?
at first I read this thinking it was some "Ballard/Mangolia" mix. But, no? Its some stupid nickname.
why does everything have to be "cute"?
Posted 3 years ago # -
onederfullone
offlineMemberSilly Melissa, everyone knows Ballard and Magnolia don't mix!
And having some cute is a good balance, right?Posted 3 years ago # -
Bird
offlineMemberWow, some of you guys have a lot of time on your hands. If you don't want to talk about new bars in Ballard - don't read/answer the post. What a waste of time.
Favorite "new" bars:
Bastille back bar - the lamb burger is amazing
Hazelwood for the drinks (the atmosphere is cool but not very comfy)
I haven't made it to the Shelter yet - tried one night but only option was the second tier bar and that didn't look like a good option.
Kiss Cafe is nice - they are great for b'fast too when Portage is too crowded
Stepping Stone
the fries at Copper Gate are yummy but I don't go to the bar unless craving them - I like the Viking better (but I know, not new)
I really wanted to like the bar attached to Le Gourmand but had bad service there more than once so it's off the listI personally like the tapas at Ocho - each to their own. Those dates are a love
em or hateem thing and I LOVE them.Posted 3 years ago # -
Roadkill
offlineMemberI've lived in Sevilla. Tapas are, traditionally, free* and expected. I get that here, in seattle, they aint. Went to Ocho...not impressed, but not bummed either. It was allright. If they get some proper spanish jamon, I will be a fan for life. Maybe they had it...dont remember, but I want a hoof on a cutting board.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Barney Stinson
offlineMemberNot sure what some of you consider a "meathead" but I certainly don't see them at the Loft. I go there a lot (probably to much) and have never seen a single fight.
That said, the Loft is easily my favorite bar in Ballard.
If you are socially awkward, "qwerky", or not interested in sports, then it probably is not for you.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Barney Rubble
offlineMembersocially awkward? That's funny other barney. I wouldn't set foot in that place during the weekend (all the overflow from Kings...) but its tolerable early in the week.
I have tried out virtually all of the new spots and always end up back at the smoke shop. Never any bros and you can actually hear the people sitting across from you.
Posted 3 years ago # -
BallardENTP
offlineMember"Never any bros"
Now that's a sign I'd like to see hanging outside my favorite bar, next to the no smoking sign. :) The less Jersey Shore, the better.
That said: I've found The Loft to be enjoyable. Sure, you get more than your average number of baseball-caps-worn-by-grown-men. But hey, it's a *sports bar*. It's part of the atmosphere.
My opinion of the "new bars":
The Shelter was too crowded. Not that I don't like crowds; I just think it's too small of a space to reach a comfortable critical mass. I plan on giving it another try in the summer.
The back of the Bastille was lovely. Interesting setting for a date. I wish it didn't have TVs.
Haven't been to the new Connor Byrne's, and alas, the Jolly Roger taproom is still unopened.
Are there any other "new" bars? Do the bars on 65th count? The Dray is dependably enjoyable.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Nora Bell
offlineMemberNo bros, but a few old codgers. :-)
Posted 3 years ago # -
Barney Rubble
offlineMemberI'll take old codgers over bros any day.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Barney Stinson
offlineMemberNot sure what a "bro" is but if you think The Loft is anything like the Jersey Shore then you need to get out more.
Typical of "open minded" Seattle: We are willing to accept anyone as long as they are just like us (qwerky, nerdy, wierd, gay, "artists" etc).
Posted 3 years ago # -
Nora Bell
offlineMemberIt's the crowd you're most comfortable with, nothing to do with open minded or not. I hope the Loft remains in business for a very long time, but that doesn't mean you'll ever find me in there.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Ballardissmallilikeanonymity
offlineMemberRe: the tapas debate...
Tapas can and do vary in size and style, and of course they are not intended to constitute or replace a meal. The unifying theme, at least in my mind, is a "preparedness" to the food not found in other kinds of small bites. There may just be a single vegetable or a couple of gambas at its core, but it will be sautéed, seasoned, or dressed such that it is transformed into a "dish" -- a TINY dish, perhaps, yet a fully realized one.
Much of Ocho's menu, by contrast, boils down to a couple of items plunked on top of a cracker-sized morsel of toast. Not a dish at all, barely even a snack.
(Sorry to say it. As Ballard's only Tapas place, I really WANT to like it.)
Posted 3 years ago # -
mickey
offlineMemberExactly, Norabell.
Posted 3 years ago # -
BallardENTP
offlineMemberBarney Stinson: a "bro", apparently, is a guy who appends every statement to a fellow male with that word. See: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2007/09/dont-tase-me-br/
The Loft is a fine place--the owner is cool, the beers are cold, the decor is interesting. The Jersey Shore reference was there because I saw an episode for the first time this weekend, and I'm still in shock. Just poking a bit of fun at a foreign culture.
Posted 3 years ago # -
julesage
offlineMemberBarney S:
I think the loft is having a party tonight. It is 2 years old today! you gonna be there, bro? (ha)Posted 3 years ago # -
ballardmike
offlineMemberThere's Bars!?!? Crap... what've I been drinking?!
Posted 3 years ago # -
Barney Stinson
offlineMember@Julesage: Nah brah I can't be there tonight !!
No seriously I don't generally go out on weeknights with work the next day and all.
Posted 3 years ago # -
julesage
offlineMember@Barney S: Funny. yeah, me either. Those golden handcuffs are pretty important:)
Take care, maybe i will see you there sometimes. :)Posted 3 years ago # -
I like happy hour at the Matador.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Anonymous
offlineUnregisteredSpeaking of happy hour... I like Shiku. They have a nice selection of Sake.
Posted 3 years ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.