Sexton to close after a decade in Ballard

The Southern comfort, bourbon-focused restaurant Sexton has announced they will be closing after a major downturn in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have made the terribly difficult decision to close our doors,” owners Ryan Davidson and Amber Sexton wrote in a message to customers on their Instagram page. “While the community has really shown up to support us and other small businesses, the times ahead are uncertain. We can not afford to remain open in takeout or limited capacity format.

“We value the health of our community, and we do not have the resources to effectively rollout an enjoyable in dining experience in our little restaurant given new social distancing regulations.”

December would have been Sexton’s 10th anniversary: “What a ride it has been,” they write, adding that the future may lead to interior design work, which the owners say is another passion of theirs.

Until they shut for good at the end of May, they’ll continue to sell bottled cocktails and bottles of liquor. They will also be selling glassware, equipment, and vintage and handmade furniture. “For serious bourbon collectors or bars, we also have an inventory of very rare bottles that we will entertain offers for,” they write, adding that they’ll include more details on social media.

You can also support the owners by donating to their GoFundMe.

“While we are heartbroken that we won’t be able to host you in our space again, we know this is the right decision for our family.”

Photo by Amber Sexton

22 thoughts to “Sexton to close after a decade in Ballard”

    1. Almost a decade on Ballard Ave…so, either you don’t live in Ballard, or you’re not allowed to leave your dungeon because you’re a sour, unlikeable person. Either way, why don’t you keep your trap shut Mr and/or Ms. Negative?

    2. Why call attention to your ignorance?
      There are many places I’ve never heard of. If one closes I’ll just be quiet about it. Try it!

          1. ignorant to say i never heard of the place? do i have to agree with you? others. why?

  1. Will miss sitting out on the back deck during the summer with super service, a great manhattan and the best happy hour fried chicken in Seattle. Thanks for the memories Sexton, and best wishes to Ryan and Amber on your next adventure.

  2. Sorry for the emotional outburst but this was a fantastic but unpretentious place. One of my favorites. Best of luck for the future.

        1. i am sure you are right. people like you. they turn to you for wisdom. you speak the Truth, Truth. I am also bored and your propensity to let everyone know how smart you are is much fun for me to observe. I thank you. Have Trumpalicious day.

      1. I’m certain more people will miss this restaurant’s passing than will miss your eventual passing. Hey, maybe you could try to make that today!

        1. Why would they mourn me? They don’t know me, as i don’t know this dive that has closed. There, now that was not only fun but simple.

  3. That really sucks. One benefit of the pandemic has been being able to finally buy food/drinks from the Sexton. Prior to kids we used to be frequent customers but with kids and limited babysitting options it was hard to make it there…now that we can finally go back (and they have the best takeout options in Ballard) it’s closing! Ugh.

    I can’t imagine Ryan and Amber will be gone for long and hope when they come back they do so in Ballard.

      1. yup it’s a benefit for me, only me, and forever me! I’m not sure how you were able to mentally go from someone trying to be positive and supporting a local business to selfishly not caring at all about the impacts of a pandemic. Amazing how COVID has been able to wipe out logic and rational thought.

        Sorry to selfishly support a local business. I’ll try to be better about staying negative and only thinking about people dying. God forbid anyone has a single positive thought or experience.

  4. Sad that ANY business has to face this decision. Meanwhile, our leaders all sit back and all receive their checks, and ALL continue to do so. In fact, Inslee has NOT cut a thing. Seems the emperor could lead by freezing his pay and cut afew state workers, but NO, closing and going without is for hard working people like these 2. Good luck, you WILL land on your feet due to your work ethics.

Leave a Reply