Seattle Restaurant Week is officially underway, and 19 Ballard businesses are participating.
From Oct. 18 to Oct. 31, locals can dine from a set-priced menu at partner restaurants. It’s a great deal for diners, and for the participating eateries.
This autumn marks the fifth year running that Rodrigo Cappagli, owner of Maria Luisa Empanadas, has signed on to SRW. The Argentinian restaurant moved to its Ballard location at 928 NW Leary Wy. in 2024.
“I think it’s a good way for people to see your business, and what you’re doing,” Cappagli said. “For me, it’s always been about making food and making people happy.”
Cappagli said foot traffic to his storefront always spikes during SRW, bringing new faces and returning customers to the door. Those diners defend his empanadas as some of the best in Seattle, he added. Maria Luisa Empanadas offers menus at $35, $50 and $65 for SRW.
Radiator Whiskey opened its Ballard location at 5311A Ballard Ave. NW in July 2025. A few months later, the business participated in its first SRW.
For owner Dan Bugge, the annual dining event wasn’t new – Bugge also operates White Swan Public House in South Lake Union and a sister location of Radiator Whiskey. But he explained that the first SRW came at a particularly lucrative moment for the Ballard business.
“It was a little bit difficult for us at the beginning to really get our feet into the neighborhood and get established,” Bugge said. “So, it was a good opportunity for people to come and check us out from the neighborhood, and really help us get established in Ballard.”
He recommends customers to try Radiator Whiskey’s appetizers, particularly the pork belly burnt ends and hush puppies. SRW diners can partake in $35 and $50 menus.
Bugge added that he appreciates diners being able to access discounted menus during the annual event. That value is a particularly great way for businesses to get in front of people.
But those deals cause some businesses to lose profit.
Sunny Hill has sat out of SRW in recent years, co-owner Holly Robinson said. The wood-fired pizza spot uses premium ingredients, most of which are locally sourced. For that reason, the restaurant never discounts its prices – except during SRW. And this year, they’re back.
“Our weekdays are a little slower, so it’s a good opportunity,” Robinson said. “We lose money, but it does expose the business to new folks.”
The business, located at 3127 NW 85th St., offers $50 dinners during SRW.
Here’s a list of the Ballard eateries participating in SRW, and the cost of their set-price menus:
- ELDR at 6414 32nd Ave. NW – $50, $65
- Fotini Restaurant + Bar at 6804 E Greenlake Wy. N – $65
- Gracia at 5313 Ballard Ave NW – $35
- Kayava Fremont at 704 North 34th St. – $20 lunch, $35, $65
- Kelly Cannoli at 3232 15th Ave. W – $25 brunch and lunch, $35, $50, $65
- Lupe’s Situ Tacos at 5239 Ballard Ave. NW – $20, $35
- Maria Luisa Empanadas at 928 NW Leary Wy. – $35, $50, $65
- Matador Ballard at 5410 Ballard Ave. NW – $20 lunch, $35
- Moshi Moshi Sushi and Izakaya at 5324 Ballard Ave. NW – $35
- Nolita at 5909 15th Ave. NW – $35, $50
- Ocho at 2325 NW Market St. – $50
- Pidgin Cooperative Restaurant and Bottle Shop at 3909 18th Ave W – $65
- Radiator Whiskey Ballard at 5313A Ballard Ave. NW – $35, $50
- Reuben’s Brews Ballard Taproom at 5010 14th Ave. NW – $35
- San Fermo at 5341 Ballard Ave. NW – $35
- Staple & Fancy at 4739 Ballard Ave. NW – $65
- Sunny Hill at 3127 NW 85th St. – $50
- The Garrison at 2319 NW Market St. – $35 brunch, $65
- Yaygit at 5309 22nd Ave NW – $35
The full list of restaurants participating throughout the Puget Sound area is available on the SRW website.
Photo: Radiator Whiskey