Ballard

Spice Waala, a local Indian street food restaurant, says: “Check out the Sunday Ballard Farmers Market to find beautiful produce, new food vendors with cuisines from around the world, and just to stroll through the neighborhood! It is a great way to learn about the community and see the goodies the PNW has to offer.”

Austin from Hot Cakes, a local bakery, says: “A favorite pastime of many Ballard visitors and residents alike is meandering among the many alluring vendors and stalls during the Sunday Farmers Market. Operating year-round to provide local produce, art, and more, the market provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs along the historic downtown neighborhood of Ballard Avenue. Not only do you get the chance to be introduced to small businesses, but also the many brick and mortar shops and cafes that surround the market. Whether you arrived hungry, desiring fresh local flowers, or in need of something to do outside, the market has everything you could want!” 

Ballard local Suzanne Harrison says: “Living in north Ballard, I love how walkable it is. My kids have always been able to walk to school, to friends’ houses, and I regularly walk to the grocery store (there’s a beautiful new Metropolitan Market just blocks away) or to the Fresh Fish Company, Larsen’s Bakery, Portalis Wine Shop, and any number of great restaurants, like Sunny Hill. I also love to walk my dog over to Sunset Hill park to catch the sunset over Puget Sound, or down to the beach at Golden Gardens, where you often see and hear seals playing.”

Li’l Woody’s Burgers & Shakes owner Marcus Lalario says: “There’s so many great spots in Ballard. It’s hard to narrow down the choices. But, I would say do not sleep on Shibuya Hi-Fi. Great cocktails, people, vibes, and music. Walking the Ballard Locks is a nice way for folks to see something special about our city. Stop by The Lock Spot Cafe or Un Bien while you’re over there.” – 

Moshi Moshi Sushi & Izakaya owner Charlie Anthe says: “Ballard is a wonderful, charming neighborhood that combines historical charm with being in the middle of a vibrant metropolis. Starting in the historical district centered along Ballard Ave NW, begin your day with a coffee at Caffe Umbria. From there, wander up to watch boats float in and out of Lake Washington at the Ballard Locks. Make your way back and catch a movie at Majestic Bay Theaters, or grab a quick bite of amazing Indian street food from Spice Waala, then browse through the multiple boutique stores such as Ballard Consignment, BEGIN Jewelry, Woodland Mod, and Fair Trade Winds, to name a few.”

Veronica Lara from India Bistro says: “Ballard is a place where you can go on a first date or a casual outing with friends, with a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and activities for you to enjoy. Grab a nice warm jacket, start your walk, and be ready for what you might find along the way. It’s a great neighborhood, with good schools within walking distance, grocery stores, community churches, banks, libraries, and much more, everything you and your family’s daily life requires.  The Sunday Farmers Market is perfect for getting together with friends and family to enjoy the historic charm, fantastic Puget Sound views, and beaches.” 

Nicole Beuerlein from Sabine, a local cafe and bar, says:  “We take pride in Ballard’s close-knit community and local shops on Ballard Avenue offering a small-town feel amidst the buzz of the city. The Sunday Farmers Market is a local treasure where you can buy anything from handmade gifts to fresh flowers and local cheese, while Golden Gardens offers a peaceful oasis of nature all year round. As far as activities go, Tractor and Sunset Tavern  are great places to discover new music from local bands. No visit to Ballard is complete without a stop at Delancey—an Italian pizzeria that really feels like a neighborhood spot where good wine meets delicious pizza.” – Nicole Beuerlein from 

Eric, a chef at Samara, says:  “One of my favorite places to stop in our neighborhood is Sunset Hill Park, located on NW 75th St and 34th Ave NW. Set at the edge of a hill above the Shilshole Bay Marina and overlooking the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain range – there is a walking path along the front with tremendous views along with benches and grassy areas to sit, relax and take it all in.”