Essentials
Excellent food co-op with plenty of high quality organic/local/grass-fed/etc options.
219 locals recommend
PCC Community Markets - Green Lake Aurora
7504 Aurora Ave NExcellent food co-op with plenty of high quality organic/local/grass-fed/etc options.
Ballard Market
1400 NW 56th StGood locally owned grocery store.
Food Scene
Plaka Estiatorio
5407 20th Ave NWGreat Greek food and homey atmosphere.
Paseo
6226 Seaview Avenue NorthwestGreat inexpensive Cuban food shack on the water.
Senor Moose Cafe
5242 Leary Avenue NorthwestBest Mexican in Seattle.
Caffe Fiore
3125 Northwest 85th StreetOrganic coffee shop one block away.
Cafe Besalu
5909 24th Ave NWFamous croissants.
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard
2821 NW Market StBest breakfast around.
Nationally famous restaurant. If you don't have reservations by the time you get here, you won't get a table.
246 locals recommend
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NWNationally famous restaurant. If you don't have reservations by the time you get here, you won't get a table.
Kiss Cafe
2817 NW Market StCasual sandwich place.
Sightseeing
Local landmark. Watch boats go up and down the locks, check out the fish ladder, stroll the well maintained gardens.
774 locals recommend
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StLocal landmark. Watch boats go up and down the locks, check out the fish ladder, stroll the well maintained gardens.
Historic Ballard Avenue has many funky shops, awesome restaurants, lively bars, a great yoga studio, etc.
50 locals recommend
Ballard Avenue Northwest
Ballard Avenue NorthwestHistoric Ballard Avenue has many funky shops, awesome restaurants, lively bars, a great yoga studio, etc.
Everything Else
Surf Ballard
6300 Seaview Ave NWRent stand up paddleboards right on the water.
Hot Cakes - Molten Chocolate Cakery
5427 Ballard Ave NWChocolate heaven...
Ballard Health Club
2208 NW Market StQuality neighborhood gym with a low drop in price.
Kula Movement
5340 Ballard Ave NWGreat yoga studio.
Sunset Hill Park
7531 34th Ave NWAs the name implies...
Year round market with a great selection of local produce, meat, dairy, artisan foods, crafts, and more.
220 locals recommend
Ballard Sunday Farmers Market
5345 Ballard Ave NWYear round market with a great selection of local produce, meat, dairy, artisan foods, crafts, and more.
Secret Garden Bookshop
2214 NW Market StGood locally owned bookshop.
Majestic Bay Theatres
2044 NW Market StFirst run movies.
Habitude Salon & Day Spa: At the Locks
2801 NW Market StFull service salon and spa fix.
Portalis Wine Shop
6754 15th Ave NWLovely little wine bar and shop.
Hazlewood
2311 NW Market StCasual hole-in-the-wall bar.
Drinks & Nightlife
Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NWLive Music
The Matador
4546 California Ave SWlively bar with live music
Bastille Cafe & Bar
5307 Ballard Ave NWGreat ambiance in their backroom bar.
Shopping
Bop Street Records
2220 NW Market StVintage Vinyl.