One Of Seattle's Best Neighborhoods Blends Scandinavian Charm With Some Of The City's Best Bites

Washington state takes pride in its deep Scandinavian roots. This is evident in Ballard, located in the booming metropolis of Seattle, about 20 minutes away from downtown. In the early 20th century, countless Northern European immigrants had settled at this waterfront destination, making their living in the fishing industry. Decades later, their cultural impact remains. Case in point, you can visit Scandinavian Specialties, a store with everything from tinned fish to Norwegian cheese, or check out Skål Beer Hall for an ice-cold glass of mead fit for a viking. Aside from its Scandinavian charm, Ballard is brimming with notable eateries and has been referred to as one of the best neighborhoods in the Emerald City.

Ballard is a food lover's dream, and an assortment of culinary experiences awaits on Ballard Avenue. For a casual bite, there's Situ Tacos, one of the city's best restaurants according to the Seattle-based publication, The Stranger. It offers crunchy tacos, taquitos, quesadillas, and more Lebanese-Mexican flair. Ballard Avenue is also where you'll find one of the best Italian restaurants in Seattle: San Fermo.  Picture being served deliciously decadent pasta in a cozy home dating back to the mid-1800s. This is exactly what you can expect when you dine at San Fermo, open daily for dinner.

Another top-rated spot on Ballard Avenue is The Walrus and the Carpenter. Featuring a 4.5-star rating on Google, this place is only open for dinner and has a lengthy libations menu. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts, halibut crudo and fried oysters are among the items served at this establishment. As you eat and drink your way through Ballard, take note that this beloved neighborhood has plenty of Seattle treasures to discover.  

When in Seattle, visiting the Space Needle and Pike Place Market (a special, vibrant destination with hundreds of unique shops) are a given. However, make sure you venture into Ballard in the northwest corner of the city for its gastronomic offerings and vibrant attractions. As previously mentioned, Ballard's Scandinavian heritage is still very much integral to this neighborhood. At the National Nordic Museum, visitors can delve into this region's culture and influence on the Pacific Northwest through relics and art. There's even an onsite café, Freya, serving Scandinavian-inspired snacks such as beet and cabbage salad. The National Nordic Museum is closed on Mondays, and admission can be purchased online or at the site.

Just a five-minute walk away are the Ballard Locks, also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Located on Salmon Bay, they aid in transporting ships from Lake Washington and Lake Union into the Puget Sound and vice versa. Come for a scenic stroll on the water and pass by the verdant Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. A Google reviewer writes, "Gem of a place in Ballard. You can spend hours watching the soothing water flow. Ships passing from high water to low (or the other way around) is interesting to watch."

Additionally, the Ballard Locks have a free museum a short walk away where you can learn the history and science behind these historic structures built in 1917. Summer is an exceptional time to visit the Ballard Locks. You'll experience Seattle's rare warm weather and have the opportunity to witness the seasonal salmon run at the Fish Ladder Viewing Room.

Arguably, Ballard doesn't get the same recognition as other Seattle neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, a walkable, progressive hub, and Fremont, known for its eccentric eateries, shops, and attractions. Nevertheless, Ballard will leave a lasting impact on visitors. A fun outdoor activity offered in the neighborhood is the Ballard Farmers Market. Unlike other markets in the city, this one is year-round. Held every Sunday morning on Ballard Avenue, produce is far from the only thing available. 

Featuring a selection of food vendors, this presents another opportunity to immerse yourself in the neighborhood's food scene. In addition to exceptional dining options, there is an array of eclectic stores on Ballard Avenue, including Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop, selling morbid items like vintage medical instruments, Victorian hair art, and much more. 

Need to walk off a meal? Ballard is also home to Golden Gardens Park, just a short drive from Ballard Avenue. With nearly 90 acres to enjoy, there are hiking trails and a gorgeous beach where you can admire the Puget Sound scenery. If you're interested in staying in the neighborhood the next time you're in Seattle, Hotel Ballard provides upscale accommodations and is within walking distance to the National Nordic Museum and various restaurants including San Fermo. On average, one night can cost over $300.