Sweet fried treats at the Unicorn in Capitol Hill. Photo source.
The usual fried food suspects are crave-worthy as it stands, from french fries and mozzarella sticks to chicken and corn dogs. So whenever something a little off the beaten path pops up on the menu, it’s a clear winner. Here’s where you can order some less-common fried delights around Seattle.
Ballard Loft | 5105 Ballard Ave NW | 206-420-2737
What could possibly accompany burgers and beer better than classic golden fries? At this classic Ballard sports bar, you’d be remiss to skip the fried pickle spears. Dip those golden-brown, beer-battered dill spears in a side of house tartar sauce and discover how game day snacks transcend your taste buds with a dip in the deep fryer.
Blue Moon Burgers | Multiple locations
In addition to a rotating burger of the month, shake of the month, and beer of the month, Blue Moon dreams up a specialty side of the month. On the heels of last month’s deep fried mushrooms, fried fans can grab Nacho Papa’s Poppers all month long. Spicy red peppers are filled with cream cheese, lightly breaded, fried until crispy, and served hot and fresh alongside spicy salsa ranch for dipping. Head to South Lake Union, Fremont, Capitol Hill, or Alki before the end of May to get yours (and go ahead and treat yourself to a hand-dipped shake on the side to cool down…)!
La Isla | 2320 NW Market St | 206-789-0516
Stop at La Isla for to satisfy all of the Puerto Rican cravings you never knew you had, including tostones: smashed and fried green plantains. This classic island side can be enjoyed with your meal or as a happy hour snack, served with mojito sauce and other sauces for a chips-and-dip experience like no other.
The Angry Beaver | 8412 Greenwood Ave N | 206-782-6044
Seattle’s only Canadian hockey bar can be found in Greenwood, along with favorite deep-fried Canadian delights (we’re looking at you, poutine). But if you want to mix it up from the usual potato suspects, order the fried cheese curds: Beecher’s dipped in homemade “Beaver batter” before fried and served with ranch or marinara.
Unicorn | 1118 E Pike St | 206-325-6492
Leave it to the Unicorn, a wildly wacky Capitol Hill staple for 21+ crowds, to deep-fry just about anything on the menu. This includes the bar’s signature Unicorn Balls (fried pork balls, ginger, scallion, and sweet chili aioli), Narwhal Balls (fried cheesy potato croquettes served w/ roasted garlic aioli), and plenty of carnival classics (deep-fried Oreos & vanilla custard; Snickers deep-fried in a chocolate batter; and a new favorite -- deep-fried peanut butter cookie dough bites that have been dubbed Unicorn Droppings).
