Fridays and Saturdays are built for after-hours revelers. As the night winds on, bar-fueled cravings also start to settle in… but too often, hunger strikes just as our favorite restaurants are closing up shop. Worry not, night owl community: these spots cater to your crew well into the wee hours of the evening. On your next weekend romp through Ballard (arguably the foodie capital of Seattle), follow this route as you eat and drink your way up, down, and everywhere in-between Ballard Avenue and Northwest Market Street.
Bastille Cafe & Bar | 5307 Ballard Ave NW | 206-453-5014
Start your scavenger hunt with drinks and bites at Bastille and graze until the clock strikes midnight. Order a round of craft pints, specialty cocktails, or a bottle or glass from the extensive wine list to accompany your late-night menu spread of done-up frites, burgers, and more.
The Gerald | 5210 Ballard Ave NW | 206-432-9280
Hopefully you’ve still got plenty of room for hearty mac and cheese or Maple Chicken Waffles with house-made maple-apple butter, but if not, bar snacks such as truffle butter popcorn are still a home run. Wash ‘em down with a barrel-aged, citrus, or house favorite cocktail. Open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Shelter Lounge | 4910 Leary Ave NW | 206-829-8568
Kick back in the indoor or outdoor lounge with fruity booze or a beer in hand and a specialty burger or sandwich, wonton tacos, or shareable finger food such as parmesan avocado fries or sweet chili meatballs. Repeat any night of the week before last call at 2 a.m.
Shingletown Northwest Pub & Eatery | 2016 NW Market St | 206-782-5182
Shingletown is no stranger to our late-night lists. Make your way over on a Friday or Saturday before 2 a.m. for a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s best via fresh seafood, cheeses, and more. By this point in the night you may also have sweets on the brain… In this case, dip into the dessert menu for house-made seasonal decadence.
La Isla | 2320 NW Market St | 206-789-0516
You’ve now come full-circle and reached the end of the scavenger hunt route. Cap off the evening on a high note with Puerto Rican flare! Snack on savory sides or go all-in with an entree accompanied by crispy fried plantains and abuela’s rice and beans, then head home and crawl into bed with a satisfied stomach… or, if you’re feeling extra bold, why not keep the party going past closing time at 2 a.m.?
