When I think back to the first time I went to BalMar, my thoughts were of a quieter, more upscale, nice place. But when we walked in, it felt different. I’m not implying that Bal-Mar is a run-down dive bar or anything like that, but for some reason I was picturing white tablecloths. Instead we got a nice place, kind of narrow but deep. On the right when you walk in is a seating area with some dark wood high tables and chairs that make conversation easier. The bar stretches along the right wall to the back. On the left, there is a staircase leading to a second floor bar area (it was reserved for a private party on this night), and under the staircase are some couches and chairs for a more intimate setting.
Great Atmosphere. I went into BalMar on a monday night to enjoy a couple of cocktails. At first glance, I was very impressed with the ambiance, an urban lofty feel with brick walls and paintings from local artist hanging upon them. Candles and low lighting make this a perfect place to grab a drink with someone special. I ordered two drinks from their cocktails menu, the Stark and Doomy and PDX Mixed Tape (drink of the month). I was impressed with the taste of both drinks and found them quite unique. $9 for drinks on their cocktail menu and $6 cocktails for happy hour. The Stark and Doomy is one of my favorite drinks due to the ginger foam they put on top, delicious! I didn't try any appetizers, but next time I stop by I will be inclined to order a couple. Overall I enjoyed the vibes and will be back to it's convenient location on Ballard Ave. Cheers!
If you want hand crafted cocktails this is the place. Some of the best bartenders in town. John & Joey rock. Love the dark sultry lighting too.
Nice date place!. Excellent seared ahi tuna and good drinks.
Downtairs has nice atmosphere, what with exposed brick, lighting and all. Upstairs pool area though feels like a classier college see-and-be-seen bar.
Overall, a worthy destination.
Happy hour happy hour happy hour! Monday is HH all night. Kate is an awesome server.. Taiko isn't bad either. Calimari is the bomb. Sliders rock! Tuesday is trivia night upstairs! I almost forgot, the GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH WOWOOWOWOOWOWO!
Breathing GARLIC. Balmar's interior is both comfortable & rustic. Their choice in lighting impeccably softens the space & who doesn't love exposed brick.
I had a bourbon cocktail with a sleepy-slow flavor. Grilled Lamb Sliders woke me up. The burgers themselves were seasoned well. An offensively pungent garlic sauce was served on the side. I would've preferred a mustard aioli or anything really to that fresh garlic mess that masked instead of complimented the already tasty meat.
Bartenders were knowledgable & attentive while the crowd at Balmar was unsettlingly east-side. Cakey-make-up, and social-blinders are sometimes funny, but not engaging.
Good drinks & food... but SLOOOWWW service!. We were there on a Sat. night during happy hour, and a few parties had reserved the space upstairs. Every time that we got excited about our food finally arriving, the server would turn and go upstairs! With our tummies growling, this got really old after a long wait. The drinks are fabulous! And after we finally got our food, the food was good.
I've talked to other people and they all have said how horrible the service is there, and the priority seems to be on the people who have reserved space with them. It you have a lot of time, try it out, certainly for the drinks alone.
NIce ambiance. Nice lounge with a good selection of microbrews. Gets kind of loud towards the late hours, but can still have a conversation. Worth trying.
We had a great time here recently. There is dancing upstairs which in Ballard is actually pretty rare so that's a nice option to have if you are looking for that on the weekends. Never a cover to get into the doors but on busy nights there may be a cover to go upstairs. I like how there is a bar upstairs and downstairs so it decreases the wait times on a busy weekend night. I really like the seated areas downstairs when in a large group of friends and just want to catch up.
Good time, great food, good drinks. Come to dance on the weekends. Come before 10 PM to not pay a cover. You can even leave and come back after 10 when it gets busier and not have to pay cover because you were already in.
Had my birthday here last weekend! You all did so great! i can't think of a way it could have gone any better! i was even excited to see you guys made a sign for me! i had a great time. all my friends did as well. I'll be coming back next year for my birthday and you will of course see me from time to time on the weekends!
I've never had a bad time at Bal Mar. The bartender's downstairs are really friendly as well. Can be pricey, but what bar in Ballard isn't.
We were here for dishcrawl, and had spanikopita and macaroni and cheese. The spanikopita were light and flaky, with unctuous accents of cheese in between bites. The mac and cheese was in two layers, with the main noodle base a mild variation of the really tasty crust. I wanted more crust.
The ambience is cocktail bar, with dark lighting and a great alcohol selection. I'd come here for a date - and spanikopita.
Friendly staff, warm (ish) colors and environment (lots of stone brick and metal.)
Good food, great drink. I enjoy this location for a spell.
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