Restaurants

Below are several restaurants in the Ballard and Fremont areas (the neighborhoods on either side of Mars Hill Church). All restaurants have been tested and approved by members of the Mars Hill Church staff.

Ballard (West & North of Mars Hill Church | Ballard)

Barking Dog Alehouse
705 NW 70th St.
206.782.2974
Almost gourmet bar food. Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta and salads. A plethora of local micro-brews on tap and even more Belgian imports by the bottle.
Open: 11am -11pm
Price info $10-$25 per meal.

Bad Albert’s Tap & Grill

5100 Ballard Ave NW
206.782.9623
Lots of beer, better than typical pub-grub menus, not better atmosphere than typical one room pub. Street parking in “old” Ballard.
Open: 11am ¬ 2:00am
Price Info: $10 & under depending if you’re drinking.

Café Moose
5242 Leary Ave NW
206.784.5568
Great regional Mexican food. Very authentic taste in an authentic environment. Family owned feel, casual, and a good value. Breakfast is a highlight with imported Mexican coffee and a variety of dishes.  Dinner selections include pork or chicken mole, carne asasda and an array of taco options. Street parking.
Open: Mon 6am – 3pm; Wed-Sat 6am-3pm, 5pm-9pm; Sun 7am-3pm
Price Info: under $20

Dick’s Drive-In Restaurant
9208 Holman Rd NW
206.783.5233
This Seattle classic is home to every Seattle-ite’s favorite burgers, hand-cut fries and famous shakes. No indoor seating, GREAT value! Parking lot can get full, lines can be long — but service is speedy.
Open: 11am-2am
Price Info: $5 & under

Hi-Life
5425 Russell Ave NW
206.784.7272
The Hi-Life took over the old Ballard Firehouse and converted it into one of the top spots to eat in town. Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Amazing, thin crust, wood oven pizza is a must.  Street parking.
Open: Brunch daily 8:30am-3pm; 5-10pm
Price Info: $20 & under

India Bistro

2301 NW Market St.
206.783.5080
An Indian-food-lover’s paradise. Casual dining, good value, good service, street parking.
Open: M-Th: 11:30am–3:00pm, 5-9pm; Fri & Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 5-10pm; Sun 5-9pm
Price Info: $20 & under

Jolly Roger Taproom
1514 NW Leary Way
206.782.6181
Great Northwest beer brewed on site, with burgers, fabulous fries and other pub food.  This is the closest pub to the church, just ½ block west on Leary Way – easy walk.  This is a brew pub – out of respect for our neighbors, please do not go here unless you intend on eating heartily and ordering at least one brew!
Open: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Price Info: $10 & under

King’s Hardware

5225 Ballard Ave NW
206.782.0027
A favorite regular spot for Mars Hillians.  Funky northwest outdoors décor, great burgers, amazing sweet potato fries, happy hour 6-8pm.  Pool & ski ball too!
Open: M-F: 4pm – 2am, Sat & Sun: Noon to 2am
Price Info: $10 & under

La Carta De Oaxaca
5431 Ballard Ave NW
206.782.8722
Amazingly authentic and tasty Oaxacan food.  Small plates so it’s normal to order a couple. Fun atmosphere, full of great photos and items, which transport you to the region. Small and nearly always full (not ideal for large groups). Arrive early or be prepared to wait…worth the wait though. Street parking in “old” Ballard. Minimal outdoor signage so stick to the street address.
Open: Lunch ~ Tues – Sat 11:30am – 3pm; Dinner ~ 5pm – 11pm, Fri & Sat until midnight.
Price Info: $20 – $30

Lockspot Café
3005 NW 54th St.
206.789.4865
Best fish and chips anywhere. Next to the famous Ballard Locks. Despite the smoking ban, the Lockspot still has that smoky dive bar feel. Good for take-out, full bar available.
Open: 11am -10pm
Price Info: $15 & under

Lombardi’s Cucina
2200 NW Market St.
206.783.0055
Walk in and smell the garlic. Walk out and smell like garlic. Good Italian. Nice ambiance, good value, professional service, street parking.
Open: 11:30am – 3pm, 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Price Info: $20 & under

Madame K’s (Dinner Only)
5327 Ballard Ave NW
206.783.9710
Awesome, unique pizza as well as unique atmosphere (restaurant was a former brothel in the 1800’s – they’ve kept that theme). Good service, but food can be slow- can get very busy. Street parking in “old” Ballard.
Open: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Price Info: Average gourmet pizza prices.

Mike’s Chili Parlor

1447 NW Ballard Ave — across from Mars Hill!
206.782.2808
Meat, beans and beer–what more can you ask for?
Open: 11am-2am
Price Info: $10 & under depending on if your drinking.

The Other Coast Café
5315 Ballard Ave NW
206.789.0936
Seriously the best subs you will ever eat. Signature sandwiches or build your own. Great value, good service, walk up and order. No plastic, but ATM inside. Small unimpressive dining room, better to take-out. Can get very busy. Street parking in “old” Ballard.
Open: 10:30am ¬ 7:00pm
Price Info: $15 & under depending on sub size

Ray’s Café
6049 Seaview Ave NW
206.789.3770
Simply great seafood, famous nation wide. Good atmosphere, unbelievable view as it sits on the water. Good for groups, can get very busy. Parking lot! Lower level “Boathouse”, more posh, more $$.
Open: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Price Info: $20 & under

Red Mill Burgers
1613 W Dravus
206.284.6363
Just over the Ballard bridge in Magnolia’s neighborhood. Famous burgers, dine in or take-out. Not ideal for large groups, no credit cards or cell phones allowed. Fast service, parking available down the block.
Open: 11am – 9:00pm (Closed Mondays)
Price Info: $5 – $10

Scooter’s
5802 24th Ave NW
206.782.2966
Tiny dining room, good for take-out only…but awesome burgers, fries and shakes. Parking lot!
Open: 11am-9pm
Price Info: $10 & under

Snoose Junction
2305 NW Market Street
206.789.2305
Pizza by the slice or by the whole pie. Two flat screens will keep you up-to-date with the latest sporting events including European soccer matches. Interior is nicely built with a variety of authentic, re-claimed materials from around the region. Street parking.
Open: 11am – 11pm
Price Info: under $20

Thaiku
5410 Ballard Ave NW
206.706.7807
Thai gone classy. Great ambiance, good value and good for groups. Service is friendly but sluggish. Street parking in “old” Ballard.
Open: 11am – 9:30pm
Price Info: $15 & under

Volterra (Dinner only)
5411 Ballard Ave NW
206.789.5100
The owners of Volterra converted the old Burk’s Cajun Grill into an upscale, contemporary Italian restaurant. Volterra offers a nice mix of traditional Italian favorites with a twist.  Street parking.
Open: 5pm-10pm (11pm Fri/Sat); Sat/Sun open all day
Price Info: $30-$40

Fremont Neighborhood (East of Mars Hill Church | Ballard)

Baja Fresh
601 N 34th St.
206.545.1101
As their slogan says, “No lard!” Great Mexican, high quality “fast food” that truly is fresh. Reliably fantastic guacamole and salsa bar. Street parking, PCC Natural Market Garage can be used for up to 90 minutes.
Open: 11am – 9pm
Price Info: $10 & under

Blue C Sushi
3411 Fremont Ave N
206.633.3411
Hipster sushi place. Great selection, good prices, fresh. Awesome atmosphere, can get very busy. Street parking , PCC Natural Market Garage can be used for up to 90 minutes.
Open: 11am – 9pm
Price Info: average meal – $15

Brouwer’s Cafe
400 N. 35th St.
206.267.2437
A Belgium alehouse boasting nearly 50 beers on tap.  The Belgian inspired pub menu offers an as-sortment of Flemish favorites such as mussels and frites, croque monsieur, and cardonade of beef, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches.  Street parking.
Hours:
Price Info: $10 – $15

Dad Watsons

A local McMenamins outpost, Dad Watsons features a great selection of in-house brewed beers on tap to accompany their diverse menu of American Classics, with a Northwest kick. Street parking, family friendly until 10ish.
Hours: M-Th: 11:30am – 1am; Fri & Sat: 11:30am – 2am; Sun: 11:30am to Midnight
Price Info: $10 – $15

Jai Thai
3423 Fremont Ave N
206.632.7060
Classic neighborhood Thai. Nice ambiance, amazing value, fast service. Street parking.
Open: 11am – 9:30pm
Price Info: $15 & under (most dishes around $7!)

Kwanjai Thai
469 N 36th Street
206.632.3656
Can you tell we like our Thai here in Seattle? A tasty favorite of local Thai connoisseurs. Cute small dining room, street parking.
Open: M-Th: 11am – 9:30pm; Fri: 11pm – 10pm; Sat: 12pm – 10pm; Sun: 12pm to 9:30pm
Price Info: $15 & Under (most dishes are around $9)

Mad Pizza
3601 Fremont Ave N
206.632.5453
Signature exotic combinations can be available by the slice. Small “pizza joint” type atmosphere. Also good for take-out. Cheerful staff, street parking.
Open: 11am – 10:00pm
Price Info: Average gourmet pizza prices.

Medin’s Ravioli Station
4620 Leary Way NW
206.789.6680
Fresh pasta bundles a handful of unique and traditional fillings. Cool little place right down the street from the church. Great service, value and food! Also great for take-out. Not ideal for large groups unless previously arranged.
Open: 11:30am – 9:30pm (Monday’s lunch only till 2pm)
Price Info: $20 & under