Ballard

Once a fishermen’s haunt and the city’s Nordic neighborhood, Ballard has since sprouted stylish stores, galleries, upscale restaurants, and really great bars. Take in a show at the Tractor Tavern after pasta at Volterra. You’ll be hooked, too.

EXPLORE ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD:

Volterra

5411 Ballard Ave NW 206-789-5100

Recipe for a Beloved Italian Restaurant: 1. Take a charming Old Ballard location. 2. Add a Tuscan menu of antipasti, secundi, and piatti forti including house-made pastas. 3. Mix in a romantic atmosphere. 4. Serve to grateful chowhounds.

Photo: Courtesy of DailyCandy

Souvenir

5325 Ballard Ave NW 206-297-7116

Caughtcha snooping through those drawers. Luckily, that’s no problem at the antiques oasis. Owner Curtis Steiner’s dainty bead necklaces and watercolor stationery are only the beginning. Every charming curiosity on hand is for sale.

Photo: Courtesy of Souvenir

Bastille Cafe & Bar

5307 Ballard Ave NW 206-453-5014

Sublime French atmosphere including imported lighting, clocks, tiles, and art at this grand cafe that serves simple food with elan. Don’t miss the back bar’s extravagant chandelier. Or the custom zinc bar in front.

Photo: Bob Peterson/Courtesy of Bastille Cafe & Bar

Blackbird

5410 22nd Ave NW 206-547-2524

A.P.C. Band of Outsiders. Corpus. Distilled. We could go on listing lust-worthy labels till we reach Zuriick, but this cooler-than-thou men’s shop is a better surprise. For an extra treat, stop in the Candy Shoppe.

Tractor Tavern

5213 Ballard Ave NW 206-789-3599

Swing your pardner round at this no-frills music joint with a full bar and dance floor to throw it down or do-si-do. See local alt-country acts, renowned rockabilly artists, Celtic jammers, indie-pop bands, and folksters.

Photo: Courtesy of Tractor Tavern