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The Ballard Cut

4.4 (323 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

The Ballard Cut Photos

Business Info

THE BALLARD CUT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Classy
Upscale
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Ballard Cut

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Brussels sprouts and tartare appetizer
Laurel C.

Came here for appies and drinks. Had a great time! The server was super attentive on a Saturday night and gave us just the right amount of space & check in frequency. The bar was a good vibe and I felt like there was plenty of space between tables.

Frank B.

Service - A + Ambiance - A + Food - Mediocre at best Decided to meet up with friend for dinner and choose Ballard Cut. Located in heart of Ballard this massive bar & restaurant. You've got indoor and outdoor dining spots available for the few months we have weather.. Our ordering experience was kinda off. The menu was in transition so the waitress kept saying we have or we don't have... I really enjoyed the pork belly appetizer but it was small due to Happy Hour portions. We ordered two different types of steak which both were not exciting or juicy. Both looked blahhhhhhh and tasted almost the same. On a positive note my wine was sensational and worth what ever was paid for it. Hopefully it was an off night cause I'm not excited by my visit. Well, that's all I can report!

Tracy D.

We came here with our son and his girlfriend to celebrate their graduations. We were seated immediately (we did have reservations) and had a great table by the window. After looking the menu over, we decided to order a sampling of several items off the "bites" , "plates" and "sides" to all share. This was a really good choice so that we could sample more of the menu without being overly full on any one item, or being overcommitted to any entree. We ordered the bread plate, the baby gem salad, the crispy pork belly, the bone in pork chop, the grilled lemon pepper 1/2 chicken, the crispy herb potatoes, and the cauliflower gratin. It all came hot and in a timely manner, minus the cauliflower, which they apparently forgot, but once brought was apologized about and removed from the bill. I am personally a picky, easily intimidated eater, and by doing shared plates, I surprised my family and myself at how many of the options (almost all!) I loved! I would definitely recommend this place, and highly recommend sharing all the dishes!

Espresso martini
Sara P.

Enjoyed a great afternoon after stumbling upon The Ballard Cut. Wish we would have known about this place sooner. It was fun to meet the owner Tommy and learn more about all of the different whiskeys available. He is very knowledgeable. The whiskey is on an ipad with over 15 pages. Many different price points to try from. The bartender was also very helpful. I had cocktails, while my husband had a flight of whiskey. I enjoyed the standard daiquiri, the watermelon collins, and an espresso martini. They were all very good. We also tried a small happy hour plate of pork belly. It was very flavorful. I especially liked the homemade kimchi that came with it along with the edamame puree. We will definitely be back to try more whiskey as well as have a proper dinner. The menu looks fantastic.

Bourbon
Gina R.

Loved the restaurant and the area! We came for happy hour and stayed a little longer. The restaurant is quaint, not too big. I had a glass of wine and my hubby had bourbon. He doesn't usually drink bourbon, but decided to try it because of their incredible selection. The staff is knowledgeable and very friendly! We also had the steak frittes and a flat iron steak- amazing! We will definitely be back!

Strip steak with crushed potatoes and cornbread...
Yikhwan D.

Great service and ambiance. Loved their cocktails and wine. I thought the food was ok overall. Had the strip steak with two sides. I wasnt disappointed per se, but i probably wouldn't order their potatoes and cornbread again... But then their pasta and pork belly was sooooo goood.

This special drink he ordered for his birthday bourbon.I believe it is
Judi W.

It was a wonderful night out at Cut in Ballard For our Son Birthday. The big 35 food was wonderful service was great. My son and his grandma try different drinks from the bottle and it was really neat because he explained them. And how he did it his own way. I highly recommend this restaurant. We went to it 3 years ago. And it was still wonderful, nothing's changed. Thank you again Cut restaurant in Ballard. The best staff very friendly.It was the best time out in a long time.

Great Bourbon selection
Jordan L.

The Ballard's Cut is an absolute gem -- a true Seattle staple that deserves every ounce of praise it gets. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere captures you: modern décor, intimate lighting, and a warm vibe that feels both upscale and inviting. Everything is immaculately clean and thoughtfully designed, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. If you're a bourbon lover, this place is paradise. Their collection is incredible, but what truly sets them apart is the service. The Bourbon Curators, Ms. Hannah and Mr. Tommy, along with our amazing waitress Ms. Sassy, make you feel like a VIP from start to finish. They welcome you with open arms and create a personalized bourbon journey -- teaching you about flavor profiles, history, and how to discover different palettes you never knew you had. It's not just a drink menu... it's an experience. And the food? Michelin-worthy. We shared the Autumn Chicory Salad and the homemade Autumn Mushroom Pasta -- both beautifully crafted, rich in flavor, and perfectly paired with the bourbon experience. Every bite showed off the kitchen's talent and passion. We were actually recommended this restaurant by strangers we met at the Seattle Space Needle -- and wow, did they steer us right. The Ballard's Cut surpassed every expectation. If you love bourbon, phenomenal food, and top-tier service from people who treat you like family, then this is the place. Do not miss it.

Happy Hour 2-5 pm
Brian M.

Stopped by for Happy Hour (Sunday, 2-5 PM) and had a great experience. The bartender was fantastic--super friendly and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain the different whiskeys on the shelf. The HH Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced and served with a large ice cube. The clams and mussels in green curry were packed with flavor--absolutely perfect for a cold, rainy day. Great drinks, great food, and top-notch service.

Truffle pasta
Natasha B.

4.5 We came for New Years Eve and had the best meal! Docked half a star because they were out of some things on the menu. The service was great and the servers were attentive even though it was NYE. Cocktails are a little pricey but they were good.

curry clams and mussels
Nini N.

This is one of my new staple date night spots! I love the dark ambiance, really sets the romantic mood. They were previously in a smaller space and relocated. Sooo much nicer and with a lot more seating now! It's a very clean establishment and the service is always friendly. There's many great options on the food menu, I always end up getting a large spread for my boyfriend and I to share. Everything we ordered is phenomenal, packed with flavor literally nothing is bad here! I also don't drink alcohol so our server was able to recommend me a popular mocktail with coconut and pineapple. It was so tasty and refreshing! I get it every time we dine in now. Overall I leave happy and full each visit! Definitely a 10/10

Expresso martini (so good!!)
Kailani B.

Came here the day after Valentine's Day and what a treat! Per a friends recommendation, we made reservations at the Ballard Cut. My partner and I shared the crispy pork belly appetizer, which was our favorite of the night. Then we shared the lamb chop and seafood cioppino. The tomato sauce in the cioppino was to die for, very yummy with the rustic bread. The lamb chop was tender. I liked the creamy sauce and the cucumber salad was very tasty. This was a perfect date night and we will definitely be back next time we are in Seattle. Service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend!!

Spirits menu (June 2025)
Charlie T.

I finally got a chance to visit this place after hearing about it for a while now. If you like whiskey and good food, this is the place to go to. Their selection of Japanese whiskey and bourbon is one of the best in town. We were able to try some rarer scotch and bourbon, which made my day. Their food program is pretty solid as well. We ordered the special Tomahawk to share with the table as well as a salad and crispy pork belly. The owner here is very knowledgeable about the spirits he carries. It was nice of him to ask us what we wanted to try and our price point. He then curated a tasting for us. Overall, the service was great and hospitable. I would come back here again when in the area.

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2 months ago

Wonderful evening out with wonderful food. Great atmosphere and pleasant staff. Loved the menu !

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Steak was super beef, sides carried their own. Nice to have a quality place in the neighborhood.

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Ask the Community - The Ballard Cut

Is this restaurant family friendly? Good for younger kids?

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5.0
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Prefacing that this post is solely on the initial impressions upon entry, customer service, and…read morequality of their baked goods. Respite was first on my radar screen after stopping by a nearby cake business back in Sept 2024. But I have only recently stepped inside to do Too Good To Go late night pickups on 10/16/25 and 11/6/25. This is one of many newer businesses along the stretch of Stone Way N from Seattle's Wallingford to Fremont neighborhoods. This is a nice, intimate spot with welcoming staff. There are both table and counter seating on the main floor, additional seating on the upper floor. Pleasant, cozy ambiance with wall art, merch, and low light. Quite a large variety of wine bottles to imbibe onsite or peruse for purchase and takeout. Judging from my TGTG pickups, they have a great baked goods source/purveyor whether from onsite or obtained elsewhere. I've been able to enjoy quality baguettes, artisan loaves, sweet and savory baked goods. This is indicative that onsite menu items are high quality to accompany any apps/small plates/charcuterie plates and glasses of wine. I look forward to someday an actual onsite visit to experience this first hand.

This place was a delightful surprise! They have an amazing rotation of wines by the glass,…read moreoutstanding selection of apéritifs and digestifs, and although they have a small food menu, everything is delicious and unique in the right ways. I've sat at the bar and enjoyed a vibrant glass of sparkling wine with a zucchini mozzarella gallette, French onion gallette, or a warm baguette and country sourdough. I've enjoyed a chocolate cake with delicious chocolate ganache for dessert. Carrot cake and shortcake with fluffy whipped cream are lovely as well.. that's the good stuff. Plus, the staff are all incredibly nice. Definitely check this place out - it's a date night kind of vibe, so bring your significant other or go for a first date!!

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Entrance (10/16/25)
Entrance (10/16/25)
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Grappa

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Grappa is absolutely amazing!…read more My friend group and I recently ate here for brunch, and I'm so glad we did. The customer service was phenomenal and the vibe was very relaxed, yet hip and upscale. A good blend of both. I really liked the added touch of the melted candle sculptures. It also was not too loud inside either at brunch time, so great for conversation. The food was amazing. I had the cinnamon French toast and the scrambled eggs as well as a Seattle soda Diet Coke. The food was warm and very tasty. The French toast was one of the best French toast that I have ever had. I would highly recommend Grappa for brunch!

What a terrific evening! Our server, Carly, was cheerful and enthusiastic and set the mood for the…read morenight. All of the staff were very attentive and friendly, checking on us often. We opted to dine on the prior, and they even adjusted the heat down when it became too toasty. Delightful to sit sidewalk adjacent and enjoy some rays of sun. Rosemary focaccia was complimentary and came with a pat of whipped butter. The butter was relatively flavorless, and the bread was average.. My friend swears by the spaghetti carbonara and it looked fantastic. Well studded with pancetta and a beautiful presentation. They were out of rigatoni (odd, but I'm flexible) which typically comes with the spicy sausage dish. The pappardelle were cooked perfectly. You could not have done any better. The sauce? Absolutely delicious. Hearty chunks of sausage had a great flavor, with a wide variety of mushrooms. The sauce was creamy with a light kick. Thé sprout garnish provided just the right textural difference and freshness. Fantastic dish. I'd order this every time and not be disappointed. The wine was good. I selected a newly arrived Sauvignon blanc, but it could have been colder or crisper to do it justice. Thé grappa afterwards (bartenders choice - Nardini Riserva) was delicious. Just the right amount of strength to get your attention, but finished with a hint of pear and vanilla flavor. Yes, you could consider this to be oricy for "just noodles" but they're phenomenal. The quality and freshness of the ingredients, combined with the attention to detail and the great team are what makes this five stars. Worth every dime.

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Rustic Dining room
Rustic Dining room
The most Grappa Selection in the US
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Walking into Aluel Cellars on top of Queen Anne feels like stepping into a snug vineyard tasting…read moreroom transplanted into the city. I settled in and chose their Aluel Signature Flight and their Aluel New Release Flight, each a carefully sequenced lineup of their handcrafted Washington estate wines. The Signature Flight had richer, more developed profiles while the New Release offered bright, excited youth. I paired them with the European tinned fish, sardines and pulpo that arrived in polished little tins, and asked about the oysters. The server said they often have them for pairing events, so depending on timing you might catch fresh oysters too. Compared to other wine bars or tasting rooms in town, Aluel strikes a rare balance: serious about wine craft but laid back in vibe, welcoming instead of pretentious, and offering well curated bites that elevate rather than distract.

My favorite Seattle tasting room! I've been a big fan of Aluel since they opened in Capital Hill,…read morethen Ballard, but I'm so happy there's now a location on the top of Queen Anne! They've transformed the former Robert Ramsay tasting room into a more spacious, warm and inviting space. Now let's talk about the wine--they've collected more awards than I can keep track of--some of my favorites include the Coat of Arms, Regalia blends and their seasonal rosé. You should definitely stop in for a glass or a bottle and sign up for the wine club membership while you're there!

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Aluel Cellars
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The Barrel Thief

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I really liked this place -- it had such a welcoming vibe, and the unique décor was amazing. From…read morethe moment we walked in, Luke the bartender immediately greeted us with a warm and sincere demeanor. We initially thought it was a fine dining restaurant and were a little disappointed to see a limited menu. However, it's actually a fantastic spot for drinks and light bites. We decided to stay since we had never been there before, and Luke was so gracious we almost felt bad leaving! We ordered the meat and cheese platter along with a couple of drinks, and everything was Grade A. I'm giving it an A+ though, because of Luke's outstanding service.

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Occhi Belli

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4.7
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I had wondered who would take over the shuttered, long time Chile Pepper in Seattle's Wallingford…read moreneighborhood. Several months ago, this site became Occhi Belli. It definitely piqued my interest and was duly bookmarked. I had an opportunity to check it out with fellow Yelp Elite/IGer, Carol C (3/18/26). I was able to get a last minute reservation confirmed via email. Both of us were able to get zoned street parking along N 45th. This restaurant is also accessible via Metro. We were seated by Tim, the owner, at a two top by the front entrance. He was very welcoming, personable, and charming. An aside, read the background info about how the restaurant came to be from their website and additional cool details about the owner, restaurateur, and author. The interior transformation was pleasant vibe. There were other tables aligned along one wall. The remaining seating were along a banquette. There's also limited seating at the bar towards the back. Great ambiance, however, it does get rather loud once the restaurant fills up, just saying. Wine, of course, is available by the glass or bottle. There are other beverages like beer and NA choices, but no tea/coffee service. Happy hour specials are also available. Tim provided us the low down on the featured daily specials and gave us enough time to peruse the menu. It's one of those menus that had so many pleasing options. We split the Piatto Misto which was a great way to sample various app offerings including fresh burrata, an Italian meatball, sliced prosciutto & other Italian meats, and two bruschettas - tomato and mushroom. We both agreed that the meatball was the standout. Carol chose the Pasta del Giorno which featured farfalle with mushrooms, broccolini, in a cream sauce with added Italian sausage. I selected the Pasta Salsiccia which had linguine with Italian sausage, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, in a tomato cream sauce. Both pasta mains were rich and generous, that the both of us took home halves of our respective entrees to save room for dessert. For dessert, I went with my fave tiramisu and Carol had the chocolate mousse. Tiramisu was delicious that I cleaned out my serving glass. It was definitely an enjoyable experience and were onsite for nearly 2.5 hours. Well attended to and not rushed. With how costly it can get dining out in Seattle, it's a great to find a place that is easy going, has great variety, and reasonably priced. Recommended for an approachable, quality dining experience. Grazie mille, Tim!

This is a great hole-in-the-wall spot with delicious food and friendly staff! It's a cute, small…read morehouse located in Wallingford that's great for a dinner spot. I ordered the Barbabietole salad (super refreshing and light), Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola (a little bit heavy and very cheesy because of the gorgonzola), Pasta Salsiccia (more of a classic red sauce pasta), and the dish of the day which was a ribeye steal (veryy delish). The dishes are sharable portions and paired well with wine. I'd recommend trying this place out!

Photos
View along banquette towards bar counter (3/18/26)
View along banquette towards bar counter (3/18/26)
Beet salad
Beet salad
By our window two top (3/18/26)

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By our window two top (3/18/26)
Aluel Cellars

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4.8
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0.4 mi

The frosted and fizzy pop up is absolutely adorable! My friends and I did the flight with snacks,…read morewhich was a steal ($38 for 3 samples and snacks). We were allowed to choose our own or the hostess would select for us. The space is absolutely adorable and the staff has the attitudes to match - they were very friendly. For the pop up, there's a list of sparkling wine and champagne from other wineries to try but you can also have some of the staples from Aluel. It's such a cute spot I will definitely be back.

Looking to enjoy some fine wines without making a trip to the Eastside? Wish granted! You can come…read moreon into Aluel for some nice tastings and light bites that can serve as decent palate cleansers as well. Right on Market yet tucked away with other storefronts is Aluel. I've walked by it many times only to realize 'wow there is a wine room right here!' After meeting a friend here, I settled on one the flights I tasted the - Aluel Signature Flight - '19 Sparkling, '18 Malbec, '18 Regalia, '17 Coat of Arms. my favorite being the Malbec and Coat of arms, which is a red blend and an award winner, along with many of the others on their menu. For bites we got the - pita and hummus plate which just alright at $9. Perhaps we should've sprang for the cheese plate for a bit more at $15. Aluel is a nice place to sample some wines right in the middle of a neighborhood without need to go far. Check it out!

Photos
Frosted and Fizzy pop up
Frosted and Fizzy pop up
Voyager 2020
Voyager 2020
Wine wall

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Wine wall
Doe Bay Wine Phinney Ridge

Doe Bay Wine Phinney Ridge

4.6
(14 reviews)
1.6 mi

Outstanding local wine tasting bottle shop. Tucked away in…read morePhinney Ridge. Don't miss this utterly charming and unprentious wine tasting shop complete with blue checkered table cloths covering the outdoor tables. Their charcuterie (two cheeses and one meat) $19 is available alongside almonds $5 and candied pecans $5. We enhanced our board with a delicious can of lemon pepper smoked oysters by Ekone ("from tide to tin") $13. Highly recommend this he has Rustic Bakery flatbread. They have wine by the glass -- we tasted the Clos Du Mont-Olivet 2022 Lirac $15/glass as well as the Henrich Naked Orange (calcareous and natural biodynamic) $15/glass and the Champagne Jacquart "Mosaïque" Rosé $20/glass. We decided on a bottle of the Lirac and a glass of rosé champagne. They also carry local jcoco chocolates chips as well as tinned mackerel, tuna, codfish. The buyer is exceptionally talented. The curated collection of bottles could go up against the better bottle shops in Seattle -- but with a nonchalant aplomb rich with elegant ease shifting gears between bottles of internationally renowned Bollinger $68 and hyper local The Orcas Project 2024 Garnacha $37 or 2025 Nebbiolo $35 or 3 of 6 allocated Chartogne-Talley Saint Anne extra brut for $98. Favorite part? The staff's educational notes about the wines, how they were made, and tasting notes that holds the greatest value of all. So make some time to peruse and enjoy the learning before or while tasting. Exceptional value and deserving of best of neighbor recognition. Mariah serves as a welcoming hostess.

Awesome little wine bar and bottle shop that opened recently I think. I ended up sharing the Orcas…read moreProject flight with my dining partner. The host was super friendly and did a great job explaining each wine. I loved most of the wines we tasted, but especially the white ones. Very crisp and clean. Such a cute shop and its located right next to a restaurant and a bakery.

Photos
Interior (7/14/23)
Interior (7/14/23)
Seating adjacent to shop. Located by Ben's Bread. (7/14/23)
Seating adjacent to shop. Located by Ben's Bread. (7/14/23)
Info (7/14/23)

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Info (7/14/23)

The Ballard Cut - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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