Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Garrison

    4.1 (84 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Garrison Photos

    Business Info

    THE GARRISON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Romantic
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

    More like The Garrison

    Recommended Reviews - The Garrison

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Crab Roll
    Jacqueline H.

    Stopped in for brunch after the Sunday market and was surprised to find it pretty empty! There was zero wait and service was wonderful. We tried the crab roll ($29) and the fried fish sandwich ($23). Both came with their house herb fries, which were delicious. The crab roll itself was just okay - the bread was quite soggy, but the flavor was good. Overall, average food, but above average experience especially with zero wait!

    Sable
    David H.

    Ok I'd probably give this place more of a 3.5 than a 3 but... I'm basing this more off of what I got versus everyone else (seafood boil). This was my first time trying out the garrison and it was pretty much what I thought it'd be: good vibes + ok tasting food + pricier than it should be. I paid around $72 for my seafood boil + a cocktail + a rainier + a 20% tip. Tbh I would think that would be a steal if you told me that's how much I'd be paying before getting to the restaurant. I guess I was just not that impressed by the seafood boil itself. It came with crab, bread, potato, sausage, clams, corn, and shrimp. The seasonings/oil combo was mid. The crab legs were small and overcooked. The shrimp was pretty good! The clams were tiny and meh. The corn was also super tiny and unlike any I've ever seen in a boil. The sausage and potatoes were ok. Idk. Maybe I just have higher expectations from being spoiled with bomb seafood boils at southern or Asian restaurants, but this was just underwhelming (although again, it was a more affordable seafood boil at $39-perhaps the perfect example of you get what you pay for). With that said, everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals and I did think their chicken + crab roll entrees looked solid! All in all, I guess I'd go again if someone asked me to come thru--I just wouldn't get that seafood boil again tho hahaha

    Clams
    Maria L.

    I'm obsessed with the Garrison! Always delicious food, always amazing service and good vibes only! I had the pleasure of meeting the owner at taste of Washington and he was really genuine and friendly as if I needed another reason to love this place! If you haven't been you gotta go! I somehow end up getting the same things, they are just so tasty! Oysters, crab puff pastry and the clams. Nom, Nom, Nom.

    Anne O.

    A perfect birthday happy hour at The Garrison My husband and I stopped into The Garrison in Ballard for his birthday happy hour -- on a Monday, no less, when most places are closed -- and we were blown away from the moment we sat down. The service was genuine, warm, and perfectly attentive, the kind where you feel cared for without ever feeling hovered over. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and effortlessly sultry -- the kind of space that makes you want to linger over another glass of wine. We started with the oysters, and wow. Fresh, cold, clean, and that perfect buttery finish that only the best oysters have. Easily some of the best we've had in Seattle. The Delicata squash & endive salad tasted like fall on a plate -- bright, seasonal, and beautifully dressed. The crab puff pastry was buttery, flaky, and filled with sweet, delicate crab. Pure savory heaven. The Brussels sprouts were crispy, caramelized, and deeply flavorful -- some of the best I've ever had. And the herbed fries? Gone before we even realized it. Always the sign of a winner. As a thoughtful birthday touch, they offered my husband a complimentary dessert of his choice. He picked the banana split, and it was the perfect nostalgic, decadent ending to an already amazing evening. The Garrison is a true gem -- especially on a Monday when options are limited -- and perfect for date nights, celebrations, or anytime you want an elevated, delicious escape. We left happy, full, and already planning our next visit.

    Resturant
    James S.

    First time here so may have missed out on some stuff. First and most, most expensive all you can eat Brunch in Seattle that I have been to. I saw it on YouTube so had to go try. Overall, food was delicious and filling. Service is great for a small resturant. Employees are helpful and polite. Plates are cleared as soon as you go get more. Now the negatives: Parking is hard to find and if you are lucky a vehicle is leaving as you are coming. Pricey all you can eat brunch. Coffee is separate price for a pricey brunch. Side note: This place is in Ballard so be prepared to be looking for parking.

    Clams and Brussel sprouts
    Sherry B.

    Restaurant is right off for market Street so parking could be a challenge. Went during happy hour, and it was a pleasant surprise. They have a very good happy hour menu with discounted oysters, drinks, appetizers, and entrees. Oysters are half priced off before 6 PM. We got clams and brussel sprouts as appetizers and they were really good. The clams were paired with local shop's bread and it was fresh. Had sablefish as a main entree and it was really good as well. If I had to be picky, the wait time between the main entree and appetizer was pretty long. We fully finished the entree and had to wait a little before the entree came out. Other than that, no complaints from our first visit!

    Natasha B.

    We came for brunch and it was pretty empty. The space is huge, so it would be a great place for dinner or a large party. Sorry I didn't get any pictures of food before I inhaled it. But we got the mushroom scramble and the crab Benedict. Both delicious.

    Inside - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Kyle W.

    This place is located in the busy part of the Ballard neighborhood which is nicely accessible by 40 bus or by car with ample parking along the back streets. I went here for happy hour on a Monday and it was not too busy. We ordered quite a lot of items, to get over $100 in spend for 2 people so that we could both use InKind for our own promotions. Felt like a 3.5 stars but rounding it up due to good service. These are the items we tried - Caviar - Nicely arranged and topped with a good amount of caviar. I liked this dish but it felt pre-made since the outer layer was not that crispy. - Local clams - the sauce was quite tangy and the clams were not the freshest, but I love all the other aspects (the salami, the bread, and the onions were amazing) - PNW crab puff pastry - kinda meh. There is a good amount of crab and there is a salad to make it a bit more complete, but the vinaigrette in the salad seeped into the pastry to make it a bit unpleasant. - Crab & caramelized leek dip - very good. Creamy and rich, with a good amount of crab. I have been craving a similar dish so this adequately satisfied my cravings. It comes with a good amount of chips. One of the better quality to price item. - Chicken liver mousse - a bit too heavy for my liking. Looks pre-batched with the layer of fat on top that breaks into a solid as you dip into the dish. I can't complain too much for it being $8 but this dish was not quality. The bread was fine at the beginning but quickly felt stale - Aztec (cocktail) - love the slightly savory notes in this corn-based cocktail - No baggage fees (mocktail) - sweet yet tangy. For the price being similar to some of the HH cocktails, I would get the cocktail but it is a good mocktail for those that don't drink alcohol. - Bread pudding - small but decadent. I liked the caramelized orange slice and the bread pudding texture was good. There are some chocolate chips as well. Service is good as they keep topping up our water and checked up on us once in a while. Price-wise, it is not the best compared to neighboring restaurants but it is a good deal to go during happy hour. Quality-wise, it felt like some of the dishes were pre-made a while ago which also kind of confirms why the dishes came to our table within 5 minutes of ordering. Worth a visit once if you want a quick meal and especially if you have InKind and want to take advantage of their promotions and/or use your InKind credits!

    Susan S.

    Came here for Happy Hour Oysters were $24 for a dozen, Smoked Salmon Toast for 10. Orders a Radler and a beer. Server comped a beer as there was a little spill on the first one and brought over some Brussels sprouts as a result of the kitchen making an extra one. Super friendly server, good food. Definitely will be back. The place has a cool vine and we could talk comfortably.

    Brunch menu
    Celina T.

    Hands down the best brunch spot so far by where I live on this part of the city. The crab benedict was amazing (with large chunks of fresh crab meat) and the breakfast sandwich was also delish. Make sure to ask for homemade hot sauce on the side for the crispy side potatoes. I've also had the best bloody mary and french pressed coffee with my meal. The service is top notch where the servers are super attentive and will check in on you to get your feedback about the drinks/food. Kudos to the server who suggested we should try their homemade hot sauce? The interior gives off vintage and midcentury modern vibes. I love the silk banner running across the wall. Sucha cute place for date nights and holiday celebrations.

    Golden gardens
    Gargi R.

    I'm a huge fan of their sister restaurant, Le coin so I was excited to check out the Garrison. We came here on a Monday night without reservation and were seated quickly at the bar. The ambience is cozy. They have crab night on Monday, and I'm a huge fan of crab so I ordered the crab roll. I ordered one of their house cocktails, golden gardens. The cocktail was delicious, fruity and nutty. However, I thought the crab roll was disappointing. The crab tasted dry and I thought there was too much going on (wasn't a fan of the salad topping). Next time, I'd probably only get a drink over here!

    Oysters (full of cream, aka spawning)
    Nikki T.

    I went here for a quick solo happy hour, and I'm sorry to say it was disappointing. I planned to be quick, so I told the hostess to seat me wherever was easiest...and apparently that was an awkward small table in the completely empty restaurant. There was a manager type that kept staring in my direction, as if it was unheard of to dine alone. I think it speaks to the way they approach hospitality- everything made me feel awkward and overall it was not a very warm environment. However, the two servers that checked on me were friendly-- especially the female server that was making conversation and checking on how I liked everything. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I was disappointed... For context, I ordered 12 oysters and a dirty vodka martini. When I ate the oysters, they tasted a bit creamy. I wish I sent them back, as I realized halfway through that they were likely spawning. But again...that's my mistake for ordering them in the warmest summer month. Reading reviews on here made me realize this was not an isolated incident. They didn't taste bad. Just a bit creamy...which now makes me shudder... The thing that actually made me upset was the martini. It was made from a house brine that was reminiscent of black olive juice, barely salty, and had one lone olive. $14 on happy hour special. All in all, the two items came to $50 with tax and tip. I will come back and try it again to make sure this wasn't a fluke, but for now I'll just add this to the list of over hyped, under delivered restaurants in Seattle.

    (10/3/24)
    Marie B.

    The stars aligned with traffic and street parking to meet up with fellow Yelp Elite/IGer CC for Happy Hour at The Garrison (10/4/24). Happy hour is available from 3-5pm and CC was able to snag a 4pm reservation. Originally, there was very limited onsite and sidewalk seating. But during our visit, The Garrison recently opened their additional expansion. Our waitperson mentioned that the former Hotel Albatross space is being renovated in increments. Definitely much more spacious! HH NA and cocktails are pretty pricey, however, my Old Fashioned was well executed and strong ($12). HH dishes ordered included a crab/leek dip with homemade chips, clams with toasted artisan bread, and chicken liver mousse with baguette slices and cornichons. CC did not favor the texture and flavor of the chicken liver mousse. Instead of having it get composted, I opted to just have both orders. Side note: the packaged up leftovers remained tasty even the day after. She definitely enjoyed the flavorful clams and crab dip; both were more to her liking. Our waitperson had that balance I appreciate when dining out. Welcoming, knowlegeable, perceptive, and unobtrusive. Her service alone earned a star, for a total of five. With so many places to dine in Seattle's popular Ballard neighborhood, The Garrison is a standout for happy hour.

    Breakfast sandwich

    See all

    28 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Natasha B.
    1
    166
    562

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    16 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nikki T.
    150
    133
    102

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 3
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chanlee L.
    174
    42
    33

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gordon D.
    21
    156
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leijie Q.
    15
    52
    129

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ambrie B.
    127
    11
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Rie T.
    32
    22
    12

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 3

    The Garrison Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Garrison

    What are the hours for happy hour?

    3-6pm, 10pm-12am

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    McQueen Champagne Bar - Great atmosphere here.

    McQueen Champagne Bar

    4.6(55 reviews)
    12.0 mi

    Such a cute little spot! Great patio and we came on a beautiful day…read more The patio was full by the time we got there, which I think was 2 or 3pm. But that's fine because we sat at the bar and hung out with the owner. My husband I did a different flight. We are such suckers for flights because we have no idea what we like, so those were fun. I think he got the Drama Queen and I defaulted to the other one. Lol. We also got the Gorgonzola Toast. Which, those roasted red grapes were a bit too strong for me, but my husband loved them. There's SO much to offer here that we will definitely be back to try and enjoy more bubbles. Great spot to hang out with friends, and enough small bites to keep you from going over the edge while still enjoying yourself. We will definitely be back!

    Went on a Wednesday evening for a small celebration and had the place entirely to ourselves--such a…read moretreat. My husband and I each ordered the Drama Queen flight ($46), which included three bubblies: Duval Leroy Grand Brut, Levasseur, and Dumenil. Each one was distinct and thoughtfully selected. We added some nosh--truffle chips and the whipped ricotta with baguette--simple but delicious pairings. To top it off, she suggested a "Royal Treatment" as a happy ending to our flights: a 4-oz pour of Lambrusco. Totally unexpected and very different--almost grape-juice-like, yet rich and port-adjacent at the same time. Surprisingly enjoyable. What really made the evening special was the experience. She played our favorite 80s music, shared fascinating stories about the grapes and vineyards, and made the whole night feel personal and relaxed. Overall, a fun, intimate evening and a great spot for a quick bubbly celebration. Would absolutely go back.

    Photos
    McQueen Champagne Bar
    McQueen Champagne Bar
    McQueen Champagne Bar

    See all

    Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor - Cornmeal fried oysters with lemon aioli, pickled cabbage; and jalapeño

    Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor

    3.9(389 reviews)
    4.1 miRavenna
    $$

    The taste of the food here is on average pretty good, but the overall experienced is sabotaged by…read morehigh prices and some poor presentation. The worst offender is the NW black cod. The black cod was not the center of the dish literally or figuratively: it should have been labeled a black cod salad because for 35 dollars it was a giant pile of salad with a tiny sliver of cod served on the side. It is offensive to call this a main course with how the dish is plated and portioned. The rest of the menu suffers from similar compromises: the lobster rolls are pretty good but very small for 33 dollars. Some of the other menu items were a lot better in presentation and value. The mushroom risotto and the cheeseburger were some of the better items on the menu. The oysters were also very good. There's some bright spots here but the overall experience is very compromised by some landmines on the menu. I would come here specifically to sample a few oysters and for the cheeseburger but not for any other items if you are expecting an actual meal. You can easily drop 80+ dollars and leave feeling like something was missing.

    Went here for happy hour with a friend this week. Definitely won't be coming back anytime soon. I…read morehate to say that but it's the truth. We came mostly for happy hour but there wasn't much that intrigued us on the menu. We did split half a dozen oysters that were served with the most boring and basic mignonette and no lemon. The texture on the oysters was off enough to the point we hoped we wouldn't get sick later. The side salad on the happy hour menu we did enjoy, along with the burger. I'd come back for the burger and salad and that's it. The server left much to be desired and really impacted our experience. I know it's hard for restaurants to survive in Seattle with how expensive everything is. It's also expensive for people to go out to eat in this city. Definitely would prefer to spend my time and money elsewhere.

    Photos
    Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor
    Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor - Crab croquettes

    Crab croquettes

    Frank's Oyster House & Champagne Parlor - Oysters On The Halfshell

    See all

    Oysters On The Halfshell

    The Ballard Cut - Tommy steak. Get in there!

    The Ballard Cut

    4.4(328 reviews)
    0.1 miBallard
    $$$

    I believe The Ballard Cut seamlessly pairs culinary prestige with a warm, neighborhood atmosphere…read more My appreciation for their kitchen began a few years ago in their previous, smaller Ballard footprint, where I experienced one of my absolute favorite bites of food in the city. Remarkably, it was a side dish--a testament to how Chef Rachael treats every single component on the plate with meticulous care. When community members ask for recommendations that deliver both an exceptional meal and an outstanding beverage program, this is always the first destination I suggest. The menu beautifully balances signature cuts of steak with a thoughtful understanding that other proteins matter, offering expertly prepared chicken, fresh fish, and dedicated vegan main options. I truly believe "the bites" and "the sides" are equally treated as stars, and I always go back for the seasonal salad and crispy potatoes. The beverage program is equally legendary, offering an extraordinary opportunity to try rare whiskies from all over the world and different eras, where every single pour carries its own unique story. When I brought my partner in for his birthday, the owner asked a few questions of his whiskey interests, and customized a flight for him. It is a nicer, upscale restaurant that remarkably retains a deeply grounded community feel, and in my experience local recurring guests are remembered with genuine hospitality.

    Very bad food! I went with my family of four. Every single…read moredish was bad. I don't understand how they got over 4* but I fell for that mistake and expected a fine dinner. Bread and butter, bread crust is over cooked and supper dry. Butter dip : the garlic had burned flavor and the vinegar in it was a bit too unpleasant. Pork belly very under cook and chewy. Clam was okay. Water: I took a sip of my cup and instantly spit it back into the cup, taste like fishy or eggy or disgusting unwashed cup ... Main dishes: supper disappointing steak , supper chewy , not pleasant experience at all for a $200+ single order Pork chop, the sauce was interesting but it was also very chewy and nothing special. We spend over $340 and if it was as low as $20 we would never go back and try it again. I strongly recommend you to not go there for food. Very disappointing and low quality food, nothing as it is rated

    Photos
    The Ballard Cut - Main dining area.  There's outdoor seating.

    Main dining area. There's outdoor seating.

    The Ballard Cut - Dry Aged Steak Frites

    Dry Aged Steak Frites

    The Ballard Cut - Outside signage

    See all

    Outside signage

    The Garrison - seafood - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...