I leave fairly close but hadn't visited The Garrison since they took over this space. Had dinner with friends in the area that didn't serve alcohol and we were looking for a place to grab a drink and this space popped up. We had a table in the front section which was nice to be able to catch up since there was four of us. Since we had just ate dinner we were really just here for drinks however we did order the Crab & Caramelized Leek Dip which is a warm dip served with warmed house corn chips. Was very tasty. We had some of their Hpuse Creation cocktails. I had a clean vodka martini, one of my friends had a gin dirty martini with the pickled shrimp, another had a regular dirty vodka martini and one had the Dr Walnut. One of my friends got an additional cocktail the White Wolf. The dirty martinis a house brine that makes the drink look pink my friends seem to enjoy Can't say too much about ambiance since we didn't see the entire space but where we were was nicely lit and the restroom was neat. Service was great attentive and very informative. Will have to stop by for HH sometime read more

The Garrison - Dirty Gin Martini with Pickled Shrimp ($2) more - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This spot has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for our family. It has really beautiful interior and ambiance and their oysters are delicious and a steal at 2.50 per oyster during happy hour. It's located on market Street so parking can be a challenge, but we are normally able to get by after doing a few laps or paying at a paid lot nearby read more

I've been wanting to try The Garrison for oysters for a long time, and we finally made it happen to celebrate my mom's birthday -- and overall, it was a great experience. For drinks, we had the Midori Sour and the Naked and Famous -- both were excellent. The Naked and Famous especially stood out, with a really nice smokiness from the mezcal that balanced the cocktail beautifully. For food we ordered the PNW Seafood Tower, Caviar appetizer, Local Clams, and Herb and Vinegar Fries. The seafood tower was a fun culinary adventure and the highlight of the meal. The salmon tartare on a crispy rice cracker was exceptional -- easily my favorite bite! All of the seafood tasted incredibly fresh, and the oysters were perfectly smooth and briny. My only disappointment was the caviar dish, which came with pâte à choux, chopped deviled egg, and crème fraîche. Unfortunately, the caviar was completely lost in the mix -- we couldn't really taste it or even notice its texture, which was a letdown given the dish's focus. Service was prompt and attentive throughout the meal, our waiter took great care of us, making the birthday celebration feel relaxed and well-paced. Overall, a lovely spot for seafood lovers, especially if oysters are your goal. I'd happily return -- just might skip the caviar next time. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

The Garrison - Golden gardens - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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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. read more

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We went for the first time for our anniversary dinner. The oysters were fabulous and I'd happily get them again. The Brussels sprouts were a highlight, well cooked in a tasty vinegettette with the best pickled onions I've ever had. The bread was nothing to write home about. Unfortunately, the crab leek dip was incredibly briney. We didn't have more than a bite a piece it was so swampy. read more

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. read more

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Have been meaning to try this place after seeing it on Yelp! I love me a new brunch/seafood restaurant. Came here for a weekend brunch and was pleasantly surprised. The interior is clean, cozy, and aesthetic. The servers were also super kind and welcoming. I ordered the breakfast sandwich and the churro doughnuts. The sandwich was 10/10 fire. The brioche buns are nice and fluffy, the egg, guac, and ham inside are juicy and tender. The breakfast potatoes were also amazing. I love the fried sage and feta cheese. Brings regular potatoes to the next level. The churro doughnuts were okay! Super fluffy and airy, but not that much of a strong cinnamon flavor. If you like your desserts subtle, then this would be good. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience. I'm super intrigued by their HH/dinner menu so you bet I'll be back again to try their seafood. read more

The Garrison - Breakfast sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Foods OK really like the ambience but the tomato cantaloupe salad we ordered was old. The cantaloupe had been sitting out overnight, smell of old cantaloupe. The moment the server put it in front of me I smelled it, but did not want to be difficult so we ate it and our stomachs were grumbling all night until the next morning. The food there is just OK. I won't come back again read more

i can only speak to cocktails and snacks; i've never had a full meal there. they just redid their main dining area and it's truly extremely beautiful. everyone who works there is super nice and attentive. really fun and interesting cocktails, dark edgy romantic vibes. we will go back for cocktails at minimum very regularly. read more

I decided to pop in after getting my nails done right nearby. What a CUTEE little spot- perfect for a date, quiet, cozy- great music. I ordered 2 things and came in during happy hour: 1. Oysters ($24 for a dozen) SO fresh, very tasty- loved them. 2. The local clams- INSANE. Very filling and an amazing portion size. This was $11... so good!!! The broth and salami really gave it flavor. Highly recommend, great drink prices too- overall love! Manager is extremely friendly and kind. read more

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We had a going away dinner for a friend and there were quite a few different parties. The waitress was more than accommodating with how we asked her to split the check, which sometimes can be an issue with big parties. The only thing people in the party complained about was the espresso martini which didn't appear to be made with espresso. Otherwise everything was fabulous. We had crab roll with vinegar fries, the caviar which came in like a choux pastry, oysters, wagyu burger, a salad (huge!), Brussel sprouts (crispy and delish), the crab puff pastry, and the bread service. The Golden Gardens was my favorite drink of the evening. The bathroom has an amazing atmosphere, which feels weird to write about a bathroom, but it was really cool. They have champagne corks hanging from the ceiling. The inside is lovely. It has a nice vibe to it, and they kept a nod to the place that was there before with having some of the same wallpaper. It had a cozy and potentially romantic vibe but it was well lit enough even the oldest among us could read the menu without problems. Good champagne choices as well with options for bottles and glasses. Definitely worth the trek (for me) to Ballard. read more

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This is a nice gem off of Market Street in Ballard. The vibe is just right with a good music selection and chic, adult decor. The menu is large enough to have something for everyone at brunch and dinner but no so big that it's overwhelming. The cocktails are original and high quality. The only complaint is that the service, while friendly, can be slow. read more

This place is must! If I could only eat at 1 place in the greater Seattle area it would be this. Ambiance, food and service were unforgettable. Most importantly was the food. Amazing. read more

The Garrison - Endive salad, scallops and crab puff pastry were all great. - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I was feeling seafood after going to The Locks, so decided to go here. It was fried chicken night but we didn't want to get the full meal, so tried the chicken nugget croquettes which was $14 for 6-7 hushpuppy sized bites. On its own it was okay/not worth getting, but since I got the clam chowder which was a little thinner (still comforting and filling), it was a nice surf and turf pairing. My gf got the wagyu patty melt ( $27) which came with fries but both were inferior to a Dick's combo- I had a bite and thought the burger was dry and the fries cold even though they had just come from the kitchen. We missed happy hour by 30 minutes so it would've been nice to get the deals. read more

The Garrison - Clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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TLDR: This is my happy hour review. The Food: Happy Hour Pate: A Happy Hour Clams: A Happy Hour Drinks: A Service and Atmosphere: Everyone here was laid back and professional. It was like you were at a friends house with exceptional manors... and you have to pay ;). What can be better?: My attitude .... Seriously, most happy hours are mid and this one is exceptional. If you're in the area I would make it a priority to get a table here. read more

The Garrison - Happy Hour Clams: This is a GREAT intro to the dish if someone is nervous or curious. - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Most of the food was stale or unwell cooked/made, would not recommend this restaurant, It was a poor experience.

Tried happy hour on Saturday. Enjoyed the ambiance - cozy and welcoming. Service was probably one of the best so far in Seattle. Food was a bit mixed. Oysters were delicious and $12 for half dozen is as good as it gets around here. Crab puff was pretty fun but I wish it's a bjt more integrated - crab was salty, puff was crispy and salad acid, you kinda want all these flavors in one bite vs having to take 3 consecutive nibbles. Pickled shrimp was nice and bold. read more

The food is high quality however portion size is relatively small. I couldn't tell if I ordered an appetizer or an entree. But the taste is great over all. There were also outdoor seating, which is super nice in the summer! read more

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We wanted to thank one of my wife's colleagues by taking them to a nice restaurant. Mondays usually are not the best day to go out for dinner but that's when they were in town. We wanted to choose a very nice place and according to Yelp the Garrison fit the bill. I called to ask if reservations were necessary and was candidly told it would not be a problem, that it looked like a light day for them. I appreciated the candor. By the time we left though, the restaurant was pretty full. The interior is nice enough. Nothing fancy. There's ample space between tables so we didn't feel our privacy was invaded. Prices are higher than my usual range. Our guests both ordered cocktails, average price $18. I was happy to join them. Just a different experience for me. The Garrison is known for their seafood and that reputation is very well deserved. My wife and her colleague's both had seared sablefish. Her colleague had halibut. We shared tastes. So delicious and the textures were perfect. I ordered clams. The fish dishes were amazing. I grew up in New Orleans so have been fortunate to eat a lot of excellent seafood. This was as good as any I have ever eaten. My clams were cooked with bacon. Now everything tastes better with bacon, right? Nope. The bacon flavor overpowered the taste of clams in a wine sauce. I would not recommend them. For four people the bill came to $260, plus tip. Certainly not going to break the bank but again we usually don't experience that kind of dining. However the great news is that several days per week they have an excellent happy hour with lower prices. I definitely want to return for their happy hour. read more

This is an adorable little spot right on market street! I met a friend here for happy hour, which was a great deal. They have a happy hour menu with a few discounted drinks and you get 50% off the seafood selection on the regular menu! Everything from the ambiance to the service was fantastic! It was not busy since it was a weekday and happy hour is from 4 to 5. For my drink I tried a Negroni, which I wasn't too familiar with and loved it!! I see what all the hype is about haha. For a snack we shared the clams, which were cooked in a mouthwatering broth and served with hearty sliced toast. I would definitely be interested in coming back to try the dinner menu sometime, perhaps for a special occasion! read more

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Don't be fooled by the humble exterior, this place is charming and upscale/relaxed inside. My Bestie visiting from California and I were here for the happy hour over Memorial Day weekend. We were craving oysters and after a quick drink at Ocho next-door, we found a lovely seat by the bar, and were served by an ebullient and knowledgeable, male bartender/server. We shared happy hour oysters with mignonette and cocktail sauces, some steamed cherrystones, and chicken liver pate with bread service. The oysters were sublime, but the steamed cherry stone clams while tasty, were not in my favorite version of a garlicky wine broth, and instead had more of a cream base. It was just a little bit too rich for me, but still very good. The chicken liver pate had an interesting presentation; instead of being in a little crock, covered with a sealed fat layer, the fat had completely melted, so it was just covered with a heavy layer of oil. Typically one pulls the fat off and eats the liver pate, but we were unable to do so as it was liquefied. I ended up bringing it home and refrigerating it, which made it a little easier to remove the fat, but it had coagulated in lumps and was unappealing. Looking forward to returning for another happy hour or brunch, as the brunch menu looked divine. read more

The Garrison - Chicken liver pate. Not my favorite rendition, but still tasty! - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Third time visiting for happy hour, and every time has been superb. Great cocktails love the 25% discount on champagne's and the foods are yum. Fresh, tasty and wonderful service. Laid back, yet fancy vibe where you can show up in a raincoat or a dress and feel welcomed and comfortable. read more

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Had a wonderful happy hour here tonight. We had clams, oysters, dip, and scallop crudo. Would order everything again! Fantastic cocktails and service as well! They've opened up the back room and love the vibe. read more

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I really do not like writing bad reviews... With that being said-do not come if it's hot outside! There is no AC and I was sweating the entire time. The food was okay, but hard to enjoy being that hot. Our cocktails turned warm quickly because they didn't have ice cubes. Service was extremely sparse, but the server was nice. Took 45 minutes to get our starters and we were only 1 of about 3 tables. One table had to get up to ask for their check. Another got up and left because it took too long for someone to take their order. I'm confused why the service was so bad when it was not busy in the slightest. Sablefish was wayyyy too salty (and I love salt) and the garnishes were just too much. We also found a french fry in our brussels sprouts? We ended up taking all of our plates to go and left feeling bloated and unsatisfied. The interior is cute, but overall we felt really uncomfortable. read more

They have an amazing brunch and the service is top tier. Don't skip the banana bread! It's one of the best things I've had all year! The patty melt is substantial and is reminds me of meatloaf, which I love. read more

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Gorgeous restaurant, tasty food, and immaculate service -- thank you, Maria, for a lovely evening.

Saturday, my friend and I were walking to the matador, and we saw a sign that said seafood. Earlier when deciding on what we wanted to eat I said I was craving oysters, so when we saw the menu we decided to go here instead. I was so excited! We walked in asked if we could get a table. The gentlemen said yes, and then said he would clear the table outside. We waited for about a total of 15 minutes where he never came out to clear the table. I finally just got up to leave and he came back outside and had no words for us. Not an apology just an empty stare, he clearly did not want us there. We did not feel welcomed what so ever. We are both in the industry and it's all about communication. Like sorry I am so busy it's going to be a minute... something, anything. Just such a weird and rude interaction. read more

Great service, food and learned more about Chartreuse than I ever have in life! Definitely a win!

Sister restaurant to Le Coin in Fremont, did not meet expectations. This is my second time at The Garrison. First was six weeks ago to celebrate my wife's birthday, we had a bottle of white wine and dozen oysters to begin with while we were waiting for my son to join us. Wine was crisp and delicious and the oysters spectacular! But had to leave since we were told no minors were allowed. So, decided to try it one more time just the wife and I. Order the seared albacore tuna, and the crispy Brussels sprouts. The tuna was average but the Brussels sprouts were amazing, we even order some to take out for our son to try. Also had the chocolate and candied orange bread pudding and it was so-so. Overall, this is a hit and miss place when it comes to the food, service is great, ok ambiance, and variety of food is decent. But it is inconsistent on the experience of the dishes. I guess they are trying to figure out their cuisine and staple dishes. If you are looking for a great culinary experience and time, look somewhere else. read more

We just tried this new gem last night, and what a terrific new neighborhood spot! The service was phenomenal--our waitress educated us on chartreuse (the house spirit) and we left with a new love of the drink. The oysters were solid--nothing special but very decent. They have a supplier from hood canal so there is no variation but I found them delicious. The presentation of the food stands out. We were eating the food while raving about how beautiful it was. Of note: the clams (broth is to die for) and the hush-puppies served with the fish (fish is a bit dry). If you are a foodie, the garrison won't disappoint! Sit outside and enjoy the people-watching in Ballard. read more

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Newish place - great ambiance! Love the bar area. Staff was super friendly and attentive. Happy Hour is a must! Cocktails were great, good wine list, and food was very tasty. Great local seafood, ingredients and flavors. Can't wait to go back! read more

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