Miro Tea

5405 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
http://www.mirotea.com

I frequent Miro for that lovely brown elixir of goodness: Tea. Miro is the only place where we can get a Puer or Lapsang Latte; a very odd request even for Miro’s standards, but they make it for us anyways! They have over 250 loose-leaf teas to select from, so you’ll need a moment to read the Tome of Teas. If tea isn’t your thing you can try something off of their extensive crêpe menu, both in sweet and savory flavors. For $1 more, any of the same crêpe combinations come in a gluten-free crêpe. Another thing I’d like to mention, is that I’m very glad that their tea service is simple: double walled glass cups with glass teapots on pedestals housing a votive warmer – simple wonderful tea.

Jolly Roger Taproom

1111 NW Ballard Way
Seattle, WA 98107
http://www.thejollyrogertaproom.blogspot.com/

Pub meets pirates’ lair, complete with a treasure map painted on the floor. Beers are from the family-owned Maritime Pacific Brewery, and the menu offers both cheap pub grub and fancy entrees. Prices are cheaper than the typical ballard fair, so I always feel like I’m getting my worth here. They are super generous with their onion rings, spicy french fries and fried pickles. And who can say no to Beer Batter Bacon!? I go for the Lil’ Mahi’s (think Mahi-Mahi sliders) while Sig likes the regular sliders.  If you have high blood pressure, you may want to skip this place since they tend to make their dishes on the salty side.

Po Dog

2014 NW Market
Seattle, WA 98107
http://www.podogs.com/

Ah Ballard, only you would have a pub joint that serves upscale hot-doggery, but hey if you got a craving for overpriced posh dogs this is it. Now, don’t get me wrong, these are not regular wieners: you get a choice of 100% Beef Kosher, Field Roast Apple Sage Vegetarian, Chicken Apple, Polish Kielbasa or German Bratwurst. You can get shoestring french fries or deep fried pickles as a side, but that will cost you extra. Yes, expect to pay about $8 to $10 for a full meal. My personal fav is the Hawaiian with spicy aioli, pineapple relish and fresh cilantro. Sig usually goes for the Texas Dog with melted cheddar and a smokey BBQ sauce.  I’ll be honest, the only reason why I like this place is because its the closest I’ll get to a JAPADOG (http://www.japadog.com), who are the hands down winner of wiener wars.

5313 Ballard Ave NW
(between Vernon Pl & N 22nd Ave)
Seattle, WA 98107
www.freshfloursseattle.com

Two words: Azuki Croissants. Yes, that’s a sweet red bean paste inside of a croissant. Yes freak’n way! They also have Green Tea Macaroons and Green Tea Muffins and Green Tea Pound Cake. You think that it couldn’t get better than that, but then they go and make a Green Tea AND Azuki Red Bean Pound Cake. Sig loves his “One Percent Sandwich”, which consists of brie, ham and cranberry sauce on a tasty fresh baked french baguette. And oh, did I mention that they also have Green Tea Latte made with matcha!? *sigh* Green tea and Azuki heaven!

5411 Ballard Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.789.5100
www.volterrarestaurant.com

Volterra is a shining example of what Sig and I like to call “ballard prices;” always a few dollars more than what we think it should cost. Its true for this place, especially for their dinner menu. The big surprise is the breakfast menu. Yeah each plate is $12-15, but you get awesome on a plate! Duck and Yukon Gold Potato Hash, Wild Boar Sausage Benedict (with homemade sausage) or a Challah French Toast topped with something that kinda tastes like banana fosters! Yup, good breakfast here. Try the dinner menu when you want a fancy italian meal for a date night.