Old Town Alehouse   

5233 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206-782-8323
www.oldtownalehouse.com

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Beer, beer, beer. Ballardites gulp down beer faster then the locks pump out seawater, a fact that keeps pubs like the Old Town Ale House free-flowing with brews -- and business. The ten taps that line the bar pour mostly Northwest-famed brews, aside from a standard stout of frothy Guinness. Belgian brews, however, are a specialty at Old Town, which serves a scarce selection of six different Trappist imports. Try finding Scandinavian rarities such as Hoegaarden or Lindemans anywhere else in town -- you probably won't make it past the first syllable. Very much an embodiment of Ballard Avenue's long-walked cobblestones, Old Town embraces its history with red-bricked siding and wood-planked floors. The tall ceilings add a much-needed depth to the single room's dimension, while wall-hung curtains make an impromptu separation between you and your neighbor. The menu is definitely worth a look, especially their signature 'Ballard Wedges,' served on house bolo rolls and drenched in lemon basil aioli. However, one of the biggest lures lies not on a plate nor in a glass. A member of this area's few 100% nonsmoking establishments, Old Town offers a breath of fresh air on any given night. -- Ryan Simantel