5 Favorite Sunny Patios in Ballard

Never miss a chance to bask in Seattle 🌞

A mural outside Ballard

📸: Adam Kubota

It’s that time of year, folks. The winter cold has melted away to reveal the occasional sunny taste of spring, which means summer is around the corner. In my opinion, there are few better things than sitting out on a patio with a cold drink and basking in the beautiful Seattle sun. Because this has become a preferred summer pastime, I’ve spent many warm days on Ballard patios. Though there are awesome patios all across Ballard, here are a few great ones for some delicious eats and drinks, but more importantly (cue Sheryl Crow) to soak up the sun on.

Kangaroo & Kiwi

2026 NW Market St

Kangaroo & Kiwi’s patio is expansive, sweeping around the entire ground floor of its historic location. The patio has a variety of tables that are covered and uncovered if, like me, you love that direct sunlight. And the Modernist brick building dates back to the early 1900s. It was once home to the Ballard Carnegie Library, which adds to its charm. 

The building’s front area sits right above the central part of Market Street. A patio entrance for strollers and dogs is next to the main entrance so you can bring your little one (human or furry) along. During the day, the patio is bustling yet laid-back, making for a nice hang. They also host a nice weekend brunch. 

The patio isn’t the only notable thing about Kangaroo & Kiwi. Owner Bradley Howe created the place to be like the bars he remembered from growing up in small-town Australia. They are known to show World Cup games along with Australian and New Zealand sporting events, and among more traditional pub classics, they serve up a variety of Aussie specials like sausage rolls and meat pies. And yes! They do have Fosters.

 
View this post on Instagram
 

A post shared by taylor harris (@taylorharris_32)

Reuben’s Brews

5010 14th Ave NW

If you’re venturing over to Ballard’s brewery district, check out the taproom patio at Reuben’s Brews. Since moving into the taproom location on 14th Avenue, Reuben’s has built it up into a vibrant and welcoming space. The patio is colorful and spacious with a classic brewery feel, with room to spread out and enjoy a cool beverage. On warmer days, it’s bright and lively, ideal for a meet-up after a morning hike or if you just want to soak up that vitamin D. 

Because it’s roomy, Reuben’s patio is excellent for gathering with larger groups. It’s also family-friendly, and they welcome kiddos to the space too. They have around 25 beers on tap, ranging from their classics to seasonal brews. (I’m keeping my fingers crossed they bring back the Golden Gardens Blonde Ale this summer!) If you’re looking for a snack to enjoy with your beer, they serve beer-friendly fare from their new food truckReuben’s Eats, launched last December.

 
View this post on Instagram
 

A post shared by Reuben’s Brews (@reubensbrews)

King’s Hardware

5225 Ballard Ave NW

King’s Hardware is a Ballard classic—a fun, casual neighborhood dive. It’s got a Western meets Pacific Northwest cabin look with brick and wood-paneled walls decorated with various taxidermy animals and Bob Ross-like paintings. The patio (which is toward the back after making a right at the Skee-Ball machines) also brings that Western x woodsy vibe—great for relaxing and sipping a cold Rainier. The space is roomy and covered by a clear roof so you can stay shaded and enjoy some sun. 

King’s is a good place to meet up with friends or grab a drink before a show at Tractor Tavern a couple of doors down. King’s is also very dog friendly, so you may have a furry friend or two to whom you can say “howdy” to. Of note: They have a daily happy hour from 4-7 PM. The menu currently features a small range of options from a Cosmo to a Boilermaker for $8. (I highly recommend trying one of the rotating slushies!) On the food front, you can’t go wrong with their hot wings or burgers (which are $4.99 on Tuesday nights), but the real crown jewel is the crispy chicken sandwich.

 
View this post on Instagram
 

A post shared by King’s Hardware (@kingshardware)

Wanna game? ♟️

King’s Hardware is the spot in Ballard for board games. The spot hosts a Chess Club every Thursday. From 6 to 11 pm, all skill levels and people are welcome. King’s Hardware’s happy hour is from 4 to 7 pm, so show up early to stock up. Few things are more enjoyable than getting your brain all blurry with a cold glass of beer while playing a chess game with friends or strangers.

Baker’s

6408 32nd Ave NW

Baker’s is the place to go if you’re looking for something chill and sophisticated. It’s a polished little neighborhood bar over on Sunset Hill. The patio is like something out of a dream, an intimate garden space filled with lush greenery and a lattice-like covering that allows sunlight to flow in gently. It’s a cozier area, seating about 30 people—perfect for a date night or catching up with a friend. The patio has a nice quiet energy, making it great for a low-key evening out. 

And don’t miss: Baker’s has a stellar cocktail menu that rotates seasonally but includes classics like a Painkiller. Their food menu is equally excellent, with small plates and dinner options like Cast Iron Feta and Green Garlic Beer Sausage. Baker’s can get busy, and you may be met with a wait, but once you’re in, it’s worth it.

Bonus Patio: Frankie and Jo’s ⛱️

If you’re looking to grab some ice cream while you sit in some sunshine, Frankie and Jo’s Ballard location has a lovely little back patio to lick your scoops. The patio typically houses various plants and has a clear covering, making it feel like a tranquil greenhouse. It only fits a handful of people, but it’s a lovely place to enjoy a quick sweet treat.

Author

An author image of Kaylyn Nese

Kaylyn Nese

Kaylyn is a Seattle-based writer and musician who is always on the verge of releasing music. You can usually find her wandering around Discovery Park, looking for another leather jacket to add to her collection, or taking pictures of sunsets.

City Guides

More City Guides