Brimmer & Heeltap
Bistro · Ballard ·
Inventive Northwest fare, annual boozy eggnog, and a leafy patio
Inventive Northwest fare, annual boozy eggnog, and a leafy patio
"For a quieter Ballard dinner with easier parking, this West Woodland spot turns out a great seasonal meal and hides one of Seattle’s chillest patios. I start with the fritto misto—an Italian‑tempura‑like mix of lightly pickled and fried seasonal veggies—warming, a little tart, and served with a tartar‑sauce‑esque tarragon aioli. The menu rotates, so mains shine with whatever produce is in season; the tender duck breast is often paired with grilled stone fruit and onion for welcome sweetness. Cocktails lean playful and fruity (the “Elder Millennial” is a sweetened martini riff with elderflower liquor and orange bitters—and, presumably, some well‑earned cynicism). Out back, a tree‑screened patio feels private and even a bit romantic. Dinner starts at 4 p.m.; patio seating is first‑come, first‑serve, though especially large parties can book the back studio space and the patio. For a head start, the sibling wine bar and bottle shop Halfseas opens at 3 p.m., and in the mornings the back studio becomes coffee shop Red Arrow, making it easy to spend a whole day here." - Harry Cheadle
"Brimmer & Heeltap’senlarged slab is the equivalent of five slices wearing a trench coat.Toasted and buttered to-order, something is immensely healing about cutting into this beast like you would a t-bone steak. Especially since it comes sprinkled with salt and pepper." - Aimee Rizzo
"Brimmer and Heeltap isn’t a secret — there are no secrets left in Ballard — but the garden seating feels like something hidden. It’s open for coffee and wifi during the mornings and afternoons (via Brimmer’s cafe alter ego, Red Arrow), but it also makes for a romantic dinner location in the evenings. And if the surroundings aren’t romantic enough, we’re fairly certain that Brimmer’s great wine list and expansive cocktail menu can help." - Harry Cheadle
"Set in a beautiful brick building on Market Street with an airy dining room and leafy patio, this neighborhood bistro serves creative dishes like radishes with salmon roe and creme fraiche, Manila clams in cider broth, and steak with yakitori glaze and brown butter miso. It also has a deep and complex cocktail menu. Owner Jen Doak also has a small cafe called Red Arrow Coffee in the backyard and a wine shop and bar called Halfseas across the street. Need one more reason to visit? How about $2 oysters from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays?" - Harry Cheadle
"In Ballard's charming neighborhood bistro Brimmer and Heeltap, I recommend checking out the Eggnog Pop-Up and Release Party in the garden studio, where they celebrate the annual release of a special aged batch of eggnog; the festive, boozy concoctions are served alongside holiday carolers. Arrive early and dress warm — seats tend to fill up and there will likely be spillover into the restaurant’s outdoor area." - Eater Staff
