Hazlewood

12/19/07

Amazing Cocktails

by jtripper22 at Citysearch

You know, sometimes you are willing to skip the "happy hour" pricing of certain places to enjoy a really great cocktail. Those times call for a trip over to the greatest part of the city, Ballard, and a drop-in to the Hazelwood. What a fun menu to read - every drink just sounds so delicious, if not so interesting, that you feel you must try them all. I love an Old Fashioned or even a simple Maker's and Gingerale, but their Bourbon and Ginger is made with muddled ginger root and bourbon and I believe a splash of soda...I'm surprised I'm not driving there right now. I had to have a couple before the early part of the evening was over. The bartender was very personable (even when a buddy ordered a drink that he had invented, involving 1 oz. this 1 oz. that and zest of orange). I love the place even if it is very very small - more of a positive than a negative, really. Good beer selection as well. The seating on the upper level is mostly couches with small cocktail tables at knee-height. Very intimate, but if you're lucky enough to squeeze a few friends in, you almost feel like it's your own little bar. I feel like I'm giving up my seat by writing this, but anything to keep these guys around. That's the length I'll go to for a good cocktail.

• Pros: Fun list of classic and signature drinks

10/01/07

best cocktails in ballard

by dinner_and_drinks at Citysearch

this small bar is off the party circuit in ballard, and yet within walking distance of everything there. the cocktails are of the highest quality, and the bartenders are top-notch. the bar is very low key, and home to most of the bar goers that actually live in ballard, rare to find the college kids or capitol hill hipsters there. the drawback is you may feel out of place when you walk in for the first time unless you know the regulars. the bar menu and selection are outstanding, the seating can be tough at ten o'clock on a weekday though. go for happy hour, and if you're lucky, keith (owner/bartender) will bless you with a brilliant beverage.

• Pros: best drinks in ballard, easy scene, great music
• Cons: few seats when it gets busy (it's small)

03/06/07

Pretty place!

by dirtymaritini at Citysearch

I visited the Hazelwood one afternoon by myself. I just felt like a drink, and it looked quaint. My bartender (a very chatty guy from New York or Jersey, I can't remember) was great! I was the only woman in the place, with two men also sitting at the bar. We all just chatted and had a very nice time. I was told there was an upstairs, that I never ended up seeing, but will definitely return to check out. I liked the atmosphere, and would recommend it to all I know!