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Hattie's Hat Restaurant

5231 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 784-0175

Ratings & Reviews Summary for Hattie's Hat Restaurant

What Users are Saying:

  • Prompt seating
5 Star Rating
 
(10 reviews)
4 Star Rating
 
(11 reviews)
3 Star Rating
 
(2 reviews)
2 Star Rating
 
(3 reviews)
1 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)

User Reviews for Hattie's Hat Restaurant

Citysearch (16), Dine.com (1), Judy's Book (9), All (26)

3 Star Rating: Average

10/22/2007 Posted by qmax

Went there for breakfast/brunch. The breakfast menu was interesting, not just your standard fare. I had migas, wife had eggs accompanied by a deep fried chicken breast topped with gravy. The food was excellent. Also, htey have a really good bloody mary The wait staff was decent. I would have rated them higher except for the kitchen prep time. I swear they must cook just one table's order at a time. We literally waited for 50 minutes from the time we placed our order until the time we got it. Normally you would expect that the food would have gone cold or sat under a heat lamp with a wait that long, but it was hot, just cooked. Go figure.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/02/2007 Posted by angelatini

It's barely above a dive bar, but that's what I like about it. The drinks are stiff, the food is yummy, (the Salmon Club kicks a** and the burgers are one of the best kept secrets in Seattle!) the music is always good (I hear T-Rex on a regular basis. YAY!) and tons of low key locals hang out here. The service is sometimes a bit slow, but it's generally on the dining side and during the weekend brunch time. There is one server there that has waaaaayyyy too much attitude, but all the others make up for her. Additionally, I recently took my promise ring off in the bathroom to wash my hands and forgot to put it back on. When I remembered, 20 minutes later, that it wasn't on my finger and RUSHED back to the bathroom and it wasn't there, I almost burst into tears. But then I asked the bartender and someone had turned it in!! I don't think most places have patrons or staff that cool. Suffice to say, I love Hattie's!

Pros: Best burgers in town. Stiff drinks. Cool music. Chill people.

Cons: That one snotty server. Scenesters and hipsters that try and invade. Go away!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

10/25/2006 Posted by binman69

good place to get your greasy fix...and have some alcohol with it. i like the location as i can go to this place before a show at the Tractor which is right nearby. it can get smoky in here sometimes....but overall, strong drinks, good people, and a neighborhood vibe make this place a cozy spot to chill.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

10/19/2006 Posted by coffeette

I went to Hatties for a late Sunday Brunch. I was expecting a hole in the wall with greasy, hearty bar food. The food was fine, nothing to write home about. But the service really sucked. The waitress was nice but largely absent, even thought the restaurant was less than half full, The meal took about 5 times longer than it needed to, due to unnecessary wait time for everything from coffee to the check. Also, I was told they had run out of knives, so I couldn't have one. I was forced to stab my slab of ham with a fork and tear it with my teeth, caveman style. Cool when you're 6 not so cool when you're 24, and in public.

3 Star Rating: Average

09/24/2006 Posted by dickknows

Great atmosphere! This could be my favorite bar environment in Seattle -- but the food is only so-so. Its good if you're drunk and need a snack -- but notsomuch if you're sober. The sweet potato fries sounded delicious -- but they were dry, tasted more like regualr potatoes - and had barely a pinch of the blue cheese and pancetta promised on the menu. When I asked for a bit more cheese -- I was charged! The salmon club is not bad -- but tastes like something Id make at home.

Pros: Juke Box! Beer!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/30/2005 Posted by trudyinfierno

How to respond to a critic who, bereft or irony, is paid to write, "Don't miss the... creamed corn"? Will I create an exclusive place in Hell for you or give you all my money?

4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/23/2005 Posted by casabian

My date and I stopped here for some late night chow. There is a small but quaint dining room in the back. The menu is rather limited but they have some good basic items. The sweet potato fries are scrumptious. I got a salmon club sandwich type of thing which was pretty tasty. I liked the unique atmosphere and decorating of the dining room.

Pros: unique atmosphere

2 Star Rating: Below Average

02/22/2005 Posted by ladyjame

I can't vouch for the drinks, but I can say the food was overpriced and the service was SUPER slow. I've gone a couple of times during happy hour, and still the two appetizers I ordered were $5/each. And the portions are VERY small. The service was slow both times. Even though we were the only people in the dining area. By the time the food got to us, it was cold. And it didn't taste that great anyway. Looked like there was only one "chef" back there so that might explain why the food took so long. We didn't sit in the bar area and we still went home smelling like cigarettes. Recommended for people who just want to smoke and drink at the bar.

Pros: Free parking in back, Plenty of room to sit, Choice of seating

Cons: Slow service, Cigarette smoke, Cold food

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/25/2005 Posted by lil123

Yummy omelets and hash browns. Great laid back atmosphere. Good service too!

Pros: Good Food, Easy Street Parking

4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/15/2004 Posted by huskyduck

This is a great joint. Sit back and enjoy the history. Good place for breakfast. Large portions. They will not mind in the least if you want a beer with your eggs either. Pancakes are large and fluffy, much better than at any of the chains. Hashbrowns are skin on and substantial.

Pros: breakfast, free parking, large portions

Editor's Review

Stiff drinks, excellent pub grub and a neighborhood feel have earned this Ballard diner legendary status.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

National touring acts attract large crowds that inevitably spill into Hattie's and quickly cramp the small bar. Check the music schedule at the nearby Tractor Tavern for details.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Mon-Thu 3pm-10pm
  • Fri 3pm-11pm
  • Sat 8am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm
  • Sun 8am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm

Dress Code

  • Casual

Payment Types

  • Check
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Cuisines

  • Coffee Shops & Diners
  • American (Traditional)

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Live Music
  • Bar Scene
  • Dine at the Bar
  • Brunch
  • Local Favorites
  • Date Spot

Recognition for Hattie's Hat Restaurant

2007 Editorial Winner - Comfort Food

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