Fodor's Expert Review The BalMar

One of Ballard's largest and most attractive bars, this former department store has exposed-brick walls, hardwood floors, comfy cocoa-color couches, and ottomans. The two stories include areas to dine (serving a small-plates menu), drink, and shoot pool. It can be a bit of a fratty meat market on Saturday, but other than that it's usually pretty mellow, and there's room enough to accommodate all the groups of friends and co-workers who enjoy this slightly more upscale alternative to Ballard's neighborhood joints.