Ballard Beer Box — Restaurant in Seattle

The Ballard Beer Box, a place I’ve walked by daily, finally lured me in for a beer. The cozy ambiance and friendly employee set the stage for what I hoped would be a delightful experience. The Ballard Beer Box is undeniably cute, with its inviting decor and warm vibes. Kudos to the super nice employee who welcomed me. Their friendliness made a positive first impression. Let’s talk about the Pricing and Happy Hour. Here’s where things took a turn. I ordered a 12 oz beer, expecting a $9 charge as per the menu. To my surprise, the bill rang up at $11.36 after tax. Not only was the pricing incorrect, but it also didn’t reflect the supposed happy hour discount of 20%. The employee acknowledged the error but struggled to correct it. Frustration set in. Instead of the 12 oz I ordered, I received a 16 oz beer. While more beer is usually a win, paying $11.36 for it felt steep. Even in Seattle, where prices can be higher, this seemed excessive. I had expected a $7 happy hour deal. They advertise happy hour, but the execution fell short. If you’re going to offer discounts, ensure they apply consistently. A plea to the establishment. Make sure your computer system aligns with the prices on the menu. It’s a basic expectation. I didn’t try their pizza, so I can’t comment on that aspect. As for the price discrepancy, it’s not the employee’s fault. They tried their best, but the system failed. Perhaps I should have put my foot down, but I felt conflicted. Lesson learned. Despite the hiccup, the Ballard Beer Box has potential. I appreciate their kid- and dog-friendly policy, outdoor seating, and to-go beer and wine options. Here’s hoping they iron out the kinks and deliver a smoother...

Ballard Beer Box feels new and modern, like if Chuck's Hop Shop opened up a location in South Lake Union or Bellevue. It's away from Ballard Ave and the Ballard brewery district and could be a good Summer spot as they have 14 tables on their back patio and also serve pizza. Still, my wife and I agreed that the inside overall lacks character/identity and my experience with the one staff member pouring the beers that day (it wasn't crowded) would not bring me back.

I encountered a Hispanic guy that was clearly over the day and almost got me riled up. I think something in the kitchen broke, which I understand can be frustrating, but as someone who has learned the same lesson, that's no excuse. Talk to your coworkers, get someone else to cover the counter while you work things...

The pizzas were delicious. They did not skimp on the meat or any of the ingredients, and the flavors and seasoning were well-balanced. The bbq and the pepperoni with hot honey were my favorite. Some of the best pizza I’ve had in a while. Loved the endless wall of refrigerated beer and wine — my 14mo old was fascinated by it for like half an hour.

Above all, though, the service was excellent. Very patient and helpful with the menu. My kid broke a wine glass that they had on display for sale, but they didn’t seem frustrated at all. They did not want me to even pay for it and they cleaned it up right away.

I hope this place becomes a staple in Ballard. Would definitely come back next time...