Bramling Cross

Ethan Stowell's latest restaurant opened October 29 in Ballard. It's a gastropub focused on beer (20+ local and imported in bottles and cans, along with some 750ml format, eight taps for local beers). They've created innovative cocktails, some with beer in them. There are wines to choose from as well. "Ballard has a beer focus and we wanted to do something that would showcase some of those beers, and offer higher-end pub food," says Ethan.

Foodwise, you'll find starters and small and large plates: a great burger, signature Dynamite chicken they do whole for you to share, wedge salad, oysters on the half shell, spicy fried oysters, King crab leg salad, smoked Virginia ham on a cheddar biscuit, chicken wings, a couple of steaks, grilled scallops, and more. Chef is Mike Gifford who previously led the kitchen at How to Cook a Wolf.

Booths reign here, both for two, and larger. Skylights offer natural light, and plaster casts of animal heads line the walls. The bar has 10 seats and is a great spot to watch those cocktails being made.

It's another winner for ESR, offering a comfortable space, good food and tasty beverages from 5-11 p.m. daily, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. They've just started brunch service as well, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Photo by Geoffrey Smith

5205 Ballard Ave NW, 206-420-8192, reservations available by phone or online.

www.ethanstowellrestaurants.com

November 2015