Have you heard that a comfort-filled gastropub has opened along Seattle’s ever-changing Ballard Avenue? Tucked into the bustling lineup, Bramling Cross – an addition to the Ethan Stowell Restaurants – showcases local beers alongside updated pub fare; think burgers, fried chicken, a wedge salad and ever-so-tasty fries.
The scene proves hoppy at this delicious venue: Bramling Cross — Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Smith/Kirsten Graham Public Relations
Named after a dual-use hops that has a strong foothold in European brews – and dates back to 1927 in the UK – Bramling Cross gives beer lovers an extensive list that speaks to all of their beverage needs.
The eight taps have been known to showcase such local brews as Holy Mountain, Populuxe, Stoup and Fremont, located just down the street.
Another 50 domestic and imported beers and ciders arrive in bottles and cans, as well as a selection of large 750-milliliter beers that prove for perfect sharing.
Even cocktails get a beer-centric lift, thanks to innovative concoctions like past appearances from "Ranye West" – made with Aperol, lemon, Angostura bitters and Rainier – or the "Bam-Ba-Lam," which beautifully merges gin, lemon, habanero, ginger beer and IPA. (And, yes, wine drinkers: there are options for you, too!)
When it comes time to chow down, Travis Post has created an enticing menu that has you covered, whether you're in the mood for crab dip, fried chicken, pork ribs or a burger.
At Bramling Cross, creative cocktails complement the perfectly prepared fare — Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Smith/Kirsten Graham Public Relations
The menu consists of small and large plates, many cooked over the wood-fired grill.
Large plates wow crowds with hits like the Bramling Burger, with iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickle and BC's "secret sauce" on a potato bun; the Grilled Hanger Steak and Egg, with smoked onion puree, kale and chanterelle mushrooms; and, last but certainly not least, the Dynamite Chicken – a whole Mad Hatcher fried chicken served with grits and collard greens.
Other menu items range from Marinated Castelvetrano Olives, Housemade Everything Pretzels and Caramelized Cauliflower to Chicken Wings, Manila Clams, Copper River Sockeye and the Bramling Mushroom Burger.
The décor at Bramling Cross melds cozy and classic, creating the perfect atmosphere in which to sip away the evening and enjoy a meal.
Envision high ceilings, warm gray tones, skylights that welcome natural light, exposed brick and a layout that places 10 seats at the bar and booths throughout the rest of the soaring space (from two-person booths to roomier options). The tabletops and bar have been made from one Claro walnut tree.
Now's the time to make friends with our favorite company, eat well, drink even better and say "cheers," as we clink our mugs of locally brewed goodness.
