Happy Hour/Dinner at Bastille Cafe & Bar

This past Monday, May 17, 2010, the sun was shining so we decided to take a walk into Ballard and seek out an interesting spot for happy hour/dinner. Unbeknownst to us, the few remaining Scandinavians in Ballard (actually probably traveled from all over the area) were celebrating the Norwegian Constitution Day with a parade and lots of festivities.

Obviously every restaurant with outdoor seating was packed with parade attendees, so we ruled out Market Street and veered down Ballard Avenue in our search for a sunny outdoor spot to sip a cocktail and have a light dinner at a happy hour price.

Arrived at Bastille Cafe & Bar - http://www.bastilleseattle.com/ - located in the heart of old Ballard at 5307 Ballard Avenue NW.  We managed to instantly snag the lone remaining table on the deck, which is covered with some sort of sheer material that allows the warmth and light to shine through but presumably keeps the rain out – very useful for Seattle’s ever changing weather! Timing is everything because Bastille is normally too crowded to get a table and since I abhor waiting for anything I’ve only been here on two prior occasions – once after midnight while under the influence of prior establishments I had visited and once for breakfast.

Our server was busy but efficient so soon we settled back with a Rosemary Lemonade (i.e. lemon drop served in tall glass with sprig of Rosemary) for my companion and a chilly glass of crisp pinot grigio for me. Perused the Happy Hour food menu that listed five items for $5 each and a couple for less. Expected portions to be tiny so we decided to order four dishes.

Sadly, they were sold out of the Moules Frites (mussels, beer, leeks and thyme), so we decided to split the Croque Monsieur (a delectable grilled sandwich of Parisian ham, Gruyère & sauce Mornay - $5) and the Falafel (a very large wrap filled with falafel, Goat’s milk yoghurt, tahini, and seasonal garnishes - $5)

My companion also got an order of Frites and Aioli (a small elevated basket of Kennebec potato fries & grey sea salt with the aioli dipping sauce). He then asked if I would be offended if he ordered the Lamb Burger on a Lavash sesame bun with harissa aïoli, arugula, & pickled shallot - $7.  After responding with the bleat of a baby lamb, I told him that I had no control issues and he could order what he wanted. Which he did and reported that it was delicious. 

I have a personal aversion to eating any sort of baby animal, which naturally includes both lamb and veal.  After recently becoming acquainted with a charming pink pig on my last vacation, I am considering adding pork to my list of no-no's.

We were both surprised by the quantity of food and felt like it was an excellent value for a happy hour dinner. The Croque Monsieur was amazing but I’m sure laden with calories, albeit delightful calories. The Falafel (also wrapped in Lavash bread) was huge, filling, tasty and a healthier choice. Although I did not taste either the lamb burger or the frites, my companion enjoyed both and reported that they were flavorful and filling.

I have both noticed and heard that Bastille is a popular establishment that tends to be quite crowded.  Be prepared to wait if you try to hit happy hour on a Friday!  They are open 4:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (dining until 1 a.m.) and serve brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so plan accordingly!