When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Hattie's Hat Restaurant
Why Hattie's Hat Restaurant is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hattie's Hat Restaurant is a beloved neighborhood establishment located in Seattle's Ballard district, known for its longstanding history and inviting atmosphere. Originally opened in 1904 as The Old Home Saloon, it evolved over the decades into a local staple, cherished for its wood-paneled interior that exudes rustic charm and warmth. The restaurant offers a cozy and casual venue, making it an ideal place for friends to gather, whether for brunch, casual dining, or evening cocktails. Its menu highlights include comfort food favorites such as chicken fried steak and hash browns, along with notable cocktails like the Rosemary and Five Alarm Bloody Marys, the latter renowned for its spicy kick. Beyond food, Hattie's Hat transforms into an energetic cocktail bar in the evenings, featuring popular events like Thursday night karaoke, which balances lively entertainment with a relaxed vibe that welcomes both performers and onlookers. Friendliness of staff and a good selection of draft beers further enhance the experience. As a local institution, Hattie's Hat offers a unique blend of historic ambiance, flavorful American fare, and social nightlife, creating a versatile spot for meeting up with friends and enjoying various facets of Seattle's food and drink culture.
Here's what people think of Hattie's Hat Restaurant
As of recent, Hattie's Hat Restaurant holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1496 reviews.
Reviews for Hattie's Hat Restaurant show a generally positive reception with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,500 reviews. Many patrons praise the restaurant for its rich, neighborhood bar atmosphere and the quality of its comfort food dishes. Positive comments frequently highlight the flavorful meals such as the chicken fried steak and excellent hash browns, alongside a friendly and attentive service experience. The cocktail offerings, especially the well-crafted Bloody Marys like the Rosemary and Five Alarm versions, receive commendations, catering well to guests who appreciate a good drink with their meal. Additionally, the lively karaoke nights and bar ambiance are noted as vibrant social attractions for locals and visitors alike. However, some negative reviews mention inconsistencies, such as undercooked toast or certain dishes that did not meet individual tastes, like the Changs Migas. There are occasional critiques about overly spicy cocktails and unfriendly staff members, as well as an experience or two describing food not meeting expectations overall. Despite these isolated concerns, the majority of feedback confirms Hattie's Hat as a warm, historic venue with strong community ties and a good balance of dining and nightlife options, making it a memorable stop in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jay Sungvorn
We stopped here for brunch. One of our friends said hatch brown was good. It looked okay. My friend ordered extra crispy, you might want to consider ordering extra crispy. I just got biscuits with gravy, it was biscuit with soup. It was not bad but it was not good. It did not have a lot of sausage bits. My other friend ordered chicken and waffle. Chicken was not bone in, it is not your what you would think when you order chicken and waffle. Service was good but we did have to asked for water and refilled on coffee. Street parking , we parked at a lot that cause $5 per hour.
Rick Hadsall
Classic long standing neighborhood icon still serving up great food and drinks. Our bartender was friendly and helpful and we enjoyed our first meal in Ballard here. Came back later for the bread pudding to go!
Stephanie Showalter
One of my favorite food stops in ballard and one of the few that is open late! Breakfast is absolutely delicious and plenty of options for everyone. Late night menu has perfect comfort food and a nice range of drinks. All the staff is lovely but Brandon is a gem!
Steve Hiday
We had a blast hanging out here before AND after a show at Tractor Tavern. Good beer selection and the staff was super awesome. They have TVs, games, and some really excellent movie tributes if you know where to look. Will come again! Olympic Otter
Margaret Nelson
Excellent place for breakfast. The gravy is surprisingly light and tasty. I tried the chicken sausage and I liked it a lot. Excellent service and they handled our group of 8 at 2 tables with aplomb.
How to reach Hattie's Hat Restaurant
None
Website: None
Why Hattie's Hat Restaurant may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hattie's Hat Restaurant with your friends? Because it offers a perfect blend of welcoming atmosphere, flavorful food, and engaging activities that create memorable group experiences. With a solid 4.4 rating from nearly 1500 reviews, Hattie's Hat strikes a balance between casual comfort and lively energy, making it an ideal gathering spot for friends or family. Located in the vibrant Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, this restaurant is known for its rustic charm and friendly vibe that instantly puts guests at ease. Whether you’re planning a laid-back brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or looking for a fun night out, the place delivers on atmosphere and quality. The attentive staff and creative drink menu add to the appeal, ensuring your group feels well taken care of. Most importantly, Hattie’s Hat isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the spirit of community and shared enjoyment in a setting that encourages conversation, laughter, and connection. You can expect a spot where you can relax with friends over great food and drinks, then stay for interactive entertainment once the sun goes down.
What makes Hattie's Hat ideal for group meetups?
Hattie's Hat offers several appealing aspects that make it particularly great for groups. To start, the ambiance is warm and inviting, with wood-paneled walls and a rustic, homey vibe that doesn't feel overly formal or intimidating. This relaxed environment encourages conversation and easy mingling, perfect for groups wanting a space that feels like a gathering spot rather than just a dining room. The space is spacious enough to accommodate larger groups without feeling cramped, yet cozy enough to retain a sense of intimacy.
Food is another major attraction for groups at Hattie's Hat. The menu features hearty, flavorful dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes—from classics like chicken fried steak and burgers to creative cocktails and sides like crispy hash browns and tater tots. This variety means that everyone in a group can find something they enjoy, making ordering simple and satisfying for diverse palates. The consistently attentive and friendly staff enhances the group experience by providing good service without fuss, helping everything run smoothly. All together, these factors make Hattie's Hat a comfortable and accommodating place for anything from casual catch-ups to celebratory feasts.
What activities can groups enjoy at Hattie's Hat?
Beyond great food and drinks, Hattie's Hat shines as a hub for social activities that foster fun and interaction among friends. One standout feature is the Thursday night karaoke, which turns the space into a lively, engaging venue where groups can sing, cheer each other on, or simply enjoy live entertainment while relaxing. The karaoke setting is just the right size—not too crowded to be intimidating but energetic enough to keep the spirit lively. Whether your group includes stars ready to perform or simply fans who enjoy watching others, karaoke adds a unique and memorable element to the meetup.
Besides karaoke, Hattie’s Hat also functions as a classic neighborhood bar with excellent drinks, including a well-regarded Bloody Mary selection known for its distinct flavors and spiciness. The creative cocktail menu allows groups to experiment with tastes and share drinks, making the experience dynamic and interactive. While it’s primarily a dining and drinking spot, the ambiance encourages storytelling, laughter, and bonding over shared tastes and experiences. This mix of dining and entertainment activities makes it more than just a restaurant—it's a place where groups can build lasting memories.
How does the food and drink selection at Hattie's Hat cater to group needs?
Hattie’s Hat offers a menu designed to satisfy groups by providing comfort food with a twist and a variety of drink options that complement different preferences. The food selections include chicken fried steak, hearty burgers, crispy hash browns, and tater tots, which are classic crowd-pleasers perfect for sharing or sampling multiple plates. The quality and flavor profile focus on bold, satisfying tastes that go well with casual social gatherings. For those with special dietary considerations, the restaurant has options like biscuits and gravy that impress even discerning eaters, with some reviewers calling it the second-best they have had. This level of quality reassures groups that they can trust the food to be consistently enjoyable.
On the beverage side, the cocktail menu is diverse and creative, featuring cocktails such as the spicy "Five Alarm" Bloody Mary and the refreshing Rosemary Bloody Mary. These drinks provide interesting flavor profiles that can spark conversation and curiosity among friends. The friendly bartenders and attentive staff make ordering and sharing drinks easy and enjoyable. Having excellent drink selections alongside savory food makes it a festive spot where groups can raise a toast to their gathering, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy the evening together.
What customer service experience can groups expect at Hattie's Hat?
One of the reasons Hattie’s Hat stands out as a group-friendly venue is its staff, who are often praised for being courteous and attentive. The service complements the relaxed ambiance, making guests feel welcome without rushing or undue formality. Many visitors mention the friendliness of the waitstaff as an important part of their positive experience, noting how this helps set a comfortable tone, especially for larger groups who may have varied ordering needs or require extra attention.
That said, while most reviews praise the staff, a few mention occasional inconsistencies such as a less favorable experience with some drinks or perceived rudeness. However, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, with the majority describing staff as responsive and kind. Overall, groups can expect service that helps turn the visit into a smooth, enjoyable affair, supporting both dining and entertainment activities without undue hassle.
Why is Hattie's Hat a good choice for both daytime and evening gatherings?
Hattie’s Hat is versatile, catering effectively to both brunch and evening crowds. During the daytime, it has a rustic and homey feel, offering comforting breakfast and lunch dishes. While some reviews suggest the brunch might be unremarkable compared to other local spots, the friendly vibe and solid menu choices still make it a relaxed setting for casual day meetups or weekend catch-ups. It’s a place where groups can enjoy slow mornings or lazy afternoons with decent food and coffee.
At night, the energy changes, and Hattie's Hat transforms into a lively cocktail bar, with the highlight being weekly karaoke nights. This transition means that groups looking for a fun, interactive night out have plenty to enjoy beyond food—music, drink, and social interaction that creates a festive environment. The dual nature of this restaurant makes it appealing whether you want a low-key brunch or an energetic evening hangout, allowing groups flexibility in their social plans.
Overall, Hattie’s Hat Restaurant offers a compelling mix of quality food, engaging social activities like karaoke, and a warm, casual atmosphere supported by friendly service that make it a prime choice for hosting meetups with friends or family in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Its blend of comfort, fun, and community spirit ensures that gatherings here are both enjoyable and memorable for all involved.