The female bartender has an almost comically bad attitude ... and I say "almost" because she immediately switched up once she realized she was getting a $3 tip for pouting a draft. How embarrassing!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Thomas Johnson
While my fiancee was being taken care of at a near by urgent care, I decided to take a walk and find food/drink.Now, let's start with the fact that this place has been here donkey ears. I mean ages. I recall visiting here in the late 90s a few times when I lived closer. But that's the late 90s and I honestly don't recall much of that time period.However, I stopped in to kill time, get some amazing chilli and a drink or two.Not only was the chili as amazing as I remember it being, the staff were incredibly friendly, despite the fact I didn't realize they were closing soon. When I did FINALLY realize it, they made sure to tell me that I wasn't being rushed out.Seriously, the bartender lady, the guy who was making the food and the two other people in there right before closing were absolutely nothing but accommodating and friendly. Seriously, if they were a late night bar, I'd probably be back more often. Just my work hours and where I live make it difficult to spend more time there. But that's not going to stop me when I have a day off.Seriously, if you like chili or anything with chili on it, good servers and such, do not pass this place up. I know I'm definitely returning as soon as I can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Rodrigues
Took us many years to finally visit, and we're so happy we did. The staff were very friendly and the chili fries were amazing. What a great dive bar in Ballard. We'll be back for more chili!!Oh cash only, fyl.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chili Cheese Fries
Melissa Hillier
So amazing! What took me so long to visit?? We weren't super hungry, but shared the fries with chili, and added cheese, onions and sourcream. The chili has just enough heat. The fries were cooked to PERFECTION! The only heads up is that it's cash
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Order of Chili Fries
Reagan Somers
Chili was greasy and cold, cheese didn’t even melt in it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Standing On A Corner
This place has changed a lot over the years. Food quality has dropped off and the staff is more surly, none of which I really care about much as I go for the old Ballard vibe. Tourists and out of towners may feel a little "uncomfortable " here though (at least for the first ten minutes) LOL.Still miss Steve the bartender and the 7Up sign on the roof
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Brooke Miner
Thanks for bringing Captain Morgan back decades ago, forever loyal!!! Best chili burger I have ever had and perfect homemade fries.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chili Burger, Fries
D C
Should be renamed Karen's Chili Parlor.
Richard Solberg
I came because of the reviews about great chili. Well, the food was pretty ordinary. Plentiful, but ordinary. I should have gone somewhere else.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Lonny Jones
I grew up 3 blocks away on 50th when i was 6 and 7 yr old. This place terrified me, big burly guys going in and the noise. I am so glad to see it remains in my old neighborhood. It was closed today but i will teturn, i have never stepped foot inside so it will be an emotional moment taking me back to my childhood. I hear this is the best chilli and food, i know they are over 100 yr old so i need to hurry. This place looks like it did in 1967, so will add after eating here
This is a MUST! Worth the drive from Tennessee! Owner and staff awesome! Food was the best!
Scott A.
Have lived in Ballard off-and-on since 2006 and after numerous trips over the years to Trader Joe's next door, thought I'd finally swing into the Ballard longtime establishment to try out their take-out service and chili. WOW...first and last time for patronage! Where to start - the staff were rude and completely impersonal. That was the biggest issue. The chili was way too spicy for me...so beware, tolerate at least three-stars spice, in my opinion, if you get the chili. Everyone has their own taste in food, so not totally knocking that - everyone however deserves friendly service, and you won't find it here.
Don Gregg
When the Divers Institute was under the bridge we would frequent Mikes for lunch back in the late 80’s. Bowl of chili and Rainier beers! Awesome place! Cheers…
Christian Gustafson
One of the last great things left in the City of Seattle. There is nothing like ordering a chili burger covered in goodness and a pitcher of beer, then have a pleasant, satiated stumble home. You don't even need friends to enjoy Mike's.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moriah Love
I go here way too often, but it is so freaking delicious!!!!
The female bartender has an almost comically bad attitude ... and I say "almost" because she immediately switched up once she realized she was getting a $3 tip for pouting a draft. How embarrassing!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
While my fiancee was being taken care of at a near by urgent care, I decided to take a walk and find food/drink.Now, let's start with the fact that this place has been here donkey ears. I mean ages. I recall visiting here in the late 90s a few times when I lived closer. But that's the late 90s and I honestly don't recall much of that time period.However, I stopped in to kill time, get some amazing chilli and a drink or two.Not only was the chili as amazing as I remember it being, the staff were incredibly friendly, despite the fact I didn't realize they were closing soon. When I did FINALLY realize it, they made sure to tell me that I wasn't being rushed out.Seriously, the bartender lady, the guy who was making the food and the two other people in there right before closing were absolutely nothing but accommodating and friendly. Seriously, if they were a late night bar, I'd probably be back more often. Just my work hours and where I live make it difficult to spend more time there. But that's not going to stop me when I have a day off.Seriously, if you like chili or anything with chili on it, good servers and such, do not pass this place up. I know I'm definitely returning as soon as I can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Took us many years to finally visit, and we're so happy we did. The staff were very friendly and the chili fries were amazing. What a great dive bar in Ballard. We'll be back for more chili!!Oh cash only, fyl.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chili Cheese Fries
So amazing! What took me so long to visit?? We weren't super hungry, but shared the fries with chili, and added cheese, onions and sourcream. The chili has just enough heat. The fries were cooked to PERFECTION! The only heads up is that it's cash
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Order of Chili Fries
Chili was greasy and cold, cheese didn’t even melt in it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
This place has changed a lot over the years. Food quality has dropped off and the staff is more surly, none of which I really care about much as I go for the old Ballard vibe. Tourists and out of towners may feel a little "uncomfortable " here though (at least for the first ten minutes) LOL.Still miss Steve the bartender and the 7Up sign on the roof
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Thanks for bringing Captain Morgan back decades ago, forever loyal!!! Best chili burger I have ever had and perfect homemade fries.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chili Burger, Fries
Should be renamed Karen's Chili Parlor.
I came because of the reviews about great chili. Well, the food was pretty ordinary. Plentiful, but ordinary. I should have gone somewhere else.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I grew up 3 blocks away on 50th when i was 6 and 7 yr old. This place terrified me, big burly guys going in and the noise. I am so glad to see it remains in my old neighborhood. It was closed today but i will teturn, i have never stepped foot inside so it will be an emotional moment taking me back to my childhood. I hear this is the best chilli and food, i know they are over 100 yr old so i need to hurry. This place looks like it did in 1967, so will add after eating here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a MUST! Worth the drive from Tennessee! Owner and staff awesome! Food was the best!
Have lived in Ballard off-and-on since 2006 and after numerous trips over the years to Trader Joe's next door, thought I'd finally swing into the Ballard longtime establishment to try out their take-out service and chili. WOW...first and last time for patronage! Where to start - the staff were rude and completely impersonal. That was the biggest issue. The chili was way too spicy for me...so beware, tolerate at least three-stars spice, in my opinion, if you get the chili. Everyone has their own taste in food, so not totally knocking that - everyone however deserves friendly service, and you won't find it here.
When the Divers Institute was under the bridge we would frequent Mikes for lunch back in the late 80’s. Bowl of chili and Rainier beers! Awesome place! Cheers…
One of the last great things left in the City of Seattle. There is nothing like ordering a chili burger covered in goodness and a pitcher of beer, then have a pleasant, satiated stumble home. You don't even need friends to enjoy Mike's.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I go here way too often, but it is so freaking delicious!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5