Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great beer selection
oChef » Bad Albert’s – Seattle
Bad Albert's - Seattle
Photo from Bad Albert’s
Bad Albert's at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#370 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#16 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
364
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Lively atmosphere
- Solid bar food
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Dirty bathroom
- Service lapses
The restaurant Bad Albert’s is a beloved American Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood. You’ll find yourself drawn to its lively atmosphere, especially with the promise of live music.
It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a great beer selection, whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fun night out. This cozy establishment offers a welcoming space for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Bad Albert's
Bad Albert’s offers a lively neighborhood experience, often praised for its friendly staff and engaging karaoke nights. While many enjoy the solid bar food, some visitors have noted concerns regarding transparency in their pricing practices.
This establishment strikes a balance between a welcoming atmosphere and casual dining. It’s a spot where good times are often had, though a few aspects, particularly around value, could use a closer look to ensure a consistently positive experience for all.
Good
7.7
out of 10
364
Reviews
82.1%
Satisfaction
52
negative
13
neutral
299
positive
Bad Albert’s earns a respectable overall score of 7.7, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. With 364 customer remarks, the sentiment leans strongly positive, boasting 299 positive observations against 52 negative ones.
This indicates a place that largely hits the mark for its patrons. Customers are particularly pleased with the attentive Service (8.4) and the vibrant Ambience (8.1), which contribute significantly to its appeal.
The Food (7.9) also garners good feedback, though the Value (4.2) score suggests that pricing transparency and additional fees are areas where improvement is sought.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Lively karaoke atmosphere
- Solid bar food
What people don't like
- Hidden pricing issues
- Unsanitary bathroom
- Service attentiveness lapses
For those seeking a casual spot with good vibes and reliable pub fare, Bad Albert’s is worth considering. Its strong Recommendation Score of 7.9 suggests many find it a welcoming local haunt, especially if you appreciate lively entertainment and friendly faces.
However, be mindful of potential pricing surprises and manage expectations regarding food consistency. If you prioritize a straightforward, no-frills experience over meticulous details, you’ll likely find something to enjoy here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bad Albert's
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a solid 84.1% customer satisfaction. Out of 170 pieces of feedback, a whopping 143 rave about the delicious and amazing food, highlighting everything from great burgers and wings to impressive menu variety. Many find the offerings consistently enjoyable and surprisingly good for the setting.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 19 comments noting some misses. Issues like overcooked items, food lacking in flavor, or dishes being unexpectedly hella spicy have been mentioned. Even simple things like overpriced soda or missing ketchup have occasionally left a sour taste for some diners.
Food
170
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
19
negative
8
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Great burgers
- Diverse menu
What people don't like
- Overcooked items
- Lacking flavor
- Unexpected spice
Often praised
- foodTurns out I've been missing out on a GREAT bar! The service was excellent, the atmosphere was chill, and the food was great. I would not recommend this place for boring people who enjoy paying too much for small amounts of food and poor service, which you can find plenty of nearby.
- beer selectionMy experience at this restaurant offered solid food and a good beer selection. I enjoyed the blackened fish sandy and fries, which were tasty.
- drinksthe drinks are great
- friesMy experience at the restaurant was positive, particularly with the food. I enjoyed a good burger and great fries. For parking, I found 4hr free parking on Leary.
- wingsno wings we've had have matched bad alberts in ballard
- burgerGreat authentic hard-pressed burger
- bar foodgood bar food
- beerDrank a beer
- cheesesteakHad a cheesesteak and it was delicious!
- totsthe tots are to die for
Frequently criticized
- foodwait until end of meal for her to get her food.
- blackened salmonit was NOT blackend (at all, just under-seasoned broiled salmon)
- chickenthe chicken was overcooked, rubbery, and bland.
- chicken tendersI wished they hadn't over-cooked the chicken tenders.
- fishthe fish was hella spicy
- fish tacosFood was mid I had fish tacos.
- friesOne of the orders of fries had SO much hair attached
- iced teadidn't know if you had iced tea even!
- ketchupNo ketchup offered for the fries
- lacking in flavorI personally enjoyed the fried Alaskan cod, finding it to be a good dish. However, my partner felt that it was lacking in flavor.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally good food and a wide menu, its definitely worth a try. While there might be an occasional miss, the high satisfaction suggests most diners leave happy. Just be mindful of potential spice levels or specific preparation requests.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot shines! With a good score of 8.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.4%, its clear guests are generally happy. Many of the 76 positive comments praise the friendly staff, great service, and attentive servers, often highlighting how accommodating the owner and team are.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience, with 10 negative remarks. Some mentioned poor service, missed orders, or a slow bartender. There were also instances of no water refill' and servers not getting things quite right, suggesting occasional lapses in attentiveness.
Service
86
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great service
- Owner is accommodating
What people don't like
- Poor service
- Orders incorrect
- No water refills
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a great hole-in-the-wall with fabulous service and a good beer selection. The pub fare food was solid, and the skin-on fries, which appeared house-made, were fabulous.
- staffthe young dude, the young lady, and the owner that work there are awesome
- ownerThe owner is super chill and always takes the time to sit down and chat!
- bartenderWe looked at the menu and my partner excitedly said 'They have fish and chips! ' After we sat down, the bartender greeted us with menus to look at while he went to attend the other customers. He came back after 5 minutes to take our orders and within 15 minutes our orders arrived hot and fresh.
- bartendersKaraoke started around 8: 30 PM, which was a surprise and lit the place up even more. The bartenders were super nice, and I didn't have to go out of my way to get service. They served in order of arrival, which was refreshing and impressive given how populated the bar was.
- ServiceService was great
- drink orderHe insisted on fixing a drink even though we messed up the order
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. It's a very congenial place with friendly staff, and I've enjoyed the customers I've met there. It's definitely a place to hang out at.
- serverShe was absolutely FANTASTIC!
- CoreyCorey really shows a passion for his craft
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was barely even service
- antimaskerowner dude is an antimasker
- bartenderwhat bartender doesn’t ask if you want another round?!
- cookI witnessed the cook wiping his nose with his shirt and not changing gloves
- orderit all came out wrong!
- owner dudeOwner dude is an antimasker and was breathing directly into my beer
- poor serviceThe service was excellent, the atmosphere was chill, and the food was great. I would not recommend this place for boring people who enjoy paying too much for small amounts of food and poor service, which you can find plenty of nearby.
- serverThe server didn't get anything right
- water refillno water refill
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, making it worth a visit if you value a friendly and attentive experience. While a few hiccups occur, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests you'll likely be well taken care of.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here really hits the mark, scoring a 8.1 and boasting an excellent 92% customer satisfaction! With 69 positive remarks out of 75 total, guests love the lively atmosphere. Many describe it as a fantastic dive bar feel and a neighborhood joint, perfect for karaoke night, enjoying live music, or catching a game at this sports bar with plenty of TVs. However, a few guests did note some areas for improvement.
There were 3 negative comments, with some mentioning the bathroom cleanliness and an uncomfortable vibe from regulars at the bar rail. While these are isolated incidents, they're worth keeping in mind.
Ambience
75
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic dive bar
- Lively entertainment
- Great for sports
What people don't like
- Unclean bathrooms
- Rude crowd vibe
Often praised
- atmosphereTurns out I've been missing out on a GREAT bar! The service was excellent, the atmosphere was chill, and the food was great. I would not recommend this place for boring people who enjoy paying too much for small amounts of food and poor service, which you can find plenty of nearby.
- karaokeThe crowd was aged 22-45ish, and everyone was getting along and wanting to be a part of what was going on. Karaoke started around 8: 30 PM, which was a surprise and lit the place up even more. The bartenders were super nice, and I didn't have to go out of my way to get service.
- live musicfeatures live music a few nights a week
- parkingBad Albert's on Ballard Ave NW is a must-see for visitors to Seattle in need of delish eats! It's at the beginning of the Ave, and parking is much better now! Love me/you some Bad Albert's, a 1000 stars 🤩!
- conversationenjoy a conversation without having to yell in someone's ear
- dive baras an official dive bar
- placeplace is warm and clean
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Ballard Ave NWBallard Ave NW is a must see
- Happy HourHappy Hour on a Sunday afternoon was really nice
Frequently criticized
- bathroombathroom was NASTY!
- regulars at the bar railregulars at the bar rail were rude and heckling
- vibethe vibe here was really uncomfortable
If youre looking for a lively, unpretentious spot with a great dive bar feel, live music, and sports, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its a fantastic neighborhood joint for a fun night out, just be mindful of the occasional bathroom issue or bar rail crowd.
Value (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests have found delightful surprises, praising the good prices, cheap tall drinks, and even best happy hour deals in town. With 11 positive remarks, many appreciated the overall great price for their meals and drinks, sometimes spending just $30 total for a good time. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, with a score of 4.2 (average) and a rather low customer satisfaction of 33.3% (poor).
A significant concern, highlighted by 20 negative comments, revolves around unexpected inflation fees, additional charges, and a perceived bait & switch pricing that left many feeling overcharged and disappointed by a lack of transparency.
Value
33
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cheap tall drinks
- Best happy hour
- Good prices
What people don't like
- Unexpected inflation fee
- Hidden additional charges
- Bait & switch pricing
Often praised
- pricesGreat prices on food!
- $30 totalspent just around $30 total
- PricesThe host Station is so talented 😱, even if you don't sing you'll have a great time with all the great singing 🎶 here! Prices are decent and as an official dive bar you'll meet neighbors at their fullest. Enjoy yourself 😉
- cheap tall drinksMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the cheap tall drinks and the friendly staff. What else would you want?
- good priceThe service was really good, and I particularly enjoyed the great burgers. Anything on the menu is good for that matter, and it's all at a good price in Ballard. It's not pretentious at all; it's just a great neighborhood joint.
- great priceThey work their tails off for their employees and guests, and it's so important to support these places with tender kindness, care, and understanding. I am always amazed by the delicious food, great price, and good fun. I used to live above Bad Albert's and I miss them dearly!
- happy hour dealsbest happy hour deals in town
- priceThis is a hole in the wall pub that is likely a favorite local haunt for residents. My experience was fantastic; the food was dynamite and well priced. I will definitely go back at some point!
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was marked by fun karaoke and what I believe to be the best value in terms of drinks. The pours were quite generous, which was a pleasant surprise lol.
Frequently criticized
- inflation feeIt seems they are not only making their prices a political statement but are also really bad at math. This is a pathetic excuse for a business model.
- 10% feedisappointed by the 10% fee
- Grouponyou don't accept the Groupon we bought minutes before we arrived?!
- additional chargeslack of transparency regarding the additional charges
- bait & switch pricingdishonest place doing bait & switch pricing
- business modelIt seems they are not only making their prices a political statement but are also really bad at math. This is a pathetic excuse for a business model.
- correct priceprint a new menu with correct price
- costs not on the menuadd costs not on the menu need to be upfront
- deceptionthis kind of deception
- disclosurenot disclosed to the customers before ordering
If youre looking for potential happy hour steals or cheap drinks, you might find some good deals here. However, be wary of unexpected additional charges or inflation fees that have significantly impacted others experiences. It's a bit of a gamble on the value front.
How are the prices at Bad Albert's?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, its interesting to see that many guests actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk of prices falling in the 11-20$ range. So, theres a nice mix, but you can definitely find value!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in Seattle, especially with the variety of price points available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bad Albert's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Hidden Gem with Exceptional Service
To be honest, it takes a lot to impress me enough to spend time writing a review. Bad Alberts is gratefully a little-known secret where the bar service and the love behind each of the meals prepared should have a Michelin rating. One unique facet of this establishment is that you can actually sit and enjoy a conversation without having to yell in someone's ear (unless they have a special venue happening or the Seahawks just scored a touchdown!).
Come on in and meet the owner Corey, the bar manager Nathan, and the awesome cooks Don and Carlos; you will feel the love and passion.
- bar service10
- meals prepared10
- conversation9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Bad Albert's: An Incredible Ballard Experience!
I absolutely love Bad Albert’s! It’s a great spot at the south end of Ballard Ave. The experience is consistently wonderful, offering great food, great service, and a super relaxed atmosphere, making you feel welcome every time.
Corey, the General Manager, is dedicated to great service, drawing on years of hospitality experience, while Juan, the Chef, creates food on a whole new level. My wife and I frequently visit with our kids for brunch on weekends, and our only challenge is choosing from the menu because everything is so dang good. The Ballard Ave Cheesesteak with a side of Aujus is a total home run.
Last week, I had the Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast with two fried eggs, which was the best meal I’d had in a very long time. I returned today to try it again, which is unusual for me as I often get disappointed on a second visit, but today, it was somehow even better than the first time. If you haven’t been to Bad Albert’s, do yourself a favor and head in for some amazing food, great service, and a 100% Ballard experience.
P. S. They also have great Bloody Mary’s!
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Old School Bar Worth a Visit
My experience at this old school bar was definitely worth a visit. The staff and regulars were very nice. The food was excellent, receiving a perfect score.
The service was also highly rated, and the atmosphere was enjoyable, though it had moderate noise.
- staff9
- food10
- service8
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Welcoming Staff, Great Service & Atmosphere
As visitors from out of town, we found the owner and staff to be very welcoming. The service was great, and the atmosphere was fantastic. We will definitely come back here on our next trip to Seattle.
- owner and staff9
- Service9
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Saved the Night with Fantastic Food and Service!
BEST EVENING EVER! It may have started bad then worse before this place SAVED the night. After being rejected at one pub, I told my partner I found another place.
We looked at the menu and my partner excitedly said 'They have fish and chips! ' After we sat down, the bartender greeted us with menus to look at while he went to attend the other customers. He came back after 5 minutes to take our orders and within 15 minutes our orders arrived hot and fresh.
Best special burger I've had! No Best mac and cheese EVER! The bartender returned asking how is everything?
'FANTASTIC' This bartender checked on EVERYONE not just us. It wasn't too busy just a few customers. Great service for a bartender alone on a slow Tuesday night.
- fish and chips8
- special burger10
- mac and cheese10
What Bad Albert's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you find at Bad Albert's?
At Bad Albert’s, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with table service available. It’s also a great spot for a quick bite or dessert, making it versatile for various dining preferences.
Are there special offerings like happy hour or late-night food at Bad Albert's?
Yes, Bad Albert’s offers a variety of appealing options. You can enjoy happy hour drinks and happy hour food, making it ideal for after-work gatherings. They also serve late-night food, hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
How does Bad Albert's generally rate with customers?
Bad Albert’s holds a solid 7.7 overall score, with customers particularly appreciating the Service (8.4) and Ambience (8.1). The Food (7.9) also receives good marks, though Value (4.2) is a notable area for improvement.
What are the main positive aspects of Bad Albert's?
Guests frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, the lively karaoke and live music atmosphere, and the quality of their bar food, including burgers and wings.
What should I be aware of before visiting Bad Albert's?
Some customers have raised concerns about unexpected fees and a lack of transparency in pricing. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent food quality and issues with the cleanliness of the bathroom.