Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Great Notion Brewing – Seattle
Great Notion Brewing - Seattle
Photo from Great Notion Brewing
Great Notion Brewing at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 27 of the guests
#489 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#52 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
378
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great beer
- Good food
- Nice vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- QR ordering
- Loud atmosphere
The bar & pub Great Notion Brewing in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers a truly great beer selection that you won’t want to miss. This casual yet trendy spot is perfect for unwinding, whether you’re looking for a relaxed dine-in experience or enjoying the fresh air on their outdoor seating.
You’ll find Great Notion Brewing – Ballard to be a welcoming destination for delicious food and drinks, making it a standout in the local scene.
Overview: Introducting Great Notion Brewing
Great Notion Brewing offers a compelling experience, primarily celebrated for its exceptional beer and a generally welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the vibrant vibes that make it a popular spot for gatherings.
It’s a place where the quality of the brews truly stands out. However, the experience isn’t without its hitches.
Some patrons have encountered inconsistent service, particularly with digital ordering systems, and certain locations can feel a bit impersonal or overly crowded, impacting the overall comfort for some visitors.
Good
7.3
out of 10
378
Reviews
73.3%
Satisfaction
84
negative
17
neutral
277
positive
Great Notion Brewing earns a solid 7.3 out of 10 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a good 73.3%. This indicates a generally positive reception, reflecting a place that largely meets expectations.
The insights are drawn from 378 customer comments, with a clear majority of 277 positive remarks against 84 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (8) offerings, especially the diverse beer selection and accompanying bites, are highly regarded.
The Ambience (7.5) also scores well, providing a pleasant setting for many. Value (7.3) is considered fair, though experiences can vary.
The Service (5.8), however, presents a more mixed picture, suggesting areas where consistency could be improved.
What people like
- Exceptional beer selection
- Tasty food options
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- QR code ordering issues
- Noisy, crowded environment
If you’re primarily seeking a destination for inventive and high-quality brews, Great Notion Brewing is certainly worth considering. With a recommendation score of 7.5, it generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially for those who appreciate a lively atmosphere and good food to pair with their drinks.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service interactions or a bustling environment, particularly if you prefer a quieter, more traditional ordering process. It’s a place that shines for its core offerings but might not suit everyone’s preference for operational smoothness.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Bar & Pub
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
230
98.3%
- $$
- Wallingford
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
106
96.2%
- $$
- Washington Park
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
157
98.1%
- $$
- Van Asselt
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
164
98.2%
- $$
- Fremont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
141
95.7%
- $$
- Central Business District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
183
95.6%
- $$
- Ballard
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Great Notion Brewing
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the delicious details of the food and drink! This spot scores a fantastic 8 for its offerings, with customer satisfaction hitting a high note at 82.5%. Based on 165 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the "amazing beers, " highlighting the "unique and delicious brews" and "great selection.
" Dont forget the smash burgers and delicious food that also earn high marks! Still, it's not all perfect, as 24 comments out of 200 total did express some concerns. A few patrons encountered terrible tasting beers or a confusing beer selection.
There were also isolated mentions of rancid beer and some found the high alcohol beers to be a bit much.
Food
200
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
24
negative
11
neutral
165
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing beers
- Delicious food
- Unique brews
What people don't like
- Terrible tasting beers
- Confusing beer selection
- Rancid beer
Often praised
- beerinvest that money into the beer. And THAT is where they shine.
- beersLove their beers! They seem like they experiment with a lot of different beer styles and have refined them to be delicious!
- foodI had some of the best IPAs I’ve ever tasted, which were incredible. The service was excellent, and the food was good. Overall, a great experience.
- soursThank you for testing wild flavors; I absolutely love your 420 beer and brunch beer. 11/10 sours, keep it up!
- drinksHe's one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of chatting with while ordering. The food is a smash, and so are the drinks. While it's a bit out of the way for me, I love it!
- IPAsProvided you like Kettle Sours and/or IPAs, then you cannot go wrong
- burgersI enjoyed the excellent beer and the service was top-notch. The adjacent spot offers old school burgers and crispy fries, which were also great. It's a dog friendly establishment, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.
- friesI enjoyed the excellent beer and the service was top-notch. The adjacent spot offers old school burgers and crispy fries, which were also great. It's a dog friendly establishment, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.
- beer selectionThe beer selection is incredible
- smash burgersAmazing smash burgers and fries
Frequently criticized
- FoodFood:2
- GF drink optionsA few more GF drink options would be nice
- IPAit was not light
- IPAsall 5 available IPAs and all tasted the same
- New England styleall are New England style, yet each of them had varying degrees of hazy pineapple flavor
- bad beerwasn't a bad beer in the bunch
- bad tasteleft with a bad taste in your mouth
- beer descriptionsweb app truncates all the beer descriptions
- beer listsnot a clear beer list visible anywhere
- beer selectionconfusing beer selection
If youre a fan of creative brews and tasty smash burgers, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a small number of experiences mention off-tasting beers, the overwhelming sentiment points to a fantastic selection and delicious food that wont disappoint.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests found a lot to love, with 55 positive remarks out of 106 total comments. Youll often hear praise for the friendly staff, great service, and genuine hospitality. Many appreciated the speedy service and helpful bartenders who offered excellent recommendations, making for a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
However, the experience isnt universally stellar, as reflected by an average score of 5.8 and mixed customer satisfaction at 51.9%. There were 48 negative comments, frequently mentioning poor service and staff described as rude or indifferent. The clunky app and overall ordering process via QR codes were also significant sources of frustration for some.
Service
106
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
48
negative
3
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great, speedy service
- Good hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude, indifferent staff
- Clunky ordering app
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceService was super fact and we had our beer like 2 minutes after we ordered
- staffWe absolutely love this place and keep coming back! The great beers, great staff, and great vibes make it a top choice.
- Serviceyall have my whole crew a lil sample & made sure everyone was comfortable
- recommendationsgiving me tons of recommendations for food in the area!
- GNGN is top notch
- bartenderThe "modern" Paul Bunyan theme is unique and truly makes sense once you're there. Both the lager and Pale ale I tried were immaculate, and the bartender was awesome. Although I didn't get to try the food, the aroma suggested it was top-notch.
- bartendersSuper friendly bartenders
- beertendersthe beertenders are phenomenal
- customer serviceGreat Notion is about the only thing I drink, but the Ballard location just gives off a bad vibe, like it’s one of those gentrified breweries where only “cool bros” can go. It’s a longer drive, but I will be choosing the Georgetown location over Ballard as they have a better vibe and better customer service (probably due to location). This is not the only negative experience I’ve had here, but it is the most recent.
- drivingrecommend driving vs walking
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this brewery was the absolute worst. I encountered the worst beers, the worst service, and a terrible ordering process. It's no wonder this place went out of business.
- staffpersonal grosero y sucio, lo tomamos más a una actitud racista de su personal
- QR codeQR code scanned but the toasttab link didn't load
- QR code orderingDon’t like the QR code group check ordering
- acknowledgementbefore I got any acknowledgement
- app orderingordering from an app just doesn’t embody what I like
- bad serviceexperienced bad service when we arrived
- bartenderpoor service from green haired bartender
- bartendersignored by every bartender.
- beer menusNo beer menu’s posted anywhere
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly and speedy service, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering a less-than-stellar ordering process or staff that might not hit the mark, especially if you prefer traditional service over app-based ordering.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.5 and leaving a good 79.7% of customers satisfied. Based on 51 positive remarks out of 64 total, many rave about the chill brewery atmosphere, the dog friendly patio, and the great vibes. The versatile indoor/outdoor seating and lots of light also contribute to a welcoming space.
On the flip side, there are some areas for improvement. A few experiences felt impersonal, and some visitors noted that kids yelling and crying could make it hard to hear the music. Parking was also a minor concern for a handful of guests.
Ambience
64
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
51
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chill brewery vibes
- Dog-friendly patio
- Indoor/outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Impersonal experience
- Loud kids present
- Parking can be tough
Often praised
- atmosphereThey serve the best beer in Seattle. The servers were incredibly friendly, making the atmosphere very welcoming. I enjoyed it so much that if they’d let me put a hammock out back, I’d maybe never leave.
- Atmospheremade sure everyone was comfortable
- vibesMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, particularly with the excellent beer selection and the good vibes. It's an ideal spot for parties of 1-6.
- dog friendlythey are dog friendly
- placeSuch a cool place to get drinks and food
- spacethe space was nice
- Georgetown locationGeorgetown location got 5 stars from me
- Indoor and outdoor seatingIndoor and outdoor seating
- Monday triviaMonday trivia was fun
- TVs onthey had some tvs on to watch the Masters
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was a significant issue
- foul smellcomplaining about the "foul smell it was creating"
- impersonal experienceThe whole experience was very impersonal
- kidsso many kids whenever we come
- musicYou can't hear the music
- parkingone rough thing is parking
- seattough to get a seat sometimes
- tablesnos sentaron a un costado del baño, llegaron nuevos clientes y los sentaron en las mesas más cómodas
- vibeI love to support local, so paying $30 for a 4-pack is worth it to me, but not with poor customer service. Great Notion is about the only thing I drink, but the Ballard location just gives off a bad vibe, like it’s one of those gentrified breweries where only “cool bros” can go. It’s a longer drive, but I will be choosing the Georgetown location over Ballard as they have a better vibe and better customer service (probably due to location).
- yelling and cryingHowever, the atmosphere was a significant issue. There were so many kids whenever we came, we could only stand one drink because of the yelling and crying. You couldn't hear the music and barely the person next to you.
If you're looking for a relaxed, dog-friendly spot with good vibes and flexible seating, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that it can get lively, and parking might require a little patience.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 75%, its clear many find the pricing quite appealing. Out of 8 total comments, 6 highlight the "great price" and "affordable beers.
" The "menu" also gets a shout-out for offering genuinely cheap food options, making it easy to save money. However, its not all sunshine and savings. A couple of voices, 2 to be exact, express concern over certain brews.
There are mentions of price gouging for specific items, like a 4-pack of IPAs, which some feel doesn't justify the cost. It seems some premium items might stretch your wallet more than expected.
Value
8
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable food menu
- Great beer prices
- Overall good value
What people don't like
- Expensive craft brews
- High IPA prices
Often praised
- priceThe beers were absolutely delicious, and I will definitely go again. Although I didn't try the food this time, it looked great and was offered at a great price!
- affordable beersactual affordable beers that taste better
- menuThey also have a great little food stand inside called, Food By 'Burbs. Everything on the menu is under $5! We usually grab a cheeseburger, grilled cheese, and fries to share as the serving size is huge.
- pricescan’t beat these prices
Frequently criticized
- brewscharging nearly $30 for a 4 pack of IPAs
- price gougingdoesn’t justify price gouging
If you're looking for a place with generally great prices on food and many beer options, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that some specialty brews might come with a higher price tag, so choose wisely to maximize your savings.
How are the prices at Great Notion Brewing?
On average, you’ll spend around 21 per person – based on 27 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a bit on the higher side for just a quick drink.
Interestingly, while the average is 21$, many guests actually spend less, often in the 11-20$ range. There are also a few who opt for more premium choices, showing a nice spread of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 27 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers options for different budgets, so you can grab a quick, cheaper bite or splurge a little more if you wish.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Great Notion Brewing
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
FREAKING BOMB Po' Boy!
My experience at the restaurant was the ‘FREAKING BOMB’! The new Po’ Boy and Tings food menu is amazing. I had the 8” Oyster PO Boy, which was huge and packed with a large amount of oyster.
It wasn’t fried to a crisp and was super juicy with killer flavor. Of course, the Great Notion beer was crazy on point. Thank you guys.
- Oyster PO Boy10
- Great Notion beer10
- menu9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Immaculate Vibes and Phenomenal Service!
My experience at Great Notion Ballard and Georgetown has been consistently outstanding. The vibes are immaculate, and the beertenders are phenomenal. They offer great recommendations, provide amazing and speedy service, and are some of the funniest and warmest people I've met.
I used to dislike sours, but Great Notion has converted me – I'm now drinking them regularly! I truly love this place and their beer.
- vibes10
- beertenders10
- recommendations9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Drinks and Amazing Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had great drinks and the service was amazing. You won’t go wrong with any choice of draft you pick 🤤.
- drinks9
- service10
- draft9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Sour Beers and Weekend Releases
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their fantastic sour beers. We enjoyed drinking them on-site, and they also offer 4 packs to go. I appreciate that they consistently do a great job releasing something interesting and different every weekend.
- sour beers9
- 4 packs8
- interesting and different9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Lively Spot with Great Beer Selection
My experience at this place was lively, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The beer selection is great, and I particularly love the fruited and sour options. The service was excellent, rated at a 5, and the atmosphere was also good, rated at a 4.
While the food received a rating of 3, the overall experience was positive due to the great drinks and atmosphere.
- beer selection9
- fruited9
- sours9
What Great Notion Brewing offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Great Notion Brewing - Ballard?
You’ll discover a casual and trendy atmosphere at Great Notion Brewing – Ballard, perfect for a relaxed outing. You can enjoy your meal and drinks with comfortable seating indoors or opt for their inviting outdoor seating, making it a versatile spot for any occasion.
Are there convenient parking and accessibility features available at Great Notion Brewing - Ballard?
Yes, you’ll find parking to be hassle-free with usually plenty of free street parking available nearby. Additionally, Great Notion Brewing – Ballard ensures everyone feels welcome with a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom for your convenience.
How does Great Notion Brewing score overall?
Great Notion Brewing achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 7.3 out of 10, with a Customer Satisfaction of 73.3%. This is driven by strong scores in Food (8) and Ambience (7.5), good Value (7.3), but a more average Service (5.8).
What are the standout features of Great Notion Brewing's offerings?
Customers consistently praise Great Notion Brewing for its exceptional beer selection, including IPAs and sours, and the quality of its food, such as smash burgers and fries. Many find the prices to be quite reasonable for the quality.
Are there any common issues with the service or atmosphere at Great Notion Brewing?
Some patrons have reported inconsistent service experiences, including issues with QR code ordering and feeling ignored by staff. The atmosphere, while generally positive, can sometimes be perceived as noisy or crowded, especially due to many kids.