Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Olaf’s – Seattle
Olaf's - Seattle
Photo from Olaf’s
Olaf's at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#366 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#7 Bar & Grill out of 14 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
204
Reviews
84.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Tacos
- Best Tots
- Pinball Fun
Frequently criticized
- Loud Room
- Poor Service
- Limited Drinks
The Bar & Grill Olaf’s in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers you a fantastic spot to unwind. You’ll find a great beer selection, making it a prime destination for those who appreciate quality brews.
This casual and cozy establishment is perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a lively evening out.
Overview: Introducting Olaf's
Olaf’s offers a lively atmosphere with engaging entertainment and satisfying food. Customers often praise the tacos and tater tots, making it a solid choice for casual dining.
The friendly bartenders also contribute to a welcoming vibe, creating a comfortable spot for many. However, some experiences point to occasional issues with drink availability and a loud main room that can detract from the overall comfort.
Service can also be inconsistent, with some noting an unwelcoming attitude at times, which might impact certain visits.
Good
7.7
out of 10
204
Reviews
84.8%
Satisfaction
23
negative
8
neutral
173
positive
Overall, Olaf’s earns a respectable 7.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction standing at a strong 84.8%. This positive sentiment is built on 173 favorable comments against 23 less favorable ones, out of 204 total customer remarks.
It suggests a generally positive experience for most patrons. Digging deeper, the Food (8.1) stands out as a particular strength, frequently mentioned and highly regarded.
The Ambience (7.6) also contributes positively, offering a distinct character. While Service (7.3) and Value (7.1) are also rated well, they indicate areas that, while good, might not consistently reach the same heights as the culinary offerings.
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Best tater tots
- Lively pinball atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud main room
- Unwelcoming service
- Limited drink options
With a solid 7.9 recommendation score, Olaf’s generally delivers a good time, especially if you appreciate a lively spot with engaging entertainment. It’s a place where the food and unique atmosphere often hit the mark, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
However, be prepared for a potentially noisy environment and occasional service quirks. If you prioritize a quiet meal or specific drink variety, you might find it less ideal.
For casual fun and tasty bites, Olaf’s is certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Olaf's
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent 90.5% customer satisfaction and a good score of 8.1. With 67 positive remarks out of 74 total, guests consistently rave about the delicious chicken sandwich, bargain tacos, and amazing tater tots. The cheesesteak and pub food also get high praise for being tasty and affordable, alongside a great beer selection.
However, its not entirely without its minor quibbles, with only 5 negative comments. Some found the Hot Wings very hot but lacking flavor, and one instance noted food unavailability due to a cook being out sick. There was even a playful wish for not more Silkie sauce, ' suggesting it was good but scarce.
Food
74
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Killer chicken sandwich
- Bargain tacos
- Amazing tater tots
What people don't like
- Flavorless hot wings
Often praised
- foodWhile I'm not a skilled pinball player, the cool selection of Pin Ball games provided a fun atmosphere for people-watching and enjoying the games. The overall atmosphere and food were rated a 5 out of 5, and service was also excellent.
- beer selectionMy experience at this local dive bar was great. It boasts a solid beer selection and a variety of food options. The atmosphere is lively with arcade and pinball machines, making it a fun spot.
- tater totsTheir tater tots are the best in town
- beero got a nice one !! Bale Breaker I loved !
- beer listthe beer list is pretty good
- beersThe beers are cold and tasty
- tacos$1.50 tacos are amazing!!
- tap listgreat tap list with some hard to find things
- totsgood tots
- $1.50 tacosenjoy the $1.50 tacos
Frequently criticized
- Hot WingsHot Wings was very hot and not flavorful
- Silkie saucenot more silkie sauce
- aquavitMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant disappointment regarding drink availability. While I miss the Copper Gate, the main issue was that they only had one aquavit available on May 17th. This was an immense fail.
- drink availabilityMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant disappointment regarding drink availability. While I miss the Copper Gate, the main issue was that they only had one aquavit available on May 17th. This was an immense fail.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, the cook was out sick, which meant there was no food available. However, I understand that these things happen and are part of life.
If youre looking for a place with consistently good and affordable eats, especially their standout chicken sandwich and tacos, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there are a few minor critiques, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll leave satisfied.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 72.3%, its clear that most folks have a great experience. Many of the 34 positive remarks highlight the "friendly staff" and "amazing bartenders" who are often described as "kind" and providing "quick service" for food and drinks.
It seems the team really makes visitors feel welcome. However, not every interaction is perfect, as seen in the 10 negative comments. Some guests encountered issues like a "bartender" with an "attitude" or felt their "time" was wasted due to slow service or specific ID problems.
While these instances are fewer, they suggest theres still room for improvement in ensuring consistent positive interactions across the board.
Service
47
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Amazing bartenders
- Quick drink service
What people don't like
- Poor bartender attitude
- Inconsistent service
- ID verification issues
Often praised
- serviceWhile I'm not a skilled pinball player, the cool selection of Pin Ball games provided a fun atmosphere for people-watching and enjoying the games. The overall atmosphere and food were rated a 5 out of 5, and service was also excellent.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a hole in the wall with great staff and great regulars. It's a place to go forth and be cool.
- bartenderBartender was extremely kind
- bartendersService and bartenders are amazing
- Bar TenderHe took my food and drink order quick even though busy
- ServiceService and bartenders are amazing
- barMy experience at the restaurant was that it was busy, but I was still able to get to the bar pretty easily. They have some pinball which is cool, and the beer list is pretty good.
- barkeepersFriendly barkeepers.
- food and drink orderHe took my food and drink order quick
- friendly bartendersthey always have friendly bartenders
Frequently criticized
- bartenderthe bartender let me know to tell my friend that he was no longer welcome there
- attitudeThe attitude was clear they don’t like a young crowd.
- change machinethe change machine got jammed with my 5 dollar bill
- customersThey must not need customers if they think they can treat people that way
- new Oregon IDThey don’t know a fake from a real id. New Oregon ID
- open earlier on weekendsonly wish they'd open earlier on weekends
- servicewhen change shift things changed
- service industryunacceptable in the service industry
- timePlease don’t waste your time with this place
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally friendly and efficient service, especially from the bar staff, youll likely have a good time. Just be aware that a few experiences mention inconsistent attitudes, so manage your expectations, but it's definitely worth a visit for the positive vibes.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 7.6, with customer satisfaction at a great 88.2%. Many folks love the unique character, describing it as a hole in the wall with charm and heart. With 67 positive remarks out of 76, guests frequently praise the nice atmosphere, pinball machines, and the friendly environment that makes for a fun, lively spot.
However, not everyone finds the atmosphere perfect. A few of the 6 negative comments mention the main room can be overly-loud due to sound ricocheting, and some felt a lack of diversity or didn't feel welcomed. It seems while many enjoy the bustling energy, it might not be the quietest or most universally inclusive spot for all.
Ambience
76
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun pinball machines
- Lively, quirky atmosphere
- Friendly neighborhood bar
What people don't like
- Can be overly loud
- Some felt unwelcome
Often praised
- pinballThe service was good during the day, and while it became a bit more "no BS" after the shift change, it remained good. The atmosphere was enhanced by lots of pinball, and the establishment was very clean. I will definitely come back.
- atmosphereatmosphere were rated a 5 out of 5
- barComfortable bar with nice atmosphere
- regularsMy experience at this restaurant was great! It's a hole in the wall with great staff and great regulars. It's a place to go forth and be cool.
- characterMy experience at this bar was that it's kinda divey and kinda funky. I think this bar has something for everyone, and a lot of character, not to mention a lovely beer selection.
- crowdThe atmosphere is lively with arcade and pinball machines, making it a fun spot. I also appreciated the friendly crowd and the good service I received.
- hole in the wallmay look like a hole in the wall from the outside
- pinball roomSeparate pinball room with a good selection of machines
- AtmosphereVibe is between a dive bar and a little quirky diner
- PeoplePeople are fun!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThis entire scenario made the entire atmosphere so sour
- clutter and noiseout of the way from the clutter and noise
- diversitylooking for diversity or a place just to feel welcomed
- feeling welcomedjust to feel welcomed no matter where your from please don’t go here
- main roomthe main room ricochets sound so sometimes it can be overly-loud
- welcomedIf you don’t look like them your not welcomed
If you're looking for a lively, old-school bar with a quirky charm and a love for pinball, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy main room, and know that some have felt less welcomed, so it might not be for everyone.
Value (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a 7.1 score, indicating good performance, and a solid 71.4% customer satisfaction, its clear many find it worthwhile. Guests rave about the "price" and "bargain" tacos, especially the amazing ones, plus the "drinks" are often noted as relatively cheap.
The convenience of the "PayRange mobile payment app" also gets a shout-out, based on 5 positive remarks. However, its not entirely without its quirks. While the overall value is good, a couple of points, from 2 negative remarks, suggest some areas for improvement.
One guest mentioned an issue with lost 5 dollars, which is certainly frustrating. Another felt the price for a standard local IPA was a bit high, wishing for cheaper options despite the great tap list.
Value
7
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing tacos
- Good value prices
- Cheap drinks
What people don't like
- Lost money
- Expensive IPA
Often praised
- PayRange mobile payment appaccepts PayRange mobile payment app
- bargainThe tacos are a bargain
- drinksDrinks are relatively cheap for Ballard
- price$1.50 tacos are amazing!!
- pricesThe food quality is great overall, and the service was also excellent. The prices are solid, offering good value. However, the main room can be quite loud due to sound ricocheting, which can be annoying at times.
Frequently criticized
- lost 5 dollarsi lost 5 dollars
- priceThey offer a great tap list with some hard to find options. However, it would be nice if they also had a standard local IPA available for a few dollars less. The tots are great.
Overall, if youre looking for good bang for your buck, especially with their food and drink specials, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just keep an eye on your wallet and maybe ask about IPA prices if thats your go-to, but don't let minor hiccups deter you from the overall good value.
How are the prices at Olaf's?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 23 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Grill, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend within this $11–$20 bracket, with a good number also opting for the slightly higher $21–$30 range. So, prices generally cluster around that average, offering a consistent mid-range experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
See how this Bar & Grill’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Grill in Seattle. It hits that sweet spot for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Olaf's
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great service from the bartender
My experience at the restaurant was positive, primarily due to the Bar Tender. He was very efficient, taking my food and drink order quickly even though the establishment was busy.
- Bar Tender9
- food and drink order9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fun Vibe with Great Food & Pinball
My experience at this restaurant was a lot of fun! The vibe was great, and the decor was quirky and unique. The barkeepers were friendly, and there's a separate pinball room with a good selection of machines and reasonable prices for play.
The food was good, and they even have some gluten-free options available. It's definitely worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood, or even a trip if you're looking for a decent meal, fun decor, and a side of pinball.
- vibe9
- decor9
- barkeepers8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Drinks and Pinball Fun!
My experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on the drinks and the unique atmosphere. I didn't have any food, but the drinks were spot on. If you're a fan of pinball, you will absolutely love this place.
They even have the classic Twilight Zone machine!
- drinks9
- pinball10
- Twilight Zone9
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unwelcoming Service and ID Policy
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to their strict and unwelcoming attitude towards young patrons. They seemed unable to recognize a new Oregon ID, which is reportedly very difficult to counterfeit. The staff's demeanor made it clear they were not keen on serving a younger crowd.
- new Oregon ID2
- attitude1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Great Bar with Good Food and Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the good beer, good food, and good vibes. They also have pinball, which is a fun addition.
My only wish is that they would open earlier on weekends.
- beer9
- food9
- vibes9
- open earlier on weekends3
What Olaf's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you find at Olaf's in Ballard?
At Olaf’s, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You can enjoy live performances, engage in bar games, or catch your favorite sports. Plus, you’ll appreciate the great beer selection available.
Is Olaf's wheelchair accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, Olaf’s is fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience. While parking can sometimes be a bit challenging, you’ll find free street parking usually available nearby.
How does Olaf's rate overall?
Olaf’s holds a good overall score of **7.7** out of 10. Its **Food** (8.1) is particularly well-regarded, followed by its **Ambience** (7.6), **Service** (7.3), and **Value** (7.1).
What are some popular food items at Olaf's?
Customers frequently praise Olaf’s for its **tacos** and **tater tots**, often describing them as delicious and a good bargain.
Is Olaf's a good place for a quiet meal?
Not always. While it offers a lively atmosphere with **pinball**, some patrons note that the **main room** can be quite loud due to sound ricocheting.