Rotgut.org Blog

Sunday, May 04, 2008

#635 - The Ballard Loft (Seattle) - 5/2/2008

Update: The Ballard Loft closed April 9, 2019.

I don't know what went wrong here. The bartenders are cool, the space is nice, the drinks are good. But the patrons are awful -- backwards baseball cap wearing frat boys and other assorted airheads. I still love Ballard, but this place is not a good omen.

5105 Ballard Ave. NW Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 420-2737
Est. Jan 11, 2008 - Closed April 9, 2019 - Building constructed: 1900 or earlier
Previous bars at this location: None known
ballardloft.com - facebook - yelp

#634 - Portalis, Seattle (Ballard) - (out of order)

The Portalis wine bar closed after December 30, 2014 in advance of a relocation that will no longer include a bar.

5205 Ballard Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 783-2007
Est. 2003 - Closed Dec 30, 2014 - Building constucted: 1915
Previous bars at this location: None known
portaliswines.com - blog - thestranger - nytimes - westtoast - hungrygrrl - beyondthebottle

Saturday, April 26, 2008

#633 - Rollin Log Tavern, Issaquah - 4/26/2008

Rollin Log Tavern, Issaquah, WA

I haven't seen any primary or highly reliable sources date the Rolling Log, but one sign listed it as established in 1933 and plenty of sources date it back to the 30s. Back in the day, it was said, the Log was the hangout for lumbermen, while farmers favored the H&H, and miners in -- well, I forget that one. It recently expanded into an adjacent space, adjoined to the historic Grand Centeral Hotel. The Rolling/Rollin Log space is said to have first been the Grand Central Cafe, later Issaquah's Post Office, and then a speakeasy and bordello.

A new owner purchased the hotel/laundromat/bar and in addition to the expansion upgraded the kitchen, bathrooms, and menu. It retains a welcoming wood and taxidermy interior, but now also offers pool and a fairly varied and lively live music scene on Fridays.