The Noble Fir +Russ
The Noble Fir
5316 Ballard Ave NW, 206-420-7425
The Noble Fir is a beacon of chill amongst the crazy mass of bars in Ballard. Yeah, it can get busy just like the rest of them, but its simple interior—with shelves of books to borrow and big windows to gaze out at the scene on Ballard Avenue—makes it one of my favorites in the area.
And with $1 off drafts during their happy hour (4–6:30 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday), it can be a slightly more affordable place to drink craft beer in the heart of Ballard. I tried Holy Mountain Brewing’s Kiln & Cone on a recent visit, a hazy orange pale ale bursting with aromas of juicy hops and then a much more subdued piney flavor. Its bitterness was balanced and made it an extremely drinkable.
