BalMar is Ballard's latest sleek new 'gathering spot'

At the intersection of Ballard Avenue and Market Street, the BalMar marks the intersection of two generations: old Ballard and the new, urban village it has become.

Located in the heart of the neighborhood, this sleek, stylish gathering place featuring artisan cocktails and sharable small plates lives in a classic 1920s, two-story brick building that began as a Ballard department store and was also the area's office-machine store for more than 30 years. In fact, current co-owner Steve Mako spent 15 years at the latter, working for his father, Zoltan Mako, while promoting the neighborhood he calls home.

Known by his friends as the Mayor of Ballard, Mako's wife Susan Ward says, "He's always been a Ballard booster, since waaaaaay before it was fashionable. He predicted the resurgence of Ballard more than a decade ago."

Mako and co-owner Andrea Martin partnered to provide Ballard with its biggest bar yet, but also a comfortable, sustainable space that can serve as a sort of living room for the community.

"Say you have one of the new 600-square-foot condos that have been going up here," explains Martin. "Now, you have somewhere comfortable to go, spread out, have a cocktail and socialize."

Martin, who also runs a company called Space City Mixer, hopes to make BalMar a place for Ballard and the rest of Seattle to mingle.

"We designed it to encourage interaction," she says. "It's all about getting to know your neighbor."

And with long, low leather couches and movable tables and ottomans, it's easy to create both intimate spaces and open, communal seating.

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BalMar's "rec room."

The 4,000-square-foot space features two floors, with a bar and seating on each. The upstairs, otherwise known as the "rec room," also has two pool tables and a huge picture window to peer out and watch passersby on Market Street.

But a lot more than flexible furnishings went into the BalMar. The building itself underwent a complete seismic retrofit, including 90,000 pounds of newly poured concrete and 27,000 pounds of steel in the form of support beams. And instead of covering up the beams with plaster and paint, they were integrated into the overall design, adding a shiny yet industrial touch to the traditional elements of exposed brick and original hardwood floors (which had to be unearthed from layers of carpet and glue).

Other eye-catching artisan touches include the red terrazzo bar tops with brass fossil-like flecks that catch the light of unique fixtures reclaimed from an area church, a large mirror mosaic and a half-reclaimed/half-new chandelier enshrouded in broomstick handles by artist Sean Wilson.

The blend of contemporary and traditional elements doesn't stop with the decor. The BalMar bar and kitchen also follow suit.

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BalMar serves up a mean Hangar 1 vodka martini.

"Classically trained" bar manager Treg Finney mixes up traditional favorites using small batch distillers and artisan spirits whenever possible.

"We emphasize quality and craftsmanship versus flair — making sure things are done simply, but done well," explains Finney passionately. "I was trained in an old-school setting in San Francisco and tend to make a lot of the classics like Old Fashioneds, Kir Royals and martinis."

Whatever concoction cajoles you, you're sure to have several top-shelf spirits and fine French and American wines to choose from. Sample the Hangar One Mandarin Blossom or Charbay Meyer Lemon vodkas — tasty all on their own with a twist. Try the popular Capri or BalMar Drop. Or opt for a bottle of Loosen Bros. "Dr. L." Reisling, or a split of Karl Lawrence Cabernet, which, according to Finney, is what all the Napa winemakers are drinking.

From the kitchen, Chef Andrew Ingram offers a taste of old Ballard while adding a new twist with dishes like Scandinavian-inspired Kobe Beef Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries, House Cured Troll King Salmon Gravlox and White Anchovies. These 4- to 5-oz. small plates, similar to tapas, are perfect for sharing as well as sampling a little taste of everything.

The menu also reflects BalMar's focus on sustainability using mainly organic produce and meats. "We purchase most of our produce from the Farmer's Market and offer Farmer's Market Sunday Specials," says Chef Ingram.

And when it comes to sustainability, even the potty was given a lot of thought. The BalMar bathrooms have sensor lights to conserve energy and water-free urinals that save up to 80,000 gallons per year.

So if you love old Ballard but you're looking for an up-and-coming neighborhood bar with an urban, loungy vibe, then try BalMar. The owners spent the time and energy it takes to tastefully (and thoughtfully) mix the best of both worlds.

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