Old, grizzled Scandinavians mix with young Ballard hipsters at this hard-drinkin' haunt.

This Irish pub regularly has good bands on the folk/Irish side of things, and the joint knows how to pour a Guinness (in 20-ounce pint glasses, of course).

Copper Gate strives to be true to Ballard's Scandinavian roots. You can get a cold shot of Aquavit here, chase it with a lingonberry soda and nibble on tasty plates of Swedish meatballs and gravlax. Never mind the goofy Viking boat-shaped bar with its sail composed of vintage nude photos.

Modeled after a Chinese apothecary, the herbal cocktails and swank vibe of this fabulous ultra-lounge are just what the doctor ordered.

Equal parts American diner and hipster bar, Hattie's is the place to go for comfort food like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, pork chops or a tasty BLT.

This cozy, pirate-themed tavern serves a big purpose: It's the taproom of Ballard's Maritime Pacific Brewing Company. The lunch and dinner menus are robust, and the beer is the nectar of the gods.

From its hardwood fixtures to its wall festooned with tacked-up vintage photos, the place feels as old as the hills. It's a no-nonsense bar with a pool table, a Skee-Ball machine, a giant outdoor seating area and a killer menu of burgers 'n' brews.

Nice and simple — great fish and chips, pitchers of beer, uncrowded pool tables and a decent jukebox.

What you will find here is a well-stocked bar, a decent Southwestern-themed menu heavy with tasty Tex-Mex appetizers and entrees, ruggedly handsome Spanish-themed décor and a staff that's friendly and hard-working.

A beer connoisseur's dream, Old Town offers up representatives of six kinds of Trappist ale.

The People's Pub serves German beers and bratwurst mit sauerkraut, but more importantly, it has a full bar in the back of the house — one of Ballard's best.

With its kitschy Asian décor, full bar and terrific music and entertainment bookings — everything from indie bands to demented bingo — it's little wonder that the Sunset has such a devoted crowd.

The beers at Tigertail pair neatly with the kitchen's selection of small plates, created by chef Stacie Pike. So far, we've tried the delicata squash potstickers, the green-tea-and-citrus chicken satay with sticky rice, and the braised beef short rib potsickers, and it's all delicious.

Funky atmosphere, hip crowd, drink specials, cheap, tasty bar food and a great juke box.

The Tractor draws some of the top touring alt-country, roots-rock and folk acts, and it's a warm, superb place to see a show.