Ballard may not get rid of it's negative stigma as being a place filled with junk yards, old people, and a depressed retail market, but it has changed "underground." The low rents, historic industrial buildings, and a cobble stoned main street has brought popularity to this classic Seattle neighborhood amongst many subcultures.

The main attraction...Hattie's Hat. Offering life's greatest pleasures: Bourbon, chicken-fried chicken, and twang-lovin' music. It is a place where the Old Scandinavian fishing village meets the urban jet set in harmonic perfection. Hattie's bar is truly unique. Ornate carved wood edifice and yellowing novelty prints against the backdrop of barroom blackness, suggests the perfect setting to enjoy a slice of spinach-and-cheese casserole.

Since you cannot compare apples to broccoli, the only reason to come to Ballard if you don't already live there, is to see a show at Tractor Tavern. Where is it? Just follow the crowd leaving from Hattie's Hat just a couple of doors down. On prime show nights at the Tractor, traffic to-and-fro between the two doesn't let up. Angst grunge music that still makes a good portion of the "Seattle scene" won't be found at the Tractor. This is not a place where you sit in a dark corner and skulk. It is a place to dance, prance and split your pants to the swanky, spanky live music. The dance floor is small so if you kick the shin of the prissy swing dancer next to you, remember you are in Seattle and apologies are required.

Even though Hattie's is an eclectic place in and of itself, it mainly serves as a place to satisfy that deep humanistic desire to have some "hash after the bash" and reminisce over the kick-ass show that you just saw at the Tractor. Enjoy!