The Gerald: Mid-Western Comforts and Cocktails

In the midst of hopping Ballard Ave., this bar distinguishes itself with a classic Americana menu.

By Seattle Mag August 21, 2012

0912barhop

This article originally appeared in the September 2012 issue of Seattle Magazine.

The Middle
While The Gerald sits on the western edge of the country, it boasts a very Wisconsin-in-the-1970s chic design, especially in the front room, where co-owner Kevin Rothrock (a restaurateur returning home after stints in Wyoming and Manhattan), along with food marketer Elliot Westwater, has upholstered booths in orange tweed, with a stretch bar belted by a long red track light. The back room has a delightful lounge/cafeteria feel.

Comfort & Cocktails
With executive chef Josh Green (formerly of the Virginia Inn and Ponti Seafood Grill) at the helm, the menu also harks somewhat to the Midwest, with updates to comfort food faves such as pigs in a blanket with house-made sausages ($6) or veggie chips with house-made French onion dip ($5). However, as when visiting an aunt in the Midwest, you may find that a few dishes are rough around the edges; the Deviled Duckies ($6), or duck eggs with horseradish, were a step past mangled. The Gerald’s cocktail constructions also hit a few bumps, but don’t miss the Five-Spice Flip ($10), which combines house-infused five-spice gin, limoncello, egg white, cinnamon and clove.

5210 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.432.9280; thegeraldseattle.com

 

Follow Us