Ballard Ave is in for a treat when Ballard Annex Oyster House (5410 Ballard Ave NW) opens its doors for the first time this Thursday, March 21st. The new restaurant from Seattle restaurateur duo Nathan Opper and Zak Melang is sure to open with a bang and become a favorite of Seattle seafood lovers.
The My Ballard team were invited to attend the media preview last night to sample the seafood and take in the BAOH vibe. We were greeted by steaming bowls of Manhattan and New England chowder, mini lobster rolls and of course Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Santa Fe. The delicious morsels were washed down with well presented sweet bubbles and tasty signature cocktail the Bloody Caesar.
Local Magnolia resident and Executive Chef Josh Green served up the goods, emphasizing the BAOH atmosphere of keeping it simple with exceptional service. “Stations in the restaurant will be intermixed and intertwined. Staff will have a go at everything,” said Green. When asked what he is most excited about he said, of course, “the oysters. I have to make sure they are fresh and definitely try to get in a daily half dozen.”
The 4, 000 sq. ft. space is beautifully designed with wooden floors and nautical decor creating a relaxed, yet sophisticated dining environment. In designing the Annex Melang revealed that his goal was “to create an attractive space comfortable for every seafood lover.”
Owners Opper and Melang have worked in the restaurant industry together for nearly 11 years. A quick chat with them confirmed that Opper came up with the idea for the Annex about 4 years ago, while Melang was responsible for the renovation and re-design of the space. The vision for the restaurant then came as a collaborative effort as they went through the design and remodel process. “We just wanted to go with anything that made us think seafood,” said Melang. When asked about the choice of location the duo were in agreement. “When this building came up for sale it was a no-brainer, it is an amazing building in the heart of old Ballard,” said Opper.
The building’s remodel fits the theme of the new restaurant to a tee. Both the main space and upper dining room are inviting and open to any diner. Behind the bar fresh oysters are showcased on ice under rows of attractive bottles that add flair to the extensive drinks menu.
BAOH will be serving up oysters, lobster rolls, Dungeness crab, seafood chowder and much more. Daily specials and happy hour starting at 3:30 p.m. everyday will be sure to please the crowd. Guests will also enjoy the extensive drinks menu including signature cocktails, bubbles, local draft beer and wine. Click here to check out the menu.
From the grand opening tomorrow BAOH will be open Monday-Thursday 3:30 p.m. – Midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – Midnight.
To find out more about this new restaurant check out their Facebook Page here.
