New ‘east-meets-west’ bar and restaurant The Ivy opening tomorrow in Ballard

The Ivy, a new “east-meets-west” restaurant and bar, is opening on the ground floor of the Vitality apartment building at 5512 17th Ave NW.

Owner Eric El is behind The Ivy, bringing in seasoned chef Brian Madayag (of (Barkada and Tom Douglas Seattle Kitchen restaurants) to oversee the kitchen.

The menu includes “shareable bites like crispy lumpia, spicy edamame with house chili crisp, yellowfin tuna tacos, shishole salmon sushi rolls, pork sticky ribs with a tamarind glaze, and more.”

Victor Dunbar is leading the beverage program, with a featured espresso martini list with eight variations and signature drinks with inventive house-infused liquors including elements such as Thai chili and lychee.

The interior is pink and green with velvet seating and thoughtful lighting. “The interior transitions perfectly from day and night,” El said in a statement about the opening.

“Warm wood slatting and a living plant ceiling evoke an emotion of warmth, while being energetic and offbeat. Our goal was to create a unique gathering space where people come to linger over espresso martinis and shared appetizers and end up staying for a full evening.” 

The Ivy plans to open on Thursday, Nov. 9. Its hours will be Wednesday and Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting in December.

Photos: The Ivy