The economy has taken its toll on another longtime Ballard business. Bad Albert’s Tap & Grill will be closing sometime next month.
After nearly 17 years at 5100 Ballard Ave NW, owner and almost lifetime Ballardite Steve Katsandres says he had to make the tough decision to close. “We went through stock market crashes, this and that, 9/11, we’ve gone through everything,” Katsandres says. “We’ve weathered every storm. This one I can’t. It’s just too much.” The storm is a combination of the economy and health issues that he needs to tend to.
“To the people of Ballard, it’s been a great ride. I could never have gotten anywhere without the people who have supported me in the community,” he tells me at one of the tables in the dark restaurant with a red neon light around the perimeter. “In my heart I feel like I’m kind of letting people down. But I’m not because the people who know me, know how hard I’ve worked, how hard my staff has worked, it’s kind of emotional.”
The restaurant is for sale but Katsandres says he will probably close after the fourth of July weekend, possibly July 11th. “This place here is a great opportunity for somebody. Somebody who’s smart could really frickin take care of business here,” he says.
“In the end, Bad Albert’s will always be remembered for what we did and all the things I’ve tried to do for the neighborhood, for the community,” Katsandres says. (Thanks Zobmie for posting this in the MyBallard forum.)
Sad stuff, they had great food and were always friendly.
I wish Steve Katsandres all the best. Bad Albert’s was one of my favorite places to eat in all of Seattle. Not so much for the food, which was tasty, but because of the people he hired to work there. It was a great part of Ballard. I’ll miss it.
I wish Steve Katsandres all the best. Bad Albert’s was one of my favorite places to eat in Seattle. Not so much for the food, which was tasty, but because of the people that worked there. It was a great part of Ballard. I’ll miss it.
You will be sorely missed as an place for us “ordinary joes” to go – the staff are such lovely people – we are seriously bummed!
Oh, man. We finally just had dinner here a month ago and came back because we liked the atmosphere and burgers. I, too, wish Mr. Katsandres all the best.
sad, sad, sad.
Super sad, we love Bad Albert’s.
Nooooooo! I love the Dock Burger!!
I hope it becomes a Starbucks.
Bland and boring pub food. This place was nothing special. bring back Trader Vans!
Great place. I didn’t make it down there as much as I liked .. and I’d have been there more had I known they could close. bummer
SO SAD!!! I finally was able to get there a few weeks back and REALLY enjoyed seeing some fellow BHS alum!
The food is amazing, as is the staff!!!!
What a bummer. I’ve been going there since he opened and was really the only decent place on the block.
Good luck Steve and thanks.
Sorry to hear this Steve. Just saw you last week, but never got to ask how things were going.
Thanks for all the good times Steve!! You had/have a great place there! Take good care of yourself.
We love this place. It truly is the neighborhood joint! So sorry to hear this nes but wish Steve and his staff well. They really are awesome.
We love this place. It truly is the neighborhood joint! So sorry to hear this nes but wish Steve and his staff well. They really are awesome.
best burger in Ballard…RIP. gah. not good. dislike. etc.
d’oh! gonna miss you as a non-trendy place to enjoy a stiff drink and some amazing buffalo wings. I know I for one got out to bad albert’s a bit less with all the condos and construction eating up parking. I LET THAT CAT DOWN! :(
Loved this place and would have come more had kids been OK. We visited a couple times a month before our son was born, but only got carry out a few times since. We will miss the Dock St burger and other delicious grub. Great service too. What a shame!
Thanks Steve for serving great food and creating a friendly homey atmosphere. We are going to miss Bad Al’s and all the great people who work there.