Even non-Ballardites might agree that King’s Hardware is one of the coolest bars in Seattle. Step inside to an ambiance reminiscent of a remote ski-town bar.

Antiquated paintings of mountains, antler horns, deer heads and other taxidermy cover the walls. A shelf mounted on the wall proudly displays a beer can collection, like a coveted library.

On the ceiling, sailboat steering wheels and old wagon wheels serve as light fixtures. For a moment, one forgets the hustle and bustle of an over-crowding neighborhood. You feel at ease. Order a drink, sit back and relax.

The location was actually a hardware store open for more than 50 years. Three years ago, partners in crime Linda Derschang, and Ballard residents Jeff Ofelt and Wade Weigel took up the space and remodeled it into a bar – hence the name, King’s Hardware.

The décor preserves the classic, old Ballard feel – exposed brick walls, wooden booths, mementos from the old hardware store, even some parts of the wood flooring is from an old Ballard bowling alley, as well as antique finds from local businesses Restore and Earthwise.

“Ballard is a wonderful neighborhood with a small town feeling," Derschang said. "From cupcakes to clothing stores, vintage stores to restaurant, there are so many great businesses. It’s great to hang out in a neighborhood where everything is close by.”

Well, one reason people love hanging out at King’s Hardware is for its outdoor patio, which is open year-round and, of course, a main attraction in the summer. Seated outside on the patio on a sunny afternoon, you can even hear the trains go by.

Inside the bar the jukebox plays. The arcade game Big Buck Hunter Pro is nestled in between two skee-ball machines, so fun and addictive. But this isn’t just your average bar with booze and bar games.

Rumor has it that King’s Hardware has the best burgers in town. Their motto is, “Cant beat our meat!”

During happy hour you get three sliders (mini burgers) for $5.50. The food is delicious, so you don’t need to drink and ditch to satisfy your hunger. It’s a one-stop-shop of good drinks and good food in a great environment.

And if you need one more reason to visit your beloved Ballard bar with the best burgers (alliteration is fun), throughout July and August they’ll have outdoor movies every Sunday.

“Outdoor Summer Movies” presented by King’s Hardware started July 5 with “The Big Lebowski."

At dusk out on the patio your favorite Cohen Brothers and Wes Anderson films will be projected onto a screen. Here’s the awesome lineup that even movie buffs will want to repeat: "Raining Arizona," "Blood Simple," "O Brother Where Art Thou," "Fargo," "Bottle Rocket," "Darjeeling Limited," "Royal Tenenbaums," "Life Aquatic" and "Rushmore." It doesn’t get any better than that.

Wait, it does. Sunday’s are half-priced Bloody Mary’s, just $3 for your favorite hangover drink and $15 pitchers of mimosas.

General manager Mike Leifur said, “I have amazing staff, tons of people from the neighborhood and of course all the regulars.”

Friendly Ballard folk, great food and drinks, fun games, great ambiance, outdoor movies, and drink specials? Do you need more coaxing?

What:
King’s Hardware

Where:
5225 Ballard Ave. N.W.
www.kingsballard.com
206-782-0027

When:
Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat-Sun 12 p.m.-2 a.m.