Skillet Diner – Ballard

I’d heard that Skillet had a great menu. So I stopped in and ordered a breakfast of scrambled eggs only to find a one inch long curly beard hair folded inside the eggs. Sent the plate back to the kitchen. Barely an apology. Guess the bearded kitchen dudes are too cool to care. I won’t be back.

Went for Saturday brunch. Had this French toast dish. I must say, it looked spectacular but I was not a fan of the combination. They put ham and eggs on top. They had a lot of other delicious things coming out of the kitchen though, so I’ll give it another shot down the road. Coffee good, bloody Mary EXCELLENT. Friendly service.

Best Bloody Mary ever. Their breakfast has been on point every time I come and the servers are always friendly. But seriously, if you don’t try their Bloody Mary with the bacon jam infused vodka… You’re missing out.

Get the «Serious Toast» if you have a hard time deciding between sweet and savory for breakfast/​brunch. Molasses custard soaked brioche, raspberry jam, ham, powered sugar, and egg cooked your way. You can’t go wrong

I’m not sure what they put in their fried chicken– but it is ridiculously crunchy and good.
I will come back again– solely for that delicious chicken.
Just order the chicken ok.

Went here for dinner on a lazy Wednesday evening.
Girlfriend and I split:
Fried chicken sammy + poutine
«The Burger» + caesar salad
I thought the burger went a bit too hard on the blue cheese, but the patty was top-​notch. The salad was good but the dressing was pretty overwhelming. On the other hand, the fried chicken sammy was absolutely delicious. The aioli sauce added some great spice and flavor and the large serving of poutine would have tasted even better if I wasn’t already completely full. Service was prompt and friendly. Loved the atmosphere. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

Nasty.
Ordered:
donut holes. Think of carnival elephant ear not donut hole. Grease they made them with tasted like it was weeks old. I could get just a generic grease taste. These are also massive. Took like 4 bites with a fork. Covered in nasty white sugar.
Donut holes are generally glazed, one bite, and don’t taste of old grease.
–
Biscuits and gravy: 2 bites and pitched it in the trash. Nasty is nice. The biscuits were rock hard. Had no taste of butter or flakeyness. Just burnt to the crisp and hard as hockey puck. The gravy didn’t even penetrate the biscuits. Had to get a bread knife. Gravy was so gross. All nasty deep fryer tasting sausage.
–
Bitter sweet pudding: how you can screw this up I don’t know. Worst desert I’ve ever eaten for 8 dollars. I tossed almost 95% of this in the garbage and ate saltine crackers with peanut butter I was so mad.
My only sick day of the year and I decided to treat myself. Treated myself nicely alright to peanut butter.
Thanks for nothing but gross, skillet. Would never return.

Skillet Diner is one of the best places to go for an incredible amount of delicious cuisine. Everything I have eaten at Skillet has been delicious and well prepared. There are a variety of dishes where they take a new spin on old classics (drinks included!). Their breakfast can’t be beat and their weekly specials are constantly on point. My only complaints would be that it can be very tedious to find a table or time to go when it’s not busy. There are worse problems to have though and Skillet is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Ballard.

cornmeal Waffle and pork belly? Eggs your style on the side? hello old friends, maple flavored cholesterol and diabetes. Yes, you may join me for the most important meal of the day.
Still nursing the remains of jack and Coke hangover, I found myself at the vintage roadside mom and pop diner inspired yet trendy Skillet in the still up and coming Ballard right at opening time.
As one of two occupied tables, and being outnumbered by employees four to one, my meal appeared seemingly out of thin air. If I hadn’t been sitting at the counter in front of the open air kitchen, I would swear they had anticipated my order and had it half made when I came in.
On the bad side though, I expected the pork belly to have been cured like bacon to give that bit of salty crisp crunch. Instead, it was more like a pork chop.
Overall though, I was pretty impressed with Skillet. I will definitely be adding it to my «in Seattle, what cool places can I show my local friends who are always amazed at the great food I pick out when traveling (thank you Unilocal!)» list.

While I would be better off loving eggs, a good pancake is my preferred brunch indulgence. These definitely rank in the top 5 pancakes I’ve ever had. Delightfully crisp on the edges but soft in the middle and served with a blueberry compote, I was more than happy with my breakfast. My only «meh» moment was the price paid. It’s a nice place when you want something a bit more upscale, but a bit much for a standard haunt.

Fun and fresh Americana menu, the laid back atmosphere and energetic staff will have you craving repeat visits. Cool to know that Skillet started from a food truck and what looks to be at least two more brick and mortar sites in Seattle. I went for the bone-​in pork special which I think was like 12oz. The food there makes you wanna clean the plate dry. 1 star off because we had the worst night ever finding street parking, it’s seriously tough to find parking on these set of streets for any establishment in that area.

Came without knowing they were offering 2-​course meals for $ 15 during restaurant week. We picked the skillet poutine appetizer + «the burger» (bacon jam, arugula, bleu brie, brioche) and milkshake + fried chicken sammy. Also ordered a dessert of doughnut holes to really stuff ourselves.
The burger was disappointingly and overwhelming cheesy. The bleu cheese literally overwhelmed all other flavors in the burger, even the bacon jam. The fried chicken sammy was basically a fried chicken sandwich that was rather plain. Wish there was some sauce to dress up the flavors. I would even compare it to the chicken sandwich from McDonald’s…but at least that has sauce. Their milkshake was delicious, über sweet and just enough without making you sick of sugar. And the skillet poutine was the best part of the meal! It was drenched in an incredible amount of cheese and oil, but boy did that really taste like heaven. Doughnut holes were doused generously in sugar, all perfect for that afternoon food coma.

Had to go back one more time for the tie-​breaker. First visit was good, second was not. Third visit was…(drum roll…)
Good!
Ordered the exact same thing: burger with American cheese and pickles. Got it lettuce wrapped and the iceberg they used was crisp and generous. Got the special sauce on the side. Fries were cooked just right this time. No choking this time.
The Hubs got the fried chicken and waffle and really liked it. I thought the cornbread waffle was too dry but he enjoyed dousing it with their homemade cinnamon syrup. Speaking of which, that syrup is like crack. I kept dipping my fries in it and ended up eating ALL my fries despite my best intentions not to do so.
Okay, Skillet, you redeemed yourself.

This place is really hit or miss like some have said. I came here for brunch ones (to the Cap Hill location) and had a FANTASTIC brunch. I came to the Ballard location for dinner — and while the Moscow Mules were some of the best that I’ve had in a while, I can honestly say that I wasn’t completely «wowed» by the food.
We shared a few orders of poutine which were tasty but a little too salty and not «authentic.» I mean, I guess I didn’t really expect them to be but they weren’t amazing. I had the prime petite tender which was incredibly tender and cooked perfectly. However, it was pretty tasteless which was disappointing. The smashed fingerling potatoes were really good but I wasn’t a fan of the grilled endive or mushrooms.
The verdict overall was «meh.» People were full but no one left incredibly inspired. I think that I’ll stick to brunch here in the future.

I’m not a huge brunch person. My partner is a brunch person and she liked her griddle cake sandwich with eggs and bacon and a side salad. I went for the chicken and waffles. The waffle was dry. It was cornmeal based and not a good combination with the overly crispy chicken. texturally, it didn’t work for me. make regular waffles! The chicken thighs (you get two small pieces) were juicy on the inside and it was flavorful.
I always worry about service in Ballard, but it wasn’t bad here. New guy did alright! Took awhile for someone to come to our table, but once we were acknowledged, service was as expected for Yuppyville.
They need ice for water. Room temp water is gross.
The interior is fine and generic like any other restaurant in Seattle. I imagine it can get loud indoors. we had nice seeing outside on a weekday. no reservation needed. I don’t believe in reservations unless it is for a rare special occasion at a rare special restaurant. There is always something else nearby generally! This is not special nor was it a special occasion. i can see why brunch lovers are into this place. I prefer the Capitol Hill location but parking is easier here.
plus-​bicycle benefits! I think it was 10% off but that’s something right? come on you rich penny pinchers. you know you want to ride your custom 10K bike here for a great deal!

It’s always a treat to dine at Skillet Diner. The food has incredible flavor and is top notch in quality. Our favorites by far are the prime tender filet and the slow pot roast. Atmosphere is always great regardless of the crowd. It’s a big venue but even on slow Sunday evenings it somehow never feels empty. The doors have been open pretty much all summer which really enhances the vibe. Music is hit or miss, occasionally the loud rock music is a bit distracting.
What Skillet Diner could do a bit better? Imho it is consistency, or is that part of its appeal? A dish may be listed as coming with a mushroom medley and that’ll be curiously absent. I understand, sometimes you just run out. Or the meat may be a bit on the rare side so they cook it a bit more and then add a very spicy sauce on top that ruins the flavor entirely. Hmm, what is that about?
Dessert is a special treat. We had the apple crisp and it was just awesome: good portion, rich in flavor with cinnamon and crumble on top.
Service is always very pleasant and upbeat. Overall, it’s one of our favorite dining places and we always look forward to our next visit. Parking is readily available in paid lots (uncovered) or on the street. Highly recommended.

We went there for their happy hour on Sunday. The happy hour is every day 3 – 6 pm. There weren’t many people there but the service was really good.
They have great food. We ordered burgers, poutine fries and kale Cesar salad. All were tasty.
We also got Georgetown beer which I had never tried before and it was so good!
I love the diner type of atmosphere with a hint of modern.
They have the outside sitting area, it was perfect for people with pets.
This location is great not right on the Main Street in Ballard but close enough to walk around after eating.
The service was fast and good.

I made a mistake before coming to the Ballard Skillet Diner restaurant… I had the salmon sliders with avocado remoulade sauce and pickled onions from the Skillet Food Truck at the Ballard Seafood Festival! OMGosh those salmon sliders were amazing! Sweet, but tangy, crisp but soft — definitely a savory treat as beautiful as it was delicious!
So imagine my feeling of lunchbox letdown when I visited the actual restaurant hoping for another visit to salmon slider dreamland. It was so disappointing! Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the menu looked great! I’ve heard rave reviews from friends on the Chicken and Waffles and I very much enjoyed the Farro Burger I ended up ordering. And I think I could’ve really loved this place even if only I hadn’t had my expectations set so high with that first Skillet Diner experience with the delectable salmon sliders.
Adding in that fourth star to the review today for the servers, the restaurant and the ambience. The servers and staff that I met were all very friendly and seemed to make a genuine effort to connect personally over something more than «lovely weather, huh?» My glass was never empty and the condiment recommendations (so much more than just ketchup) were spot on! I love the beautiful open floor plan with the giant sliding door windows that open up the dining room to the patios in nice weather! Wish Seattle had more restaurants like this!
Will I go back? Probably when the weather is nicer since that outdoor patio area appeals to me so. But I can’t see myself making the trek up to Ballard for anything else on their menu right now. It just didn’t stand out to me on the way that those marvelous salmon sliders with avocado remoulade sauce and pickled onions did! Have I mentioned how good they were yet? Wish they were a regular feature of the menu!

Came here for a UYE brunch event, what a great choice for a brunch spot. And its super close to me, I think Ill be coming here more often. Located on 56^th in Ballard, just a block from Market St is this modern, new style «diner». Arrived there about 1030am and it was pretty busy, they do take reservations if you have a big group and we were anticipating there would be. Plenty of seats at the counter, a lot of other tables that extend all the way to the back, but we got seated at this nice big community table in the middle. Perfect for bigger groups, very family style feel.
Menu isnt large but all of their offerings looked quite tasty! I decided to get the Pork Belly & Cornmeal Waffle: it comes with 2 eggs any style you want as well. I believe you can substitute for chicken if you dont want pork. Waffle was nice and perfect, way better than leggo my eggo! Pork belly was nicely cooked, I believe they braise it in some maple syrup so it had this sweetness to the pork, whatever, it was delicious! 2 over medium eggs with some yolk mixed in, I was good to go! I like they have mason jars as your water/​juice glasses. Pretty cool!
I did notice some of the other dishes the group ordered, especially the Serious Toast… that thing looked serious! A behemoth of a piece of brioche bread with nice slices of ham, eggs and I believe some rasberry jam to go along with it. That thing looked mean and they totally enjoyed it! I also did notice the pork belly & grits, that seemed like it was a hit as well. Dang, so many good options to choose from! If I recall, they had some standard breakfast items/​plates if you aren’t into these hipster-​ish plates.
Service was great, no issues there, was also nice enough to split up the checks for us.
Overall, had a great brunch with some awesome people, great atmosphere and especially great food!

How I heard of this place: When Skillet Street Food, the truck, first opened up in Seattle, it was the only place to go for a burger. Just when we moved across country, the first diner opened, and then a second. And I finally had a chance to sample its brunch fare.
Type of cuisine: «In 2007, Chef Josh Henderson created Skillet Street Food in Seattle, one of the first food experiences of what has since become a prototype for the national street food movement that has swept the country. Out of a vintage Airstream trailer, he created innovative lunch menus based on American-​inspired food prepared with classic technique and seasonal ingredients. The reception from Seattle’ites was immediate and passionate. They were drawn to the chef-​driven food, the excitement of being a part of a new, energetic, urban experience, and to the intimate involvement through the use of social media channels that intensified the connection with the Skillet brand.
Since then, the business has grown up. We are still creating great menus served throughout the streets of Seattle from the Airstream. But Skillet is now much more than that. Supported by an outstanding team of almost 100 talented people, we are a thriving catering enterprise, supporting weddings, private parties, and corporate events throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are a food products business, distributing our signature Bacon Jam product through retailers across the US and Canada. And we are cooking more Skillet deliciousness every day at our three restaurants: the Skillet Diner in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Skillet: Counter located in the Armory at the Seattle Center, and our newest Skillet Diner located in Ballard.
The original street food business has become a brand but has not strayed from its roots. The thread is still there: great food prepared with care, technique and the best of ingredients; an innovative experience that consistently surprises and satisfies; and a feeling of being personally connected to Skillet, in all its manifestations. We see this as our mission — to continue to deliver on these themes and to continue to find new channels though which we can expand the brand and the family of loyal Skillet customers.»
Ambiance: Bright, open, airy, windows surround this industrial-​esque space where diner meets hipster vibes and retro finds its way into the modernity of concrete and steel.
What I ordered: My first visit meant I had to go all out! At the recommendation — without hesitation — of our server, I opted for the Serious Toast ($ 14): molasses custard soaked thick cut brioche, raspberry jam, local pit ham (crisped), powdered sugar and two eggs (over medium).
My dining companion selected the Your Way ($ 12) breakfast plate with two eggs (scrambled), bacon, morning taters and a side of seasonal fruit as a substitute for the baguette.
What I loved: Everything about the Serious Toast: from the sweet raspberry jam set against salty ham, to the gooey brioche soaking up all the molasses-​y goodness, the combination and the presentation is a win-​win.
Why I loved it: Comfort food served with creativity and style.
Cost: Average ($ 9 — $ 14 per brunch plate)