Patio of the Week: Ballard's Delightfully Low-Key Pono Ranch
Each week between now and Labor Day, we present a new or unsung patio for your alfresco imbibing needs.
This relative newcomer in Ballard has no subway tile, no house-cured meat program, and nary an ampersand to its name. The drinks and the menu of brunch and bar food are basic. What it does have: one hell of a patio. And that's why you're here.
In the shadow of the the Ballard bridge and right off the Burke Gilman trail, Pono Ranch offers a spectacular outdoor space with zero affectation. In fact, it looks like it was decorated with remnants from a tractor pull, plus a giant rusted crane and some maritimey castoffs for good measure. Most people here are drinking Rainiers (one avowed fan in our office promises that the service has straightened out since Pono opened a few months ago).
When things get crazy hot, sail-type cloths shade you from the sun; when they cool down, venture closer to the firepit. Let the rest of Ballard be precious. Show up in your sweats, order some jalapeno poppers, and enjoy the live music.
