Ocho is certainly not the first tapas bar in Seattle, nor the biggest, but it may be one of the busiest, and it’s definitely a big hit in Ballard.
Ocho Tapas - Photo by M. Davis
Reminiscent of Matt’s old place in the Pike Place Market, Ocho has been a hit from day one, and there’s no sign of it abating any time soon.
Not having yet visited Spain, I can’t attest to the authenticity of this tapas bar, but I have the very real sense that you would find small spots like this tucked into neighborhoods all over Spain, jammed with people enjoying great food and wine or cocktails; there’s something infectious about the atmosphere, the food, and the drinks – you want to stay all night, and many do.
La tapa, meaning savories or finger-food, has a long history in Spain. Several legends attempt to explain the beginnings of tapas, but it’s main purpose is to tide you over until dinner, and likely started with farm workers who took small snacks into the fields to eat while working. In the United States, it has become a way of eating, and likely a much healthier approach than sitting down and eating enough for a family of four (all by yourself) in one seating. Regardless, it’s a great way to while away a couple of hours at places like Ocho, sipping a glass of wine, and munching your way through the menu.
Co-owners Zach Harjo (one-time bartender at La Carta de Oaxaca) and Gelsey Hanson appear to have hit one out of the park with this place. Ocho, as mentioned, is small, so be prepared to get close to people, ala European style. The bar seats 10 or 11
Partial Menu - Photo from Ocho site
people, and the tables on two walls might accommodate another 20 or so, assuming they’re really good friends, and all this simply adds to the atmosphere of share camaraderie.
A chalkboard menu lists about 20 dishes, changing at the whim of the chef, Colby Chambers, who most recently worked at Canlis. An example of what you might find on the board are, of course, olives, almonds, and Boquerones – Spanish white anchovies for $3. Don’t be put off, these aren’t the salty little brown fish out of a can, but more like little fresh herring.
Boquerones en vinagre - photo by Kent Wang
A selection of cheeses for $6, a Tortilla Espanola – think quiche, for $2, Pa amb Tomaquet – olive oil toast with garlic tomato and
Mahon cheese, $2. Try a Croquetas Barrachas – fried goat cheese with a roasted pepper almond sauce, $4; Alcachofas – fried artichoke hearts with lemon zest artichoke allioli, $3; or Seared sea scallop with English pea puree, jamon Serrano, and lemon vinaigrette, $9.
Other typical tapas are Chorizo con Limon, Patatas Bravas, Bisteca, and of course the world famous Jamon Serrano, cured Spanish ham.
In Spain, and much of the Mediterranean and Europe, you simply don’t drink without some food, and you don’t eat without some wine. At Ocho, you can choose from a nice list of wines, Spain and Portugal of course, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 a glass, and bottles from $18 to $56. Now that’s a wine list meant to be enjoyed, not break the bank.
If you haven’t tried sherry, and you want to finish your experience with a touch of sweetness, there are four sherries, a Moscatell, and a port, for $5 – $8. This isn’t your Bristol Cream sherry, but the real thing. The Spaniards and Portuguese take pride in their sherries.
There are four drafts, and a half-dozen bottled beers, and a selection of cocktails for $8 – $10. There are three sangrias, white, red, and familia (uses pear brandy), El Picador – vodka or gin, Maraschino, cucumber, rosemary, and a skewered beet; San Miguel, gin, St. Germain, and rhubarb bitters; La Hora Verde – an herbal vodka infusion; Death in the Afternoon – La Hora Verde with a Cave Rose; Dark & Stormy – a rum drink with ginger beer; and the Ten Dollar Margarita made with El Tesoro Anejo tequila (the good stuff).
If you’ve never been to a tapas bar, you owe yourself a treat, and to experience what it must be like in Spain, you should check out Ocho.
24th & Market in Ballard 4pm-2am daily: Now Serving Brunch Saturday and Sunday, 11am-2pm: 206.784.0699
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