The Walrus and the Carpenter

The Walrus and the Carpenter opened in 2010 on Ballard Avenue, in the old commercial heart of Ballard, as a restaurant and fishing pub. It is built around oysters, with what the restaurant calls piles of chubby oysters and smart plates. When it opened, the idea was a simple one: oysters with tallboys and muscadet, and that relaxed spirit still shapes the place, with wine and cocktails alongside the shellfish.

The best way to eat here is to order a range of oysters to compare, then add a few plates to share. Staff can explain the differences between the varieties on the day, which is useful if you are new to raw oysters. There is indoor seating and an outdoor patio for drier months.

The restaurant does not take reservations and seats guests on a first come, first served basis. It opens at 4pm every day and serves until 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 5pm on weekdays and includes oyster offers. Arriving shortly before opening is the best way to avoid a long wait, especially at weekends.

It suits couples, small groups and solo diners. Large groups will find it harder to be seated together, though private dining is offered. The pace is relaxed once you are in, so allow an hour or two. Prices can add up when ordering lots of oysters, so set yourself a rough plan before you start.

If you are not used to raw oysters, start with a few of the milder varieties and work up to the brinier ones, and ask staff which are best that day. Wine lovers can also look into the restaurant's Sea Creatures Wine Club, and gift items are sold through its online shop. The weekday happy hour from 4pm to 5pm is the best value window, so plan an early start if budget matters.

The restaurant is in Old Ballard, which has a good number of bars, cafés and shops along Ballard Avenue, so it is easy to make a night of it. The Ballard Locks are a short drive or a longer walk west if you want to visit in daylight first. Buses run between Ballard and downtown, or take a taxi or ride-share.