Whittier Heights…
It’s a neighborhood in Ballard that I have never heard of. My friend Robb mentioned that I should check out a bar there called Essex. Every Tuesday is Tiki night. Okay, cool. I’ll go check it out!
In the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard, there are two main areas where all the action happens. There is downtown Ballard and there is NW 65th Street. I was following my Google Maps directions and found myself on NW 70th Street. I was starting to think I was lost, but sure enough I found myself on a street with a chain of bars and restaurants. This is Whittier Heights. I’ve lived in Seattle for over fifteen years and never have been here!
Nestled right beside the pizza shop Delancey is Essex. It’s a no-frills place. You’ve got tables on the left and the bar on the right. The bar is pretty cozy, but not very Tiki. That’s until you start drinking…
Joining me for Tiki night at Essex is my buddy Robb, his wife Sarah, and of course my photographer Yovany. Here’s the menu…
Taking care of us was the lovely Jess…
Sarah ordered a Kirbati Fizz…
Robb went with a Ubatuba Daiquiri…
Yovany got one as well…
I saw a 151 Swizzle on the menu. I had to order one….
My glass was designed by Tony Canepa. He’s an artist that has also done Tiki art for the Diller Room and Rumba, both located here in Seattle.
Our drinks were all great and well crafted. The man behind our Tiki cocktails was this man here…
His name is Nick Hartigan. He was really cool and friendly, but most importantly, he can make an awesome Tiki drink! If you’re ever up in Ballard—I mean Whittier Heights—and it happens to be Tuesday, make a point to stop by Essex. Nick will take care of your Tiki drink needs.
I’d like to thank Yovany for all his great pictures used for this post.
Here is the Essex website.
And Facebook page.