BalMar Cocktail Lounge Gay-Friendly Restaurants in Watertown – GayOut Guide
restaurants LGBTQ+ Friendly

BalMar Cocktail Lounge

Google (89) 4.9
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What reviewers say

Visitors frequently praise BalMar Cocktail Lounge for its strong, affordable drinks and friendly, welcoming bartenders who make them feel at home. However, some reviewers note that the bar is smoky and can have a "dive bar" atmosphere, which may not appeal to everyone.

98
/ 100
GayOut Score
G4.9
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Address
5449 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
📞
Phone
1 206-297-0500
🌐
Website
www.thebalmar.com

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About this place BalMar Cocktail Lounge

BalMar is a cocktail lounge and restaurant in a two-storey 1920s building that was once a department store. It is a mainstream gay-friendly spot, not a gay bar, serving food and cocktails in a setting somewhere between casual and dressed-up. The listed hours are Wednesday and Thursday 18:00 to 23:00 and Friday 17:00 to 23:30, with the rest of the week closed, which suggests it now operates mainly for private events. Note that the phone number and the old description point to the Ballard neighbourhood of Seattle, not Boston. Check the website before going.

Opening Hours

Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 18:00-23:00
Thursday 18:00-23:00
Friday 17:00-23:30
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Features

Gay-friendly (straight venue) Casual Food served Smoking Area Pool Table/Darts Pub/Tavern Safe space Walk-ins welcome Pub No dress code Outdoor smoking only

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.9
★★★★★
89 reviews

Based on 89 Google reviews.

David H
David H Jun 2026
★★★★★

Incredible cocktails, a little pricey but 100x worth it. The best part is Geya Jenda’s trivia though, she’s an incredible host and I go out of my way to come just to see her.

Richard P
Richard P May 2026
★★★★★

Drinks are a bit expensive but definitely worth it. Had a great time with the live music and fancy cocktails. The dont serve food but serve plenty of finger food.

Dinah Steward
Dinah Steward May 2026
★★★★★

Beyond description extreme fabulousness!!!!! Highest cocktail & ambiance recommendation 🌟🌟🌟

Liz Monroe McCormick
Liz Monroe McCormick May 2026
★★★★★

The best spot on the north shore for drinks and atmosphere!!

Melisa Gjergji
Melisa Gjergji Apr 2026
★★★★★

I always have so much fun here, the cocktails are delicious and creative, and Alex makes great custom drinks too. Also the bar back is the cutest boy I’ve ever seen in my life ;)

Gretchen McCarthy
Gretchen McCarthy Mar 2026
★★★★★

Oh Maria! You know how much I adore you! You were one of the first people we met and timing of our openings were so close together, we bonded! Not to mention, you were also our first collaboration during our grand opening in June 2024. I will never forget Petunia the bubbly cart rolling up to the store to cater to our new customers. My husband and I have become frequent guests. The quality of your specialty cocktails are outstanding. While my husband enjoys exploring the variety of your menu, the Puntica remains my personal favorite. I know you know this! 😄 We also appreciate the thoughtful service Maria provides by offering samples and encouraging us to try new selections. They always rock! Beyond the menu, the atmosphere at Bubble Bar is remarkable. We are always treated with the level of care and hospitality usually reserved for family, making every visit feel like a VIP experience. The dedication of the entire staff makes it clear that your establishment is truly a special place. Thank you being here! It’s just so amazing we can pop in before or after dinner or even a full night for one of your special events. We look forward to our next visit and of course the continued friendship! 😍😍

Renee Terry
Renee Terry Mar 2026
★★★★★

I’m obsessed with this place. The vibes, the atmosphere, the drinks!! It’s all a 10/10. I would not consider myself someone who is well versed in alcoholic beverages. I rarely drink, but do love a good night out with my girl friends and this is the perfect place for that. More often than not I am unfamiliar with the kind of alcohol and beverages they provide, but their staff is remarkable in helping me choose the perfect drink for me. And if I am unsure if anything on the menu would work for me, they will come up with something for me that fits what I like. Never leave there disappointed. Great for a night cap, girls night, or a drink while waiting for dinner reservations. It’s a stunning little gem in downtown Amesbury.

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Last updated on 15 October 2026

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