Skål Beer Hall

In case the viking sculpture and pelt booth cushions weren’t giveaways, Skål Beer Hall leans its umlauted spirit into Ballard’s Scandinavian roots—and it’s a great place to start a raucous night. The dramatically lit back bar has a stone hearth and large wood booths made for groups who like to get a little loud. There are platters of satisfying snacks like tender venison skewers and slivers of herring, all best washed down with beer, mead or maybe an Aquavit-spiked cocktail. Those planning to settle in can peruse shelves stocked with board games or stare hypnotically at the Slow TV show from Norway that follows a train gently touring the countryside. Just watch that pickled herring breath if there’s anyone you hope to impress.