Bad Jimmy's Brewing Company

Intense ales on the edge of Ballard

In that borderland area between Ballard and Fremont, in that twilight zone between ordinary beer and intense ales is Bad Jimmy's Brewing Company. To paraphrase the Shangri-Las, Jimmy is good-bad, but he's not evil. It would be better to describe the brewers at Bad Jimmy's as dedicated to brewing intense ales, bad in all the best senses of the word. These guys are committed to craft beer and their mission is to consistently offer the most innovative creations they can. When you walk in the wide open entrance, the brewery is housed in a converted garage, you will find the 12 tap bar pouring ales you will find in most Northwest ale houses, but with a bit of a twist. Here you will find the Passionate Kiss IPA, a traditional IPA made with real passion fruit. Or a couple of Blonde Ales, one made with fresh cucumber and a splash of lime or one with hints of caramel, chocolate and coconuts. Yep, its their take on the Samoa Cookie and its called the Girl Scout Drop Out Blonde Ale. If that is not quite intense enough then try the Habanero Amber. It's not a ton of heat, but you'll know the habanero chili is in there. During the summer they may feature a couple of Hefeweizens (wheat beer) made with fresh strawberries, mangoes or Blood Oranges. If you need a pick me up try the Hyper Squirrel Brown Ale, brewed with white chocolate and coffee!

There is no kitchen but there are three excellent restaurants right next door and Bad Jimmy's encourages you to order take-out and bring your meal back to the brewery. There is outside, covered seating and large tables inside for you and your friends. The up-stairs loft holds 8 old-school pinball machines and there are tournaments every Friday night. Every Sunday morning at 10:00 am you will find a yoga glass, including beer.  

There is nothing "bad" about Bad Jimmy's, and certainlty nothing ordinary.