$13 at The Dray

Where: The Dray
708 NW 65th Street, in Ballard
(206) 453-4527

When: Yesterday, 5:30ish p.m. (They're open 9 a.m.-close, daily.)

This still-new place in upper Ballard is cozy, with walls covered in oiled wood panels, a few booths, and a handful of stools at the bar. It's got soccer on the flat screen, but the sound's off, so it's not too much of a sports bar. There's an espresso machine situated on a corner of the bar itself (they serve Stumptown), though at this hour, the pulling of strong drinks involves more beer than coffee.

Official Tasting Notes: The proprietor recommended Baron's seasonal Helles-Bock, brewed during the winter for spring drinking, amongst an array of many more local (Maritime, Snoqualmie Falls) and a few international selections, like the Belgian amber van Steerberge.

There's quite a crowd of tabs behind the bar, but you wouldn't know they served food unless you asked. The beer (a clean, malty bock with a sweet finish) was tastier than the sandwich, which was a little dry.

What does $13 get you?
A very nice, local beer, and a simple grilled cheese sandwich with a mess of mesclun greens in a peppery dressing.

$4.75 pint plus
$7.75 grilled cheese
= $12.50 plus an (officially) very stingy tip squeaks in at $13.

Except of course, I might want to go back.