Pestle Rock

Inside Pestle Rock

Pestle Rock offers a focused dive into the flavors of Northern and Northeastern Thailand, standing apart from the more familiar Thai fare common around Seattle. Located on NW Market Street in Ballard, this spot caters to diners looking for authentic, regional Thai dishes that lean heavily on family recipes and less on the usual Pad Thai or Panang curries often found elsewhere.

Dining here feels like stepping into a kitchen where traditional Isan influences take center stage, with a menu that highlights noodle bowls like Kao Soi and Ba Mee Hang Muu Toon, alongside vibrant salads and rich curries. The balance between robust flavors and fresh vegetables is evident in dishes such as Kanom Jeen Nam Prik and Yum Larb Isan, which highlight the thoughtful layering of heat, sourness, and herbs that characterize this cuisine.

The atmosphere at Pestle Rock matches its culinary vision—unpretentious yet lively, with a modest interior that can fill up quickly, especially on evenings or before local events in Ballard. Outdoor seating expands the space and makes for a relaxed experience on sunnier days, blending well with the neighborhood’s mix of maritime charm and urban energy.

Visitors who appreciate in-depth exploration of Southeast Asian tastes, paired with attentive service and a curated drink list that includes unique cocktails and Thai iced tea, will find plenty to enjoy here. A quick stop before a show or a casual dinner with friends who want to try something beyond the typical Thai offerings fits the bill perfectly.

Given the menu’s emphasis on special dishes that rotate or highlight seasonal ingredients, visiting when hungry for a substantial, bold-flavored meal is ideal. Expect well-balanced plates where each component—from noodles to fresh herbs to spicy dressings—is thoughtfully prepared, reflecting local ingredients brought to life through traditional techniques.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Has fast service

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves alcohol

Serves beer

Serves cocktails

Serves coffee

Serves comfort food

Serves healthy options

Serves small plates

Serves spirits

Serves vegan dishes

Serves vegetarian dishes

Serves wine

Best for

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Serves dessert

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Paid street parking

Somewhat difficult to find a space

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 09:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 09:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 09:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 09:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

952 Reviews

caitlin patrick

01 Jan 2026

Amazing food! Holy shit. Quick stop before a show at the tractor and I was absolutely not disappointed. Worth every penny. I had a Thai martini and Kanom jeen nam prik. Wow, I want to eat 3 more of this. Beautiful flavors and balanced plate with veggies, sauce and noodle. Can’t wait to come back

M K

10 Nov 2025

The best Thai food on the west coast Specializing in southern Thai cuisine, this is one of the most authentic ways of savoring the cooking. Once you've tried this place, it is impossible to go back to the generic pad thai joints. This restaurant always leaves me mirthfully satiated and I highly recommend you try at least one of the specials posted on the wall. Khàwp khun khráp!

Paul Drayna

31 Oct 2025

Not your usual Thai food. This is Northern Thai cuisine. Really interesting and unusual dishes. Do you place with good service, good drinks, and exceptional food.

NYJetsFan#1

31 Oct 2025

Excellent, authentic Thai food. Beautiful atmosphere inside the restaurant. Outdoor seating as well. The food was amazing, as well as the Thai tea. I loved this place.

A D

16 Oct 2025

I checked out this restaurant with my family and we all loved the food here. The owner Pete explained that it was an Isan Thai Cuisine which is the Northeastern region of Thailand, so they don't serve the typical Thai dishes like Pad Thai or Pad See Ew. He also mentioned how all the dishes were his Mother's recipes and that she was the main chef/cook. All the dishes we tried were so good! If you love spicy food, then this is the place to be. Service was top notch because everyone was so friendly, but the food is definitely a must-try!

Alex Nguyen

06 Oct 2025

What a homey, delicious, and authentic tasty IG Thai spot we have here in Ballard. Pete the owner has to be the most dedicated, friendly, and loving owner I’ve met. The place is underwhelming from the outside but when you step inside you and transported to a grandmothers home, a true Thai experience. The menu is large with lots of things you can’t get elsewhere. The ingredients are fresh, and the spices are undeniably great! I highly recommend this spot and would come back!

Noah I.

17 Sep 2025

This is not just one of my favorite Thai restaurants, it’s one of my favorite restaurants of all-time! I traveled in Thailand for a month so I think I have some knowledge of the subject. Order the Gang Gae otherwise known as the lamb curry, it is sublime! The larb is also very tasty and refreshing!

Inside Pestle Rock

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

952 Reviews

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