Ballard Beer Awards Returns April 16 – May 11!

2017 Ballard Beer Awards Winner Lucky Envelope Brewing
2017 Ballard Beer Awards Winner Lucky Envelope Brewing

Beer lovers rejoice! Ballard Beer Awards is back at Ray’s Café and it’s up to you to crown the victor in the battle of the best Ballard beers! But… in true Ballard fashion it’s more like a friendly neighborhood competition.

How it works: from Monday, April 16 to Friday, May 11 the Café will feature one beer on tap from each of the following Ballard breweries: Stoup BrewingReuben’s BrewsLucky Envelope Brewing and Maritime Pacific Brewing. Each purchase of one of these beers (any size on our menu) counts as one vote for that brewery.

On Monday, May 14 we’ll announce the winner and along with bragging rights, they’ll receive a dedicated tap in the Café for one year!

Bonus! Every Wednesday throughout the duration of the contest a different brewery will host a happy hour from 4-6pm in the Café where you can chat with their team and learn more about your favorite Ballard beers. Here’s the lineup:

Wed., April 18 – Reuben’s Brews

Wed., April 25 – Stoup Brewing

Wed., May 2 – Maritime Pacific Brewing

Wed., May 9 – Lucky Envelope Brewing

Share your Ballard beer photos with us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by tagging #BallardBeerAwards. Cheers!!

Second Annual Ballard Beer Awards – Feb 1-28

Ballard Beer Awards 2016 Champ
Ray’s 2016 Ballard Beer Awards Champion: Reuben’s Brews, with Ray’s GM Doug Zellers, far left.

Vote for Your Favorite Ballard Brew!

The 2nd Annual Ballard Beer Awards returns February 1-28. We’ll be spotlighting four Ballard-based breweries for you to taste and cast your vote! Stop by and purchase a pint from one of breweries below to cast your vote or, if you choose not to partake with your palate, simply ask to fill out a ballot.

In addition to casting your vote anytime in February, each brewery will host a special “meet the brewer” tasting at Ray’s Cafe from 4-6 p.m. on the dates listed below. Enjoy visiting with the brewers, sampling a tasting flight and lastly, deciding their fate by your vote.

Thurs., Feb. 2Lucky Envelope

Thurs., Feb. 9 – Stoup

Thurs., Feb. 16 – Reuben’s

Tues., Feb. 21Maritime

The elected winner will host a special pairing Brewery Dinner at Ray’s on Thursday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. in our newly remodeled Northwest Room ($60 per person). Join us!

Follow along with us using #BallardBeerAwards on social media!

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Reuben’s Brews Dinner at Ray’s March 5!

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Congrats to Reuben’s Brews!! Winner of our first Ballard Beer Awards voted by the people! Thank you to all who voted throughout the contest! It was a great showing and we’re prouder than ever to be a part of the Ballard community!

Join us for our Ballard Beer Awards Dinner with Reuben’s Brews on Saturday, March 5 at Ray’s Cafe!

Our 5-course menu compliments the flavor notes of each Reuben’s beer paired alongside it, from smoky to sweet. Meet Reuben’s team, and our Executive Chef Paul Duncan, as they guide you through the menu and talk about the nuance of flavors in each course.

We’re also excited to debut Reuben’s first canned beer! Their Gose will be making its first public appearance during our reception. You can be the first to try it!

Seating is limited and by reservation only. Please reserve today by calling 206.782.0094 or emailing [email protected] before they go! $65 per person, inclusive of gratuity and tax. Dinner begins at 6pm for all guests.

Reuben’s Brews Beer Dinner Menu

Reception
Tarragon fritters, spiced Marcona almonds
Gose – German style sour ale; bright lemon, refreshingly tart

Appetizer
Penn Cove mussels and Uli’s chorizo
Sherry reduction, grilled bread
Dark Lager – Light lager notes, cocoa, crisp and refreshing

Starter
Crispy pork ribs
Sweet and spicy mustard
Crikey IPA – Tropical citrus, pine backbone

Entree
House smoked sablefish and chips
Cole slaw, jalapeno tartar sauce
Hoppy Rye – Sweet berry fruit, lime, grapefruit, crisp finish

Dessert
Chocolate Caramel Crème Brûlée
Caramel sauce
Foreign Export Stout – Coffee, sweet caramel