The transformation of Golden Beetle into Young American Ale House is complete; Maria Hines' new organic-gastropub concept opened Friday on NW Market St in Ballard, focusing on locally-sourced comfort food paired with thoughtful cocktails and beers.
Eater stopped by to check out the new space, along with a few of its food and drink options. Gone are the Eastern-styled lamps and the amber-and-burgundy color theme of the Mediterranean Golden Beetle; instead, see plenty of rustic wood features and an overall lighter, brighter space. The bar has also been relocated toward the center of the dining room, signaling that cocktails and beer are more of a focus now.
Menu items include upscale takes on comfort food like poutine, mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, and more. There's also a house veggie burger, wood-fired personal pizzas, and soups and salads. On the drinks side, there are seasonal craft cocktails with housemade shrubs, tinctures, and bitters. Twelve taps pour local beer, including rotating seasonal brews from Hilliard's Beer and Fremont Brewing. As with Hines' other restaurants, local and organic ingredients are offered whenever possible. What do you think — was the switch from Mediterranean to American the right move?
