Gordo’s

Never went to Gordo’s but just wanted to write and say how psyched I am to hear that a new installment of PASEO is what’s in store…

Sad news that Gordo’s finally closed this past week.
I live and work right down teh street from it. While the food was average hamburger stand food, it was a ballard landmark and certainly will be missed. It’s somewhat fitting that this business closed teh same week as they tore down the Ballard Denny’s!

Gordo’s doesn’t really project an inviting image, but it’s better than it looks. They have decent fish, good fries and shakes (mmm… shakes), not so good burgers, and friendly employees. Their sandwich ingredients might leave something to be desired, but you do get a decent value for your money.
To get an even better value, get your food, cross the street, and walk behind the West Marine building. Between the two apartment buildings is a small path leading down to a small beach. Voila. Now you have a meal and a view of the sound and the Olympics.

I had a burger here that was very not good. It took forever for it to cook because I watched your man pull it right out of a costco patty bag still frozen. The fries were great and it is a great spot of just stopping for a quick bite while birding around the sound. Only problem is it wasnt’ very quick. Oh well It was average and I am sure I will come back.

They have the best fries maybe ever! At least they were perfect for me. They were square cut and thick. And cooked but not too much. Just like I like ‘em. Just!
Both my pal and I had the fish which is cod. It is some of the best deep fried fish I’ve ever had. They use a very light nicely spiced beer batter. But, the batter isn’t like other beer batters that are really thick. Very light. The spices they used (which normally I wouldn’t want my fish like this spiced) reminded me of how my dad would cook fish at home. It was a very similar spicing and it tasted it good and brought back good memories for me.
The soda was fine (though not stellar and YES I can taste the difference between different fountain sodas).
I also ended up getting a vanilla malt because my pal had gotten a chocolate shake and it looked really good. My malt ended up being WAY too sweet for me. However, I’ve not been eating much sugar so my taste buds are pretty sensitive to sugar right now. Use your own judgment on the shakes I guess.
They have burgers as well and a few other things you wouldn’t be surprised to find at a fast food restaurant.
They have parking lot so that is good. And they have picnic tables (but no inside seating.) I thought it would be too loud to eat outside but it was really quite pleasant.
I will be back for sure! I gotta try the burgers fer sure!
Plus their «tag» line is: «The best thing to happen to buns since Levis.»
So ya gotta like that!
UPDATE (9÷5÷06)
I finally had a burger here. Not that great. Stick with the fish. Also the fries this time around weren’t as good as the first time around. Again, stick with the fish. It is stellar!