Old Salt

Introduction / Overview

Old Salt has quickly established itself as a premier destination for bagel aficionados in the Washington region, frequently earning praise as one of the best bagel spots in Seattle, hands down. Located in the bustling Ballard neighborhood, Old Salt goes far beyond the basic bagel shop model by integrating a strong focus on high-quality, house-cured, and house-smoked fish, a specialty often found only in top-tier delis. The business, stemming from the culinary team behind acclaimed Seattle restaurants, brings a chef-driven precision to the beloved breakfast staple.

The core of the Old Salt experience revolves around bagels made fresh every day in-house, using locally sourced Shepherd's Grain flour. Customers consistently rave about the

freshness, flavor, and texture

Location and Accessibility

Old Salt’s Ballard location is conveniently situated at 6309 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA. This placement in the northern part of Ballard makes it easily accessible for local residents and those traveling from North Seattle neighborhoods like Crown Hill, Phinney Ridge, and Fremont (where their original location began). The bakeshop is designed for easy service and a quick visit, catering perfectly to the pace of a Seattle morning rush.

The shop prioritizes a smooth customer experience with several conveniences. Accessibility is a key feature, as the entrance is

wheelchair accessible

Services Offered

Old Salt focuses on a compact, high-quality menu that perfects the bagel and schmear experience:

• Daily Fresh Bagels: Hand-made bagels baked fresh every day in-house, available in flavors including Plain, Poppy Seed, Sesame, Everything, and the distinct Black Sesame x Aleppo.
• Signature Sandwiches: Gourmet bagel sandwiches featuring house-smoked fish, such as the Lox, Kippered Salmon, and the highly-recommended Smoked Black Cod sandwiches.
• Artisan Spreads: A variety of whipped cream cheese spreads, including unique flavors like Herb, Veggie, Chili (with Calabrian chili and Aleppo pepper), and a standout Smoked Fish spread.
• Dairy-Free Option: Providing inclusive offerings with a Cashew spread option for dairy-free customers.
• Bulk Spread and Fish: Customers can purchase 8 oz tubs of their specialty spreads (Plain, Herb, Veggie, Chili, Smoked Fish) and quarter-pound portions of house-smoked fish (Lox, Kippered Salmon, Smoked Black Cod).
• Coffee Service: Serving quality coffee to complement the food, making it an excellent dual-purpose morning stop.
• Convenience Services: Offering Delivery, In-store Pickup, and Takeout for fast, flexible ordering.

Features / Highlights

What sets Old Salt apart in Washington’s competitive food landscape is its dedication to elevated ingredients and preparation:

• House-Smoked Fish: This is the definitive highlight. Old Salt’s commitment to smoking their own fish—including house-cured Coho Lox and cold-smoked Neah Bay Black Cod—ensures a superior, fresh, and uniquely flavored protein for their sandwiches, giving a truly local Pacific Northwest identity to a classic deli staple.
• The Black Cod Sandwich: A customer-favorite and must-try item. The Smoked Black Cod sandwich, served with cream cheese, pickled cucumbers, and a touch of tobiko roe, is frequently cited as being

  over the top

  in its deliciousness and refinement.
• Artisan Dough & Texture: The bagels are consistently praised for being "fresh, tasty and with the right amount of crispiness," achieving a perfect balance between a sturdy crust and a soft, chewy interior.
• Creative Spreads: The quality extends to the cream cheese, with house-whipped spreads featuring sophisticated, fresh ingredients and specialty peppers, offering flavors that go far beyond standard fare.
• Commitment to Local: The use of Shepherd's Grain flour and locally-sourced Northwest Bounty fish underscores Old Salt's commitment to supporting regional agriculture and fisheries, making it a truly local Washington business.

Contact Information

To secure your bagel fix, inquire about sandwich details, or place a bulk order for your next gathering, please use the following contact information. Remember to check online platforms for the most current operating hours, which typically focus on the morning and early afternoon for peak bagel freshness.

• Address: 6309 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
• Phone: (206) 906-9363

What is worth choosing

For Washington residents, Old Salt is worth choosing because it represents the pinnacle of the modern, artisan bagel experience, blending the simplicity of a bagel shop with the culinary excellence of a seafood-focused restaurant. You are choosing a bagel that is baked

fresh daily

The primary reason to visit Old Salt is the exceptional quality of their fish. You can—and should—choose the opportunity to taste the highly-touted

Smoked Black Cod Sandwich

Old Salt

6309 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA