Country Roads is bringing a new country bar to Ballard. The new concept from Kangaroo & Kiwi owner Bradley Howe is taking over the former Shingletown Saloon space at 2016 NW Market St., according to the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Expected to open this October, Country Roads will replace the longtime neighborhood bar, which closed in April after more than a decade in business.
The project is Howe’s second hospitality concept after 25 years operating Kangaroo & Kiwi, the Australian and New Zealand-themed pub he opened in Ballard in 2001.
He said opening another bar wasn’t necessarily part of the plan. It simply became the right opportunity when the neighboring space became available.
“It just happened, really. This one just became available, and it’s right next door. It’s pretty much about 20 steps from the Kangaroo and Kiwi. It’s a neighborhood that I love, and I’d love to have more businesses here,” Howe told What Now Seattle.
While Kangaroo & Kiwi celebrates Australian and New Zealand pub culture, Country Roads will bring a different kind of nightlife to Ballard.
The new bar will focus on live music, line dancing, and the friendly atmosphere often associated with country bars. Despite the theme, Howe said guests don’t have to be country music fans to enjoy it.
“Country bars are generally associated with good times, live music, and line dancing. So those that maybe aren’t into country music would come and enjoy the vibes and the surroundings here. I think country music is a massive genre around the world. One of the biggest in the country, actually. I’m trying to recreate a little bit of that right here in the city.”
Howe expects the two neighboring businesses to complement one another. Kangaroo & Kiwi will continue offering the sports, dancing, and pub space it’s known for, while Country Roads leans more heavily into live entertainment and interactive programming.
The food program is still taking shape, though Howe said the focus will remain on simple bar bites and shareable plates. With several restaurants nearby, guests will also be welcome to bring in outside food.
If construction continues on schedule, Howe hopes to celebrate the opening with several days of festivities in early October.
For anyone who’s never walked into a country bar before, Country Roads’ owner has a simple invitation.
“If you haven’t had a lot of country music or haven’t been to a country theme bar before, come on in. Give it a go. We’re gonna make it a great atmosphere, all welcoming for everybody, and I hope people enjoy it.”
