Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop

I love this shop, and it would be far too easy to buy way more stuff than I have room for in my house. Then I’d have to open my own oddities shop! Ballyhoo reminds me a bit of Paxton Gate in Portland, only the prices here are much more reasonable. I found a brass birdcage, a bird skull mounted on a small ornate brass stand, and a large blinking eye used by doll makers. These were the items I had to have right away, but there were so many other delightful objects I would have loved to haul home to my own collection! The basement location is perfect, too — a mysterious other world to visit.

Do you like cool and/​or weird things? Do you like those things at an affordable price? Cool. You should go here! It’s right near a bunch of great restaurants in Ballard so you can go eat some nachos and/​or drink beer and bring your brand new taxidermy alligator head that you bought at ballyhoo.
For real, this store is straight up magical. It’s as if all the items were handpicked from all other thrift stores, so you don’t need to dig for the coolest stuff– ITS ALL HERE.
Ryan, the owner is the bee’s knee’s and has a really great eye for the weird and interesting. A plus is that he’s a super great guy, so you’re supporting someone great and buying great stuff.
I can’t stop saying great things– ballyhoo is a dream.
Where else can you buy a raccoon penis bone AND doll eyes AND a cat shaped decanter?!?
I bought an item for a white elephant party/​competition and my item WON and it’s all because ballyhoo is the best.

Ballyhoo has become my favorite shop in Ballard! Ryan and his crew are simply the best. He works really hard curating his shop and bringing in all sorts of curiosities whether you’re into taxidermy, rock specimens, doll parts, and whatever your inner-​freak desires. Prices are always reasonable. The people are always the nicest. Resident artists are featured in the shop too. I’m always exited to see what’s new there. Five stars all the way!

This place has the best prices and an amazing selection. They’ve got everything from antique African art pieces to taxidermy to vintage toys. Something for everyone. It’s like a museum in there! Friendly owner and employees too. What more could you ask for?