Visiting Seattle (Winter 2016 Update)

That part is totally understandable and I do the same thing.

 

During my 10-mile powered by fresh hop run last Fall (Green Lake to Golden Gardens and back, with 4 oz pours of all the fresh hops at Lucky Envelope, Reubens and Stoup on the way back), seeing the Cycle Pub made me step up my pace and beat them to Reubens.

 

Being no old curmudgeon myself (not yet, anyway), and always getting about on my bike, I actually get a hearty chuckle out of the Cycle Pub whenever I see it. The people making their rounds upon it always seem in a jovial mood (with good reason), and have always given a welcome shout-out to a fellow "cyclist" whenever I pass them by. Still, it's vital to beat them to wherever they might be going. You're sure to lose 30+ minutes of your life, otherwise...

 

Especially when they all order flights...

 

Without question, as more often than not they will. ~30 minutes quickly becomes ~45 easy, and I start to look over my shoulder for a scythe and a shroud...

 

I was gonna make a joke about calling a Michigan Uber driver to give them a ride, but it's prolly too soon. On a semi-serious note, I wonder how practical it would be for breweries/bars to institute a "No Sampler Trays for large groups" policy? Not just for the cycle pubs, but things like Bellingham Tap Trail, where groups will try to hit all the spots, or 21 parties, pub crawls, Bad Santa, and other groups like that. It's early, so I'm not really capable of thinking this through yet, and it probably couldn't be done. But, it's a pleasant thought.

 

I've been to breweries where this is a rule, actually.

Heck, the only time I do flights is in Japan, and that's because beer is very expensive (~$12 a pint) and small pours are much more affordable.

 

Hey guys, I will be in Seattle for a day in April. What brewery/bar would have my best bet at finding sours on tap? Im driving up from Portland for a day and leaving the next so I am limited on time but want to hit some of the highlights.

 

Your best bet is to just check the webpages of some of the better beer bars and deciding closer to your visit. There isn't really one place that anyone can say this far out that'll have a better selection than another.

These places post their taplists:
http://chucks85th.com/
http://thesixgill.com/tap-list/
http://pineboxbar.com/
http://brouwerscafe.com/draught.pdf
http://toronadoseattle.com/

There are other places as well but that should give you a headstart.

 

stumbling monk comes to mind, they're open at 6pm daily and always have 3-4 sours on draft. great prices, too.

if you're driving up, i'd drop into Engine House 9 in Tacoma, as well. they have both in-house sours (that are excellent), and a guest taplist.

 

Are there any breweries along the drive from Portland to Seattle?

 

There are a ton along the I-5 corridor, but I'll give you my abbreviated list of recommendations.

Kent -- Airways
Tacoma -- Engine House No. 9
Olympia -- Three Magnets

 

They don't get a ton of love here, but I'm a fan of Dick's in Centralia. Plus, they have a smokehouse, so you can stock up on meat!! Plus, I really want to tick this place: http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/32766/

 

I'm staying in between Fremont and the woodland park zoo off aurora at they the staybridge suites. Any good places to visit with food and good brews near by? Child friendly

 

Awesome I appreciate that we have 3 dogs so no problem there. Is Reuben's and stoups kid friendly? I know Fremont is we will be stopping there again.

 

Reuben's and Stoup are both kid-friendly. Stoup has some paper and markers; Reuben's toys disappeared when they moved into their new location. Both spots also have nice outside areas which will make having dogs easier. Those two places, along with Fremont, are the places I'll stop in if I have my daughter with.

If you happen to actually be at the zoo, Park Pub is just a block or two north of it, and has had solid beer and food when I've stopped in in the past.

 

We have been to Seattle about 8 times in the past 2 years. Our 4 1/2 year old daughter has appointments at Seattle children's so at the end of March will be our last time visiting for the next year so we are looking at more like a vacation time. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Not the last but now instead of every 3 months every year. Good news though!