Visiting Seattle (Summer 2016 Update)

Mr. Abbey has the right of it in suggesting Fremont/Ballard as a hub. Depending on where you want to go and what sort of mobility you've got you could probably stretch that down into Queen Anne, as most of the recommendations on the list above will be either fairly directly north or fairly directly south of that.

 

At Holy Mountain right now, I must say I am REALLY impressed with their beers. From their barrel fermented to oaked aged saisons. I'm so jealous this brewery is states away from me.

Cheers!

 

The beer they made for Toronado is really damn good, too. It's still on tap there.

 

Will hit that up tomorrow

 

Flying Bike's Anniversary party all this week.

 

So I'll be staying in Capitol Hill.

Checking with locals about what people think about all these joints:

Cloudburst
Pike Place Chowder
Ellenos
Intrigue Chocolate
Frans Chocolates
Piroshky Piroshky
Rachel's Ginger Beer

Holy Mountain
Johnson Winery
Batch 206

Fremont Brewing
Paseo
Milstead Coffee

And coffee at Starbucks Reserve, Victrola.

 

It appears you have your head in the game. I can't argue with the brewery choices, especially since you have them parlayed with some other interesting spots.

For coffee, it would be nice if you could work Slate in there somewhere (Ballard, Pioneer Square or U District) - grab some cold brew cans to go while you're in there. Victrola is good and Millstead is great.

Your Pike Place plans is strong - expect big lines at Pike Chowder (or no lines at the Westlake Center location, but also it's in a mall) but it's good. A good sit-down location would be Matt's in the Market (sweet views too).

Since you've got chocolate on the mind, might as well wander over to the Theo factory from Fremont Brewing. You'll pass the Sixgill and Brouwers along the way.

I've never been to Johnson Winery and while Batch 206 is fine, I probably prefer Sound Spirits as far as distilleries near Holy Mountain go. For some absolutely fantastic single malts, head further south to Westland, which happens to be a block away from Seapine Brewery.

Have fun.

 

for capitol hill espresso, i'd get a drink at victrola, analog, or espresso vivace before i ordered something at starbucks reserve. there's probably a dozen or more cafes i would pick before i bought another drink from the reserve. the counter service is slow and it's a rip-off.

if you do want to drink coffee at the reserve (and, yeah, it's an absolutely stunning building and worth stopping in to see), do one of the tasting flights all the way in the back.

outside of capitol hill, i'll throw out some love for lighthouse roasters. and echo everything @dirtylou said.

 

My fellow residents steer you right, and I'll add a vote for Slate as well. Admittedly, I'm biased in favor of the woman behind the place, but the recommendation is on the merits. Try the deconstructed latte. C'est magnifique!

Since you are clearly a health food nut, and you'll be up on Capitol Hill, you may also wish to try General Porpoise for doughnuts one morning. I'm assuming you will not skip Chuck's (CD) or fail to keep an eye out for whatever notable fresh hop beers are available during your stay.

Lastly, remember that you are bound, no matter how much you enjoy yourself, to declare Seattle a beer, food, coffee, weather, and landscape wasteland upon your return to the Northeast.

 

Agreed. I really want to go to the Starbucks Reserve spot because, wow, it really does look stunning. I just can't, though.

Also, seems obvious that if on the hill, should find your way to the Pinebox and the Stumbling Monk

 

You may already know this, so apologies if you do, but Paseo isn't "Paseo" any longer. There was an ownership change a few years ago, which means the current menu there is an approximation of those old recipes, and not the actual real recipes. The old owners have a new sandwich shop called Un Bien in Ballard, using authentic recipes. As someone who visited Paseo about once a week for years, I find Un Bien vastly superior.

It looks like you're hitting spots close to one another, and if that's the case Un Bien isn't near any of your current destinations. It isn't terribly far from one of our best beer bar/bottle shops Chuck's Hop Shop in Greenwood though.

No matter which one you visit, if you're with a group, I suggest trying a few different sandwiches and sharing. Un Bien serves their sandwiches cut in two, and though I'm not sure about Paseo these days, I imagine they'll do it on request. The roast pork is the most popular at both places but my favorite is either the scallops, or the fresh fish of the day.

 

Thanks guys for the tips. Adjusted my itinerary per your suggestions.

 

Ellenos is also at the University farmers market on Saturdays. I think they're at the Capitol Hill farmers market on Sunday, too.

 

Hey Seattle breweries, take note.

Bring in baby goats. You'll make a killing. Reubens is crazy today.

 

Great choices. I'd also recommend Urban Family brewing if you have time to make it over the Queen Anne, and Chucks hop shop on the central district (very close to cap hill).

I'm a fan of the YouTube show! If there's time in your schedule I'd love to buy you a pint.

 

Urban Family is a bit further in Magnolia/Fisherman's Terminal, FYI.

 

Dear Fellow BA's, I too am planning a Washington trip from La Crosse, WI - to see Dave Matthew's Band at The Gorge with my g/f and a few other folks. I do read and search this forum and have been following this thread and a few others for a couple weeks. I've hit up several WA brewer/beer websites, and reviewed maps somewhat, also.

I hope this is an okay place to post this. First time in WA, first time seeing Dave.

The g/f and I lean toward hoppy beers, but we're open. She also likes her wine. Hoping to maybe ship some cans or crowlers home, too. I don't need ultra-rare whales (but wouldn't turn them down), but some nice hoppy beers I can't buy in WI, would be awesome to ship back.

I would welcome any input on my rough plans below:

• Day 1/Wed 8/31 - Arrive SEA 1pm, rent car, day in Seattle. Staying in International District/S Weller Street area. I'm thinking we'll try and hit Pike Place area, do tourist things, perhaps make it into Pike Brewing and try and push to get over to Cloudburst.
• Day 2/Thur 9/1 - Day in SEA and/or possibly go to a National Park to hike. I might try and get over to Chucks on East Union for a pint and/or some crowlers and/or a good bottle shop.
• Day 3/Fri 9/2 - Leave SEA for Quincy, driving. Hike on the way - Snoqualmie Pass area. Perhaps check out Dru Bru. Staying in Quincy this and next 2 nights - Dave concert in evening.
• Day 4/Sat 9/3 - Renting a pontoon in Wenatchee, spending day on Columbia River. Perhaps hit up a brewery/pub in Wenatchee before hitting the water - Dave concert in evening.
• Day 5/Sun 9/4 - Thinking drive to Yakima during the day/morning, explore town/breweries (Bale Breaker). I really hope to see some tall hop vines! - Dave concert in evening.
• Day 6/Mon 9/5 - Leave Quincy drive to SEA in morning. Remainder of day in SEA. Staying at Motif Seattle hotel. Hope to find a nice dinner, it could be fine dining or just a 'nicer place' - nothing too over the top fancy.
• Day 7/Tues 9/6 - Fly home.

Thanks very much for any beer/food/hiking/Nat. Park-related input you may care to offer!