Visiting Seattle (Summer 2017 Update)

Glad I found this thread; the Mrs. and I are going to spend 2 days in Seattle in October before going to Tacoma for a wedding then continuing to Portland.

 

Nice thread, I'm in kirkland currently for a couple days. I drive a big truck for work and can't go many places, are there any bottleshops within a reasonable uber ride of me? Thanks in advance.

 

Malt & Vine, Whole Foods.

 

The Cave on 85th is a solid bottle shop. Malt & Vine has been the bottle shop of choice on the Eastside (i.e. the 'burbs east of Seattle) for years, but I think The Cave has recently surpassed M&V in terms of selection lately, especially since M&V remodeled and sacrificed a few coolers to do so. On the far right-hand side in The Cave is a door to the back of the cooler, so if you see a single you like, chances are they have full sixers and packs of it in the back. Eden runs the store and is as friendly as can be.

Malt & Vine still has a better tap list than The Cave, but if you're local for a nearby place to drink, I'd recommend Flatstick Pub down by the water in downtown Kirkland. They have around 40 taps - Washington State offerings only - and you can get a few rounds of mini-golf in as well. (You can bring in food from outside there, too.) The downtown waterfront there is usually nice to stroll in the summer as well.

 

When do we move urban family into tier-1 where it belongs?

 

i can't speak to that, but if we are talking updates...
standard brewing, highly recommended
no anchor, beer-centric restaurants

 

Maybe we should start a "Recommendations" thread for the Visiting Seattle Fall 2017 update

 

If memory serves, this came up last year, but they didn't quite win the straw poll because there were enough objections to the atmosphere of the place (at certain times of day, anyway) and, to some extent, the consistency of the beer. My impression of popular opinion now is that these issues have been resolved. Perhaps your advocacy here will help initiate the critical mass of support they need this time around.

Personally, I'm agnostic, but only because my direct experience with their beer and taproom is too limited to formulate and advance a solid opinion. Still, I'd be happy to see them make the step up, if others feel as strongly as you. It's always encouraging to see our local breweries excel and gain recognition for their work, even if it's just here in our dinky little forum. We are not kingmakers by any stretch, but it's nice to think we can help direct some deserving place a little extra business.

 

Thanks for the advice y'all, was able to grab some urban family and de garde among other things.

 

Thanks to all who've contributed to this thread & kept it updated! I'll be on vacation this coming week in Seattle & though the days will be filled with parks & hiking, the night will be for beer exploration.

Anything special/fun coming up before Labor Day? Cool tappings, bottle releases that I don't have to get in line overnight for? Any info on events would be welcome. Thanks.

 

I hit up Mammoth earlier this week. Highly recommended. Great sandwiches and an extensive tap list.

 

skip that mentality and just go drink beer outside, maybe at reuben's. it's pretty much peak seattle summer and that's what we'll all be doing.

 

Mentality? I've done plenty of what you've described over my dozen visits to this fine city. Just wondering if there was something fun & unique going on. Thanks for you 'input'.

 

okay, well, there's also no beer events or releases worth going to. so i don't know what to tell ya.

actually, the end of seattle summer IS unique. we are getting ready for fall and fresh hop season, the calm before the storm. maybe this trip tops all the others.

 

Yeah, September in Seattle is fresh hop time. Anything else gets put on hold for that. Just keep an eye out for those while you're here.

 

Will be in Seattle over the holiday - love these threads! Will have an eye out for a few fresh hop brews.

 

Download the BrewNotice app.

 

Just downloaded it - I'm not crazy into "needing the latest release" etc, but this app looks VERY useful upon 2nd glace looking into it - especially with a near-overwhelming amount of beer options in PDX/SEA.

Thanks for the great tip, brother!

 

I will be in Kent for an afternoon this Sunday. Where would you all recommend if I were to stop at three breweries in the area? I will explore the top recommendations on Monday with a friend.

 

Airways is nice and the best brewery option in South King County. You could also hit up The Brewmaster's Taproom in Renton and Geaux Brewing in Auburn. If you're thinking about coming into Seattle, just know that there will be a Seahawks home game on Sunday and weekend construction on northbound I-5.