Visiting Seattle (2020 edition)

You should also add a note after Machine House that it's all cask ales. That's not a style for everyone.

 

Pretty sure they typically have one draft option.

 

First off, this is an amazing help for travelers like myself. I won't be out in Seattle until September, but I like doing some early research because that's just how I am. We are planning on hitting a Mariners and Huskies game while out there. I have a quick question for you experts.

We are going to go on a 2 day excursion when we are out there. I'm almost positive I know which one you will recommend, but I'll ask anyway. Would you go to Portland, OR or Vancouver, BC? I'm assuming Portland, but wanted to check. Vancouver does have some breweries up there, but I just don't know how good they are. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!

 

IMO it'd be Portland OR for the breweries/beer scene, and Vancouver BC for the scenery and food

 

Vancouver has the advantage on breweries to hit enroute, Skookum, Chuckanut, everything in Bellingham, etc. easily trump everything between Seattle and Portland. I can’t really speak on the current scene in Vancouver as I haven’t been up there in 7 or 8 years. Honestly, if we’re JUST talking beer it’s hard to argue for anywhere over Portland, but all things considered either choice would be a great one.

 

Portland is a cool city. We spent part of our honeymoon there. It's got the best bookstore anywhere. We visit regularly.

But Vancouver is a world class spectacular city, really in a league of its own. If it's beer that's your top priority, than sure, Portland is better. But you'll get a lot of great beer in Seattle, and as @itracy63 points out, there's more great beer en route to BC, along with the City of Subdued Excitement itself. I'd say if you're visiting the NW, don't miss Vancouver.

 

Vancouver has some great breweries. Van city is awesome. You can stop in Bellingham and check out some our breweries. Hit me when you head this way.

 

Agreed with what others have already said. If beer is your only or top priority, then Portland is the way to go. Vancouver is a really great city, though, with a beer scene that should not be written off or overlooked. I get up there once or twice a year and am always thoroughly impressed with most of the breweries I visit and beers I have. On top of that, it is just a great city all around. Really in a class of its own as far as scenic/beautiful North American cities go.

 

Thanks for all of the great feedback so far. I was kind of feeling the way most of you are feeling about the 2 cities. At least I don't need to make up my mind right this minute. And while I'm on here, my fiends and I usually like to hit up a great pizza joint on our city travels. Any suggestions for Seattle? If they have a good taplist, fine, if not, that's ok as well. Thanks.

 

The Masonry

 

I'm a big fan of Brassneck. Maybe @JonnyBeers can make some suggestions?

 

This for sure. I'm sure there's better pizza in Seattle, but coupled with their beer selection I don't think you can do better. Both locations are good, but I prefer the Fremont spot.

Brassneck is probably my favorite spot in Vancouver. I like 33 Acres and R&B as well in that area.

 

As much as I love Portland, for a one off, I'd recommend Vancouver. Sure, Portland has more great beer, but so what? You can drink only so much anyway and Vancouver is more scenic and has plenty of great beer to keep you from getting thirsty.

 

I'll throw a little entropy in here. Portland for Beer. Richmond BC for the best Chinese food outside China.

 

I was thinking that it may be valuable to mention that for visitors flying Alaska Airlines out of SeaTac, you can check a 12-bottle shipper FOR FREE. I shipped back stuff to myself on two previous trips before learning this info recently (thank you cashier guy at BevMo for the info!)

https://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/special-offers/wine-flies-free

 

Windy City in Phinney Ridge is the best pizza in Seattle. I'll fight anyone that says otherwise.

(The Masonry, Delancey, and Dino's are also good).