Visiting Seattle (Winter 2016 Update)

I always think about stopping in at Bad Jimmy's, but I think I'll keep on driving by like I've done in the past.

 

The name doesn't help them any. Dirty Bucket is another brewery with an off-putting name.

 

bad jimmy's is a good starting point for brewery crawls. they seem to do mostly adjunct beers with high ABV, so everyone pounds something weird and then moves onto the next location.

 

I've walked/run/biked/driven/bused/ubered by that place at least a billion times and never once considered stopping in. I really hope some poor visitor doesn't read this thread and then stop in there because they recognize the name

 

Hey BAs,

Can you recommend a place to go in Downtown Seattle near the Grand Hyatt (7th and Pine)? Will be on a work trip, so time is extremely limited. Just somewhere in the area with Fremont or other good locals and food available would be ideal. Quick preliminary research shows Collins Pub or Tap House Grill might be good options. Thanks!

 

Collins Pub. BUT, if you're willing to walk a little bit go to the Pine Box.

 

Actually, the Pine Box is your closest bet, not to mention your best. It's four blocks away from your hotel, uphill going, but downhill coming back. Much much much better beer than the Tap House, and the food is decent too.

Collins Pub is good and walkable too (although I prefer the Pine Box for its beer), but according to Google Maps, Collins Pub is 1.0 miles away, as against 0.3 to the Pine Box.

Check out the taplist in advance: http://www.pineboxbar.com/

 

I'd take Pine Box over Collins, especially if it's closer.

 

Thanks! Cheers

 

Speaking of wasting time, last night I went to the Urban Family Brewery in the Seattle district called Magnolia. It was dark outside, and it was not clear what door might be the one to go in, assuming they were open. The bartender was more focused on reading his tablet, only to be interrupted by customers. I'm probably overstating the situation, but it didn't feel right.

My brother called their pale ale the worst beer he's had since he last homebrewed. I found it to be thin and without much redeeming flavor. The grisset I had was decent.

I hope its just growing pains they're having, and that they get their brewing act in full working order.

 

That's odd. I've had great beer at UF consistently over the last year.

 

I too have loved what I've had from Urban Family. I've never had a problem with service either. Sure, they're not exactly engaging when it comes to customers (though one employee did seem intrigued with my Maine Brewing Co hoodie) but they never seem annoyed when called upon to pour a pint or anything.

 

Though it's still Winter, the flowers are in bloom in Seattle and the Cycle Saloons are out wandering the streets again. I strongly advise that visitors skip those sideshows and sample Seattle's bounty at their own pace.

 

I always try to get ahead of the damn cycle pubs when doing brewery stops.

 

Yeah, we got one up here too. When I see it, I go in the opposite direction.

 

Without first puncturing their tires? For shame...

 

That would require effort on my part, and I'm very lazy.

 

*whispers* i'm doing a peddle pub for my wife's 30th, excited to see if all the fun-hating is justified

 

I don't hate it, I just make sure to get ahead of it so I'm not stuck behind all those people waiting for a beer.

 

It's not the actual pedal party that sucks, it's when 8-15 people just rush the place all at once. You're sitting there, having a nice little brew, chatting, doing the crossword, whatever, and suddenly there's this pressure wave that just demands all the attention. It's a bit wearing on us old folks.