Visiting Seattle

Since this gets asked at least every month, we should probably have some kind I sticky, because eventually people won't bother writing new visitor guides, sorry.

Try reading some of these :

http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/will-be-in-seattle-3-11-3-18-good-place-to-check-out.2249/
http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/visiting-seattle-and-portland.382/

 

Within walking distance of the market: Collins Pub, Elysian Fields (near stadiums), and Pike Brewing. Eat at Wild Ginger - has decent tap list (as do most good restaurants in Seattle).

Quick cab ride (or long walk) from the market: Stumbling Monk, Quinn's, Elysian Capitol Hill (all three in Capitol Hill neighborhood); Brave Horse Tavern (celebrity chef Tom Douglas' place in uber-hip South Lake Union neighborhood)

Longer (but still short) cab ride from the market: Brouwer's Cafe, Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden - only open Thursday-Sunday (Fremont neighborhood); Uber Tavern, Duck Island Saloon, 74th St. Ale House, Naked City (Greenwood neighborhood); Bottleworks beer store, Elysian Tangletown, Burgundian Tavern, Latona Pub (Walllingford/Green Lake neighborhood); Hudson Public House/Last Drop beer store, Cooper's Alehouse (Maple Leaf neighborhood)

Really good food at Brouwer's, Naked City, Burgundian, 74th St. Ale House, Quinn's, Brave Horse, Latona, Hudson and all three Elysians.

If you're not intimidated by public transportation, i.e., the bus, you can take the #5 bus from close to the market and head north. Along the #5 line, you are within easy walking distance of Brouwer's, Fremont Brewing, Uber Tavern, Duck Island Saloon, 74th St. Ale House, and Naked City.

Have fun. Cheers.

 

Just gonna add Bambino's near Seattle Center, as it's not far from downtown. I haven't been there yet, but their beer list looks amazing and now that my #28 bus has been re-routed I at least know where it is.
http://www.getbambinos.com/zgrid/themes/10240/portal/index.jsp

And here's a map to help you navigate:
http://beermapping.com/maps/citymaps.php?m=seattle

Enjoy your stay!

 

Definitely take advantage of the metro when in Seattle. It's free in certain areas downtown too.

 

Enjoy it while you can; free ride zones will be phased out at the end of September. http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus/ride-free-area/changes.html

 

Lame.

 

I agree... but fares are up and they're still cutting routes. Buses are more crowded than ever during rush hour (my routes are usually standing-room only, generally the most unpleasant part of my day). I guess they're pulling out all the stops to save money. A sign of the times I guess.

 

An absolute must hit is Big Time, in the U-District. This is one of my favorite beer hikes when I go down. Take the bus to the Fremont neighborhood. Start at Fremont Brewings tasting room. Brouwers Cafe is next in line. Keep walking, there are plenty of bars along the way, you won't go thirsty, until you hit Hale's Brewery. From there hit up Maritime Pacifics Jolly Roger Tap Room. Next is a short walk to Ballard Ave and a whole strip of bars, the Noble Fir and the new Urban Family are worth checking out. The new Hilliards Brewery is in the area as well. Take the bus back downtown. That's only about 3-4 miles of walking, just enough to put space between beers. Enjoy your visit!

 

Meanwhile they're all set on the west coast version of the big dig eh?

Public transportation or walking tourability is a big plus to me when sampling a city's beer/wine.

 

Agree. This is a big reason Portland > San Diego as a beer city.

 

The ride-free debate isn't of much relevance here, but i'm all for getting rid of it. It's never once benefited me and it might go a long way to cleaning up the downtown bus scene. Anyways.

If going to Fremont, obviously worth a bus ride into ballard for many more watering holes (Hilliards, Maritime, Noble Fir, Urban Family to name a few) and lots of great food.

 

If you are here during Seattle Beer Week May 10 - 20, keep an eye on the events calendar at http://seattlebeerweek.com/

 

A brand new place getting rave reviews http://www.pineboxbar.com/
The Pine Box - yup, used to be a mortuary, is a must stop.
Bruce Lee's service apparently was held there.
An easy walk from the Pike Place area.
Also, for bottles, check out Pear Market - say hello to Phil, the beer buyer.

 

I'll second this, though I haven't been yet. A couple of friends went after Caskfest and loved the place. Beer selection was very good, as was service. Their pizza wasn't what they had hoped for, but it's always tough judging when a restaurant is brand new, it often takes a few weeks for things to settle in. I look forward to checking it out soon.

 

This is the best beer hike in the city that I can think of, I love all those places, and I never really noticed how perfect they're all laid out for a nice beer/walking day. I'm going to do this on my next day off!!!

 

It's a nice beer walk. Unfortunately IMO, Hale's and Maritime provide mediocre offerings and just OK food. However, with Brouwer's and Noble Fir as bookends, it's a pretty damn good day. Plus, depending upon when you take the walk, you could end your night at the Tractor Tavern for good music and a small, but decent taplist. They almost always have FW Union Jack on tap.

 

Yeah I think the food at Maritime is terrible, but like you said, if you just eat at Brouwers and Noble Fir you're good to go. I love the Tractor! I'm in there like once a week.

 

I have friends in bands that play The Tractor, Conor Byrne and The Sunset, so I make this walk a few times a year. I agree that Hales isn't anything special, but it's worth a stop if your in the area. I've only ate at MP once, had the Double Sliders, I thought they were good. Nothing really outstanding, but not terrible either. The place I'm always wanting to check out is that little place, Mikes Chili Parlor. Anybody been, any good?