No-Li Brewhouse

No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane, Washington

Stars: 2.5
Date visited: August, 2014
Address: 1003 E. Trent Ave. Spokane, WA 99202

The brewery was extremely large and awkwardly separated into multiple rooms. It felt commercial and kind of impersonal. It would be a good place to watch a game and they have a large outdoor seating area overlooking the river. It would be a great place for a local’s Birthday or engagement party (yes - we have wedding planning on the brain)... but with so many other great breweries in the area, we likely wouldn’t return to No-Li except for one of these types of events. The one saving grace is that they feature a “no-boundaries pilot series” that rotates every few weeks...  but alas, we were kind of disappointed.

6 Beer Taster Flight

The Urban Family Public House

The Urban Family Public House, Ballard, Washington

Stars: 3
Date visited: March 16, 2014
Address: 5329 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107

Very cute and quaint and located in the heart of Ballard. Brick walls with modern touches (stainless steel bar). 50ish capacity but it feels like it would be miserable if it was crowded. When we were in there, there were only 20 or so people and it was already getting too loud. Pleasant staff and good tunes ala Rolling Stones, Neil Young, The Band, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison.

Low Hanging Fruit
Paint It Black

Fiddler’s Inn

Fiddler’s Inn, Wedgwood – Seattle, WA   

Stars: 4 
Date visited: Feb 16, 2014
Address: 9219 35th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115

The Fiddler’s is one of the best pubs in Seattle! It is a tiny little place with a big personality.  Great location, an interesting selection of rotating taps, and excellent food!! After doing a little research I was surprised to find the Fiddlers was built in 1933, and was actually one of the first bars in Seattle to get a liquor license after Prohibition ended! How cool is that?

The bar itself feels like you are walking into someone’s house. After arriving you will quickly notice everyone seems to know one another. You might feel a little left out at first, but it’s so cozy you’ll quickly feel right at home. The Fiddler’s staff is pleasant, extremely knowledgeable, and there to get you what you want (sometimes with a smile). If you are looking for a cheery bartender to put on a show for you, you are in the wrong bar.

On busy nights (and during any Mariners, Seahawks, or Sounders game) the pub can get a little rowdy and extremely loud. I would suggest grabbing an early beer on a Sunday evening if you are looking for a fun date night! Also, I should note, during the summer you can sit outside under a canopy of hop vines. But be prepared to get there early or wait your turn… if memory serves, there are only 4 or 5 tables located on the patio!

The owners of this pub also run the Hopvine Pub (Capitol Hill) and the Latona Pub (Green Lake)… both establishments are equally funky and fun.

Pike Brewing Company

Pike Brewing Company, Seattle, Washington

Stars: 3
Date visited: Feb 09, 2014
Address: 415 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

I have a love-hate relationship with this brewery… The Pike Pub can be a bit overwhelming. At first glance this pub looks like a total tourist trap and is a little reminiscent of a busy Red Robin. With that said, it is a pretty cool place especially if you go at the right time, with the right people, and manage to finagle a good spot.

The brewery and pub spans 5 levels. I recommend grabbing a booth in the Museum Room. Although it may seem to be one of the most cluttered rooms, the beer memorabilia within covers over 9,000 years of beer history. Pretty interesting.

As far as the beer is concerned, most of their beers are not remarkable. Not bad… just not great. There are, however, two exceptions: the Space Needle Golden Anniversary IPA and Monk's Uncle Tripel. Both of these are must-try beers.

Concerning the food, over the years we have had a few appetizer plates here and there – everything seems to be good… again, not great.

For anyone visiting Seattle this brewery is a must see. There are currently over 60 brewers in the greater Seattle area yet this is the only brewery downtown (Gordon-Biersch and Rock Bottom do not count)! Reasonable prices, pretty good brew, and decent food -  if you are downtown with some friends and have an hour or two to kill, Pike is a great place to drop in.

Rosario Lounge, Orcas Island, WA

Stars: 4.5
Date visited: January 25, 2014
Address: 1400 Rosario Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245

 Surprisingly low-key for its resort location and equally surprising are the reasonable prices. Very impressive bottle selection with knowledgeable and friendly beer-geeky staff. Great way to celebrate an engagement!

Island Hoppin' Brewery - Orcas Island, WA

Stars: 3
Date visited: January 24, 2014
Address: 33 Hope Lane Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA 98245

Clean, fun, and packed with people (thought it only takes a dozen or so people to pack it!). On the wall sits a nice shelf of personalized mugs for regulars. Peanuts on the floor (and peanuts are free). Seems to be a community hangout that a lot of locals frequent. And although we didn’t take advantage of it, there’s a small number of seats located in the actual brewery, as opposed to the tap room. A nice little collection of brewery-provided board games could make for a really enjoyable evening with a small group of friends. Great prices, 4.50/pint. Northwest-style snacks.

Yellow Island Belgian Pale
Elwha Rock IPA