More Than Hale And Hart-Y
There’s more to the Seattle brewpub scene than the “big three” of Redhook, Hart and Hale’s. Among the other options:
Big Time Brewing Co., 4133 University Way NE (206-545-4509): Voted best brewpub by the Seattle-based Microbrew Appreciation Society, this University District hot spot attracts both beer purists and a lively, loud college crowd.
Hopheads will delight in the bitter, full-bodied Bhagwan’s Best India Pale Ale, while malt advocates might prefer the complex, chocolatey Coal Creek Porter. The kitchen serves typical tavern fare, including nachos, chili, pizza and stuffed potatoes. Minors aren’t allowed, but cigarettes are.
Pacific Northwest Brewing Co., 322 Occidental Ave. South (206-621-7002): A popular pre-game stop for the Kingdome crowd, this tastefully remodeled Pioneer Square warehouse might pass for just another fashionable Seattle eatery, save for the big copper kettle under the neon sign behind the bar and the wood-clad conditioning tanks that line the opposite wall.
A full menu, heavy on pastas, salmon and stylish sandwiches, is accompanied by a handful of traditional ales. For something different, sample one of the beer mixers, such as the Black Velvet - a robust, bubbly blend of stout and champagne.
McMenamins Six Arms, 300 East Pike (206-223-1698): One of two new Seattle locations for the Oregon-based brewpub chain (the other is near the Seattle Center at 200 Roy, 285-4722), this Seattle University neighborhood tavern fits the McMenamins mold of funky and electic to a “T.”
Wash down the noveau pub grub with an assortment of McMenamins Ales (try the Terminator Stout), selected beers from other breweries, wines from McMenamins’ Edgefield complex outside Portland or such non-alcoholic choices as a generous helping of herbal tea in a coffee press.
California and Alaska Street Brewery, 4720 California Ave. SW (206-938-2476): This tiny, quiet neighborhood pub is tucked into a West Seattle business district where tourists seldom venture. The small brew system sits in the middle of a homey, brick-walled room with a mounted zebra head, a huge collection of coasters behind the bar and a game table.
The star of a relatively light-bodied beer list is the spicy Top Hat Pepper, with a pepperoncini flavor up front followed by a powerful jalapeno finish. Better temper it with some food, such as one of the French bread pizzas.
Coming soon: In May, the Elysian Brewing Co. on Capitol Hill, from former Big Time brewer Dick Cantwell; and in June, a new brewery, with pub, for the popular Pike Place Brewery near the market (beer samples available at Liberty Malt Supply Co., 1419 First Ave.)
, DataTimes