Failed plans is the theme of this blog. One idea I had for 2010 was to write about a Seattle bar (that I’ve never visited) each week. It’s already week nine and you may’ve noticed that I haven’t written a word. I have been to some bars, though–here are some thoughts on three:
- Al’s Tavern (2303 N 45th St in Wallingford) - Passing by on the bus countless times, it seemed like Al’s had potential. I’d also heard good things about Rainier served in mason jars and the opinion that it was a “cool dive bar.” But on the night we were there, there was nothing cool or divey about it. The bar itself feels comfortable, but the bartender was annoyingly bland and played bad electronica, and the crowd on a Thursday night was a lifeless mix of UW grad students and quasi-yuppies. There were a few anomalies, like the table of Latino guys knocking down Pacificos, but even they were boring. And there was an old guy drinking a Rainier out of a mason jar, but he was probably just a relic from another time, when Al’s might’ve been decent. It amazed me that a crowded bar could feel so dead. We came in with only one beer under our belts and Al’s completely killed our enthusiasm. Our only option was to pound our beers (Sierra Nevada Pale Ale) and get to another bar before the place sucked the life out of us.
- Pacific Inn Pub (3501 Stone Way N in Wallingford) - There’s a relaxed, blue-collar feeling to this bar. The bar itself looks like a lunch counter surrounded by booths. There’s a pool table in the back and a tiny bathroom with lights that are way too bright. The clientele on a Friday night is a mix of pseudo-hipsters and more serious drinkers. Not a horribly annoying mix of people, but I probably wouldn’t have had any interesting conversations if I’d been alone. The tap selection is okay, with Elysian Perseus Porter, Fremont Universale Pale and Pike IPA alongside the usual suspects like Manny’s Pale Ale, Mac & Jack’s and PBR. One surprise was a jukebox with a good mix of tunes, like Stiff Little Fingers, Buzzcocks and The Replacements. My friend Trevor got fish and chips (which they’re known for) and they were good, but not worth a special trip. I probably won’t make any special trips to this bar period… but I would grab a beer or two if I happened to be thirsty and in the vicinity.
- Galway Arms (5257 University Way NE in the U District) - Although they care about the quality of beer they pour, this is a drinker’s bar, not a beer destination. We came in intending to have one or two and stayed for hours. The other patrons were mostly surly punks and the music was loud–I felt right at home. I imagine the drinks are stiff, though I stuck with beer. I mostly drank Anchor Steam, maybe because the bartender’s Ludicra shirt made me nostalgic for the Bay Area. I think I had a Firestone Walker DBA, too. Other beers on tap included Hale’s Mongoose, Maritime Jolly Roger and Ninkasi Total Domination. The bartender (Will, I think) knew beer pretty well and said he tries to make sure they have good stuff on tap and clean lines. I saw a kitchen in the back, but no one in their right mind would order food here. Like I said, this is a drinker’s bar.
Up next are thoughts on visits to The Beer Authority, Fiddler’s Inn & Ed’s Kort Haus. I also have three weeks of bars to make up. Guess I have some drinking to do…
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