![Father's Day Beer](/sites/default/files/styles/1180x660_scaled_cropped/public/2019-05/DAD-beer_0.jpg?itok=j-zMi12F)
Instead of getting Dad another tie for Father’s Day this year, get him what he really wants… beer! We’ve rounded up some great breweries and taprooms to visit with the big guy. From kid- and dog-friendly spots to 21-and-over joints that would make a perfect date night, check out these watering holes spanning the greater Puget Sound area for local, artisan brews.
Seattle
Fremont Brewery
You can bring the whole family — including the dog — to the kid-friendly Fremont Brewery. It's no wonder this family-owned craft brewery that makes artisan beer with local ingredients is a community favorite. Sit outside in the Urban Beer Garden, relax at the picnic-style tables or around the indoor fire pit. They also brew non-alcoholic soda that is free to anyone under 21 and offer cold-brew coffee for those who don’t imbibe. They don’t sell food, but you are welcome to bring in your own. Coloring books, crayons, a shelf of board games and a free snack station filled with fresh apples, pretzels and dog water bowls cinch this as one of our favorite spots.
Recommended Beers
- Summer Ale: A light, crisp seasonal ale
- Interurban IPA Fremont Brewery Flagship: an IPA with a medium hoppy flavor.
Ballard Beer Company
For those over 21, this taproom serves up only local brews, mostly of Ballard origin. The offerings change almost daily so you’re sure to find a winner every time. A menu board tells you how many miles away each brewery is so you can see just how local it is. No food menu here, but bringing in your own is welcomed. Ballard Beer Company claims the best happy hour in town, with $4 beer from noon to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday. You can bring the dog, but not the kids, so make it a date night with the Majestic Theater on one side and Cupcake Royale on the other.
Recommended Beers
- It’s hard to make a recommendation because of the ever-changing taps, but if you catch the Stoup Citra there, give it a try. This summer IPA is a classic NW brew with a bright and clean flavor. (This isn’t a citrus beer; citra is a type of hops.)
Eastside
Located in downtown Issaquah, this is a combination brewery and restaurant where you can bring the kids. Rogue uses the freshest ingredients, grown on their own farm in Oregon. Not only do they serve craft beer, but they brew non-alcoholic fruit soda, and serve a full food menu. The beers have fun names like Batsquatch, Combat Wombat and Rhubarb Schmubard.
Recommended Beers
- Hazelnut Brown Nectar: This award-winning brown ale has a hazelnut flavor and a smooth, malty finish.
- Out of Line IPA: This is their flagship brew and is clean-tasting and not too bitter.
- Hazelutely Choctabulous: This one is a combo of Chocolate Stout and Hazelnut Brown Nectar and tastes like a candy bar.
- Double Chocolate Stout: The name kind of says it all.
When we stepped into Total Wine and More in Bellevue, my husband said, “This is like an alcoholic Disneyland!” The facility is huge, with pretty much any bottled or canned alcoholic beverage you could want. The beer section is amazing, with an eclectic selection and a make-your-own 6-pack option, so you can try before buying six beers of one type. If you already know what Dad likes, stop by the Brewery District toward the back of the store where you can purchase a growler of a favorite brew. They also host free beer tastings on weekends.
Recommended Beers
- Mac & Jack's African Amber (on tap): This beer is brewed in Redmond and is a classic NW amber ale with floral notes, a malty middle and a dry-hopped finish.
- Manny’s Pale Ale (on tap): This beer from Seattle’s Georgetown Brewing Company is an unfiltered pale ale with citrus notes and a smooth flavor.
- Rainier Radler: This summer brew with orange and lemon notes is perfect for summer days in the Pacific Northwest.
- If Dad likes porters, then pick up a 6-pack of Black Raven Brewery Coco Jones. This smooth, dark beer offers notes of coffee, chocolate and coconut without being too heavy.
South King County
Lumber House Brewing tasting room in Black Diamond offers beer locally brewed in Hobart and a kid-friendly facility with a full menu. This off-the-beaten-path brewery has a lumberjack décor theme with wood-slab tables, black-and-red-checked throw blankets and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. If you find a favorite brew, take home a growler. The venue hosts local musicians, beer yoga, art nights and tons of other fun events as well.
Recommended beer
- Three C’s IPA: This is a traditional NW IPA brewed with three types of hops: Chinook, Centennial and Columbus.
- Rockslide Amber Ale: This beer is the perfect blend of malt and bitter flavors, with caramel notes.
Located in Maple Valley, Imbibe is a 21+ upscale taproom and bottle shop offering 24 rotating taps (including hard ciders). If you can’t find what you like on tap, they also have a selection of over 500 bottles of beer, wine, sake and more. Check the taplist before you go, or the staff is always quick to offer samples to taste before you buy. You can also order a 4-ounce pour or a flight if you want to try more than one.
Recommended beer
- The taps change daily but Imbibe has their own brew produced in collaboration with Odin Brewing Company called Imbibe Valley Haze. This is an IPA Imperial/ New England style. Hazy beers are made with citrusy hops and have a cloudy body, caused either by the yeast or the high protein grains used in brewing process, that characterizes their smooth flavor.