November 8, 2009
So, I’m sitting at the bar at Cleveland’s (Strongsville) excellent Brew Kettle having one of their 4C’s ales on cask. I started talking with a couple sitting next to me, who asked where I was from. Told them I’d lived in Seattle for 20 years. Their next question was about what I thought of Bill Jenkins’s beers at Big Time. Well, turns out the husband is a beer judge, and Bill Jenkins is nationally-respected brewer. Embarrassing for me, I had never been to Big Time. Fixed that as soon as I got back home, and I agree this is very serious beer. Had the sampler plus the Bhagwan IPA on cask. My favorite was the hopped-up India Brown, a bit reminiscent of the one from Dogfish. Not much more to contribute about the place beyond what others have said - great service and knowledge at the bar and bad attitude at the food-ordering station (no doubt due to the unrelenting assault of underage UW students who must be ticked off at being so close yet so far from some of the best beer in the NW). Hand-tossed pizza was very good - crust was crunchy outside with melt-in-your mouth inside. IMO, maybe second or third best in Seattle. Very grateful for the couple in Ohio who helped me discover a very special local brewer. Will definitely add this to my list of regular venues..

September 21, 2009
Located a few blocks of University Washington, so can get crowded w/ the younger crowd; 8 taps or so only Big Time offerings if I remember right; always enjoyed the pizza and they offer other sandwich time food; order/pick up at window; big bar with relatively open w/ several movable wooden tables; gaming room in the back;

May 15, 2009
Visited on May 11th, 2009 for the Old Sol vertical tasting. The place itself is a college bar, but on the nicer end of the college bar continuum. Beer selection was really good when I was in, though they did have 5 years of the Wheat Wine on, so I am sure that is not normal. Their IPA’s are really great, and I was glad to be able to try them fresh at the source. The service is a bit weird, as other reviewers have mentioned. Beers need to be ordered at the bar, and food needs to be ordered at a separate window. I didn’t have any food, but it looked pretty straight forward; pizzas, nachos, etc. Not a big deal, just something to know. Overall, I really liked the vibe of the place, though the music was a bit loud when I first arrived (didn’t they know a square, middle aged man was coming in?).

February 14, 2009
This is the kind of place that makes the Seattle beer scene a treat. Lots of great beer and great character. Unfortunately,I keep missing out on the Ave Rat and Old Wooly. Service from the bar is great. From the kitchen, not so fabulous.

December 19, 2008
The Seattle institution. Situated in the University District, I was very lucky to have this around the corner while at school. Consistently good beers with standouts now and again (we wait for Old Wooly patiently and devotedly every year). Atmosphere is classic brewpub and the food is pretty good. Best part has to be the sweet, sweet smell of brewing wafting over the neighborhood.

December 11, 2008
Bill Jenkins makes great beers. I am especially a fan of the Coal Creek Porter. The bartenders seem friendly, but its kind of annoying to not have servers to deliver beer and food.

August 3, 2008
This place is kind of a shit hole, but what do you expect from a place that gets crowded and trashed every night of the week. Fortunately their beer kicks ass, so it is worth putting up with the staff that looks like they wish they were somewhere else. I did appreciate the make your own sampler. So between the two of us we got to try pretty much everything on tap that day.

July 3, 2008 [ Updated August 14, 2008 ]
A good, not great, place. Ambiance only falters from the glass front wall - don’t like it. Only their own beers, which is a hitch for me since I usually only like one, and here was no exception. But a great place to meet and hang out - they just happen to brew their own beer.

March 11, 2008
Since 1988 offering, college students a place to shoot the shite, and have a good pint and sandwich to boot. With exposed walls that display the wort and mash tun tanks, this place has a little of everything. If you want a brew, step on up to the bar, complete with a cask. Want a sandwich, turn around and between the nachos, the sandwiches, or bake potatoes, its here. Be advised, they do take both credit and cash, but the two sections (beer / food) require separate transactions. Good selection of dark and light ales, and the occasional seasonal. If you want to venture further back you can sit amongst the wooden booths. So swing by have a brew and a sandwich. Cheer

February 24, 2008 [ Updated September 11, 2008 ]
In an old building with a great brick pub look inside. The old bar and the old beer collection and art on the wall were awesome. A wave of great music in the air. 11 taps of their own stuff and the beers where very good. They love there hops here. Good pub selection of food. The reggae music was fun to listen to. This is a university pub for sure. Parking is very hard to find so come looking to hoof to the place from a block or two away.