Dad Watsons (McMenamins)- Seattle, WA

It was the day after Christmas , and the sun was out. What a beautiful day for a walk about. We went to to the zoo, to see animals at play. All a while keeping our thirst at bay. We ended up at Dad Watsons, oh what a treat. Kris Kringle was the beer I hoped to meet.

photo by Eric

Dad Watsons is one of three McMenamins brewpubs in Seattle. It is located in the quirky Fremont neighborhood, the self claimed center of the universe. Although it is in a newer building, they have done a good job making it feel like an old British pub. There is reclaimed wood throughout, Indonesian inspired wood art, and McMenamins signature paintings on the walls. You can enjoy a pint at their large question-mark shaped bar, in their large booths or on their patio (when the weather permits).The menu is typical pub food, which good, but not great. The hand cut fries are exceptional and they have the option of Tater Tots! On tap they have the McMenamins staples (Ruby, Hammerhead, Terminator Stout) plus locals like Billy Club IPA, Paeter’s Porter, Wheat, Gold Star and Hank the Tank Nitro Stout. There is also a full bar featuring McMenamins fine spirits an wines.

I have to admit, I am a big fan of McMenamins. Sure, they are a bit corporate, but you have to love what they do: breweries, pubs, hotels, music venues, movie theaters (with Beer), distillery, winery, historic building restorations … etc. Their hotels have been the choice of stay for many of our Good Beer Trips. They are like an adult Disneyland, where you can drink, eat, watch movies, enjoy soaking pools, and sleep. Once you are there, you don’t need to leave. Check them out for your next trip to Portland, Bend, Forest Grove, McMinville or Centralia.

Beer Sampler:

Kris Kringle – Cloudy, rust brown ,with a sweet floral aroma. Medium bodied, sweet malt flavor followed by a floral bitter hoppy finish. I enjoyed it, but not as well as I have in years past.

McMenamins description:“this hearty robust ale has a bold malt profile and generous amounts of hops that definitely make this a winter warmer.”

Sleepy hollow nut brown – Amber brown, clear, with a rich nutty aroma. Sweet malt flavor with a hint of nut. I look forward to trying it earlier in the season next year.

McMenamins description:“… classic autumn seasonal, this nut brown’s chestnut color and medium bodied will cast a spell on you.”

Paeter’s Porter -. Dark, obscure black, with a malty chocolate aroma. Medium bodied, roasted malt and chocolate followed by a hoppy bite and finishing with a rich malt aftertaste.

McMenamins description:“classic American porter with a rich chocolate flavor and mild hop aroma .”

Hank the Tank Nitro Stout– Tall,dark, with a creamy smooth head and a dark roasted malt aroma. Smooth, full bodied, dark roasted malt flavor, leads to hint of vanilla and and a smoky oak finish. A very good beer to finish the night on.

McMenamins description: “a dark ebony colored stout dry hopped with whiskey barrel oak chips for a nice subtle addition.

Disclaimer: GoodBeerTrips.com is not affiliated with McMenamins. Unless otherwise noted, all food and beer was purchased by GoodBeerTrips.com