Wednesday 13th of April 2011 08:59:12 PM

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This is a brewpub near the University of Washington campus. We visited on a Monday afternoon and ordered two pick-your-own samplers, each were four beers for $5.00. They had 10 beers on tap and of the 8 beers we tried, 4 were IPAs and 3 of those were not very hoppy. This is obviously a college-age oriented brewpub. We didn’t have anything to eat since we had lunch earlier. Food orders a placed at the kitchen counter and the cook shouted completed orders over the music. No wait staff serving food. The smell of the grease from the kitchen permeated the bar area making it difficult to smell the aroma of the beers. Parking is metered on the street and is limited. Like just about everything in Washington, this place is no smoking. They have a nice selection of old beer serving trays, signs, and some old bottles. I’m sure this is a great hang out for the college kids but I didn’t care for the atmosphere.

Tuesday 18th of August 2009 07:12:40 PM

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It had been a whole two years since my last trip to Big Time. And I had my memories of it improved quite a bit by this last visit.

I had some friends from the Bay Area, Ca that wanted to check it out since it's the sister brewery of Triple Rock, one of their local breweries. We came in for lunch, and ordered a pitcher of the English Pale. This beer just plain hit the spot on the 100+ degree day we were there. Crisp, emphasis on the malt, but without being sweet. Unfortunately I didn't end up having anything else on this trip, and it has been 2yrs since I've had any other Big Time beers. But if this beer was any indication, I need to get back over for a refresher course.

Our food was good, though the salad I ordered was pretty heavy on stem material, and not nearly as leafy as I'd like. And when you go, don't expect to be waited on. You have to go up to the bar, or kitchen counter to order. While this wasn't terribly inconvenient when we went, I can imagine it's a nightmare when it's busy.

Thursday 11th of September 2008 07:13:25 PM

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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.

Sunday 11th of May 2008 03:24:25 PM

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A college-town place (music can be loud), but friendly and comfortable. It is patronized by a fairly broad clientele, including quite a few professors and staff from the University along with the students. It’s a large space with wood panelled walls and decorated with antique/old beer memorabilia (advertisements, bottles, metal signs, and beer trays). There are only two TVs, one behind the bar and the other in the back room, and always with the volume turned off. The brewery is squeezed in on the left side with windows to see what’s going on (which is generally brewing during the day on weekdays), so the brewing area is long and narrow. Lots of wooden tables all throughout and a few booths in the back. It’s generally dark, except by the storefront windows or under the two skylights.

The bar is made from a lovely dark oak. Unusually for the US, there is no table service, i.e., you order your beer at the bar and your food (pizza and sandwiches, chili and soup) at the food window. The food isn’t outstanding nor does it have a broad range, but it is good and well made and made specifically to order (and there are no fried foods).

There are 11 taps and almost always something special on cask. Beyond the usual (good) ale choices, there are special brews, which vary, but generally include a couple IPAs. The bartenders are always very friendly and knowledgeable. There they do not refill the typical 64 oz. growler to go, favoring instead 1 gallon reusable plastic containers that they offer for sale. The containers are quite rugged and the refills are very inexpensive (and after 10 refills, you get one for free).

Tuesday 8th of January 2008 03:10:26 PM

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There's something about a college town...a feeling, an attitude of relaxation, of contentment; a knowledge of something special happening just by walking around.
And you can usually find a great place for a beer.
In Seattle, on the "Ave" it's Big Time Brewery.
Opened in 1988, it hasn't yet reached the magic age of 21 but can still lay a claim to being one of the first microbreweries that helped launch that phenomenon 20 years ago.
There are always at least 10 beers on tap year-round including a cask conditioned ale, usually Bhagwan's IPA, a delicious brew and not overly hopped, thank you very much. (There are many of us Pacific NW'sters that believe this so-called style that has evolved in our region has sacrificed good beer-taste for a bit of momentary fame through competition.)
Their Coal Creek Porter is excellent as is the Old Rip Oatmeal Stout...combine either with a baked potato piled high with scallions and chili and you won't eat for the rest of the day. Wife Persimmon and I visited when the Hobgoblin Pumpkin Ale and Yule Fest were also available; the Pumpkin Ale was full of allspice and nutmeg and very drinkable; the Yule Fest hearty with many levels and perfect by a fireplace.
Sandwichs and pizzas control the menu here (remember, college town!) as do the TV's with Husky football or Washington State - Wazzou - if the Dawgs are quiet.
Come in the evening, even though it gets crowded and the service can be slow as U-Dub students re-fuel but sit and soak up the atmosphere. Eavesdrop on conversations. These are leaders yet to be; the people that will be passing new laws or building new homes.
They've got a good beginning by learning about and drinking good beer.
It is, after all, the Soul of Man.