Tuesday 2nd of February 2010 01:20:58 PM

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The Montlake Ale House has 12 beers on tap. Aside from Bud Light, the selection is middle-of-the-road in terms of beer styles available but still represents a respectable wide-ranging choice from across the west.

The appearance from the outside is wholly generic but it's a bit better inside. There are tall ceilings (and an interesting 3D effect in the ceiling tiles), brick walls on two sides, blue-gray painted concrete floors, and scattered wooden tables with wooden captains chairs. There are several rather large TVs (sound off) and fairly loud music. The nicest feature is the wall of windows on the sidewalk side of the building.

This place is very kid-friendly (except in the bar area) and includes in the back a special circular sunken play area filled with toys and surrounded by seating. The bar is generic wood with tall stools and the bar back consists of inset shelves with liquor bottles. A few tables and a couple tall beer shelf areas with stools round out the area.

Overall, this place isn't worth going out of your way to visit, unless you have kids and want to have a decent beer, but it's OK if you happen to be in the neighborhood.