Friday 16th of May 2008 08:41:55 PM

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The Ram is part of a chain. This location is in the outdoor shopping mall called University Village. The beers for the Ram are brewed on site (generally 10 taps). The beers are mostly run-of-the-mill. The hefeweizen and especially the IPA are respectable, but the porters and stouts are weak and there are also a lot of less flavorful beers. However, the beers have evolved over the years we have visited, so the trend is in the right direction. The brewers are different at each location and the special beers (beyond the standard lineup) vary.

The bar is a sports bar, plain and simple. There are multiple TVs of various sizes but all have the sound turned off. The servers not very knowledgeable about beer, but the bartenders tend to be better. There is a big bar area and a separate big restaurant area, in which minors are welcome (we’ve never been in the restaurant). The bar has tall wooden tables and chairs, booths around the outside walls, and tall stools around the extended bar. There are various sports jerseys of UW heros and a large scull (the boat used for crew racing) just under the ceiling. It is dark and generally over air-conditioned and has something of a suburban feel to it, but it’s still a reliable place and worth a visit if you know what to expect and you happen to be nearby.

The food is not inspired. You won’t go away hungry but neither will it be memorable (or particularly healthy). Still, it must hit the spot for many since the place is usually crowded.

During the summer, University Village (www.uvillage.com) hosts outdoor concerts every Wednesday evening, and for these events the Ram sponsors a large beer garden (over 21 only). If you come early enough to grab a table and the weather is nice, it can be a very enjoyable way to sample their beers.

Wednesday 14th of May 2008 04:27:08 PM

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The Ram.
A corporate bar masquerading as a local pub but from the moment you enter, the realization is apparent: there is no community here.
Most live in strip malls where parking is abundant (as are the people) and views non-existant (unless you like watching shoppers parade in and out of Target, Bed & Bath and the like!)
TV's are everywhere & the sound is up -- as is the music. Both are loud to create "ambience" but any attempt to carry on a conversation is eliminated.
The bartenders, although friendly, have too much back-bar business to attend so any talking in that arena is obliterated.
Basic pub fare rules and, because of the monolithic size of the corporation, all of it is bland, tasteless, "don't offend any customer" blah-food.
The beer too is, at best, mediocre, from IPA to Porter - nothing unique but count it on to be consistant regardless of which Big Horn / Ram you choose...which is, of course, the over-riding principle when dealing with any company this size.
These are upscale pubs for the 20-somethings walking in with a date or pack-friends eager to watch football / baseball / basketball / etc.
But a pub?
No.

Having been to 4 of the Ram / Big Horn restaurants in Washington State, I can say with complete confidence...the company has succeeded in it's mission.
They are all alike. From the atmosphere, to the food to the beer...these restaurants can't possibly satisfy any pub-lover or novice beer-learner.
With a bit of effort, there are outstanding brewpubs full of community and exceptional beer & food within 10 miles of any Ram.
Make the effort.
You wont' be sorry