Tuesday 30th of April 2013 03:49:56 PM

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The beer is damn near impeccable. Would've given them a 5 if they had a bigger selection. But the stuff they have is always fantastic. Food is solid, if slightly overpriced (and quite unhealthy). Last time I went, they were still working out a lot of the kinks. For example, they only allow a certain number of people in at a time. Annoying as hell, especially since you have to stand in line to get back in after having a smoke. I know - its stupid. Hopefully they've fixed that. But its in a very accessible location. Tons of TVs, noisy, fun, with beer hall style bench seating. But the beer certainly works.

Thursday 15th of March 2012 09:11:55 PM

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Brave Horse Tavern occupies the second floor of a 97 year old but heavily restored two story brick warehouse that is almost surrounded by new tall office towers in the middle of a newly re-developed area near downtown Seattle. The entry is on the south side of the building, up the concrete stairs from a large concrete plaza that opens onto the street. A smallish patio with outdoor heaters is on one side of the entrance.

The space inside is a very large room with brick walls and large windows on two sides. Along one windowed wall is a long row of large wooden communal tables. The bar is at the back of the space and is a very large square U shaped bar made of black metal and topped by a wide plank of thin wood. Tall wooden chairs with padded brown leather seats and backs run along two sides of the bar (the short side is a serving area). A row of tall wooden tables for two run along the other windowed wall behind the bar. Way in the corner behind the bar are three dart boards.

In the middle of the room are two shuffle boards. The high ceilings are made of 2x4’s on their sides with big wooden rafters and support beams with metal reinforcements. There are a couple of large skylights and a snaking aluminum ducting structure. Floors are wood. There are quite a few TVs (sound off) and loud music.

The beer selection is quite respectable with 21 taps and consisting of a wide range of mostly local craft beers and ciders. There’s also a similar length list of mostly “exotic” bottled beers (e.g., from Belgium, Russian river, etc.).

The food menu is small but upscale, in a trendy pub/foodie way, and is quite good although rather heavy on the fats. There are some innovative starters, special house-made pretzels with various dips, burgers, and a couple sandwiches.

No entry for anyone under 21 years old.