Twelve shades of lager do not a selection make. When I drink beer out, I want something special. So I head to one of my two favorite places for out-of-the-ordinary brew.
North on Aurora Avenue, Über Tavern sits across from the PCC in Green Lake. Its proximity to the Duck Island Saloon, another worthy mention for beer, garnered Über instant acceptance. Its beer program is uncompromising— it completely excludes the mediocre. You get to sit at the bar staring their resolve in the face—100 bottles of the U.S.’s and world’s finest beer. Über makes me feel inferior in the best possible way, as if I have so much more to learn—right then, right there. The barkeeps are walking wikis of information on the craft and offer knowledge genially. The atmosphere is as social as a public house, centering on the bar, and the place only has four tables and a couch.
I could go on and on, but I’ll just tell you about my favorite shelf, bottom left middle. It holds Maredsous 10, the St. Peter’s cream stout in a tonic bottle, Ommegang Abbey ale from upstate New York, and Hair of the Dog’s “Fred” strong ale. But the most notable thing is the taps. Delirium Tremens, EKU, Speakeasy’s Double Daddy IPA—every pull as impressive and unique as the last, and all available to go. You haven’t lived until you’ve gotten a growler of D.T. for the bus. May I recommend No. 358 to downtown?
White Center’s Pacific Rim Brewing had me with its Fauntleroy stout. A friend, knowing my weakness for Irish chocolate milk, made me try it. Layers of flavorful malty goodness, without being heavy or high in alcohol, make for one of the most impressive domestic darks I’ve had. The Rim offers no choice outside of its own wares, but that leaves you with everything from the biting and refreshing Rat City IPA to its barleywine, which took second place at this year’s Hard Liver Festival. The Admiral ESB is remarkable, subtle, and balanced with a bitter honey finish.
Pacific Rim’s bar occupies one corner of a warehouse, with an adorably ramshackle beer garden out front. There’s free pool upstairs and music on the weekends. All of its beer is made in small batches, which can lead to charming inconsistencies. They have growlers and party pigs (2.25 gallons) for your home drinking pleasure, but then you’d miss the many affable patrons who make this neighborhood pub special.
