You’re no longer pregnant or nursing, and let’s face it—you’re craving a beer. Sitting alongside adults, sipping a frothy, hoppy, delicious treat on a Friday night. We hear you. Good news! There’s a brewery on the Eastside where you can imbibe on a craft beer and bring the littles along for the ride. Read on for the inside scoop on Flycaster Brewing Co.
photo: Amanda Chenoweth for Flycaster Brewery
Bridging the Fly Fishing & Beer Drinking Worlds
Celebrating their one year anniversary this May, Flycaster is the brainchild of Jeremy (and Tara) Eubanks. Combining his love of fly fishing and well, beer, Eubanks has put his heart and soul into crafting great micro-beer and creating a comfortable environment for all who enter. With wood walls and a stone bar, the brewery has a woodsy lodge vibe. But don’t worry. You won’t find a large moose head on the wall. Just a great hangout where you can get current fishing conditions on the local rivers and a tasty American-style beer by the fire.
photo: Amanda Chenoweth for Flycaster Brewery
The 411on the Brew
Flycaster offers hand-crafted, small batch beer focusing on a constantly rotating selection of Northwest styles. From a light body Bonefish Blonde and a crisp and hoppy Rocky Ford IPA, to a clear and crisp Hopper Pale Ale and an Amber body Yakima River Red—there’s a beer on the menu to fit everyone’s taste and fishing style. However, don’t expect to find any funky flavors here. Just the kind of brew Eubanks and other fishermen (and fisherwomen) would want to enjoy while catching the big one on the river.
Flycaster sources its hops from Yakima, but that’s not the only secret behind its great tasting brew. According to Eubanks, it’s his head brewer Jonathan Hughes. “Jonathon is a rockstar! He continues to evolve our beers based on customer feedback and the styles that we want to brew,” says Eubanks. So next time you’re at Flycaster, be sure to leave a comment (or two!). You might just see your recommendations on the menu.
photo: Flycaster Brewing Company Facebook page
Fun for the Kids
While no brewery is an all-out kid zone, Flycaster has a beanbag toss in the back room, along with possibly the best (free) pub mix ever, plus ample seating, a cozy fireplace and TVs, of course. No food is served on-site, but there’s generally a food truck right outside serving its finest. Even better news, Flycaster is dog-friendly, so your four-legged “kids” can join in the fun too.
photo: Steve Todd
On the Horizon
Eubanks hopes to grow his brew system, so he can start selling kegs locally. “We would like to continue with our core brews and continue to come up with seasonal beers and new fun beers,” says Eubanks. Be sure to look for Flycaster at local festivals like the Washington Brewers Festival taking place over Fathers Day Weekend along with festivals in Fremont and Bothell and Oktoberfest Kirkland in September.
Good to Know
Planning a party? The brewery offers a private event space and features live music from local up-and-comers.
Flycaser Brewing Co.
12815 124th St.. Suite I
Kirkland, Wa 98034
206-963-6626
Online: flycasterbrewing.com and on Facebook
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Psst! Don’t forget about these other kid-friendly Eastside spots for a cold one: Redhook Brewery (Woodinville), newly opened Chainline (Kirkland) and Bellevue Brewing Company (Bellevue).
Clearly, we’re hooked on Flycaster – hook, line and sinker. Have you visited Flycaster? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below.
— Jennifer B. Davis
