Elliott Bay Brewpub

You can't get any closer to the action. Right next to the bar is a huge metal contraption called a mash tun/brew kettle where they produce their four fine varieties of ale, stout, and wheat beer. At happy hour you can imbibe a pint for only three dollars sitting right next to where your drink was brewed. The wheat beer Luna Weizen has a light hue with a mild flavor and is sweetened with lemon, a good swigging beer that doesn't fill you up too quickly. For those who like the heavier stuff there's No Doubt Stout, a heavy dark brew leaving a hint of a coffee on the tongue. (Though actual coffee isn't involved, No Doubt contains oatmeal and a variety of grains.) For ale connoisseurs there's Alembic Pale and Elliott Bay IPA. Alembic is light with a sweet aftertaste. It's better for sipping than swigging, since the mild flavor takes on a bitter hue as it goes down. The lighter-hued IPA is less bitter than average, but don't let the taste fool you, it is loaded with ingredients that will sneak up on you. Elliott Bay is a good place to wind down the day if you enjoy a fresh pint of good brew along with a burger made with fresh free-range meat directly from Vashon Island, and buns made with the spent grain left over from the brewing process. Also you could enjoy Elliott Bay nachos ($3.85 or $1.95), Spicy Wings ($7.95), or the Artisan Cheese Plate ($9.95). 4720 California Ave. S.W. 206-932-8695. WEST SEATTLE