12 Northwestern Bars and Pubs to Visit

Looking for a new bar in your area with more character than the rest? Here are a few bars in the Northwest that bring great experiences with even greater beverages to liven the night.  Take a look and see if your favorite bar(s) made the list!  Please share if you enjoy!

  1. Zola – Spokane, WA
    Zola
    For those who love live music, this is a bar for the books. With quality live bands and artists every night of the week, the ambiance is one that livens the soul.  The décor provides a fun and rustic experience that includes old tilt-a-whirls for seating.  Not to mention great beverages; I recommend the Huckleberry Lemonade cocktail and the Sex Panther cocktail.
    http://www.zolainspokane.com/
  2. Borracho– Spokane, WA
    Borracho
    This Mexican bar and grill offers great food with a great experience. Borracho is fun and affordable while it offers a variety of authentic Mexican food items.  If you come in on Tuesdays you can order street tacos for $1 each and complement it with a $3 Mexican beer.  There’s even been numerous sightings of Spokane native Chris Pratt here.
    http://www.borrachospokane.com/
  3. The Rhino – Missoula, MT
    The Rhino
    The Rhino offers over 50 beers on tap for the beer lovers in addition to mixed drinks if you’re feeling like something a little stronger. With free shuffle board, pool, and great service, it’s obvious why The Rhino is a hot spot to meet in downtown Missoula.
    https://www.facebook.com/TheRhinoBar
  4. Triple Nickle Pub – Portland, OR
    Jenga
    If you’re looking for a bar where the company is great and the drinks are strong, Triple Nickle Pub is the bar for you.  Triple Nickle Pub gives you great service and entertainment in one with their live music, large variety of beer, and games to play.  “The drinks are cheap and strong, and you can be easily entertained between the darts, pinball, pool, and of course giant Jenga.” -A Yelp Reviewer
    http://www.triplenickelpub.com/
  5. White Owl – Portland, OR
    Whiteowl
    The White Owl Social Pub offers affordable food and drinks with an amazing daily happy hour special from 3-7. “Great relaxed vibe. Perfect for outdoor summertime seating on the huge deck outside. Dog friendly. Fire pit. Stiff drinks and delicious menu. I love the vegan Mac and cheese salad with vegan Caesar dressing and quinoa burger.” -A Yelp Reviewer
    http://www.whiteowlsocialclub.com/
  6. The Lucky Labrador Brew Pub – Portland, OR
    lucky-lab-sign
    A dog is truly a man’s best friend and The Lucky Labrador Brew Pub of Portland knows this.  This pub allows you to bring your furry best friend with you as you have a brewski.  With great tasting beers and events to share with your dog such as Dogtoberfest, this is a must see for all dog lovers.
    http://luckylab.com/ 
  1. Sunrise Saloon – Missoula, MT
    Sunrise
    If you like live country music and an open dance floor, this is the bar for you. The Sunrise Saloon brings out the country side in you and provides for a fun night of drinks and line dancing.  In addition, the Sunrise offers a variety of specials including a Monday through Friday happy hour and ladies’ night every Wednesday.
    http://sunrisesaloonandcasino.com/
  2. Spacebar Arcade – Boise, ID
    spacebar
    http://www.spacebararcade.com/
    Drinking while playing arcade games? Who doesn’t want to do that?!? The Spacebar Arcade is a bar and an arcade for adults to let out their inner-youth.  In addition, the Spacebar Arcade host a variety of music events.  If you find yourself in Boise, this is a MUST visit.
  3. The Diller Room(previously The Diller Hotel) – Seattle, WA
    Diller
    This hidden gem is a historic site in downtown Seattle.  The Diller Room offers both food and drink with excellent service and a unique history.  The bar has been operating since 1890 and according to their site, The Diller Room served as a speakeasy during the alcohol prohibition.   Experience the history and give The Diller Room a visit while in Seattle!
    http://dillerroom.com/about.html 
  4. Altstadt German Restaurant- Seattle, WA
    altstadt
    If you’re looking for an authentic German food and drink experience, this is the place for you. With excellent customer service to complement the open and inviting atmosphere, Altstadt gives you the energetic, fun, and true German experience your looking for.
    http://www.altstadtseattle.com/dinner/
  5. Sip n’ Dip – Great Falls, MT
    sipndip
    Mermaids! Need I say more? This bar features live mermaids that customers can watch as they enjoy their drinks and food.  Who doesn’t love mermaids and booze?  This just complements the great drink and service the Sip n’ Dip offers.  Their Tiki drinks are of high recommendation!
    http://ohairemotorinn.com/sip-n-dip/
  6. Sluggers – Seattle, WA
    SluggersBaseball, bros, and beer – the three best words known to man.  At Sluggers, you get all three of these with home-run service and you’re walking distance to both Safeco and CenturyLink fields.  As you walk into the bar, there are jerseys and sports memorabilia all over the walls, just as a sports bar should be. A great place to be to feel the energy of Seattle’s sports pre-game through and post-game!
    http://sluggersseattle.com/

    By: Christy Gliko

The Great American Summer: Northwest Edition

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and its time to start planning for summer. There is no better place to hike, bike, dance, or go on a road trip with your friends than the Pacific Northwest. Consisting of four great states and a variety of places and events to explore, you’ll run out of summer before you run out of things to do.

So pack your bags and hop in your car. The adventure starts now!

May 9th & 10th
Maggot Fest – Missoula, Montana
Average Temperature: 67 degrees

It’s the 39th annual Maggotfest this year, and the mix of competition and fun makes this a weekend you won’t want to miss! Bringing together 36 rugby teams from across the US and Canada, this tournament will not fail to entertain. Beer galore and an unforgettable party on Saturday night will keep you coming back year after year.

1_Maggot Fest_Map of NW

May 16th & 17th
Silverwood – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Average Temperature: 65 degrees

The second stop on your Great American road trip is just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho at Silverwood theme park. This is the weekend to take your family or friends on the Timber Terror roller coaster, since tickets into the park are half off! Make a quick stop at Lake Coeur d’Alene on your way up to the park for some relaxation by the water and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

2_Silverwood_Map of NW

May 22nd – 25th
Sasquatch Music Festival – George, Washington
Average Temperature: 72 degrees

If you are a music junkie, then this is the event for you! Sasquatch Music Festival takes over the Gorge Amphitheatre in central Washington every Memorial Day weekend, and never fails to impress with a variety of musical genres and the beautiful Gorge scenery. Bring a tent, some friends, and a lot of energy, you’ll need a whole week to recover after a weekend at the Gorge.

3_Sasquatch_Map of NW

Early June
Seattle, Washington
Average Temperature: 69 degrees

Next stop: Seattle! Home of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders, Seattle has numerous activities to enjoy and places to explore. You’ll need at least a week here to experience the main perks that Seattle has to offer, including a trip to Pike Place Market overlooking the Elliot Bay waterfront.

4_Seattle_Map of NW

June 27th & 28th
Lincoln City Kite Festival – Lincoln City, Oregon
Average Temperature: 65 degrees

Make your way down the coast for the second half of June and stop in Lincoln City for a kite festival on the beach! The weather should be warm enough by now to spend some much needed time playing in the sand and sticking your toes in some Pacific Ocean water. Make sure to stop in Astoria, Seaside, and Newport to explore what these coastal towns have to offer as well.

5_Oregon Coast_Map of NW

July 10th – 12th
The Country Fair – Veneta, Oregon
Average Temperature: 83 degrees

We are halfway through our Great American adventure, and things are about to get a little weird (but in a good way!) Make a stop in Veneta, Oregon before you head any further east to enjoy the legendary Oregon Country Fair. Experience the art and culture that will nourish your spirit until you make your way back for next year’s fair!

6_Country Fair_Map of NW

Mid-July
The Cascades – Central Oregon
Average Temperature: 85 degrees

Before you leave the great state of Oregon, make sure to stop in The Cascades where there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take a scenic bike ride from Sisters to Smith Rock and visit Bend’s Deschutes Brewery, the 6th largest craft brewery in the nation, as well as a handful of other microbreweries throughout the city. Sunriver Resort and Mount Bachelor aren’t too far away, either!

7_Oregon Cascades_Map of NW

Mid-July
Mountain River Outfitters – Riggins, Idaho
Average Temperature: 90 degrees

While making your way back through Idaho, you’ll probably want to head for water. It’s hot out and there is no better way to cool off than to go fishing on the river. Mountain River Outfitters has a variety of trips to offer for any fisher, from beginner to expert. Catch some dinner, then take a dip to cool off!

8_Riggins Rafting_Map of NW

July 23rd – 25th
Evil Knievel Days – Butte, Montana
Average Temperature: 81 degrees

Back to Montana, and back to legendary. At the end of July, the annual Evil Knievel Days takes part in Butte America to celebrate the late Robert Craig aka “Evil Knievel”: the world’s most famous motorcycle daredevil. Join 50,000 other visitors in the Mining City for a fun-filled weekend!

9_Evil Kenievil Days_Map of NW

August
Glacier National Park – Glacier, Montana
Average Temperature: 78 degrees

Tired yet? Don’t worry, your final stop on this Great American Summer adventure is here, and you’ll have plenty of time to get in touch with nature. Glacier National Park offers visitors over 700 miles of trails to hike and plenty of history to explore. Take the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Hidden Lake for some up close and personal experiences with mountain goats if you’re feeling adventurous! Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path on your Great American Summer adventure through the Northwest. Hope you get a chance to enjoy this beautiful corner of the United States!

10_Glacier Park_Map of NW