Dusted Valley Edmonds Wine Bar (Edmonds, Washington, U.S.A.)

 August 24th, 2023

Dusted Valley Edmonds Wine Bar, 201 Main Street Edmonds, Washington, U.S.A.  www.dustedvalley.com What a great find.  We have driven buy this place many times and never knew that it existed.  We were walking down Main Street to another place when this place caught our eye and in we went. It is about 2 blocks from the Edmonds/ Kingston ferry terminal.  The staff were fantastic, very welcoming. We tried a flight of win e and really enjoyed them all.  The wines we tried were their: 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, 2010 Bachis Syrah, 2008 Petit Verdot, 2020 Malbec, and 2018 V.R. Special Cabernet Sauvignon. Excellent!  Their winery is located in Walla Walla Washington. There is lots of seating in a very nice, modern and relaxing setting.  The front opens up to the outside patio area. To eat we had the Rustic Skillet Meatballs (4 meatballs) beef and pork served with marinara and grated Parmesan cheese with a warm Cottage Bakery baguette.  The meatballs and the marinara sauce were very delicious! The bread was absolutely fantastic!  Can't wait to try it again. They also have cheese plates, Charcuterie plates, Hummus plate, to name a few. beside wine they have a couple of local beers.  They also have swag for sale. They have a wine club you can join with lots of benefits.  If you haven't been to Edmonds, it is a destination place for great food, restaurants. bars and shopping.  I can't say enough about how knowledgeable and helpful the staff were. You sure have to try this place out, we loved it and will be defiantly becoming back!!

Leftcraft (Edmonds, Washington, U.S.A.)

 June 2023

Leftcraft 519 Main Street, Edmonds, Washington U.S.A. www.leftcraft.com  Right on the main drag of beautiful Edmonds.  It is open 11 am to 10 pm Wednesdays to Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Happy Hour runs Wednesdays to Fridays 3-5 pm.  $1 of drinks, $2 off Flatbread, some things on the HH menu: Sliders, and Mac and Cheese. It is a very nice modern place with lots of seating.  On the sidewalk there are several tables for 2 ish.  On the patio in front there are 2 tables for 4/6. In side are 3 big modern picnic tables that seat 10 people.  The sit-up bar seats 16 people. there is more seating but no need to get into it. They have 23 different types of beer in tap as well as other adult drinks.  They also have rotating taps.  I had the BBQ chicken sandwich which was good.  My wife had a salad and said it was excellent.  The entire front opens up so when it is nice out you get all that fresh air and sunshine.  They opened in 2020, which was tough as COVID hit.  

Jackson's Retro Butcher (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

June 2023 

Jackson's Retro Butcher 2214 W4th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  www.jacksonsrestobutcher.com Located on the cool W4th Ave in Kitsilano area of Vancouver.  There are many great places to eat in this area, but this is cool. It is a bar in front and a butcher shop in back. the bar and the butcher shop are run by different owners.  The butcher shop has been around since 1911.  The bar has a small 3 person sit-up bar.  There is seating on the side walk that is excellent for people watching.  On the street are 3 picnic tables.  In side are tables for 2, 4 and 6 people.  They have 8 different beer on tap as well as the other adult drinks.  The food is good with big portions.  While you are there make sure to check out the butcher shop!  We really enjoyed it here, I know you will too!

Port Browning Marina Pub (Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada)

 Port Browning Marina Pub, Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada.  You can only get here by boat or float plane.  Easily accessed via BC Ferries. They have an awesome setting as it is part of the Gulf Islands and has a great view of the bay.  Facing the water is all windows with 4 tables that seat 6.  Beside them are more of the same tables then up a couple of steps to where there are more tables and the 12 person sit-up bar.  It has a nice peaked ceiling with 8 inch exposed cedar planks.  There is a wrap around deck patio in front.  They have 9 different types of beer on tap.  We ate there 2 times and the food was very good.  The 2 piece fish and chips were huge!!  Excellent salads too.  The staff was excellent and very helpful.  Wonderful place to relax, eat sip and enjoy the view.  Can't wait to come back.

The Flying Goat (Spokane Washington U.S.A.)

March 2023

The Flying Goat, neighborhood craft beer bar and casual eatery at 3318 W Northwest Blvd. Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. www.theflyinggoat.com  A great neighbourhood pub where children are allowed.  As you enter they have a nice little sit-up bar that seats 8. I think children are not allowed in this area.  Out side in front is a great covered patio area out with a nice gas fireplace in the middle.  Gas heaters are over head. They have 16 different beer on tap.  They are known for their pizza and I must say they are pretty darn good.  I had the Gordon pizza:  Red sauce, house cheese blend, peperoni, Italian sausage, Kalamata Olives and roasted cremini mushrooms. One of our diners had the Meenach Meatball Sandwich: House made pork meat balls and other good stuff.  They said it was very good.  another diner had the Dalton pizza: Honey apple BBQ sauce, house cheese blend, pulled pork, caramelized onions and coleslaw piled on top and she said it was awesome. A few other interesting things on the menu are: Devils Toenail Wings, Rockwell Pickled Eggs and a coconut curry pizza (very interesting). It was busy and obviously very popular when we were there at 1 pm on a Saturday, we had to wait a little bit for a table.  The staff were amazing and also gave good recommendations.  This place is well worth trying out.  They also have their own parking lot.

Bowen Island Pub (Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada)

February 2023

Bowen Island Pub, Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada  www.bowenpub.com

First you have to catch the BC Ferry at Horseshoe Bay, they run about every 1 hour and 10 minutes to Bowen Island.  You can either drive on or go as a walk on.  Walk on is the cheaper was to go.  The pub is about 3000 meters from where the ferry dock at Snug Cove.  It is about a 20 minute ride.  Bowen Island is a beautiful place, and the pub is fantastic. As you enter the front portion has a high vaulted roof.  They have nice laminated beams and posts.  The sit-up bar is to the right and seats 10 people.  To the left in its own area is where the kids are.  The adult side has 10 pub high tables for 2, 4 and 6.  They have 13 different beer on tap, wine and hard liquor.  For lunch I had a bowl of the Salmon Chowder, and it was fantastic.  I loved it!  My wife had the King Cobb Salad and she said it was awesome and one of the best she has ever had.  My niece had a bowl of the French Onion Soup, and she said it was very good.  We shared an order of Onion Rings too.  Saturdays and Sundays they have Benny Brunch that runs to 2:30 pm.  There are 6 egg bennys to choose from or create your own.  They have Freedom Fridays ultra happy hour. Runs 5-8 pm with live music, weekly dinner specials and rotating ultra drink specials from 4-6 pm  The food here was excellent! They have 4 TV's, Keno and Pull Tabs. There ae 2 dart boards. There is a great vibe here, the staff are amazing!! Can't say enough about this gem!!  Well worth the trip over!!

 

Howe Sound Brewing (Squamish, British Columbia, Canada)

January 2023

Howe Sound Brewing, 37801 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Just off Hwy 99 on your way to Whistler. Nice and big with a fire place in front. Really high vaulted ceiling With exposed beams.18 different beer on tap. Long 10 person situp Bar. Lots of seating. View of the Stamus Chief mountain. High vaulted ceiling With exposed beams. 4 tvs and 1 projection tv/ screen. Hotel attached. Inhad poutine for lunch and was quite good. My wife had the daily special vegetarian chili and corn muffin with rice, eryngood and a large portion.

Staff was great, very friendly!! Great place!

Lions Bay General Store & Cafe (Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada)

January 2023

Lions Bay General Store & Cafe, 350 Centre Road, Lions Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Located just off Hwy 99 on your way to Whistler just past West Vancouver. I have passed this place dozens of times without even knowing it was there. It is about 30 feet above the Hwy. There is a store, post office, coffee shop and the tiny little bar. The bar itself is about 5 feet wide, and 2 tables for 4. There is a small patio area out front. It is probably the smallest bar I have ever seen. They have 5 beer on tap, wine and hard liquor as well. We were there in the morning and the Bar was not open. We will be back to try this cool bar out for sure. Stay tuned!!

Sea House Restaurant Bar (Napili Bay, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A.)

November 2022

Our 3rd time going to Sea House Restaurant Bar 5900 Lower Honoapiilani Road at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. (It is called Lahaina but is about 15-20 minutes north of Lahaina Town) www.napilikai.com   Love this place! The restaurant is on one side and the Bar which I am talking about is on the other side. The situp bar seats 10 and has the most amazing view. It faces Napili Bay, the only thing between you and the view is the bartender.  The windows open wide, you have your food and drink and enjoy the fantastic view. There are 6 tables for 4 and 4 pub high tables for 2. There is a nice outside patio area with the same view and lots of umbrellas. There are 6 types of beer on tap, cocktails and wine. Their Mai Tai's are very good and are $14.00, which is generally a good price. The staff are very friendly and really seem to enjoy their jobs. The Coconut Shrimp is very good! With Hawaiian music playing in the background it really sets the mood. Of you are on Maui, this is a place is a must try! We have been here several times and will be back again for sure, hopefully in the next couple of days! 2 thumbs up for sure!!

Spanky's Riptide (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A.)

November 2022

Spanky's Riptide 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui. Right beside the Lahaina Shores resort on the south end of town. A great place with a great atmosphere. Lots of colour through out.  It has a long 20 person situp bar. There is seating outside, and inside. Most of the tables are pub high. They have 10 TVS and great for watching sports. There is a pool table and does not interfere with the other patrons. There is one video golf game here too. 9 beer on tap as well as cocktails and wine. For lunch I had the fish and chips, which were quite good. My wife had the Carne Asada and she too said it was very good and the steak was tender. Happy Hour runs 3-6 pm daily. Kids are allowed until 10 pm. The bartender was awesome very fast and friendly. He took great pride in his job which was very nice to see. The prices are very reasonable. Wish I would have found this place sooner. There is  a paid parking lot across the street and you can park for 2 hours for $5.  What a great find,  we will  be back soon!!

November 30 2022

Back again and this time we each had the 1/2 pound of peel and eat shrimp. One was garlic the other was Cajun.  They were awesome!! Can't wait to come back again!

August 2023 Destroyed by the Lahaina fire.

Waikiki Brewing Company Lahaina (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A.)

November 2022

We checked out Waikiki Brewing Company at 900 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui. www.waikikibrewing.com 

It is at the Lahaina Outlet mall, facing Front Street which faces East and over looks the ocean. They have amazing sunset views. There is side walk seating along the Front Street side and a few in the North side. When you enter there is a big U shaped sit-up bar that seats 30. The bar is very popular place to sit. They have 9 tvs for watching your favorite sports team or the Shopping Channel (just kidding on the Shopping Channel). There are 9 different beer on tap all brewed by them and most are brewed in house.  Sometime they have guest beer but not right now. The staff is very friendly and helpful. For food I had the Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich with fries. It was quite good and filling, I couldn't finish all the fries. My wife had the Wedge Salad and added steak. It to was good. There is a ton of free parking to the east end of the mall which is a plus.  We went here to try this place out. We parked the car and did not take long for my wife to hit the Coach store. I continued to the bar and had wine while I enjoyed the view and atmosphere. Kids are allowed. We were there for the beautiful sunset. Our waiter stood and watched it to saying, "I work here and see the sunset all the time and I am amazed how beautiful it is, I never get tired of seeing it!" They also serve wine and cocktails. Great place! We will be back soon!

August 2023 Destroyed by the Lahaina fire.

Lahaina Sports Bar (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A. )

November 2022

Lahaina Sports Bar 843 Waine'e Street Lahaina, Maui. Located in a strip.mall and not.much to look at from the outside, much better inside. The focal point is the large square 25 person situp bar. Happy Hour runs 3-6 pm and the situp bar is full. Discounts on drinks.  There are 9, 4 person booths on 2 walls. They have 20 tvs covering most sports. There is more seating in the front. There is an area with a pool table. No outside patio area if that is what you are looking for. Mostly locals here and they are very friendly and helpful! They all said the food is good. To eat we shared, 3 Vietnamese egg rolls. Vegetable fried rice and pot stickers.  They were all good. 9 beer on tap. They also have air conditioning! If you want to get away from the expensive touristy bars this is what you may like.  We hope to come back and catch a game.

Hula Grill and Barefoot Bar (Naapalani, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.)

November 2022

Hula Grill and Barefoot Bar in the Whaler's Village in Naapalani, Maui, what a great location, over looking the beach and by an open air mall. A win win for everyone. Opened at 11 am and there was a line up. They have a very cool rectangular sit-up bar that seats 25 and is very popular. Beside the bar are 2 pub high tables that are kind of communal and seats about 10 each. I sat at a table for 4 with a nice umbrella and sand under my feet. My wife was shopping so I just sat, relaxesd and enjoyed my wine until she got there. (I was in no hurry) Rick was our waiter and he was fantastic, he knew the menu, cocktail menu, beer menu and just about everything else exceptionally well. They have 11 beer on tap. Their specialty cocktail is their: Akamai Tai, "Our high end version ot the 1944 classic, made with Kula toasted coconut rum, disaronno origianale, fresh pineapple and lime juices, shaken with a koloa dark rum float" the food was awesome, the atmosphere fantastic, loved this place. Texas Tech NCAA Basketball team was in for lunch too. You can't pass this place up if you are in the area! 2 thumbs up for sure!

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar Lahaina (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A. )

November 2022

We went to Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar in Lahaina,  looks great from the onside, the bar wraps around part of their clothing store. That is where the good stops. We were greeted by the hostess and handed 2 menu's and asked what we wanted to drink. The decision had to be made there on the spot, not sitting down and reading over the menu. They did not have the wine in stock that I wanted.  We had to give them our credit card up front.  We were told to sit where ever we wanted and they would bring the drinks to us. We sat for 15 minutes before they arrived. We never saw hide nor hair of any waiter/ waitress. When the drinks were delivered, we told the girl we wanted to order some food. She pointed to her shirt and advised some one else would take your order. I asked for some one to be sent over. No one came. There was a table of 4 near us and you could hear them complaining about what a mixed up mess this place is. Then there was a table of 6 who sat beside us and they too were fed up with the crappy situation here. They had their drinks and decided to eat next door at a Brew pub. Smart move! When they asked for the bill to settle up, they were told it would take a few minutes, they finally had to go up front and take care if it.  When we finally ordered and received our food, which was a long time. It was very good.  Too bad, with an better run place, not having to order drinks first, leaving your credit card at the front, staff that was do confused this might be a nice place. Even a staff member agreed with us. The manager was apprised and all she said was next time you come in we will make your experience better. Not to worry, we will never be back, many other great places to try. Adios!!

August 2023 Destroyed by the Lahaina fire.

Sly Mongoose (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A. )

November 2022

The Sly Mongoose, a true dive bar located in an industrial area of Lahaina.  They are very close to the Sugar Cane Train Food Truck park at 1036 Limahana Place, Lahaina, Maui. There is no web site. As you enter there is a 10 person zig zag situp bar, dark in here as you would expect from a dive bar. This place only holds about 22 people, with 2 pub high round tables of 4, one window table if you can call it that, which seats 2 and one more bench facing the wall that seats 2 maybe 3 at best. They do not serve food here, but there are food trucks around the corner and you can bring it in to the bar.

Bar hours 10 am to 2 am but may close early if no one is here.

Happy hour runs 4 pm to 7 pm and the only features are domestic beer and Schnapps for $3.50. I asked ,"What do you have for white wine?" The bartender replied, "Woodbridge." I said, "That will do." Wine is $7, well drinks are $6.50.  Their beer fridge is a white double door residential kitchen fridge, it works! It was all locals at the bar, but you were made to feel welcome. The bartender was fantastic, nice and friendly and kept checking on us. By 5 pm on Friday it was pretty full, again mostly locals. They have air-conditioning, but no outside seating. They sell t-shirts! No I didn't  get one. The Sly Mongoose is not much bigger that some basements I have been in. They do sell chips. If you are looking for fancy don't come here. If you would like a good dive bar experience, this may just be the place for you!

The Pint & Cork Gastro Pub (Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A.)

November 2022

We stumbled upon The Pint & Cork Gastro Pub when in Wailea at the Shops at Wailea mall. The first place we went to was out of white wine so we left and this was a better find. www.thepintandcork.com. It has a very nice long L shaped sit-up bar that seats 25 comfortably. The bar seating is very popular! On the main floor there are 13 tvs. There is a small area upstairs. There is an outside patio area in the open mall area. Open from 12 om to midnight daily except closed in Tuesdays. Happy Hour runs 12 noon to 5 pm: $6 local draft, 30% off glasses of wine, $3 off signature cocktails,  $4 & 5 bottle beer ND discounts in good.  7 pub high tables ranging from 2 to 6 people. 15 different types of beer on tap. Large liquor selection and cocktails. For lunch we had the appy, Deviled Eggs Rockefeller,  darn good! Never saw Deviled Eggs for an appy before, but what a great idea! We shared the 2 Ahi Tacos, fresh caught blackened Tuna seared rare, shaved cabbage, Guacamole,  Pico de Gallo, roasted garlic  Chipotle Aoli, crispy Molokai potato strip, and flour tortillas.  They were very good. We had the Lobster Mac and Cheese, right up their with one if the best we ever had.  The big bonus, one can have a beverage while your spouse goes shopping. We'll worth trying out, you will be very pleased. We will be back for sure.

Stopwatch Bar & Grill (Makawao, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.)

November 2022

We checked out the Stopwatch Bar and Grill at 1127 Makawao Avenue, Makawao, Maui, Hawaii  www.stopwatchbarandgrill.com

 Another great find, they have parking right in front, plus there is a large public parking g lot out back. You are greeted by 2 wide open double doors. They have a beautiful, long U shaped sit-up bar that seats about 20. The bar surface is a beautiful well lacquered dark wood. The bartender did not know what kind of wood it was. There is about 45 seats in the rest of the bar. Out back is a small quaint patio area that has 5 tables for 2. There are 13 different beer on tap. They have a nice peaked ceiling With exposed beams that open the place up. Happy Hour runs from 3-6 pm, basically $1 off drinks. Their hours at 11 am to 9 pm and Thursday to Saturday 11 am to midnight. There are 9 tvs as this is also a sports bar. We sat at the bar and for lunch I had the lunch special,  fried chicken sandwich and fries, it was very good. My wife had the Beer Battered fish and chips and that too was very good. A nice place to unwind after wandering the streets and hitting the shops.  It is a nice drive and well worth stopping in! Cheers!

Frida's Mexican Beach House (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S.A.)

November 2022

Frida's at 1287 Front Street at the north end of Lahaina right on the water www.fridasmaui.com  An amazing place, great friendly service, stunning ocean view and great food. They have a beautiful 12 person sit-up bar with 3 tables for 2. The restaurant is much bigger.  There are 8 beer on tap, 4 Mexican and 4 Hawaiian.  There is a large selection of Tequila and Tequila cocktails. We had an awesome table over looking the ocean, sitting outside. For lunch my wife had Enchilada Plate, 2 Enchiladas, Crema, Pico de Gallo, rice, beans and Queso Fresca Cheese. She said it was awesome. I had the Manchego Crusted Quesadila, with chicken, goat cheese, Oaxaca cheese, Guacamole,  Pico de Gallo,,  sour cream, and Maui Gold Pineapple Salsa.  Amazing, one of the best I have ever had. Everyone is very friendly. When you are finished you get nice decals that say "Practice Aloha" .  This is a definite must go to place when in Maui. They are closed on Sundays. 

August 2023 was not by the Lahaina fire but had previously been closed.

Mala An Ocean Tavern (Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii)

Mala is a great spot, right on the water looking towards the island of Lanai.  It is at the north end of Lahaina Front Street, you can't miss it. I will be talking g mostly about the bar. On the left as you enter is an L shaped 10 person sit-up bar. We like this spot. They have 2 tables for 5, over looking the ocean which is one of the pictures. They have  lot of staff and the service is very good. We did nit eat here. There are 6 beer on tap including Longboard, a favorite of my wife. There is a small restaurant area and a big outside patio area, which is outside. The bartender knocked over a glass.of water, breaking the glass and soaking me. No comped drink, nothing other than he said he must have bumped it, i surely didn't  knock it over and no one else was around. Oh well, I dried quickly. I have been here before and we will be back again!  2 thumbs up!

August 2023 Survived by the Lahaina fire.

Tap and Barrel (South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada)

September 28, 2022

Tap and Barrel 3211-152 Street, South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. www.tapandbarrel.com  We were here on their 2md day after opening so obviously they have kinks to work out. This place seats 500, with the lounge/ bar side to the east and the restaurant is on the west side.  You enter the building in the ground floor and can either take the stairs up or the elevator. What we saw as we went up, they greet you at the top of the steps or if you go up in the elevator they take you to the top of the steps. It was quit congested there. As you get off the elevator the hall you are in is also where the staff carriy drinks to the restaurant or food from the kitchen to the bar side. I can see collisions being inevitable. In the bar side there is a large rectangle sit up bar in the middle, that seats around 32 people. There are numerous booths and tables. They have a covered patio area and is fairly close to the freeway Hwy 99, I don't know how noisy it would be out there. Their Happy Hour runs 2-5 pm and  930 pm to close. 16 oz, lager, Ale, and IPA are $4-5, Highballs 1 oz $4 2 oz $7, house wine is 6oz $6 and 9 oz $9. We tried the food from the Happy Hour menu started off with the Tater tots nothing special here, basic with ketchup. We ordered a side of the garlic Aioli sauce which improved them. Then has the Steak Frites they were good and finally we had the Hummus and Za'atar and flat bread, this was very good. One in our party had the Blackened Chicken Rice Bowl and said it was good. Service was good but they had a lot if staff working, this will be reduced once they settle in. The washrooms are at the far west side and you have to walk through a row of booths and tables to get there.  It got quite loud in there and made visiting a little difficult.  We will have to wait and see how things go before passing judgment.