This is one that I’ve been wanting to do for a while for a few reasons. The main one being its location, the outdoor patio is right across from Lake Union, which has a great running trail in a loop around the lake which makes for an ideal run. It is also a place I’ve been to a few times so I already know on a nice sunny day there isn’t much better in Seattle than the outdoor patio at Fremont Brewing. I can also jump in the lake right after which is another plus.
The run, as references before was an (almost) complete lap of Lake union in one direction. I say almost because I parked slightly up the street from the brewery so it is a couple blocks off being an exact lap. I started near the main street in Fremont and went across the bridge to come down Westlake and up and around the Eastlake side, going across the University bridge and right past gas works before finishing up at the brewery. As far as scenery has gone on the runs so far, this has to be number one in terms of nonstop things to look at. On the past scenic runs it has kind of come and gone. As for the numbers on the run, in total it was 5.84 miles and took me 56:32. That boils down to an average pace of 9:41. Which, as usual is on the slower side so that’s something to be improved upon for these longer, 150-160 heart rate range runs. I think they’re referred to as MAF runs, but I’ll have to look into that. I started off a bit stronger, partly because I was fresh but partly because the lake road kind of comes down on one side and up the other, with the biggest hill being just shy of the final stretch. I am interested in doing this lap both ways a couple times each to try and decide which way is easier. And I plan on doing that in the near-ish future because there are quite a few more good bars in the vicinity I would like to plan some runs around. Stay tuned for those.
As for the brewery, I was there with two friends so I was in good company and it was a beautiful day out so we got stood by one of the barrels out on the patio. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a picnic table seat because the place was so packed. Like I said, it was nice out and by the lake. Probably the only down side. I went with the Imperial Oatmeal stout. I got the nitro vs the Co2 version, as they have both. I am pretty sure that means its smoother because there are smaller bubbles but I’m really not expert. Smooth it was though. It would be interesting to order both and compare the two. Sitting at 8 percent abv it is a little strong and thick which is nice. Wouldn’t say its necessarily the best choice for after a run but I am always down to try a good stout. It has a familiar flavor that I can’t quite pinpoint and am sure I don’t dislike but also don’t love. How’s that for an in-depth beer review. I would say that although its thick, I could probably drink 2-3 of those in one sitting, which is definitely a plus. As far as the vibes here on a sunny day, it could be unmatched but that is something we are on a quest to find out. Unassociated with the run or brewery, but kind of associated with both. My friends got a boat at the dock across the street from Fremont brewing and I jumped off that as my post run/beer shower and it was LOVELY. That will be affecting the review whether that is fair or not I don’t care.
Overall, the run was the most enjoyable one so far and the brewery was up there in the top 2/3, which is saying something as the first few were the Irish pubs that seem to generate the most fun. So to answer the question, yes, this one is going to dethrone Gravediggers as the best run and pub combo to date.
RATING: 9.4