Making Merry Edmonds Style
In addition to a dynamic arts, restaurant, and shopping scene downtown Edmonds has much to offer when it comes to hand-crafted liquor, cocktails, craft beer, and options for merry making.
With so many options in close proximity, you can easily plan your own on foot “booze cruise” through town.
Drinking responsibly is always encouraged and local ride share companies like Lyft and Uber are just a few taps away on your smart phone so you can get home safely after imbibing!
Local distillery
Located in the Salish Crossing development, Scratch Distillery features a dozen hand-crafted varieties of spirits including gin, vodka, whiskey and bier schnaps.
Founded by Kim and Bryan Karrick in 2015, Scratch aims to change the industry by using organic and non-GMO ingredients from local suppliers with a focused attention on quality and small batches.
A large 14ft quote lives on the tasting room wall: “Gin Equals Love” and the Karricks love gin! So much they teach a class called Giniology. You can discover the history of gin and learn to craft your own perfect blend that you can bottle up and take home that night.
Come sample their delicious product line at the tasting room, open Thursday – Saturday from 1-7pm and Sunday 1-6pm. Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm and 3:30pm and cost $20.
Beer and breweries
Edmonds is home to two popular establishments dedicated to great beer – Salish Sea Brewing Co. and Brigid’s Bottleshop.
Salish Sea Brewing Co. is a 10 barrel microbrewery that serves up the finest in hand-crafted ales and lagers (along with tasty food!) at their location in the heart of downtown Edmonds.
They feature a rotating tap of their standard brews along with seasonal specialties. And if beer isn’t your jam, they do have wine and cider to enjoy as well.
Enjoy a pint or tasting flight in person or order a growler (or keg) of your favorite to take with you.
For beer aficionados, Brigid’s Bottleshop is a must visit. Brigid’s has 18 rotating taps featuring a wide selection of popular beer from around the world (16 taps) along with two rotating ciders. Their helpful bar staff is always happy to make a recommendation so you can discover a new favorite!
They have a modern indoor space along with a giant outdoor deck so you can relax, sip and savor. And make sure to check out their huge variety of 100s of bottles to go. And you can always fill a growler with anything from the 18 taps.
Cocktail culture
For connoisseurs of fine cocktails, Edmonds has you covered.
Epulo Bistro offers a signature cocktail menu with classic favorites along with seasonal offerings. From martinis (try the grapefruit martini) to margaritas to creative in-house recipes, each drink is concocted with care by their knowledgeable bar staff.
The bar at 190 Sunset is always buzzing with activity with much credit to Director of Bar Operations, Niles Peacock.
A master mixologist and certified sommelier, Niles has developed a much-praised drink menu and wine list. Voted Best Bartender 2017 in KING 5’s Best of Western Washington, he consistently innovates with new cocktail recipes that delight guests.
Of course no list of Edmonds cocktail culture would be complete without mentioning hometown favorite Daphne’s along with their larger than life bartender, Desmond.
Tucked into a tiny space next to the Edmonds Theater, Daphne’s has a vibe like no other place around. With Desmond behind the bar breaking into song and giving each guest a warm welcome, not only will you enjoy a great drink you’ll also make new friends.
Sports, trivia, pub grub and more
If a pubs are more your speed, you’ve got some great options in Edmonds.
Serving up tasty pub grub in a lively atmosphere, A Very Taki Tiki Bar & Grill broadcasts nearly all the sports games you’d like to see and also turns into dance party central when they bring in a DJ or live band on special occasions. PS – it’s also family-friendly until 9pm.
With their deck with a view of the waterfront perfect for sunny days to their circular indoor fire pit when it’s chilly, Rory’s of Edmonds is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They feature a full bar, several TVs showing sports, a few dart machines, and amazingly good food. Try the Pound of Love, Bowl of Balls, or any of their delicious burgers.
Designed with traditional European pubs in mind, The ChurchKey Pub offers a wide selection of beer and cider (19 varieties!), a full bar, great food, and old fashioned darts. They feature a trivia contest every Tuesday along with open mic night most Wednesdays.
It’s evident you can have a great time in Edmonds, no matter your merry-making style – and this is just the tip of the good-time iceberg. For more information about all of the great bars, restaurants, and nightlife in town, visit www.edmondsdowntown.org.
By Kelsey Foster, photography by Matt Hulbert
