Pouring Your Own Adventure at Just the Tap in Seattle
If you find yourself wandering the streets of Belltown in Seattle and see a brick building marked by a small round sign reading "Just the Tap". Do yourself a favor and enter that dark almost secret portal. Just the Tap isn't your standard Seattle watering hole. It’s a labyrinth of neon, nostalgia, and, most importantly, an impressive wall of 24 self-serve taps.
The vibe here is beautifully chaotic. One minute you’re in a room filled with glowing paint and literal swings for seats, and the next you’re lost in a retro pinball arcade. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of everything except the ounce-counter on your pouring card. Whether you’re looking to play a round of "glow pong", play a board game, enjoy a unique family outing (Just the Tap is family friendly), or just want to hide away in a dark corner with a slice of pizza, this spot has a strange, magnetic energy that will bring a smile to your face.
The Self-Serve Freedom of Just the Tap in Seattle
The beauty of the self-serve model is the lack of commitment. You don't have to settle for a full pint of something you might not like. You can pour a two-ounce taster, decide it’s your new favorite thing, or move right along to the next handle. It turns a standard drink into a bit of an exploration. And if beer isn't your thing, they have a cocktail bar counter in front as well.
Worthy of the Pour: Elysian Brewing’s Dragonstooth Stout
Among the rotating cast of characters on the tap wall, I decided that since it felt a bit like being in an old medieval pub, a Dragonstooth Stout from Elysian Brewing felt like it fit with the vibe. This was not the first time I checked in this beer, but I had given it 3 caps in the past on Untappd so I knew it would be a solid choice.
- Pour: Dragonstooth by Elysian Brewing - Style: Imperial Oatmeal Stout - ABV: 8.1% - The Experience: This isn't a beer you rush. It pours a deep, midnight black with a thick, tan head that lingers. On the palate, it’s velvety and substantial, hitting you with rich notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and a hint of warm bread. The addition of rolled oats balances out the bite of the Magnum, Cascade, and Centennial hops.
It’s a bold, satisfying pour that holds its own against the neon lights and the clinking of pinball machines.
Wee Final Thoughts
Just the Tap is a reminder that grab-and-go doesn’t have to be boring. Between the themed rooms and the massive selection of local brews, it’s a playground for anyone who takes their beer, but not themselves, seriously. If you’re in Belltown Seattle and need a break from the usual, grab a card and start pouring.