Using Light Rail to Find Good Beer on King County’s Eastside
Sound Transit Link Light Rail officially opened its second line (2 Line) at the end of March 2026, providing a woefully overdue rail transit link between Seattle and the Eastside. It’s not just new; it’s historic. The leg that crosses Lake Washington is the world’s first light rail service to operate on a floating bridge. Sure, the new rail line will help thousands of people get to and from work each day, but more importantly for other beer lovers and me, it provides a speedy transit link between some lovely beer destinations on the Eastside.
I spent a Saturday afternoon riding the rails and researching this story. I started in Seattle. The trip from downtown Seattle (International District/Chinatown Station) to Downtown Redmond Station took about 40 minutes. Yes, you heard that right! The trip back was a bit slower because I had important research to do.
Below, I provide a guide to breweries and other beer destinations on the Eastside that are easily accessible by the Link Light Rail 2 Line. In general, I limit walking to just 0.5 miles each way from the station, though I do mention a couple of lengthier opportunities for you overachievers. I also provide a basic FAQ for the Link Light Rail 2 Line.
In This Story
Working from east to west along the 2 Line.
- Downtown Redmond Station – Flatstick Pub Redmond, less than a .25-mile walk.
- Marymoor Village Station – Postdoc Brewing, half-mile walking
- Spring District Station – Bellevue Brewing, less than .25 mile walk.
- Wilburton Station – Pumphouse Bar & Grill, 200-foot walk, if that.
- Mercer Island Station – Roanoke Inn (.70 mile walk).
Flatstick Pub, Redmond
Exit the Downtown Redmond Station and head about one block northwest on 76th Street. Like the other four Flatstick Pub locations, this one offers one-of-a-kind, golf-themed gaming opportunities alongside a robust selection of Washington-brewed beers. Nothing but Washington beer on tap! (On behalf of the Washington Beer Blog, I thank you, Flatstick!) Cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options, too.
Kids are welcome, so expect some of that action to help fill the expansive space, especially on weekend afternoons. You can make reservations for parties of various sizes. Even if you’re not partying or playing games, the Flatstick is a worthwhile beer destination: a kickass beer bar with a golf problem. Along with the beverages, they serve food: pizza, salads, snacks, etc. 7530 164th Ave NE, Suite A108, Redmond, WA 98052.
Postdoc Brewing, Redmond
From the Marymoor Village Station, follow 70th Street one block east, turn right on 176th Avenue, and head south for about 3.5 blocks (.5 mile total). You can also take a slightly longer route through Marymoor Park, which adds a couple of tenths of a mile. Ignore the above directions and head west from the station to find the trail into the park.
The taproom at Postdoc Brewing offers a large beer garden out front, where you will usually find a food truck serving the thirsty throngs of people, many of whom are enjoying a beer after an activity at the park, like a kid’s soccer game, a cricket match, a race at the velodrome, or a romp with Rover at the dog park. I usually try to get a seat on the deck on the west side of the taproom, which provides a more park-like setting in the shade of evergreen trees. When the weather turns, head inside to the taproom’s cozier confines. Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are available. 17625 NE 65th St #100, Redmond, WA 98052.
Bellevue Brewing, Bellevue
From the Spring District Station, walk about 200 yards south across the courtyard to find the brewery. The Spring District is a mixed-use, residential/retail development than sprung up out of nowhere in anticipation of the arrival of the light rail line. Bellevue Brewing moved from its original location (founded in 2012) to this location in 2022, becoming one of the first retail/commercial tenants and patiently waiting for the 2 Line to come to life.
When the weather is right, parents sit beneath bright yellow umbrellas on the large patio, sipping beers and watching their kids play in the courtyard, hoping they stay out of the fountain. It’s no small affair; both inside and out, there is plenty of seating. The beers (cocktails, ciders, and wines, too) are accompanied by a large, diverse food menu. Fried pickles to pizzas, tacos to hamburgers, there’s something for everyone. 12190 NE District Way, Bellevue, WA 98005.
The Pumphouse Bar and Grill, Wilburton Station
Literally, it now sits in the shadow of the newly constructed Wilburton Station and, as it has for decades, defies many preconceived notions about Bellevue. The Pumphouse Bar and Grill is not new or glitzy, wealthy or entitled. It’s a timeless, well-loved, comfortable watering hole (21+) where regular folks enjoy a selection of beers that exceed expectations for a bar of this ilk. The food menu is, as you’d expect, familiar pub grub, but it never disappoints.
Some outdoor seating available, but if you want to catch the ballgame, stay inside. It’s the kind of place where retired high school teachers share beers with former students, and construction workers debate the virtues of the replay rule with fast-talking, three-name lawyers. I grew up in Bellevue back when it wasn’t so shiny or so tall, so whenever I visit, I often run into a few, it’s not uncommon that I run into a long-lost friend. “Ah, the Pumper!” 11802 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98005.
The Roanoke Inn, Mercer Island Station
Leave the station and head west on N. Mercer Way toward 76th. Continue straight across the street and follow the I-90 trail, not the street (trust me, not Google maps). Go through the park, turn right on 72nd, and go two blocks. For the uninitiated, the Roanoke Inn will make you say, “How did I not know about this place?” It was designated an official historical landmark by the State of Washington in 1976.
The Roanoke Inn originally opened in 1914 as a diner serving passengers headed to the nearby ferry dock (pre-bridge days). A horribly kept secret, it was a speakeasy during Prohibition. The bones here are strong, and for many people, the memories are thick. A decade ago, it became a community-owned business when a group of local investors stepped in to preserve its place in history. If you ask me, it is the coolest thing on Mercer Island. And they have beer! And they have food! Both are good enough, but now wowing. Who cares? It’s The Roanoke Inn! 1825 72nd Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Link Light Rail 2 Line FAQ
It runs between Lynnwood and Redmond, passing through downtown Seattle and across Lake Washington. This story focuses only on the section east of Seattle: Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Redmond.
Generally, daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., though it may vary by day and station, so confirm times if you’re traveling outside those hours.
Every 8 minutes during peak hours, every 10–12 minutes off-peak, and less frequently later at night.
The 2 Line is the world’s first light rail service to operate across a floating bridge.
In total, the over-water crossing from shoreline to shoreline is about 1.5 miles. The floating portion is about 1.25 miles.
Redmond (four stations), Bellevue (six stations), and Mercer Island (one station).
Adults (Ages 19–64) $3.00 one-way, regardless of distance traveled; $6.00 for a Day Pass. If you’re under 18, you ride for free. Discounts apply for low-income and seniors 65+ (learn more).
There are payment kiosks at each station. They accept credit cards. Also, you can use your ORCA card (the local, cross-agency transit card).
Yes and no. Yes, if you use an ORCA card. Otherwise, no.
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