It’s that time of year in the Skagit River Valley, when people flock to the tulip fields to see colors that seem so vivid and intense that they cannot be real. But they are. After a tiptoe through the tulips, it’s time for a beer, so we’ve put together list of our favorite beer destinations in the area. Looking for food? Our friends at Seattle Eater put together a list here.
If you have a favorite local beer joint in the Mount Vernon area that we missed, leave a comment. Otherwise, take a gander at our list of beer stops near Tulip Town. We even map them out for you below (mobile-friendly Google map), or you can open the map here.
The Edison Inn – Located in the impossibly cute little town of Edison (aka Bow, or Bow-Edison), this one is a bit off the beaten path, but if you’re looking for a place to continue your rural experience, this is it. A decent selection of beer and good pub grub. While you’re in town, take a short stroll down the street and visit the Bread Farm, an exceptionally delicious bakery. All ages. 5829 Cains Ct, Bow, WA 98232; 360-766-6266
Farmstrong Brewing – Mike Armstrong was the brewer at Skagit River Brewing for a long time. Last year he opened his own brewery across town in Mount Vernon. Farmstrong Brewing is a brewery and taproom only, but there’s usually a food truck outside. Kids and dogs welcome. 2424 Stewart Rd, Mt Vernon, WA 98273; 360-873-8852
Flyers Restaurant and Brewhouse – Located at the Skagit Valley Regional Airport, this is the satellite location of the brewery and restaurant on Whidbey Island. Though they don’t brew beer here, they serve a complete selection of beers brewed in nearby Oak Harbor alongside a diverse pub menu. Seafood, steaks, burgers, street tacos, fish and chips, etc. All ages. 15426 Airport Dr, Burlington, WA 98233; 360-899-1025
La Conner Brewing – You’ll find a diverse food menu to accompany the house-made beers at this longtime favorite grub-n-suds stop for wayward tulip tourists. The menu ranges from salads and pizza to tacos and homemade chowder. 117 1st St, La Conner, WA 98257; Phone: 360-466-1415
North Sound Brewing – The closest beer destination to the tulips, North Sound Brewing offers a beer-only, adults-only taproom located just west of downtown Mount Vernon along Highway 536. Often, there’s a food truck parked outside. Nice outdoor seating when weather permits. 21 and up. 17406 WA-536, Mt Vernon, WA 98273; 360-982-2057
The Porterhouse – A friendly pub serving up a great selection of mostly local beers and creative pub grub like the Bora Bora Burger, which features a wild Texan boar patty, jack cheese and house-made jalapeño-pineapple jam. All ages, downtown Mount Vernon. 416 W Gates St, Mt Vernon, WA 98273; 360-336-9989
Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery – It’s not that far from the Skagit Valley to Anacortes, home of this comfortable and beloved brewpub. Along with a complete lineup of Anacortes’ beers, you find wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches and more. All ages, downtown Anacortes. 320 Commercial Ave. Anacortes, WA 98221; 360-588-1720
Skagit River Brewing – They’ve scaled-down the brewery and now only make their seasonal and small-batch beers here. The other Skagit beers are actually still brewed for Skagit River Brewing by Mike Armstrong at Farmstrong Brewing (see above). A warm and comfortable pub with really good burgers, which they cook in their wood-fired pizza oven. All ages, downtown Mount Vernon. 404 S 3rd St, Mt Vernon, WA 98273; 360-336-2884
Trumpeter Public House – A good selection of beer, at least half of them local and rotating, complement a broad pub menu that includes upscale offerings like the Spanish Seafood Guisado, which includes fresh Taylor Shellfish scallops, calamari, prawns and a house-made chorizo. All ages, downtown Mount Vernon. 416 Myrtle St, Mt Vernon, WA 98273; 360-588-4515
What about La Conner Brewing? They aren’t much of a detour.
Ice cream at Snow Goose Produce is also worth a stop and they were stocking a small but pretty good bottle selection last time I was there.
My family always visits LaConner Brewing after our trips to the Tulip Festival. I’d still consider that within the Skagit Valley. Good food and solid beers.