The Collective On Tap is now open in Woodinville. Located in a business/light-industrial complex on the edge of bustling downtown Woodinville, The Collective offers 20 beers on tap, comfort food, televisions and a lovely environment in which to enjoy them all. They also offer growler fills. The location used to be the home of Tot Spot Cafe, but now offers fun for grownups only. Once an indoor play space for kids, it is now an indoor play space for beer lovers – a 21+ establishment.
The two minds behind The Collective On Tap are Kat Stremlau and Jan Newton. The two met at a mutual friend’s divorce party and quickly became pals. They soon discovered that they had something else in common – a love for good, craft beer. Kat was the owner of the Tot Spot and one day decided to change directions. That is when she and Jan decided to pursue a true passion: beer. Instead of opening a brewery of their own, they elected to create a great place for people to experience the beers they loved.
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Along with Anastasia Logan, who performs the managerial duties, Kat and Jan give The Collective On Tap a strong feminine identity. Let go of the stereotypes: all three of these women are exceedingly passionate about beer. I do not want to make this sound like a “chick place.” It is not. The Collective On Tap is well decorated and has (forgive me for saying it) a woman’s touch, but it is not at all girly. It is, simply put, tasteful. Only the most bullheaded macho-jock morons would find it too feminine.
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Big screen TVs for watching the game combine with a magnificent, rotating tap list and rich, savory treats. A few examples of the food include candied bacon, homemade meatballs, chips with onion/gorgonzola dip, dates stuffed with goat cheese, hot cookies baked to order served with Snoqualmie ice cream, and more. You will also find big tables that invite communal drinking, WiFi, stylish and subdued paisley upholstery, and well-positioned throw pillows. The bar is big. Who doesn’t like a lot of bar seating? Gentlemen, when you visit the restroom be sure to say hello to Sir Robin. You’ll see what I mean once you’re there.
For a place that is brand new, there is something very comfortable about The Collective On Tap. From the moment you walk through the door, it just feels right. As far as the beer is concerned, even the most ardent beer lover will not be disappointed. Kat, Jan and Taz take sourcing beer very seriously. Actually, they take everything about beer very seriously.
Getting there: From the west (Seattle, Bothell, etc), head east on Hwy 522 towards Woodinville. Take the first Woodinville exit (131st Ave NE). Turn right towards downtown Woodinville. Turn left at the first light (NE 177th St). Go a couple block and turn left on 134th. The Collective On Tap will be on your right. Remember, this is a business park/light-industrial complex.
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