Dad Watsons
3601 Fremont Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 632-6505
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sun 11:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Music: Juke Box
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
47 Reviews for Dad Watsons
Great service, tasty tots, savory beer selection, orgasmic red velvet cake.....what more do you need?
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Of the burgeoning McMenimans empire, Dad Watsons is my favorite of the Seattle establishments (sorry Six Arms, but you come in at a close second). After living in San Francisco for the past two years I found myself at Dad Watsons while in town visiting my parents. Oh Dads, you did not disappoint me.
It was 11:30pm on a Friday night and they were still serving food which for Seattle, is pretty awesome. Think, above average pub grub and tater tots to die for....yes, I will die for tater tots. The crowd was thinning out, but the bar stays open until 2am. The long wood bar is great for someone who wants to enjoy a meal and a brew, while there are many big tables for larger groups in the front and smaller tables in the back if you seek a little privacy.
The beer is great and the prices are right which makes Dads the perfect place to get together with a group of friends for some food, drinks, and general merriment.
I think I would give this place 3.5 stars. I came here with my boyfriend and old co-worker and her boyfriend. We had a great time with the company that's for sure.
The beer=great! They figured that part out
The food=pretty good. We got some cajunized tater tots which were pretty amazing. My friend and I split both the brewer's salad that was ok but completely saturated in dressing. And we also got th mac & cheese that was pretty good because there was a lot of cheese on it. But I've had several better mac & cheeses.
The service=left something to be desired. It was moderately busy on a Saturday late evening. And our waitress was just kinda flaky. We had to ask for extra napkins and glasses repeatedly. We asked for her opinion a few times and she didn't really ever give us an answer. She'd be like, I don't like it. But not suggest anything else. Kinda annoying.
5 stars for the tots. Maybe I'm sheltered but I've never been to a restaurant that serves tator tots.. especially not one that serves "Cajunized" tots! They have a happy hour $5 chicken strips and tots basket.. it was greasy and delicious.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I'm feeling extra lazy tonight, so I'll keep it short and sweet.
Beer: 'tis OK, but not my most favorite. I had a Ruby, which is supposed to be a raspberry ale, but it just didn't have enough all-around flavor for me. I have tried other beers here as well, and they seem a bit bland to me. I like my beer to have balls. This was a little lacking in balls.
Food: Menu looked great, lots of variety, and excellent happy hour specials. We had chicken tenders and a burger, and both were excellent. Oh, and they have tater tots. I'm crazy for tots.
Atmosphere: LOVE it. I love the big wooden bar, huge booths, and the tall windows facing the street. This place makes me feel comfortable, happy, and warm inside.
Service: Great! Our waiter was very attentive and nice. Prompt, friendly place that I'd definitely go back to.
Overall: Love the atmosphere, laid-back feel, and service. Meh on the beer, but everything else rocks.
Don't feel like reading my review? Here's a brief rundown.
Beer snob hat ON...
Place is fair at best.
Beer snob hat OFF...
All right, a place that serves food and beer.
The beers are generally only ok, to me it seems like they're brewing some beers just to have that style in their repertoire, not because of an outstanding recipe or first batch.
That's not to say that all the beers are that way though.
Food was good, but not something to crave specifically.
Do like the large space, booths are spacious and bar stretches out pretty far. Waiter was good, bill wasn't outrageous.
There isn't much that I like about this place. The food is too expensive, the staff is rude, and I don't understand why so many people like that mediocre Mcmenimnans beer. So in lieu of a good review, here is a song parody about the show "Three's Company" that I thought up when I was bored at work. Weird Al ain't got nothin' on me.
(Sing to the tune of "Day Tripper" by the Beatles)
Got a good reason-
For telling the Landlord he's gay.
Got a good reason-
Cause he needs a cheap place to stay.
His name is Jaaaack Tripper-
A real ladies man.
Hopes Mr. Fur-ley -
Won't find out- Wont find out.
Ba dada dadada dada dadada.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (7)
Cool (5)
I have been on a diet since the end of January and have been successful at losing weight. I was a good girl and ate the food I was supposed to and did not drink. This existence is not a fun one.
Now I am on a diet and am still losing weight, but have decided not to deny myself life's pleasures. And you know what? Beer on St. Patrick's Day is one of life's pleasures.
The original plan had been to head over to Lunchbox Laboratory to try one of their burgers and then go somewhere to get beer. But this plan did not materialize early enough to make to LL before they closed. "So what then?" my empty stomach demanded. "Why not kill two birds with one stone?" my brain answered. And so that is how I ended up at Dad Watsons with a burger in my hands and a beer at my side.
I had the Captain Neon burger with the addition of cheddar cheese. And a ruby. I love the Ruby. When the Kaiser Chiefs song comes on, I pretend they're singing about the beer.
Service was attentive; all I had to do was flash a smile at the waiter and he was there in an instant.
I debated whether to give four or five stars. Then I remembered that Dad Watsons is a bit more expensive than their Capital Hill sister, Six Arms. Also, the fries coated my hands with a layer of grease that make my skin shine, despite repeated scrubbings with the napkin.
I like the McMenamin's pubs. A lot. And if Ruby was a cute boy who was of legal majority, I might leave my lovely boyfriend for him. Or you know, carry on a torrid love affair or something.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
The CoolEST place I have ever been. My server Hutch was a blond guy who was from Boston or Kanas or something was all scaterbrained which I thought was funny. He kept walking a few steps in one direction, stopping and scratching his head then mumbling to himself. I'm pretty sure I could beat him up.
The beer was Totaly Awesome! It got me really drunk and I barfed on some girls foot outside, which was cool. She started swearing at me. The flavor of the beer was like nothing I have ever tasted crisp, fresh with a hint of citrus orange flavors. After I was cut off by Hutch I went up to the bar to get a drink from the bartender. She was a cute little lady that had hair that reminded me of a troll doll. I think she could tell I was drunk because when I ordered a Whisky she asked if I wanted some coke instead. I was like "HELL YES!". She poured me a soda, not what i was expecting but very delicious.
As for the food I was taking a nap when it came so I didn't get any.
But when I woke up my friends were burping a lot so that means it was really good. I was mad at them for not saving me any so I took the pitcher of beer off the table and pounded it while flipping them off! They did not like this so we left.
The only complaint I had was the really cool tall dark haired server wasn't working. He Is really cool and I would like to be in a band with him. I would call it Dick Wolf or Unicorn Ponytail or something like that. Anyway I peed the bed that night so I give it 5 red stars.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (6)
Cool (2)
I'm a sucker for a good jukebox, and I can say without hesitation or hyperbole that the jukebox at Dad Watsons is far and away the greatest I have ever come across. Elliott Smith, M.I.A., Jack Johnson, Kate Nash, The Shins, The Darkness, The Smashing Pumpkins, and tons of others that (of course) escape me at the moment... classy, tasteful stuff. I got more than my seven quarters' worth, and would have happily pumped in more had time not been an object.
The food wasn't bad either!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I don't know what's happened to you, Watson's. I used to drive in for dinner and beers all the way from Northgate.
Now I live two buildings up the street and I can't bring myself to go in for your piss-poor service. Just horrible.
I want to come back regularly, and every month or so I check in to see if anything has changed. Nothing has. Please be like Applebee's and get it togetha, baby!
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
the food here is ok, same as all the McMenamins places (like, same exact menu pretty much), but i still like it because its SO comfortable. huge wooden booths, plenty of room for relaxin. time disappears.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Decent food, good drinks. Last time we were there, I got a wine flight with six of their wines, and most of them were good. I especially enjoyed their white pinot noir (which seems like an oxymoron, but oh well). Food is pretty average, but I like the atmosphere a lot, and the ruby ale. That stuff is delicious!
4/1/08 Update: Went there this weekend. Sloooow service. Detracting a star, down to four from five. Maybe next time they'll earn it back?
I've only had good experiences at Dad Watsons, and I HEART McMenamins beer. (They and Rogue are my favorite.) Food is good, there's more than one vegetarian entree, which for a pub is awesome. They have so many rotating seasons that I won't list all my favorites (there are just too many), but if you have occasion to go in I'm sure you'll find your own. Ambiance is great, and I love in the interior. Of the Seattle area McMenamins (Six Arms, Dad Watsons, McMenamins on Queen Anne) this is my favorite one. Enjoy!
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Meh. Another unexceptional addition to the enigma of mediocrity called Fremont.
Although, Ugly Kid took Pig Girl out on a date here, which Andrew F. and I watched, riveted, so that's nice.
"Now, you take Pig Girl out on a date! Her father's a very important client, and you're no better, with your slim-fit overalls and fatty earlobes!"
People thought this was:
Funny (6)
Cool (1)
Right now they have a pretty delicious pumpkin gnocchi on the seasonal menu. The actual gnocchi aren't that dope but the rest of it is fantastic. Ask to sit in Celeste's section, she'll make you laugh...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
We have enjoyed Dads a couple time since moving to the neighborhood. We had a great steak and fries meal which was surprising cause pubs usually just have mediocre steak. Yes, Dad Watsons definitely has the grill part of bar and grill down pat. Tots are fun but I don't recommend the cajun spice. It just doesn't taste right with a pint of ale in my opinion. The gold star ale is surprisingly tasty, and at 2.50 a pint, why drink PBR? Love the decor too...
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
This place ranked a solid #2 behind Elysian as the best brewpub I went to in my Seattle tour.
We stumbled in here quite accidently, and on the outside it has the look of a sleepy little oldman bar. We went in, it was empty, but had a huge dark wood bar that just practically scream, "TOUCH ME!" So I did.
We didn't try the food, but we definitely tried the beers. Each one of them had a wonderful balance of hops and malty goodness. They had the best Kolsch, and damn fine renditions of nitro stout, and a porter.
Most importantly though, they had a wonderful Ruby Ale. Not too bitter, not too malty, a touch sweet, and raspberry flavored. It's the stuff of dreams.
This is a place I will definitely return to on my next Seattle trip.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
this place brings back fun memories of seattle..
wonderful company, stellar conversations, great bar food, yummy brews, full bar, and awesome music!
i found it pretty rad that they had the song 'damaged goods,' by gang of four, on rotation! i've never heard anyone, or been anywhere that has played that song!
First I will say straight off that I'm a HUGE fan of the Mcmenamins chain. I can't even count how many locations I've been too. This is definately not my fav one, but it's not the worst either.
MMmm yummy chicken ceasar salad. But they gave me WAY too much food, i could only eat like a third. Parking was supringsinly easy to find.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
I swear we don't do pub food back home in Chicago. If we want a burger we go to a burger place, if we want a deli sandwich thats where we go to a deli. So pub food is still interesting to me.
I like Dad Watsons fairly well for what it is. Crunchy tater tots with ranch, a burger that is filling but not phenomenal. The prices are a little high, and the beers are poured on the warm side.
I'd go again, but wont go out of my way unless i have a tater tot craving.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
If you've been to a McMenamin's you know pretty much what to expect. Good microbrews, good food with a menu that's diverse enough to be interesting without straying too far from comfort/pub food. This place in particular is one of my favorites though, they've got a full liquor bar and a great location. I've had many a good time here.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I haven't been there yet-- but giving the benefit of the doubt based on visits to more than 20 other Mcmenamins locations in Oregon. Will edit with an update after trying it.
Why rate it already?
I'm a long time Portlander hop-head moving to Seattle this weekend. McMenamins is a beacon of "the good life" I'm leaving here and I look forward to many pints of hammerhead, IPA, and Terminator on arrival.
(I figure 2-3 stars worthy based on this)
I sure hope they have PJ's insane crazy bread on the menu to go w/ the cajunized tots. PJ's is the west coast's closest approximation I've found to Ithaca NY's Hot Truck.
I met the brewer from Dad's down at CPR last summer during an outdoor tasting day while the Buds of May were playing the lawn. Seemed like a good guy w/ the right attitude on beer and life. His IPA was in my opinion one of the best taps available that day.
(another star)
During mountain biking season (March to December) down here I eat at McMenamins at least once a week, often more. (twice in the last 48 hours) The beer tastes best after a good long rip on the local trails of the Tillamook state forest at CPR or Rock Creek Tavern locations and thinking about the wings and cold IPA is often the primary driver to crank up that last long grinder climb to storyburn trailhead. Grand Lodge outdoors is good and the downtown locations like Bagdad theatre and kennedy school shouldn't be missed.
The reviews on this site are entertaining to a frequent mcmenamins customer. The slow service is no accident-- the brothers "M" design all their pubs this way. It accomplishes two things well: 1) gets you to stay and drink more pitchers of their tasty brews. 2) drives the uptight people on a schedule to go elsewhere so only the laid back and happy people willing to slow down their lives for a couple hours get to enjoy what they truly have to offer. I hope to find lots of those laid back happy people in Seattle frequenting Dad's. See you next week.
(holding the final fifth star until I actually visit)
Party soon
-LW
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Cosmic timing on this one. At the moment we arrived, two patrons at the bar were getting up and leaving, as though they'd been waiting for us to arrive, and keeping the seats warm. Hooray.
I'm a fan of nitro beers, so after stopping here and seeing that a nitro stout was on tap, I figured I'd try it. As has been documented with a photo, it was underwhelming. The beer settled into a nominal state just fine, but it was--if I must approximate--three to five degrees too warm. And mind you, I'm hardly someone who demands "ice cold beer." I know better. (Can you live here and not know better?) At first I was impressed because it looked like he was letting my beer settle before topping it off and serving it to me, and then he did a 180 and started pouring foamy beer from an overflowing pitcher into it, scooping out the head with a spoon, and repeating. By the time it got to me it was a mess. I've enjoyed a Hale's Nitro Stout on several occasions, and this one did not approach that bar in the realm of enjoyability.
I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say that this all had something to do a temperamental keg, and with the high level of activity in the place, and the appearance that three or four employees were handling a couple hundred customers. The bartender was running around like a madman, and definitely working hard.
I liked the physical layout of the bar, with its U-shaped flare: I enjoy bars like this where the people-watching is facilitated by the layout. I much prefer it to the "I'm staring at a wall of booze with my back to everything else" feel.
We came here to escape the rapidly changing vibe of the Red Door, and for this purpose, it was okay. Although it was really lively here, it was not as shouty and milly-abouty. It's a good place to have earmarked as a weekend "safe zone" in Fremont.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
For being a busy Solstice day, we got seated quickly and served well. I don't really remember my half of the bacon cheeseburger, due to the fact that I was on hour 7 of booze-a-thon, and it was merely substance to soak up said booze. I do however remember their tater tots, and they were Doctor Dre Chronic yo!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Voodoo Chicken was wonderful. I'm glad the new waiter recommeded it, based on it looking good. Superficial opinons stand for a lot when in comes to food cholces. When it looks good, you're half way to a spiritual estacy of intoxicating flavors.
The other half of my intoxication included a spicy sauce on the grilled chicken with a thin blue cheese dressing on the softest bun in the world. Yes, it is a winning combination!
One of many winning combo's, I figured out... as my eyes peek around the place.
Really, I can't explain what it taste like, because I'm new to eating meat. But I ate it without a problem. That says a lot, because I usually leave back half my food. Yeah!
I really checked out the establishment on a trip to the Women's Restroom. Nice decor. Clean kitchen (open and airy, but dim lit). Large resturant (great for crowds). Excellent prices on the menu. And they have vegetarian items too. I'll be back!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Happy Hour!
Yeah, sure.. the service might be the slowest in Fremont- trust me.. I would know) but their happy hour prices are tough to beat! $2.50 pints (their porter is great- really chocolately and GOOOOOD) of all their awesome beers from 4-6pm, and $4 food- and tons of it! Hamburgers, panko breaded chicken fingers, fries, a great hummus plate (i had that and a beer for $6 and change!), quesidillas.. all really good food and big portions! Bartenders are super nice and cool.
Ask for "cajunized" tots and you're in for a real treat.. they are incredible!
Two dads up.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
More bartending failure. I documented it on camera this time.
Warm beer served because they didn't know or didn't care to know how to handle a nitro tap. Wow. Seriously. See photo for the full horror.
Foam it up everywhere. Let sit for 15 minutes until flat and warm. Serve.
I wasn't drinking beer at this point, but my beverage was par for this course, it seemed.
It looks like an alright place to eat if you're in the mood for bar food and if you don't like any service for long periods of time. I can only assume that everyone quit for some reason and they had to go to their bartending farm-teams for replacements.
Welcome to the big leagues, son. We like cold beer here (if it's not too much trouble)*
* Seattle nice optional.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Really yummy pasta that you would expect from an Italian restaurant but is actually in a pub? Sure, why not? Yummyness spoiled by resulting stomach-ache? Check.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
They have tater tots- Cajun style too. Enough said.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (4)
Cool (1)
This is one of a small chain based out of Oregon. There are a standard set of beers common to all and special beers brewed on location. All their beers are great. The restaurants decor is quirky and unique to each location. The food is awesome, my favorite is the Maria's Masterpiece sandwich, captain Neon burger...but you can't go wrong with anything. They let you choose a side from a salad, fries, or tots. Great place highly recommend any location.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Not a bad place to stop in. I'll have to second what everyone else had said - the burgers are very good, and the ruby ale is a must-try.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Dad Watsons has great simple food. Tatertots, mmmm. The spicy sandwiches are really spicy, be careful. Fun place to eat, fun place to drink and outdoor seating in the front and back. The big booths are the perfect size for 8 people! The decor is Alaskan? Well, whatever it is... it is very pleasing to the eye.
I always enjoyed this place when I lived in Fremont. It's got a few fancier items on the menu than just burgers, and the blue cheese salad is really great. I'm also fond of the wacky seasonal beer varieties they'd have on tap. A good place to meet a date or a friend.
At first I thought the prices were a bit high, then I got my food and MAN was it worth it; very tasty, yet lots of it as well. Quality and quantity, and to be honest it wasn't terribly expensive. I don't really dig the atmosphere to sit and have a drink, but for a quick bite and then off to a bar - it's PERFECT.
Oh McMenamins, why are your burgers and ales SO GOOD?
(For folk who have never been to any of their chains, try the dungeon burger or their Ruby ale... you'll be glad you did.)
Rating only four stars because I feel that the atmosphere of this one is not as good as the others in town (like the 6 Arms in Capitol Hill). But! If you are in the Fremont area, I highly recommend stopping by.
Can't complain. Great atmosphere: I felt like I was on an old paddleboat going down the Mississippi. It's dark and woody inside Dad Watson's, with weird little doodads on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Their list of ales is impressive, each brew is distint and equally tasty. I suggest the Ruby Ale, Hammerhead, and Terminator Stout. Their food is also good. Long stringy fries and grilled sandwiches are my favorite there. Havn't had the burgers yet, but they look amazing.
I like it. The food ranges from good to OK. Just pub grub. The beers are good. I like the location and they always play good music. Kid friendly. Big group friendly. I like it. The staff are always good no matter how busy they are. Probably my favourite pub to eat in.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Nice decor and atmosphere, good food, good beers. It was quiet when I came in with my friends. The servers were nice. I liked the place and would come in more often but it is out of my way.
I like Dad Watsons. It has good food and Olympia beer in a can. Two very good things. . .it's my favorite McMenimin restaurant in Seattle.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Mcmenamins!
My goal is to visit every Mcmenamins that exist!… -
Beer is gud.
"No beer makes Homer...something something."… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Seattle brewpub by bus…
Each one of these brewpubs is easily accessible by…
Hot and New
- Via Tribunali
79 reviews
Neighborhood: First Hill
- Taqueria Tequila Authentic…
20 reviews
Seattle, WA
- Wonton City
18 reviews
Bellevue, WA
- Maneki Restaurant
121 reviews
Neighborhood: International District
- Full Tilt
7 reviews
Seattle, WA