- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Malt & Vine
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Nightlife Bars Pubs Beer, Wine & Spirits, Pubs [Edit]
16851 Redmond Way(between N 170th Ave & N Avondale Way)
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 881-6461
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Malt & Vine
Review Highlights
"...on tap is rotated regularly and Friday tastings are fab."
(in 6 reviews)
"I've never been disappointed with their tap selection."
(in 27 reviews)
"...glad that Redmond has Malt and Vine and Black Raven Brewing."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
64 reviews in English
-
Review from T R.
Carnation, WA
12/14/2011
I might be exaggerating but maybe not..... they have THOUSANDS of different things to try. Of course beers but also ciders, meads, wines... ginger beers,sake...
There is also always a diverse tap selection with the option of (with a very reasonable crackage fee) trying anything for sale in the store.
Everyone there is helpful and friendly. You can bring to-go food in to enjoy with your beverage. Outside seating. Definitely a strip mall gem. Great prices too! -
Review from Kristen B.
Redmond, WA
10/20/2011
I've been to Malt & Vine a hanfull of times and have been blown away by their selection of beer. Although, I'm definitely a wineo at heart, I enjoy throwing back a few brews every now and then. My last name is Brewer, so I guess it's kind of in my nature to be drawn to beer.
I've never been dissapointed when their staff helps me choose beer that will appeal to my pallete. They were always right on spot in helping me choose the perfect beers.
I think I'm overdue for a visit! -
Review from Riss J.
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
On a recent sunny afternoon, I joined Evan and Amber here for an introduction to all that is the Malt & Vine.
Thankfully, having some die-hard fans with me, I wasn't as overwhelmed at the selection of beers, wines and ciders as I would likely have been otherwise.
The staff is very friendly and they clearly get to know folks who come in on any kind of regular basis.
The atmosphere is. well. it's weird. It is like an old Teriyaki joint and a 7-11 had an alcoholic child. The floor, tables etc area all "cheap lunch spot in a strip mall" and the walls are just lined with refrigerators filled with beer and racks filled with wine. There is, quite literally, room for nothing else.
The patio area is sparse, but adequate, had about 4 or 5 average sized tables.
You can bring your own food in from anywhere.
Parking seems like it is not very ample, with the strip mall maze you're in, but there is a fuller lot in the back. Be aware most of the "front lot" spots are marked "limit 2 hours". How well, or if, that is enforced I have no idea..but it sure would suck to be the first to find out.
I can see myself returning here on occasion, but it would have to be with my brother or again with an "Evan and Amber" crowd for a few times, until I really found wines or beers I liked and got to know the 'flow' of the place better, I wouldn't really enjoy it solo. -
Review from G M.
Duvall, WA
2/5/2012
Great beers! You can bring your own food and they have a beer garden/patio out back when the weather is nice. Love the varied selection of brews that are hard to find elsewhere. Staff has always been friendly and are always down to help you pick the right brew - if there is such a thing at this place - haven't had a bad one yet!
-
Review from Elizabeth J.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2012
I can't believe I have never been here before! As other patrons have stated, the brew selection is astounding and the environment is very chill. Great as a date destination or as a regular. It is a hidden treasure!
-
Review from Kristin C.
Redmond, WA
8/31/2011 6 Check-ins Here
When I first moved to Redmond everyone was telling us to come to Malt & Vine. Including fellow Yelpers and the girl in the office at our apartment. My boyfriend already had this place bookmarked though. He is a huge beer fan, and loves getting to try new stuff. I like getting to sit outside and drink beer. Win and win!
We usually come in the afternoon after work, or on a lazy weekend afternoon for a beer or two, and always sit out on the patio. I can't remember all the beers I have tried, but I know Malt and Vine introduced me to Chuckanut, and for that, I am forever grateful.
We managed to make it over to one of their Friday tastings, my boyfriend tried a couple new beers for $1, but I am picky, and scared of new(dark) beers. But it was great to see the place so hoping! It's funny that everyone knows each other. Our neighbor took us over there and he seemed to know 1/2 the people.
I love having this place so close. Hopefully we have a few more nice "summer" evenings so I can enjoy more beer on their patio.Listed in: Beer!
-
Review from Bill S.
Seattle, WA
12/11/2011
First went to the Malt and Vine to attend a Belgian beer class that was taking place there one evening. Stu Stewart put on the class (he's not affiliated with Malt and Vine) and did an excellent job imparting knowledge to us about the country which produces the most splendid beers in the world. Of course after the class we perused the gianormous selection of beers there. Stu got me on to a Belgian there called Scaldis. It's one of the best of the best. 12% alcohol! but still accessible to nonaficcionados. Complexity akin more to wine then beer. Of course that's just one of hundreds of beers that are available there. I highly recommend the Malt and Vine to beer snobs, geeks, aficcionados, and normal humans, whether you are broadening your horizons or taking your first journey to the land of fine brew.
-
Review from Georgia S.
Kirkland, WA
5/29/2011
FOUND! "Hell or High Watermelon" wheat beer with watermelon finish. That and more at Malt & Vine.
Super excited to go back and pick my way through uber cool beer choices- both local and around the world.
Once again, RANDOM strip mall location in Redmond doesn't do much for me. Unless your plans include making copies at Kinko's or popping into Value Village for vintage, then this is pretty much a destination stop.
Girl to guy ratio is questionable- Come for good convo and (ladies) pretend you like beer if you want to meet the local dudes. ;) Just sayin.
Basic table and chairs keeps the emphasis on the drinks. Back patio has potential for summer happy hours! -
Review from J.P. S.
Issaquah, WA
I am a huge fan of Malt and Vine for so many reasons. I really like the Friday tastings for 1$, I like the selection of beer, cider, wine, and now mead that they have. And, I like the atmosphere there as well, just relaxing and chatting with friends either inside or out over a cold beverage.
I was coming here before I started to follow a Gluten Free diet, and if you are a beer snob who likes to explore new and exciting offerings from around the area or just around the world, this is the place for you. Come and see what they recommend or try a few things on tap. You won't be disappointed. My friends tell me that they can also order kegs from their distributors for you as well (note: this means if you have a tap at home and are selective about what you serve, you should stop by and ask about this). I have not done this myself, but this is a nice addition to what they offer.
In the last 18 months though I have been quite strict regarding a gluten free diet. That really restricts my beer intake (turns out this is a great diet mechanism actually). However, Malt and Vine is also here to offer lots of gluten free options as well. They carry Green's, St Peters, Daura, Bard's, New Grist, and of course several selections of Crispin as well. They even had a Friday tasting dedicated to Gluten-Free beer as well. I just HAD to show up for that! I even took the bus there JUST for that event.
When it comes to food, Malt and Vine is somewhat of a double-edged sword. (And this is the only reason I feel I can't mark 5 stars, even though I love the place.) To be perfectly blunt, they have none. (Sorry, I don't count chips/nuts for sale.) This is ok though because they are totally cool with you ordering something and bringing it to your table. There is a pizza place (Romios) in the same complex (w/ gluten free pizza), there is a teriyaki place next door, there is a gyro place next door, and there is also a Chinese restaurant that offers take-out next door as well. Personally, I have also just ordered from places in Redmond Town Center (Thai Ginger for instance) and then just brought that over as well. For pizza (especially gluten free), Frankies is nearby too and offers a MUCH better option (yet spendy) for pizza and pasta and offers take-out.
Note that around dinner time on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the place can be PACKED (standing room only). So if you DO plan to eat. Plan to arrive early and start the eagle hunt for a table. There are no reservations, no servers, and you are competing against everyone already standing around. A nice afternoon can also bring out a lot of people as well.
Parking can also be a challenge here too. I have NEVER had any problem personally, but I also feel I have gotten pretty lucky. It just seems that there was someone always pulling out of a spot as I arrived. ALL parking spots are marked as 2 hour spots. I haven't had any problems with going 2 hours and 15 minutes before though.
After your visit here, you are going to keep wanting to come back to see what new they have on tap. This is now a regular hang-out spot for me and my friends. Follow them on Twitter too! New offerings and events are announced there regularly. -
Review from Amy L.
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't think of anything that hasn't been said about Malt & Vine, but I checked in here so I guess I should review it.
The employees are always extremely helpful and friendly. This is my go-to place for birthday gifts for those people who always buy everything they want themselves. If you don't know what someone likes you can get them a gift certificate.
There is parking in the back behind Kinkos if the lot in front is full (which it sometimes is.) They have a sunny patio in case that weird yellow thing ever makes an appearance. -
Review from Tom B.
3/30/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Pretty shocked that I had never rated this place before. Spent years assuming I had. Doug and his crew do an amazing job, always pulling in whatever's new and interesting on the beer market. They take care of their bottles and their kegs. The wine, mead, and cider selections are interesting as well.
It's been well-documented that you can bring in outside food and hang out for pints or open any bottle in the shop to drink. There's a tv, there's a patio, there's great service and usually there are people around to chat with. Something of an oasis for lovers of good beer, surrounded by many miles of sand in virtually every direction.
This is a permanent part of my route for beer shopping.Listed in: Out of town breweries and beer…
-
Review from Rex B.
Kirkland, WA
5/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
THE GOOD:
The selection of beers are outstanding, both draft and bottled
THE BAD:
So many choices, I just cant see the rotation of some beers being adequate. Plus they have a corking fee if you want to enjoy it there with friends
THE LOWDOWN:
Jake and I hit this place up every now and again. They don't serve food but there are places around worth while. The rotating beer selection is good, and thats usually what we get. They put on a lot of special events that are pretty nice. The staff also really know about all the beers, makes it pretty non-intimidating. Patio seating is great for the warmer month -
Review from Stef M.
5/11/2011
Please note that this place is way more beer-centric than wine-focused. If you want to get your grape on, head down the street to World of Wines. They are GREAT. Malt and Vine, though, should really just be called Malt. Because their wine selection is not super impressive. In fact, I wonder if it wouldn't be a good business move to just get rid of all the wine and focus on beer only. This is in fact what they DO, they just tell anyone.
However, their beer selection is amazing! We go there every few weeks to stock up on many delicious beers that are hard to find anywhere else on the east side. They also have some tables set up so you can sample some of the stuff on tap. And when the weather's good, they've got a patio! People are welcome to bring food from nearby takeout joints, because they don't have any food of their own.
They'll fill a growler of anything on tap for you, and are very friendly and knowledgable about beer.
There's also a small selection of mead, sake, and other interesting beer- and wine-type things. In fact, just last week I picked up a bottle of ginger beer to whip up Moscow Mules with at home, which is a great idea and one that I'm surprised they didn't have a long time ago! -
Review from Cora L.
5/3/2011 2 photos
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know much about beer. I know that I like to drink it, and I know whether I like something or not but that's about it.
But I DO KNOW that I'm a fan of this place! So many interesting beers and wines to look at, sorted by continent and all nicely organized. The selection was almost overwhelming, and I loved just browsing the oddly shaped dessert wine bottles!
This place is very clean and well-lighted, also the staff is friendly -- I'm comparing this to Bottleworks. Definitely more spots to have a seat than Bottleworks, and I bet the outdoor area is awesome when the sun is out!
Definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Sherri L.
Hawthorne, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here on a weekend trip and liked that the atmosphere was simple. The selection of beer was amazing and the staff was very helpful and knowledgeable.
-
Review from Chet M.
Sammamish, WA
3/13/2011
Found some great beers when I stopped in. Staff was awesome and really relaxed. Had a GREAT Belgian beer which got me a good buzz off of one.
cheers! -
Review from Kayla B.
Seattle, WA
12/17/2010
Do you like good beer? GO HERE!!! Malt & Vine has virtually every beer in a bottle so you can get just one, but they also have good beers on tap at all times. You can go there and drink like a bar or you can spend hundreds (like I do) on bottles like a kid would in a toy store. They do special events where a brewer will bring in a keg of some super-rare beer too, and those nights it gets packed but it's usually well worth the wait. I have never seen so many good craft beers in one place, and it's not nearly as expensive as ordering them from a bar. The same girl has been working there almost every time I go and she is super knowledgeable, which is a major plus when you can get overwhelmed at so many selections.
They have wine too, including desert wines, but since I know way less about that I'm not sure how great their choices are in that area. -
Review from Jerry M.
Kirkland, WA
This place has everything I love. Beers from everywhere. Nice to shop for beer while having one!!!!
-
Review from Lindsey S.
Bothell, WA
9/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I died and went to Beer Lover's Heaven when I walked into Malt & Vine.
I love the HUGE selection of beers ( and sours and lambics and wine) they have.
The staff is always super nice and helpful.
They had a uber-hard-to-find wine that I LOVE.
They can get just about any keg of any beer I want. That makes Lindsey very happy. That makes Lindsey's kegerator very happy. And you want Lindsey and her kegerator happy.
If you like beer, then this is your Mecca. Go now.Listed in: When I Need A Beer....
-
Review from Andrew K.
Sammamish, WA
1/30/2011
Fantastic selection of beer - both on tap and in the fridge. Fell in love with Pliney the Elder (Russian River Brewing) and the Black Raven line-up here and have spent serveral Friday afternoons just hanging out and drinking great beer.
Imagine my disappointment when I brought in a growler to get it filled (for the third time) and was told that they wouldn't fill it because the neck was "too narrow" and they didn't want to waste any beer. Ironically, it was a Russian River Valley growler, which I discovered and visited because I had tried it on tap at Malt and Vine.
Edited w/uipdate - received a response from the owner with a work-around, which is great because I went through beer withdrawal last weekend and lost 2 pounds. Restored rating to what I feel is more reflective of the selection and usual service. -
Review from Robyn P.
Seattle, WA
8/1/2010
Great concept!
Awesome brews on tap (I had a cherry ale - YUM), a huge selection of beers in the fridge coolers that line the walls (there's a pouring fee for these), lots of wine, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and tastings for a mere buck.
The only food they offer are big grabs of chips, but you can bring in an entire pizza and no one will bat an eye. And plenty of outdoor seating makes this a surprisingly fun place to hang out.
If I'm ever in the area again, I'd love to come back. -
Review from Jon L.
8/11/2010
The good selection of beers at Malt and Vine makes it the best place to go for specialty beers on the Eastside. It is a bit of a hard to find spot given that it is located in a strip mall in Redmond Way next to a teriyaki place. But you will find an impressive assortment here.
In addition to beers, they offer a selection of wines and I noticed sake as well. There are several draft beers on tap with tables inside the shop and outside to enjoy them. I am not really a specialty beer store shopper so I can not really say if the prices are bad or not. They seem competitive.
Specifically came here for the Maui Brewing Company Coconut Porter which their website mentioned they carried. I wanted to try it when I was in Hawaii, but I missed my chance. Pleased that there is a distributor in Washington now so I can finally try it out. Found the beer here, though it was odd that it was placed in a fridge which appeared not to be working. The beer was room temperature.
Service was a bit spotty. There was some 'tude happening. Still, the selection is really the reason to visit Malt and Vine. If you can not get to Bottleworks in Wallingford, this would be a good alternate place to visit to see if they have what you are looking for in stock. -
Review from Beau R.
Sammamish, WA
11/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
I met a friend here for a beer lunch today. I was duly impressed. They have an excellent selection of beer, both domestic micro brews and all kinds of imports and a small selection of local wines.
The girl behind the counter was friendly and knowledgeable of the beers they had on tap and what was in the expansive refrigerator cases.
If you're looking for something in particular, I bet they have it. If you're going to wander the store and pick something that suits your fancy, I bet your fancy will be suited.
All that, and you can drink it there too!
Some reviewers noted that there is no food here. While that is true, the gyro place next door *delivers*! -
Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
Great shop in downtown Redmond. In fact, it's so great that I want one of these in Seattle... a second location, please?
Beer and wine tastings for a buck or 2 and they're heavy handed on the pours, so you'll probably leave with a bottle or 5 of whatever it was you were trying, a.) because it's good, and b.) because you're slightyyy... happy. Yes, happy.
I really like that you can drink whatever you like in here- not just what's on tap. They'll happily open it, pour it for you in the correct glass, and add it to your tab. When you're done imbibing, just have them ring you up for what you drank and for what you're purchasing, and 'voila!' you're good to go.
Oh, and if you're hungry you can grab food next door (the gyros look fantastic) or bring food in and eat and have a beer or some wine at one of the many tables in front set up specifically for that purpose. These folks really know what they're doing. Good, kind hearted people who run a nice, tight ship. I like it.
Now back to the conversation about adding a Seattle location... -
Review from Tim O.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 1/9/2009
They keep getting better - they have beer and wine tastings!
For a buck or two, you can taste about 6 beers depending on the theme that Friday. Definitely worth it.
Say hi to Doug and Lizzie and feel free to ask them any of your beer/wine questions.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/23/2007 First to Review
Approachable wine and beer shop in Redmond. Cool and knowledgeable owners. Great selection of… Read more »
-
-
Review from Carly L.
6/29/2009
Thank goodness for a place like Malt and Vine on the Eastside.
The staff is friendly as can be, and definitely will help you if you know what you like but aren't sure what to get. There are so many wines here, it's unbelievable. I was able to taste some sour beer they had on tap, and it was amazing. If beer tasted like that all the time, this wine princess might become a true boozehound.
Doug is totally awesome, unpretentious, and knows his stuff. Go visit. Now. -
Review from Krista M.
12/10/2009 1 Check-in Here
I recently decided I have been drinking crap beer for far too long and needed an intervention. Malt and Vine is my rehab. They have a HUGE variety of yummy warm-your-heart-excite-your-tastebuds beer.
I haven't even gotten to the beers they have on tap here yet. The staff is very friendly. If they don't have what you are looking for, they'll get it. They have a nice selection of wine and kegs as well. My only minor complaint would be that you can get a keg for cheaper at another place in Redmond.
Otherwise, I'm glad I don't live across the street from here or else I would need a different type of rehab. Love it! -
Review from Yong L.
Updated - 9/12/2009 8 Check-ins Here
My review is already stale, so I'll update to note that Malt and Vine is still going strong. Woohoo! As others have noted, they have about a dozen beers on tap that they rotate. Fancy ones from Belgium or England or Germany or U.S. microbreweries, ranging in price from the crazy expensive to a $4 pour. You can ask the guys at the Gyros2Go next door to bring over your gyros sandwich, and you can eat your gyros sandwich and drink some great beer at the tables in the Malt & Vine store. So simple, and yet so elegant!
Also, I totally dispute what one-review orangehead "mm m" said. I found the staff at Malt and Vine to be knowledgeable, professional and friendly.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/4/2008
I LOVE this place, which is a short walk from my apt. A huge selection of beers in a tiny place --… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ryan B.
Redmond, WA
Updated - 6/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
I think it's time for an update since I seem to have left a lot of valuable information out of my first review.
First off, they keep what is arguably the most elite tap selection of anywhere in the Northwest, rivaled only by Uber Bar in my opinion. They only have 11 taps, but keep some of the highest quality, hardest to find, most amazing specialty beers you're ever going to find in constant rotation. The tap list changes daily, so there are always new surprises each and every time you go in! Grab your fresh pour (from any bottle in the store, or draught), and kick it in their new outdoor seating area out back. Or if the weather doesn't allow for that, pop a squat at one of the indoor tables.
Even the most elite of the beer elite won't find anything to complain about here. You can get anything from Sam Adam's Imperial lineup, to rare, extreme specialty genuine Lambics from Belgium's Cantillon. Any local brewery who bottles will have some bottles in the fridge, and most all of the West Coasts best packaging breweries have made their way in as well; including Firestone Walker, 21st Amendment, Russian River (yes, the legendary Pliny is present!), etc. And to me, nothing beats walking in and having a very limited release of things like Full Sail's Black Gold bourbon barrel aged Stout on tap! The fun never ends!
A beer store with a seemingly infinite collection+ability to hang out and drink on site= best thing ever! I'm so glad that Redmond has Malt and Vine and Black Raven Brewing. It's now one of the best places to be for craft beer!Listed in: Why Redmond Doesn't Suck
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/4/2008
I can say with all honesty that I have not even a hint of anything negative to say about Malt and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Sarah B.
Updated - 7/27/2009
So, since I first reviewed Malt & Vine I've gone from a pie-eyed br00n00b to developing quite a taste for the stuff. Turns out I don't dislike beer at all - I just dislike bad beer. Malt & Vine doesn't really have bad beer, and moreover, everybody at the shop is excellent at steering folks towards the beers they may enjoy most or introducing them to new and fabulous things. Thanks to Doug, Lizzie & everyone else here I've delved head-first into my original beer love (a fondness for the dark, deep, stout-y places on the map) as well as discovering the warm spot in my heart for hops, trying on some delicious easy-drinking types and even enjoying a tour through Belgium-in-a-bottle.
In addition to dispensing delicious beer/wine/advice, Malt & Vine also rents jockey boxes and taps. I had the opportunity to make use of this capability for my wedding, and as far as "renting things for yr wedding" goes this was the most painless experience I had by far. Having not gone to a 4-year college I was wholly unfamiliar with the process of tapping a keg, connecting the bubble-widget properly and hooking the entire thing up to a box which you pull a lever on and receive beer from. Thankfully, Doug was totally awesome about walking Rob and I through the process when we went to pick the thing up, and the beer flowed freely at our reception - just as it should.
I never feel like I come here enough, but if I came here more often I'd probably want to move in next door, I don't know where I'd stake down a tent in a strip mall.Listed in: Life on the Eastside
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/23/2008
As someone who would aspire to more discriminating tastes in alcohol were it not for a sad history… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jeremy T.
Duvall, WA
10/27/2010
Environment/Service: 4 Stars
Food: 4 Stars
Booze: 5 Stars
Summary: Whether it's a six-pack, a bomber or a growler of one of the 10 beers they have on tap, you will not find a better place to find unique and interesting local and regional beers (to try on-site or take home).
Environment/Service: Wedged into a decaying strip mall in difficult to traverse section of Redmond, you won't find it unless you're looking for it. The inside is clean and simple with beer paraphenalia on the walls and wall to wall coolers with barley pops. Service can be a little slow and confused during peak times, but they're all knowledgable and helpful. Best of all, the owners themselves are often there slinging beers, talking shop and running kegs. They have half a dozen tables inside for consumption and a back patio that can seat another 15 or so tables.(don't come for the back patio view, it's essentially just open black-top behind the strip mall), during peak times (weekends and after work hours) you will be hard pressed to find a seat, so plan to do take-out for your goodies.
Food: While they don't do food (and shouldn't!) M&V is conveniently located beside a gyro place, a door down from a Chinese restaurant, a block away from fast food, etc. You'll be dazzled by take-out selection (though certainly not quality) and it's common to see folks make the trek for a bite before, during or after their taste-testing. The stars are for them being willing to let their clientele bring in some grub.
Booze: Oh Mama (yes, I told my Mom about this place, she offered to send me M&V gift certificates for Christmas). You want local? They have stuff that came out of a two-man brewery 20 minutes ago with labels still tacky. You want high-brow German Purity Law certified imports? They have a cooler full of 'em. You want seasonal? Hard to find? Obscure and bizarre? Not only will they likely have something to tickle your hoppy, malty and/or yeasty fancy, they will help you get it if they don't (literally calling the breweries themselves to find out how). I have a kegerator at home and this is my go-to spot for all the keg-based suds my neighborhood consumes. -
Review from Doug P.
Snohomish, WA
7/28/2008
Outstanding establishment. Great selection of beer. Prices are pretty spot on with other stores in the area. The staff is very, very knowledgeable and will take the time to talk with you about the selection, their favorites, etc.
I especially like grabbing a bite at the gyro place next door and having them open a bottle of my beer of choice for the day. It doesn't get much better than that.
Little known observation is that their official beer glassware is very, very reasonable and makes a fine addition to the home beer tasting experience.
Beer on tap is rotated regularly and Friday tastings are fab. There really isn't anything like drinking beer while you are browsing for and buying beer.
Their only downfall is that they take too much of my money every time I visit. :)
Oh... and they should have free wifi for all... then I could work there. :) -
Review from Scott K.
Redmond, WA
6/11/2011
This place is cool for what it is. I'm not a fan of hanging out and being social with most of the people there, but if you're looking for a place to try some new beer - something you've never heard of before, this is the place to go!
-
Review from Katie C.
5/22/2009 11 Check-ins Here
I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE.
I'm surprised it has taken me so long to Yelp this place, because I've been coming here regularly for a couple months now and LOVE IT. I just love everything about this place.
Tons of beer to choose from. A great wine selection. Buy anything in the store and enjoy it right there. The friendliest people you'll ever meet, and they can tell you all about every single product they carry. I love Lizzie and look forward to seeing her on Fridays- you seriously won't find a nicer person anywhere else.
Speaking of Fridays, that's the time to go! Beer tasting for 1 or 2 bucks, you can't beat that. It does get a little crowded sometimes, but they just opened their patio area- so yes, you can drink out in the sun now. :D
I love that they encourage you to bring your own food- I love to try pairing food and alcohol and they make it so easy. The only negative thing is that they need more tables- or maybe just a bigger place. It's quite the popular spot on Friday nights. Which is fine, I'll take on the crowd. ;D -
Review from Nabil P.
Seattle, WA
9/23/2008
After being mistaken for "the other Nabil" from Seattle Wine Company (I think he has a better job than I do btw), Doug was friendly and helpful as hell about all things beer.
When the topic of where to get Deschutes XX Imperial came up we got in a discussion that sounded like we were planning a drug buy "...you wanna go to a place that moves a lot of Deschutes, so they have an allocation, but mostly six packs so there are still the specialties left..."
This as well as the Friday beer tastings and solid selection of micro and import beers will make me a regular at Malt and Vine!! -
Review from Guillermo P.
Redmond, WA
3/10/2010
Do you like beer? Do you like pretty girls who are knowledgeable about good beer? Walk on in and you'll fee like you've died and gone to beer heaven, i recommend grabbing a bottle of something with a gnome or a goat on it
run don't walk to the malt and vine -
Review from Steve B.
Bellevue, WA
3/11/2009
Because of the jolting demise of my own wine/beer shop in Woodinville, just walking into another Eastside beer shop was very painful for me for a long time. But one day I was with a pal who was trying to sell his wines at Malt & Vine, so I sorta had to do it. Now, I'm really glad I did. Doug has done such a remarkable job of assembling this really impressive collection of beers that it's almost stunning to walk in and actually see all this. There are things in his coolers that I've only read about and the tasting bar really makes this something that even Bottleworks can't completely match.
I try to taste every beer I possibly can and owning VinElla meant I tasted maybe 700-800 beers every year. And I cannot wait to get back to Malt & Vine and take home some of the oddball stuff Doug has somehow unearthed there. There are Danish lagers with names composed mostly of umlauts, obscure Belgians, tons of American Belgian-style beers, things from Pizza Port and Tomme Arthur...just a real treasure trove of beer-freak bliss.
The only reason for keeping this to four stars, to me, is their location. Parking there, in the same vicinity as Value Village, can be a real chore. But the trouble, I promise you, is worth it if you're a "serious" beer lover who isn't content with the Regular Stuff. If you're like me and you walk into TapHouse and stand there mumbling, "Had it. Had it. Had it. Had it.", Malt & Vine is your closest antidote. -
Review from Hal O.
Kent, WA
2/3/2009
The irony of a high end beer store being right next door to a halal restaurant is great.
But at least Malt & Vine is great as well, to make up for it.
The only place remotely like this in town is Bottleworks (UPDATE: ...and 99 Bottles in Federal Way. But the next point still holds), and if you're on the Eastside, the choice is obvious. Even if you're *not* on the Eastside, it's a close call -- it may well be worth it for people who live in Seattle to truck out to Malt & Vine to at least check it out.
In fact, I haven't had some of Skagit River's Trumpeter Stout for a while... I think I may have just talked myself into a road trip. -
Review from Paul G.
Kirkland, WA
3/19/2010
If you consider yourself a beer person and live on the East Side of Seattle, this is a place for you. A little slice of beer heaven.
They not only sell a great selection of bottled beer (and some great canned beers as well, w00t) but they also have a small selection of hard to find, usually local NW beers on draft.
When Pliny The Younger made it's way to Seattle in February this is where I got to try it. They also have beer nights featuring some of my favorite NW breweries such as Black Raven and Snipes. This was also where I got my first chance to try Black Raven Wisdom Seeker Double IPA as it sold out at the BR tap room before I made it back from a business trip. Luckily Malt and Vine got a small keg of it and had it the next week!
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff and you are sure to run into other local beer snobs and brewers. -
Review from Amber M.
Redmond, WA
1/22/2009
Fabulous little hole-in-the-wall overflowing with craft beer deliciousness & knowledgeable staff.
We used to make the journey over from North Kirkland for special occasions, but now that we moved just up the street, we are there on a regular basis. It's unkind to the checkbook, but so so very kind to my taste buds. :)
Excellent points:
*Extensive selection of bottles from all over the world. If you get overwhelmed, just ask Doug - his recommendations have never let me down!
*All the beer can be bought in individual bottles.
*Very nice wine selection and Lizzie can point you in the right direction no matter what the occasion!
*They have a nice collection of rotating taps.
*Anything can be opened and drank in the store for a small crackage/corkage fee.
*I believe they do kegs as well.
*BEST THING: Weekly tasting in the store. $1 for 4-5 tasting. Occasionally they will do something extra (chocolate truffles & stouts) that cost a couple bucks more. These are usually quite bustling and we are always there!!
