Sample All The Beers

With temperatures hitting triple digits this weekend, you may be on the hunt for a new watering hole. Consider Tapster, the new-to-SLU self-service taproom at 1011 Valley Street, just across from Lake Union Park.

Together with Dave and Devon Atchison, Roman Maliszewski opened the Seattle location in early June. The idea with Tapster is for patrons to sample as much as they like — it’s a true tasting room. You pay for your drinks by the ounce, and with 57 taps available, there’s likely something here for everyone.

Maliszewski said customers can expect to pay about $0.17 for an ounce of Rainier, or up to $1.77 an ounce for a limited-edition beer. Aside from brews, Tapster has hard kombucha and ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic choices like ginger beer, too. In terms of beer, the new spot serves up about 60% local brews, and the rest are a mix of popular or seasonal beers.

“Our space is easy-going, bright, happy, and inviting. We let you decide what it is you want to try here, and that makes Tapster so unique,” he said.

Above all the taps are touch screens that feature tasting notes, and beer tenders are standing by ready to answer any questions. And that bright and inviting space that Maliszewski mentioned? Tapster’s seating options include swings, tree stumps, and a generous patio.

Want more reasons to visit? Tapster has started running an open-mic comedy night every Tuesday. Patrons can expect more fun on tap — every Sunday starting July 11, Tapster will feature drag bingo, and later this summer, Mondays will be reserved for trivia night. In the fall, Maliszewski is expecting to kick off indoor bocce ball leagues. And as more people return to in-office work in the neighborhood, Tapster will also be a prime place to find daytime workspace, including a private conference room.

Tapster is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday, 11am–midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11am­–1am; and Sunday from 11am–10pm.