Bert’s Tavern is a little watering hole on Bothell-Everett Hwy, between Thrasher’s Corners and Mill Creek. I’ve gone past it many times over the years we’ve lived here and always wondered what the place would be like. Last summer I decided what the hell, stopped in for a beer, and never left. I mean I even have a cot and everything. Okay, maybe that’s stretching it a bit. I have left, but usually only to come home and change clothes once in a while. The place even inspired a little blurb I wrote , “Old Men, Stories and Beer”. What can I say? It’s home.
It’s been home from the first day I walked into the place. Sure, like any neighborhood place, the regulars might take a little while to get to know you. If you don’t feel like talking, they’ll leave you alone. If you want to jump in to a conversation however, you’ll soon find yourself being treated like one of the gang. To be honest, it’s these regulars that really make Bert’s one of the best pubs in the area. Let’s face it, it’s cheaper to drink beer at home, so there has to be a reason to get folks out and into a place. In Bert’s case, it’s the people.
Not to say the drink prices aren’t friendly as well, because well, they are. Happy Hour is a bit complicated, so I recommend asking the bartender how it works. I can say it goes from 3-5pm every weekday though. Non Happy Hour prices are a good 10-25% cheaper than some of the surrounding places. Beer selection is good, with 6-8 good brews on tap, and a good selection of cans and bottles. In addition they have all your favorite harder libations and you won’t find a place anywhere with a healthier pour than Bert’s. If you manage to make it in on one of the “special” days, you may find yourself munching down on some killer smoked salmon made by one of the guys.
The place itself has some stink on it. You’ve heard me use this term, coined by my friend Kelly, to describe a well used, well liked pub. In fact, I met Kelly at Bert’s. See? Stink is good man. Inside of the place it’s dark. A U shaped bar fills the center of the pub, with tables and a dance/band area. For you Golden Tee freaks, the latest machine stands proudly against a wall. Get there early unless you want to play with some sharks. The guys are good. There are also dart boards, pull tabs, and video crack machines to keep you occupied. But I think you’ll find it more entertaining to chat with the gang. You just may learn a new place to catch salmon, or get the inside scoop on the latest NFL news. Out back there is a huge outdoor patio area with sliding awnings for our less than perfect weather. In the back yard there are 2 regulation horseshoe pits, and even more mingling room.
Bert’s Tavern. A hell of a good pub, and a hell of a good place to call home.
Gregor
