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Review: Skagit River Brewery

Mount Vernon pub has withstood the test of time

Since new owners took over Skagit River Brewery in 2021
Since new owners took over Skagit River Brewery in 2021 (Photo by Jessamyn Tuttle)
By Jessamyn Tuttle CDN Contributor

When I first moved to Mount Vernon many moons ago, there weren’t that many restaurants in town, and there was only one brewery. 

Fortunately, Skagit River Brewery (SRB) was close to my house, had some very good beer and also made excellent barbecue (I could smell the applewood smoke every morning as I walked to work). Even after more and more breweries began popping up in the area, SRB was dependable for its brews such as Sculler’s IPA and Trumpeter Stout. When the owner eventually sold the brewing business, it was a sad time, but everyone was happy when the restaurant continued under new ownership.

Several years, a pandemic and a couple more changes of ownership later, Skagit River Brewery is still going. The latest owner took over in 2021 and has been gradually rebuilding the brewing program, as well as getting the restaurant back on its feet.

photo  After many years and multiple owners, the interior of Skagit River Brewery hasn’t changed much. Located in what was originally the train depot, then a produce warehouse, the pub is a cozy space with brick walls and windows facing the railroad tracks. If you prefer to sit outside, there are plenty of tables out on the deck, which is screened from the street. (Photo by Jessamyn Tuttle)  

After all these years, the interior hasn’t changed much. Located in what was originally the train depot, then a produce warehouse, the pub is a cozy space with brick walls and windows facing the railroad tracks, which you don’t necessarily notice until a train goes by just a few feet from the building — a little startling if you’re not expecting it (and moderately deafening). If you prefer to sit outside, there are plenty of tables out on the deck, which is comfortably screened from the street. 

After a slow start with just a few house-brewed beers and a lot of guest taps over the past year, there is now a long list of house beers, many of them familiar to longtime fans of the brewery. Skuller’s — a reimagined version of the original Sculler’s — is a fairly heavy IPA at 7.5% ABV, with a strong, lingering bitterness I enjoy. My favorite brew currently on tap is probably the Northwest IPA, very drinkable but still nicely hoppy, but there are plenty of other beer styles to choose from, including a lager, a Hefeweizen, a Saison, a Kolsch and a CDA (Cascadian Dark Ale). 

photo  After a slow start with just a few house-brewed beers and a lot of guest taps over the past year, there is now a long list of house beers, many of them familiar to longtime fans of the brewery. (Photo by Jessamyn Tuttle)  

The restaurant has gone through an extended experimental period, with items appearing then disappearing from the menu. I rather miss the rice bowls they were making last spring, but one thing that has made me happy is the reappearance of the big smoker. Pulled pork and brisket are now on the menu again, mainly available as sandwiches ($18). I like both, built on a well-toasted bun with coleslaw, lightly sauced meat and a crispy onion ring. Coleslaw is on the bland side and could use a more assertive dressing, and the smoked meats are a smidge tough, but the end result is still quite good.

Brisket makes another appearance in the Gorilla Chili, a Texas-style bowl of brisket chunks, tomatoes and spicy broth topped with shredded cheese and scallions. Oyster crackers on the side weren’t my first choice (I’d prefer cornbread), but it was fine. The soup and salad combo ($11), either with the chili or the soup du jour, is a nice option for a light pub lunch.

photo  Brisket makes an appearance in the Gorilla Chili, a Texas-style bowl of brisket chunks, tomatoes and spicy broth topped with shredded cheese and scallions. The soup and salad combo, either with the chili or the soup du jour, is a nice option for a light pub lunch. (Photo by Jessamyn Tuttle)  

Instead of multiple versions of burgers and pizza like there used to be, there is now one burger with various topping options, and only one listing for pizza: build your own. I haven’t tried the most recent version of their pizza, but the burger is still solid. You get the basic burger for $15 and then can add on anything from avocado to pulled pork. The fried chicken sandwich ($17) is also excellent, with a hot honey version which is very tasty (but do expect to get honey all over yourself). 

Prices are fairly reasonable for the portion size. One of the most expensive things on the menu, oddly enough, is the fish and chips ($22), but at least you get a very substantial plate of fries, slaw and three decent pieces of cod. It wasn’t quite as crispy as I would have liked, but the flavor was good, with salt and herbs in the beer batter.


Fries are modeled on the McDonald’s style. They don’t hold up very well as takeout, but eaten immediately are pretty good. Onion rings, however, are fantastic. Heavily breaded and very crispy, they are also small enough to dunk in condiment bowls of ranch (my preference) or maybe barbecue mayo.

The menu claims SRB offers dessert, but so far I haven’t seen anything sweet on the specials board and nothing has been offered to us on any of our visits. It might still be in the works? 

Based on my visits to Skagit River Brewery over the past year, it’s clear they are continuing to experiment and find their new niche in Mount Vernon. Whatever is on the menu, it’s great to have another cozy place for a beer and some good pub food in town.

Skagit River Brewery is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Mount Vernon at 404 S. Third St. Info: skagitbrew.com

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