Ponderosa Beer + Books is now open at 1225 Roeder Ave. near the Bellingham waterfront. The taproom, bottle shop and bookstore hosted a successful grand opening Saturday, July 2, owner Jessie Polin said.
“Opening weekend went better than I could have hoped for, and it feels so exciting to have people enjoying the space, drinking beer and looking at books,” Polin said. “We’ve met a lot of new people already, and we’re excited to continue getting to know our neighbors.”
Inside, the taproom has a clean, modern feel with colorful tiling to brighten up the bar. Books and landscape photos decorate the walls. Seating is well-spaced throughout, with a combination of bar stools and long tables. Upstairs, the mezzanine (21+ only, available for private events) offers views of Bellingham Bay. Outside seating is available on the patio.
Beer tender Matthew Edwards chats with Graham Madison, Alexsis Nelson and Danika Shanks while working at Ponderosa Beer + Books on July 8. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
Ponderosa’s opening tap list features 16 carefully selected beers and ciders from the Pacific Northwest. Whatcom breweries including Otherlands, Atwood and Aslan are represented, plus Seattle-based staples like Holy Mountain, Stoup and Jellyfish. Oregon breweries Breakside and Pfriem add some diversity to the mostly Washington-brewed list. It’s a nice mix that allows visitors from out of town to taste Bellingham brews, while locals can branch out a bit.
Most beers are available in the $6–$8 range for a 12-ounce pour. If that seems a little high, it’s because these are classy beers — not your mass-produced grocery store lager. The styles Ponderosa purveys (such as saisons and sours) are generally more expensive than the average beer, regardless of where you purchase them.
That said, these styles are meant to be savored. Rather than crushing pints, this is a place to taste and learn about different beers and ciders. Try something you’ve never heard of, ask questions and you might discover a new favorite. When I couldn’t decide between two sours, my bartender poured a sample of each, offered her opinion and led me to Wander’s Lemon Basil Plum Bob. It was an educational experience.
In addition to draft beer, Ponderosa offers to-go options. You’ll find dozens of curated cans and bottles in the cold case, including beer, cider and wine. Non-alcoholic drinks (kombucha, craft soda, juice) are available as well.
At first glance, the selection may seem limited, but having less options is actually beneficial here. I’ve spent far too much time browsing bottle shops with hundreds of choices, and the decision fatigue is real. Ponderosa has done the work for you by bringing in personal favorites, expertly selected by the pros.
Books about cider and beer rest on a shelf next to Rachel Santa Olalla as she enjoys a beer at Ponderosa Beer + Books on July 8. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
One of the most unique aspects of Ponderosa is its books. Displayed neatly on wall-mounted shelves throughout the taproom, titles include “The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer” by Melissa Cole and “Hooray for Craft Beer!” by Em Sauter, among others. Polin hopes by offering a rotating selection of beverage- and food-focused titles, she can break down some of the barriers around craft beer and help educate people in an approachable way.
While books are an important part of Ponderosa, Polin emphasized the taproom isn’t a “quiet and serious” environment. Beer is meant to be fun and social. That’s exactly how Ponderosa feels, while also managing to be inviting, inclusive and educational. This is a place for beginners and experienced beer drinkers alike.
Ponderosa is family-friendly, and dogs are allowed outside on the patio. Snacks (like chips and salsa) are available for purchase, or you can bring your own food. Polin plans to eventually host a food truck and eatery pop-up events.
Ponderosa Beer + Books is open from 2–9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 2–10 p.m. Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Find out more at ponderosabeerandbooks.com.
For summer sipping of the cocktail variety, pop into L&L Libations during happy hour and try unique beverages like Gardeners Limonade, a refreshing gin cocktail with ginger and melon liqueur, muddled basil and lemon served over ice. (Photo by Brandon Fralic)
Brews & Spirits News
• The Local Public House (and the adjacent Local Annex) in downtown Bellingham closed permanently on July 9. The Local’s sister business, Menace Brewing, remains open in the Fountain District. The legendary Local Reuben will be missed!
• Marine Layer Cold IPA, a collaboration between Kulshan Brewing and San Juan Brewing, is now available on tap at Kulshan Trackside (cans available at K2 and Sunnyland). Brewers from Kulshan ferried over to the island to brew this clean, hoppy, “crushworthy” IPA for summertime sipping. The beer is also available at San Juan Brewing in Friday Harbor.
• Speaking of island-brewed beer, I tried Lopez Island Brewing Company’s Watmough Bight IPA for the first time recently. A decidedly West Coast IPA, this heavily-hopped beer comes in 16-ounce cans bearing its namesake bay on the label. You can also find it at the brewery’s Brewvado Taproom on Lopez.
• For summer sipping of the cocktail variety, pop into L&L Libations during happy hour (4–6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close, daily). House cocktails are $2 off during happy hour, and there’s an impressive list of more than 15 to choose from. I settled on Gardeners Limonade, a refreshing gin cocktail with ginger and melon liqueur, muddled basil and lemon served over ice. Sweet and summery, it pairs perfectly with a Libations crunch wrap.
Brandon Fralic’s Drink Cascadia column runs every other Wednesday. Reach him at drinkcascadia@gmail.com.
