When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Just The Tap
Why Just The Tap is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Just The Tap is a vibrant and inviting taproom located at 90 Blanchard St in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, just steps away from Pike Place Market. It offers a unique self-pour beer experience with 24 different taps, allowing guests to sample a wide variety of craft beers at their own pace using self-serve fobs. This interactive setup enhances the fun of exploring new brews and tasting small pours without commitment. The taproom is all-ages, making it a great place to meet up with friends, family, or coworkers for an enjoyable outing. Alongside their impressive beer selection, Just The Tap serves high-quality pizza by the slice, with popular choices like the beerbacoa pizza frequently recommended by visitors. The location occupies the former Belltown Billiards space, combining an immersive and lively atmosphere with other entertainment options such as pinball machines. Friendly and knowledgeable staff warmly welcome guests, explaining how the self-pour system works to maximize everyone’s enjoyment. Whether you are a beer enthusiast or just looking for a casual and fun spot to gather with friends, Just The Tap provides a memorable and casual environment with great craft beer, delicious food, and unique self-service features.
Here's what people think of Just The Tap
As of recent, Just The Tap holds a 4.6-star rating based on 365 reviews.
Customer reviews of Just The Tap highlight the taproom's innovative self-pour concept as a standout feature that makes trying various beers an exciting and personalized experience. Many reviewers appreciated the helpful and friendly staff who took time to explain the setup, ensuring a smooth experience even for first-timers. Positive feedback often mentions the quality of the food, especially the beerbacoa pizza, which several patrons labeled a must-try item. The ambiance and additional entertainment, such as fun pinball machines, received praise for contributing to a lively, social atmosphere suitable for groups and casual visitors alike. Popular comments also noted the location's convenient proximity to iconic Seattle attractions, making it an ideal stop for locals and tourists. On the other hand, negative reviews were few but included occasional remarks about busy times leading to a wait for a table or some difficulty navigating the self-pour system for newcomers. Some guests wished for more seating during peak hours or a broader food menu variety. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus remains highly favorable, with a solid 4.6-star rating from 365 reviews reflecting widespread customer satisfaction. The combination of unique self-serve beer taps, quality pizza, and a welcoming environment makes Just The Tap a highly recommended destination for social outings in Seattle.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dina Lotz
In Seattle for a few hours and followed the signs. Was a little sketchy walking down a black closed in xterior hallway to get to the entry door, but glad we went. We were the first people there when it opened. We spent some time tasting beer and playing cards. Really liked the serce yourself tasting where you get a FOB that counts the ounces you pour, so you can taste each before deciding if you want to pay for a whole glass. We had some pizza, and while it was wasn't spectacular, it was defunitely better than i expected from a bar. They had shelves full of board and card games. It is probably a ton of fun at night. There was a pinball room, a glow in the dark room with swings for chairs, a DJ room and a TV room. Sponge Bob was playing when we were there. Last note.. the bathroom was the cleanest, neatest, nicest smelling bar bathroom I have ever been in, and my husband said the same about the men's room!
Mark Bosky
Very cool hidden gem near Pikes Market. Friendly, helpful staff, great food and excellent craft beer selection, along with loads of entertainment and gaming options with a full pinball machine array. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
Siddhi Murkar
Two stars as the ambience was good. Pizza slices were small. We didn’t even fill the whole beer glass and charged 12$ which makes no sense if the beer cost itself is 7$ as advertised. We’ve been to many places with beer taps and this definitely have the calculations wrong. Their neon section with swings was an interesting catch.
Hua Mao
Team went for afternoon drinks, the place is decorated very nice, and offers a great variety of drinks. The most impressive one is the beer wall, and cocktail fly - 6 different cocktails! We had great fun there, board games, old style arcade, perfect for team bonding after a long day.
Courtney Gruesbeck
ASK ABOUT THE PIZZA FRIES You should really ask about the pizza fries... I love the rotating selection of beers and ciders. If you prefer ciders - this is the place for you. Always great service, and the swing room is like no other vibe. Did you ask about the pizza fries?
How to reach Just The Tap
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Why Just The Tap may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Just The Tap with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Just The Tap in Seattle offers an extraordinary way to enjoy time together while exploring a wide selection of craft beers in a vibrant and innovative setting. Unlike standard bars or pubs, Just The Tap features a self-pour concept that empowers you and your group to be your own bartenders, giving you the freedom to sample a vast variety of beers at your own pace. This interactive experience not only sparks fun and laughter but also encourages everyone to try new flavors without reliance on servers or waiting in line. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, located conveniently in Belltown just steps from Pike Place Market, making it a perfect rendezvous point for locals and visitors alike. Beyond beer, the venue serves exceptional pizza by the slice, including fan-favorites like their beerbacoa—a savory treat that complements the beverage offerings beautifully. For groups, this combination of great food, freedom of choice, and a welcoming environment makes Just The Tap an unbeatable location to bond, celebrate, or unwind together, creating memories that linger well beyond the last pour.
What makes Just The Tap ideal for group meetups?
Just The Tap is uniquely suited for groups seeking an engaging social experience that goes beyond simply sitting around tables and chatting. The self-serve taps—24 in total—invite groups to interact by exploring an impressive range of beers, fostering shared discovery among friends or family members with varied tastes and preferences. This flexibility allows small or large gatherings to customize their experience, whether looking for craft IPAs, stouts, or lighter ales. The interactive nature of pouring your own beer also serves as an icebreaker, sparking conversations and friendly competitions to taste-test new brews. Furthermore, Just The Tap features a cozy, spacious layout under the historic Queen City Grill site, which can comfortably accommodate groups while retaining an intimate feel. The quality food offerings, particularly their pizza by the slice, provide convenient and tasty sustenance that keeps everyone satisfied without interrupting the flow of socializing. This combination of self-directed fun, quality food, and a comfortable setting means groups aren’t just visiting a bar—they’re stepping into a dynamic social hub tailored for connection and enjoyment.
What activities can friends and family enjoy at Just The Tap?
Beyond the innovative self-pour beer taps, Just The Tap offers a variety of activities designed to enhance the group experience. For those who enjoy a sprinkle of nostalgia and a bit of competitive fun, the venue includes vintage pinball machines for guests to play, adding an interactive entertainment element that complements the tasting experience. This blend of craft beer exploration with engaging games creates a versatile environment catering to diverse interests within a group. The taproom regularly hosts events that can range from beer tastings to special themed nights, which provide further opportunities for groups to bond over shared interests and celebrations. The atmosphere buzzes with immersive fun, making it not just a place for drinking but a lively experience where friends and family can unwind, play, and create memories all in one spot. The staff reinforces this spirit by being approachable and helpful, explaining the concept clearly to first-timers and ensuring everyone feels welcomed and comfortable. These varied activities turn an evening at Just The Tap into a fully rounded social outing rather than a straightforward bar visit.
What about the food and drink selection at Just The Tap makes it stand out?
Just The Tap is renowned for its expansive and expertly curated selection of beers, delivered through their unique self-serve tap system that features 24 taps from a range of local and international breweries. This variety means that anyone—from the casual beer drinker to the seasoned aficionado—can find something to enjoy, making the experience both inclusive and adventurous for groups. The self-pour system allows guests to control the pour size, enabling tasting flights or full pours, which adds to the sense of exploration and discovery. Complementing the beverage selection, their food menu, while focused, offers standout options like pizza by the slice, including the highly praised beerbacoa pizza that pairs perfectly with the beer offerings. The pizza is made with high-quality ingredients and fresh preparation, ensuring it matches the elevated standard of the drinks. This thoughtful pairing of gourmet comfort food with a wide beer selection enriches the overall experience, making it easy for groups to stay longer, enjoy varied flavors, and cater to different appetites simultaneously.
How accessible and welcoming is Just The Tap for different groups?
One of the most remarkable features of Just The Tap is its inclusiveness and accessibility, welcoming everyone regardless of age or background. Positioned on Blanchard Street in the Belltown neighborhood, the venue is easy to find and reach, nestled in a historic location that adds character to the visit. The establishment promotes an all-age-friendly environment, meaning that groups including younger members or family units can enjoy time together in a space designed to be safe and accommodating. The staff at Just The Tap are committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere; reviews highlight how helpful and friendly the team is in guiding guests through the self-pour system and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience. This focus on hospitality means that newcomers to the craft beer scene or those unfamiliar with self-serve concepts can relax and feel included. Additionally, the social layout and lively ambiance encourage mingling and group interaction without feeling cramped or noisy, striking a perfect balance for conversation and entertainment.
What makes Just The Tap a top choice for special events and celebrations?
Just The Tap’s dynamic space and flexible setup make it an excellent venue for hosting special gatherings such as birthdays, reunions, and casual celebrations. The self-serve taps provide an engaging element that naturally turns any event into a participatory experience rather than a passive one. Groups can toast easily, share samples, and enjoy a variety of flavors without waiting for service, streamlining the flow of the event. The neighborhood location is also a plus, providing easy parking and accessibility for guests coming from different parts of Seattle. The venue’s events calendar indicates that Just The Tap regularly organizes special occasions and themed nights, meaning groups can plan meetups around unique episodes that add flair to their visits. The option to pick from delicious pizza slices alongside beer further enhances the event’s appeal, catering to diverse tastes without the hassle of formal meal planning. This combination of convenience, quality, and entertainment positions Just The Tap as a premier location for making any group meetup feel special and memorable.
How does Just The Tap compare to traditional bars or breweries for group outings?
Unlike traditional bars or breweries, where drink orders are service-driven and typically limited to a few options at the tap, Just The Tap revolutionizes the experience by putting beer selection and pouring directly into the hands of the guests. This autonomy allows groups to customize their tasting journey without pressure or delay, fostering exploration and discovery. The self-serve format encourages a slower, more relaxed style of socializing where friends or family can chat between mini tastings and share recommendations freely. Moreover, the inclusion of games like pinball and the availability of quality food create a holistic entertainment venue rather than just a place to drink. The ambiance balances energetic fun with a cozy feel, striking a note that works well for various group sizes and compositions. This approach turns what might be a simple night out into an interactive and memorable shared experience, making Just The Tap a compelling alternative to the more conventional group night out spots.
How does Just The Tap support local culture and community?
Just The Tap’s commitment to local craft breweries highlights its role in supporting the Seattle and broader regional beer community. By featuring a rich selection of taps that include local brews alongside international selections, it helps promote smaller and emerging breweries, giving customers a taste of Seattle’s unique craft beer scene. This not only benefits the brewers but also educates and connects guests to local culture through flavor. The venue’s location, nested in a historic Belltown area under the old Queen City Grill, ties it organically to the city’s history and vibrant neighborhood culture. Additionally, hosting all-ages and regularly planned events fosters community engagement, making Just The Tap a gathering place for residents and tourists alike. By blending innovative service with local flavor and hospitality, it enhances Seattle’s reputation as a beer capital while providing a welcoming social space for diverse audiences.
Why is the self-pour beer tap concept at Just The Tap so popular?
The self-pour concept at Just The Tap offers a unique advantage that resonates deeply with guests looking for hands-on experiences and control over their consumption. Guests use a prepaid card or fob to pour their own beer from 24 taps, which allows for sampling a wide variety of beers without committing to a full glass immediately. This system is both fun and practical, reducing wait time and empowering guests to explore new styles at their own pace. For groups, it creates a shared activity that’s as much about the process as the product, turning beer tasting into an interactive social event. The freedom to pour exactly how much you want minimizes waste and provides a customized experience unmatched by traditional bar service. This approach has earned high praise for enhancing user engagement, catering to both novices and connoisseurs alike. The novelty and convenience of the self-pour model keep patrons coming back, contributing to Just The Tap's strong reputation and excellent reviews.
How can you plan the perfect Meetup at Just The Tap?
To plan a successful meetup at Just The Tap, start by considering the size and preferences of your group. Since the venue is all-ages and spacious, it can accommodate a variety of group types, from families to friends or coworkers. Arrive early or make a reservation if possible to secure seating, especially for larger groups. Encourage your group to see the self-pour system as a fun, interactive experience to sample broadly rather than sticking to a single beer, which keeps the energy lively and the conversations flowing. Pair your selection with pizza slices to keep everyone energized without lengthy interruptions. Take advantage of any events or theme nights scheduled at the venue for a unique twist to your gathering. Lastly, rely on the knowledgeable, friendly staff to help guide your party through the experience, ensuring it’s smooth and memorable. With these tips, your meetup will maximize the venue’s offerings, creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere where everyone leaves satisfied.
What do guests say about Just The Tap experience?
Guests consistently praise Just The Tap for its engaging atmosphere and unique self-serve beer taps, which add a layer of fun and freedom uncommon in typical bar settings. Reviews mention the helpful and friendly staff who ensure newcomers understand the self-pour process, making the visit enjoyable for everyone regardless of prior experience. Many highlight the quality and variety of beers available, appreciating the ability to sample many kinds thanks to the 24 taps at their disposal. The food, especially the beerbacoa pizza, is also frequently recommended for its quality and taste that complements the drink selection perfectly. Pinball and other interactive features are noted as enjoyable extras that enhance the group experience. Overall, patrons value Just The Tap as a vibrant, welcoming space ideal for socializing, exploring craft beers, and enjoying casual, tasty food, making it a top choice for group outings in Seattle.