Washington Beer Guide: 2016: Atlas of Beer at Safeco Field
"Since the Inaugural Game on July 15, 1999, Safeco Field has gained a reputation locally, regionally and nationally as a terrific setting for baseball and a great place for baseball fans. Sweeping views of Seattle's downtown skyline, breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound, combined with excellent views of game action from all angles give fans at Safeco Field an experience unequaled in Major League Baseball." -Safeco Field history, Seattle Mariners http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/sea/ballpark/
If the quote sounds familiar - congratulations, you either subscribed to this website last year or you've absorbed everything there is to know about the Seattle Mariners.
Back in early 1999, while people were preparing for the completion of the Seattle Mariners' new home, the city's breweries began to grow up. But you wouldn't know it by looking at the paltry selection showcased at the Kingdome. In fact, the reliable 'local' was either a can of Olympia or Ranier. Eventually, the Kingdome was torn down, replaced by (what is now) CenturyLink Field. Much like its predecessor, The 'Clink' has continued the tradition of carrying, mostly, light lagers.
In 2014, Safeco Field took notice of prior reviews (associated with their food, beer, wine, and spirits) and invited local breweries, distilleries, and chefs to upgrade the menu. The brewers, not wanting to fail, took over 70% of the ballpark, spread out over 30 locations. For their part, last year's guest chef, Ethan Stowell, updated some local favorites to make them more 'ballpark friendly'.
A week ago (March 30th, 2016), Centerplate and the Seattle Mariners invited us to see the improvement and changes they were making to the food and beverage menu. Plus, like last year, Ethan Stowell was once again the guest chef.
First the Food
Just Jack - "Beecher's Just Jack cheese on buttered, toasted Baker Boys Northwest brioche bread. Served with Tim's Cascade Chips on the side."
Bacon, cheese & tomato - "Beecher's Just Jack cheese with Hempler's Meats cottage-style bacon and sliced tomato on buttered, toasted Baker Boys brioche bread." Served with Tim's Cascade Chips on the side.
Both sandwiches are located at The Big Cheese grilled cheese sandwich bar, by Section 111, Main Level.
Shaved Prime Rib - "Rainier Ranch beef, horseradish cream, served on Franz Bakery ciabatta roll."
Porchetta - "Locally-sourced pork, rubbed with salt and fennel pollen, hand rolled in pork belly, drizzled with caper and basil pesto served on a Franz Bakery ciabatta roll."
Prime Rib & Chips – "Rainier Ranch beef served over house-made Idaho russet potato kettle chips topped with horseradish cream and gorgonzola cheese sauce."
Porchetta & Chips – "Locally-sourced hand-rolled pork served over house-made Idaho russet potato kettle chips topped with caper and basil pesto and gorgonzola cheese sauce."
All four sandwiches are located at The Sultan of Sandwich by Section
105
, Main Level.
Rotisserie-Style Wings.
"Already a fan favorite at Safeco Field, hot wings have been updated with a rotisserie-style preparation served with bleu cheese dressing and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce on the side with choice of Original Cayenne Pepper, Slammin’ Sriracha Chili, Chile n’ Lime, Kickin’ BBQ."
Wings are featured at all five High Cheese Pizza & Wings locations.
Be sure to visit Section 132's "The Natural", which features fresh salads and sandwiches served bistro-style, as well as gluten-free options (including beers by Ghostfish Brewing Company from Seattle, Washington). Or if you're feeling nostalgic, the "Way Back Crab Shack" has Dungeness Crab Sandwich with "... fresh cut tomato on garlic butter-grilled bread from Alaskan Sourdough Bakery."
New to the 2016 season is Hempler's Meats, Liege Waffles, Deep Eddy Vodka, Barefoot Wine, and Stimson Estate Cellars.
"Hempler’s Meats joins the Safeco Field lineup this year. In addition to the cottage-style bacon in the grilled cheese sandwiches, products include European-style center cut bacon on the bacon cheeseburgers, chicken and ham deli meats, and a selection of artisan-style pepperoni sticks. Hempler’s sausages, Hot Links and jalapeño cheddar Andouille sausage will be available at five Safeco Field Sausage and Double-Play Chicken & Sausage locations throughout the ballpark. Hempler’s is a family owned company based in Ferndale, Washington that is a favorite of foodies for their high-quality locally cured meats made from family recipes that date back to the 1800s."
Another new addition this year is Liege Waffles, from Sweet Iron Waffles.
"Authentic Liege Belgian Waffles from Sweet Iron Waffles (Downtown at 3rd and Seneca) are featured at the concession stand by Section 136 on the Main Level. Liege-style waffles are made from a rich Brioche yeasted dough studded with sweet pearls of sugar topped with powdered sugar or dipped in dark or white chocolate. The waffles feature organic, local, all-natural ingredients including flour is from Shepherd’s Grain, an alliance of family farmers dedicated to sustainable agriculture."
Deep Eddy Vodka.
For members-only Terrace Club attendants, Deep Eddy vodka has created the slushy cocktail made with flavored Deep Eddy vodka, in grapefruit, lemon, peach, and cranberry.
Barefoot Wine
If you've never had wine in a can, then you haven't tried Barefoot Wine. For the 2016 season, Safeco Field will be offering Crisp White, a wine described as "... vibrant and light bodied with aromas of melon and pear and a lemon-lime finish" and Summer Red described as "... fruity and light with a hint of raspberry and orange".
Stimson Estate Cellars
Another new addition is Stimson Estate Cellars red blend and chardonnay. As the official "house wine" of Safeco Field, you can find them at concessions stands throughout the ballpark. For something different, visit Keg Wine, located at The First Base Vine by Section 126, which also features Prosser's 14 Hands Merlot and Chardonnay.
Moving onto beer, the Mariners are happy to announce the expansion of their lineup of canned beers.
Be on the lookout for 16 / 24-ounce cans of:
Fremont Interurban IPA, sold by vendors throughout the ballpark
Iron Horse Quilter's Irish Deathsold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café"
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA sold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café"
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale sold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café"
Stone Arrogant Bastard Strong Ale sold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café"
Victory's Summer Love Golden Ale sold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café"
Schofferhofer Grapefruit Shandy sold by vendors throughout the ballpark
Seattle Cider Company sold by vendors throughout the ballpark
Ghostfish Gluten-free Pale Ale sold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café", and Section 132 "The Natural"
Angry Orchardsold by vendors throughout the ballpark & via "Hit It Here Café"
Note, a pricing change has been adopted, matching the rates for draft beers of the same volume. For 2016, 16 ounces canned beer will cost $9 for domestic (e.g. Budweiser, Coors, etc) and $10 for 16-ounce premium beer (e.g. Victory, Stone, etc.); a 24-ounce can is $12. Don't forget to arrive early and visit "
" up to an hour before first pitch, for $6 16-ounce beers.
As they've done in the past, the Mariners have incorporated many independent brewers to their growing list of draft options.
From Washington
Bale Breaker Field 41 Pale Ale from Yakima, Washington.
Located near or at: Caught Looking Bar, Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 319 "Good Hops", Section 330 "Good Hops", and beer stands near sections 129 and 134
Black Raven Trickster IPA from Redmond, Washington
Located near or at: "Edgar's Cantina", Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 319 "Good Hops", Section 330 "Good Hops", and beer stands near sections 121 and 129
Diamond Knot Blonde Ale from Mukilteo, Washington
Located near or at: Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 319 "Good Hops", and beer stands near section 134
Fremont Summer Ale from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: Rail Bar, Section 105 "Sultan of Sandwich", Section 136 "Good Hops", Section 248 "Good Hops", or the "Hit It Here Café"
Georgetown Manny's Pale Ale from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: Rail Bar, Section 109 "High Cheese Pizza & Wings", Section 132 "Hiroshi's Sushi", Section 212 "Edgar's Cantina", Section 218 "Grill", "Hit It Here Café", Section 249 "Sound Seafood", Section 349 "Lookout Landing", Section 115 "Hempler's Safeco Sausage Co.", Section 147, or Section 340
Georgetown Johnny Utah IPA from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: Section 136 "Good Hops", "Hit It Here Café", Section 118 "Cantina Nacho", Section 143, Section 318, or Section 333.
Georgetown Bodhizafa from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: "Edgar's Cantina", Section 105 "Sultan of Sandwich", "Hit It Here Café"
Iron Horse Quilter's Irish Death from Ellensburg, Washington
Located at or near: "Caught Looking Bar", Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 319 "Good Hops", Section 330 "Good Hops", and beer stand near Section 121
Mac & Jack's African Amber from Redmond, Washington
Located near or at: Section 132 "Thai Ginger", "Terrace Club" 1st Base Bar, "Terrace Club" 3rd Base Bar, Section 349 "Lookout Landing"
Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: Section 136 "Good Hops", "Way Back Crab Shack"
Reuben's Brews Crikey IPA from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: Section 136 "Good Hops", "Way Back Crab Shack"
Schooner Exact Jawja Peach Sour from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at Section 185 "Good Hops" and Section 129 "Northwest Beer"
Silver City Ridgetop Red from Bremerton, Washington
Located near or at: "Caught Looking Bar", Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 319 "Good Hops", Section 330 "Good Hops", and beer stands near Section 129 and Section 134
Two Beers Evo IPA from Seattle, Washington
Located near or at: Section 131 "Hempler's Safeco Sausage Co.", Section 140 "Uncle Charlie's Cheesesteak 140", and Section 333
From the Northwest
Alaskan Summer Ale from Juneau, Alaska
Located at or near: Section 185 "Good Hops" and beer stands near sections 105 and 146
Alaskan Amber from Juneau, Alaska
Located at or near: Section 117 "Ivar's", "Hit It Here Café", and Section 349 "Lookout Landing"
Alaskan Icy Bay IPA from Juneau, Alaska
Located at or near: Section 335 "Ivar's", and beer stands near Section 105and Section 146
Double Mountain Vaporizer Pale Ale from Hood River, Oregon
Located near or at: Section 136 "Good Hops", "Way Back Crab Shack"
Laurelwood Workhorse IPA from Portland, Oregon
Located at or near: "Edgar's Cantina & Home Run Porch", Section 319 "Good Hops", and beer stands near Section 129 and Section 134
Ninkasi Total Domination IPA from Eugene, Oregon
Located at or near: "Edgar's Cantina", Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 136 "Sweet Iron Waffles", Section 319 "Good Hops", and beer stands near section 121
pFriem Pilsner from Hood River, Oregon
Located near or at: Section 136 "Good Hops", "Way Back Crab Shack"
Outside the Northwest
Stone Delicious IPA from San Diego, California
Located at or near: "Caught Looking Bar", Section 185 "Good Hops", Section 319 "Good Hops", Section 349 "Lookout Landing", and beer stand near Section 121
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from Chico, California
Located at or near: "Edgar's Tacos", Section 126 "Rolling Roof", Section 185 "Rolling Roof", Section 248 "Good Hops", and beer stand near Section 326
As they have done with canned beer, the Mariners are charging $9 for 16-ounce domestic (e.g. Budweiser, Coors, etc.) and $10 for 16-ounce premium (e.g. Reuben's Brews, pFriem, etc.) draft.
Missing from this year's list is
Full Sail Brewing, from Hood River, OR
GoodLife Brewing, from Bend, OR
No-Li Brewhouse, from Spokane, WA
Northwest Brewing, from Pacific, WA
Oakshire Brewing, from Eugene, OR
Rogue Ales, from Newport, OR
7 Seas Brewery, from Gig Harbor, WA
Skagit River Brewery, from Mount Vernon, WA
Also, be on the lookout for cask beer (aka, Real Ale) near sections Main Level, Section 129.
If you're looking for examples of 'hand-pumped' "Cask Conditioned Ales", then look no further than:
Black Raven Brewing from Redmond, Washington
Diamond Knot Brewery from Mukilteo, Washington
Georgetown Brewing from Seattle, Washington
Laurelwood Brewing from Portland, Oregon
Machine House Brewing from Seattle, Washington
Naked City Brewing from Seattle, Washington
Schooner Exact Brewing from Seattle, Washington
Silver City Brewing from Bremerton, Washington
Stoup Brewing from Seattle, Washington
Finally, "Firkin Fridays" make a return during every Friday game at home.
Every Friday in
, a local brew master will kick-off an extend Happy Hour. Normal Happy Hour includes $6 pints from the time the gates open until one hour before first pitch. On Firkin Fridays, Happy Hour will be extended until the firkin is dry. Select breweries from around the Northwest will be represented on a rotating basis on Firkin Fridays.
Recognizing that a day (or night) at the ballpark is complicated enough without having to learn a new brewery, the following canned/draft options are also available.
Redhook ESB
Redhook Long Hammer IPA
Elysian Men's Room Red
Elysian Immortal
Elysian (Seasonal)
Pyramid Curveball
Pyramid Hefeweizen
Pyramid Thunderhead IPA
Pyramid IPL
Portland IPA
Portland (Seasonal)
Kona Longboard Lager
Goose Island IPA
Goose Island 312
Coors Light from
Miller Lite
Blue Moon
Blue Moon White IPA
Blue Moon Table Pils
Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy
Leinenkugel's Grapfruit Shandy
Leinenkugel's IPL
Crispin Original Apple
Coors Gluten-Free
Guinness Stout
Rainier
Henry's Hard Ginger Soda
Henry's Hard Orange Soda
Budweiser
Bud Light
Shock Top
Mike's Hard Lemonade