Bushnell Craft Brewing Company

No Longer In Business

Located in an industrial park in a quaint, small town-esque part of Redmond. Tasting room is fairly small, though was empty when we visited on a Sunday afternoon. Flights are available for their main beers, while their big 13% IPA only came in a 10 oz. Sadly, the beer quality was terrible -- tons of infections and off-flavours. One of the poorest breweries in Greater Seattle.

Visited April 5, 2016 after dinner, around 8 pm Ambiance/Vibe: Good place, location and brewery fixtures, lots of TV, mostly sports Service: Good service, speed can be improved Selection: 7 beers on tap Food: Can be improve, wings were salty Value: ok value, not something to go back to Overall: fair brewery

Among beer geeks, these guys got off to a bit of a rough start. Like half the breweries out there, their first few batches didn’t turn out quite the way they intended, so they took some knocks. I tried a few of their beers this weekend and I’d have to say there’s no reason to avoid their beer at this point. They’re solid now—they seem to have dialed in their approach with their system, and they’ve hit their stride.

They’re in the clotted clutter of downtown Redmond’s one-way-street business district. This little valley always feels crowded and tight everywhere you turn, but you can find a perch and forget the frenzy if you know where to look. Bushnell is a good choice for that sort of oasis. There’s a little bit of parking outside, depending on how busy all the nearby businesses happen to be. There are a few tables on the patio, sometimes with grumpy tech workers, sometimes with goofy tech workers, sometimes with happy tech workers, but mostly with tech workers. And a couple dogs, which might or might not be well-trained, depending on how much time their owners can actually afford to spend at home with them.

Inside, there are tons of tables in a long narrow space, with big windows and doors at both ends. Off to one side is a small bar, with a decent-sized and brewhouse behind framed-in walls. They pour a dozen or so house beers, many named after sports moments and tropes. (The brewery is named for the family that owns it, not for the optical equipment popular with hunters, birders, etc).

The beers are perfectly solid, all clean. A nice sweet stout, a dark dry and hoppy winter ale, a credible IPA. The staff seem to know how to answer questions and sell the beer. Good on ’em. The food is burgers, sandwiches, wings, and a few other things. The burger was okay; seemed like it was mostly bread after the first few bites. *Awesome* fries, though. The wings were okay, too. The garlic habanero variety had good clear flavors, and were sprinkled with some dry white cheese before they hit the table. The sriracha wings didn’t taste like much, and the "strawberry hot" wings tasted more like cinnamon than anything else. They didn’t bring the right dressing (didn’t bring the right fries with the burger, either—check your plates as soon as they set ’em down), but everything was well-made. And they were busy, with just one person working the floor, so small oversights are forgiveable.

The prices were fair enough for Redmond, and the vibe here seemed nice. They clearly have a good following, and everything was clean and well-constructed, going all the way back to the restrooms. I’d have no problem coming back.

Very nice place. I was impressed with the layout and the overall feel. Like the beers and the service.

Visited here only once but probably wont be back. Corner of a small strip mall area. Inside is a bit DIY looking but decent enough. Some food made in a bare bones kitchen. Had wings and they were fine. TVs with sports. Bartender was very friendly. Some outdoor seating as well. Beer ranged from average to flawed. Only visit if you happen to be in the area but don’t go out of your way.

New place with some work to do. Beer was mediocre, hopefully it improves. Overall, not the best experience.