<--brothers Sam & Andy (mom would be proud)

If you like playing golf and drinking local beers, which encompasses an estimated 87% of the male population, Flatstick Pub is going to be your new go-to hot-spot in Kirkland.  Brothers Sam and Andy Largent opened this new craft beer bar and indoor mini golf course on June 1st at 15 Lake St. S (inbetween Vovina and The Grape Choice).  Sam has wanted to open a beer bar for a while, and liked the idea of offering something to do as well.  After a little research, Flatstick Pub was born (he didn't have to twist his brother's arm to join him!). From the looks of this place on a Friday night, I think they nailed it.  

  

After wiggling past gaggles of people half my age, the first thing I noticed was the bright display of the 'Digital Pour' Menu over the commanding line-up of 24 taps of Washington beers.  The electronic menu tells you the name and type of beer, where it's from, % of alcohol, the price (most are $5.50), and how full the keg is.  The red color indicates that a keg is almost tapped out, and the person who gets the last pour on that one gets to pick what will come up next.  You can also look on their website to see what they are pouring right now-whoa... real-time beer monitoring! And just for fun, they also have their twitter feed up on the menu board.  Can't find a babysitter for your pooch?  No problem, bring 'em along, dogs are welcome in the pub area.  If you and your dog and your drafts get hungry, they carry local packaged sandwiches, salads and wraps from Molly's and many local restaurants deliver to this location.  Patio seating will be coming soon.

 

Flatstick, which is another name for putter, is a sprawling 3,000 square feet. The entire back half is a custom-made 9-hole mini golf course that Andy designed and his neighbor built.  Let me tell ya, these holes are NOT easy.  Even after a few beers, navigating through water features, mazes and going under kegs is no small challenge.   I love the custom mural on the back wall of the old Kirkland ferry that gives you the illusion of golfing on the Lake Washington.  The course is $6/per person and you can usually get around two times in an hour.  Other fun things to expect from these guys?  Trivia night, brewer's night, random drawings for Seahawks tickets, and of course....corporate events.  This would be a great spot to rent out for a birthday party or team building event.  They are even working on changing their licensing so that they can host children's parties soon too.  Like them on Facebook to stay in the know.  

Hours at Flatstick Pub are weekdays noon to midnight, and Saturday noon to 1:30am.  Fun, casual, good young  energy abounds in this clever new concept. Look for them at Kirkland Uncorked (THIS WEEKEND!!) and as a sponsor for Kirkland Summerfest (Aug 8-10) this year. 425-242-1618, [email protected] . ~j