Worth Leaving Town For: A Perfect Post-Hike Respite @ The Stoat Beer Bar
“We love natural light and plants.
We aim to provide a space where you can find community or quiet. Wi-fi is available if you need to come in to get some work done.”
These were the first words the Stoat Beer Bar shared soon after kicking off their Instagram last year. Adam Thomas opened the Stoat to help foster more community in the small town of Granite Falls.
For the unaware, Granite Falls sits about 16 miles Northeast of Downtown Everett and has a population that could sit inside Angel of the Winds Arena three times over.
Its proximity to the Mountain Loop Highway makes it the perfect place to stop for a refreshing adult beverage after a hard hike.
“We’re the only bar with outdoor seating and a view of the mountain,” Adam shared, as I soaked in the rich atmosphere of the Stoat.
With a striking black exterior contrasted with warm raw, exposed wood beams inside adorned with live greenery, the atmosphere was extremely welcoming. As soon as I sat down and planted myself, I felt like the ivy growing along the ceiling beam; I didn’t want to leave.
I tried my first hard kombucha and a tasty IPA while enjoying good company.
Surf videos played above the bar as Adam recalled previous chess games with one of his regulars, Joey.
“Sometimes, on slow rainy days, we like to sit and play chess,” Adam shared.
That sounds about right, considering Adam had remodeled and designed the space independently. A master of the slow craft, Adam’s wife, Chelsea, owns and operates the adjoining business on the other side of the building, Wildwood Yoga Studio.
These parents of 4 know how to plot movement.
With a heart for the community of Granite Falls and a desire to foster a healthy community, Adam shared how he created and submitted a well-thought-out design for a park in Granite Falls the city was planning to remodel.
“I wanted to create something simple and cost-effective, but that would also pay homage to the town’s history and be worthy of being one of the first things people see as they enter the town,” Adam shared. The city council rejected Adam’s proposal and went in a different direction.
“This place (The Stoat) is partially a response,” Adam stated. He was frustrated it seemed he couldn’t positively influence the community through local government, so that’s when the idea was born to take matters into his own hands. “The building came up for sale, and we thought, at least as a private business, we could have a hand in positively influencing the community.”
The Stoat is dog and kid-friendly.
And also offers hiking snacks.
Open Wednesday-Sunday.
Outside food is welcome.
While the sole beer fridge may not offer the most options, I was impressed by the number of hard kombuchas available and delighted to try my first one.
It was delicious.
Can and bottle options only // Live in Everett
I found the beer selection to be equally as impressive, not to mention some beers were only a couple of bucks. A refreshing find in the days of evaporating affordability.
Not bad for a microbrew. In a micro bar.
With local art on the walls.
Good conversation.
Natural light.
And plenty of plants to plant yourself beside.
And maybe even play a game of chess, or plot your next upward moves to improve your own life.
The Stoat, in part a hikers respite, seems fertile for such upward momentum.
Adam mentioned he’d been in talks with a great local couple interested in taking over ownership of the Stoat, and it seems, within recent weeks, that has come to fruition.
I haven’t met the new owners, Jenny & Erik, yet, but something tells me they’ll be pouring just as much love and passion into this delightful small-town hub. Building their community upward, like the beautiful mountains nearby.
So next time you’re headed home from a hard hike, take a load-off at the Stoat.
And perhaps if the light-filled space grows on you, you may feel The Stoat is Worth Leaving Town For.
THE STOAT
104 East Stanley St.
Granite Falls, WA 98252
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