If there’s one thing out-of-towners Austin and Jordan appreciate more than a full day of skiing at Vail-owned Stevens Pass Resort, it’s a two finger pour of a top-shelf whiskey.
“It’s remarkable just how quickly the cold of the mountains burns off once you step into Burnt Barrel and sip your first drink,” said Austin, clinking ice cubes in his glass of Johnny Walker Blue Label.
Burnt Barrel Whiskey Bar in Monroe, Washington boasts over 150 bottles of whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch. Their friendly bartenders serve up these spirits poured “neat” or expertly mixed into craft cocktails.
Burnt Barrel is tucked behind plate glass windows in the historic Doloff-Key Building on the corner of Lewis and Main, the busiest intersection in the historic downtown of this Pacific Northwest city. The vintage aesthetic is complemented by an interior that features a moody paint scheme, abstract art, and a splash of lime green neon, creating a Bohemian, speakeasy atmosphere. Perfect for an escape on a winter’s evening.
As a couple, Austin and Jordan said that they feel welcome stepping into Burnt Barrel. They acknowledge that not all places that they travel feel inviting and inclusive of folks in the LGBTQA+ community. “I super appreciate that we can drop in and be ourselves at Burnt Barrel,” said Jordan. “That’s a big deal and, honestly, a big reason that we’ll be back to visit again.”
Rainbow flags displayed in storefronts along Main Street are a testament to the fact that Monroe is a safe space for all travelers.
Burnt Barrel stays open until 11:00 or midnight most nights of the week, making it the perfect place to drop in after a night skiing session at Stevens. Add some small bites, comfortable couches, and good conversation into the mix and this local whiskey bar is the kind of place that folks from out of town will make sure to revisit every time they pass through Monroe, Washington.
Cheers to that!