June 8, 2007
by Mike Bailey of The Columbian

The fish and chips comes with either salmon or halibut and is the most popular item on the lunch menu. The dinner portion has two pieces of fish. DAVE OLSON/The Columbian

Why: Salmon Creek Brewery and Pub is an oasis in downtown Vancouver. Even though the rumbling traffic on Evergreen Boulevard is only a few feet away and the clang of construction rings loud a few blocks down the street, the noises are muted for diners, even those enjoying a meal outdoors on the patio. Perhaps it's a peaceful setting because the lush greenery acts as a buffer at the entrance or the horseshoe shape of the buildings that surrounds the patio. Add an order of halibut and chips and a homemade ale or glass of fresh-brewed ice tea, and Salmon Creek Brewery and Pub becomes an ideal getaway for lunch, afternoon happy hour or dinner. Halibut is always my first choice if it's on the menu. At Salmon Creek Brewery and Pub, it's lightly coated in a rich ale batter. While the beer flavor stands out, it's not overwhelming. Batter should provide crunch and complement the flavor of the fish. That's exactly what you get here.

Backstory: Owners Larry and Ana Pratt opened the Salmon Creek Brewery and Pub in 1994 in Woodland. At the time, it was all about the ale; no food was on the menu. The Pratts moved their operation to Vancouver in 1997, with the brewing system in the back room of the pub. Food was added in 1998, and the Pratts constantly tweak the menu.

You'll love it if: You like seating options. In addition to quiet surroundings, the brewery has three dining options. The main building houses the bar and about a dozen tables. It's restricted to ages 21 and older. The patio is open to all ages. Across the patio is a large dining area for families. The establishment is completely smoke-free.

Cost: Most lunch items are $7.95 to $9.95, and include a variety of burgers and sandwiches. The fish and chips (your choice of halibut or salmon) is $9.95 and is dipped in the batter made with an ale brewed at the pub. The dish includes one 5-ounce fillet served with fries that are sliced and fried to order. The fries are crisp upon arrival, but don't let them linger too long on the plate or they get a little limp. If you think you'll go hungry with a serving of just one piece of fish, think again. I ordered a second piece of fish when my food arrived, but then quickly discovered the first piece was more hearty than it looked. Ana Pratt said the fish and chips represent about 75 percent of lunchtime business. Other items include appetizers, soups, salads and a daily special. The extended dinner menu has additional appetizers (the beer-battered mushrooms and onion rings sport that same Scottish ale batter as the fish) and entrees. Seafood dominates the entrees, from a seafood platter ($16.95) and grilled halibut ($15.95) to seafood pasta ($16.95) and fish and chips with 10 ounces of fish ($15.95).

Where: 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver.

Contact: 360-993-1827 or salmoncreekbrewpub.com.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday. The kitchen closes one hour before the restaurant shuts its doors for the night.