It might seem hyperbolic, but Olde Towne Tavern may be the single greatest bar I have ever been to in Bellevue. I would hate to give short shrift (or long shrift for that matter) to the deserving publicans of Bellevue. I've mostly only darted about the edges of the berg that birthed Nebraska because I'm a big fan of probable cause. I will hopefully have a chance to visit and praise more Bellevue drinkeries in the future.
If you aren't familiar with the Olde Towne area in Bellevue, it's the hip, old part of town. It's got everything: authentic Italian, soul food, BBQ, coffee, gift shops, a jeweler and the Bellevue Little Theatre. To my way of thinking, the most efficient route to the most quaint portion of Bellevue via the toll bridge off I-29 over the Missouri. This lands you closest to your final destination and furthest from a suspicion of speeding ticket.
Addressing the Damoclean parking situation, it's incredible. Until one has lived in places as crowded and diverse as New York, Honolulu or Ames, Iowa, one cannot fully appreciate copious, full-sized, free parking on both the street and in the alley behind Olde Towne Tavern.
There are 22 beers on tap at any given moment at Olde Towne Tavern. I don't ask for free samples often because it feels like entitlement behavior, but I will accept them when generously offered as they were by manager Greg. I sampled two 4/20 specials The Waldos from Lagunitas and The Hemperor HPA from New Belgium. They were both delicious and sported a bouquet like the inside of a full ounce of super dank Skywalker nugs, I imagine. Get them before they're gone.
Greg is proud of his frequently rotating taps and rightly so. Oso Cafe from Pint 9, Adios Pantalones from Rahr Sons, Devil's Gap Jalapeño Ale from Kinkaider, 90 Shilling from Odell and Infusion's Vanilla Bean Blonde take their place next to the Bud Light, Dos Equis, Blue Moon et al. Normal rates are $3 for domestic pints and $5 for craft beers.
Happy hours are 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays with $2 domestics and $3.50 craft pints. Drink like it's the 70s on Old School Sundays featuring $2 tallboys of Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Style, Hamm's, Miller High Life, Schlitz and Colt 45 Malt Liquor.
Olde Towne Tavern has an annual Oktoberfest, frequent pint night specials to promote new beers, and they will be celebrating their four-year anniversary at the end of June. There is no website, but you may find them on Facebook or just wander in off the street for a friendly treat.
Olde Towne Tavern is a worthy inclusion to your itinerary whether your are looking for a new bar to call home or just need a change of pace to spice up a weekend pub crawl. read more