"This parking-lot-turned-patio on Northlake Way has great potential for sitting outside with beers and fried cheese curds while watching a Lake Union sunset. Oh, if only it were that simple—on warm evenings and weekends, the brewery is a zoo. Shirtless paddleboarders take up every square foot of seating space along the water, each table has swarms of folks hovering around for next-up privileges, and the line to order beer and mediocre bar food moves at a glacial pace. The view is unbeatable, and the battered fish tacos are tasty. But you’re better off grabbing a lakeside dinner at Westward next door to avoid the logistical nightmare. video credit: Aimee Rizzo Food Rundown Cheese Curds These curds are breaded and fried well—they just need a little salt. Thankfully, the accompanying smoked tomato aioli is a gift to this world. Beer Battered Onion Rings The batter is like a puffy, flavorless pancake that swallows up bland onions like a black hole. Don’t order it. photo credit: Aimee Rizzo Boneless Chicken Bites Really, really bad. The spicy sauce the bites are tossed in is tasty, but it doesn’t do much to save the soggy-mushy exterior. Joe's Fries Joe, you good? The only thing separating these flimsy oil-saturated hand-cut suspects from “normal” fries are a bunch of muted herbs thrown on top. Skip. photo credit: Aimee Rizzo Smash Burger Even though the burger lacks any semblance of a lacy crust synonymous with smashed patties, it’s totally acceptable when hunger strikes. Garlic aioli in place of special sauce is a nice touch, too. photo credit: Aimee Rizzo" - Aimee Rizzo