Awesome local brew, nice bartender who may remember your name and your beer if she thinks you are cute. Good, local, (almost) dive bar with fresh brews! Pool, cards, and board games. You won't be bored. Was open on Easter! $4.50/home  beer. Don't go if you are feeling guilty about drinking instead of working out... The gym is next door.
Review Source:On the corner of Lincoln and 2nd sits Peak's Brew Pub, a small, unassuming structure in downtown Port Angeles that belies the magic within--quite possibly the finest porter I've ever had.
While driving through town searching for a place to grab a beer and a quick bite to eat, the four of us settled on Peak's, which we found listed in Moons "Olympic Peninsula Handbook." Pulling up, I wasn't sure we were at the right place as I'm more used to the large, more pronounced  brew pubs of Portland. This place, in comparison, had the look and feel of your typical local dive bar. Some neat decorations (e.g., an assortment of bottle openers lining the bar, a nude photo of Bettie Page, etc.). a pool table, and a TV playing a college basketball game were the first things I noticed. The second was that the place was nearly empty on a Saturday evening.
I honestly wasn't expecting all that much walking in, especially after looking at their food menu. I was actually about to suggest going somewhere else because one of our group was vegetarian and there wasn't a big selection of vegetarian options. But before I could, someone ordered a beer, then another, and by then it was too late. I sampled something that was a bit too hoppy for me, and finally ordered a 10oz glass of their Mt. Pleasant Porter as I wasn't really in the mood for beer. While waiting, I noticed the Old Rasputin in their cooler as I was pacing the bar admiring their eclectic decor and lamented not ordering one of those instead. But a handsome sip of their porter later, I was in love, downing the first glass and immediately ordering a second before I knew what happened.
I don't know what it is about that porter -- whether it's the ingredients, brewing process, or the fact that it's on nitro, or possibly all the above -- but I find it simply enthralling--its malty sweetness, almost imperceptible hoppy bitterness, and smooth, creamy finish all combining in perfect harmony (at least according to my unenlightened palate). It's simply wonderful; and I dare say it's replaced Black Butte as my favourite porter. (The food, on the other hand, was so-so. The nachos, while generous, were typical of any local hole-in-wall where the focus is obviously not the food.)
Peak's isn't just your typical local dive bar; it's a 14yr old labour of love born from the passion of Ed and Wanda Smith -- the husband and wife team behind Peak's -- to produce a selection of quality micro brews in the heart of the Olympic peninsula without the least bit of pretension. From the brief conversation I had with Wanda the next day (which I enjoyed with at least two more pints of porter and a cup of some pretty decent chili), it seems they've had a rough few years financially; but things are looking a bit more promising this year with the increasingly positive feedback they've been getting and the grand opening of Twin Peaks Brewing & Malting Co., where they'll be able to produce 40 kegs in a single batch. And I have to say, I'm rooting for them.
If you happen to find yourself passing though Port Angeles (or if you live there and haven't dropped in yet), stop by and try a pint or two. I can't promise you'll love it as much as I did; but you may be pleasantly surprised.
Peaks is a must see institution! If you want a sophisticated snobby experience you need to try someplace else. If you are looking for great beers and a great slice of local personalities you have found the right place! You can spend an afternoon talking to sailors from ships in the harbor, hippies, fishermen, loggers, lawyers, and just about any other personality you wish to name.
Ed and Wanda (the owners) are usually there to keep everybody and everything running smoothly. Stop by and enjoy life a little!
Great little hole-in-the-wall brewpub!
Peaks brews their own line of beers and the two varieties that I had, the ESB and IPA, were excellent. Â They also carry an awesome assortment of guest beers. Â For food, I had to try some of "Ed's Award Winning Killer Chili" and did so in chili-burger form-- also fantastic!
The bar is small and kinda funky with rickety tables and whatnot, but that all makes it feel kinda homey. Â Our barmaid was efficient and attentive, the internet jukebox provides whatever music you want, there's a big screen TV... Â Again, great place!
Peak's isn't for everyone, but if you can just have a good time instead of being a stuck up "foodie", you might just enjoy yourself. It's the best watering hole in Port Angeles, and many people gather between 4 and 7 to prove it. There is amazing homemade chili, and variations of it in the form of chili dogs, chili burgers, etc. The beer selection is unmatched in Port Angeles. Come in and have a good chat and listen to some good tunes on the jukebox. It's a favorite of many.
Review Source:This place seems ok, at first. Happy hour sucks. 50 cents off, already overpriced beer. They have a good selection of guest beers, and bottles. Their house made beer; seems mostly like a ripoff of other Northwest Craft Breweries. The jukebox is a joke. They must put, a roll of quarters, in when they open. we selected several songs. After 2 hours, we didn't hear a one. The owner, and his buddies. Usually, take over the place. He seems like, a nice enough guy. We had the burgers, which were quite good; but overpriced. The bathroom was disgusting. I have seen public restrooms, in third world countries; that were much cleaner. Crapstains, and no paper towels. Overall, if you're into smoking pot. Smelling other people's piss, and BO; you may love this place. We saw 2 women under 50, during our stay. they were obviously high on stuff. I hate to knock this place; but they don't seem to want to really try, to be any better. The pool table, was crooked, as well. I did like the burger, and a few of the guest craft beers. It reminded me of, an Army felcher joint.
Review Source:why you gotta be so far away, peaks?
when i lived in the area i would frequent this pub. Â in fact, my co-ed softball team made this "our bar" which we would go to after practices and games, often drowning our sorrows of a loss in a pint.
i mean listen, this place isn't fancy and the bathrooms are slightly grimy and it's dark and a little musty but they have good beer. Â not only do they have a bunch of well-known beers but they always have a great selection of local brews on tap, too - sometimes they'll even have a peaks pub original.
+ great beer selection
+ nice bartenders
+ pool table
+ juke box
+ plenty of seating
+ street parking and a lot across the street (don't drink and drive, though!)
+ flat screen tv often playing "the game"
+/- no liquor
i know they have food but i've never had it so i can't speak to that - i usually get there after the kitchen closes but i know some folks have ordered a pizza and had it delivered to the pub.
peaks ftw.
We stopped in during our trip around the peninsula. Â I tried a few of the microbrews and loved them all. Â I also had the chili for dinner and thought it was great. Â
Peaks looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but it is a good place to stop if you want good beer and basic bar food. Â If I lived in Port Angeles, this would definitely be someplace I would go back to again.
(3.5 stars) First off, thank you Google Maps for showing the front door of this place to be around the corner, up the stairs, and on the roof. Â But I digress.
The second we entered, I had a flashback to the '70s: Â dive bar meets my step-dad's bachelor pad. Â One other customer in there, and you know he would have been smoking like a chimney if that sort of thing was still allowed in this State. Â I will admit that the "we could go elsewhere" eye exchange did briefly happen between my dining companion and myself, but belly up to the bar we did. Â Turns out it was a good decision! Â
I'll start with the beers. Â We tried 4 of the 5 they brew, missing the Wanda-Fuca Gold only because they were out. Â Although all were actually very good, they were all a bit high in alcohol, two over 9%. Â Don't start on an empty stomach. Â The Train Wreck IPA was enjoyably hoppy without being too bitter and more full bodied than I had expected (it was one of the over 9% ones). Â The other over 9% was Ed's Big Ass Red, a brew that was again enjoyable, but would have been better down at the 6.5% level. Â I found the Mt. Pleasant Porter to be lighter than expected with somewhat strange high-notes. Â Both of us decided that The Peaks ESB was our favorite, with mild sweet malt overtones and overall very smooth. Â My suggestion is to specifically ask for the sampler, then go from there.
Insofar as food, let me put it to you this way: they make chili and beer. Â If you want something else, go somewhere else. Â The chili was certainly filling and tasty, don't get me wrong, but if you're not in the mood then you're stuck and you'll really want something to buffer the beer.
One last mention - owners and staff are very friendly, visible, and warm. Â Few customers that we saw while we were they didn't know them by name. Â Certainly set the tone for the whole experience.
I am kind of stuck in the middle with this place so I decided to go with 3 stars.
On one hand they have a pretty good selection of beers. They have beers that they make there which are pretty good. I tried the ESB and the IPA both of which were quite good and tasty. They have some nice TVs to watch sporting events and is pretty comfortable.
On the other hand when we went there it was a Friday night and the place was dead. It was 10:00, there were about 12 people in there, and it was pretty much silent in there. There was no music in there, the TVs were on mute, and it felt like no one was talking. The place just felt really awkward to me. But I guess in PA your options are pretty limited, or should I say on the peninsula your options are pretty limited.
Peaks may have a good selection of brews but like almost all of PA it does not offer much to be called a night life. Happy hour is it'most upbeat time of the day and in the summer. I lived in PA up the street from Peaks for 5 years and the place has never been a jumpin spot. Mostly locals that don't mingle with other locals they don't know or visitors for that matter. And I personally preferred a hard cider which isn't an everyday find in a bar on this side of the strail. Really glad I moved away if this is what has come to be known as night life in any city!
Review Source:Stopped by this little place no our way to Kalaloch, to get a bite to eat and enjoy a beer. Â The beer, Wanda Fuca Gold-was great! Â Loved the atmosphere-clean, cozy, old school. Â When we stopped we had no idea that they brewed their own, so that was a huge plus. Â The service was good..for the beer. Â Like I said we stopped to get a bite to eat, and well, the menu is limited at best. Â We opted for a Hot Dog..which the dog itself was very tasty, but the buns were cold, right out of the frig..and the fries, were just passable..I think they need to step it up in the food department just a tad, but other than that, we enjoyed our visit, and will stop by next time we drive through.
Review Source:Great local beer. They feature a Twilight Red for all you Twilight fans. Stop by on your way to Forks! Â
The owner was really interesting and took the time to chat with us out-of-towners. Â My only regret is that we didn't get to go back a second night as planned :( Â I was really looking forward to another pint of their Wanda Fuca! Â LOL
We've lived in Port Angeles almost a year now, and I have to say: if you're looking for hard to find/limited release brews (especially from Deschutes) to check out Peak's Pub.
We were there today and grabbed 2 bottles of Black Butte XX (Deschutes limited 20th anniversary release from 2008). We drank one at the bar and indulged in a half order of nachos-they use their delicious chili. We talked with the owner (I think his name is Ed) about the search for good beer, and his wife Wanda came over to talk to us as well.
A wonderful bar; they sell all sorts of bottled beers to go and you can also purchase growlers. I would rather spend money for bottled specialty beers at this local pub than at a corporate grocery store, even if the pub is a bit more expensive.