See what folks have to say about Downtime Taps:
Kelley Vice
3/01/2023
Concept pub where you pour yourself from a large selection (~40) of high-tech taps and you're charged by the ounce. If you like cider, try the Baked Apple, one of the best semi-dry ciders I've ever had. Small but interesting food menu - the kobe steak fries were really good. Nice vibe, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Definitely worth a try, especially if you like having a small taste of a wider range of brews.
Conrad Gruener
9/18/2022
Downtime Taps is awesome! Huge self serve tap wall, and then you can go enjoy your brew in their beautiful outdoor lounge area. Big timber beams with rustic wood tables and wood stumps fashioned into seats! Very aesthetic! Live music too! The staff was super friendly and personable. Tomas (the owner) has definitely created the go-to hangout in Ferndale!
Eric Haven
9/16/2022
A really fun place! We met some friends to do music bingo and share dinner. The place is owned by the same people who have Coconut Kenny's next door, so they let you order food to be delivered. Great atmosphere! My only possible suggestion would be for Downtime to offer more non-alcoholic options. Other than that, A+!
Myles Milligan
9/01/2022
If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. Friendly staff, and a great selection of beers, ciders, and wine. Very inviting from the moment you walk in. I was new to the concept of 'pour your own beer', and the staff at the front kindly showed me how it works. Small menu of bistro bites, but the Bavarian pretzel was amazing. The bruleé'd cheese was a very nice touch. I'll be back here again, but with some more friends.
Fay W.
3/27/2022
Went to down time taps twice in the past two weeks. Decided to go here last week after hearing they had a s'mores kit. Me and my husband really enjoyed the mid day sweets with fresh poured beer. Then tonight we decided to come back and have Coconut Kenny delivered to our table. We also enjoyed the s'mores kit. Nothing like fresh beer and good food. We will be back soon. Our wait staff was enjoyable. I love the chairs outside. We will be back soon.
Colby Fowler
3/02/2022
Great little spot in ferndale. Clean, inviting, good service. With its relaxing log cabin vibe and 2 walls of self poor beer, cider, and sours its definitely worth checking out. They also have food and will can beer on the spot for you to take home. I highly recommend this place for a chill time out with a friend, or a casual date night.
Wynn Tingley
9/24/2021
I absolutely love this place. Amazing atmosphere, wonderful staff. Pretty good chance that the owner will be there and taking care of ya personally.
The selection of beers, ciders, wine and more keeps my coming back because it rotates regularly, and i love being able to pour a small bit of something first to see if I like it.
They also have some bar games and even rootbeer floats!
The selection of beers, ciders, wine and more keeps my coming back because it rotates regularly, and i love being able to pour a small bit of something first to see if I like it.
They also have some bar games and even rootbeer floats!
Cameron Maddox
3/30/2021
Genius idea of the self-serve style. Tomas, who is one of the owners, gave my sister and I one of the best customer service experiences out there. As someone who currently works at Starbucks and previously at a winery, I know how much of a difference it makes.
10/10,
Recommending to friends, coworkers, and random people I meet.
I will be back.
Thanks Tomas
10/10,
Recommending to friends, coworkers, and random people I meet.
I will be back.
Thanks Tomas
Levi Tucker
1/13/2021
I've been here a few times, every time it gets even better, the food gets better, the drinks rotate, I believe for the better, with quality constantly increasing when I had thought everything was awesome the first time or two I was there. Everytime I go I want to go again, the garlic fries are to die for.
Michaelaswinford S.
10/23/2020
Very unique and definitely one of a kind tap room
Lots of beer cider choices
The pour your own beer option is very modern and covid friendly
But be prepared to pay by the ounce depending on your beverage and the glass you select the cost can be a bit pricey (which in my humble
Opinion can be a downside, if there's a downside to pouring your own beer)
With that said there's a great selection of brews and has a friendly clean atmosphere
Dog friendly outside in the undercover
Lots of beer cider choices
The pour your own beer option is very modern and covid friendly
But be prepared to pay by the ounce depending on your beverage and the glass you select the cost can be a bit pricey (which in my humble
Opinion can be a downside, if there's a downside to pouring your own beer)
With that said there's a great selection of brews and has a friendly clean atmosphere
Dog friendly outside in the undercover
Raphael Whittington
1/10/2020
There isn't anything i could say that describes this experience. If you haven't, your just going to have to go in and try it out yourself. We played the board games they have and snacked on the giant Pretzel and Fries while we sampled the craft beer and wine. It was great.
Tess Rauch
9/03/2019
I have mixed feelings regarding downtime. I understand the idea of not wanting customers to reuse the same glass for drinks, but they do it at restaurants. As long as you aren’t touching your glass to the spout or re-rinsing your glass it shouldn’t be a problem. The beertender was also a bit rude. The birthday discount was cool. They definitely have a fruit fly problem right now which was the most concerning issue. And they only offer bottled water, no option to use a glass which in my opinion is pretty lame.
Katherine O.
9/01/2019
This is the type of place Ferndale desperately needed and finally has.
DownTime Taps was the first self serve tap house in Washington state! They have great events like Tuesday trivia, monthly yoga, live music and occasionally visiting food trucks. If there aren't any food trucks you can always get Coconut Kenny's or Asian Bistro delivered directly to you at DownTime!
The staff at DownTime is professional and kind. They make an effort to get to know the regulars. They have a great selection on beers, ciders & wines and do a great job sourcing and rotating options. I love discovered new beers at DownTime!
DownTime Taps was the first self serve tap house in Washington state! They have great events like Tuesday trivia, monthly yoga, live music and occasionally visiting food trucks. If there aren't any food trucks you can always get Coconut Kenny's or Asian Bistro delivered directly to you at DownTime!
The staff at DownTime is professional and kind. They make an effort to get to know the regulars. They have a great selection on beers, ciders & wines and do a great job sourcing and rotating options. I love discovered new beers at DownTime!
Megan L.
8/19/2019
This is an awesome concept. As someone who doesn't drink immense amount but wants to socialize, this was the perfect avenue to do so. It's similar to a self-serve yogurt place, where you scan your wristband in accordance to how much you want to drink. I particularly enjoyed the blackberry cider and their lemon ginger cider. The porch swings, casual environment, and variety of games make this a win in my book.
Jennifer J.
8/14/2019
What?! How have I not written a review for Downtime yet?!
This place is 1000 pounds of awesome. I love that I can choose my own beer (or wine, or cider, or even a slushie) and get as much (or as little) of it as I want. When you arrive they give you a wristband that you simply tap onto a screen behind each individual tap handle, and it charges you by the ounce. From dark to light to hoppy to malty this place has it all. Bonus that it's literally RIGHT next door to Coconut Kenny's so food is easily available (or, you can even bring your own).
Their outdoor patio is so nice on a warm summer evening, with it's comfy swings and lots of seating. Sometimes they have trivia, yoga, and live music too. This is an amazing addition to Ferndale and it's great to see our local beer scene expanding to the north a bit!
This place is 1000 pounds of awesome. I love that I can choose my own beer (or wine, or cider, or even a slushie) and get as much (or as little) of it as I want. When you arrive they give you a wristband that you simply tap onto a screen behind each individual tap handle, and it charges you by the ounce. From dark to light to hoppy to malty this place has it all. Bonus that it's literally RIGHT next door to Coconut Kenny's so food is easily available (or, you can even bring your own).
Their outdoor patio is so nice on a warm summer evening, with it's comfy swings and lots of seating. Sometimes they have trivia, yoga, and live music too. This is an amazing addition to Ferndale and it's great to see our local beer scene expanding to the north a bit!
Carlos B.
8/05/2019
This joint has been on my beerscope for a hot-minute. Finally today was the day. After a full day of biking and geocaching, it was time for beers to celebrate.
Once checked in, your issued wristband unlocks your tap of choice. Thómas thoroughly trained us before letting us loose.
I then tasted every stout, porter or scotch ale they had! This sleepy Tuesday sunny evening was perfect for us.
No food here though, so you've been warned! Nearby eateries (e.g. Kenny's) will deliver to your tipsy a$$ though.
The base price is $7 for your band, then the price per ounce is listed on the beer you pour yourself. Speaking of which, to keep you from over serving yourself the computer tracks the amount of ounces you poured in a 2-hour time frame. Too much? It cuts you off!
Not that I exceeded it, or my sister, but I can envision this going sideways ... fast. At any rate, if you desire an unique experience, or just a break from the normal bar scene in Ferndale, then POST UP!
Once checked in, your issued wristband unlocks your tap of choice. Thómas thoroughly trained us before letting us loose.
I then tasted every stout, porter or scotch ale they had! This sleepy Tuesday sunny evening was perfect for us.
No food here though, so you've been warned! Nearby eateries (e.g. Kenny's) will deliver to your tipsy a$$ though.
The base price is $7 for your band, then the price per ounce is listed on the beer you pour yourself. Speaking of which, to keep you from over serving yourself the computer tracks the amount of ounces you poured in a 2-hour time frame. Too much? It cuts you off!
Not that I exceeded it, or my sister, but I can envision this going sideways ... fast. At any rate, if you desire an unique experience, or just a break from the normal bar scene in Ferndale, then POST UP!
Sarah E.
4/06/2019
It feels like more of a novelty than something for a beer enthusiast to enjoy. Over half the menu was IPAs and Pales, I was really looking forward to trying more sours, barrel aged and unique beers that I don't usually experience. Yes self pour is fun, but not if all the beer is the exact same.
Also, the "beer tenders" are dressed more like they work for a golf club than a beer bar. Felt uptight.
I'll be back, but hopeful that the beer list changes.
Updated:
Wow! What a big change in menu! I was so excited to get to try different beers. They scaled the IPAs and Pals way back and had so much more to offer and from some really awesome local and Seattle breweries.
Loved getting to try the Peachrillo from Urban Family and the Dark Lager from Stoup.
Still feel a little weird about the beertenders in polos... but honestly, I'll take great beer over a polo shirt.
Excited to be back for more!
Also, the "beer tenders" are dressed more like they work for a golf club than a beer bar. Felt uptight.
I'll be back, but hopeful that the beer list changes.
Updated:
Wow! What a big change in menu! I was so excited to get to try different beers. They scaled the IPAs and Pals way back and had so much more to offer and from some really awesome local and Seattle breweries.
Loved getting to try the Peachrillo from Urban Family and the Dark Lager from Stoup.
Still feel a little weird about the beertenders in polos... but honestly, I'll take great beer over a polo shirt.
Excited to be back for more!
Deb Bee
1/23/2019
Simply. Awesome. We came here with intentions to sample the darker beers for the cold wet day upon us... then I discovered the devilishly delicious Double Mountain cider! And Coconut Kenny's brings you food from next door?! There is no stress in deciding what to try. A little taste or a full pint? Such a great concept. I can't wait to come back here in the summer after a day of hiking. And we checked! Dogs are allowed on the patio. 🙂
Viva B.
10/30/2018
I really enjoyed the Down Time Taps and such a great idea. I love that they have several selections and especially the various cider selections! I'm partial to Ace Pineapple Cider, but there was one from Oregon that was incredible. Too bad I have such a short memory, next time I'll write it down. The pizza from Coconut Kenny's is incredible and so handy that you can order a pizza while you have your beverage and they deliver. What a great setup and what a great idea!
Jodi S.
10/14/2018
Wow! I had SO much fun here! Just my kind of place and I didn't even know it was there until they hosted our Yelp event! This is unique and a worthy adventure just to check it out. I love that you buy your drinks by the ounce, and then you can try any and all beers, wine, and ciders from the MANY taps. I love to try different drinks, so I was having a ball. My Dad liked that he could have a small glass of beer, and sip slowly, but still have a cold beer because he could go back for another small glass.
The set-up is fun, too--swinging chairs, heated outside, tables, stools, inside fireplace--whatever you want. We both loved our experience there, and my Dad is 84!
I also love that you can bring in your own snacks, or order from nearby delivery-THANK YOU for that!
The set-up is fun, too--swinging chairs, heated outside, tables, stools, inside fireplace--whatever you want. We both loved our experience there, and my Dad is 84!
I also love that you can bring in your own snacks, or order from nearby delivery-THANK YOU for that!
Hannah B.
10/04/2018
A very cool concept in a relaxing atmosphere. You can come here and try up to about 30 beverages including beer, wine, cider, and mead.
The taps work by scanning a bracelet, dispensing your own drink, the system tracks the amount of fluid, and then you pay for what was had. I like the fact that you don't have to wait for a busy bartender for service and can create your own flight.
I'm normally quite intimidated by technology, but this was super easy. Employees are super friendly and walk you through the process.
This establishment does not serve food, but you can order from Coconut Kenny's just a few doors down in the plaza. Indoor/outdoor seating is available. There are a few party games available to play while enjoying drinks.
This is definitely a one of a kind place that I'll definitely be visiting again.
The taps work by scanning a bracelet, dispensing your own drink, the system tracks the amount of fluid, and then you pay for what was had. I like the fact that you don't have to wait for a busy bartender for service and can create your own flight.
I'm normally quite intimidated by technology, but this was super easy. Employees are super friendly and walk you through the process.
This establishment does not serve food, but you can order from Coconut Kenny's just a few doors down in the plaza. Indoor/outdoor seating is available. There are a few party games available to play while enjoying drinks.
This is definitely a one of a kind place that I'll definitely be visiting again.
Masanori D.
10/04/2018
This is a self-serving taphouse. You can pour as much as you want or as little as you want and when you want it. So, everyone can enjoy their drinks at their own pace. What they have is mostly beer, but they do have wine and cider too, a total of 30 different kinds of drinks to choose from. So, there's something for everyone.
They don't serve food, but you can order from next door (Coconut Kenny's). It's on a shopping center, and parking is easy. I recommend everyone to give them a try!
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They don't serve food, but you can order from next door (Coconut Kenny's). It's on a shopping center, and parking is easy. I recommend everyone to give them a try!
******************************
If you found something useful in my review, please hit "useful" so that I can improve my reviews. If you love food and traveling, follow me, or better yet, let's become friends on Yelp! Thank you and happy Yelping!
Kathi O
10/03/2018
Visiting Downtime Taps is a unique experience - you pour your own libations from a wide selection of brews, wines, and ciders. Thirty-two taps line two walls, and you may sample as many as you'd like. Feel free to pour small samples here, as you are given a bracelet when you check in that tracks what you pour by the ounce.
The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. There is a covered outdoor space as well as the nicely decorated inside. If you get hungry, Coconut Kenny's is conveniently located a couple of doors down; you can bring the food in to enjoy with your drinks.
The cost can be a bit pricey but the cost per ounce is listed on the display screen for each tap. Overall, Downtime Taps is a great place to relax and enjoy a new or favorite brew, wine, or cider.
The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. There is a covered outdoor space as well as the nicely decorated inside. If you get hungry, Coconut Kenny's is conveniently located a couple of doors down; you can bring the food in to enjoy with your drinks.
The cost can be a bit pricey but the cost per ounce is listed on the display screen for each tap. Overall, Downtime Taps is a great place to relax and enjoy a new or favorite brew, wine, or cider.
Karen J.
10/03/2018
Definitely a new favorite spot! DownTime Taps offers DIY samples of beer, wine, cider and even mead, mostly from the Pacific Northwest. Peruse your options, then tap on the screen if you want a description of that beverage. Pouring your own involves prepaying for x amount of ounces, then using a wristband to measure how many you've consumed.