B4 THE ASTORIAN • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2021 Photos by Nikki Davidson/The Astorian The Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop & Taproom is stocked with seasonal craft concoctions from Northwest breweries. Escapes: Many businesses are luring patrons with special off ers, deals Continued from Page B1 Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop & Taproom owner Dwayne Smallwood pours a glass of beer. facebook.com/dailyastorian it’s time to plan an escape. Head into town and aim any remaining gratitude toward the fact that Astoria off ers no shortage of places to seek a few hours of solace in the company of a strong bever- age. Even more worthy of appreciation are the array of seasonal and trend-set- ting libations greeting those who have successfully exe- cuted a getaway. At malt-centric local favorite, Bridge & Tun- nel Bottleshop & Taproom, escapees are met with a rich array of seasonal liquid diversions. “It’s been great to see craft lagers make a resur- gence with so many amaz- ing Northwest breweries putting out regionally-spe- cifi c styles of pilsners and lagers. Also, coming into the holiday season, it’s always fun to get in the special release barrel-aged stouts and winter warmers,” said Dwayne Smallwood, owner of the bottleshop and taproom. Further down the street, Blaylock’s Whiskey Bar is also pouring fl uid refl ec- tions of the changing seasons. “I’m seeing a lot of brown liquor-forward cock- tails versus the summer season. Our Classic Man- ‘WE KNOW NOT EVERYONE IS CRAVING A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING EXPERIENCE.’ Terry Robinett | Merry Time Bar and Grill owner hattan and its cousins are quite popular, as well as the Classic Old Fashioned,” said bartender Cory Teub- ner. “Our Astoria Sour is also seeing a lot of traction this season. We released our winter cocktail menu about a month ago and I think people are still work- ing their way through our extensive list.” This weekend, many local businesses are entic- ing escapees with special off ers and deals. Merry Time Bar and Grill is a long-established watering hole that, accord- ing to owner Terry Robi- nett, draws a crowd refl ect- ing a true slice of Astoria . “We know not every- one is craving a traditional Thanksgiving experience,” Robinett said. “ So we are off ering a plate of our car- nitas nachos big enough for two or more, with a pair of tallboy Rainier beers for just $15 all day Friday and Saturday.” The off er also comes with a chance to take in some entertainment. On Fri- day night, DJ JDub will be WANTED Alder and Maple Saw Logs & Standing Timber Northwest Hardwoods • Longview, WA Contact: John Anderson • 360-269-2500 spinning “good vibes mixed with saxophone.” The bar also features a rotating selection of kombucha. At Blaylock’s , Teub- ner is also planning special bargains. “We will be running a drink special featuring an up-and-coming name in the whiskey world, Uncle Nearest,” said Teubner . “With their 1856 formula, I will be creating a Pecan Pie Old Fashioned. The whis- key itself has a sweet nutty rich fl avor profi le and I will be attempting to accent that natural fl avor without over- powering the whiskey with too many mixers. I think people will enjoy it as a dessert-like alternative to eating more food over this overly food-centric holiday weekend.” Though bar stools may house those making a break for it, Astoria’s liq- uid purveyors report holi- day crowds sharing another common bond. “Around here, you can always talk about the rain because no matter who you are or what you do for a liv- ing, the rain aff ects your day, and you likely have an opinion about it,” said Robinett. NEED PRUNE TARTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS? Suomi Hall auxiliary workers are taking orders. One dozen frozen (ready to bake) tarts is $20. Call 503-440-9002 to place your order by December 7. Shop Local this holiday season • Digital Holly Jolly Gift Guide • Links to Holly Jolly Advertisers • Holly Jolly Gift Guide e-edition www.discoverourcoast.com/holly_jolly_guide/ Register your subscription for unlimited digital access at 800-781-3214