Nightlife in Lents

A Cajun oasis in the Pacific Northwest, Roscoe's publicans serve a rotating, craftsman-forged selection of beers and a simmering kettle of Southern cuisine. Dining duos can plunk themselves down before two Happy Hour–size bowls of homemade chicken and andouille-sausage gumbo at even the most melancholy times and wash them down with a pint of masterfully brewed beer. Although constantly shifting, the beer menu may include such sip collections as the friskily hoppy, pineapple-accented RPM IPA from Boneyard or Pike Brewing's Dry Wit, a summery wheat named for the cutting remarks it makes about noses as it flows into mouths beneath them. Curious thirsts can be quenched with the ineffably tart yet buttery Ichtegem's Grand Cru, and Roscoe's authentic Southern-fare menu lays a sturdy foundation for all-night pool tournaments.

The cozy interior of the lounge provides an inviting backdrop for tossing back classics and discovering new favorites. Peruse the creative menu, or ask a friendly bartender for a suggestion that suits the mood. Soothe a sore throat by gargling an Ambassador—a boozy blend of absinthe, St. Germain, grapefruit bitters, and soda with grapefruit ($9)—or quench a dry mouth with a Corpse Reviver ($7.50), featuring brandy, Menta Branca, Fernet Branca, anise tincture, and a lemon twist. Those who would say something like "Give it to me straight, doc" can slam back The Local ($4), an unadulterated sip of Olympia beer plus a shot of house whiskey. Soak up potency with clever eats that include grilled flatbread sandwiches ($7–$9); spiced nuts ($2); and a green-apple, roasted-garlic, queso-fresco, and blue-cheese pizzeta ($6), among others.

Weird Bar's expert tenders serve a delicious selection of sips and snacks to eclectic bar hoppers within a triad of This, That, and The Other taprooms. Trek through the spirits sanctuaries to secure a well drink ($4.25), PBR ($2.50), microbrew ($3.75), or all three for ample ammo in case of surprise drink-offs. Famished refreshment finders can hang fang on a menu of chewables such as the house-made hummus with pita ($4.75) or the succulent Bacon Bleu burger ($6.75). Quadruple P Paninis, packed with the trappings of a pepperoni-provolone pizza, sate carnivorous appetites, while philly cheesesteaks provide stomachs and self-loathing cattle with a dairy-slathered delight ($7.75).

Hawthorne Hophouse’s gleaming silver taps serve as a temporary home for an ever-rotating collection of microbrews and small-batch craft beers brewed throughout the Pacific Northwest. Grab a seat at the bar and swig a dozen 2.5-ounce samples from local and upstart breweries such as Boneyard, Coalition, and Natian. Diners choose between the first dozen or second dozen of the 24 beers on tap, signing up their tongues for sweeping snippets of porters, IPAs, and ales. With two Groupons allowed per table, beersplorers can take the flight with a spirited co-pilot who can help them to detect fruit notes, offer contrasting critiques, and determine the ratio of international bittering units to raised eyebrows. Between samples, diners cleanse palates with a large plate of poutine—a spread of fresh-cut fries awash in vegetarian gravy and cheddar curds. Alternatively, diners can swap out poutine for a large plate of belgian fries sidekicked by tomato chutney (a $6 value).