Four years ago a collection of brave souls embarked on a great project. They did it not for gold or glory, but because it was my birthday and they're nice people who would indulge something ridiculous. They were taking part in the first Drink the Link
Drink the Link celebrates the truely great joys in life: day drinking and public transportation. For every stop on Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, the participants visit a nearby bar or restaurant and enjoy a drink. Until last year the idea of actually completing it seemed like a total farce. Then, against all odds, last year a stalwart crew accomplished the feat. Of course this stalwart crew is more accurately described as a bunch of lunatics, so feel free to jump in and duck out whenever you see fit if you're weighed down by things like dignity.
| Arrival Time | Station | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Angle Lake | Silver Dollar Casino |
| Yes it's a long way from the station. On the mean, or at least pedestrian-unfriendly, streets of SeaTac, we're just lucky to have a place to get a drink that begins serving at 6. | ||
| 10:00 | SeaTac Airport | That wine bar before security |
| Last year it was called "that awful wine bar before security". But it wasn't awful! It was just fine! | ||
| 11:00 | Tukwila International Boulevard | Star Coffee |
| Sometimes you want to drink ersatz rum and Cokes—that are likely rubbing alcohol and Pepsis—paid for by the infamous Moses and his bell-ringing ways. Sometimes you want get through Tukwila an hour earlier because you're Drinking the Link. Star Coffee is just perfect for the latter. | ||
| 12:00 | Rainier Beach | Ethio Emperor Restaurant and Bar |
| Last year Ethio Emperor greeted us with a chained-up door. Hope springs eternal, though. Maybe this year the posted hours will hold true and there won't be an asterisk on this year's results (if you believe in such things). | ||
| 13:00 | Othello | Taco Street |
| Getting a little hungry at this point? There's no better snack than a taco and a bottle of beer. | ||
| 14:00 | Columbia City | Billiard Hoang |
| Except maybe a banh mi and a beer. | ||
| 15:00 | Mt. Baker | Cafe Ibex |
| A stop at Cafe Ibex has been a part of every Drink the Link. From the early days of Drink the Link 1—sitting at the bar several hours behind and realizing there was no possible way to finish, to its current role as a place to eat a tasty mid-journey communal meal, it never disappoints. | ||
| 16:00 | Beacon Hill | Perihelion Brewery |
| Maybe it will be a nice day! Maybe we can sit outside and enjoy some nice beers! | ||
| 17:00 | SODO | Orient Express |
| It's trains! IT'S TRAINS! Beware the mai tai. | ||
| 18:00 | Stadium | Pyramid Alehouse |
| It is not a house made of ale, per se, but a house where ale is consumed. Actually it's not even a house. Good fries. | ||
| 19:00 | International District/Chinatown | Fort St. George |
| There is plum wine and chicken. | ||
| 20:00 | Pioneer Square | Collins Pub |
| Last year, Collins Pub was redeemed by being open during its posted hours. It was perfectly wonderful and I had a nice time. | ||
| 21:00 | University Street | Diller Room |
| Fine bar. | ||
| 22:00 | Westlake | Retro Restaurant and Lounge |
| Due to an unfortunate leaving-a-person-behind incident that is of no fault of the bar, this year, the buddy system will be employed here. Please keep your buddy in sight. | ||
| 23:00 | Capitol Hill | Nacho Boracho |
| Yeah it's a chaotic madhouse, but it's close to the stop. Time is of the essence. You can always step out and get Dick's. | ||
| 00:00 | University of Washington | College Inn Pub |
| We did it! There's a fire in the fireplace and we're enjoying a nice beverage. Maybe having a nice cigarette outside. You've done a great job and everyone is very proud of you. | ||