North Fork Beer Shrine  | Whatcom County |  |
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Address 6186 Mt. Baker Highway Deming, WA 98244 599-BEER |
Hours Mon-Fri 2:00pm - 9:30pm Sat Noon - 9:30pm Sun 2:00pm - 9:00pm |
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Get off I-5 at Sunset Drive, and head east--the road soon becomes the Mount Baker Highway. Keep on going until you reach Deming. The Shrine is on your left.
Description:
I was getting tired toward the end of my cross-country ski run out at Salmon Ridge a few weeks ago. The only thing that kept my legs moving was knowing that we would be stopping for beer and pizza on the way home. Between Mount Baker and Bellingham, there is only one place to go - the North Fork Beer Shrine and Pizzeria in Deming.
If you’ve never been there before or never noticed it on your trips out to Mount Baker, it’s not surprising. From the road, the Beer Shrine looks just like any other large county tavern. But inside, you see immediately that it is a true shrine to beer and the art of brewing. Ancient beer bottles of all shapes and sizes line the walls of the restaurant. I also realized this was a serious pizza joint when I noticed the red checkered table cloths and the pizza stands resting on each table, ready to receive the made-to-order pie, yet leaving enough space on the table for pitchers of beer.
North Fork serves only self-brewed beer. There are several brews to choose from including the English Mild, Amber Wheat, Dry Stout, and I.P.A, among others. After tasting the Wheat Amber and the English Mild, I selected the latter because it was a real thirst-quencher, which you just can’t beat after skiing.
Pizza can be ordered by the slice or you can choose from a large variety of toppings to add to a 12- or 18-inch pie. My companion and I ordered the 12-inch, she had her side topped with anchovies, mushrooms, and gorgonzola cheese and I, being more of the traditionalist, went for straight peperoni. Our pizza arrived quickly and we abandoned our conversation to appease our empty bellies. The pizza was simply heaven on my palate and a description just won't do it justice, so go and try it out for yourself.
The Shrine is a more than worthy place to pay homage to great beer and excellent pizza, and I plan on becoming a regular pilgrim.
Written By: Hilary Higgins
Features
Wheelchair Accessible
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Dinner
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Takes Reservations
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Beer and Wine
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Lunch
Comments
One thing to note about the North Fork Brewery is that they don't "bottle." You can, however, get a jug (maybe a gallon?)and have it filled with your favorite beer for about $8. They have about 16 different brews that they cycle through throughout the year, leaving about 8 on tap at any given time. I've tried most of them, and they are all excellent. My favorite is one called "Son Of Frog." If you find it, give it a taste.
- Mike on Sun, April 6, 2008
This is the best pizza you will find up here, no question. The atmosphere is welcoming, the food is delicious, the portions are big and the prices are reasonable. The only thing that ever bothered me in the past about this place was the smoking, but since that's against the law now, i am ALWAYS here and its out of my way. But you can't beat the staff and the food, and of course don't forget the awesome tasty beer!
- Cara on Fri, September 21, 2007
There are some places which simply function as centers of being. The North Fork Beer Shrine is one. I spent 8 weeks this past summer in the Bellingham area, attending a seminar at WWU. Since seminar work is minimal and time to hike the North Cascades maximal, the North Fork served as a welcome end of trail oasis and center of worship. There is no better brew pub beer in America and I had sampled throughout the country. The food is excellent, the ambience busy, and the service and owners are first rate. Mt Ranier? Forget it! Capitol Hill? Nope? The San Juans? Nice to look at, but never pass up an opportunity to go the the shrine.
- Steve Eikenbery on Thu, December 5, 2002
This is just one of those places that you can slide into a comfy bar stool and be sure to strick up a conversation with just about everyone within your proximity! Vicki- proprietress and ultimate brew goddess- has a knack for making her customers feel not only at home but for bringing a mischevous and lively element to the Shrine. Ask anyone who's been and they will probably tell you that she serves up the BEST pizza and beer around. DEFINITELY worth the drive. This is somewhere I can come with my ski and hiking buddies as well as my kids, anytime of year. Thanks for being, guys. DENISE Special thanks to Sandy and Eric for slaving away in the barrel-house.
- Denise Irey on Tue, August 6, 2002
And now for the bad news, for those of you who care about such things- lots of cigarette smoke (its a tavern),very limited seating, and people who stand waiting for tables ( no seats for waiters)stare at you malevolently wondering why you are taking so long to eat.
- Bill Hopkins on Sat, March 18, 2000
This is a wonderful restaurant. The staff is very friendly and the food is excellent!!!
The beer is awesome. The salads are my favourite.
- Annie Goose on Sat, March 4, 2000
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