Bothell Like a Local: Dustin Urlacher of The Hop & Hound

Ask Dustin Urlacher how he ended up running a craft beer bar in downtown Bothell, and the story starts with a mortgage lending career, a shifting interest rate market, and one well-timed pint at The Hop & Hound. What began as a casual conversation with the previous owner turned into a full ownership change at the start of 2025 — and a new chapter for a bar already beloved for its all-local beer and cider lineup.

In this installment of our Bothell Like a Local series, Dustin Urlacher shares what's stayed the same, what's changed, and why fresh hop season might be the best time of year to stop by.

[Q] What led you to take over The Hop & Hound at the start of 2025? Were you a previous employee or regular before taking it over?

“In 2020, during the COVID Pandemic, I got into the residential mortgage lending business. During the Pandemic, interest rates dipped to the 2 and 3% range, but steadily climbed into the 7s after. Because of that, my business was difficult in 2023 and 2024 and I needed something else to do. I would say I was semi-regular to The Hop and Hound. I knew the owners’ names and liked the vibe and great beer selection there. I was having a beer there one afternoon in 2024, literally thinking about what a good next job/career for me would be. On that day I found out the bar was for sale from a conversation I was having with the owner. He told me they were putting it up for sale and said to pass it along if I knew anyone who might be interested. I don’t think he knew that I was the one interested.”

[Q] The Hop and Hound already had a loyal following and a strong identity before you took over. Were there some aspects you felt determined to preserve, and others you felt comfortable putting your own stamp on?

“I really wanted to keep the great selection and commitment to carrying only local craft beer. The PNW is a craft beer and cider ‘hot spot’ and we want to showcase that great local scene as much as we can. The previous owners also leaned into the fantastic music that made Seattle so famous. They played “grunge” almost exclusively. While I also grew up with that music and still do really like it, one of the things I felt okay changing was the music selection. We let the beertenders control the music so every day is a little different, and I think the customers have really enjoyed the variety of music we hear now.”

[Q] How has being part of the historic Downtown Bothell stretch shaped how you run the place day to day?

“I love being part of Downtown Bothell. Since I took over in 2025, we have been a stop at the Chamber of Commerce’s many wine walks and community events. I have enjoyed getting to know other local business owners in the Downtown corridor, and am always looking for more ways to connect with them so we all thrive.”

[Q] Now that you have almost 2 years of ownership experience, what's surprised (or delighted!) you most about running The Hop & Hound? 

“I have really enjoyed getting to know the regulars at The Hop & Hound. We have become friends and now I feel like I see someone I know at random places almost every day. They really care about the place and I have been delighted with the sense of connection I feel when I am there.”

[Q] How do you approach curating the beer selection — especially when it comes to seasonal brews? Any seasonal flavors you’re most looking forward to sharing this fall?

“We carry about 150 different beers at any given time and while I would love to, I can’t try them all. I often tell people I try to only carry the stuff you won’t find in the grocery store, and I stick to that as much as possible. We have so many wonderful breweries and cideries right here in Washington that it is pretty easy to fill the fridges and draft lines with a little something for every palate. People’s tastes and preferences change seasonally so I select different styles to meet that demand. Fall is probably the most important season in the beer world. We have German-inspired fest biers for Oktoberfest. Pumpkin beers and spiced ciders make their annual appearance. And a uniquely PNW tradition of fresh hop beer is happening right now. Local breweries travel to the hop farms and pick up freshly harvested hops and get them into the brew within 24 hours. This brings out incredible flavors and aromas and is only possible in areas that are close to where the hops are grown. I love this time of year!”

[Q] Do you have dogs of your own? If so, where are some of your favorite spots to take them around Bothell?

“Yes, I have a 4-year-old Golden Retriever named Luna. I don’t bring her every day, but your best chance to meet her is on a Tuesday afternoon. We open at 1pm and I am usually there with Luna enjoying the company of a group of folks that like to meet at The Hop & Hound on Tuesdays. I enjoy taking her to the park that was formerly Wayne golf course. It’s big with tons of trails and places for dogs to sniff. I also like the pop-up dog park at The Park at Bothell Landing for its convenience.”

[Q] If someone's spending a few days in Bothell for the first time and they stop by The Hop & Hound, where do you recommend they go next?  

“It depends on what they are looking to do. If they want a nice dinner, I usually recommend the Kro-Bar or The Cottage. If they want to chill and play some games, Zulu’s is a great place to do that. If they are going to be here on a Wednesday, I would tell them to come back to The Hop & Hound for Trivia night at 6:30pm. It’s free and there is a great vibe. Ashley, the host, makes it fun and entertaining.”

[Q] What does being a Bothell local mean to you?

“I have lived in Bothell for 20 years and have seen it grow and change during that time. I love living here, but prior to owning The Hop & Hound, I don’t think I ever experienced the sense of community that I do now. I have enjoyed becoming part of what makes our community so special.”

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Header image provided by @lil_stellaroo