Stop at Wig Wam Pub for Lunch and a Beer

If you’ve ever driven the winding “Gorst S-curves” between Bremerton and Port Orchard, you’ve seen the Wig Wam Pub. It’s the building with a legacy as deep as the Sinclair Inlet. But the Wig Wam Pub isn’t just a bar; it’s a historic landmark that has been a “gathering place” for Kitsap County since 1933.

The Wig Wam Pub is the soul of Gorst, blending 90 years of history with some of the best Texas-style BBQ in the Pacific Northwest. Here is why you need to pull off the highway, grab a stool, and stay a bit for lunch and a beer.

Wig Wam Pub is a History Born of Logs and Luck

The original Wig Wam Pub was a log cabin built at the head of the inlet to serve shipyard workers and lumber mill hands. While that original structure burned down in 1953, the “new” building (built in 1955) carries the torch.

After a few years of being closed and condemned, the pub was revived in 2012 by a group of Navy veterans and their families. They didn’t just fix the roof; they restored the spirit of the place, bringing back the iconic “gathering place” atmosphere that had defined Gorst for decades.

Texas BBQ in the Heart of Kitsap

You don’t come to the Wig Wam Pub for standard “pub grub.” You come for the smoker. The kitchen is famous for its authentic Texas-style BBQ, a tradition brought up from the Lone Star State by the owners’ family.

The Can’t-Miss Bites:

• The Beef Brisket: Rubbed, smoked low and slow, and served tender enough to fall apart if you look at it too hard.
• Texas Chili: Purists, rejoice, this is the real deal. No beans, just bold beef, southwest spices, and a serious amount of heart.
• The “Wiggy” Pickles: House-made, sweet, and spicy. They’ve become so popular that they have a cult following all their own.
• The Nachos: Topped with that famous chili and pulled pork, these are a “shareable” that you’ll likely want to keep for yourself.

Deep Draft Brewing: The “New” Tradition

Just behind the historic pub sits Deep Draft Brewing, the 2019 expansion that turned this corner of Gorst into a full-blown craft beer destination.

While the Wig Wam Pub itself is a 21+ sanctuary, the Deep Draft taproom is all-ages, making it a perfect spot for families. They pour 12 house-brewed taps, ranging from crisp lagers to the “Fleet Landing” inspired ales that pay homage to Bremerton’s naval heritage.

Wee Tip: Don’t miss their house-made draft Root Beer; it’s a favorite for kids and designated drivers alike.

The Vibe: 21+ Community and Comedy

The interior of the Wig Wam Pub is a treasure trove of local history. The walls are covered in vintage photos, old neon signs, and “antiques” donated by regulars who have been drinking there for fifty years.

• Wednesday Comedy Nights: One of the best-kept secrets in Kitsap. The Wig Wam Pub hosts a weekly open mic comedy night that brings in some of the best rising talent from the Seattle scene.
• Texas Tuesdays: Look for “Outlaw Country” jams and special BBQ menu items that only appear once a week.
• The “Drydock” Stage: During the warmer months, the outdoor stage (The Drydock) hosts acoustic rock and country artists, making it the perfect place to watch the sun set over the inlet.

Know Before You Go

Parking: There is a decent-sized lot, but it can get packed during “TX Tuesday” or weekend BBQ rushes.

Location: 3548 W Belfair Valley Rd, Bremerton (Gorst), WA.

The Age Limit: The Pub is 21+ only, but the Deep Draft Brewing taproom behind it is All-Ages.