Seattle's Best Brews: A Beer Lover's Guide

Seattle's beer scene is thriving, with new breweries and taphouses opening all the time. The city now has the most independent breweries in the country, with over 150 to choose from. From German lagers to Belgian ales, Scottish pale ales, New England IPAs, fruity stouts, and strong porters, there's a beer for everyone in Seattle.

If you're looking for the best places to drink beer in the Emerald City, here are some top spots to check out:

- The Beer Junction in West Seattle boasts one of the widest beer selections in the city, with over 1,300 options from more than 50 countries.

- Chuck's Hop Shop in Greenwood and the Central District offers a massive tap list and a rotating selection of food trucks in a kid- and dog-friendly environment.

- The Noble Fir in Ballard is a nature-lover's paradise, with a thoughtful tap list and a huge selection of local trail maps and guidebooks.

- Brouwer's Cafe in Fremont offers a range of domestic and international beers, including Belgians on tap and over 400 bottles to choose from.

- The Pine Box in Capitol Hill focuses on West Coast brews, with around 30 taps to choose from, as well as cocktails and tasty snacks.

- Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden in West Seattle features 30 taps of Washington-only beers and a spacious 3,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden.

- Georgetown Brewing Company, Washington's largest craft brewery, is a must-visit for beer lovers, with popular brews like Manny's and Bodhi.

- Stoup Brewing in Ballard is a local favourite, known for its Mosaic Pale Ale, Citra IPA, and Helles Lager.

- Holy Mountain Brewing Company, with locations in Interbay and Phinney Ridge, is known for its old-world-style sours, farmhouse ales, and pale ales.

- Fremont Brewing, one of the largest craft beer producers in Seattle, offers small-batch artisan beers made with locally sourced ingredients.

So, whether you're looking for a cosy pub, a vibrant taproom, or a spacious beer garden, Seattle has something for every beer lover.

Best Breweries in Seattle

Seattle is a city with a thriving beer scene, with over 150 breweries to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best breweries in the city:

Fremont Brewing Company

Fremont is one of the biggest craft breweries in Seattle, with distribution across the Pacific Northwest. Its Sky Kraken Pale Ale is closely associated with Seattle's NHL team. While you can find some of their beers in grocery stores, the taproom offers limited releases that you can only sample there. The brewery also has a spacious beer garden and a semi-secret back lounge.

Holy Mountain Brewing Company

Holy Mountain is one of the most impressive breweries in Seattle. Located in Interbay, it offers a range of old-world-style sours, farmhouse ales, and pale ales. The brewery has a sparse, whitewashed decor, allowing drinkers to focus on the unique profiles of the beers. Holy Mountain also has a second location in Phinney Ridge.

Georgetown Brewing Co

Georgetown is the largest independent brewery in Washington state. Ordering a "Manny's" or a "Bodhi" at a bar is as natural to Seattleites as going without an umbrella in the rain. The brewery offers a range of beers that you won't find in bars or stores, including an award-winning coffee cream ale.

Stoup Brewing

Stoup is a popular Ballard brewery known for its excellent beers and casual atmosphere. It has a wall covered in bumper stickers, and the bar shares a room with the massive beer-making tanks. Stoup also has a beer garden with a fire pit and a second bar.

Cloudburst Brewing

Cloudburst is one of the most popular breweries in Seattle among tourists and locals. It has two locations—one near Pike Place Market and a newer, more spacious spot in Ballard.

Fair Isle Brewing

Fair Isle stands out in the Ballard brewing district for its focus on naturally fermented farmhouse ales and balanced saisons. The taproom has a cozy, high-end vibe with dark wood and exposed rafters.

Urban Family Brewing Co

This Ballard brewery is known for its fruit-heavy sour ales, which make up about two-thirds of the menu. The space has plenty of seating, with a sizable upper loft and a front patio with fire pits.

The Dray

The Dray is a small, intimate beer bar made entirely of reclaimed wood. It usually has around two dozen seats and offers a great mix of familiar and unique beers on tap, along with rogue bottles of wine and baggies of Tim's chips.

Perihelion Brewery

Perihelion is a neighbourhood spot in Beacon Hill known for its great beer and solid American bar snacks. It has an outdoor fire pit, barrels everywhere, an open kitchen, and a woodsy feel.

The Noble Fir

The Noble Fir is a nature-themed bar in Ballard that offers a thoughtful tap list featuring beers from PNW breweries such as Aslan and Black Raven. It also has a huge selection of local trail maps and guidebooks.

The Beer Junction

The Beer Junction in West Seattle boasts one of the widest beer selections in the city, with over 1,300 domestic and imported options from more than 50 countries.

Best Beer Bars in Seattle

Seattle is a great place to be if you're a beer lover. The city is home to a wide variety of beer bars, from classic spots to hidden gems, all offering a unique drinking experience. Here is a list of some of the best beer bars in Seattle, Washington:

The Beer Junction

The Beer Junction, located in West Seattle, boasts one of the widest beer selections in the city, with over 1,300 domestic and imported options. The bar offers beers from more than 50 countries, as well as a few meads and ciders. It is the perfect place to explore different beer styles and discover new favourites. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide patrons through the extensive and ever-changing menu.

Chuck's Hop Shop

With locations in Greenwood and the Central District, Chuck's Hop Shop is a beer lover's paradise. The bar features a massive tap list covering a range of styles and breweries, with plenty of rotating options to keep things interesting. Both locations are kid- and dog-friendly, making them the perfect spot for a casual outing with the family. Chuck's also offers a comprehensive to-go selection for those who want to enjoy their drinks elsewhere.

Brouwer's Cafe

Located in Fremont, Brouwer's Cafe is a beer enthusiast's dream come true. The bar offers a wide range of beers, including Belgian, Austrian, English, German, and American options. In addition to the extensive tap list, Brouwer's also boasts a list of 400 expertly sourced bottles from domestic and international breweries. The food menu is just as impressive, featuring delicious twists on pub classics, such as Penn Cove mussels in a Wittekerke-based cream sauce.

The Noble Fir

The Noble Fir, nestled in Ballard, is the perfect spot for nature lovers and beer enthusiasts alike. The bar, opened by a pair of nature-loving beer geeks, offers a thoughtful tap list featuring beers from PNW breweries such as Aslan, Black Raven, and Urban Family. The real draw, however, is the bar's extensive collection of local trail maps and guidebooks, making it the perfect place to plan your next outdoor adventure.

Stoup

Stoup, a Ballard staple, is a no-frills, garage-style brewery that feels like drinking beer with friends. The bar features a rotating selection of beautifully balanced beers, including the popular Citra IPA, which tastes like "sunshine in a glass." The best part? Stoup has a bonus beer garden around the corner with a fire pit and a second bar for those chilly Seattle nights.

Fremont Brewing Company

Fremont Brewing Company is a classic for a reason. With a series of small-batch artisan beers made with local ingredients, this brewery is at the centre of Seattle's brewing universe. Highlights include the Universale Pale Ale, a unique Northwest take on the classic pale ale, and the Interurban Pale, named after Fremont's famous outdoor sculpture. The Urban Beer Garden is the perfect spot to enjoy one of their seasonal or special release beers.

So, whether you're looking for a wide selection, a cosy atmosphere, or unique and innovative beers, Seattle has something for every beer lover.

Best Beer Gardens in Seattle

Seattle is home to a plethora of breweries with outdoor spaces, making it challenging to choose the best beer gardens. Here is a list of some of the top spots to consider:

Citizen Cafe Campfire Beer Garden

Located in Lower Queen Anne, Citizen Cafe transforms from a typical coffee and food spot to a unique beer garden experience. Open from Wednesday to Friday from 4:00 pm onwards and on Saturdays from 2:00 pm until close, you can savour beer, wine, and boozy slushies on their spacious, sunny patio. It is adorned with fire pits and games, creating a fun and cosy atmosphere.

Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden

Nestled in Fremont, this leafy beer garden offers a mini jungle oasis within the city. It is highly dog-friendly and often hosts delicious food pop-ups. Its proximity to Gas Works Park makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll before or after your visit.

Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden

This West Seattle taproom and beer garden welcomes pets and guests of all ages, making it a popular weekend hangout spot. They exclusively serve local brews, wine, and cider on over 30 taps, and frequently host food pop-ups and DJs. If you're looking for some fun and games, they also have cornhole!

Rhein Haus Seattle

Rhein Haus Seattle boasts a charming outdoor biergarten equipped with fire pits and a bocce court, providing a perfect setting for a fun day out with friends. They offer a variety of local and German beers, along with delicious sausages and pretzels, making it a must-visit destination for beer and food enthusiasts.

Queen Anne Beer Hall

Queen Anne Beer Hall brings the authentic European beer hall experience to Seattle. It features a spacious 7,000-square-foot hall with communal tables, fostering a lively and friendly atmosphere. They offer an extensive selection of local and international beers, along with classic beer hall fare, including soft Bavarian pretzels and grilled sausages. It's an ideal spot for group events and live music, enhancing your beer garden experience.

With so many fantastic options, you're sure to find the perfect beer garden to suit your tastes and preferences in Seattle.

Best Beer Halls in Seattle

Seattle's beer scene is thriving, with pubs, retail shops, and beer halls stepping up their game. Here is a list of some of the best beer halls in Seattle, Washington:

Queen Anne Beerhall

The Queen Anne Beerhall brings an authentic European beer hall experience to Seattle. It features a 7,000-square-foot hall with communal tables, where friends and strangers can mingle in a lively and friendly atmosphere. They offer over 25 premium draft beers, including a large selection of local Seattle breweries and beers from around the world. The food menu blends classic beer hall fare with incredible cuisine from the Pacific Northwest, such as soft Bavarian pretzels, grilled sausages, wings, burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches.

Skål Beer Hall

Skål Beer Hall is inspired by the Viking mead halls of the Nordic countries. It is a rustic, old-world tavern that serves a rotating lineup of craft beer, a vast selection of mead, and cocktails featuring the Scandinavian spirit aquavit. The Nordic-inspired food menu explores the flavours of the sea, woods, and farm, with plates designed to pair perfectly with your drink. They also offer Viking feasts, unique events, and a Mug Club with special benefits for members.

The Pike Brewing Company

The Pike Brewing Company is an independent artisan brewery that was established in 1989. They have two regionally oriented eateries, The Pike Pub and Tankard & Tun, located in downtown Seattle's Pike Place Market district. The Pike Brewing Company offers a locally sourced menu, seasonal beers, tours of their on-site brewery, and even a beer museum. Their beers can be found in stores, but a visit to their labyrinthine brewery is a must for any beer enthusiast.

Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden

Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden is a specialty taproom and beer garden in the West Seattle neighbourhood. They offer a changing selection of Washington-only beer, cider, and wine on 30 taps, all in a pleasant and trendy indoor/outdoor venue that is open to people of all ages and pets. Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden has a spacious 3,000-square-foot outdoor space and is a popular destination for locals looking to enjoy local craft beer.

Rhein Haus Seattle

Rhein Haus Seattle offers a bier hall, an indoor dining room, and an outdoor biergarten. They have bocce courts and do not require reservations for the bier hall or biergarten.

TeKu Tavern

TeKu Tavern is a modern beer bar and shop with 50 taps and seating for up to 180 people. They offer a wide variety of global brews arranged by flavour profile, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their extensive selection. TeKu Tavern is passionate about beer and committed to storing, caring for, and presenting their beers properly to ensure an optimal tasting experience.

Best Beer for a Sunny Day in Seattle

Seattle is a city with a thriving beer culture, and there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect brew for a sunny day. Here are some top recommendations for beers to enjoy in the Emerald City when the sun is shining:

Stoup Brewing Citra IPA

Stoup Brewing's Citra IPA is like "sunshine in a glass." This American-style strong pale ale is light and citrusy, with aromas of tropical fruit. It's the perfect choice for a sunny day, offering a refreshing and easy-drinking experience.

Georgetown Brewing Company Bodhizafa

If you're looking for something hoppy but not too bitter, Georgetown Brewing Company's Bodhizafa is a great option. As Washington's largest craft brewery, they know a thing or two about making excellent beer. Bodhizafa is a citrus-hopped IPA that's perfect for a sunny day, with a crisp and refreshing taste.

Holy Mountain Brewing

Holy Mountain Brewing is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. Their taproom and limited supply of cans include a wide range of IPAs and lagers. Their beers are known for their unique profiles, and the taproom itself is sparse and whitewashed, allowing you to focus on the complex flavours of their brews.

Lucky Envelope Brewing Blood Orange IPA

For a fruity twist on a classic IPA, Lucky Envelope Brewing's Blood Orange IPA is an excellent choice. This brewery is one of the newer additions to the Ballard beer scene, and their picnic tables are the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day with friends.

Old Stove Brewing Co.

Located off Western Avenue at Pike Place Market, Old Stove Brewing Co. offers stunning views of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and marine fleets. Their brews include a variety of options, such as the Hell Hawk Stout, American Lager, Old Stove Pilsner, and Piston Hondo Double IPA. Enjoy their seasonally rotating menu and pair your beer with delicious food and a beautiful sunset.

So, there you have it! These are just a few of the many fantastic beers that Seattle has to offer. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or something with a bit more flavour, these beers are sure to enhance your sunny day in the city.

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