Seattle has a reputation for craft beer, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more craft-beer-dense neighborhood than Ballard.
I should know; I lived in Ballard for years and watched breweries come, go, expand, and grow.
There are many great breweries in Seattle, but let’s focus on breweries that you can find (and enjoy) in Ballard.
Best Breweries in Ballard
Ballard is spoiled with great beer and fantastic spots, and it’s tough to find a bad spot to get a beer. Here are my top spots to enjoy some craft beer in Ballard.
1. Stoup Brewing
One of several great spots on NW 52nd St, Stoup is a great place to grab an IPA or lager and enjoy the outdoors. They have a large outdoor patio with a cool fire pit, and they often host pop-ups where you can buy odds and ends. My favorite part of Stoup is the upstairs area, which has a separate bar and a nice balcony. They have a meat vending machine, too!
2. Reuben’s Brews
Sitting on 14th, Reuben’s is a mainstay in Ballard. Honestly, I don’t think the Ballard beer scene would be anything like it is today without Reuben’s. This spot has great IPAs and a fantastic line of seltzers. Just down the road is their barrel house, a smaller spot where you can try some more unconventional brews.
3. Fair Isle Brewing
If you like Jester King and farmhouse beers, Fair Isle is the spot to go. Their saisons, sours, and similar styles are all fantastic. While their taproom isn’t my favorite, it’s definitely worth dropping by to pick up a bottle or two.
4. Bale Breaker/Yonder Cider
Bale Breaker broke into the Ballard beer scene by moving into a huge location with a great indoor and outdoor area. Together with Yonder Cider, Bale Breaker took this awesome space and made it yet another go-to spot for great beer in the neighborhood.
5. Urban Family Brewing
Urban Family has cemented itself as one of the top breweries in Seattle, not just in Ballard. They have a cozy outdoor space, and while they have a cool upstairs, I often find that it’s way too crowded. But the beer is really good here, and its location right across the street from Stoup makes it easy to hit two of Seattle’s best breweries in one quick visit.
6. Lucky Envelope Brewing
Located on 50th, Lucky Envelope takes traditional beers and puts a little spin on them, whether that’s a seasonal beer to celebrate Lunar New Year or their year-round Raspberry Sour. My favorite beer I ever had here was an IPA made with Buddha’s hand, to give you an idea of the types of flavors they experiment with.
Fun fact: my friend once told me the bartenders would mix him a Raspberry Sour and a Peanut Butter Stout they had on tap. I didn’t believe him. He asked the bartender if they would mix the two beers. The bartender said no.
7. Cloudburst Brewing
Seattleites might be quick to say, “Cloudburst isn’t a Ballard brewery.” Yes, their main location is in Belltown, but their Ballard location fits in perfectly. Located on Shilshole, there really aren’t any other breweries super close by, making this an easy stop to pick if you’re out and about on Leary. The spot is surprisingly cozy, and the beer is always good.
8. Wheelie Pop Brewing
A newer brewery to the Ballard neighborhood, Wheelie Pop draws its inspiration from racing. They specialize in lighter beers (think lagers, pilsners, etc) and do an excellent job. The space is a little industrial and not the most charming, but it’s worth stopping by to try their beers.
9. Obec Brewing
Obec aims to tackle classic Czech and German styles. Their spot is cool and their pilsner is incredible, but a lot of their other beers leave something to be desired. If you like a good pilsner, it’s worth dropping in.
Beers to Try in Ballard
There are so many great beers brewed in Ballard, but here are some of my favorites worth highlighting:
Stoup Mosaic IPA: This is my favorite year-round beer at my favorite Ballard brewery, so I had to mention it. But if it’s on tap, get the Mixtap Romeo lager.
Obec Pilsner: If you’re stopping by Obec, this is the beer to get.
Bale Breaker Bottom Cutter IPA: Bale Breaker is best known for their IPAs, and this is their best IPA (in my opinion).
Fair Isle Bobbi Saison: You could honestly go with any saison at Fair Isle, but the Bobbi has been available every time I’ve stopped in.
Reuben’s Crushable Hazy Pale Ale: It’s a great pale ale. I’d also recommend trying whatever seltzer they have on tap.
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