Seattle has a reputation for craft beer, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more craft beer-dense neighborhood in Seattle than Ballard.
I should know, I lived in Ballard for years and watched breweries come, go, expand, and grow.
Again, there are many great breweries in Seattle, but this article is going to 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 I’m sure there are some that will open in Ballard and I’ll inveitably miss because I haven’t updated the article yet. Oh well. In any case, here’s a list of the best breweries in Ballard, ranked in terms of my personal favorites.
1.Stoup Brewing
One of the few great spots located on NW 52nd St, Stoup is a great spot to get an IPA or lager and enjoy the outdoors. They have a large outdoor patio with a cool firepit, and they often have popups 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. Oh, 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, 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 taking over…I can’t remember what brewery was here, but it was terrible. 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
I’ve loved Urban Family since their Magnolia days, but their second stop in Ballard has cemented them as one of the top breweries in Seattle. 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
I applaud Lucky Envelope for doing what they do. Located on 50th, LE takes traditional beers and puts a little spin on them, whether that be a seasonal beer to celebrate the Lunar New Year or their year-round Raspberry Sour. Fun fact — my friend once told me the bartenders would mix him the 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 will 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 doesn’t have a ton of character, but it’s not like it’s a terrible place to be hanging out.
9. Old Stove Brewing
When Hilliards left, we got Lagunitas. When Lagunitas left, we got Old Stove. Old Stove takes over this massive spot with plenty to do. This location is basically just a playground for beer drinkers. However, Old Stove’s beer just doesn’t scratch that itch for me the way other locations in Ballard do.
10. Obec Brewing
I really want to love Obec. They’re on the same street as Stoup and Urban Family, and they specialize in Czech-style beers. The taproom is awesome and makes great use of old pallets. But…the beer just doesn’t do it for me. That being said, if you like pilsners, it’s worth stopping by to try Obec’s.
11. Great Notion Brewing
I know people love Great Notion but I find all their beers to be sort of sweet. Does that make sense? Also, the Ballard location isn’t really that charming, though the location on 14th makes it easy to stop by if you’re going from Reuben’s to 52nd.
12. Bickersons Brewhouse
I don’t know what it is with this location, but it just screams “awesome spot, mediocre beer.” Maybe I’m judging too harshly, but I don’t think people come here for the beer. The location is maybe the best for outdoor drinking, and they have direct access to Mean Sandwich.
Honorable Mentions
“Honorable Mentions” means that I didn’t include them in the list for some specific reason (which I’ll list below), but I still consider it a go-to spot for craft beer or a good drink in Ballard. Ok, the list.
- Rooftop Brewing and Maritime Brewing. I just don’t come to these locations, but I liked Rootop’s old spot.
- Trailbend Taproom. Technically a taproom (albeit with good food and a great location).
- Skal Beer Hall. They might not brew themselves, but they have some drinks made specifically for this location.
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