When you think of Seattle, you might be tempted to make some awful joke about being sleepless. I know I am, and I’ve never even seen the movie. But I’m also tempted to think about the Seattle beer scene because it is POPPING!
Yes, Seattle is home to plenty of things. A football team, a baseball team, the Space Needle, some other landmarks, blah blah blah. When you’re a self-anointed beer snob like I am, you’re looking for one thing: a brewery you can sit in for hours on end, crying tears of joy into the complimentary pretzels while you finish your eighth saison.
For locals, visitors, and beer snobs alike, here’s a quick spotlight on the Emerald City.
Best Craft Beer In Seattle
Those within the Northwest/West Coast realm probably know about Elysian Brewing. I’m going to go ahead and gloss right over it since you can buy it in tons of different places, all thanks to a term known as “selling out.” However, if you see them sitting in your local stores, they’re all worth a try.
Fremont Brewing
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle that has a beer focus, the number one recommendation has to be Fremont Brewing. Not only does Fremont successfully produce year-round beers that please, but they’re also among the best in the nation when it comes to barrel aging their brews. And they have solid non-alcoholic offerings, too!
Cloudburst Brewing
For touristy people going to Pike Place Market, Cloudburst Brewing is a must. Tucked in what I assume is an old garage, Cloudburst creates some of the purest beers in the area. There’s also a second location in Ballard now, which as a side note, check out the best breweries in Ballard if you’re going to be in the area.
Holy Mountain Brewing
Another staple that Seattle beer lovers already know about is Holy Mountain Brewing. The Interbay location can feel a little out of the way, but a recently added location in Phinney Ridge is much more accessible and carries all the same beer (as far as I can tell).
Urban Family Brewing
I also wouldn’t be able to write anything Seattle-beer related without mentioning my favorite gem, Urban Family Brewing. Their beers are designed to be new and unique, often breaking the mold of what you might expect from a sour or IPA. You truly can’t get anything like their beer anywhere else in the world, as far as I know. They also have a new location opening soon near Pike Place, so check that out!
Stoup Brewing
Another favorite of mine in Ballard (I’m biased, get over it!) is Stoup Brewing. I can’t put my finger on the exact reason I love Stoup, but it’s probably a combination of the location, the space, the beer, and the vending machine full of meat.
Georgetown Brewing
Did I mention that this list is in no particular order? Georgetown Brewing was once just an odd spot where you could buy cans, fill a growler, and get a few “tasters” of beer. Now they have a full-blown taproom, which honestly was long overdue. Regardless, you can find cans and taps of their beer (including my favorite, Johnny Utah) all around the city.
Fair Isle Brewing
Last one I’m adding to this list is Fair Isle Brewing. Think Jester Kings meets PNW. Their brews range from delicious farmhouse to saison to…more saisons, to…OK they have a lot of saisons, but I promise that they’re all very good!
In truth, you can find happiness in just about any brewery in Seattle. There are only a few that I haven’t enjoyed – and to be honest, I know people who love those breweries, so I don’t need to badmouth them.
Other places that deserve love:
- Reuben’s Brewery
- Old Stove Brewing
- Ravenna Brewing
- Wheelie Pop Brewing
- Seapine Brewing
Beers To Drink In Seattle
Honestly, you have to try something seasonal in Seattle since the best beers often are not produced year-round. But I’ll rattle off a handful beers you need to try:
- Fremont Brewing Interurban IPA
- Holy Mountain The Seer
- Elysian Space Dust IPA
- Seapine IPA
- Georgetown Johnny Utah Pale Ale
- Hellbent Funky Red Patinah
Anyway, if you’ve made it this far you’re probably saying, “Hey, where’s MY favorite brewery!” Well, not only did I not name every brewery I like, but I haven’t tried every brewery! If there’s a cool new spot I should know about, let me know in the comments and I’ll be sure to visit next time I’m in Seattle.
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