Spotlight Archives | Short Brews

Best Breweries In Seattle

Thomas Short — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:22:50 +0000

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. 10 Best Breweries In Seattle 1. Fremont Brewing Fremont Brewing has long been my top recommendation for Seattle beer. Odds are that if you’re visiting, you might have flown Alaska Airlines in and had a chance to try some special brews by Fremont. The taproom is right across the street from Lake Washington and has my favorite brewery vibes in the city. Lush IPA and the Golden Pilsner are both safe picks, but try their barrel-aged beer or rotating taps for something new and interesting. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Short Brews Beer Blog (@shortbrews) 2. Cloudburst Brewing With locations in the popular Ballard neighborhood and touristy Pike Place Market area, Cloudburst Brewing should be easy to find if you’re visiting. The head brewer came from Elysian Brewing, so their specialty is definitely IPAs. However, don’t expect something super bitter like Elysian’s Space Dust IPA. If you’re looking for a juicy hazy IPA, you should add Cloudburst to your list. 3. Holy Mountain Brewing One of the most popular breweries among locals, Holy Mountain Brewing is best known for its incredible barrel-aged beers. If you want something more traditional, their saisons and ales are worth ordering. The original Interbay location isn’t super easy to get to, but there’s another newer spot in Phinney Ridge which is much more accessible. 4. Stoup Brewing My personal favorite in Ballard, Stoup Brewing has an awesome location and great assortment of well-done beers. The IPAs are good, but I recommend going with whatever rotating lager they have on draft. If you find Mixtape Romeo, be sure to order that first! Stoup recently opened another location in Capitol Hill which I haven’t had a chance to check out, but it’s good to see more breweries entering that neighborhood. 5. Georgetown Brewing There was a time when visiting Georgetown Brewing was nearly pointless, since the taproom didn’t actually sell pints to drink on site. However, this storied Seattle staple has since opened a legitimate taproom that’s modern and thoughtfully designed. Outside of the space, Seattleites will tell you that Georgetown has long been one of the best breweries in the city. You can find Manny’s pale ale pretty much everywhere, but my favorite is Johnny Utah pale ale. 6. Seapine Brewing If you’re planning on going to a Mariners, Sounders, or Seahawks game in Seattle, make sure to stop by Seapine Brewing. Hands down the best spot in SoDo, Seapine’s taproom is unassuming but large enough to enjoy with a big group. They brew a little bit of everything, but I always get the Seapine IPA or Pilsner, both of which you can probably find on tap in bars around the city. 7. Urban Family Brewing I’ve loved Urban Family since they were in Magnolia, and their Ballard spot is bound to be a destination if you’re planning on brewery hopping in that neighborhood. Urban Family makes exceptional sours, with Guava Dawn being a long-time favorite. They make good IPAs, but I recommend getting one of their lighter beers, like a saison or lager, if you aren’t into sours. 8. Ravenna Brewing If your trip to Seattle takes you near the University of Washington, go a little bit north of U Village and check out Ravenna Brewing. Ravenna Brewing’s taproom has such a classic brewery atmosphere, with great indoor and outdoor seating. They don’t brew tons of options, but I’ve never had a beer from Ravenna Brewing that I didn’t enjoy. 9. Reuben’s Brews Another local favorite, Reuben’s Brews essentially started what is now the Ballard Brewing District and have since expanded to add a location in Downtown Seattle. Crikey! IPA and Hazalicious have been mainstays on the menu for years and are both excellent. However, if you need a break from beer, order one of Reuben’s hard seltzers. They’re the best in the city, and you can buy cans from most local grocery stores. 10. Elysian Brewing It’s impossible to pick the best breweries in Seattle without mentioning Elysian Brewing. From the Space Dust IPA to the Men’s Room Red, Elysian has served quality craft beer to the Seattle community for decades. I know that selling out ot AB InBev rubbed a lot of locals the wrong way, but Elysian’s quality hasn’t dropped off since the sale. The Capitol Hill location was the first Seattle Brewery I ever visited, so I do have good memories there and may be a little biased. But odds are that you’ve had Elysian before, so if you want to try it at the source, stop by for a pint. Where to Brewery Hop in Seattle One of my favorite parts about Seattle is how each neighborhood has its own vibe, which the local breweries match. Most neighborhoods are also very walkable, making brewery hopping really easy! Here are neighborhoods to check out. Ballard. The Ballard brewery scene is quickly becoming a tourist destination, and for good reason. You can walk to half a dozen breweries in just a few minutes, and each has its own identity and signature style. I even covered the best breweries in Ballard to help visitors find the best fit! Fremont. I’ve already mentioned Fremont Brewing, but Gasworks Brewing and El Suenito Brewing Company are nearby. If you want a change

The post Best Breweries In Seattle appeared first on Short Brews.

Best Breweries in San Francisco

Thomas Short — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:00:47 +0000

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s also foggy, chaotic, expensive, touristy…and full of great beer! There’s a reason that people love living there, and that people like me love visiting. I first wrote about the beer scene in San Francisco back in 2018, and a lot has changed since then. Anchor Brewing closed, and 21st Amendment has undergone some big changes. There are also new spots, spots that have grown, and spots that make much better beer than they did eight years ago. Before you plan a big brewery trip to SF, keep in mind that there are many more brewery-dense cities to visit, like San Diego or Seattle. But what San Francisco lacks in brewery quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. Also, some of the greatest breweries in the world are just outside the City. If you’re in San Francisco and need a place to get a great beer, here’s where to go. Best Breweries in San Francisco Cellarmaker Brewing Co. Cellarmaker has been my favorite brewery in the City since I first stumbled in eight years back, and nothing has changed after a few more visits over the years. What started as a small SoMa operation in 2013 has since grown across the Bay Area, but the Mission Street taproom is still the spot to go. Instead of creating a few flagships to stock their menu, Cellarmaker constantly rotates small batches, which means the tap list could be entirely different between visits. If you’re into IPAs and pizza, make sure to stop by. Fort Point Beer Company If IPAs aren’t your thing, Fort Point should be your first stop. Founded in the Presidio in 2014, Fort Point’s specialties are lagers, including their Kolsch and Italian Pilsner. They have a few locations now, but the beer garden at the Ferry Building is where I visited. Everything about that location just feels like San Francisco in the best way. Odds are that anyone visiting San Francisco will be near this location during their visit. Standard Deviant Brewing Standard Deviant has a few SF locations, and both are worth a visit. Personally, I prefer the Pier 70 location since it’s not too far from Oracle Park, since my ideal day in San Francisco includes going to a Giants game. The beer at Standard Deviant is pretty eclectic, which I appreciate, even though I got a Kolsch multiple times during my last visit. Southern Pacific Brewing Southern Pacific is named for the rail line that used to run down Harrison Street, so you already know the vibe before you walk in. It’s a huge location that does craft beer, cocktails, and food, so it’s perfect for a group with varying tastes. Beers to Try in San Francisco Not trying to tell you what to drink, but if you need a starting point: Almanac sours — any of them, they’re all great. Cellarmaker — whatever’s on tap. Seriously, just trust the list, especially if it’s an IPA. Fort Point KSA — excellent Kolsch that’s available year-round. 21st Amendment Brew Free! Or Die IPA — you can probably find this somewhere in the City. Beyond SF: NorCal Beer Country While breweries may be hard to come by in San Francisco, great beer is not. San Francisco is close to brewing juggernauts Russian River Brewing and Lagunitas. They’re a little far for a day trip from San Francisco, but you should be able to find their beer all over the city. So, they aren’t technically SF breweries, but they’re definitely local options. Honorable Mentions 21st Amendment Brewery 21st Amendment is a long favorite of mine, in large part because they’ve been distributing quality craft beer for well over a decade. Their South Park location was the first place I went when I did my original San Francisco brewery tour. As of right now, the location is closed, but I’m leaving it on this list in the hopes that it will open back up one day. Almanac Beer Company Okay, Almanac is technically based in nearby Alameda, but they used to have a spot in San Francisco, and their beer is truly excellent. You can probably find their beer all around the City, so give it a try.

The post Best Breweries in San Francisco appeared first on Short Brews.

Best Breweries in Reno, Nevada

Thomas Short — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:32:27 +0000

Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World. When I mention Reno, most people think about gambling, Lake Tahoe, or the time they drove through and stayed at one of the hotels or casinos for a night on their way to somewhere else. But Reno is much more than a gambling destination or a spot to pass through on the way to your vacation. Reno is the destination — at least it should be if you have any interest in craft beer. Yes, I’m biased because I lived there for 13 years, but I’ve also lived in Seattle and San Diego, so I can objectively compare. Trust me: Reno has great beer. Here’s where to go. You can always check out my shared map to easily find these places during your visit. Best Breweries in Reno Keep in mind that Reno’s brewery scene is always evolving. I’ve had to update this list a few times since I first published it, and I’m sure I’ll have to again. I’ve also included locations that aren’t technically in Reno. But I can’t let these gems go unmentioned! If I’ve forgetton somewhere, or there’s a new brewery in town I need to check out, just let me know in the comments. Ok, on to the list: Great Basin Brewing Co. I can’t in good conscience tell someone to visit Reno without mentioning Great Basin Brewing Co. Named after the Great Basin (an aquifer that covers most of Nevada, including Reno), this is Nevada’s oldest operating brewery. Originally opened in 1993 in Sparks, Great Basin ended up adding a second location in Reno, with another further south in Minden. But let’s focus on the Reno spot. The beer is excellent, the food menu is equally great, and the atmosphere leans more restaurant than brewery, although there is a large bar where you can meet locals and chat with the bartenders. It’s in a super convenient location, and if you can’t find time to stop by, make sure to grab an Icthyasaur IPA, aka Icky, pretty much anywhere around town. Revision Brewing Co. Revision Brewing burst onto the scene when it first opened. Founded by Knee Deep Brewing alum Jeremy Warren, Revision has quickly entrenched itself as a go-to brand for beer drinkers in Northern Nevada. Ok yes, this one is also technically a Sparks brewery, but you can find a lot of their beers at Lead Dog Brewing (keep reading to learn more about this spot). Anyway, Revision built their name on world-class IPAs (single, double, and triple), and have expanded into other styles over the years. Everything they make is worth trying. The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery The Depot isn’t my favorite spot in Reno, but it leaves an impression since it’s one of the most unique spots on this list. The Depot is located in a beautifully restored 1910 historic railroad building in downtown Reno, and they’ve kept a ton of the character in the restaurant. They brew great beer, serve excellent food, and distill their own spirits on-site (one of the first businesses in Nevada allowed to brew and distill under one roof!), so there’s a little something for everyone. The atmosphere alone is worth the stop, and it’s near a few other great breweries. Brasserie St. James A longtime local favorite, Brasserie St. James has been a staple of the Reno beer scene, but honestly I’d come here for brunch. The Belgian-inspired approach to both beer and food sets this one apart from the rest of the list. It’s more of a restaurant, so it’s a great spot for a longer, more relaxed visit, and the food is genuinely excellent. In all seriousness, try the food. Bristlecone Brewing Co. Not into IPAs? Bristlecone Brewing Co. is the spot for you! Bristlecone is the newest brewery on this list since it just opened in 2025 in the space formerly occupied by the beloved Imbib Custom Ales. While Reno misses Imbib, Bristlecone takes a fresh approach to the space, and maintain’s Imbib’s old passion of trying to do things a little different. The team comes from Alibi Ale Works and focuses on approachable, well-crafted lagers and ales. It only had 4 beers on tap when I visted (it was brand new), but I’d expect a nice array of options today. 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing 10 Torr is another dual-threat distillery/brewery hybrid under one roof, with a tap list that reflects exactly that range. The Mexican Lager is the main reason I stop in, but there are other flagships and rotating beers that give you plenty of reasons to stay. Oh ya, they also offer cocktails mixed with their very own liquors. Also, the space is incredible (pictured below). I’ve never had a bad expereince at 10 Torr and don’t think I ever will. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Short Brews Beer Blog (@shortbrews) Pigeon Head Brewery If you’ve made it this far through the list, then you get my honest opinion: Pigeon Head is the best brewery in Reno. It earns its place on this list on the strength of its Pilsner alone, but everything else is great. The Red Rye Lager. The Black Lager. The Silver Sage Pale Ale. The location is so laid back and low key that it checks pretty much every box I have for breweries. They even make dog treats out of the old mash! I think Pigeon Head reflects Reno’s character perfectly, and I highly recommend stopping by. Slieve Brewing Company If you’re stopping by Pigoen Head, take about 50 steps to also check out Slieve Brewing. It’s a family-owned, award-winning small-batch brewery, and there are some tasty beers on the menu. Slieve keeps quality front and center, and the taproom has a welcoming, neighborhood feel that makes it easy to settle in for a while. The location right by Pigeon Head makes me optimistic that Reno will be getting its own brewery district in the future. Lead Dog Brewing Co. Lead Dog is

The post Best Breweries in Reno, Nevada appeared first on Short Brews.

Beer in Bellingham: Spotlighting the City

Thomas Short — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 20:49:31 +0000

If you go north, keep going north but then stop just before the Great White North, there’s a .01% chance you’re in Bellingham. Bellingham, located roughly midway between the cities of Seattle and Vancouver (both known for their beer), is, unsurprisingly, an awesome place to drink beer. Just ask me! I did it. I hit up 4 breweries in less than 2 hours. Or was it 5 breweries… In any case, there are plenty of reasons to stop in this fun town. When you plan your Big Beer Excursion and fly into Vancouver or Seattle, you’ll want to take the train from one to the other (thank me later). However, instead of sitting through the 5-hour ride without a break, stop in Bellingham (thank me later). For the best beer you can get just shy of the border in this specific area of the country, check out these spots. Places to Drink Beer in Bellingham, WA When I went to Bellingham for the first time with a few friends, I demanded that we go to Structures Brewing before anything else. They had just put a Brut IPA on tap (back when they were new) and of course I had to drink it. I also tried a few other IPAs that they had since IPAs are what they’re known for. This place does not disappoint. While at Structures we learned that breweries weren’t open very late on Friday nights, and our gauntlet began. The next stop was Wander Brewing, which was playing Blue Scholars and had a dope outdoor area (mind you, this was the summer). Great atmosphere, great beer. After was Chuckanut Brewery, because there’s more to life than just IPAs. The Chuckanut Pilsner is immortal in my friend group, and the rest of their lagers are among the best you’ll find in the area. To round things out, we stopped at Aslan Brewing for a beer and dinner. Pro Tip: No time to stop at Aslan in Bellingham? They’ve opened a location in Seattle! And so went my 2 hour journey through Bellingham. I have to say, it was fun, and I’ll be doing it again soon. Other Bellingham breweries that deserve love Melvin Brewing (for their great distro cans) Kulshan Brewing (for their up-and-coming brews) Gruff Brewing Company (for their downtown location) Beers To drink in Bellingham No matter which style of beer you like, you can find it in Bellingham. Depending on your go-to style, here’s where you should go and what you should get: Structures The Fuzz IPA Chuckanut Pilsner Aslan Dawn Patrol Pacific Ale Wander Correspondent Stout Been to Bellingham? Know Bellingham’s brew scene? Leave any huge omissions in the comments below!

The post Beer in Bellingham: Spotlighting the City appeared first on Short Brews.

Grabbing Craft Brews In Vancouver, BC

Thomas Short — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 21:52:14 +0000

There’s no debate that the US is leading the craft beer scene right now. Yes, there are great beers around the world and yes, some of the best beers ever made are not American. But it’s hard to debate that any nation has more innovation, quantity and quality than the US. That all being said, every now and then you come across some brew haven, a black sheep that outdoes everything you would possibly expect from any beer market. My friends, I am here to tell you that Vancouver, BC has one of the greatest craft beer scenes that I’ve ever experienced. Here’s a little taste of what I got to taste. Breweries To Visit In Vancouver, BC When I first got to Vancouver I asked everybody who lived in the area which brewery I should visit. The answer was always the same: Brassneck Brewery. Brassneck had an awesome vibe, nice people and the best haze that I could find in the city. Oh, they also had incredible beers across the board, haze or non-haze. From Brassneck, there are another 5 or so breweries within walking distance. I headed over to Faculty Brewing Co., a very modern brewery that reminded me of a lot of Seattle places. It made me miss home for a bit…until I started trying their beer. Oh, and they were the only brewery in Vancouver where I found brut IPA, which is one of my favorite up-and-coming styles. There was more to see in the Main Street area (meaning more breweries), but I was recommended to visit East Vancouver, aka East Van, aka Yeast Van. Why Yeast Van? Because there are breweries everywhere, centered around a great bike trail that goes right through the city. Bomber Brewing was my first stop there. They did everything incredibly well, particularly their pils which is available year-round. They also had a few rotating taps that I tried and greatly enjoyed, but I was told they wouldn’t be up much longer, so I won’t make you jealous with the details. There were more breweries in this tour, but I want to skip right to my last stop: Luppolo Brewing Co. The nice servers there told me that their best beers were sours and saisons, if I liked those. I said yes and continued to try half the beers on the menu. If you’re looking for a bitchin sour beer, Luppolo is the place to go. Other places that deserve love: Off The Rail Brewing (for their location) Main Street Brewing Co. (for their tasty beer) Electric Bicycle Brewing (for their name) 33 Acres Brewing Company (for their consistency in quality and beer names) Steamworks (for being two blocks from where I stayed) Parallel 49 Brewing Company (for their great beer that I tried at…) CRAFT Beer Market (not a brewery, but for serving over 100 local craft beers) Beers To Drink In Vancouver, BC With so many rotating taps, it’s difficult to find a beer style that is year-round, or at least consistent enough to have whenever you’d like. Trying my best to name beers that might be there if/when you visit, here’s what you need to try: Brassneck Brewery Nebulousness Hazy IPA 33 Acres Brewing Co. 33 Acres of Life Bomber Brewing Pilsner Off The Rail Brewing Rah Mahal India Ale Have you checked out Vancouver before? Live in Vancouver? Did I do well with my breweries or did I miss anything completely? Mention anywhere missed in the comments below!

The post Grabbing Craft Brews In Vancouver, BC appeared first on Short Brews.