Best 8 Breweries in Seattle WA: Top Places to Enjoy Craft Beer

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Seattle, Washington is known for its thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries and taprooms located throughout the city. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to enjoying a cold pint of beer.

With so many breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best breweries in Seattle, based on factors such as beer selection, atmosphere, and overall experience. From classic IPAs to unique seasonal brews, these breweries offer something for every beer lover.

Understanding the Craft Beer Scene in Seattle

Seattle is a city that takes its craft beer seriously, and it’s not hard to see why. With a thriving artisan beer culture and access to some of the freshest local ingredients in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no wonder that craft beer enthusiasts flock to the city.

Seattle’s craft beer scene is all about the craft brews. From the smallest microbreweries to the largest commercial operations, the focus is on creating unique and flavorful beers that showcase the best of what the region has to offer.

One of the things that sets Seattle’s craft beer scene apart is its emphasis on local ingredients. Many of the city’s breweries use hops, barley, and other ingredients that are grown right here in the Pacific Northwest. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures that the beer is as fresh and flavorful as possible.

But the craft beer experience in Seattle is about more than just the beer itself. Many of the city’s breweries offer tours, tastings, and other events that allow visitors to learn more about the brewing process and the history of craft beer in the region. It’s a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite brews are made.

Top Breweries in Seattle

Fremont Brewing

Fremont Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. They are known for their award-winning beer and their commitment to sustainability. The brewery has a cozy taproom where visitors can enjoy a variety of beers, including their flagship beer, the Universale Pale Ale. Fremont Brewing also offers brewery tours and hosts events throughout the year.

Website: https://www.fremontbrewing.com/

Address: 1050 N 34th St Seattle, WA 98103

Holy Mountain Brewing

Holy Mountain Brewing is a small brewery located in the Interbay neighborhood of Seattle. They specialize in Belgian-style beers and barrel-aged beers. Their taproom is cozy and intimate, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Holy Mountain Brewing also offers a bottle club, where members can receive exclusive access to limited-edition beers.

Website: http://holymountainbrewing.com/

Address: 1421 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, United States

Urban Family Brewing

Urban Family Brewing is a brewery located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. They specialize in sour and farmhouse-style beers, with a focus on using local and seasonal ingredients. Their taproom is spacious and inviting, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Urban Family Brewing also hosts events and offers brewery tours.

Website: http://www.urbanfamilybrewing.com/

Address: 1103 NW 52nd St, Seattle, WA 98107, United States

Stoup Brewing

Stoup Brewing is a brewery located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. They are known for their hop-forward beers, including their flagship beer, the Stoup IPA. Their taproom is spacious and family-friendly, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Stoup Brewing also hosts events and food trucks throughout the year.

Website: http://www.stoupbrewing.com/

Address: 1108 NW 52nd St, Seattle, WA 98107, United States

Pike Brewing Company

Pike Brewing Company is a brewery located in the Pike Place Market neighborhood of Seattle. They are one of the oldest breweries in the city, with a focus on traditional English-style beers. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Pike Brewing Company also offers brewery tours and hosts events throughout the year.

Website: http://www.pikebrewing.com/

Address: 1415 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States

Cloudburst Brewing

Cloudburst Brewing is a small brewery located in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle. They are known for their hop-forward beers, including their flagship beer, the Cloudburst IPA. Their taproom is cozy and intimate, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Cloudburst Brewing also hosts events and food trucks throughout the year.

Website: http://cloudburstbrew.com/

Address: 2116 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States

Georgetown Brewing Company

Georgetown Brewing Company is a brewery located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. They are known for their flagship beer, the Manny’s Pale Ale, which is a local favorite. Their taproom is spacious and inviting, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Georgetown Brewing Company also hosts events and offers brewery tours.

Website: http://www.georgetownbeer.com/

Address: 5200 Denver Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, United States

Ghostfish Brewing Company

Ghostfish Brewing Company is a brewery located in the SoDo neighborhood of Seattle. They specialize in gluten-free beer, with a focus on using innovative ingredients. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, with a rotating selection of beers on tap. Ghostfish Brewing Company also offers brewery tours and hosts events throughout the year.

Website: http://ghostfishbrewing.com/

Address: 2942 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States

These are just a few of the many great breweries in Seattle. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.

Exploring Beer Styles

Seattle has a diverse and thriving beer scene, with breweries offering a wide range of beer styles to suit every taste. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, crisp pilsners to tart sours, there’s something for everyone.

IPAs are particularly popular in Seattle, with many breweries offering a variety of hoppy brews. Citra IPAs are a common favorite, with their bright, citrusy flavors and aromas. Cask-conditioned ales are also popular, with many breweries offering these unfiltered, unpasteurized beers straight from the cask.

For those who prefer something lighter, pale ales are a great option. These beers are known for their crisp, refreshing taste and are often brewed with a variety of different hops to create a complex flavor profile. Manny’s is a popular pale ale brewed by Georgetown Brewing Company and is a staple in many Seattle bars and restaurants.

Stouts and porters are another popular beer style in Seattle. These dark, rich beers are perfect for sipping on a cold, rainy day. Many Seattle breweries offer barrel-aged stouts, which are aged in oak barrels to give them a unique flavor profile.

Sours and farmhouse ales are also gaining popularity in Seattle. These tart, funky beers are brewed with wild yeast and bacteria and often have a fruity or floral flavor. Many breweries offer a variety of sour beers, including fruit-infused sours and barrel-aged sours.

Finally, pilsners are a great option for those who prefer a lighter, crisper beer. These lagers are known for their clean, refreshing taste and are often brewed with a variety of different hops and malts to create a complex flavor profile.

Unique Brewery Experiences

Seattle is home to a vibrant craft beer scene with a wide range of breweries to choose from. While many offer excellent beer, some stand out for their unique experiences.

One such brewery is Halcyon Brewing Company, which offers a cozy atmosphere with art on the walls and friendly staff. Their selection of beers includes a delicious pilsner with a hint of lemon, making it a must-try for any beer lover.

For those looking for a more urban beer garden experience, Fremont Brewing is the gold standard. Their location boasts a spacious patio and beer garden, perfect for enjoying a pint on a sunny day. They also offer a wide selection of small-batch beers, including their popular Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale.

Machine House Brewery offers a unique experience with its focus on traditional British-style cask ales. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, with a selection of small-batch beers that are sure to impress any beer lover.

For those looking for a sustainable option, Pike Brewing Company offers a commitment to sustainability with its use of local ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Their selection of beers includes innovative options like their gluten-free beer, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Finally, Rooftop Brewing Company offers a dog-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and a selection of Belgian-style beers. They also host food trucks and live music, making it a great spot for groups looking for a fun night out.

Gluten-Free Options

Seattle is home to many excellent breweries, including some with great gluten-free options. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, finding a brewery that offers gluten-free beer and food can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few breweries in Seattle that cater to this demographic.

One of the best breweries in Seattle for gluten-free options is Ghostfish Brewing Company. This brewery is dedicated to brewing only gluten-free beer, and they have a wide variety of options to choose from. Some of their most popular gluten-free beers include the Grapefruit IPA, the Watchstander Stout, and the Peak Buster Double IPA. In addition to their beer, Ghostfish also offers a gluten-free food menu that includes options like burgers, bread, and cider.

Another brewery in Seattle with gluten-free options is Optimism Brewing Company. While they don’t have a dedicated gluten-free menu, they do offer a few gluten-free beers and ciders. Their gluten-free options include the Raspberry Cider and the Ginger Beer. Optimism Brewing Company is also a great place to grab a bite to eat, as they have a rotating selection of food trucks that offer a variety of gluten-free options.

Overall, Seattle has a few great breweries that offer gluten-free options. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated gluten-free brewery like Ghostfish Brewing Company or a brewery with a few gluten-free options like Optimism Brewing Company, there are plenty of options to choose from.