The Five Best Breweries in Seattle

Coffee is not necessarily the drink of choice anymore in Seattle. Instead, beer has made its way onto the corners of this coastal city. Some even say that the state of Washington, long known for its craft brews, started the microbrewery rebirth in the 1980s. This would make sense considering three-fourths of the nation’s hops are produced in the state’s Yakima Valley. As such, Seattle continues to make a name for itself in the craft brewing world with several hoppin’ brews crafted in the heart of the city. Not only is the beer superb, the brewers and servers are excited to talk shop about their creations. Beer lovers will want to take a bar seat at one of these five great Seattle beer-drinking spots.

Pyramid Alehouse is an ever-expanding ale house

Pyramid Brewing Co.’s original location is in Seattle. Located across the street from Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners, the beer garden is an ideal spot before Mariners and Seahawks home games. Popular among locals, the brewery has since branched out to locations in Oregon and California, offering its same tasty selection of brews. One of the most popular is the Apricot Wheat Ale, a refreshing, fruity brew. The restaurant menu serves a range of items from fish and chips made with Hefeweizen tempura beer batter or shepherd’s pie made with lamb slowly braised in Alehouse Amber Ale.

Grab ‘n’ go growlers at Georgetown Brewing Company

Georgetown Brewing Company keeps it simple as a draft beer-only production brewery. While it doesn’t have a brewpub, it has a retail shop for customers to come pick up kegs, growlers or even maybe get a taste of a new beer before its released. A local favorite is the Manny’s Pale Ale, a year-round beer that combines locally grown hops, barley and yeast for its hoppy, yet fruity taste. The seasonal Kiss Ass Blaster is a triple IPA, with a distinct grapefruit flavor mixed with a smooth hoppy flavor.

Pike Brewing Company has artisan fare on offer

Founded in 1989, Pike Brewing Company was originally located under Pike Place Public Market in the La Salle Hotel. At the time, it was one of the country’s smallest breweries with the tallest smokestack. It later moved to a larger location to include a brew pub on 1st Avenue, where it stands today. Not only is the beer delicious, but the pub’s menu is just as noteworthy, featuring local artisan fare such as the smoked salmon crafted by local chef Sol Amon at Pure Food Fish in Pike Place Public Market.

Fremont Brewing Company serves up sustainability and free pretzels

Committed to sustainability, the Fremont Brewing Company crafts its beers using local ingredients, as well as equipment made to conserve energy. Customers can taste the quality of the beer at its urban beer garden, complete with an 18-foot communal table and red leather seating. The free pretzels are a delicious addition to the Universale Pale Ale, the brewery’s flagship beer. Beer lovers will also appreciate the opportunity to talk to the brewers and servers about the creations being tasted.

Elysian Brewing Company offers more than 20 different brews

Elysian Brewing Company’s three locations offer the same delicious beers for which this brewery is known. Its main brewery, located on Capitol Hill, opened in 1996, followed by an 80-seat location in TangleTown, which acted as a test kitchen to help enhance the Elysian experience. Finally, in 2006, the company added its 400-seat Elysian Fields location, situated next to Seattle’s Qwest and Safeco fields. Between the three locations, the brewery offers more than 20 different beers on any given day. Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, the brewery’s most popular seasonal brew, has a spicy flavor, with hints of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice.