My Sip-by-Sip Guide to Best Brews in Seattle

Seattle is the ultimate playground for beer lovers. From the trendy streets of Ballard to the industrial vibes of SoDo (that’s South of Downtown don’t cha know!), the Emerald City boasts a brewery for every type of hop enthusiast—and even for those who couldn’t care less about beer. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly spaces, a cold cider instead of an IPA, or a behind-the-scenes look at brewing magic, Seattle’s breweries deliver. Let’s raise a pint and dive in!

Here’s my hand-picked baker’s dozen of the best places to grab a pint in Seattle.

These breweries can be found throughout the city, so I’ve included a handy map at the end of this post so you have an idea of where to go.

Fremont Brewing

• Signature Beer: Lush IPA – a hop-forward favorite that embodies Pacific Northwest brewing. 
• Unique Features: Their Urban Beer Garden is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and serves free pretzels. A win for everyone! 
• Food: No full menu, but you’re welcome to bring your own food. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes

I will hit up Fremont Brewing when I’m in the neighborhood because it offers a cozy vibe. Their “Urban Beer Garden” is dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and serves free pretzels (yes, free!). Don’t miss their seasonal Lush IPA or the bold Dark Star imperial stout.

Looking for restaurants? Here’s how to fill your gut in Seattle.

Reuben’s Brews

• Signature Beer: Crikey IPA – a well-balanced IPA with citrus and tropical fruit notes. 
• Unique Features: Their wide range of beer styles ensures something for everyone, including non-beer options like kombucha. 
• Food: Food trucks are often parked outside that pair well with the beer. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes

Ballard’s brewing powerhouse, Reuben’s, wins hearts with its diverse lineup. I’m an IPA girl, so their Crikey IPA is a favorite, but they also have creative sours and lagers. Bonus: They’re known for being super welcoming to non-beer drinkers, offering kombucha and soda.

Cloudburst Brewing

• Signature Beer: Happy Little Clouds Pale Ale – a bright, citrusy brew that’s as cheerful as the name. 
• Unique Features: Quirky names and eclectic decor that add charm to every visit. 
• Food: None, but nearby options are plentiful. 
• Under 21 Allowed: No.

Located a stone’s throw from Pike Place Market, Cloudburst is a hidden gem. The cheeky beer names and quirky tasting room reflect their creative vibe. Try their Happy Little Clouds Pale Ale, and don’t leave without snapping a pic of their quirky decor.

Georgetown Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: Manny’s Pale Ale – a Seattle classic that’s both approachable and delicious. 
• Unique Features: Free tasters and a laid-back vibe focused on the beer, not the frills. 
• Food: No food menu, but you can BYO. 
• Under 21 Allowed: No

Say hello to Manny’s Pale Ale, one of Seattle’s most iconic beers. Georgetown Brewing’s spacious taproom serves free tasters (yes, free!), and they focus on quality over flashy aesthetics. This brewery embodies the phrase “all substance, no fluff.”

Fair Isle Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: Madame R. Galle – a farmhouse ale with bright, citrusy notes and complex herbal undertones. 
• Unique Features: Specializing in farmhouse and wild ales, Fair Isle Brewing celebrates the artistry of fermentation with an emphasis on local ingredients and traditional brewing techniques. Their taproom exudes a warm, community-focused vibe. 
• Food: Their new restaurant features tasty upscale pub food. 
• Under 21 Allowed: No

Fair Isle Brewing is a standout for those seeking a truly unique beer experience. Their dedication to wild fermentation and partnerships with local farmers make each pint an ode to the Pacific Northwest. It’s a must-visit for adventurous palates and craft beer aficionados alike. 

Ravenna Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: Sour Patch Kettle Sour – a tart and fruity standout. 
• Unique Features: A cozy neighborhood spot with a creative rotating tap list. 
• Food: Local food trucks visit regularly. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes

Nestled in the charming UDub district (University of Washington), Ravenna Brewing is a hidden delight. Their rotating tap list often includes experimental brews, and the outdoor patio is perfect for sunny days. Non-beer drinkers will love their guest ciders and sodas.

Holy Mountain Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: The White Lodge – a refreshing, lightly spiced saison. 
• Unique Features: A haven for fans of barrel-aged and experimental beers. 
• Food None on-site, but nearby eateries deliver. 
• Under 21 Allowed: No

For fans of complex, barrel-aged beers, Holy Mountain in Interbay is a pilgrimage. Their focus on saisons, sours, and stouts draw beer aficionados from across the country. It’s a no-frills space dedicated purely to the beer.

Pike Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: Space Needle IPA – brewed to honor Seattle’s iconic landmark. 
• Unique Features: Located in Pike Place Market, it’s a tourist-friendly spot with brewery tours. 
• Food: Full pub menu featuring seafood and local ingredients. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes

Right at the heart of Pike Place Market, this iconic brewery offers more than just great beer. Sure, the vibe is a bit touristy, but their in-house pub is family-friendly, and their extensive menu includes plenty of non-alcoholic options. Beer lovers should try the Space Needle IPA.

Machine House Brewery

• Signature Beer: Dark Mild – a traditional English-style ale with rich malty flavors. 
• Unique Features: Specializes in hand-pulled, cask-conditioned ales rarely found elsewhere in Seattle. 
• Food No food menu, but outside food is welcome. 
• Under 21 Allowed: No

Fans of traditional English ales will adore Machine House. I’m an Anglophile, so I always make it a point to try a different ale when I come here. Their hand-pulled pints, like the Dark Mild or Best Bitter, transport you straight to a cozy UK pub. It’s a refreshing change of pace in a city dominated by IPAs.

Big Time Brewery

• Signature Beer Scarlet Fire IPA – a classic West Coast IPA with piney and citrusy notes. 
• Unique Features: Seattle’s oldest brewpub, combining history with quality beer. 
• Food: Pub fare like pizza and sandwiches. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes, during the day

As Seattle’s oldest brewpub, Big Time Brewery is steeped in history. Known for its classic West Coast IPAs, it also offers hearty pub food. Perfect for combining beer with a side of nostalgia in the heart of the University District.

Ghostfish Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: Grapefruit IPA – a bold, award-winning gluten-free IPA. 
• Unique Features: One of the best gluten-free breweries in the U.S., proving gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. 
• Food: A full menu offering gluten-free meals. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes

Gluten-free? No problem. Ghostfish Brewing in SoDo (South of Downtown) proves that gluten-free beers can be just as flavorful. Their Grapefruit IPA and Shrouded Summit White Ale have won awards and the hearts of beer lovers, gluten or not.

Elliott Bay Brewing Company

• Signature Beer: Organic No Doubt Stout – a creamy, rich stout brewed with organic ingredients. 
• Unique Features: Commitment to sustainability and organic brewing. 
• Food: Extensive pub menu with burgers, salads, and more. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes

With multiple locations, including the original in West Seattle, Elliott Bay Brewing is a family-friendly staple. I’ll come here for their organic ales which pair beautifully with a solid pub menu, and the Root Beer Float is a hit for kids (and adults who refuse to grow up).

Stoup Brewing

• Signature Beer: Northwest IPA – a quintessential Pacific Northwest IPA with bold hop character and a balanced finish. 
• Unique Features: A science-forward approach to brewing (their founders include a chemist!) and a cozy, industrial-chic vibe. 
• Food: Regular food trucks ensure you’re well-fed while enjoying your brews. 
• Under 21 Allowed: Yes, in designated areas

How can you go wrong with a brewery that was founded by a chemist, a cicerone, and a beer enthusiast! Nestled in the heart of Ballard (with other locations in Kenmore and Capitol Hill), Stoup Brewing combines science and artistry to craft consistently excellent beers. They take a methodical yet creative approach to brewing which shows in every sip. Stoup’s inviting atmosphere and rotating lineup of food trucks make it a perfect spot for beer lovers across the board.

Seattle Brewery Map

Brewery Tours: Explore Without the Guesswork

For a truly unique experience, hop on Ballard’s Cycle Saloon. This party bike-meets-pub-crawl lets you pedal (or coast) through Ballard’s brewery district while sipping brews along the way. It’s part exercise, part party, and all Seattle.

If hopping from brewery to brewery sounds like a logistical nightmare, let Seattle’s brewery tours handle it. Road Dogs Brewery Tours whisk you between breweries, ensuring you get the full tasting experience without worrying about parking or navigation. Most tours include guided tastings and insights into Seattle’s rich beer history.

The Final Sip

Seattle’s beer scene is overflowing with personality, creativity, and great flavors. Whether you’re here for a frothy IPA, a tart sour, or a smooth porter, you’ll find plenty to quench your thirst. So grab a pint, embrace the drizzle, and let Seattle’s beer culture take you on a ride.