Standout Seattle Breweries That Are Redefining the Local Beer Scene
Seattle has always been a beer town, but these local spots are leading the city's craft brew scene in a refreshing new direction.
Mar 14, 2023 12:42 PM EDT
Seattle and beer go way back. Within three years of becoming a city in 1851, the place had a brewery. That original one—Washington Brewery—is long gone, but according to an old newspaper ad, it was a solid spot for porter and cream ale. It's since spawned a beer empire.
Seattle’s connection to beer makes sense. The city has great natural water sources from nearby mountains and is in close proximity to some of the world's finest hop fields in the Yakima Valley.
Not only is the Emerald City a standout spot to make beer, it's also a great place to drink it. There's nothing better than a cold can of quality craft brew after a day spent exploring the area's famous lakes, mountains, and trails. And when the city's equally famous gray and rain roll in, what better way to brighten the day than over your favorite new ale with fellow beer-loving friends?
Interestingly, the two brands most associated with Seattle aren’t really here anymore. Rainier (represented by that iconic ‘R’ you can't miss when entering town) hasn’t been brewed since 1999, while OG craft brewery Redhook’s presence is greatly diminished. This doesn’t mean that beer is disappearing from Seattle. In fact, it’s stronger than ever, with over 70 breweries calling the city home. In particular, the Ballard Brewery District has become an epicenter for brewing that draws residents and visitors alike.
