Top Seattle Breweries to Explore for Craft Beer Lovers

What are the first few things that come to mind when you think of Seattle? Flannel shirts? Grunge music? Starbucks? How about delicious craft beer?

Microbrews and Seattle go together like pizza and New York City. According to Seattle Magazine, “hippies, brew nerds, aficionados, and accidental chemists,” spearheaded the craft brew movement in the Pacific Northwest, and Seattle was the place they called home.

The most commonly accepted first microbrewery was Grant’s Brewery Pub in Yakima, founded in 1982, but it wasn’t long before breweries began to pop up within the city proper, like Redhook Brewery, founded in 1981, and Pike Brewing Company, founded in 1989.

The Northwest-style ales which became popular then were known for being generously hopped and bold in flavor, and still what you’re likely to find on tap at Seattle microbreweries.

Since the ’80s, Seattleites have claimed a sense of ownership and pride over their beers, and it shows in the quality and taste of the brews you can find there. Beer lovers will feel right at home in these eclectic craft breweries that prioritize experience and expertise.

While the breweries listed below are not necessarily ranked, each one has a unique offering, whether it’s an attached restaurant, awards and honors, tours and tastings, an interesting space, a unique method of brewing, or is famous for having a specialty. All breweries are established or headquartered in Seattle city limits; therefore, some beloved spots like Black Raven Brewing and Postdoc Brewing from Redmond could not be included.

Take a look at some of these amazing breweries we found in Seattle and be sure to grab a pint next time you’re in the Emerald City.

1. Fremont Brewing

Founded in 2009, this well-loved brewery is famous for its artisanal, barrel-aged, small-batch beers. The company is dedicated to sustainability, using local and organic (when available) ingredients for its beers, and this dedication has certainly paid off. It won Best Brewery in the 2018 Seattle Refined So Northwest Awards, as well as the 2018 Best Local Brewery/Tasting Room and 2019 Best of Barrel-Aged Beer from Seattle Magazine. Its Urban Beer Garden is right on the water, allowing you to enjoy the view while savoring your pint.

2. Ghostfish Brewing Company

Yes, good gluten-free beer exists, and Ghostfish Brewing Company has mastered this craft. Using unusual grains like millet, brown rice, and buckwheat, this brewery produces excellent IPAs, stouts, and ales for beer enthusiasts to enjoy—even those with gluten intolerance.

3. Old Stove Brewing

This staple Seattle brewery is situated inside Pike Place Market, boasting an excellent view of the water and a nearby Ferris wheel—perfect for family fun while enjoying craft beer. It’s also an ideal place to savor a nice sit-down meal featuring classic pub favorites like wood oven pizzas, burgers, BLTs, fish and chips, and desserts. Moreover, it has been recognized as Best Taproom by Seattle Magazine.

4. Holy Mountain Brewing Company

If you’re seeking new, seasonal, and fresh options, Holy Mountain doesn’t offer old staples. With an ever-evolving menu that avoids year-round beers, this brewery makes some of the most interesting and innovative brews for adventurous beer lovers. While it has produced some IPAs in the past, this brewery is primarily known for its Belgian beers, sours, saisons, and anything aged in oak barrels.

5. Pike Brewing Company

Opened in 1989, this Pike Place Market establishment has a long history as one of the older craft breweries in the city, making craft beer before it was cool. True to its Seattle heritage, it emphasizes sustainability and organic ingredients, mainly brewing English- and American-style beers. The company has its flagship pub in Pike Place and has also launched a seafood restaurant, Pike Fish Bar, that features the company’s craft brews. Seattle Magazine named this brewery the Most Iconic Washington Beer Brand in 2018.

6. Cloudburst Brewing

True to its name, Cloudburst specializes in bright, airy brews that pack an extra “oomph” of flavor. Started by an experimental brewmaker from another Seattle company, Cloudburst offers endlessly inventive ales and lagers—one could say they have their heads in the clouds. You’ll certainly find IPAs here, but they are unique compared to traditional options. Their oatmeal brown ale features toasted coconut, and their nitro milk stout is cured for extra flavor—each brew is crafted with intriguing names for you to explore.

7. Reuben’s Brews

You won’t find a brewery with more beers on tap than Reuben’s Brews. Nestled in an area with several other breweries, it features one of the most comprehensive tap lists in the city, usually offering about 20 beers at any time across various styles—ensuring there’s something for everyone. Additionally, if you’re hungry, there are often tasty food trucks outside serving excellent street food.

8. Rooftop Brewing Company

Nothing beats enjoying brews outdoors in the summertime. In Seattle, the ideal place for this experience is Rooftop Brewing. With their recent move to a new location, they now offer a spacious patio that welcomes beer lovers to relax in the sunshine. Additionally, a special food truck schedule on their website allows patrons to enjoy delicious bites alongside their favorite pints.

9. Elliott Bay Brewing Co.

Once named the best brewpub by Seattle Magazine, Elliott Bay has been a cherished establishment since 1997—making it a true Seattle gem. The beautiful, aged oak Seattle pub is rich in character and well-known for its certified organic ales. However, this seasoned brewery doesn’t shy away from innovation; they offer an exciting menu featuring dishes like ahi tuna tacos, jambalaya, and herb-seasoned fries served with chipotle aioli.

10. Stoup Brewing

Started by a team committed to the art and science of beer, Stoup focuses on brewing high-quality beers with attention to the chemistry of the brewmaking process. Located in Seattle’s Ballard community (which is known for its vibrant brewing scene), it’s easy to visit Stoup alongside many other breweries in the area. The brewery is particularly lauded for its unique sours and the award-winning Robust Porter, which earned a silver medal from the North American Brewers Association in 2019.

11. Urban Family Brewing Co.

If you love sours, then you’ve hit the jackpot here. While Urban Family Brewing produces a variety of beers, it stands out for its exceptional sour offerings. Combining fruits like raspberry, plum, passionfruit, blueberry, and cherry pomegranate, it has become the quintessential summer beer establishment.

12. Redhook Ale Brewery

Redhook Brewery is considered the oldest brewery within Seattle’s city limits, a legacy reflected in its quality beer. After all, maintaining a local presence for over 40 years amid stiff competition signifies a brewery that produces beloved products. Redhook is renowned for its classic IPAs and small-batch beers, in addition to seasonal offerings like the Winterhook winter ale, brewed every season since 1984.