Sipping in Seattle: 4 Must-Try Breweries
by PCSgrades Staff - July 11th, 2022
When you think of the Seattle beverage scene, we know coffee is the first drink to come to mind. While there’s never a shortage of caffeine, breweries are popping up in every neighborhood, too. And wouldn’t you rather have a beer today?
Here are four of our favorite Seattle breweries.
Stoup Brewing
Located in the booming Ballard “Brewery District,” Stoup is a staple. Kids and “well-behaved” dogs are welcome. If you’re needing a date night, there’s an adults only upper deck. The space is stunning, with a greenhouse vibe and plenty of firepits for those cold Seattle nights.
According to their website, Stoup is a lifelong dream realized by three friends who love all things food and drink. Opened in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba, together with Robyn Schumacher, Stoup is family-friendly and a true community space. We love the risk each of the founders took in creating their dream: Lara had nearly two decades in marketing and PR for wine importers; Brad left a career as a forensic chemist; and Robyn spent 13 years as a high school teacher. Collectively, they believe in the community-building nature of beer. Individually, each brings a unique perspective that makes Stoup such a special place.
Must-try beer:
Pistol Fingers IPA. Stoup loves Mosaic Hops and went all in and brewed a beer that uses three versions of them: 1) Traditional T90 hop pellets, 2) Cryo pellets, and 3) Pure resin CO2 extract. The result? A beer that screams signature Mosaic aromas with flavors of mango and citrus from start to finish.
2. Urban Family Brewing Co.
Also located in the Ballard Brewery District, Urban Family Brewing Co. is also kid and dog friendly. And, with a 16-foot screen, UFBC is very sports-fan friendly, too. It's a great place to watch a game or hang with your family. Food trucks abound, and you can also bring in your own food. There is something on tap for everyone, from gluten-free beer selections to non-alcoholic drinks, as well.
Must-try beer:
Moonstone. This mango, orange, pineapple sour has an awesome, bright and acidic fruit taste with the pucker of a good sour.
3. Fremont Brewing
Fremont Brewing’s Urban Beer Garden is a great spot for regulars and out-of-towners. Barrels for tables, plenty of greenery, and a buzzing atmosphere make this spot not just great for beer, but also lots of fun.
According to their website, “Fremont Brewing was born of our love for our home and history as well as the desire to prove that beer made with the finest local ingredients – organic when possible – is not the wave of the future but the doorway to beer's history. Starting a brewery in the midst of the Great Recession is clearly an act of passion. We invite you to come along with us and enjoy that passion … Because Beer Matters.”
Must-try beer:
Dark Star, Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Inspired by the wandering tribes scattered through the terrible journey of time and space and adrift in the dark matter between the spaces of then and now, Dark Star is a dark, mysterious, yet silky oatmeal stout of grand proportions balanced by a firm hop handshake.
4. Perihelion Brewery
Go for the beer, stay for the food. With meats and nuts smoked in house, Perihelion is a place you could spend all day. According to their website, “Our chefs are always finding new things to pickle in house, they brine their own corned beef and make the sauerkraut to round out the Reuben. Oh and you are going to want to try the house-made mustard with our pretzels.”
The indoor seating is fairly limited, but they have a gorgeous patio, complete with a fire pit. Perihelion is kid-friendly, and allows “well-behaved dogs and miniature pigs” outside. It’s tempting to go just for that! Perihelion has plenty of brews on tap with a wide variety appealing to any beer lover.
Must-try beer:
ICARUS SAISON. A beautifully crisp and light farmhouse style saison. Wonderfully refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. Honorable mention: Frose! It's a frozen rose wine slushie, which is an awesome option if you’re not feeling beer.
Next time you're in Seattle-- whether you're taking a daytrip from nearby military bases like Fort Lewis McChord, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Naval Station Everett, or NAS Whidbey Island-- or if you're just passing through on a PCS move, be sure to enjoy these local breweries!
