Pike Brewing Company
Just steps from Pike Place Market, this upbeat brewpub fills its walls and high ceiling with antique bicycles, vintage steins, flags and all kinds of beer memorabilia. Settle in for a sit-down pint between browsing market stalls and exploring downtown Seattle landmarks. On a cold day, order the Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale, with its toffee malt and touch of peat smoke, and pair it with the classic Dungeness crab chowder.
Machine House Brewery
Step inside a handsome old factory building in Georgetown, where stained-glass windows frame the room at Machine House. Bring your dog, and feel free to carry in food from the many restaurants within walking distance. Then linger over the barleywine, a strong, malty sipper with notes of dark fruit and caramel.
The Blue Moon
The Blue Moon proudly bills itself as Seattle's most infamous dive bar, and its history covers the walls. Play one of two pinball machines, pull out a board game, sketch in the art books or swap a read at the small give-and-take library, with a single TV in the mix. There is no kitchen, but outside food is welcome and food trucks roll up most weekends. Pets are encouraged too, though the bar suggests bringing noise-shy animals early or late.
Conor Byrne Cooperative
Catch live music seven nights a week at this cooperatively run pub. Plenty of regular nights are free, including a Sunday song share, an open mic, Irish music on some Mondays, swing dance lessons and Django-style jazz. Tuesday country dance nights typically ask for a suggested donation, while touring and local bands are often ticketed.
Brewpubs worth crossing town for
Seattle's brewpubs tend to anchor their neighborhoods, and each of these has its own distinct personality.
Fremont Brewing
Near Lake Union, this much-loved brewpub warms you up with an indoor fireplace and a heated, covered beer garden that stays inviting even on raw evenings. Grab a sandwich built with cured meats from Salumi Delicatessen to round things out. In winter, look for the Winter Ale, a roasty dark beer with hints of brown sugar, dried fruit and gentle spice.
Elysian Brewing
Gather your group at Elysian's Capitol Hill beer hall, where tall floor-to-ceiling windows meet snug wooden booths and 20 rotating taps offer plenty of variety. For a hearty combination, order the creamy Dragonstooth Stout with a plate of poutine topped with Beecher's cheese curds.
Reuben's Brews
If you are looking for pubs in Ballard, make Reuben's your stop: a timber-ceilinged beer hall with communal picnic tables where strangers end up sharing conversation. The roomy patio has covered seating, so it stays comfortable in cool weather. Let the Reuben's Eats food truck handle your meal, and sip the Robust Porter, which draws coffee and chocolate notes from eight malts.
Taprooms where the food is part of the draw
At some taprooms, the kitchen gets as much attention as the beer list. These three stand out for food that holds its own.
Métier Brewing with Lil' Brown Girl
In the Central District, Métier teams up with Lil' Brown Girl, a kitchen from chef Kristi Brown, known for Communion. Try the Central Calling IPA with a curried split-pea fritter, or pair a low-alcohol brown rice lager with a chicken sandwich that tips its hat to Luther Vandross.
Ghostfish Brewing Company
Head to SoDo for Ghostfish, where the entire drink and food menu in the taproom is gluten free, making it a go-to if you avoid gluten. Pour yourself the Meteor Shower pale lager or the Watchstander Stout, with its dark chocolate and toasted marshmallow notes, and dig into blackened cod tacos or the house mac and cheese.
Halcyon Brewing Company
Bring the dog to the patio at this cheerful Greenwood brewpub, where the long drinks list runs from classic IPAs to barleywines and hard seltzer. The kitchen turns out Asian-inspired dishes with plenty of plant-based options, such as the Kim Cheese dog topped with kimchi and cream cheese.
Winter ales and seasonal beer festivals
Cold months bring out Seattle's darker, maltier beers, and two annual events celebrate them. In December, spend an afternoon at the Winter Beer Festival in Magnuson Park, one of the city's larger Seattle parks, tasting pours from more than 20 breweries. Belgian Fest follows in early February at Seattle Center, with a focus on tripels, dubbels, saisons and wits. Check washingtonbeer.com for current dates and tickets.
Plan your night at the best pubs in Seattle
- Bring the dog: Machine House and Halcyon welcome dogs, and the Blue Moon encourages pets.
- Bring your own food: Machine House and the Blue Moon both allow outside food, and several spots rely on food trucks.
- Getting to the Blue Moon: you will find it about five blocks from light rail and half a block off I-5, with many Metro bus routes close by and limited street parking.
- Age rules: performers at the Blue Moon's Wednesday open mic must be 21 or older.
- Music schedules change: check each venue's calendar before heading out, since some nights close or switch to ticketed shows.
To fill out the rest of your evening, browse our guide to things to do in Seattle.
Check each business's own website for current hours, menus and event details before you go.
